Downtown Annandale is the closest thing the DMV has to a Koreatown. The ethnic enclave, located a 30-minute drive from the city, is host to an extensive array of restaurants, tea shops, and Asian grocery stores. So be sure to come with a massive appetite and see where your nose takes you. Here are a few of our favorite spots.
👉 Getting There
If you can’t beg or steal your friend's car, you still have a few options. You can grab the Orange/Silver Line to Falls Church and then grab the 803 bus. Or take the Yellow Line to Old Town and catch the 29N bus. It’s a haul but I promise it’s worth it.
First, Let’s Grab Coffee
Head to the newly opened DRiP Ca Phe and grab one of their (extremely strong) Vietnamese coffees with egg foam or a pandan latte. If you’re attached to caffeine but not the coffee, then your first stop should be Tea-Do; their massive menu includes all sorts of teas, bobas, toppings, and flavors.
What To Eat
Buckle up because the list is endless. Craving hot spicy tofu soup? Head to Lighthouse Tofu. What about homey and classic Korean fare? Mandu Kimbob is the way to go (don’t let the shabby exterior fool you). Or are you just here for the Korean BBQ? If so, 9292 Korean BBQ is a religious experience. Sorimmara lets you pick out ingredients to make your own mala hot pot. And finally, for the indecisive among you, the K Market food court has everything from kimbap to donuts.
Dinner at Lighthouse Tofu. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
What To Do
If you need to kill some time between meals, you’ve got some options. Personally, I could spend hours in the Annandale K Market debating between different Korean snacks. If that's not your thing, check out Lil’ Thinkgamajigs across the street for all sorts of knick knacks, collectables, and stationery. HunterM Gaming next door is a gamers’ paradise where you can pay by the hour to play hundreds of games on their high-end equipment. And when all else fails, there is always karaoke; Cafe Tu Ah is my favorite.
One Sweet Treat To Go
Still have room? You better. A trip to Annandale isn’t complete without dessert. Soricha Tea & Theater has the best bing-soo, a Korean shaved ice dessert, with toppings like black sesame and condensed milk. Have it with one of their flower teas or matcha lattes. SnoCream Company in The Block food hall serves up wild ice cream flavors, and popular bakery chain TOUS les JOURS has an ungodly selection of cakes served by the slice.
