Wheelhouse Twitter/X Food Review

The Jib with French Fries at Wheelhouse

In Our Wheelhouse

Dinner at the new Wheelhouse, just south of Chevy Chase Circle. Packed on a Tuesday night (2 deep at the bar, 25 minute wait for a table) Loud but still a nice energy. Great young staff. Friendly & attentive. $9 Hush Puppies with a tasty apricot butter (bits included) crunchy outside, creamy inside with jalapeños to boot. Generously sized B $28 Jib is a French Dip with almost rare prime rib & horseradish cream tucked inside a French baguette. Au jus on the side with really good, dirty shoestring fries B Not too pricey, and definitely the 🆕 hotspot in Chevy Chase.

Grade: B (good food, better service.)

bhc Chicken Twitter/X Food Review

5PC (Spicy) Wings combo at bhc Chicken

Korean fried chicken is easier to find than ever, so good doesn’t necessarily cut it anymore. @bhc_official__ recently opened in Ballston & our 1st visit took an extra 15 minutes to start 😠 Once in hand however, positivity took over, 5 stellar wings… big, crunchy, hot 🥵 & loaded with high quality meat. B+ Matcho-King sauce for dipping is little more than a runny soy sauce C- Fries were crispy, hot & super clean (A+ on the oil test) B+ Small soda cups & the aforementioned surprise wait = disappointing. $17.22 for a combo is probably 3 bucks too much, but everyone’s gouging nowadays, right? Crowded for a Saturday late afternoon, so clearly others like it.

Grade: B- (One & done)

Little Beast Cafe & Bistro Twitter/X Retro Food Review

Tomato Bisque at Little Beast Cafe & Bistro

Now That's a Combo

Retro Review (12/30/25) For such a little (pun intended) menu, the folks at @LittleBeastCafe sure know how to please. This end-of-the-year visit featured a break from their standout pizza, but still produced near-orgasmic reactions. Great service ALWAYS, and a to-die-for Tomato Bisque (sans the Grilled Cheese) with equally lethal (in a great way) Classic Buffalo Wings. Said wings (15 bucks) are huge, crispy and chock-full of fleshy, perfectly-cooked meat inside. The buffalo sauce is just the right amount, so as not to overwhelm. A (possibly the best wings in DC.) As for the soup, it demands to be placed on the menu by its lonesome (so everyone can enjoy.) Perfect texture and flavor. A+

Grade: A+

34th Annual Giant Barbecue Battle Photo Recap - Day One

Buzz Lightyear & friend at the 34th annual Giant BBQ Battle

Summer officially began a week ago today, but DC Outlook doesn't recognize summer until the return of the Giant Barbecue Battle. That was yesterday, and even Mother Nature agreed to lend a helping hand, defying local projections of rain and (shudder) thunderstorms. She even managed to keep the Sun under wraps clouds, which for those of us who love to attend, makes a big, BIG difference. With the weather in check, the kind folks at Giant Food took care of everything else, delighting a huge crowd with great food, giveaways and music. If you're keeping score at home, those are probably the three best things in the world. Here's our annual recap of happy faces and memories; and in case you missed Saturday's non-stop fun, the BBQ Battle returns today along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd & 7th Streets. Tickets cost only $21.20 (including tax) and can be purchased online or in person. Gates open at 11 AM and don't close until 7 PM tonight.

BurgerFi Twitter/X Food Review

B.A.D. Burger at BurgerFi

There’s seemingly no end to the number of burger 🍔 options at @BurgerFi. Opted for the B.A.D. Burger ($11.49) and a Strawberry 🍓 Shake ($7.49) The Burger was delicious, despite a normally unforgivable offense (forgot the bacon 🥓) It starts with a tender potato roll, flavorful single Angus beef patty, a full-size hash brown and fried egg. Toss in the slightest dash of syrup, and you have a near-perfect (bacon?) burger. B+ Might be the best burger bun in the DMV. The shake’s good, but the color (beige) is odd & kinda off-putting C+.

Grade: B (Great choice for great burgers.)

Jon's Joint Twitter/X Food Review

Hamburger & Straight-Cut Fries at Jon's Joint

First time at the new DC location of @Jonsjointburger and we’re already in love. Freshest, hottest 🥵 Straight-Cut Fries in town ($5.95) A- (Old Bay at the counter!) simple but scrumptious (single) Hamburger (also $5.95) B+ and a to-die-for Mango milkshake ($7.95) that’s worth twice the price. A+ Banner service, fun atmosphere & one of the best windows for people-watching in DC.

Grade: A

Cosi Twitter/X Food Review

Miso Chili Chicken Crunch Sandwich at Cosi

Another great sandwich at @get_cosi. Ordered the Miso Chili Chicken Crunch Sandwich ($12.99 minus a $5 Monday coupon) and couldn’t be happier. Forgot to select side chips (oops) but the sandwich (roasted chicken thighs, Asian slaw, red chili 🌶️ miso sauce, spicy sriracha mayo & wonton strips) was more than enough for a filling & super-satisfying lunch. Didn’t detect much heat, but the chicken was sensational (as always.) Lots of crunch, and proof that cold sandwiches don’t have to be boring.

Grade: B+

CHAR'D Twitter/X Food Review

Char'd Burger (r) with Duck Fat Fries at CHAR'D

Not all fries are created equal, and the $6.99 Duck Fat Fries at CHAR'D are no exception. They’re phenomenal… clean, non-greasy and salty, perfect even without a dipping sauce. A. Their Char’d Burger ($10.99) is pretty good, but comes plain (if you skip the cheese) and is basically a @Smashburger that costs twice as much. B. Ditto for their $8.99 Strawberry 🍓 Shake (nice consistency) B. Inviting interior, but hiccups with online ordering + potentially prohibitive pricing make this more of a treat than a routine stop.

Grade: B (Solid as they come, and terrific fries.)

Summer Wagyu Experiences for Gourmands at Little Blackbird

Iwate Gyu Wagyu (Photo: Jonni Scott)

From our friends at Little Blackbird...

Summer Wagyu Experiences for Gourmands at Little Blackbird

Ashok Bajaj of Knightsbridge Restaurant Group is pleased to announce the upcoming summer happenings at Little Blackbird, located at 3309 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20008, next door to sister restaurant Sababa. June brings Japan’s prized Wagyu beef to the forefront of Executive Chef Ryan Moore’s menu with a special celebration taking place from Wednesday, June 17, through Sunday, June 21st.

Colada Shop Twitter/X Food Review II

Colada Shop's Breakfast Plate

Another home run for @Coladashop. Breakfast Plate ($12.25) ready on arrival, with delicious scrambled eggs, even better ham slices (perfect texture, sooo good) and 4 tostada wedges with a creamy, sweet plantain butter (perfect for dipping & way better than toast.) Amazing, yet simple breakfast with a twist.

Grade: A-

Giant Barbecue Battle Marks Memorial Day and America 250 by Honoring Veterans

From our friends at Giant Food...

Giant Barbecue Battle Marks Memorial Day and America 250 by Honoring Veterans

As the nation gathers over Memorial Day weekend and prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle, America’s Food & Music Festival, will honor service members and spotlight veteran initiatives and businesses during its 34th annual edition on June 27-28 on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC.

Wisemiller's Grocery & Deli Twitter/X Food Review

Wisemiller's Grocery & Deli's Quarter Pounder

Ordering delivery has its advantages. Case in point, @WisemillerD & its (mere) $6.95 Quarter Pounder, a burger that actually over delivers on size (closer to a half pound) & taste, surprisingly topping our list of DMV’s best budget burgers. A- Their French Fries are good too (clean, soft) and cheap ($3.95) B. Chicken Wings (6 for $9.95) are crispy & generously sized, but dry and overcooked. C- Last (and least) 1️⃣ of the worst Pastrami Sandwiches 🥪 I’ve ever had in my life. Lettuce & tomato by default (why?) resulted in a soggy mess with crusty, flavorless pastrami in between. It wasn’t overpriced ($8.75) but tasted awful. F All in all, a literal mixed bag, but worth the (burger & fries) find.

Grade: B- (Fixing the sandwich should be easy. Now do it.)

Ravenna Pizza Twitter/X Food Review

Salsciccia Pepperoni at Ravenna Pizza

Self-advertised as “crispy, light & airy,” @ravennapizza’s Roman-style pizza lives up to its promises. Generous toppings & a crust (long fermented dough) to-die-for. 1/4 pie (2 squares, $7) is plenty and the sausage crumbles… next level. A- Oven-Roasted Fries ($4.50) were just that, oven-roasted (visibly) crispy but pedestrian in taste. C- I’d opt for their wings next time, and there definitely will be a next time(s.) Super friendly staff, and clean, comfortable interior (love that night shot of the @ParcoColosseo.) 

Grade: B+ (The kind of place you want to visit often.)

Signage Up at Moga Doner House in Cleveland Park

Progress has been slow, but Moga Doner House is inching closer to opening in Cleveland Park. Overhead signage is up, bidding a final adieu to the former Al Volo Trattoria & Bar. Similar to a gyro, döner kebabs are prepared on a vertical rotisserie. The main difference is the seasoning, but you can already get a pretty good gyro across and down the street at Byblos Deli and Fresh Med. Call us skeptical, but open. Still no word on an opening date, but we'll keep you posted.

Smashburger Twitter/X Food Review

Have you noticed all the new menu options at @Smashburger? If you can’t find something here, you’re not trying hard enough. I opted for their new $15.99 Shrimp 🦐 Basket with SmashFries. My takeaway bag didn’t include the promised chipotle mayo or remoulade sauce, but the shrimp (all 20 of ‘em) were so crunchy, hot & zesty, I barely even noticed. As far as fried shrimp go, A-. SmashFries were a bit drier than I’m used to, with less seasoning too. B- Toss in a $5 off coupon, and it’s no wonder I’m leaving with a smile on my face. Thank you Smashburger.

Grade: B

Dave's Hot Chicken Twitter/X Food Review

Dave's #4: 1 Slider with Fries at Dave's Hot Chicken

(Too) long wait at @hotchickendaves but no arguing about taste & value. It starts with a scalding Hot 🥵 10-pc. Dave’s Bites (only $6.99 including bread & pickles) that might render your tastebuds useless for a week. To think there’s 2 levels hotter than hot. Despite the heat, the bites are incredibly flaky inside & literally bursting with flavor. B+ Super filling on its own, but… I was crazy enough to also order the Slider & Fries ($9.99) which could feed 2 people by itself. It comes with a mini mountain of pickles B and a generous portion of sublime crinkle (seasoned) fries B+ and an enormous slider that closer resembles a burger. It’s slathered in Dave’s sauce & served atop a bed of crunchy kale slaw (& more pickles, of course.) I couldn’t finish 1/2 of it, but not for a lack of effort. I simply couldn’t handle the heat anymore. It’s still a solid B, but one has to be careful not to order too much. Drink-wise, Dave’s is known for its Slushers, but I opted for a $4.69 Strawberry 🍓 Shake instead. It was too thick to start, but eventually became manageable (not to mention delicious!) Another B. I have a feeling my next order will be better (with Mild sauce) but as is, a super strong B overall.

Grade: B (Too bad about the wait.)

Silver Diner Twitter/X Retro Food Review

Silver Diner's Hamburger with Crispy Fries

Retro Review (9/29/23) Hamburger 🍔 with Crispy Fries at @Silver_Diner on my Bday with Big Bro. Only good part of probably my worst Bday ever. Attentive service, great atmosphere (on a Friday night) and one of the better burgers in town, Creekstone Steakhouse Beef, quarter pounder with fresh arugula, onions & tomatoes inside a toasted brioche bun. Noticeably juicy (perfect medium) with crunchy onions & tomatoes. Fries were hot, satisfying & salty. And (way) under 20 bucks! Here’s hoping diners never die, especially Silver.

Grade: B+ (Mastering the basics!)

Tikka Masala Street Food Twitter/X Food Review

Vegetable Samosas at Tikka Masala Street Food

You have to be pretty bad to muck up South Asian street food, especially at the entry level, so “hats off” to @tikkastreet in Arlington for beating the odds. A late afternoon lunch was due at 4:55, so I popped inside their tiny front of house, where I identified myself & began to wait. And wait. Over 20 minutes for food that, wait for it, had been microwaved & was sitting less than 5’ behind me… the entire time. When I asked the guy behind the counter why he didn’t notify me (keep in mind, I was the only customer there) he pointed at his colleague in the back, and said “her.” Insert lame excuse here. As for the food, did I mention it was microwaved? (my ears don’t lie.) Vegetable Samosas ($4.99) were a soggy mess & close to inedible, and the nuked Potato Fries ($3.99) cold & flimsy. The $3.99 Gulab Jamun was advertised as a “freshly” made doughnut with a light glaze, but I received two mushy balls surrounded by ounces of tasteless juice or water. All in, just $13.75 total but gobs more in disappointment.

Grade: D- (Affordable, but bad.)

Colada Shop Twitter/X Food review

Colada Shop's Empanada Duo

Lots to like at @Coladashop, including our new pick for DMV’s best muffin (Carrot Pineapple, $4.45) moist as Mawsynram, India and so tasty, you might complain that it’s (only) seasonal. A+ Their $9 Empanada Duo (Chorizo/Carrot & Picadillo) is just as good, but more tender than crunchy. A- Absolutely delicious 😋. Yuca Fries are tasty but you only get 5 for $6.75. Not enough B- Other positives… Crispy Sazón Chicken tenders had a nice tangy bite, but no sauce 😳 B. Plantain Chips were crunchy, lightly salted & plentiful B and that tiny Brownie Bite had me wanting for more (super-soft, very chocolatey.) B+ Nice vibe inside & beautiful people to boot.

Grade: A- 

Bobby Flay Steak Twitter/X Food Review

Filet Mignon at Bobby Flay Steak

The Perfect Steak @BobbyFlaySteak1 and it’s carryout! @wonder’s premium option costs a pretty penny, but boy is it worth it. Their 10 oz Filet Mignon is a literal work of art, cooked perfectly (medium) and flavorful inside & OUT (a rarity.) Every bite was a sheer delight (salty, tender & wonderful.) Ditto for the sauce. A+ The Steak with Appetizer & Side costs $50.95 and comes with an also-amazing Shrimp 🦐 Cocktail (normally $14.95) that features 5 fresh, giant shrimp with lemon 🍋 and cocktail sauce. Sooo good. Another A+. Parmesan French Fries were covered in parmesan. Nice flavor & texture, but bordering on ice cold 🧊 C-. What a shame, given how great everything else was. That said, @bflay remains our favorite celebrity chef for this and @bobbysburgerpal (we miss you!) and the entire dinner scores an A- (fries and all.) Luxury carryout. Who knew it was possible?

Grade: A-