The Obama Guide to Eating Your Way Across Washington, D.C.

From fine dining to casual burger joints, these are the capital city restaurants that fuel the First Family
By Shay Spence
Updated June 01, 2016 04:00 PM

1 of 9

OYAMEL

Credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty

The President and First Lady spent Memorial Day with daughter Malia at chef José Andrés' popular Mexican restaurant. The couple has also celebrated other momentous occasions there, from birthdays to foreign policy successes.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 9

ROSE'S LUXURY

Credit: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP; Courtesy Rose's Luxury

Obama celebrated his 54th birthday at this Capitol Hill small-plates restaurant, where he skipped the hot spot's long line.

3 of 9

GOOD STUFF EATERY

Credit: Martin H. Simon-Pool/Getty

It's no secret that Obama loves a good burger, and chef Spike Mendelsohn's joint in Capitol Hill is one of his go-to spots. They even have a "Prez Obama Burger" (with bacon and roquefort) and a "Michelle Melt" (with caramelized onions and herb mayo) on the menu.

Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

4 of 9

BLUE DUCK TAVERN

Credit: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty

The President and First Lady spent their 17th wedding anniversary at this contemporary American restaurant located in the Park Hyatt Hotel in the city's Foggy Bottom neighborhood.

Advertisement

5 of 9

BEN'S CHILI BOWL

Credit: Joshua Roberts/Bloomberg/Getty

One of the city's most notable eating establishments, Obama made his famous first trip there for chili dogs shortly after his election in 2008 – and the First Family has since been granted free access to their half-smokes for life.

6 of 9

WE, THE PIZZA

Credit: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

The sister restaurant to Good Stuff Eatery, the First Lady has been spotted grabbing a slice here on multiple occasions, and the President has been known to fuel up for lunch there.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

7 of 9

BLT STEAK

Credit: Evan Vucci/AP

Not only did they celebrate Mrs. Obama's 48th birthday at this steakhouse in 2012, but the President was recently spotted there along with none other than Morgan Freeman and Tom Hanks.

Advertisement
Advertisement

8 of 9

MINIBAR

Credit: Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty

For a romantic Valentine's Day date, POTUS and FLOTUS chose another José Andrés restaurant, which favors carefully-crafted tasting menus over more casual Mexican fare.

Advertisement

9 of 9

TAYLOR GOURMET

Credit: Pete Marovich-Pool/Getty

Obama and Biden paid a visit to this local D.C. chain which serves up Philly-style sandwiches, where the President's regular order consists of turkey with prosciutto, pesto and mozzarella on a hoagie.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Shay Spence