Beyond the polarizing political theater and marble monuments lies the real, pulsing heart of the nation’s capital, a working-class city with a remarkably diverse and enduring culinary soul. Filmed in early 2009 for the fifth season of No Reservations, this journey through Washington D.C. intentionally bypasses the power-brokering steakhouses to focus on the vibrant, everyday neighborhoods that keep the district running. The food scene here is a rich tapestry woven from immigrant traditions and steadfast local institutions, boasting everything from iconic half-smokes and Ethiopian spices to Chesapeake Bay seafood. The narrative brilliantly contrasts the transient nature of political administrations with the permanence of the city’s culinary anchors, highlighting the people who actually live, work, and eat in the shadow of the Capitol. It is a tribute to the authentic flavors that define the local experience. Explore this curated guide to the memorable spots that truly capture the spirit of D.C.
When Anthony Bourdain visited Washington D.C. on his show No Reservations, he and his crew picked many restaurants. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased in a convenient list.
This is No Reservations, season 5, episode 3. It first aired on January 19, 2009.
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DISH – Chilidog
WHAT IS IT?
They ate a half smoked chilidog, which includes a smoked sausage made of half pork, half beef.
“I’ve never encountered any place that is loved by as many people as wildly as loved as this place. Immortal now.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Ben’s Chili Bowl
1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
Washington DC, United States
DISH – Cheeseburger and Beer – No Reservations Washington
WHAT IS IT?
They had cheeseburger and beer.
“Chadwicks, another neighbourhood joint in Georgetown. The kind of place that serves a solid cheeseburger and good cold beer. It’s special for… Well, not being all special which is exactly where the commies used to meet perhaps the most destructive double agent in CIA history.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Chadwicks
203 Strand St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States
Washington DC, United States
DISH – Charcoal-Broiled Chicken – No Reservations Washington
WHAT IS IT?
They had charcoal broiled chicken. The chicken is first marinated in different spices then slowly roasted on charcoal.
“The spices make it really unique…crispier, really moist – they got this down.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
El Pollo Rico
932 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201, United States
Washington DC, United States
READ MORE: SEATTLE: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON PARTS UNKNOWN
DISH – Bánh mì – Anthony Bourdain Washington
WHAT IS IT?
They had a Vietnamese sandwich made of baguette, pork, radishes, carrots, cilantro, chilis and fish sauce.
“A Vietnamese shop serving Bánh mì, a classic Vietnamese take on a sandwich, marrying the French era baguette, with a side of Vietnamese ingredients” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Song Que Bakery & Deli (Inside Eden Center)
6751-6799 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22044, United States
Washington DC, United States
DISH – “Ethiopian Food” – No Reservations Washington
WHAT IS IT?
They had Kitfo, an Ethiopian dish made of ground beef mixed with spices, homemade cheese, lean raw beef with dipping sauce made of ginger, garlic, wine and a small amount of coca-cola, then fermented. They also had injera bread.
“Mmm~ Tasty. The tartare-like ground raw meat is delicious, spicy, and familiar, easy going form. The big hunks of raw meat, not so much. It takes serious jaw muscles.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Abay Market Ethiopian food
3811 S George Mason Dr A, Falls Church, VA 22041, United States
Washington DC, United States
NOTES
Unfortunately, this restaurant has since closed its doors.
DISH – “Creative and Experimental Dishes” – No Reservations Washington
WHAT IS IT?
First: Cream cheese and roe on a cone.
Second: Unique chowder.
Third: Cheese and meat sandwich with truffles.
Fourth: Guacamole made of avocado, tomato, cilantro, lime and fritos.
Fifth: Steamed brioche with caviar and lemon.
Sixth: “Chasing the Dragon” made of cotton candy with wasabi, ginger, pickle, sesame seeds.
Seventh: Caramelized popcorn.
“What I respect the most about this kind of cooking is that there’s almost no way the customer is gonna love absolutely everything. But more often than not on the minibar, it’s extraordinary.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Cafe Atlantico
405 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Washington DC, United States
NOTES
Unfortunately, this restaurant has since closed its doors.
DISH – Crabs – No Reservations Washington
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain visited Captain White Seafood City located at Washington D.C.
They had crabs that were seasoned, steamed then served.
“Ahh here we go, I see. This is why I like the uhh… the–the lady crabs… that roe mmm~ oh yeah.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Captain White Seafood City
6308 Livingston Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, United States
Washington DC, United States
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This exploration of Washington D.C. holds a special place in a broader body of work for its commitment to humanizing a city often reduced to headlines and partisan bickering. By breaking bread with locals at historic, community-defining eateries, the episode underscores a recurring theme: food is the ultimate equalizer. The genuine joy found in a legendary chili dog stands as a powerful testament to the city’s real culture, far removed from the polished corridors of power. It is a brilliant reminder to look beyond the obvious. Pack your bags and dive into the authentic, flavorful neighborhoods of the capital.
