876 Cafe, Washington

Named after the telephone code for Jamaica, 876 Cafe establishes a direct connection between American cuisine and Caribbean zest. Chefs pan-roast fillets of black bass before dressing them with beurre blanc sauce made with ackee, a Jamaican fruit known for its creamy texture. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee steeps into steaks served with mashed sweet potatoes, and grilled pork chops come covered in a flavorful mango glaze. Brunch entrees include the Van Ness Benedict, which pairs poached eggs and applewood bacon with curried tomato hollandaise and sautéed callaloo greens, giving diners a reason to wake up early that is more compelling than their swinging-mallet alarm clock. Ukeleles and paintings by local artists hang on sunny yellow walls, and white tablecloths swath the restaurant's tables.