When the Route 1 corridor’s restaurant scene first started to take off, it was because D.C. restaurants like Busboys and Poets were coming up here.

Now, Route 1 is sending some of its best to D.C.

After a very successful year amid the coronavirus pandemic, Brentwood’s Little Miner Taco is opening a takeout-only spot at 3514 12th St. NE in Brookland which will also serve chef-owner Mackenzie Kitburi’s Little Fire Bird hot chicken sandwiches.

Meantime, Riverdale Park’s acclaimed 2Fifty Texas BBQ will open a smaller operation under the name 2fiftys inside D.C.’s Union Market food hall in mid-May, with help from their new 1,000-gallon wood smoker.

2Fifty was recently named No. 2 on Eater D.C.’s list of 38 “standout dining destinations” around the D.C. area.

Also on the list, at No. 24, is The Consulate, the upscale D.C. version of longtime Beltsville restaurant Swahili Village — another Route 1 eatery that’s made the trip south.

With the Route 1 corridor now an established foodie haven, it makes sense that it is serving as an incubator for the greater D.C. restaurant scene.

With lower rents, food halls in Brentwood and soon Riverdale Park as well and a robust local customer base, it’s a great place to get started.

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