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Anju
Korean
The name says it all: "anju" means Korean food made to go with a drink, and this gastropub on 18th Street takes that premise seriously, with soju, makgeolli, and beer running alongside a menu of fried snacks, rich stews, and banchan. Brick walls, wood floors, and a bit of funky art make it feel like a neighborhood spot that happens to be packed every night. The chef is a James Beard nominee, and the cooking has a mom's-kitchen warmth that earns that comparison without being sentimental.
Eleven honors, in evidence:
The record strongest first
- James Beard Awards 2025 · Nominee · Outstanding Restaurateur · Scott Drewno and Danny Lee - The Fried Rice Collective
- James Beard Awards 2022 · Nominee · Emerging Chef · Angel Barreto
- James Beard Awards 2022 · Nominee · Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic · Angel Barreto
- The Rammys Finalist · Service Program of the Year
- Michelin Guide Selected Restaurant
- Time Out #7 · Best restaurants in Washington, D.C.
- The Washington Post The 40 Best Restaurants In and Around D.C.
- Eater The 38 Essential Restaurants Around D.C.
- Washingtonian #73 · 100 Very Best Restaurants
- James Beard Awards 2026 · Semifinalist · Outstanding Restaurateur · Scott Drewno and Danny Lee - Fried Rice Collective
- James Beard Awards 2024 · Semifinalist · Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic · Angel Barreto
One number, weighted & current 89
How we scoreThe dishes from the writeups
- Gochujang-fried chicken Washingtonian, 2026
- Brussels sprouts and apple kimchi Michelin Guide
- Pork mandu Michelin Guide
Nearby in the record closest first
- Vagabond Eat · 73
- Lyle DC Stay · 74
- Jack Rose Dining Saloon Drink · 65
- Dolcezza Italian Dessert Eat · 65
- Three Fifty Bakery & Coffee Bar Eat · 65
- The Dupont Circle Hotel Stay · 88
- Ceibo Eat · 78
- Press Club Bar Of Record Eat · 63
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