Fast-casual restaurants in Washington, DC

Eating fast-casual in Washington

Washington has built one of the more interesting fast-casual scenes in DC, with 18 active spots in our directory across the burger, pizza, taco, bowl, sandwich and Asian-fusion categories. The downtown core is dense with quick-service options for the lunch rush, while neighborhoods further out have seen a steady wave of independent operators opening over the last few years. Whether you're a longtime Washington resident, a recent transplant, or in town for a couple of days, there's enough variety in the directory to make a different lunch decision every weekday for months without repeating yourself.

What to expect

Fast-casual in Washington covers a wide range — from regional burger chains and longstanding taco counters to newer poke and grain-bowl concepts that have opened in the last few years. Most of the spots in this directory are counter-service or order-at-the-table, with check averages between $9 and $18 a person. Lunch is the busiest service for the majority of these restaurants, so if you're trying to avoid a line, plan for a 1:30 PM or later visit.

How this directory works

Every page in the Menu Scout directory is a real, full page with menu highlights, current operating hours, the address, contact information, and a written summary of what the restaurant is actually like. We list independent operators alongside regional and national chains. If you find an error or want to suggest a spot we've missed, you can contact us.