High-concept vegetarian fare, late-night bites, creative breakfasts






























"This 27-year-old casual hangout in Capitol Hill is the only plant-based option in town that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner,andalso has a full bar and coffee shop. In the morning, disheveled (read: hungover) diners wolf down chicken-fried cauliflower and waffles alongside green chile-smothered root veggie hash that’ll soak up whatever they drank the night before. For lunch or dinner, try the caprese pizza cloaked in vegan mozz or cashew ricotta and studded with cherry tomatoes and basil. Pair it with something refreshing from the drink menu, like the tequila- and mezcal-forward Fresa Fuerte." - Patricia Kaowthumrong

"A late-night favorite in normal times, Watercourse Foods’ funky Cap Hill sibling is still going strong under the current restrictions on business hours and capacity. Chalk its loyal following up to such plant-based pleasures as kimchi stew with tempura tofu; tempeh bacon–veggie hash; and an excellent sunflower seed–walnut burger — not to mention smart seasonal cocktails like the orange-cinnamon margarita." - Rebecca Treon


"While curried carrot soup might be this Cap Hill herbivore hub’s calling card, it’s usually got a seasonal stew or two going too — maybe vegetarian chili, udon noodles with tofu, or the cult favorite kimchi stew." - Rebecca Treon, Gigi Sukin, Ruth Tobias


"City, O' City is a pancake house, a burger joint, a pizza parlor, a salad bar, a coffee shop, and a late-night watering hole all rolled into one. You’d have to come here twice a day, every day for a month to exhaust the menu. Savory waffles are a house specialty, whether smothered in real or vegan cheese sauce and loads of veggies or accompanied by “chicken-fried” cauliflower, bourbon-maple syrup, and chive crème fraîche. So are the fried ravioli, seitan wings, and pizzas with toppings like walnut pesto and olive tapenade." - Ruth Tobias


"A hipster haven in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, serving from breakfast until 2 a.m., this community spot combines local ingredients with influences from around the world. The savory waffle or the kimchi pancakes are always solid choices. There is also coffee drinks and a full bar." - Eater Staff