Sustainable Eats In DC

Whether you’re headed to D.C. to enjoy the blooming cherry blossoms or to march for a cause you’re passionate about, there are plenty of restaurants in the district serving up dishes that are good for the planet and good for you, too. As a tourist, it can be challenging to find environmentally-conscious restaurants, so we’ve rounded up our favorite restaurants in this political town that offer vegan & vegetarian options and use local & sustainable ingredients.

Chaia

Why We Love It | Seated alongside the Georgetown C&O Canal, this bright spot prides itself on it’s “farm to taco” philosophy. Serving up seasonally-based tacos with local ingredients, the menu is plant-focused and entirely vegetarian. Bonus: most items at Chaia can be made vegan.

Where to Find It | Georgetown

Food Profile | Sustainable | Local | Vegetarian | Vegan

Visit Chaia Online

Comet Ping Pong

Why We Love It | A little off the beaten path for the typical D.C. visitor, Comet Ping Pong is a truly neighborhood spot located in Chevy Chase. Most of the food served at this modern joint is sustainably farmed and harvested, and the menu features seasonally-inspired pizzas. Settle into a fun evening of ping-pong, delicious food, and live music for a relaxed evening. After your meal, stop in the D.C.-famous Politics & Prose bookstore next door.

Where to Find It | Chevy Chase

Food Profile | Sustainable | Local | Vegetarian options

Visit Comet Ping Pong Online

Greenheart Juice Shop

Why We Love It | Discretely tucked inside a yoga studio in Georgetown, this pop-up shop serves up seriously delicious juices. If you happen to stop by one DC’s many farmer’s markets you’ll find Greenheart Juice stalls there, too. Distributed in glass bottles, their cold-pressed juices are concocted with all organic ingredients and all juice pulp created during the juicing process is composted. Pick up a few juices and nut milks to keep you going during your stay.

Where to Find It | Georgetown

Food Profile | Vegetarian | Vegan | Sustainable

Visit Greenheart Juice Shop Online

Duke’s Grocery

Why We Love It | Grab a seat at a communal table under twinkling string lights for a night of great food and people watching. Focused on using sustainable and local ingredients, the menu at Duke’s changes daily based on what’s available at the market.

Where to Find It | Dupont Circle

Food Profile | Sustainable | Vegetarian options | Local

Visit Duke’s Grocery Online

Big Bear Cafe

Why We Love It | Home to one of the best patios in all of the district, Big Bear Cafe is much loved among DC locals. An herb and vegetable garden surrounds the outdoor patio, creating an escape from the urban backdrop. Featuring a seasonally-based menu and local produce, dairy, and meats, Big Bear takes to heart sustainable values.

Where to Find It | Bloomingdale

Food Profile | Vegetarian options | Local | Sustainable

Visit Big Bear Cafe Online

A Baked Joint

Why We Love It | Located in a large, modern space, A Baked Joint is a short walk from Chinatown and the National Portrait Gallery. Stop in for matcha latte or sandwich to fuel your afternoon. Their menu features seasonal, local, and organic produce, and all of their bread is handmade on site. If you’re on the hunt for something sweet, head to their sister store, Baked & Wired that serves up seriously delicious cupcakes.

Where to Find It | Mount Vernon Triangle

Food Profile | Local | Vegetarian options

Visit A Baked Joint Online

Union Market

Why We Love It | Union Market is home to over 40 local vendors, featuring a wide variety of food stalls that serve cuisines from around the world. Pick up a bottle of locally made kombucha at Craft Kombucha and try out a few dishes from the many vendors. For a truly environmentally responsible eating experience, head to Bidwell Restaurant, where the chef cooks with fruits and veggies grown in aeroponic planters on the roof of the market, creating a unique “roof to table” experience.

Where to Find It | NoMa

Food Profile | Local | Sustainable | Vegan | Vegetarian

Visit Union Market Online