In April 2022, Jasmine Whittington, one of my favorite journalists (also a fellow Bishop McNamara HS), tweeted an ask for a DMV food blogger to create a list of wheelchair-accessible restaurants and activities in the area. I thought it was a great opportunity to create something helpful and needed in the area. In my research, I’ve found that it’s hard to verify whether a place is wheelchair-accessible because 1. some phone numbers just give info about the restaurant or business without the option to talk to someone 2. a lot of map app listings will show that a place is wheelchair-accessible when they’re actually not 3. most, if not all, of the restaurants I’ve researched thus far do not say whether they’re wheelchair-accessible.
This search made me realize how much of a disservice it is to not include pertinent information like wheelchair accessibility. I hate to admit that it’s something I didn’t start asking until I started this list. It’s now one of the important details I’ve started including in my blog posts.
Below is a running list of restaurants, shops, and activities that are wheelchair-accessible in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. I’ve verified this information by phone, email, or extensive research. I will add more as more places respond to my messages.
*Note: Listings with an asterisk (*) are places that I’ve personally tried.
Last updated on March 10, 2023
Washington, D.C.
Blagden Alley
Calico
50 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001 | calicodc.com
Gastropub
- The bar, restrooms, and upper patio at Calico are all located on one level and are ADA-accessible
- The ADA-accessible door is on the 10th Street side of Calico
- Not necessary to call ahead, but they would gladly welcome a call to ensure they give all guests the warmest welcome possible
Bloomingdale
The Red Hen
1822 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20001 | theredhendc.com/
Italian cuisine; dinner time frame only
- Front door has a step, so use the side entrance
- all interior parts of the restaurant are one-level and wheelchair accessible
- both restrooms are single occupancy and meet ADA requirements
Capitol Hill
Restaurants / Shops
Call Your Mother Deli *
701 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 | callyourmotherdeli.com/
Bagels, plus challah & rye sandwiches, latkes, and cookies
Cathedral Heights
Barcelona Wine Bar
3310 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 | barcelonawinebar.com/location/cathedral-heights/
Spanish small plates and wine
- Offers happy hour, brunch, and dinner
- Only accepts credit and debit cards (cashless)
Chinatown
Yard House
812 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 | yardhouse.com/locations/dc/washington/washington-dc-chinatown/
American cuisine, sports bar; vegetarian options
Cleveland Park
2Amys Neapolitan Pizzeria
3715 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC 20016 | 2amyspizza.com/
Wood-oven pizzeria; Neapolitan-style pies and Italian wine
- Has a ramp
- No reservations
Dupont Circle
Call Your Mother Deli *
3428 O Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007 | callyourmotherdeli.com/
Bagels, plus challah & rye sandwiches, latkes, and cookies
Teddy & The Bully Bar
1200 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 | teddyandthebullybar.com
American cuisine
- Wheelchair-accessible through the front entryway
- No special arrangements need to be made
- Has a ramp
- Closed on Mondays
- Offers Sunday brunch
- Has happy hour Tuesday through Saturday
Foggy Bottom
Restaurants/Shops
Founding Farmers DC
1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20006 | wearefoundingfarmers.com/location/dc/
- Fully accessible
- If you have any access concerns or needs in dining, you can make a note when making your online reservation, contact us in advance of your reservation using the form above, or let us know when you arrive
- Near White House
- Street parking; Colonial Parking nearby
Tigerella
2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006 | tigerelladc.com
Italian cuisine
- Not required to call to make arrangements, but it would be helpful to let the restaurant know in advance so they can prepare a table that would be comfortable for the guest
Things to Do
Kennedy Center
2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566 | kennedy-center.org
- All entrances to the building, theaters, restaurants, and gift shops are accessible
- More info on elevators and contacts can be found on the website here
Georgetown
Restaurants / Shops
Farmers Fishers Bakers
3000 K St NW, The Washington, Washington, DC 20007 (Harbor at The Georgetown Waterfront)
Farm-inspired American cuisine; sushi, cocktails
- If you have any access concerns or needs in dining, you can make a note when making your online reservation, contact us in advance of your reservation using the form above, or let us know when you arrive
- One level, including a full bar, dining room, outside patio, and restrooms
- Outside of the restaurant, there are several stairs from the plaza level with a ramp available to the left side of the patio
il Canale
1065 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007 | ilcanale.com
Pizza, pasta, and antipasti
- Has wheelchair accessible tables
- When you arrive at the front door, the hostess will get a wheelchair-accessible ramp so you can enter the restaurant.
- Can also call us to give the restaurant a heads up so the ramp will be ready faster
Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place
3000 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007 | tonyandjoes.com
- All parts of the restaurant are wheelchair-accessible.
- Has a ramp
Things to Do
Dumbarton Oaks Museum
1703 32nd St NW, Washington, DC 20007
- Free access to the museum but must get tickets – buy here
The Escape Game D.C.
3345 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 | theescapegame.com/dc/
- Not all games are accessible
- The sign may say “Escape Room Live”
Hill East
Caruso’s Grocery D.C.
914 14th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 | carusosgrocery.com
Italian cuisine
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Vestibule with double doors is the only obstruction
- Call ahead of time so they can get the guest the most comfortable table (not required but helpful)
H Street
Maketto
1351 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002 | maketto1351.com
Cambodian and Taiwanese cuisine
- Notice isn’t required, but nice to know if any guest needs any accommodation
- Closed Sundays and Mondays
Logan Circle / Near Logan Circle
All Souls Bar
725 T St NW, Washington, DC 20001 | allsoulsbar.com
Craft beers, wines, and simple cocktails
Barcelona Wine Bar
1622 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 | barcelonawinebar.com/location/14th-street/
Spanish small plates and wine
- Offers happy hour, brunch, and dinner
- Only accepts credit and debit cards (cashless)
Call Your Mother Deli *
1471 P Street N, Washington, DC 20005 | callyourmotherdeli.com/
Bagels, plus challah & rye sandwiches, latkes, and cookies
Etto
1541 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 | ettodc.com
Wood-fired pizza and wine
- Wheelchair accessible through the door on the patio to the left of the front door on 14th Street; there are signs
- No advance arrangements needed
- Closed on Mondays
- A 20% pre-tax service fee is included with all orders and goes directly toward the staff
Le Diplomate
1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 | lediplomatedc.com/
French cuisine
- Advance notice is not required but would help them secure a table in a less foot-trafficked area
- Ample seating in the main dining room as well as on the patio
Mount Vernon Square
Farmers & Distillers
600 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 | farmersanddistillers.com
Distillery and eatery that serves American cuisine, craft cocktails
- If you have any access concerns or needs in dining, you can make a note when making your online reservation, contact us in advance of your reservation using the form above, or let us know when you arrive
- Weekday breakfast
- Weekend buffet brunch
Unconventional Diner
1207 Ninth St NW, Washington, DC 20001 | unconventionaldiner.com/
American cuisine
Mount Vernon Triangle
bartaco
1025 5th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 | bartaco.com
- Making prior arrangements isn’t required, but you can let the restaurant know ahead of time if you’d like
L’Ardente
200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 | lardente.com/
Italian cuisine, brunch
- Has an ADA wheelchair-accessible elevator available for guests to use
- Read FAQ page for more info – lardente.com/faq
The Smith
901 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004 | thesmithrestaurant.com/
Upscale American cuisine; specialty drinks, brunch
Navy Yard
Albi
1346 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 | albidc.com
Middle Eastern cuisine
- 1 star (Michelin Guide, 2022)
- All seating aside from the elevated bar seats can accommodate a wheelchair
- No advance notice is needed, but it is helpful to have it for the Chef’s Table at the Hearth dining experience since it’s in the kitchen
- Closed Sunday – Monday
Near Tidal Basin
Things to Do
Artechouse
1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 | artechouse.com/location/dc/
- Fully accessible
Hirshorn Museum
Independence Ave SW & 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560 | hirshhorn.si.edu/
Modern & contemporary art
- Free
- Has manual wheelchairs that can be used in the building, free of charge. Ask at the Information Desk or Security Desk in the Lobby.
International Spy Museum
700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024 | spymuseum.org
- Building is fully accessible
- Elevators provide access to all floors and exhibits
- Some interactives require physical endurance
- All restrooms in the Museum complex are accessible. Family/companion restrooms are located on all the museum’s public floors.
- All theaters include wheelchair locations
- A limited number of manually operated wheelchairs may be borrowed at the Information Desk on a first-come, first-served basis. The museum requests that guests leave a photo ID at the Information Desk while using the wheelchairs.
- “All visitors will be required to pass through a security checkpoint at all Museum public entrances. This may include a hand-check of bags and walking through a metal detector. Those unable to walk through the metal detector will be hand-screened with an electronic security wand by authorized personnel.”
National Museum of African American History and Culture
1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560 | nmaahc.si.edu/
- Free timed-entry passes are required. Get yours here.
- Manual wheelchairs (standard and bariatric-sized) are located near the Madison Drive entrance and are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no fees to borrow. Ask for one at the Welcome Desk.
- Per their website: “The suggested route through the History Galleries is to start on the C1 level and end at the C3 level. Visitors may enter through the Galleries’ exit located on the Concourse level, view the exhibits and then use the elevator at the C3 level to return to the Concourse. The route presents a reverse chronological experience but some visitors may find it to be less fatiguing.”
- Fewer crowds in the winter and fall months.
- nmaahc.si.edu/visit/accessibility-options
Near White House
Old Ebbitt Grill
675 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005 | ebbitt.com/
American cuisine
- All except the Cabinet Room (used for private events) is wheelchair accessible
Park View
Call Your Mother Deli *
3301 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010 | callyourmotherdeli.com/
Bagels, plus challah & rye sandwiches, latkes, and cookies
Penn Quarter
Restaurants
Boqueria Penn Quarter *
777 9th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001 | boqueriarestaurant.com/
Spanish restaurant and tapas bar
The Capital Grille
601 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 | thecapitalgrille.com/locations/dc/washington/washington-dc/
American cuisine
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana
401 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 | oyamel.com
Mexican tapas
- Main level is wheelchair-accessible
- Also serves brunch on the weekend
Things to Do
Ford’s Theatre
511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 | fords.org
Info per Ford’s Theatre’s website:
- Elevators – access the lower-level museum and the balcony levels of the theatre via an elevator in the main lobby. The Aftermath Exhibits and the back porch of the Petersen House can be accessed using an elevator in the lobby of the Center for Education and Leadership
- Accessible seating for mainstage performances in the rear orchestra and the balcony sections of the theatre online can be purchased by phone at (888) 616-0270 or in-person at the Box Office
- All seats in the theatre, with the exception of the accessible seating areas, require the use of stairs
National Gallery of Art
Constitution Ave NW & 6th St, Washington, DC 20565 | nga.gov/
- Free
- Use the 6th Street entrance to enter the West Building and the 4th Street entrance to enter the East Building. They both have ramps to accommodate wheelchairs.
- Elevators at these entrances provide access to galleries and public areas
National Portrait Gallery
8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001 | npg.si.edu/
- Enter and exit through the entrance at 8th and G Streets NW
- Elevators access all parts of the building
- All restrooms and water fountains are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchairs are available. Ask the security officer stationed at the G Street entrance to borrow one.
Shaw
Ambar – Shaw
1547 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 | ambarrestaurant.com
Balkan cuisine, regional spirits
- No prior arrangements need to be made
- Has unlimited brunch, lunch, and dinner menu options
Causa | Amazonia
920 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001 | causadc.com/
Peruvian cuisine; dinner only
- Closed on Mondays
- Fully accessible for patrons with disabilities including wheelchairs
- Notice isn’t required but would help Causa create a more seamless experience to avoid unknowingly seating a patron at a high-top table
Skyland
Roaming Rooster *
2710 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, DC 20020 | roamingroosterdc.com
Fried chicken sandwiches; salads
- Staff is always ready to assist and accommodate customers
- Black-owned
- Also serves breakfast
Trinidad
Ivy City Smokehouse
1356 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002 | tavern.ivycitysmokehouse.com
Seafood, BBQ
- Michelin-starred
Union Market
1309 Fifth St NE, Washington, DC 20002 | unionmarketdc.com/
- The rooftop may not be accessible
- Has its own parking lot
U Street Corridor
Roaming Rooster *
1301 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 | roamingroosterdc.com
Fried chicken sandwiches; salads
- Staff is always ready to assist and accommodate customers
- Black-owned
- Also serves breakfast
Wesley Heights
West End
Call Your Mother Deli *
1143 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037 | callyourmotherdeli.com/
Bagels, plus challah & rye sandwiches, latkes, and cookies
Casta’s Rum Bar
1121 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037 | castasrumbar.com/
Cuban cuisine
- Did not answer the phone, but other sources say that it is wheelchair-accessible
Western Market
Roaming Rooster *
2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Stall #6, Washington, DC 20006 | roamingroosterdc.com
Fried chicken sandwiches; salads
- Staff is always ready to assist and accommodate customers
- Black-owned
- Also serves breakfast
The Wharf
bartaco
645 Wharf St SW, Suite 835, Washington, DC 20024 (Floor 1) | bartaco.com
- Making prior arrangements isn’t required, but you can let the restaurant know ahead of time if you’d like
Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips
The Wharf, 665 Wharf St SW Suite 730, Washington, DC 20024 | gordonramsayrestaurants.com/en/us/fish-and-chips/locations/dc-the-wharf
British-style fish & chips
Woodridge
Roaming Rooster *
3176 Bladensburg Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018 | roamingroosterdc.com
Fried chicken sandwiches; salads
- Staff is always ready to assist and accommodate customers
- Black-owned
- Also serves breakfast
Maryland
Bethesda
Restaurants / Shops
Persimmon
7003 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815 | persimmonrestaurant.com
American cuisine
- Small restaurant with 14 tables
- Make a reservation on OpenTable and leave a note saying that you need a table for wheelchair access
Pike & Rose
Call Your Mother Deli *
11807 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD 20852 | callyourmotherdeli.com/
Bagels, plus challah & rye sandwiches, latkes, and cookies
Read my review of Call Your Mother Deli’s Pike & Rose location here.
Caruso’s Grocery Pike & Rose
11820 Trade St, North Bethesda, MD 20852 | carusosgrocery.com/pikeandrose
Italian cuisine
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Vestibule with double doors is the only obstruction
- Call ahead of time so they can get the guest the most comfortable table (not required but helpful)
Hello Betty
940 Rose Ave, North Bethesda, MD 20852 | hellobettybethesda.com/
Surf and skate-inspired seafood restaurant
- Located inside Canopy Hotel
- Use the elevator to get to the restaurant
JINYA Ramen Bar
910 Prose St, North Bethesda, MD 20852 | jinyaramenbar.com/
- Access the ramp by using the walkway
- Tables can be made wheelchair-accessible
Nada
11886 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD 20852 | eatdrinknada.com/location/north-bethesda/
Mexican-inspired cuisine
- Call ahead Friday through Sunday because it can be busy: 301-770-4040
Roaming Rooster *
11586 Old Georgetown Rd, North Bethesda, MD 20852 | roamingroosterdc.com
Fried chicken sandwiches; salads
- Staff is always ready to assist and accommodate customers
- Black-owned
- Also serves breakfast
Summer House Santa Monica
11825 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD 20852 | summerhouserestaurants.com/
- Main revolving door is used but there are two doors that can be opened for wheelchair access
- The majority of tables are accessible
Gaithersburg
Roaming Rooster *
511 Quince Orchard Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 | roamingroosterdc.com
Fried chicken sandwiches; salads
- Staff is always ready to assist and accommodate customers
- Black-owned
- Also serves breakfast
Potomac
MoCo’s Founding Farmers
12505 Park Potomac Ave, Potomac, MD 20854 (Floor 1) wearefoundingfarmers.com/location/moco/
Farm-to-table; American cuisine
- If you have any access concerns or needs in dining, you can make a note when making your online reservation, contact us in advance of your reservation using the form above, or let us know when you arrive
Virginia
Alexandria
Ada’s on The River *
3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314 | adasontheriver.com/
American cuisine and craft cocktails
Read my review about Ada’s on the River here.
Cafe 44
44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 401, Alexandria, VA 22314 | cafe44.com/
American cuisine
- Call ahead so arrangements can be made for your table
- Has a ramp
- If you’re interested in the patio, the person in the wheelchair would need assistance from a person in their party or one of the staff members since there is a slight level change.
Chart House
1 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA 22314 | chart-house.com/location/chart-house-alexandria-va/
High-end chain eatery serving seafood & steakhouse fare
- Ramp available
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap
401 E Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22301 | lenaswoodfire.com
Wood-fired pizza, Italian fare; beer, wine, and cocktails
- Wheelchair accessible on both of our dining floors
- Use the elevator to access the Loft on the second floor
- The parking lot also has accessible parking spaces. The curbs have ramp access points for wheelchairs.
Arlington
Ambar – Clarendon
2901 Wilsons Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 | ambarrestaurant.com
Balkan cuisine, regional spirits
- Has an elevator that takes you from the main dining room to the speakeasy in the basement
- Has unlimited brunch, lunch, and dinner menu options
Lyon Hall
3100 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 | lyonhallarlington.com
French-German brasserie
- Let them know by leaving a note on your reservation using Open Table or before your arrival so they can accommodate
- Offers weekend brunch and happy hour
Nicecream *
2831 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 | nicecream.com/
Ice cream made with liquid nitrogen
- Call ahead for wheelchair assistance so an employee can open and hold the door
- Read my review about Nicecream here.
Burke
Roaming Rooster *
6417 Shiplett Blvd, Burke, VA 22015 | roamingroosterdc.com
Fried chicken sandwiches; salads
- Staff is always ready to assist and accommodate customers
- Black-owned
- Also serves breakfast
Chantilly
Roaming Rooster *
14394 Chantilly Crossing Ln, Chantilly, VA 20151 | roamingroosterdc.com
Fried chicken sandwiches; salads
- Staff is always ready to assist and accommodate customers
- Black-owned
- Also serves breakfast
Reston
Barcelona Wine Bar
12023 Town Square St, Reston, VA 20190 | barcelonawinebar.com/location/reston/
Spanish small plates and wine
- Offers happy hour, brunch, and dinner
- Only accepts credit and debit cards (cashless)
The Capital Burger
11853 Market Street, Reston, VA 20190 | thecapitalburger.com/locations/va/reston/reston-va
Luxe burgers and spiked shakes
- Also serves breakfast
Founding Farmers Reston Station
1904 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston, VA 20190 | wearefoundingfarmers.com/location/reston/
Farm-to-table; American cuisine
- If you have any access concerns or needs in dining, you can make a note when making your online reservation, contact us in advance of your reservation using the form above, or let us know when you arrive
Tysons Corner
Founding Farmers Tysons
1800 Tysons Blvd, Tysons, VA 22102 (Tysons Galleria, Floor 1)
wearefoundingfarmers.com/location/tysons/
Farm-to-table; American cuisine
- If you have any access concerns or needs in dining, you can make a note when making your online reservation, contact us in advance of your reservation using the form above, or let us know when you arrive
Jiwa Singapora
1702u The Galleria at Tysons II, Floor 3M, McLean, VA 22102 | jiwasingapura.com/
Singaporean cuisine; dinner only
- Nearly every table is accessible
- Also has bar seating that is wheelchair-accessible
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Roaming Rooster *
1500 Cornerside Blvd Suite E, Tysons, VA 22182 | roamingroosterdc.com
Fried chicken sandwiches, salads
- Staff is always ready to assist and accommodate customers
- Black-owned
- Also serves breakfast
- Free 2-hour parking available
Foodish Ways 