When heading to Capital One Arena for one of its many concerts, Washington Capitals games, Washington Wizards games, and conventions, it’s crucial you take advantage of the bars and restaurants near the arena, especially if you despise paying arena prices. Lucky for you, Penn Quarter is home to some of DC’s most iconic and award-winning restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a chic, Instagrammable bar to snap some pre-concert photos and grab a drink at, or you’re hunting for a delicious restaurant that can accommodate your whole crew, there are so many absolutely fabulous restaurants near Capital One Arena that you should try. Check out our curated picks for the best restaurants near Capital One Arena.
See Also: All The Hottest Concerts Coming To DC This Fall
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900 F Street NW / Website
Inspired by European brasseries, this chic upscale cafe features breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and a classy bar. The stunning interior is reason alone to visit the cafe, especially if you’re in need of an #ootd snap. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing premium ingredients locally and sustainably.
For late nights at Capital One, dinner is served until 10 p.m., the late-night menu is served until 12 a.m. and the bar stays open until 1 a.m. Reservations can be made here.
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724 9th Street NW / Website
Since you’re in the area, you might as well visit one of the newest Michelin-starred restaurants in the city, Cranes. The hot joint combines Spanish and Japanese cuisine to create some truly flavorful dishes while serving one of the largest selections of sake in DC. Leave it up to the renowned chefs and order the omakase menu, or choose from a tasty selection of tapas, bento boxes, and a la carte favorites.
The restaurant is open until 9:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and open until 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Happy hour occurs every day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations for the restaurant can be made here.
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705 6th Street NW / Website
Enjoy some of the city’s best ramen at this popular ramen shop and Izakaya. The first floor is home to the casual ramen shop, which serves up delicious varieties of ramen with a slew of add-ins. The Ramen Shop is open until 9 p.m. on Mondays, 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 p.m. the rest of the week.
On the second floor, enjoy a more upscale menu and a chill lounge space. Hours vary, so it’s best to check the website. Reservations are required for this area and can be made here.
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555 8th Street NW / Website
Visit this hip bar and restaurant for a variety of bites and a stellar lineup of Insta-worthy cocktails. There’s a lengthy menu of craft cocktails, zero-proof cocktails, beer, and wines, making it a perfect spot for a pre-concert pregame or a nightcap after a busy day. For food, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a special happy hour menu, as well as a “Pre-Theatre” three-course menu.
The joint is open until 10 p.m. during the week, 9 p.m. on Sundays, and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations can be made here.
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480 7th Street NW / Website
Enjoy Spanish-inspired cuisine at Jose Andres’ very first Jaleo restaurant. With a variety of savory paellas and shareable tapas, it’s a great spot to dine with a group of family or friends. ‘Sangria Hour’ occurs on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and features $8 sangria glasses and discounted tapas. Or, try a gin and tonic flight any time of day. As an added bonus, the restaurant has a detailed allergy menu, so everyone in your party can eat stress-free.
The restaurant is open until 10 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays, 11 p.m. on weeknights, and 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations can be made here.
Hungry for more Jose Andres? This area is home to Oyamel, Zaytinya and China Chilcano as well.
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633 D Street NW / Website
Dine on modern Indian cuisine at this highly regarded restaurant. With regional curry dishes, small plates, vegetarian dishes, an enticing assortment of naan, and a tasty variety of entrees, there’s a lot to choose from. The restaurant has an impressive temperature-controlled wine room and the staff are ready to suggest a wine pairing for any dish. The dress code is smart casual, so refrain from wearing your Wizards jersey to this spot. Kids over 8 years old are qualified to dine at Rasika.
Rasika is open until 10 p.m. on weeknights and 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.
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915 F Street NW / Website
Enjoy premium Southern cuisine with a Korean flair from James Beard award-winning chef Edward Lee. With mouth-watering fried chicken, premium steak cuts, and entrees like shrimp and grits and crispy local blue catfish, the classic soul food will surely nourish and transport you out of the city. The restaurant even has a dedicated kids menu so it can accommodate any guest. On the beverage menu, find a lengthy list of bourbons, rye, cocktails, and flights of local liquors.
Happy hour occurs Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Fridays, perfect if you like a leisurely pregame. The restaurant serves dinner until 10 p.m. every day. Reservations can be made here.
Hungry for more luxe stops in the city? Check out our picks for The 33 Best Washington, DC Bars You Need To Visit In 2022.
Photography by: Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
