Eater DC’s recently updated “38 Essential Restaurants Around DC” list (as of January 14) highlights a selection of iconic dining destinations that define the region’s culinary scene. Among them, four Maryland restaurants stand out:
2Fifty Texas BBQ (4700 Riverdale Rd., Riverdale Park): Known for its simple, affordable, and memorable offerings, 2Fifty Texas BBQ takes pride in its unique take on traditional American barbecue. The restaurant emphasizes the Texas barbecue tradition, which involves slow-smoking meats over low heat for extended periods. For more details, visit the restaurant’s website here.
Cielo Rojo (7211 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD): Specializing in California-inspired Mexican cuisine, Cielo Rojo serves up classic dishes like tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and a variety of small and large plates. The restaurant opened in 2019 in Takoma Park, bringing together owners David Perez and Carolina McCandless, who met in 2012 at Gracias Madre, a vegan Mexican restaurant in San Francisco. McCandless, a Takoma Park native, has deep ties to the area, as her parents own Amano nearby. Full menu available here.
J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse (8606 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring): Opened in 2022 by local restaurateur Jerry Hollinger, J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse combines a chef-driven approach to steak and seafood with a lively atmosphere. The restaurant’s Sunday brunch buffet offers a lavish spread, including slow-roasted ribeye, hot honey fried chicken, crab-stuffed deviled eggs, and much more. Visit the restaurant website here for more.
Melina (905 Rose Ave., North Bethesda): Modern Greek cuisine takes center stage at Melina, where chef Dimitri Moshovitis combines traditional recipes with creative flair. Open since late 2021, Melina reflects Moshovitis’ vision of evolving Greek cooking. The restaurant was born from his collaboration with Chef Aris Tsekouras, owner of Microwheat Bakery, and aims to showcase fresh, modern interpretations of Greek dishes. For more information, visit the restaurant’s website here.
