With summer over, Hoyas will descend on campus ready to figure out how best to avoid Leo’s while also avoiding starvation. Lucky, Georgetown restaurateurs provided a solution. M Street boasts an ample selection of Zagat-rated restaurants that you can explore, but, for those looking for a quick meal (and maybe some munchies), many new selections made their way in over the summer.
Hillterns are already familiar with the Good Stuff Eatery, which has a location on Capitol Hill. Newly opened this summer, the M Street location of Good Stuff is looking like a force to be reckoned with. They have a sizable selection of burgers, including a gloriously unhealthy vegetarian choice that comes with a deep-fried, cheese-stuffed mushroom patty. They’ve also got some delicious fries, seasoned to perfection, with dip options from ketchup to Sriracha mayonnaise. Then, of course, there are the shakes. Handspun and topped with a scoop of homemade whipped cream, the shake may just be worth the $6 you drop for it. Among their quirky flavors are the Toasted Marshmallow, Soursop Hop Strawberry, and Salty Caramel Kiss.
On Wisconsin, Noodles & Company has set up shop. The pasta chain’s signature dish is the truffle mac plate, but the penne rosa is definitely worth trying. The service isn’t the best, even when they’re not busy, but the restaurant itself is reasonably priced. Unlike most other fast food pasta chains, you’ll have the option of getting a smaller plate. Because the noodle house is far enough from campus that you won’t be distracted by friends but close enough that you can walk on a nice day, it also makes a nice study space.
Fans of Southeast Asian cuisine might also enjoy ShopHouse at the end of M. The new quick-meal joint will give patrons the option of different kinds of rice and toppings mixed in a bowl, á la Chipotle burrito bowl. It’s hit or miss depending on how much you care about the authenticity of your Asian food, but it’s worth checking out before ruling it out. Don’t count on getting a lot of work done here, however: the restaurant doesn’t have a free Wi-Fi connection for its customers.
Further into the city, pizzeria Quick Fuel opened on Pennsylvania Ave this summer. Costumers can make their own pizza or select one of the pre-chosen menu options. The pie is then made in two minutes behind the counter.
Closer to students on 14th street, Ted’s Bulletin, a comfort food and breakfast joint opened up a second location. Adams Morgan, one of the neighborhoods now accessible via weekend nighttime GUTS buses, also had the openings of Persian restaurant Meat in a Box and lounge Libertine. The latter has a bistro, but will be better known for their extensive collection of absinthe drinks.
Even with all these new offerings that came over summer, it’s important to remember the ones we’ve lost. Those of us who stayed in D.C. mourned the loss of Tuscany’s. This September, hoards of freshmen will flock to Prospect searching for parties yet again, but you won’t see the Class of 2017 stumbling back to Georgetown with those huge slices of pizza.
