Downtowners have a few more options to fold into their repertoire, thanks to two local restaurant groups spreading their wings. Restaurateur David Choi opened the doors to the 15th Street G Street Foods this spring, but unlike other locations, this one is full service. The menu is basically like a season of The Amazing Race, offering food from many different corners of the world. We snapped Chef Andrew LaPorta, who made stops at Palena (tear!) and 1789 in his culinary career, as he put the finishing touches on a noodle dish. The restaurant serves all three meals and carries an affordable drink menu.

On the other side of town in the West End is a brand new Cafe Deluxe. It’s the fifth outpost of the American bistro and also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. It’s located in the so-new-you-can-smell-the-sawdust Hilton Garden Inn at 22nd and M Street NW. We snapped Chef Juan Valdez carrying out can’t-miss freshly fried beignets. The Cafe Deluxe happy hour promises to be a popular pick in the otherwise expensive West End. The post-work crowd can enjoy deeply discounted drink specials Mon-Fri from 3:30-7pm.