Where to Eat Whole30: A DC /Virginia Guide

Updated: 1/4/2022

See here for more about Whole30 and my favorites / a body-neutral way of looking at doing Whole30

In January of this year I spent 30 days eating whole foods on a super easy (ha!) eating plan called Whole30. Basically I couldn’t eat sugar, grains, dairy, or drink. While it’s definitely NOT easy, I’ve done it before (read more about that here) and always marveled at the amazing effect it has on my body and my mindset about food. But certainly it is REALLY hard to eat Whole30 all the time unless you spend a considerable time cooking…not always the best plan in the always-on-the-go speed of the DC area. These restaurants were my go-to’s for the last month and remain really, really, awesome even if you’re not on Whole30.

South Block

There is a South Block a block from my office…and it saved my butt so many times while doing Whole30. I’m gonna level with you…smoothies are not technically compliant…but they’re a heck of a lot more compliant than a cheeseburger or chicken tenders (which is 90% of the food near my office). They also have paleo options like acai bowls and juices that work perfectly for when you’re DYING at your desk and are starving. In addition, they have coffee with HOUSE MADE NUT MILK…to die for! Use code KALEYEAH for $4 off your first app order! 

Sweetgreen

Can you even live in this area and NOT be obsessed with the fast casual salad titan that is Sweetgreen. While you may not be able to order the famous Harvest Bowl, Sweetgreen’s app provides the PERFECT way to add all the toppings you want on your made-to-order salad…while being able to research for compliancy at the same time. Sweet! Click this link to get $3 off your first app order! 

Grateful Kitchen

This new Alexandria, Virginia spot is a godsend for my afternoon dog walks and features healthy food (like a sugarless organic and COMPLIANT hot cocoa!) and the most perfect carry out window. The location is a couple blocks from the Braddock Road metro in the cute Parker Grey neighborhood. They also have a lot of alternative mylks and nut butters. 

Busboys & Poets

This great DC chain marries literature, social justice, and farm-to-table eating in nearly every neighborhood of the city (and Arlington!). Their brunch is a DC mainstay, and features many compliant items. They also have an ever changing variety of yummy dishes and are happy to do substitutions (shout out to the B&P staff for always being so nice despite being straight up SLAMMED). This is a restaurant where everyone is happy…and it’s not crazy expensive like other brunches in DC.

LittleBeet

LittleBeet is basically a Whole30 buffet and I am here for it! Their Dupont location is the only one left in DC, sadly (they also have Manhattan locations). Their restaruants feature breakfasts as well as lunches and make picking up something because you’re just straight up sick of cooking a breeze. 

Ruthies All Day

While not EVERYTHING here is Whole30 ready, a simple meal of a protein, a green, and a potato is very achievable! They also have alternative milks for your coffee and a gluten free-specific menu. I love pretty much everything on the menu, but stick to the fish and chicken, or order you meat with sauce on the side if you’re worried about BBQ sugars! 

Did you do the Whole30 in January? I know a couple of you were tracking along with me, or doing it on your own! You’re killin’ it!