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Barack Obama

Where the Obamas dined during the 44th presidency

Robert DiGIacomo
Special for USA TODAY
Then President-elect Barack Obama stops to eat in Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C. in January 2009.

During two terms in office, President Obama has earned the title of diner in chief, one headline-making meal after another.

The president and First Lady, Michelle Obama, have made it a point to eat out regularly over the past eight years, living up to expectations that they would expand the Washington, D.C. power dining scene beyond traditional white tablecloth spots.

The Obamas celebrated anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day and date nights at all kinds of restaurants — from those owned by celebrity chefs, like José Andrés, to farm-to-table spots showcasing local ingredients to the most upscale of steakhouses. They've chowed down on burgers and pizza with their daughters, broken bread with heads of state, their staff and regular folks, and sampled everything from North Carolina barbecue to Hawaiian poke during their travels around the country.

Living in the White House fishbowl has its drawbacks — the Obamas can’t just hop in an Uber any time they feel like trying the hot new restaurant down the street. But they never have to worry about getting shut out on a Saturday night on OpenTable, either. When the White House calls, there’s a good chance of getting a booking, no matter how last-minute.

Browse the gallery above to check out some of the places where the Obamas dined in Washington, D.C. and around the country throughout the 44th presidency.

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