Everybody has their own favorite spot to grab a quick bite to eat and the people of the DC area are no different. This list comprises of the top 5 quick service restaurants in the DC metro area. Notice the words “quick service” rather than “fast food”; so no Burger King, Taco Bell, and unfortunately, no Checkers. Officially, in the restaurant business, the restaurants listed here are called “fast casual. Better than fast food, but you don’t sit down with a menu.
To qualify for this list you must be at least a semi-regional establishment; meaning locations are only available in this area or at the most are limited to several regions in the country; so you won’t find Panera, Quizno’s, Chipotle or Fuddruckers. Additionally, this list is for people in the entire area (DC, Maryland and Virginia) so the restaurant must be a chain, not a single location. Therefore, you won’t find your neighborhood coffee and sandwich place that I’m sure is just to die for, and sorry, no Ben’s Chili Bowl. Finally, supermarkets are not on the list, despite how yummy the food at Balducci’s, for example, may be. Let’s get on to the food…
Honorable Mention – La Madeline
Food Type: French/American
Locations in DC Metro – 8
The quality of the food here, along with the prices, probably pushes this chain a bit beyond the boundaries of “fast casual. However, the quick service style-you order on your way in and pass a buffet style line-make this a must mention. Everything is served here; from crepes and pasta to sandwiches and pizza. Each location also has its own fresh bakery. The design of these establishments screams European Bistro and if this was a casual dining list rather than a “fast casual” list, La Madeline would certainly deserve a higher spot.
5. Five Guys
Food Type: Burgers
Locations in DC Metro – 30+
You know what you’re ordering before you ever walk into a Five Guys location. The menu defines “no frills” as they stick purely to the classics of burgers, dogs and fries. The variations of those themes extend to cheese and bacon varieties and regular or Cajun fries. Additionally, you can top your burger with anything you please for no additional charge. What makes this place great is it has the prices of a fast food chain with an incomparably higher quality of product. Dig in, and get extra napkins, it will get greasy.
4. Au Bon Pain
Food Type: Sandwiches, Salads and Soups
Locations in DC Metro – 20+
Although now commonplace in many different stores and chains, Au Bon Pain is one of the originators of the sandwich order sheet, where you fill out a piece of paper checking off all of the items you want on your custom sandwich. It all starts with a wide selection of fresh breads. Pick your favorite condiments and vegetable toppings and pick a meat and cheese (my personal favorite would have to be a chicken-pesto-fresh mozzarella combination). Also served is a variety of filling soups as well as salads, fresh bakery items and various snacks.
3. Chicken Out
Food Type: Chicken, sandwiches, hot plates and hearty sides
Locations in DC Metro – 20
Chicken Out prides itself on freshness, quality and healthy options and it manages to achieve all of those while still churning out delicious and well priced meals. Whereas many of these places have regional presences, Chicken Out is strictly a DC metro chain. A large sampling of many hot entrée style menu items is available and you get to pick and choose which if any sides you want. A favorite here is the BBQ pulled chicken (in sandwich, wrap or stand alone form) and the mashed potatoes are a must try. If you’re in need of a meal for the entire family, this is definitely the place to visit as you can pick up a whole rotisserie chicken and many sides for a great value.
2. Pot Belly
Food Type: Toasted Sandwiches, Shakes
Locations in DC Metro – 20+
Simply put, Pot Belly Sandwich Works makes a very, very good sandwich. While most places charge $6-$7 for a sandwich Pot Belly’s are in the $4 range. Granted, they are slightly smaller than the sandwiches many other places serve but the quality and warm, toasty goodness more than make up for that. In addition, Pot Belly’s has a large variety of yogurt smoothies and shakes that are also at bargain prices. Their stores are usually decorated with an old fashioned and eclectic flair that makes for a fun environment to chow down on a good, cheap meal. You can do no wrong with the meatball sandwich and the other, classic sandwich standbys are readily available.
1. California Tortilla
Food Type: Burritos, Mexican
Locations in DC Metro – 15+
California Tortilla, or “Cal Tor” for people in the know, is the crème de la crème of the quick service chains in the DC area. While quesadillas, tacos and salads are all on the menu, this place is all about the burrito. These burritos come huge, overstuffed, two-hands-needed-at-all-times and in a great array of flavors, styles and options. Their most ordered burritos are the Blackened Chicken Caesar and the Crunchy BBQ Ranch, but every variety is worth a try. Pick up a frequent burrito buyer card and get a free burrito for every seven purchased. Visit on a Monday night and with every order you get to spin their giveaway wheel for a chance at free menu items. Sign up for their email newsletter for more coupons and giveaways. This place is about fun, originality, good deals and better food. Everything on the menu is delicious enough to begin with, but half of the fun begins when you get to choose from a selection of over 75 hot sauces (most of which come with raunchy and hilarious names as well) at the “Wall of Flame”; so make that soft drink a large and don’t forget to get your card stamped.
So enough complaining that DC doesn’t have a specialty like New York Pizza or Midwest sausages! There is something for everyone in the nation’s capital, and while many of these places offer healthy options, if you eat like I like to eat, you might want to pick up a gym membership as well.
