Visit These Obama-Approved Restaurants in Washington, DC
President Barack Obama holds up his hoagie sandwich that he purchased from David Mazza, right, co-owner of Taylor Gourmet during his visit to the local small business in the U Street neighborhood in Washington, Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Also behind the counter is Casey Patten, co-owner. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
If these restaurants are good enough for former President Barack Obama, they are sure to be good. Visit these Obama-approved restaurants for yourself!
Obama was very busy throughout his presidency, but he made time to visit many local, family-owned joints. Obama and his family headed to a wide variety of restaurants -- from high-end chic places to over-the-counter dives. Check out these Obama-approved restaurants.
Good Stuff Eatery
Good Stuff Eatery aims for the nostalgic feel of American favorites such as burgers, fries, shakes, and salads. The Obamas frequented this eatery enough that they actually had two burgers named after them. The Michelle Melt is described as a "free-range turkey burger, caramelized onions, swiss cheese, ruby tomato, lettuce, wheat bun with south lawn herb garden mayo" while the Prez Obama Burger features, "applewood bacon, onion marmalade, roquefort cheese & delicious horseradish mayo."
Where: 303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, D.C., 20003 and 3291 M Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
Kenny's Barbeque
Obama ate at this BBQ oasis with two soldiers and two local barbers. Obama enjoyed a filling meal of beef ribs, greens, black-eyed peas, rice, and a corn muffin! When Obama visited, this place was a no-frills hole in the wall. Since then, it has been redone, and the restaurant now has a modern design.
Where: 732 Maryland Avenue NE, Washington, D.C., 20002
[caption id="attachment_8341" align="aligncenter" width="648"] Courtesy of The Huffington Post[/caption]
Rose's Luxury
Obama rang in his birthday at Rose's Luxury in 2013. This restaurant has become a popular hot spot in Washington, D.C. Guests will often have to gather in long lines before the restaurant even opens to get in (being the president has some perks, and Obama got to skip the line on his visit!). Rose's Luxury features Southern food with international flairs, featuring dishes like shrimp toast and Japanese fried chicken.
Where: 717 8th Street SE, Washington, D.C., 20003
[caption id="attachment_8339" align="aligncenter" width="661"] Courtesy of BentoBox[/caption]
minibar
Michelle and Barack visited this chic joint on Valentine's Day in 2013. This restaurant is owned by José Andrés, a Spanish-American chef who specializes in the small plate concept. Make sure to book a reservation as this place only has 24 seats which face an open kitchen. If you are really hungry, you can enjoy a 20-course tasting menu.
Where: 855 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Restaurant Nora
It would make sense that the Obamas would visit Restaurant Nora, the country's first organic restaurant. Michelle Obama spearheaded an initiative to fight childhood obesity through healthy eating. This joint features gourmet entrees around the $30-$40 range.
Where: 2132 Florida Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20008
Shake Shack
Ok, this might not be a local restaurant, but Obama visited Shake Shack multiple times during his presidency. On one occasion, he and Vice President Biden even jumped behind the counter to take a photo with staff members.
Where: Throughout Washington, D.C. (notable locations include Union Station and the Nationals Park)
[caption id="attachment_8338" align="aligncenter" width="632"] Courtesy of Eater[/caption]
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana
The Obamas visited this restaurant many times throughout his presidency. This is another José Andrés restaurant that offers authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices.
Where: 401 7th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004Taylor Gourmet
Obama and Vice President Joe Biden headed over to cool sandwich shop in October of 2014. The government shutdown didn't prevent Obama from chowing down. Taylor Gourmet features salads, sandwiches, and a Philly-style cheesesteak. Obama ordered a Spruce Street (roast turkey, prosciutto, roasted red peppers, and sharp provolone).
Where: Locations throughout Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland
BLT Steak
Obama headed over to this steakhouse with Tom Hanks and Morgan Freeman. While you may never eat a meal with such an iconic group, head over to this Obama-approved restaurant for delectable steaks and traditional cocktails.
Where: 1625 I Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20006
What do you think? Have a new restaurant you want to visit? Have you already been to these joints? Let us know in the comments!