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Five stars, no notes, perfect birthday dinner. Every dish was brilliant: escargot on hummus, light crispy sweetbreads, chilled melon with tahini sauce, grilled t-bone lamb cooked to absolute perfection. Finished with a traditional knafeh for dessert and took home peanut baklawa in a pretty La Shukran tin home. Our server Abby was friendly, helped us choose between items we couldn't decide on, and was attentive throughout. Cozy, hip chill vibe inside with an outdoor rooftop patio outside. Walked by the front door at first, so look for a big green door with a stainglass window in the alley behind Yellow. Will definitely be back to try everything else on the menu.
I really wanted this to be a 5-star experience. The food was stunning. The ambience is lovely. The service, however, really lacked. If I'm honest, 4 stars is pretty generous. We waited over 20 min between courses and no one updated us proactively. I asked once and was told they were checking on it. The second time they said they lost the ticket and were firing a new one. I could tell they were stressed - I think the people sitting next to us (who arrived over 20 min after us) accidentally got our entree. I have had this happen as a server and a solid apology goes a long way. Luckily the fish was perfect and we quite literally cleaned every plate. I will put this spot on my list to return but I'm wary about the service.
Highly rated for a reason! The restaurant is small so reservations book fast. You have to plan in advance but rooftop reservations open a week prior (rain or shine). I've visited twice and the food is amazing! Must try: BBQ Maitake and Soujek dumplings Service varies. The second time we felt rushed (the waiter kept interrupting to rush our order) and then kept pushing us to order more food but it was enough for us. Overall great restaurant, but expect to be rushed on weekends or prime dinner hours.
I came here for a very hard fought reservation and it was well worth it! The beverages were so unique and the food was delicious. It was so much fun to try this flavor of fusion. It is quite a small place so it makes sense that it would fill up quickly. Finding it was also very confusing too. We had to go behind in an alley and go up the stairs. My friends and I shared a few appetizers and then got our own food. We shared the fries and falafel, which were great. I got the escargot hummus and my friends got other dishes. We loved our dishes although they weren't very vegetarian friendly, which makes sense. I would come back here again, although there are other Mediterranean places in the city I favor more than this one.
La Shukran delivered from start to finish. Easily one of the best dining experiences I've had in a while. We had a reservation but there was a short wait, so the hostess directed us to the bar. When we were finally seated, we found out our drinks had been comped. Such a thoughtful touch! We started with the BBQ'd Maitake spread which was the perfect blend of sweet and savory. It was served with French baguettes. We also had the lamb sausage dumplings, which were absolutely delicious. I had the Rumaan to drink which paired perfectly, and for my main, the slow grilled lamb. All were outstanding. I closed out with the Filfil cocktail and chocolate macarons, which were the perfect ending. The food was flavorful and consistently top tier, the vibe was great, and the service was truly one of a kind. Warm, attentive, and genuinely memorable. Five stars without hesitation!!!
Wow literally every dish was a 10/10. I was a little intimidated by the menu before we got here but just trust the process and order a bunch of different things and you won't be disappointed! The interior is so beautiful and every element makes you feel like you've been transported outside of DC I got the fulfill for my Cocktail, which is a gin based cocktail at the recommendation of our waiter, who said it was a best seller for a reason and I absolutely loved it. It's extremely well, balanced, and easily suitable and really complimented all the food that we were eating as well. There were four of us signing, and we decided to just split a bunch of stuff starting with the falafel, and the batata frites, as well as the lamb fried rice, the la'Shukran salad, the dumplings, the smoky escargot, the BBQ maitake, and finally the grilled lamb. Literally everything was so good. We finished with the knafeh which was a great cap on a fantastic evening.
Most certainly one of the best restaurants in DC, with amazing vibes. Hidden upstairs off an alley in Union Market La' Shukran is my favorite of the restaurant group's restaurants. Yes Yellow is cheaper and Albi is more refined and Michelin starred, but this experience is the most fun! The cocktail list is outstanding without a single bad cocktail. The salad is great, the foie gras donut is a real winner, and every dish just really hits. Lamb tartare out of this world! The service is fun, the vibes are great - always nice to have Kanufeh at the end!
A hidden (quite literally), moody, and intimate middle eastern bar & bistro, tucked in an alley at Union Market! Another Chef Rafidi restaurant, everything remains consistent - from just simply vibes to serving the best bread & hummus and lamb dishes. I was particularly surprised by the Falafel Jibne, the Wagyu NY Strip Kebab, Triple Cooked Batata Frites, and the Hashwei Fried Rice! Falafel Jibne - Had the perfect crispy shell met with a spiced patty, and I loved the dill yogurt paired with it Wagyu NY Strip Kebab - Was SO so juicy and it literally melted in my mouth. Didn't think I'd taste Wagyu like this in a long time Triple Cooked Batata Frites - I was OBSESSED with how the frites had a sweet and savory element. The frites were lightly coated with almost cinnamon sugar-like spice, and was the perfect crispiness Hashwei Fried Rice - I enjoyed the slightly crispy, spiced rice, a lovely blend of texture and flavor Unfortunately the Soujek Dumplings and Knafeh were the ones that fell short for me. The Soujek Dumplings just tasted like any normal dumpling I've had, and the Knafeh, though the very same dessert served at Albi, I didn't like how there was more cheese than dough here.
Cocktails on the rooftop is still a treat, it's a nice option if you just want to sip and chat with friends. I'm not the biggest arak fan, but I've enjoyed great wine and off-menu creations by their wonderful bartenders.
If you've tried Albi or Yellow, then this is right up your alley...literally (the restaurant is in an alley). Reservations do go quickly so you have to be on top of it when they open. I loved the swanky hip dark bar vibes and the fun cocktails they offered on the menu. Highly recommend trying their drinms, we really liked their cocktails, especially the Clarified Al Enab. It's a more savory mocktail that smelled (and slightly) tasted like roasted peanuts. I'm honestly vexed how they managed to achieve that All the dishes are family style and were shared with everyone! We really liked the falafel jibne, which had a crispy exterior with a moist filling...falafel usually is way too dry but this made me realize what good falafel tastes like! I really loved the triple cooked batata - YUM! Love when a potato is super crispy on the outside and perfectly fluffy on the inside. You cannot skip on the Hashwei fried rice - it was my favorite dish of the night! The crispiness of the rice in each bite had me going back for more. I could eat an entire bowl of this by itself. Other notable mentions: the escargot hummus, soujek dumplings, and the two protein dishes: the Freedom Run Lamb Loin and the Wagyu NY Strip were cooked to perfection. Service was very attentive and food came out in a timely fashion. I would highly recommend checking out this restaurant and giving it a go!
I had previously been here just for outdoor cocktail bar that is a more limited menu and this time came for dinner. The dinner was excellent we got escargot, falafel, tuna carpacci, and lamb dumplings. Escargot was delicious rich and savory paired with some freshly baked bread. It has a great rich flavor from the butter. The savory flavors punch through from the snails. Falafel is like a mazzarela stick but the coating is falafel. Very rich but perfectly paired with the savory taste of the fish on top with falafel. Tuna was very flavorful with oils that has citrus plus the puffed frekha adds a nice texture. Lamb dumplings are excellent and stole the show. It has fantastic broth that brings everything together. We also got the french fries which are excellent. For dessert we got cake that has honey and ice cream on it. It was decadent and the perfect palette cleanser. Service here is incredible so nice and attentive. And they really help guide you through the menu and pace it well. Inside it's one of the few places you can go that feels like you been transported to somewhere different. It's beautiful inside. Just remember the entrance is in the alley behind yellow gps won't guide you there exactly.
1000/10. Every dish was absolutely delicious, it's hard to pick a favorite! We got a bunch of different options and just shared! My favorites were the smoky escargot, the dumplings and the lamb. The tahini salad that the lamb was served on was creamy and so flavorful! The fried rice was crispy and the batatas were seasoned perfectly!! I mean every dish was 10/10. I had a filthy Shatta! If you like dirty martinis then you'll love it. My friends got the filfil and Jaffa, both were really good! The atmosphere is stunning. Dim lights make it perfect for a little date night but it's also a great spot to hangout with friends! Service was impeccable. We were always taken care of and the servers were knowledgeable in all dishes/drinks. Will most definitely be back!
I moved to Union Market about a year ago and made it my mission to try every restaurant in my neighborhood and become a regular at my favorites (shoutout to El Presidente and Yellow ). I finally made it to La Shukran, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We couldn't get a reservation and showed up around 5:45 hoping for a miracle. The host let us know everything was booked, even the bar but suggested coming back in 35-40 minutes to catch someone leaving. That advice was gold because we were seated within five minutes of returning. The space is intimate and very dimly lit (almost too dim for me), and it's tight inside so you can't really wait indoors but the décor is gorgeous and moody in a chic way. For cocktails, we tried the Jaffa (mezcal + cognac) and the Mish Mish, which drinks like a tequila old fashioned. Both were smooth, balanced, and beautifully crafted . Food-wise, we shared everything. We started with the Falafel Jibne and Soujek Dumplings. You don't get much falafel, but what you do get is delicious. For mains, we had the Grilled Duck Breast à l'Orange Blossom, Wagyu NY Strip Kebab au Poivre, and the Hashwei Fried Rice - every dish was packed with bold, memorable flavor. What really made the night shine was the service. From the host who steered us back at the perfect time to the two bartenders who walked us through the menu and made thoughtful recommendations, everything felt warm, attentive, and elevated. A heads up: the prices are high for the portion sizes, expect around $300 for two if you're ordering cocktails and a few dishes. But between the food, drinks, and hospitality, it was a top-tier experience I'm excited to repeat.
Would give 6 stars if I could. Each dish I had was exciting and tasted different than anything else I've ever had. If I could afford it, I would eat here every night. That's how delicious this place is. Bar tender was great. Service was fast and friendly. The ambiance of this restaurant is really nice and inviting. I think this place would be an amazing date spot. Unless you get here right at opening and sit at the bar, you need to get Reservations. Probably my new favorite restaurant. read more
1 month ago
The food was delicious but expensive ($78 for the grilled lamb and around $20 for a cocktail). I've never had escargot on hummus before but the combo was surprisingly tasty. The service was excellent and the waiters were very attentive. But while the ambiance was cool, it was hard to hear over the loud music and other people packed into the small space. Overall I prefer Albi and Yellow to La' Shukran. read more
1 year ago
La Shukran is a hidden gem. It's a very small eatery so reservations are a must - walk ups even for the bar would be difficult. It took some time for our server to come over but she was nice and attentive after that with a bubbly demeanor. The menu consists of mostly tapa size items and you're meant to share with the larger size portion items at the bottom. The drink menu was very unique, with Arak drinks (that is new for me). The cocktails we got were tasty, decently priced but not too strong. For food, we got the falafel jibne (comes with 3 so is hard to share) and it was 10/10, my favorite item. Additionally, we got the hashwei rice which was good. Kind of a smaller portion for rice - tasty but didn't really stand out. The scallops were a larger, small meal portion and while they were cooked perfectly, the dish was wayyyy too rich for me. I could only really eat half. We were surprised afterwards with the peanut butter baklava which was amazing as well. read more
Yes! Yes! And more yes! La'Shukran is an absolute gem! The food is bursting with flavor, the portions are generous, and the service is warm and welcoming. The place feels like you are in a cozy oasis. Highly recommend checking them out! read more
10 months ago
OMG! You have to check this place out! Literally every single thing I tried here was amazing. First of all, let's talk about the ambiance! It is so cozy and upscale. Then the service was excellent. On top of that, all the drinks were so unique and delicious. We ordered the oysters, sweetbread, melon, quail, steak, lamb rice and escargot. The quail was my favorite dish. It was cooked to perfection. It had a crispy outer layer and a soft and juicy inside. I wish I ordered another quail instead of the steak. My recommendation will be to skip the steak and order more quail. Then I liked the escargot. It went really well with the hummus. The melon was really interesting. It was sweet with a touch of savory. It's a nice side if you want to add a little sweetness to your bites. The lamb rice was flavorful. I really want to go back!! read more
La' Shukran, newest in the Michael Rafidi restaurant trio, is one of DC's most competitive reservations right now. Located above the Union Market location of Yellow, this is a rooftop bar and restaurant focusing on a menu that feels like the more casual version of Albi, with a lot of cocktails and natural wines, making this a really fun spot for light bites and drinks. How to actually get in: Reservations open exactly 21 days in advance at midnight, and are gone within minutes of being released. They accommodate walk-in's, but it's common for folks to come and wait in line, even before they open at 5:30 to try to snag one of the 12 bar seats reserved for walk-in's. So to say I really lucked out getting in with no reservation, despite arriving 15 min after opening on a Sunday of a long weekend, is an understatement. They offered me a seat on the outdoor patio that I would need to vacate in an hour, but I asked for them to move me to a bar seat if one became available so I could hang out longer, which I got within 30 min. The patio is stunning and also covered, so on a nice day, it's a no-brainer to want to sit there, enjoying lounge seats and plant vibes. The inside is dark, colorful, velvet-y, and still very fun. The music is dance-y, foreign, but instrumental and so too loud that you can't hold a conversation. For food, I was in the mood for snacky things. I got their signature dish: the escargot hummus, doused in dreamy, umami arak butter. It comes with toasted, seedy sourdough from Yellow, and while I wish I had maybe half a slice more of bread, is a definite must-order. I followed that up with the falafel, which comes in a serving of 3, stuffed with a bit of cheese, topped with herby labneh and trout roe, very tasty but a little saltier than I like it. Got the lemon madeleines for dessert, which were (of course!) made to order, and they were the perfect light, sweet, tangy end to the meal. Perfect caramelized crust. Will be dreaming about those. Grabbed some peanut baklava to take home, which they kindly packed up for me. Their drink menu is separated into a few categories: arak by the glass, cocktails with arak, cocktails without arak, NA cocktails, and natural wine. The arak is a specialty there, an anise-flavored high proof Levantine spirit. I indulged in three cocktails: the boozy "Mish Mish" (tequila resposado, apricot eau de vie, almond, honey, beeswax, carrot), the light and refreshing clarified "Summaq" from the arak cocktail menu (tequila, orange amaro, sumac, pomegranate molasses - a clarified almond milk punch, served over crushed ice), and the incredibly smooth and not super sweet, non alcoholic option "Arabica" (cold brew, orange, carob molasses, lyre's almond, cardamom cream). All were incredibly tasty but the Arabica, with its smooth creaminess and light touch of orange zest on top, was the unexpected standout. Their wines are really tasty with some interesting varietals from around the world: I settled on a lightly funky and delicious orange from Oregon recommended by the bartender. Most glasses of wine and cocktails are $18-20 and even my NA was $16, so drinks are pricy but consistent with other craft cocktail bars of this caliber. One note on accessibility: this is a rooftop bar and you have to go up two flights of stairs to get to it. There is no elevator. I came with a carryon suitcase since I needed to go directly to the airport after (and they were so kind to store my luggage while I dined) and I did have to lug it up those stairs. Not a problem for me, but this spot is not wheelchair accessible. La' Shukran is open late, and to me, this is a perfect post-dinner casual hang with friends (and I'd imagine relatively easy to get in if you come after 9:30 pm). Excellent, attentive service by truly every single staff member I interacted with. Overall this is a really fun vibe and absolutely a place I'd be a regular at if I lived in DC. Totally recommend for anyone looking for fun, casual, but super tasty and unique, in DC. read more
Lucky to snag some bar seating as a walk in when they opened at 5pm. The drinks are fun and made well. They do come at a steep dc price but the flavors are unique and worth a splurge if you're in the area. The dumplings are unreal!! Literally one of my fave dishes I've eaten this year. The savory broth and the chili crunch paired well with the light dumplings. Must get!! The Maryland crab was also fresh and delicious. Wish it had more chunks of crab for the price but we enjoyed it nonetheless. read more
We secured a reservation this past Sunday evening, and everyone was so excited. I believe it shares ownership with Yellow and Albi, and I personally enjoyed my experience at Yellow, so I was really looking forward to La' Shukran. Our server was attentive and ensured our cups were never empty. Between the five of us, we ordered a variety of dishes, and they were served in a timely manner. BITES: CRISPY SWEETBREAD - 17 The order came with 6 pieces of fried sweetbread, topped with spring onions and served with a side of tahini sauce. The pieces I tried had a heavy fried batter, which masked the creamy, fatty texture of the sweetbread. The tahini sauce was phenomenal, and we ended up using it with the baguette we got with our hummus. HUMMUS: BEEF HEART SHISH - 22 Each order of hummus came with 5 pieces of benne seed epi baguette. Unfortunately, the baguette was served at room temperature, with a hard texture that made it difficult to pull apart and scoop up the hummus. The beef heart was a rougher cut of meat, topped with some pickled vegetables. The hummus itself was smooth, but the combination of toppings and flavors didn't wow us. We weren't too impressed with the beef heart shish hummus. HUMMUS: SMOKEY ESCARGOT - 21 This hummus, however, was a completely different story. We were thoroughly impressed. The hummus was topped with 6 escargots bathed herbs, parsley, and butter. While there was probably more herb and butter than hummus, the flavor combination was outstanding. The escargots were tender and had a nice chew. This dish was one of our favorites, and we highly recommend it. SIDES: SALAD SHUKRAN - 19 This salad is more of an herb salad (warning: there's cilantro if you're not a fan) with fresh apple slices, pecans, and feta cheese. Sadly, the salad was a bit dry, as it lacked dressing. Personally, I wouldn't order it again. BARBEQUED DUCK BREAST - 46 This was so good! The duck was neatly sliced and plated (9 pieces per plate), topped with fresh herbs, and drizzled with a BBQ sauce made from tahini and harissa. On the side, there were blood orange slices and radishes, adding a delightful sweetness and crisp. The duck was incredibly tender and soaked up the sauce deliciously. The first bite reminded me of the perfect medium-rare ribeye. These were incredible bites and quickly became a favorite at our table. SOUJEK DUMPLINGS - 32 Each plate comes with 9 dumplings, topped with chili crunch and earthy mushrooms, served on a shallow bed of flavorful broth. In the center, there's a generous spoonful of garlic yogurt. The dumplings were quite small, disappearing after just a few quick bites, making it hard to savor their flavor. Besides that, the mushrooms were delightful, the garlic yogurt was bold and tasty, and the broth was rich and flavorful. HASHWEI FRIED RICE - 24 The fried rice reminded me of sticky rice stir-fried with pieces of lamb, carrots, and almonds, all topped with a bit of yogurt and fresh herbs. There were plenty of toppings mixed in, so each bite had a bit of something. The rice tasted better the more we ate it. While this wasn't one of our favorites, we still appreciated giving it a try. PICANHA STEAK KEBAB - 62 For this amount, we expected the most tender steak since each order comes with a small strip of steak, cut into 5 pieces. The steak was topped generously with pickled vegetables and fresh herb salad with an au poivre sauce. I was looking forward to it until I saw my friends to my left and right struggling to cut through their piece of the steak. Unfortunately, my piece was just as tough. While the toppings and sauce were perfectly delicious, the quality of steak of the dish was incredibly disappointing. I wouldn't order this again. CHOCOLATE CARDAMOM TART - 14 This is one of two desserts we tried that night. The tart featured a blend of chocolate and cardamom flavors, but one of my friends found it to be a "hair too bitter". The bit of cream was topped with pieces of sesame brittle and a sprinkle of sea salt that softened the intense flavors of the tart. Overall, though, we weren't blown away by this dessert. PISTACHIO KNAFEH NABULSI - 14 Knafeh Nabulsi is a dessert originated from the Middle East that has a layer of gooey, warm pastry baked with sweet cheese. Ours was topped with pistachio bits, floral syrup, and a scoop of apple cider sorbet, creating a unique experience where each bite was both warm and mushy, yet cold and frosty at the same time. The sweet and salty cheese (reminded us of ricotta) paired well with the fruity, chilled sorbet. The pistachio bits were a nice touch. We really enjoyed this dessert and would highly recommend it We felt like the dishes here were either really good or just meh. There wasn't much room in between. If I came back, I'd definitely order the escargot hummus, duck breast, and pistachio knafeh nabulsi dessert again. Overall, La' Shukran was worth trying! read more
7 months ago
100 out of 10 experience. First of all, the entrance is off an alley in Union Market, which immediately adds a level of excitement and anticipation about what's to come. When you open the door, you climb these zebra-striped stairs up into the restaurant. The place is buzzing with energy, but not chaotic at all. The service was impeccable from start to finish. Everyone was friendly without being overly attentive, knew the menu inside and out, and had excellent tableside manner. I went with a date and we split three tapas-style dishes: the escargot, the fried quail, and the hashwei fried rice. All were delicious. For mains, we had the grilled orange duck and the wagyu steak--both cooked to perfection. Cocktails were also very well made. It's an expensive night, but absolutely worth it. Truly a transformational restaurant experience. read more
1 year ago
We decided to celebrate our friend's birthday at this place, the atmosphere was lovely, the food wasn't bad, though the portions were definitely on the smaller side for the price. Customer service was generally good, but one thing did leave us disappointed. We had asked the waiter (and even a couple of us repeated it) to bring a small dessert to the table at exactly midnight as a surprise, since her birthday was technically the next day. It wasn't busy at that time, so we figured it would be doable. Instead, the dessert showed up at 11:20 with the waiter singing happy birthday. While we appreciated the gesture, it kind of spoiled the little moment we were planning, and the timing just didn't make sense. Not a big deal, but it did put a damper on what was supposed to be a sweet surprise. read more
1 year ago
Chef Rafidi does it again! If you love Albi and Yellow, come here for a funky time! Highly recommend making reservations weeks in advance. Reminds me of a speakeasy since it's hidden in an alley, and it's such a vibe. Our server was very attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. Some of my favorite dinner items were the Grilled Sesame Bâtard with whipped labne, BBQ'd Maitake Hummus, Soujek Dumplings, Hashwei Fried Rice, and the Fried Hot Quail! This is basically like a remix of Albi... very similar ingredients and items, but just slight differences. The grilled bâtard is such a nice carb replacement of their typical pita. I loved all the drinks we got: Summaq, Filfil, Yansoon, and Arabica. All were so unique and well balanced. The Knafeh Nabulsi and Lemon Madeleines are a must for dessert!! Loved that the madeleines were warm and baked to order. read more
2 years ago
The Team of Albi and Yellow has done it again!! This Team can truly do it all. From fancy with Albi to casual at Yellow to the in between. Shukran was incredible. It's hard to pin point the highlights because there were so many but I would have to say the Falafel, Beef Tongue, Dumplings, and Fried Rice were all amazing! Do not sit on any of them. Special highlight to Stefan at the bar, his drinks were fabulous. If you are a gin drinker like myself get the Filfil. Sooooo good. And major bonus, no hangover in the morning. Now we didn't have a reservation (those are hard to come by and now it's easy to see why) but we did get there at 5 when they opened and got seats at the bar. Recommend making that the move if you don't want to wait for a reservation. But seriously go, it's incredible, you will not be disappointed. read more
1 year ago
Upscale cute yet approachable space. The staff are very personable and the food is delicious. You have to get the sweetbreads they're amazing. Our server explained everything well and was very knowledgeable about flavor profiles and recommendations. The cocktails and mocktails were yummy and portions were perfect for 2. I would absolutely go back. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Since this is my first major review of the new year and I'm seeing a lot of these lists flying around, I'm going to do it like they do: Out: Vibe that is too loud! In: This place has the vibe juuuuuust right! It's giving sexy late night middle eastern market with a hyper sleek and modern bend. Candles are everywhere, the music is on point and juuuuust loud enough that you kinda dance in your seat a little bit but can still hear your table talk! Out: Levantine Stereotypical Food! In: Thoughtfully crafted dishes that don't sacrifice flavor for aesthetics! We've all had humus with a meat on top, but have you had humus that is PERFECTLY whipped with spots of tzatziki, pickled red onions and thinly shaven and perfectly flavored beef tongue (it was giving perfect jerky consistency)? Have you had pillowy and perfect bread instead of pita with said humus? Have you had falafel topped with caviar? Or dumplings with shaved truffles? An elevated beef kebab that is really just perfectly cooked steak that happened to be on a skewer and smothered in amazing gravy that had to be sopped up with the aforementioned bread!!!? Every dish was wonderfully flavored, simply presented and traditional in intention but modern in execution! Out: Lack of service! In: Smart fun service, educational service, calling the cocktail menu creator to your table to walk you through the amazing and deliciously inventive drinks service. Food coming out hot and fast, table being cleaned and new plates and cutlery coming out service. Refold your napkin when you go to the restrooms with the best smelling candles service! Doing all this but making you feel comfortable enough to come in in jeans and a t-shirt service, but also dressing up and going on a date service! Out: To dim to eat In: Candles and Candles and more Candles. Did I mention vibes? Oh, and a sexy bar! I've loved everything the folks behind Yellow have done and this is no exception! La'S delivers the future of DC dining in a small but mighty space. Reservations are still tough to get, but come alone and sit at the bar, or just plan ahead cause the bar has been set and there's no going back! read more
The articles you've read about this being a swanky spot and a vibe are true! TLDR: Would love to come back! The Space: Its a bit difficult to find. You have to go around the corner from Yellow and into the alleyway to find the door. We snagged a reservation for Sunday 5pm which is when it opens. By 5:05pm, all of the "first come first served" seats at the bar were filled so suffice to say, this spot is packed. The Service: Our waiter was attentive. He walked us through cocktail menu including those made with Arak, a Middle eastern spirit that tastes like anise. His description gave me the confidence to try Warda which was worth trying -- yes, there was a faint taste of licorice but more so I tasted the coconut and lime. My husband for the Filfil and while it had a kick from the green chili, I was able to drink it fine (and am usually sensitive to heat). He regularly checked in on us and the food came out at a good pace. We were never left wondering "where is the next dish?" The food: Standouts for us included the mushroom hummus, the dumplings and mahalabiya sundae (milk pudding in sundae form with cardamom and rose YUM). The lamb fried rice was our least favorite - good but felt like something we could make at home. read more
2 years ago
I couldn't score a reservation online since they seem to book up within hours (reservations are released at midnight, three weeks in advance). On a Saturday, my husband and I decided to try the walk-in bar seating when it opened at 5pm. We got into line at 4:55 in an alley where the door to the restaurant is, and there were 9 people in front of us. There are 13 bar seats plus a high top table for 2 in a very dark corner behind the host stand, so we were able to score seats! Service at the bar was quick, as they are amply staffed at the bar. We ordered cocktails ($18 and $19). The bar stools have low back supports and there's purse hooks under the bar. The restaurant decor is beautiful. The bathrooms are so dim, good luck checking your makeup or the toilet seats. The menu has different categories, and we decided to order 1 bite, 1 hummus dish, and 2 mains = 4 dishes in all for the two of us to share. We were pleased with the serving sizes of the dishes, and didn't go away hungry. We tried the beef heart hummus and preferred eating the beef heart on its own and not combined with the hummus. Separately, both were delicious. Soujek dumplings were good but not memorable for me. The steak kebab was tender and flavorful but was the priciest item at $58. We were seated at the bar for maybe one hour and then we were done with our meal. Decided not to order dessert- wanted to have Yellow's soft serve instead! read more
Phenomenal food! No wonder it's hard to get a resy. The restaurant is very small and most tables can only accommodate 2 or 4 ppl. I did see one booth squeeze in 5 ppl. I was so focused on eating I almost forgot to take pics and mine turned out awful lol. I can't wait to come back! Date BBQ'd mushroom with scallion-ginger relish: 9/10. This hummus was very tasty and we enjoyed it more than the charred yam one. The bread it comes with is kind of hard but it does the trick. Bay Scallops w/ harissa butter: 5/10. These were our least favorite and tasted like a lump of chipotle butter. It pairs better with the bread than eaten alone. Grilled Aarowhead Cabbage: 10/10! This was next level AMAZING! I will get this every single visit, it's that good. It has a nice charred taste, with yogurt and almonds. Hashwei Lamb Fried Rice: 10/10. The dept of flavor in this dish is a tantalizing experience on the tongue. Everyone loved this dish! Whole Fried Hot Quali: 8/10. Small but mighty. The skin on this crispy and not like anything I've had before. Aged NY Steak Kebab: 7/10. The sauce really elevates the steak. It was good but nothing special. Mahalabinya Sundae: 10/10. This was delicious! Not too sweet or rich. The ice cream is soft and creamy. The frozen grapes made it refreshing and the raspberry meringue added a slight tang. read more
A very fun place that you must try in Union Market. Down an otherwise empty alley, you'll hear Middle Eastern beats as you approach, then go up a long dramatic staircase to enter into a truly beautiful space with plush carpets, decorative hookahs, dim lights, and a dj rocking out in the corner. If you come during the weekend, a reservation is highly recommended, as they do fill up. But it's worth it. The drinks are great, very fun and very unique. They have a selection of arak cocktails, which I loved, plus non-arak signature cocktails. The consensus fave for us was the filfil, a bright green drink featuring navy strength gin, green apple, and green chilies. It has a satisfying spice that doesn't overwhelm the palatte. I have never had a drink like this, it is really delicious. The bedouin coffee is a sure-fire crowd please, too. The garnish is a fun burst of color, and the mezcal is temepered nicely by the coffee and cream. Good stuff. Drinks are approximately $18-22. I think the food does not stand up to the quality of the drinks, though. The hummus is excellent - they have multiple varieties, we had the charred yam and black truffle variation - but it comes with a toasted sesame bread that is a bit too hard and thick, a traditional soft pita would have been a better choice. The ny steak au poivre kebab is just ok, and at $65, is wildly overpriced. The beef kebab at Copycat taste way better and are just $15. Plus an entire steak at St Anselm down the block is cheaper but much larger and tastier. We had the scallops and falafel, too, which are good, but none of the food was great. I would recommend coming here after eating elsewhere, maybe just get drinks and dessert. Overall, I enjoyed it. The beauty and energy of the environment make it somewhere I would love to go back for drinks. Plus it's a solid date night choice. read more
Food is definitely outstanding if you love French and the Mideastern because the cooking style is a combination of the two. Love French Escargot? Now it's sitting on a bed of hummus, drizzled with olive oil! Service was good even though it was midnight on a Friday. Music is a bit loud but that might be what you need in the late night out. read more
6 months ago
Came in for a drink and quick bite, greeted by amazing service that got me a seat at the bar. Management was phenomenal and personable, and the bartender made me feel very welcome and got me an allergy free option on the menu. Unique drinks, great atmosphere. Steak looked insane definitely planning on getting that upon return! read more
I've been looking forward to a meal here for a while & am glad to have tried it! This speakeasy style restaurant has wonderful ambiance and incredible service. The waiters are very helpful and knowledgeable, as well as attentive. The cocktails are well balanced, and a bit on the sweet side. We tried the escargot hummus & crab labneh. Both were extremely extremely flavorful and unique. I would get both again but the hummus was the show stopper. We also had their famous fava bean dumplings which were great! For mains, we shared the cucumber salad which is nice & refreshing and balances out the strong flavors in the other dishes. The rockfish kebab was good but not worth the high price. For dessert we tried the knafeh, which was very savory and tasted more like an app than a dessert. Overall, the food here is unique and flavor forward and worth a try if you can get a reservation! read more
Come here for the drinks, small plates, impeccable ambience, and great service. Don't come here for a full dinner (in my opinion). We loved every single cocktail we ordered and also enjoyed the fried sweetbread and hummus. The falafel was also good. However, nothing on the "plates" menu was to exciting to us and we settled with the grilled cabbage and lamb rice. We had a really great night and I really enjoyed soaking in all of the small details that went into the design of the space. It was not an inexpensive night though, and I much prefer the grilled plates at all the kabobs. I doubt we'd be back for a full dinner, unless our friends are in town. But I'd always be down for drinks and small plates. read more
4 months ago
We finally got reservations for La Shukran for my husband's birthday! We started off with their special ginger ale that they make fresh in house. It's very ginger forward which we both enjoyed. For apps and mains, we ordered the bbq maitake hummus, spiced lamb fried rice, rockfish and the steak. Which was more than enough food for us! The bbq hummus was on the sweeter side but very delicious. The rockfish was also good and flavor forward, however, less salt could have been used. The steak was perfect and we loved the lamb rice (but too much dill!) Overall, we loved the experience here and would recommend it to our friends! read more
2 years ago
10/10 experience. My boyfriend and I came for dinner, and had the best time. The inside decor is beautifully dark and there's limited seating, which means you can actually hold a conversation with your partner or group. We were seated at a table near the kitchen and it was really nice to have a lot of space as we weren't too close to any other tables. I ordered a Filfil cocktail, which was spicy from the green chilies and yet still so refreshing from the honeydew. He ordered a Warda cocktail, which was arak based and you could also really taste the light, distinctive notes of the rose and coconut. For our initial bites and apps, we shared the tuna tartare on sourdough toast and the shawarma spiced beef tongue hummus with pickled kolhrabi. The tuna tartare was so good and I loved that it was served on sourdough toast. The spiced beef tongue hummus was also amazing, although I wish the beef tongue wasn't sliced so thinly - in my opinion, a slightly thicker cut could've been really tender. Our main entrees were the grape leaf wrapped rockfish and the soujek dumplings. The chili broth for the dumplings was amazing but the dumplings themselves were lukewarm and so-so. The rockfish was wonderful but the portion size was kind of small. I really liked the stew it sat on though - it was savory and the chickpeas were great. While we were so full, I always like to say that there's room for dessert, and this was no exception. We got the Mahalabiya Sundae with Concord grapes. It was vanilla based and milkier yet lighter than a typical western style sundae. This made it so addicting to eat. read more
We were excited to try La' Shukran ever since it opened in the neighborhood. It's a cozy, comfortable, and somewhat swanky/cool vibe, but the food was just ok for the price and effort to get a reservation. We started with the crab hummus ($22) which was fine, but the crab flavor was overpowered by the hummus. Would have basically tasted the same without the crab. We also got the tuna tartare ($21), which suffered from the same problem. The thinly sliced tuna seemed very high quality, but the other flavors the the very good, think sourdough bread toast overwhelmed the delicate tuna. Again, seemed like sourdough toast would have tasted the same without the tuna. We then had a salad shukran ($19), which isn't much to remark about. Lastly we had the soujek dumplings ($32) which were quite delicious, but should be priced like an appetizer. We left hungry after paying nearly $180 for some small plates and two cocktails. I'd never go back and would rather just get an Andy's pizza just a few blocks away. read more
La'Shukran is an experience. You go there to be seen and to say you've gotten a reservation (they are hard to get!) The staff is exceptional, knowledgeable and attentive. the thing about La'Shukran is that the plates are pricey and small. The drinks are delicious and small. It is not a place to go to leave full but a place to have drinks, catch up with friends and have a few bites. Though I will say everything I had, drinks and food, were delicious. The price point and "exclusivity" is a bit of a hindrance. I would choose go to Yellow more than La'Shukran due to the hurdles mentioned above. It's a great spot to go and take photos of and with your cocktails, the decor is gorgeous. read more
Had a wonderful dinner at La Shukran. Stopped in on a Saturday about 15 minutes before they opened and got in line, was able to grab seats at the bar. Space is beautiful, service was good, food was solid and interesting. Sampled most of the cocktails, only one we didn't really enjoy, and the filfil was the clear favorite - great balanced cocktail. For food - highlights were the triple cooked batata (that texture!), the crispy sweetbreads (think chicken nuggets and bbq sauce), the filled falafel with trout caviar, the eggplant dumplings, bbq rockfish, and the foie and beignets were maybe the favorite. The other dishes we tried were also good (lamb kibbeh, melon feta and chili, and crab hummus. We finished with the meringue sundae which was light and refreshing (but the texture of the sorbet/ice cream was not smooth). Great addition to the union market area, feels like a more casual, more fun sibling to albi. There is a nice rooftop terrace as well that they were serving drinks on. read more
1 year ago
Service & Atmosphere Service here was outstanding - attentive, friendly, and seamless from start to finish. The restaurant is beautifully designed, with intimate touches that make it feel special. It is on the smaller side, so it can get warm inside (especially if you're seated near candles, like we were). We arrived a bit early and enjoyed drinks on the rooftop overlooking Union Market - will be great in the fall time when its not as hot. Drinks Creative, unique cocktails with gorgeous presentation. Some feature a licorice (not my fav) but if you enjoy that flavor, you'll appreciate the twist. Plenty of other options without licorice as well. Overall, the drink program is solid and worth trying Food Lamb Shank (Special)// Tender and well-cooked, but lacking in bold flavor. Served with a chimichurri-style mint jam sauce that was pleasant but not particularly memorable. Not spicy. Just... fine. Persian Cucumbers// The star of the meal and a must-order. Beautiful presentation, vibrant flavors, and a lovely balance of sweetness with pistachio crunch. Absolutely delicious. Escargot Hummus// Smooth, tangy hummus with buttery escargot. A unique combination, though not one I'd personally order again. Summer Melon // My least favorite dish of the night. The flavor fell flat - I think I would've preferred it with watermelon. Rockfish // Overly salty, possibly from the skin being wrapped around it. Unfortunately, it was too much for my taste and I wouldn't get it again. Triple cooked batata (Like french fries) // Crispy on the outside, mashed-potato texture inside. Came with a flavorful sauce and could've used just a touch more salt. Still, I recommend trying this. read more
Chef Rafidi has brought so much momentum to the D.C. dining scene, which the Michelin guide does recognize through Yellow and Albi. Just hearing the name, La', Shukran, it is the same sense of humor and dynamism that you will find in this fun place. With some unknown magic, we got same day reservations on a whopping Saturday for drinks and snacks. I thought we were gonna be on the rooftop, but somehow got seated in the dining room. Our waiter was as dynamic as I'd expect, and knowledgable about the recommendations. You should either try an Arak cocktail, if you like anise and licorice, or one of their herbal concoctions. If you have been to Albi, the food here will be very familiar. Some highlights are the hummus dishes, especially with the mushroom. Admittedly, we were disappointed with the sujuk dumplings, which were under and chewy. And yes, it gets pricey for even bar bites and cocktails, but that is D.C. for you these days. This was so much fun, more than anything else. read more
This place is a definite vibe. Came here to get dinner and listen to a DJ set. It has a retro feel, very quaint and somewhat intimate. The music was a 70's throwback sound and the décor followed suit. Moose, our waiter was too cool and brought us some laughs and good recommendations. I enjoyed the (3) scallops wrapped in grape leaf with chickpea & potato stew, green chermoula & pickled fennel. Visually very attractive and somewhat filling if you want a light late dinner. The cocktail I had was the summaq, too much ice and way too little tequila, the other ingredients, orange amaro, sumac, and pomegranate molasses. I suggest coming early if you want the chance to try everything the menu has to offer, we had a 10:30pm reservation. I had my heart set on the soujek dumplings, but they ran out. It was a cool spot, not sure I'd come back, but it was a pleasant experience. read more
1 month ago
1 year ago
Beautiful restaurant- everything was colorful and vibrant. The place was packed but we were able to get a couple standing spots while we waited ~30 minutes for seat sat the bar. Unfortunately it was raining but their patio area looked beautiful. Server made excellent recommendations describing his favorite drinks. He made us laugh telling me not to lick rose outside the glass - and that everyone still does as soon as he walks away. Leg o'lamb reminded my unrefined palette of a steak tartare. And any time I see quail on a menu, I have to try it - definitely worth it. Looking forward to exploring more of this menu in the future. read more
1 year ago
I'm in love! La' Shukran is a stellar addition the Union Market area. On my first visit, I ate inside for a date night. The standouts were the falafel and fried rice with lamb, as well as the filfil cocktail. I later came back once their rooftop patio opened for an after-work drink and snacks. This time, I had an orange/rose wine that was perfect for a warm day. I also had the batatas (super flavorful and well-seasoned!) and the falafel (best falafel ever wow). Service both times was slightly rushed but overall fine. read more
8 months ago
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La' Shukran - mideastern - Updated September 2026
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