Restaurant in Washington DC, United States
Fast, filling, and right for NoMa.
DC Empanadas fills a genuine gap in NoMa, one of Washington's fastest-growing neighborhoods but historically thin on casual dining options. Walk-in friendly and well-suited for solo diners or a quick lunch near the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro, it's the low-friction option in the area. Don't come expecting a full dining experience — come for the format, the convenience, and the neighborhood anchor it provides.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Venue | Awards | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC Empanadas | — | ||
| Oyster Oyster | Michelin 1 Star | $$$ | — |
| Albi | Michelin 1 Star | $$$$ | — |
| Causa | Michelin 1 Star | $$$$ | — |
| Rooster & Owl | Michelin 1 Star | $$$ | — |
| Rose’s Luxury | Michelin 1 Star | $$$$ | — |
Key differences to consider before you reserve.
DC Empanadas fills a casual, quick-service role that none of its peer venues replicate. Oyster Oyster and Rooster & Owl are sit-down tasting-format spots with significantly higher price points and advance booking requirements. Rose's Luxury and Albi are full-service dinner destinations. Causa offers Peruvian-Japanese cooking in a more composed dining room. None of these compete on speed or price — if you want a fast, affordable meal near NoMa or Union Station, DC Empanadas is in a different category entirely.
The address is 1309 5th St NE, which puts it squarely in NoMa and within walking distance of the NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro stop on the Red Line. This is a casual, counter-service format — not a sit-down dining experience. Come expecting a quick, affordable eat, not a full meal with table service. It's best suited for lunch, a casual dinner, or a stop before or after catching a train at Union Station.
Specific menu items aren't confirmed in available data, so ordering specifics can't be responsibly recommended here. What is clear is the format: empanadas are the core offering, and the venue is built around quick, accessible eating. Ask staff on arrival what's freshest or most popular that day — that's the most reliable approach at any counter-service spot.
No. DC Empanadas is a casual counter-service spot in NoMa — the format doesn't fit a celebratory dinner or a milestone event. For special occasions in Washington, D.C., Rose's Luxury, Albi, or Rooster & Owl all offer the full-service experience that a special occasion calls for. DC Empanadas is the right call when you need a good, fast meal, not when you're marking an occasion.
Whatever you're already wearing. DC Empanadas is a casual counter-service venue in NoMa — there are no dress expectations. Office clothes, gym gear, or weekend casual all work equally well here.
Yes, and arguably better for solo diners than for groups. Counter-service empanada spots are built for quick individual meals — no awkward table minimums, no wait for a party to be seated together. The NoMa location at 1309 5th St NE also makes it practical for a solo lunch break or a grab-and-go meal near Union Station.
Keep this venue in your Pearl passport, rate it after you visit, and track it alongside every other place you collect.
