CR NoMA opened its doors not too long ago, and the restaurant’s Yelp reviews are already filled with regulars raving that this place is exactly what NOMA’s dining scene needs. Why is there so much buzz around this new place? It’s hip and modern without being stuffy or pretentious, and the bar keeps more than a dozen craft beers on tap. The food menu features plenty of modern small plates and bites like roasted beet dip with goat cheese and carrot chips, lamb meatballs with a tangy tahini sauce, and flatbreads topped with heirloom tomatoes and garlic-anchovy-infused olive oil. 

Located near your apartment in the DMV area, CR NoMA is also shaping up to be a popular brunch destination, thanks to its bottomless mimosas ($19) and innovative takes on classic dishes like cereal-crusted challah French toast (with vanilla bourbon syrup) or the pastrami, egg, and cheese sandwich served with a dollop of spicy chipotle mayo.