The rise of ecological awareness develops a new culture in US culinary world: the farm-to-table movement. After decades of bringing various ingredients from all over the world, many renowned chefs are now going back to local resources to reduce carbon footprints in the food business. As the capital, Washington DC leads the trend with these kinds of restaurants spreading across the city. If you are one of those people who care about the cause, check out the list of best eateries we carefully selected from the DC area. Many eating places claim to be farm-to-table, but always make sure that they won’t let you down! Here are the best farm-to-table restaurants in Washington DC.
1. Blue Duck Tavern
A combination between the classic American touches and local-based ingredients helps Blue Duck Tavern to capture the region’s culinary tradition. Under the rustic and warm ambience, Executive Chef Adam Howard brings bold flavours to your table using the restaurant’s wood-burning oven. Indulge in the food and drink as you watch the chefs cooking in the dramatic open kitchen.
Blue Duck Tavern
Address: 1201 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Website: Blue Duck Tavern
Opening hours: 6:30am - 10pm, 11:15am - 2pm, 5:30pm - 10pm (daily)
2. Rappahannock Oyster Bar
Love to pair a great dirty martini with cold oysters on a rainy day? Come and visit Rappahannock Oyster Bar in Union Square to enjoy a wide range of fresh local seafood in a bar-style, first-come-first-serve setting. Everything tastes like they are pulled right away from the frigid waters. Are you on a tight budget? Get a special price during happy hours!
Rappahannock Oyster Bar
Address: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Website: Rappahannock Oyster Bar
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun & Mon: 11am - 8pm
3. A Rake's Progress - LINE Hotels
Spike Gjerde’s restaurant gives you many reasons to dine. From the mid-Atlantic farms- and waters-sourced ingredients to the rich flavours and recipes from this esteemed winner of James Beard Award, it will not fail your taste palate. To complete the score, the restaurant itself has massive windows behind the bar that offer one of the best golden hour moments in DC.
A Rake's Progress - LINE Hotels
Address: 1770 Euclid St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Website: A Rake’s Progress - LINE Hotels
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6am - 10pm; Fri: 6am - 11pm; Sat: 11am - 2:30pm, 6pm - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm
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4. Founding Farmers
Owned by the more than 47,000 family farmers of NDFU (North Dakota Farmers Union), it only serves real food cooked from scratch daily. The innovative American dishes are made with pure ingredients with honour to the farmers. The positive energy of this restaurant will leave you feeling lightweight, energised, and full to the stomach in a good way!
Founding Farmers
Address: 924 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA
Website: Founding Farmers
Opening hours: Mon: 7am - 10pm; Tue - Thu: 7am - 11pm; Fri: 7am - 12am; Sat: 8:30am - 12am; Sun: 8am - 10pm
Washington Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the city's rich heritage and its continuing legacy as the birthplace of the United States of America. Book my tour. Explore and learn about this unique city where you will walk on the footsteps of our America's founding Fathers. My tours are conducted in English, French and Italian.
Tours by Annie
Washington Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Bourbon Steak
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Savour the unforgettable steakhouse-dining experience led by Executive Chef Drew Adams. Try the signature Michael’s Lobster Pot Pie or their best 7X Rib Eye as you sit in the warm and charming atmosphere. From the fresh, locally sourced ingredients to the helpful staff, this place wins people’s hearts in every aspect.
Bourbon Steak
Address: 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Website: Bourbon Steak
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 12am; Sat: 2:30pm - 1am; Sun: 2:40pm - 12am
6. Farmers Fishers Bakers
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located next to the Potomac River, this farmer-owned sustainable restaurant offers made-from-scratch American dishes and unbeatable hand-crafted drinks. Everyone in Farmers Fishers Bakers wants to protect the health of the land and waterways of their home. That is why everything is freshly and locally sourced. You will leave the place with a smile carved on your face.
Farmers Fishers Bakers
Address: 3000 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Website: Farmers Fishers Bakers
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 7:30am - 10pm; Thu: 7:30am - 11pm; Fri: 7:30am - 12am; Sat: 9am - 12am; Sun: 8am - 10pm
7. Cedric Maupillier Convivial
The word ‘convivial’ is both French and American, like the founder/owner Chef Cedric Maupillier. It means 'fond of feasting, eating, and good company’. Everyone in this restaurant brings that kind of spirit to make sure diners have a wonderful experience during their visit. They are committed to serving sustainable, local, organic food, and support the Chesapeake by utilising invasive fishes that harm the ecosystem.
Cedric Maupillier Convivial
Address: 801 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Website: Cedric Maupillier Convivial
Opening hours: Mon: 11:30am - 9pm; Tue - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri: 11:30am - 10:30pm; Sat: 10:30am - 10:30pm; Sun: 10:30am - 9pm
8. Birch & Barley
Birch & Barley claims to be a restaurant where 555 types of beers meet modern American cooking. Despite getting his culinary influences from all over the world, Chef Jarrad Silver commits to incorporate locally-sourced products. Taste the unique dishes along with curated beers from the award-winning Beer Director Greg Engert, or pick a wine from their Boutique Vintners to complete your dining experience.
Birch & Barley
Address: 1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Website: Birch & Barley
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 8pm; Tue - Thu: 5:30pm - 10pm; Fri: 5:30pm - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 11pm (closed on Mon)
9. Firefly
Since 2002, everyone at Firefly has been dedicated to sustainability. From tables made of salvaged barn wood, glassware from re-used wine bottles, to the cork recycling, there is no doubt to their integrity. Here, in the Dupont Circle neighbourhood, you can enjoy contemporary American comfort food without feeling guilty.
Firefly
Address: 1310 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington DC 20036
Website: Firefly
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 7am - 10pm; Sat: 9am - 10:30pm; Sun: 9am - 9:30pm
Taking the name from the year when Georgetown University was founded, 1789 offers the quintessential dining experience in the renovated Federal house. Using fresh regional ingredients, it serves unique and contemporary seasonal dishes. The restaurant was also voted by the readers of Gourmet magazine as one of America’s Top Tables.
1789
Address: 1226 36th St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Website: 1789
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6pm - 10pm; Fri: 6pm - 11pm; Sat: 5:30pm - 11pm; Sun: 5:30pm - 10pm
It's time to eat responsibly
With increasing warnings of climate change, everyone in the world should start to pay attention to what we eat and how we live. The farm-to-table concept is a great start to cut the carbon footprint from the food industry. Sustainable restaurants are a great way to educate people to pay attention to what they eat and how their food is made. Next time you visit Washington DC, make sure to put one of these restaurants in your list!
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