Tropical cocktails, global flavors and mocktails highlight the hottest food and drink crazes across the city.
DC is the place to be if you crave unique foodie experiences. From Union Market to weekend farmers’ markets to mouthwatering dishes served by celebrity chefs, check out the food crazes that color the city's dining scene.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Whether a New Year’s resolution, Dry January challenge or an ongoing lifestyle, toast to high spirits with spirit-free libations. Both and offer an exclusively alcohol-free bar experience, complete with community events and innovative zero-proof beverages. Enjoy fruity, bold and flavorful concoctions that feature non-alcoholic spirits at Old Ebbitt Grill, Clyde’s, The Hamilton and 1789 Restaurant. Sip on a variety of selections at and Wild Days. Resident’s Café and Ted’s Bulletin also offer mocktails in addition to their extensive bar menus.
Tiki Bars

Relax and unwind on tiki time! Escape to the tropics and sip on fruity cocktails without leaving the DC area. Coupled with , features a lengthy menu including authentic Mai Tais and Pain Killers, not-so-classic cocktails and flavorful bites like spam musubi, crab rangoon pretzel bites and tiki tots topped with ‘tiki de gallo’ and 'tnt sauce'. transports you to an Instagrammable island complete with funky glassware. For an immersive experience, you can enjoy games, cabana rentals and more among Throw Social’s vibrant venue, or bring the party to the river with Potomac Paddle Club’s tiki booze cruise.
Food Halls

DC’s food halls are redefining the casual dining experience with crave-worthy variety and chef-driven flair. Since its 2012 revival, Union Market has become a city staple, with a mix of trendy food stalls, restaurant institutions and quaint boutiques. Nearby, celebrates Latin American culture, cuisine and conversation. offers craft brews, specialty pizza pies and Italian classics in Capitol Hill, while features a variety of global flavors and local favorites in Foggy Bottom. elevates the neighborhood with a slate of sought-after offerings and tech-savvy newcomer brings over 25 concepts to 14th Street, dishing out everything from barbecue and tacos to Bobby Flay Steak. Don't miss out on steamy soup dumplings and creative French-Asian baked goods at .
Heritage Cooking

Immigrants are taking their family recipes and sharing them with the world through their kitchen. by Chef Enrique Limardo brings together a mash-up of foods from some of America's largest immigrant groups including Mumbai Mariachi, a mix of spice-rubbed steak, spinach, assorted vegetables, feta cheese and smokey Chipotle dressing, inspired by immigrants from Mexico and India. Besides food, Immigrant Food works to to help with a wide array of duties with local NGOs to help immigrants in the community. Fava Pot delivers authentic, home-style Egyptian cuisine like Koshary, a bowl full of lentils, rice, pasta, spicy tomato sauce and topped with chickpeas and sweet caramelized onions. At Dōgon, renowned Chef Kwame Onwuachi reimagines Afro-Caribbean cuisine, inspired by DC’s history and his Nigerian, Jamaican and Creole roots.
Gourmet Sandwiches

DC’s sandwich game is stacked – literally – from Colada Shop’s RAMMY award-winning handhelds to the fan-favorite Crunchy Boi at . Dig into Italian classics at , chow down on creative mashups at , savor diverse selections at Uncle Chip's or find overstuffed creations at , Taylor Gourmet and (don’t skip the famous Caesar wrap) and . Go no-frills at , a multi-generational sub shop down Pennsylvania Avenue.
Ice Cream & Soft Serve

From a summer treat to beat the heat to a year-round indulgence, the ice cream craze is here to stay. Cool down with unexpected flavors like saffron pistachio at , boozy creations from , small-batch selections from or classic confections at Here’s the Scoop. Plus, get your soft serve fix at Love, Makoto; (H Street); and Street Pizza.
Dirty Martinis

The martini renaissance is upon us and DC bars are shaking (and stirring) up bold and briny takes worth sipping. At , the Nonna Martini packs a punch with pickled pepper brine, while leans into the viral “Girl Dinner” with its own take: a Caesar salad, McLobby Nuggets, truffle parmesan fries and not one, but two dirty martinis. 's daily Martini Hour hits just right with $7 pours in a swanky downtown setting. Choose your own adventure through spirit, garnish and level of filth with The Grill's “Martini Your Way” menu. And for the full dramatic effect, Silver Lyan delivers with its Silver Service Martini, accompanied by an oyster, pickled onions and lemon.
Matcha

Originating in China and with roots in centuries-old Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha was once reserved for quiet rituals and mindful moments. Today, the green tea variety has taken on new life in cafes across DC. Standout sips range from floral to citrusy to sweet, with flavors like lychee at , pandan from the pop-up, banana bread at and matcha lemonade at .