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    Melange

    4.8 (16 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:00 pm

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    Andrew P.

    Holy cow. Ethiopian fusion?? Soul food? Burgers? Fried chicken?! I met up with a friend at a new speakeasy in town and was hungry after. On my way home I decided to stop around U St / Shaw to see if anything interesting was around. Looking up what was new in town brought me in to this place. I was immediately intrigued, and realized I had just an hour left before they closed. So I made my way over and was able to settle at the bar. The bartender was friendly and professional, and I saw a party next to me chatting with another staff member that was dressed differently -- I'm guessing that was the owner! I looked over their menu and was having so much trouble deciding what to have. After so much going back and forth, I decided to do the doro wat chicken tenders and the spiced mac and cheese. What. A. Treat. And why did I get the highest spice level for the chicken? I was feeling it the next day LOL. The Mac and cheese also had a nice kick, and it was creamy with bread crumbs. Some folks next to me got tacos, which were smaller than I expected, but I know they were so good. There are burgers, tacos, and much more to explore next time, and I can't wait! Oh, their drinks definitely include Ethiopian spices.. how creative! And they taste great. Definitely returning.

    Moya Ethiopian Tacos Fish, Beef Stew Chicken
    Cameron B.

    Powerhouse of flavors, textures and a real 'mix' if cultures come together in a low key setting. The much beloved crispy Ethiopian spiced chicken dishes from Doro Chicken have not skipped a beat and still slap. 10/10, no notes. You can add extra sauce sides like their sweet-leaning Mambo sauce or their tongue searing hot sauce. Both pair well with the addicting Berber spiced fries. Flavors for days. The new kid in town are the hybrid of tacos and African prepared proteins. Moya has brought the simplicity of Mexican street tacos (think radish, cilantro, lime and onions....PERIOD) on a 4 inch flour or corn soft shell. Now later onto a nice portion of pillowy and crispy fried fish pieces, an African style shredded beef stew (ZOMG) or an African inspired chicken tinga (so succulent). 2 bites max and perfectly soft meat just melts in your mouth. This mash up is a winner!!! You can order food through a QR to your table but alcohol has to be ordered through a server or at the bar. Cocktail game is in development so I'd stick to a light beer to wash down these bold and spice rich flavors. Kitchen is still getting their legs so be patient. With a take-away outside counter and roll-away walls, this is the spot to start a summer night pre-game or snag on your way to a picnic. The Century of the mash-up continues!

    Joe P.

    Same spot as before? Yes. But wholly different restaurant - happy hour- drink scene. Melange's burger and chicken strips vie for maybe the best in DC. Yes, it's Italian style burger--with the green sauce--is one of the best burgers I've ever had, and one of the best in DC, easy.

    Frenchie Burger

    Melange DC has just moved into rotation! Chef de Cuisine Taddessee has blended his classical French training with the vibrant, soulful flavors of Ethiopia and has created something truly special here and authentically American. The vibe is open-air, welcoming, and perfectly positioned just off the 9:30 Club -- the ideal pre- or post-show spot. Drinx + Bites: Berbere Margarita -- A brilliant twist on a classic. Cuervo Silver, Triple Sec, lime juice, and a subtle but addictive berbere syrup. It's bright, spicy, and absolutely refreshing. The Frenchie Burger -- Caramelized onions, melty gruyere, and dijonnaise that could win awards. A true Paris-meets-Addis creation. Doro Chicken Tenders -- Hot, berbere-spiced, and maybe the juiciest tenders I've ever had (NGL). Crisp on the outside, full of flavor inside. Collard Greens -- Braised with smoked turkey and an Ethiopian spice blend that's both comforting and intriguing. Every bite tasted like bold, elevated twist. Run, don't walk!!! This is DC dining at its most inventive and delicious. PS- the vibe is totally on point. The perfect Melange mixtape for all guests.

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    11 months ago

    We had an amazing time. Food was delicious and the service was great. Would definitely recommend it and look forward to come back soon.

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    The Capital Burger - Our namesake burger is served French onion-style with caramelized onions, Wisconsin Grand Cru gruyère and shallot aioli.

    The Capital Burger

    4.3(1.1k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Amazing service and food. Came here specifically for the parmesan truffle fries and it was so worth…read moreit. The best I've ever had! The Capital burger was good too. They also provide complimentary sweet pickles. Enormous thanks to our server, Stephon!! We loved his contagious smile, he treated us with so much respect and kindness.

    Have you ever been to a high end place and ordered a burger? You get that look like ordering steak…read moreat a great seafood place. Well I do enjoy burgers and plenty of places have upped their burger game. As much as it cost for a burger at certain fast food places you might as well hit up some of these other places. The prices are basically the same now. On a few trips to Capital Grille I did go with the burger and so I decided to check out its affiliate Capital Burger. Capital Burger actually has more burger options to choose for over Capital Grille and a more slimmed down menu. Still with the name burger in its name, you know where their focus is. I went with the bacon cheeseburger that comes with candied smoke bacon that came at $22 with your chose of sides (fries or various salads). It was cooked to the perfect medium rare and you can tell when a burger is cooked with better ingredients and cooked with a give a damn. It was not thrown together, and the fries were not just sitting under a heating lamp. I actually ordered a to go burger for the spouse. Here is where customer service comes in. I was asked how far I had to travel and the person taking my order said she will separate portions so it will travel better. Thank you. It is that little extra that goes a long way. This time I went with the Capital Burger to go along with some key lime pie to nibble on later. Great service and great food. There are plenty of good burger places but if you are a burger fan then definitely check this place out. Absolutely no disappointment. For a true high end burger experience I have no problem giving this place a solid five stars.

    Photos
    The Capital Burger - Our Stoli Doli spiked shake is long sought & loudly slurped. Stoli Vodka hand-spun w/rich vanilla ice cream & topped w/candied pineapple

    Our Stoli Doli spiked shake is long sought & loudly slurped. Stoli Vodka hand-spun w/rich vanilla ice cream & topped w/candied pineapple

    The Capital Burger - Blue Cheese and Truffle Burger topped with cabernet-braised red onions.

    Blue Cheese and Truffle Burger topped with cabernet-braised red onions.

    The Capital Burger - The Capital Burger offers signature burgers, handcrafted cocktails, local brews and award-winning wines.

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    The Capital Burger offers signature burgers, handcrafted cocktails, local brews and award-winning wines.

    Lucky Buns - Lucky bun, the original. Good

    Lucky Buns

    4.0(637 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Before heading to the airport for our flight, we had a few hours to spare and decided to grab some…read morelunch. My husband did a little research and found this burger spot. From start to finish, I have absolutely no negative feedback at all. 1. The Food Everything we ordered was completely divine! Here's the rundown: -Sandwiches: My husband got a Bogan Bun. My son a Mumbo Bun chicken sandwich and listen, he didn't speak a single word the entire meal because he was enjoying it so much! I ordered the Lucky Bun made with an Impossible patty. It was everything! Best I've had at a restaurant! In fact, my son, who loves beef burgers and claims he doesn't like plant based meat, ended up eating the rest of my burger! He tore that plant based meat DOWN! -Thick cut chips & Queso: The waiter let us know that their portion of fries (chips) could easily feed 3 to 4 people. He was not lying at all. The three of us shared one basket. I don't know if the sandwiches or the fries stole the show. These fries were seasoned to absolute perfection!!! SERIOUSLY! Not the typical sprinkle on top, but seasoned on every single side like someone picked up each fry and hand sprinkled each fry. Think I'm fibbing look at my pic. We ordered a side of queso for dipping and it was so good I wish I had some right now. If you're reading, hear me out Lucky Bun....add tortilla chips and queso to the menu please!!!! I would buy it just to scoop up that delicious cheese. -The Garlic Aioli: why am I highlighting a condiment???? Because!! lol!! It wasn't just standard mayo mixed with garlic powder. You could tell someone actually finely minced fresh garlic and herbs into it. It was so good I couldn't decide whether to dip my fries in the aioli or the queso! So that's why it's in my review! 2. Service The service was exceptional. There was no wait time at all. We walked straight in and were seated immediately. The food came out extremely fast which surprised us since we all ordered completely different proteins. They were speedy but all of our food arrived perfectly warm. The host, a slim gentleman, and our waitress, a lovely young lady rockin locs, were both incredibly kind, attentive, and welcoming. I'm telling you good service makes the food even better! 3. Restaurant Look and Seating The inside of the restaurant is fairly small, but they maximized the space with multiple tables and a full service bar. They also have outdoor dining and a front waiting area with outdoor furniture, which would be perfect for a nice summer day. You don't even have to ask me because you already know the answer. YES!!! The next time I am in DC, I will specifically make time to go there. Even if I'm not staying in the immediate area, I would gladly take an Uber just to eat here again and so will my family! Make sure you get there too!

    Stepped into Lucky Buns DC recently (I have not been here for several months) and wow, what a meal!…read more I went for the classic combo - a patty melt and fries - and both were absolutely on fire. The patty melt was perfectly cooked, juicy, and hit all the right spots, and those fries were crisp, seasoned just right, and seriously addictive. Service was great. Young bartender Noah with braids held it down. Young man was raised right! Go Commanders lol. Go Wizards! Restaurant was comfy, dark and chill. Inside and outside dining options. The mosquitoes aren't out yet so enjoy the patio. But honestly, the real star of the show, the one that truly stole my heart and taste buds, was the Antigua Bound drink. It was so good I had to get it twice! Seriously, this drink is a game-changer. It's got that perfect balance of refreshing and delicious that just makes you want to savor every sip. You know a drink is special when it outshines a stellar patty melt and fries, and the Antigua Bound definitely did that. Do yourself a favor and get to Lucky Buns DC (18th Street location) for some amazing food, and whatever you do, do NOT leave without trying the Antigua Bound. You'll thank me later! You're welcome!

    Photos
    Lucky Buns - Dining area

    Dining area

    Lucky Buns - Lucky bun.

    Lucky bun.

    Lucky Buns - Bar

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    Bar

    Duke's Counter - Wagyu burger and elote.... Yum

    Duke's Counter

    4.1(651 reviews)
    1.9 miWoodley Park
    $$

    Wow this place must be popping when the zoo is really lively! It was the tail end of ZooLights, and…read moreit was busy, but my friend and I were able to grab bar seats. A friend invited me to go on a little Duke's tour with her, and this was our first stop. They were decked out in panda decor and had a charming menu. I was mainly there for their drinks, but I decided to try their quinoa salad too. What a hefty, satisfying salad! The butternut squash, goat cheese, and pumpkin seeds were the highlights. Based on this initial experience, I'd be back for sure. Good happy hour too. Now, this location may be a little out of my way, but thankfully there are closer Duke's.

    Just finished a late lunch here with my kiddo on a Sunday afternoon. Not terribly busy, plenty of…read moreopen tables at arrival. Server came by, not so much as a greeting or introduction, just a short, "do you know what you want?" Fine - no problem. We ordered two avocado toasts and side of fries to share. Now, the menu clearly says the avocado toasts are served with a "runny egg". Ok sure, no problem. What i did not anticipate was a half raw egg with the yolk swimming in a sea of translucent completely uncooked "whites". It was like a golden disc encased in a snot rocket. Ok, maybe that's their "runny". Slide it off the toast and press on - snail trail of mucus be damned. The avocado spread was great - bright, citrusy, and well seasoned. The "hot sauce" was likely from a bottle and could have been left off. The radishes would have benefitted from being tossed in lemon, salt and pepper. The image of the "runny" egg was too much so I ate half the toast serving and meandered to the fries. Not bad, crispy , hot, and...wait...sweet...something is off, I can't put my finger on it but at least it's not a raw egg. I keep eating. My kids looks at me and says, "do these remind you of funnel cake?" THAT'S IT - FUNNEL CAKE. We have both had enough, ask for the check. The server comes by gives me the clunky machine, I tap and put it down, he reaches for it and I say, it's processing, I still have to sign...and then he starts snapping his fingers...WHAT IN THE ACTUAL €¥($ ARE WE DOING RIGHT NOW?!? Never again. Never, again.

    Photos
    Duke's Counter - The whole place is tiny

    The whole place is tiny

    Duke's Counter - Local Corn "Elote Locos"

    Local Corn "Elote Locos"

    Duke's Counter - Bamboo Mule

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    Bamboo Mule

    Jon’s Joint

    Jon’s Joint

    4.4(184 reviews)
    5.4 mi
    $$

    This is exactly how smash burgers should be done!! Fresh, hot, and incredibly juicy! Jon's Joint…read moremakes everything fresh to order. It only took a quick 10 minutes to receive our entire order, which was 3 burgers, a crispy fried chicken sandwich, loaded fries, and 2 milkshakes! I was very happy with how efficient the service was and the most important part, how delicious every bite was! The smashburgers are made with 100% halal beef and they come out HOT with perfectly crispy edges on the patties and a juicy center. We ordered 3 burgers and each of them stood out in their own way. You can get a single, double, or triple patty burger and add whatever toppings to it too. The jalapeño burger was the star of the show, it had a such a nice and spicy kick to it. I wasn't expecting much but this burger had HEAT! Another favorite was the Juicy Lucy. It was packed with grilled onions and the patty was stuffed with cheddar cheese. A super messy and cheesy option that was definitely worth every bite! I liked that Jon's Joint offered other options too such as loaded fries and fried chicken sandwiches. What I found unique is that for the loaded fries, you can get it with falafel and make it spicy! This time, they had run out of the falafel so I am excited to try it next time. If you're in Arlington and craving a casual burger spot, you need to go to Jon's Joint. You'll get quick service and a delicious meal!

    Happed upon this place while driving. Was hungry, it was close, had good YELP rating, so I came in…read more Basic. Nothing at all spectacular. Cute posters. You can tell the owner is really into Superheroes. I ordered the grilled chicken. The good thing is that it is cooked to order. Loved that. Downside, no seasoning, AT ALL. This would be fine, I understand dietary considerations with sodium. What had me perplexed was they had NO PEPPER in the entire restaurant. I've NEVER been at a restaurant that didn't have any pepper. Plenty of salt, seasoned salt and even more salt. No pepper. Burgers seem to be popular. Wasn't very crowded, but seemed popular by locals. It was a "meh" for me. I do however really like that the food is cooked to order.

    Photos
    Jon’s Joint - Inside

    Inside

    Jon’s Joint - #5 Jalapeo Burger

    #5 Jalapeo Burger

    Jon’s Joint - #3 Juicy Lucy

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    #3 Juicy Lucy

    Swizzler Crispy Chicken + Smash Burgers - Bacon Jalapeo Meal & Swizzler Signature Cheeseburger Meal

    Swizzler Crispy Chicken + Smash Burgers

    4.4(238 reviews)
    3.1 miNavy Yard
    $$

    This was my first time ever eating at Swizzler Crispy Chicken and Smash Burger, and honestly... I…read morewasn't even supposed to get this order. I had ordered Wise Guys on Uber Eats, and this showed up instead and I am SO glad it did. Whoever originally ordered this got a bacon jalapeño burger and a spicy chicken deluxe. The jalapeño burger was a 10/10. I'm not even big on peppers, but it had the perfect amount of jalapeños, great flavor, and was just really well done. I passed that one to my friend, and I took the chicken sandwich. The spicy chicken deluxe was incredible. Perfectly crispy, great sauce, and I'm pretty sure it had bacon on it, which just took it over the top. Everything worked together so well, and I was honestly upset that I hadn't known about this place sooner. The fries were also really good, crispy and plentiful. They remind me of Five Guys fries, but honestly? This felt like a better version of Five Guys overall. I don't even know what the price was, but I can confidently say I would pay good money for both the smash burger and especially that chicken sandwich again. The best part? This place isn't even far from my house, so this is officially my new burger spot. Sorry to whoever lost their order,but thank you for putting me on. I'll definitely be back.

    Great burger , great service and actually better than i expected! I like this place better than…read moreshake shack plus the aesthetic inside is so cute! I have to try the chicken sandwich if the burger was that good! 9.3/10

    Photos
    Swizzler Crispy Chicken + Smash Burgers - Seating

    Seating

    Swizzler Crispy Chicken + Smash Burgers - Fries they were awesome!

    Fries they were awesome!

    Swizzler Crispy Chicken + Smash Burgers - Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich

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    Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich

    Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart

    Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart

    4.4(905 reviews)
    0.7 miShaw, Downtown
    $$

    Super tasty food, fast service, friendly staff, very reasonable pricing…read more This has become a regular for my wife and myself. We eat here at least three times a month. We prefer to go on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday when the crowds are thinner. But don't hesitate for a Friday or Saturday night if we feel like eating their great food. The fare and service is always top notch whether it's hopping or sparse. We almost always get the vegan deluxe. If we feel like some meat, we add another dish and they are all good. I also enjoy their Ethiopian beer, Habesha Cold Gold. It is light, crisp, and refreshing with a clean finish. It has a mild malt sweetness up front, very light bitterness, just enough to balance and is smooth and clean with no heavy aftertaste The Vegan Deluxe is a combination plate that includes everything from a wonderful salad with fresh jalapeños and tomatoes to a wonderful assortment of lentils spiced in different way, also cabbage & carrots, and greens. I always feel good after our meals because the food is so fresh and beautifully done. Our pocketbook is grateful, too. My wife and I can leave with a bill of about $30 including food, a beer and tip. Not many places in Bethesda you can do that. The staff always smile and are helpful whether providing standard service or troubleshooting a challenge. The ambience is not upscale, but it's clean, beautiful, and filled with good people, whether it's the customers who are always having a good time, or the manager, who makes the rounds to ensure everything is going well.

    If I could give 10 stars I would. My boyfriend and I took a quick birthday trip to DC from NYC…read more This was a last minute dinner plan after we weren't sure how the rest of the day would look post bottomless brunch. WOWOWOWOW. small space so it gets packed quick. We didn't wait longer than 10 minutes to be seated. Our servers were so delightful and happy. My most pleasant surprise here has been the service !! They gave us great recommendations and even gave us a taste of all four honey wines they had to offer. We went with the house. YOU SHOULD GET THE HOUSE HONEY WINE !!!!!!! Everything we had was absolutely amazing. My vegan bestie got her veggie platter and my boyfriend and I split the beef tibs and were so so full and satisfied. We have been waiting for the opportunity to go back. This was our last restaurant stop during that trip, and it will be the first stop for our next. They play no games here !!!! Serious food, serious flavor, serious service!!!!!! We highly recommend!!!!!

    Photos
    Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart
    Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart - Vegan assortment with some kid of beef dish

    Vegan assortment with some kid of beef dish

    Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart - Same photo

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    Melange - ethiopian - Updated May 2026

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