D.C.’s 38 Best Restaurants | Eater DC

"Considered the standard-bearer for Lao cuisine in D.C., Thip Khao comes from mother-and-son chefs Seng Luangrath and Boby Pradachith. Their Columbia Heights standby continues to satisfy heat-seekers with a menu full of fermented fish sauce, a heavy dose of chiles, offal, and cured meats. Hit orders include crispy tamarind-glazed wings, grilled pork shoulder with lemongrass, and a fiery Lao papaya salad with eggplant. Over in Shaw, the space that formerly housed the team’s cocktail bar Hanumanh recently turned into a modern Southeast Asian eatery called Baan Mae. The more casual Laotian spot is known for hosting chef pop-ups and also serves $15 bowls of noodles for weekday lunch. If you find yourself out in the suburbs, the family’s Northern Virginia staple Padaek recently settled into a new Arlington home. Best for: Family-style dining, bring a group of friends or family that are down to try an array of dishes" - Tierney Plumb