Why go: The whimsical decor is a nice backdrop for the diners who chat on vintage couches and dig into hearty plates of Scandinavian and Slavic comfort food.
What to get: Abelskiver, Danish powdered-sugar-dusted pancake balls (weekends only); pyt i panna, Swedish hash of potato, carrot, onion, and ham or salmon topped with an egg; grilled cheese sandwich with white cheddar and chilies; Swedish meatballs with tart lingonberry jam; chicken-and-red-pepper goulash.
Best for: A good cup of coffee while working on a laptop in the morning; a sandwich at lunch; a gathering of friends after work to knock back any of the 12 aquavit-based cocktails.
Insider tip: A server recently admitted that on Sundays or Tuesdays you might be greeted with a long list of things the kitchen is out of. Note to vegetarians: Many entrées have meatless alternatives.
Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner, Thursday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch.
>> See all 2009 Cheap Eats restaurants here
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
