pre-quarantine me would never order takeout just for myself – I always thought my money was best saved for meals out with friends where I could enjoy the fun and relaxation of ordering at a restaurant.
now, every time I order takeout, i’m like, “i am single-handedly SAVING the local economy!!!” lol. I do care a lot about supporting my favorite restaurants and ensuring restaurant employees are also receiving income (safely!) however, I just do not think eating inside a restaurant or on a patio is justified right now.
so! i’m sharing some of my favorite takeout meals from quarantine that hopefully give you some great ideas for your next takeout meal.
NuVegan
Um, wow. I’m ashamed that it took me years of living in D.C. to try this place! Truly the best mac&cheese I have had in years and the red wine kale salad was absolutely fantastic. The amount of brainpower i’ve spent analyzing the ingredients of their dressing to try and recreate it is ridiculous. The chick’n sandwich is also amazing – the “meat” is so good – my only suggestion is a little more sauce and lettuce on the bun. Otherwise, a flawless and super affordable meal from NuVegan.
Room 11
Sandwich pop-up shop at Room 11? Yes-freaking-please!! I in no way claim to be any sort of expert on lobster rolls but these are so good! I’m always on the lookout for a good sandwich – both their grilled cheese served with marinara and the buttery lobster roll really hit the spot. Emily and I also tried their cocktails which are a) just as good as they are in person and b) come in (reusable!!) glass bottles! chips, sandos, and sustainability!
Thip Khao
You can see my previous review but Thip Khao is really one of my favorite restaurants in D.C. When they first opened, the restaurant was doing prix fixe 3-4 course meals and now they have moved to an a-la-carte menu for pickup and takeout. I would highly recommend the fried tofu and the mango sticky rice! The restaurant did a great job ensuring their takeout menu was microwave and fridge-friendly for leftovers too.
Call Your Mother
If you follow me on my instagram (@ad.itieats) you know that my Call Your Mother pictures are really my best food pics. Open for online orders only at their now-multiple locations, they have a standard no-substitutions menu of bagels, sandwiches, and coffee drinks. I’ve ordered the Gleeagle and Banyan Place below, and have also ordered a few plain bagels to stick in the freezer for a future breakfast. The bagel quality has improved greatly, and I love that it stays reliable in satisfying my cream cheese cravings.
&pizza
on a sad sad Saturday night sometimes you just need to be reminded of a delicious post-night-out pizza to feel something! here is my regular and ridiculous &pizza order – which is basically every veggie ever and lots of sauce.
Red Derby
Another food thats a reminder of more fun Saturday nights. Unparalleled tots and onion rings from Red Derby. Crispy and fresh and not-too-oily. Only would be better if they were totchos instead.
Seylou Bakery
A really fun new discovery! Seylou mills their own flour and makes amazing pastries. Their store space is closed, and patrons can order at the door and take their box of bread or pastries home or sit at one of the 4 very-far-apart tables in front of the store. They also have a stand at the Dupont Farmers Market on Sundays too! Have tried the caramelized onion pastry with cheese, the dulce de leche pastry, and the cinnamon roll. The caramelized onion was definitely their best one. While I have been baking more during q i’m definitely not making pastries like this!
Spot of Tea
I have been going to Spot of Tea at least twice a month for many months now. A little stand inside the Streets Market on M St in Noma, they still homemade, fresh boba drinks and a new oat milk matcha soft serve! The quality of the boba is amazing, soft yet chewy and flavorful. Some of my favorite drink flavors are the matcha and the jasmine (but honestly any of their drinks are amazing, I have a very hard time choosing each time!)
Chiko
Chiko was on my list for a long time, and I was glad to be able to try it out during quarantine! The nice thing about nicer restaurants doing takeout is the opportunity to try new things and be able to keep them for leftover to justify the cost. We got so many things from Chiko as you can see and it was so fun to keep the kimchi and cold condiments for days to come. Amazing meal from here, if I had a few people to split it with i’d definitely do it again! Loved the orange-ish chicken, the full monty (which includes all the fun condiments), and the half-a-cado salad.
Mt. Desert Island
Pick up your ice cream at the best ice cream shop in D.C. They are open for pint pickup and scoops at their store. For the first time I tried their ice cream sandwiches – 10/10. Perfect soft (yet not crumbly!) cookie to ice cream ratio with sprinkles, so underrated!! Also have to recommend some of their amazing other flavors, blueberry sour cream crumble, and basil!
Chaplin’s
Another great takeout-in-the-park spot. You may know Chaplin’s for its ramen, but they have a huge selection of fantastic appetizers too! I’m a big fan of their veggie bao, saucye and crunchy in a fun soft pillowy bun. The big star of their takeout is the Tokyo Tea cocktail – which is basically a boozy matcha slushie, $25 for a quart, worth at least 4 drinks. I’m not sure if its still there, but it is guaranteed good time!
All right friends, that’s it! Let me know if you have other fun recommendations for takeout in D.C. Happy ordering!
aditi eats 