Title: Ten Go-To Lunch Spots in Georgetown for Students

Howdy Hoyas,

If you’re anything like me, scouting for good food is serious business. I’m a self-proclaimed foodie, a certified Google Maps Local Guide, and a board member of the (ahem) GU Eating Society – a social club dedicated to exploring DC’s vibrant food scene. In the past three years, I’ve eaten my way through the neighborhood and can confirm: Georgetown is a foodie heaven, with no shortage of lunch spots that are equal parts delicious, quick and budget-friendly.

Here are my top 10 picks for great places to grab lunch in Georgetown!

#1 YELLOW the Cafe

What to order: shakshuka, breakfast egg pita, orange blossom croissant, coconut cardamom iced coffee

Location: 1524 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Yellow the Cafe is a vibrant, fast-casual lunch spot that serves Levantine shakshukas, sandwiches, pitas and pastries. With the meals all deliciously prepared with bold spices like za’atar and high-quality spreads, the flavors here are incredible.

I personally recommend the shakshuka, which is served with the softest, fluffiest pita (Seriously, if I were a fairy I would sleep on this pita). Despite the heavy foot traffic they get, Yellow’s speedy service is also a lifesaver for my busy schedule, allowing me to quickly get in and out without sacrificing flavor or quality.

#2 Chaia

What to order: sweet potato tacos

Location: 3207 Grace St NW, Washington, DC 20007

I love my protein, but I honestly forget meat exists when I bite into the plant-based tacos at Chaia. With a focus on “farm-to-taco” ingredients, this trendy restaurant on the canal offers a range of healthy and delicious tacos that are bursting with creative flavor combinations, from roasted beet and feta to creamy kale and potato.

Whether you’re vegan or not, Chaia is a staple lunch spot for Georgetown students. Don’t forget to pair your tacos with their homemade iced hibiscus tea!

#3 Maman

What to order: the brunch ratatouille, carrot spice bread

Location: 1353 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

The Brooklyn-based bakery Maman recently opened in Georgetown and has stolen my heart (and dog-walking money). The charming French cafe serves pastries, sandwiches, soups, salads and their famous chocolate chip cookies that earned a spot on Oprah’s “Favorite Things” list.

Beyond the food, Maman’s beautiful ambiance sets it apart from other cafes. The rustic decor and antique tableware transport you straight to a French farmhouse kitchen and create a memorable, cozy lunch experience in Georgetown.

#4 Boulangerie Christophe

What to order: quiche<3333, or grab-and-go sandwiches

Location: 1422 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

(Quiche ft. Percy my child)

The sweet, buttery aroma, the irresistible case of pastries, the bin of crackled baguettes … Boulangerie Christophe is another bakery in the heart of Georgetown with a classic, authentic Parisian feel.

I love stopping by Boulangerie Christophe for a quick coffee and croissant or settling in for a leisurely brunch of a crepe, omelette, or quiche. As your local bread enthusiast, I can also say that they have the best selection of artisanal breads in the neighborhood (outside of my kitchen of course). Sometimes when I’m dog-walking early in the morning, I can even watch the bakers in action in the upstairs window!

#5 GRACE ST COLLECTIVE (SOUTH BLOCK, GREEN ALMOND PANTRY, BAKESHOP)

What to order: the lamb kebab plate or focaccia from Green Almond Pantry

Location: 3210 Grace St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Tucked away on a quaint cobblestone road, the Grace Street Collective is easy to miss, but it’s home to hidden gems I frequent weekly. The collective, which looks almost like a mini food hall, features South Block, a popular juice bar with smoothies and acai bowls; Green Almond Pantry, which serves gourmet Mediterranean bites and plates (their chef was nominated for James Beard Award); and Bakeshop, which offers cookies, cupcakes, banana pudding, etc. … a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

#6 Call Your Mother and Saxby’s

What to order: Sun City at Call Your Mother, latte and egg-avocado grilled cheese at Saxby’s

Location: 3428 O St NW, Washington, DC 20007

It would almost be political to rank these separately. Do what you want, but I’m telling you these are the rules: You go to Call Your Mother for bagels and then go across the street to Saxby’s for coffee.

Jokes aside, Call Your Mother is a few steps away from the front gates and is the quintessential quick bite off campus. On weekend mornings, students and tourists come in swarms to enjoy crazy bagel creations and snap selfies in front of the picturesque pink exterior. And of course, Saxby’s is the student favorite for coffee in the neighborhood, and the two complement each other perfectly.

#7 Shouk

What to order: Shouk burger
Location: 1426 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

The vegans of Georgetown are eating well this spring as we welcome another plant-based addition to the neighborhood. Shouk’s menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes, from their famous pita sandwiches stuffed with crispy cauliflower or eggplant to their colorful grain bowls. The atmosphere is lively and casual — great for a tasty lunch with friends or for rolling up in sweatpants on a Saturday afternoon.

#8 Foxtrot

What to order: avocado toast, chicken farro bowl
Location: 1267 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

While I love my leisurely lunches around the neighborhood, sometimes I need a lunch spot where I can hunker down and work for a few hours. Foxtrot is that place.

Foxtrot offers a cafe, a mini grocery and an expansive selection of grab-and-go lunch items, which are super convenient when I’m craving something quick and healthy while I grind out some work.

Pro tip: You can ask a staff member to heat up any of their ready-made bowls.

#9 Falafel Inc.

What to order: Falafel sandwich

Location: 1210 Potomac St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Home to the famous $4 falafel sandwich, Falafel Inc. is the definition of a quick and cheap — yet delicious — bite in the neighborhood. While there’s no seating, it’s a typical Georgetown experience to grab a sandwich at Falafel Inc., load it up with their homemade sauces, and eat it on the street with a group of friends. Also, the za’atar fries are to die for.

#10 90 Second Pizza

What to order: Vegetariana Rossa, Napoli

Location: 1077 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

If I’ve been racking up the steps long enough, I can get pretty hangry, and sometimes, nothing satisfies that hanger like a personal pie from 90 Second Pizza. As the name implies, once your dough hits the 900ºF brick oven, you’ll be eating a perfectly char-crusted pizza in less than two minutes. While there is indoor seating upstairs, I prefer to romanticize my pizza experience by taking it down the road to the grassy areas by the waterfront.

-Emma Rose