All the goodness now on 11th street:

Wonderland is great for a burger and fries and a beer
Room 11 is our go to for date night
Kangaroo Boxing Club - awesome pastrami and collard greens
Meridian Pint
Maple
El Chucho
Red Rocks
The Coupe

We also love the vietnamese at Pho Viet on 14th/Meridian
Taqueria DF
Mama Chuy
Fish in the Neighborhood - heard good things
Chez Billy - also good date night on Georgia Avenue
Highlands Cafe

I like RAS which is right by Fusion and Moroni Brother's (both of which I also like). RAS is Ethiopian/Jamaican and is very reasonably priced.

While I haven't been there, Chez Billy is near the Petworth Metro. It is a bit upscale and gets good reviews.

Also, almost next to Meridian Pint is the Kangaroo Bicycle Club (KBC) that is good. Friends have said good things about Maple which is also right around there.

I live in Brightwood and am looking for some good spots closer to home. Have explored upper Georgial/Takoma/Takoma Park/Silver Spring but looking for other joints in DC south of us but north of U Street. North of Columbia Heights Metro could work too. Willing to try the following, but what if any am I missing?

Red Derby
Highlands Cafe
Fusion
Moroni Brother's Pizza
Flip It Bakery and Deli
Qualia Coffee
Domku
Meridian Pint
Room 11
Red Rocks Pizza
The Hitching Post