Local Businesses Worthy of Note

Selfish, I feel a twinge as I write about my favorite businesses, wondering if they will become more crowded and less accessible, wondering if that piece of clothing or antique lamp will be bought by someone else. But really? I’d much rather increase support of these places to ensure they don’t disappear as several others have.

To begin with, places to eat:

Mark’s Kitchen- Located in quaint downtown Takoma Park, this restaurant serves Asian, American, and vegetarian specialties. They also have an incredible variety of smoothies blended before your eyes from fresh fruit. Their “mahn doo” (potstickers) are popular. I personally enjoy the chicken avocado club sandwich. Not all the food is vegetarian, yet whether you crave edamame or beef fried rice, this is a delicious place to feast.

Franklin’s Restaurant, Brewery, and General Store- As evident from the title, this is no ordinary grub-‘n’-go. While your table waits for the kitchen to deliver your ribs or crab-dip, thai chicken satay or roasted muscles, sandwich, pizza, or even salad, (the crab dip is the only thing on this list over $10… it’s $11) you can find kitschy items for children or adults in the general store. There are joke cards, soaps, scarves, wine, plush toys, rubber chickens….. And did I mention that from the upstairs seating you can see the shiny instrument in which they brew their house beers. I highly recommend Anarchy Ale.

Dumm’s Pizza & Subs- Riverdale’s tiny gem is just a few blocks closer to the University than Franklin’s. They serve pizza, sandwiches, apparently gyros, and the best BLT. At Dumm’s corner, which is next door, you can purchase cases of beer, ice cream, and a wide variety of other snacks. There is a genuine small-town feel to the place and tasty food.

Plato’s Diner- Everyone knows Plato’s; what a relief. While I would have said several years ago that they were struggling (and they were) the recent revitalization not only created atmosphere, it also transformed the food from ‘inedible’ to ‘delicious’. I’ve heard rave reviews about the Greek section of the menu (from people who know) and I have enjoyed their pancakes, chicken-fried steak, red hot and blue burgers, and apple pie more times than I can count. With reasonable prices and proximity to the University, Plato’s will remain a favored destination.

Julia’s Empanadas- Empanadas are amazing. This tiny café serves empanadas with six different types of filling if you want something savory. There is always a vegetarian empanada of the day, and it is always delicious. They also serve dessert empanadas filled with fruit and sometimes cream cheese.

Raulins Bakery- I save the best for last. Donuts, cakes, cookies, even a sort of breakfast sandwich (sausage baked into dough). Milk and coffee are available. You can get a half-dozen donuts and a drink for about $6. These donuts are the only donuts I can eat, simply because they are so delicious that all other donuts (yes, even krispy kreme) taste over-fatty and flavorless. The dough at Raulins is flavorful, the icing is distinct (if you buy a maple donut, you will taste maple), and the texture is perfect; soft and doughy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside. The only issue in finding Raulins is that the sign humbly states “Bakery” and no more. It’s between Pho 88 and the pet store.

That’s a comprehensive list of my favorite restaurants. Look at their websites. Please do patronize them. And if you run into me there, feel free to thank me.

Also worthwhile:

Marathon Deli

Pho 88

Under the Coconut Tree