Avocado toast is the queen bee of “artisanal toast.” This yuppie staple doesn’t necessarily require more than two ingredients, but a range of high- and low-brow restaurants have dressed it up in all sorts of ways. Who does it best? Here are six avocado toasts, ranked.
1. Duke’s Grocery
1513 17th St. NW
Price: $11
Purists may object, but this multigrain toast ranks high thanks to its toppings. Not only is there a healthy slathering of avocado, but sriracha, radish, rocket, and a runny egg raise it to another level. Ordering a side of bacon doesn’t hurt either.
2. Barmini
855 E St. NW
Price: $6
It’s no doubt the frilliest of the bunch. But the bar snack gets points for style and substance with crunchy pan de cristal plus architecturally arranged avocado, dots of cilantro lime cashew crema, Schezuan peppercorns, chili oil, and coriander blossoms.
3. Cork Wine Bar
1720 14th St. NW
Price: $12
The OG of D.C.’s avocado toast scene is topped with pistachios, toasted pistachio oil, and sea salt. The ideal combination of creamy and crunchy, this version is a solid standby.
4. Crisp Bar + Kitchen
1837 First St. NW
Price: $9
Topped with Szechuan oil, radishes, and a runny egg, this giant among avocado toasts is enough to be a meal in and of itself. The main drawback is the bread isn’t toasted enough and ends up nearly as mushy as the avocado.
5. Slipstream
1333 14th St. NW
Price: $5.50
This avocado toast is more bread than
avocado, with a slice that’s Texas-toast thick. Unfortunately, there’s not enough goat cheese mousse or avocado to cover the whole thing.
6. The Little Beet
1212 18th St. NW
Price: $6
Rule No. 1 of avocado toast: You better use a perfectly ripe avocado. Unfortunately, this gluten-free option is marked with brown spots, and even the “fresh herbs” are wilted. The smoked salt is imperceptible.
Photos by Jessica Sidman