Bourdain visited D.C. in Season 4 (Episode 18) of No Reservations, following the history and mystique of D.C. from the 1968 riots after MLK Jr’s assassination to one of the busiest, unassuming chicken joints in the city. These are the restaurants that he visited that you can visit too if you’d like to follow in his footsteps. Note: Song Que is now closed, so we’ve left it off the list.
1. Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets is the perfect spot to kick things off, with Bourdain meeting D.C. writer George Pelecanos of the Wire and the owner, Andy Shallal for coffee and cake. The spot is known for hosting eclectic and interesting events with writers, poets, and more that promotes an exchange of ideas. This is a great place for anyone who wants to think with a drink or seen an Open Mic Night.
Where: Multiple
2. Ben’s Chili Bowl
Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a D.C. staple since 1958 and is a must-visit for anyone living or visiting the city. It was known, during the riots of 1968, to be a save haven for people to come in and catch their breath, and has been known as a part of history since then. Try their specialty, the Half-Smoke Dog, sometimes considered the city itself’s specialty dish, which is half-pork, half-beef, with more coarse-ground beef, and smoked.
Where: Multiple
3. Chadwicks
Tony visits Chadwicks with Peter Earnest, former CIA Case Officer and manager of the International Spy Museum, as he uncovers the invisible culture of spies in the Capital. Chadwicks, a neighborhood joint in Alexandria, was an important part of history as the site of “The Big Dump,” where Rick Ames met Chuvakin in 1985 at Chadwicks, and brought two shopping bags full of classified documents which was a huge blunder for American operations. But even with that scandal, Chadwicks remains a good place for a decent cheeseburger and a cold beer.
Where: 203 Strand St, Alexandria, VA 22314
4. El Pollo Rico
On Tony’s tour, this unassuming chicken spot in Arlington Virginia got a lot of hype, and held a secret recipe that even newly-trained agent Tony couldn’t acquire. El Pollo Rico has held onto their secret recipe for making delicious, charcoal-roasted Peruvian chicken for years and continues to be a can’t-miss spot.
Where: 932 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201
5. Abay Market
D.C. is known for its Ethiopian cuisine but Tony heads to Abay Market for a food experience you have to be daring to try. Raw meat, awaze which is a peppery dipping suace, and fat from grass-fed beef. A beef tartarte on top of injera, or sponge bread. In Tony’s words, “Mmm. Tasty,” but the raw meet was a bit tougher than he expected. Google says this spot is temporarily closed so call ahead before heading over.
Where: 3811 S George Mason Dr A, Falls Church, VA
6. Minibar
Chef José André’s Minibar needs no introduction. The Spanish chef has long situated himself as an experimental and exciting celebrity chef. Minibar is exclusive, tucked away in Café Atlántico with only six seats available, so reservations are a must. Sometimes referred to as “molecular gastronomy,” his style is about taking wole foods and simple ingredients and transforming them by showcasing each ingredient’s highest potential, as is customary in Spanish cooking.
Where: 855 E St NW, Washington, DC
7. Jessie Taylor Seafood
For his last stop, Tony heads to Jessie Taylor Seafood on the Wharf for fresh Chesapeake Bay Crabs that are steamed fresh with seasonings and served in a brown paper bag. It’s the perfect spot for unassuming and fresh, delicious crab, perfect for a meal on the marina.
Where: 1100 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC