We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Get food delivered

Ratings and reviews

RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

PRICE RANGE
$15 - $20
CUISINES
American, Cafe
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
View all details
meals, features

Location and contact

1.6 miles from Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
Improve this listing
Reviews (54)
Filter reviews
54 results
Traveler rating
31
17
5
0
1
Traveler type
Time of year
LanguageEnglish
Traveler rating
31
17
5
0
1
See what travelers are saying:
Sort and selected filters
Sort FilterEnglish
Updating list...
Reviewed January 8, 2020 via mobile

The small cafe style eatery is good for a quick brunch and a light dinner with a neighborhood clientele, mostly couples, friends, and solos. The food is quite tasty, especially the blackened tilapia, ginger shrimp pasta, and cajun jambalaya pasta. It has take out as...well as in house service. The service is usually fine.More

Date of visit: December 2019
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed January 7, 2020 via mobile

This restaurant is in historical DC on upper 14th Street. The changes in the neighborhood are welcomed and it brings lots of good eats like this location. When I first walked in to meet with my friends I was a little unsure of where I...had agreed to eat lunch. Very small two long wooden tables and maybe 6 small tables and a counter across the front window. With bar stools. The staff is friendly but you have to ask questions about the menu which they answered with no extra flair, it is what it is. You place you're order at the register, they give you a number and bring your food to you. I ordered the red drum fish. It came with some really good fries and Mayo cold slaw. Very pretty presentation. I wish I had googled before I ordered the fish... One bite and I knew it was a bottom feeder. So if you like cat fish you will love this fish the texture is meaty. The tables are really close so there's no privacy but I loved the neighborhood feel. I'm sorry I didn't think to take photos but the shrimp and grits someone else ordered and burgers looked delish!More

Date of visit: January 2020
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed June 29, 2019 via mobile

We were out looking for a place to have dinner and decided to try Highlands. We were pleasantly surprised by the great atmosphere and welcoming staff. We enjoy some drinks at a great price for DC standards and some delicious food. I had the salmon...and my husband had the curry chicken, both outstanding! We liked it so much we went there back for breakfast which was also delicious! A hidden gem in DC! Gracias por todo!More

Date of visit: June 2019
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed June 4, 2019 via mobile

This restaurant was recommended by our Air B&B host and he did not steer us wrong! The service is friendly, there is fresh coffee, the food is fantastic, and fast! Great local cafe for fast, fresh, food with generous portions.

Date of visit: June 2019
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed March 20, 2019

After much research on the best "Chicken and Waffles," we chose Highlands to celebrate the birthday of my nephew. We loved the cozy atmosphere and the service was great ! It was a peaceful respite from the typical loud restaurant these days, which allowed for...good conversation. And the food.. everything was just superb! We ordered a variety: Homemade dumplings and fried green tomatoes shouldn't be missed. Then there was the beef short ribs, Juanita's enchilada platter (loved the cheese sauce and the tender tortillas), crab cake (not overly fried tasting), cajun pasta, and salmon, and of course the chicken and waffles! All the sides that came with food were really good. I will not forget the sweet potatoes and my sister loved the green beans. Also, wine was only $5. I can't wait for our next visit!More

Date of visit: March 2019
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed February 13, 2019 via mobile

I love this place small quaint little place. The food is very very good! The only downside is that it is very small so they can not accommodate large groups very well. But if you are in the area and want a good meal, they...will not disappoint!More

Date of visit: February 2019
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed October 23, 2018 via mobile

I ordered a delicious shrimp curry here along with a good glass of reasonably priced Argentinian wine. Also tried fried green tomatoes. The menu vacillated between familiar choices and some more exciting specials. The lovely mural in the wall, friendly staff and generally cheerful environment...gave the place a great ambience. Some of the cakes behind the counter looked quite tasty though I was too full to try them.More

Date of visit: October 2018
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed September 4, 2018 via mobile

My wife and I are staying briefly with my daughter and her husband in DC and they took us to this tiny restaurant around the corner for dinner. Oh my goodness...the cajun gumbo was simply superb. Not to mention the owner was so welcoming and...the family atmosphere so friendly. Made the entire evening a delightful memory.More

Date of visit: September 2018
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed May 31, 2018

The chicken and waffles are the bomb! I have had several things on the menu I love the breakfast here this is a must try!

Date of visit: March 2018
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed May 28, 2018

Ate brunch here with friends who live in the area. Unassuming from the outside, but great food and service inside. Not a lot of seating but lots of people coming and going. Chicken and waffles were a great choice and serving portion was large. Also...a nice selection of coffee-shop drinks (coffee, espresso, chai, mocha, etc).More

Date of visit: April 2018
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed May 24, 2018 via mobile

This small quaint restaurant provided a delicious meal. It was so good, I couldn’t put my fork down. The salmon was cooked to perfection. It was flaky and moist which melted in my palate. Just heavenly.

Date of visit: May 2018
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed February 24, 2018 via mobile

Great breakfast (try the Juanita’s breakfast for a terrific authentic flavor), great coffee, authentic neighborhood feel, cool music, great vibe, and good prices. You just can’t find a better breakfast in DC.

Date of visit: February 2018
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed January 28, 2018

This little hidden gem on 14th Street is one of the best places to experience soul food. The menu is small but the variety is outstanding from chicken and waffles for breakfast to sandwiches, salads, and great southern gumbo and shrimp and grits. Staff is...friendly and service is quick.More

Date of visit: January 2018
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed November 12, 2017 via mobile

Small and laid back defines Highlands. The food is excellent, staff attentive, and service is unreal quick(by the time you order and sit food is on the way). All entrees around $10-12. Nice murals on walls to muse at, good music, and alcohol.

Date of visit: November 2017
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed July 6, 2017

A local recommended this place to me as a perfect place for coffee and/or brunch and I could not have been happier. The food was delicious, the blended/iced coffee refreshing on a hot day and the vibe welcoming: a great mix of cool, neighborhood warmth....You can tell this a locals place aimed at serving the community which is does with aplomb. While this place is best reached by car, I highly recommend making your way here for a great casual meal reflective of the great community surrounding 14th Street Heights.More

Date of visit: June 2017
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
View more reviews
Best nearby
Best nearby hotelsSee all
Motel 6 Washington DC
130 reviews
1.73 miles away
Days Inn by Wyndham Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue
2,461 reviews
1.75 miles away
The LINE DC
539 reviews
1.78 miles away
Omni Shoreham Hotel
521 reviews
2.04 miles away
Best nearby restaurantsSee all
Smoky's
.02 miles away
Athena Grill
.02 miles away
Atxondo
3 reviews
.03 miles away
Best nearby attractionsSee all
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
1,287 reviews
1.09 miles away
President Lincoln's Cottage
558 reviews
1.12 miles away
National World War I Memorial
19 reviews
1.01 miles away
Rock Creek Cemetery
13 reviews
1.15 miles away
Questions & Answers
Ask a question
reinarc
June 10, 2016|
AnswerShow all 2 answers
Response from Prawet J | Reviewed this property |
I went at night and no table outside then. I know they have a few tables on the side walk. As a rule of thumb, I saw people with dogs on the side walk seating in other places. If you have to tie the dog at a post, the... More
0
Votes
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing

HIGHLANDS CAFE & GRILL, Washington DC - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Order Online Food Delivery - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Highlands Cafe & Grill

Yes, Highlands Cafe & Grill offers takeout services.

Highlands Cafe & Grill is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Atmosphere: 4