DC Empanadas

The Verdict

DC Empanadas is the kind of spot that fills a specific gap in Washington's NoMa neighborhood — a quick, accessible eat in a stretch of the city that has grown faster than its dining options. If you're near 5th and Florida and want something satisfying without a reservation or a wait list, this is a direct call. It won't compete with the tasting-menu rooms across town, but it doesn't try to.

Why It Works for This Neighborhood

NoMa has spent the last decade accumulating residents, office workers, and commuters passing through Union Station, but the dining infrastructure has lagged behind the development. DC Empanadas fills a real function: a handheld, portable format that suits the neighborhood's pace. Empanadas travel well, cost little, and require no ceremony — which is exactly what a neighborhood like NoMa needs more of. The format also has genuine depth when done well, with filling variety and dough quality separating a forgettable empanada from one worth returning for.

For the food-curious visitor, empanadas offer a useful lens into Latin American regional cooking traditions , the format spans Argentine, Colombian, Chilean, and other variations, each with distinct dough textures and filling conventions. Whether DC Empanadas leans into any particular regional tradition is something you'll learn on arrival, since the venue data available is limited. Go with an open mind and a willingness to try more than one.

What to Know Before You Go

The address , 1309 5th St NE , puts this in the heart of NoMa, walkable from the NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro station on the Red Line. Given the format and the neighborhood, expect a casual counter-service or fast-casual setup rather than a sit-down experience. This is a good stop before or after events at nearby venues, or as a lunch option for anyone working in the area. Booking is easy , almost certainly walk-in only , which makes it low-friction for solo diners, pairs, or anyone who hasn't planned ahead.

Explore More in Washington, D.C.

DC Empanadas is one piece of a growing dining scene in the capital. For a fuller picture, browse our full Washington, D.C. restaurants guide, or check our Washington, D.C. bars guide, hotels guide, wineries guide, and experiences guide for the full city view. If you want to benchmark against D.C.'s more ambitious kitchens, Jônt and minibar represent the leading of the city's tasting-menu tier. For strong mid-range options, Oyster Oyster and Rooster & Owl are worth your time. Beyond D.C., if you're tracking serious dining across the country, Le Bernardin in New York City, Lazy Bear in San Francisco, Smyth in Chicago, Atomix in New York City, The French Laundry in Napa, Single Thread Farm in Healdsburg, Emeril's in New Orleans, and Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler in Brunico all offer useful points of comparison across formats and price tiers.