100 Very Best Restaurants 2025
57

Thip Khao & Padaek

Photograph by Andrew Noh.
Arlington, Columbia Heights, Falls Church
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Laotian
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Seng Luangrath brought fiery Laotian cuisine into the DC spotlight when she opened Columbia Heights’ Thip Khao in 2014, and the place is as good as ever. We never skip the crispy-rice salad or the umami-bomb beef jerky, but there are always tasty specials to explore—crab-and-scallion noodles wowed on our last visit. At Virginia’s Padaek siblings, well-executed Thai staples share space with Laotian dishes.
Price
Based on dinner for two, including tax and 20-percent tip:
Inexpensive: $100 or less
Locations
Thip Khao : 3462 14th St NW, Washington DC, 20010
Padaek Arlington : 2931 S Glebe Rd, Arlington Virginia, 22206
Padaek Falls Church : 6395 Seven Corners Center, Falls Church Virginia, 22044