Guidebook for Washington
Food Scene
Wood-fired Italian eats in a romantic atmosphere and an amazing wine menu. The restaurant only takes a few reservations, otherwise it is first-come-first-serve so go early - like 5 or 5:30 pm to snag a table or sit at the bar. OR, walk down, put your name in and then walk over to Boundary Stone, Rustic or Crisp for a beverage while you wait. They'll text you when your table is ready. Note that sometimes the wait can be 2 hours if you don't get there early. So, go before you get hungry... then go have a cocktail. :)
359 recommandé par les habitants
The Red Hen
1822 1st St NWWood-fired Italian eats in a romantic atmosphere and an amazing wine menu. The restaurant only takes a few reservations, otherwise it is first-come-first-serve so go early - like 5 or 5:30 pm to snag a table or sit at the bar. OR, walk down, put your name in and then walk over to Boundary Stone, Rustic or Crisp for a beverage while you wait. They'll text you when your table is ready. Note that sometimes the wait can be 2 hours if you don't get there early. So, go before you get hungry... then go have a cocktail. :)
Indoor market which has several food choices, specialty foods and a few shops -- perfect for lunch or a rainy day. Try the amazing crab cake and oysters at Rappahanock Oyster Co. Just up the block from Union Market is the Angelika Theater if you want to catch a flick (https://www.angelikafilmcenter.com/dc)
906 recommandé par les habitants
Union Market
1309 5th St NEIndoor market which has several food choices, specialty foods and a few shops -- perfect for lunch or a rainy day. Try the amazing crab cake and oysters at Rappahanock Oyster Co. Just up the block from Union Market is the Angelika Theater if you want to catch a flick (https://www.angelikafilmcenter.com/dc)
Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar has authentic ramen, plus great cocktails, fun vibe and great outdoor seating if perfect for a sunny afternoon or warm evening.
113 recommandé par les habitants
Chaplin's Restaurant
1501 9th Street NorthwestJapanese restaurant and cocktail bar has authentic ramen, plus great cocktails, fun vibe and great outdoor seating if perfect for a sunny afternoon or warm evening.
Probably the best tasting coffee locally -- and made here in DC. There's one on 7th very close to the Giant if you need to pick up some groceries for later after your coffee.
174 recommandé par les habitants
Compass Coffee
1535 7th St NWProbably the best tasting coffee locally -- and made here in DC. There's one on 7th very close to the Giant if you need to pick up some groceries for later after your coffee.
There are 2 Compass Coffees within walking distance. This location is in the Shay building -- which has some fun, more upscale clothing as well as a Warby Parker.
174 recommandé par les habitants
Compass Coffee
1535 7th St NWThere are 2 Compass Coffees within walking distance. This location is in the Shay building -- which has some fun, more upscale clothing as well as a Warby Parker.
Big Bear is a coffee shop by day and a restaurant by night. They actually do have lunch options, as well as dinner and drink. We've had some tasty appetizers here.
354 recommandé par les habitants
Big Bear Cafe
1700 R St NWBig Bear is a coffee shop by day and a restaurant by night. They actually do have lunch options, as well as dinner and drink. We've had some tasty appetizers here.
Amazing cookies and cupcakes -- made onsite. The owner is there everyday and they're just super friendly.
39 recommandé par les habitants
Grassroots Gourmet
104 Rhode Island Avenue NorthwestAmazing cookies and cupcakes -- made onsite. The owner is there everyday and they're just super friendly.
Love, love the authenticity of this Mexican restaurant's food. The breakfast (migas and huevos rancheros) and tacos are really tasty. (Note: We were not a fan however of the enchiladas. So skip those. ) There's an outdoor patio. It's also right next to the Boundary Stone, which has more traditional pub food (but also very good).
85 recommandé par les habitants
El Camino
108 Rhode Island Avenue NorthwestLove, love the authenticity of this Mexican restaurant's food. The breakfast (migas and huevos rancheros) and tacos are really tasty. (Note: We were not a fan however of the enchiladas. So skip those. ) There's an outdoor patio. It's also right next to the Boundary Stone, which has more traditional pub food (but also very good).
Good burger and salads. Offers brunch on the weekends, and entertainment in the evenings. Check their website for Karaoke nights (which we try to avoid. ;)).
176 recommandé par les habitants
Sally's Middle Name
1320 H St NEGood burger and salads. Offers brunch on the weekends, and entertainment in the evenings. Check their website for Karaoke nights (which we try to avoid. ;)).
If you're looking for a place to hole up and get work done, The Royal is awesome. They've got free Wi-Fi and a bottomless coffee for $4 all day until 3 pm. Later, they dim the lights and offer cocktails. They have the best burger, and some other tasty appetizers like arrepas. It's 2-3 blocks from here so worth checking out. If not for you, walk to Shaw's Tavern, Bistro Bohem, Right Proper or other options just around the corner.
92 recommandé par les habitants
The Royal
501 Florida Ave NWIf you're looking for a place to hole up and get work done, The Royal is awesome. They've got free Wi-Fi and a bottomless coffee for $4 all day until 3 pm. Later, they dim the lights and offer cocktails. They have the best burger, and some other tasty appetizers like arrepas. It's 2-3 blocks from here so worth checking out. If not for you, walk to Shaw's Tavern, Bistro Bohem, Right Proper or other options just around the corner.
TAKEOUT/ DELIVERY/DINING IN: If you're craving sushi and want it delivered or prefer to dine in or sit outside on their patio, try Aroi.
92 recommandé par les habitants
Aroi
1832 1st St NWTAKEOUT/ DELIVERY/DINING IN: If you're craving sushi and want it delivered or prefer to dine in or sit outside on their patio, try Aroi.
DELIVERY/CARRY-OUT/DINE-IN: Great option for Thai cuisine. Try the curry if you like spicy, the dumplings, or the drunken noodle. One of our favorites is the "Scott's Favorite."
109 recommandé par les habitants
Beau Thai
1550 7th St NWDELIVERY/CARRY-OUT/DINE-IN: Great option for Thai cuisine. Try the curry if you like spicy, the dumplings, or the drunken noodle. One of our favorites is the "Scott's Favorite."
PICK-UP/DINE-IN - Cute, quality pizzeria with ice cream. Currently only pick-up, but a nice walk.
187 recommandé par les habitants
Bacio Pizzeria
81 Seaton Pl NWPICK-UP/DINE-IN - Cute, quality pizzeria with ice cream. Currently only pick-up, but a nice walk.
Essentials
The market is on the next corner and perfect for a cup of coffee, eggs, milk, wine or beer.
16 recommandé par les habitants
LeDroit Park Market
1901 4th St NWThe market is on the next corner and perfect for a cup of coffee, eggs, milk, wine or beer.
If you're staying for a week, you may want to pick up a few groceries. Giant is one of the local chains and within walking distance so you'll find good deals, plus you pick up a beer while you shop.
803 recommandé par les habitants
Giant Food
1345 Park Rd NWIf you're staying for a week, you may want to pick up a few groceries. Giant is one of the local chains and within walking distance so you'll find good deals, plus you pick up a beer while you shop.
Trader Joe's isn't too far. You're staying at 4 and U -- Trader Joe's about 14 and T. So, if you're up for a walk, you can head here to pick up a few items. There's also some great bars and restaurants on 14th.
342 recommandé par les habitants
Trader Joe's
1914 14th St NWTrader Joe's isn't too far. You're staying at 4 and U -- Trader Joe's about 14 and T. So, if you're up for a walk, you can head here to pick up a few items. There's also some great bars and restaurants on 14th.
Drinks & Nightlife
Let me preface that I have a one-year-old so it's been a while since I've seen this place beyond lunchtime. Boundary Stone is a great old-school bar with surprisingly good food. You can easily walk there from here. Go put your name in at Red Hen for dinner, then grab a drink at Boundary Stone while you wait.
262 recommandé par les habitants
Boundary Stone
116 Rhode Island Ave NWLet me preface that I have a one-year-old so it's been a while since I've seen this place beyond lunchtime. Boundary Stone is a great old-school bar with surprisingly good food. You can easily walk there from here. Go put your name in at Red Hen for dinner, then grab a drink at Boundary Stone while you wait.
This is a restaurant with a great bar and amazing tapas and wine! If Spanish food isn't your thing there are so many food options on 14th St, including shopping. Check it out.
322 recommandé par les habitants
Barcelona Wine Bar
1622 14th St NWThis is a restaurant with a great bar and amazing tapas and wine! If Spanish food isn't your thing there are so many food options on 14th St, including shopping. Check it out.
If you have time to plan your trip in advance, we are within walking distance to a couple of DC's most iconic music venues. The 9:30 Club has hosted a number of big name performers in this smaller venue.
455 recommandé par les habitants
9:30
815 V St NWIf you have time to plan your trip in advance, we are within walking distance to a couple of DC's most iconic music venues. The 9:30 Club has hosted a number of big name performers in this smaller venue.
Right Proper is open in the late afternoon and evenings for dinner and snacks. They have a cheese bar (Marie's favorite as a native Wisconsinite), along with beers they brew on-site. The comfort food is also pretty darn good. Try the mac and cheese, chicken sandwich, hot wings and fried okra.
124 recommandé par les habitants
Right Proper Brewing Company
920 Girard St NERight Proper is open in the late afternoon and evenings for dinner and snacks. They have a cheese bar (Marie's favorite as a native Wisconsinite), along with beers they brew on-site. The comfort food is also pretty darn good. Try the mac and cheese, chicken sandwich, hot wings and fried okra.
Great cocktails and oysters too! Try out the various oyster shooters on the menu (our favorite is the whiskey shooter). Careful though as the alcohol sinks in quickly!
$1 oysters and drink specials Tuesday-Friday 5-7 pm. Or late night Tuesday-Saturday 11 pm - close and Sunday 9:30 pm - close.
38 recommandé par les habitants
Eat the Rich
1839 7th St NWGreat cocktails and oysters too! Try out the various oyster shooters on the menu (our favorite is the whiskey shooter). Careful though as the alcohol sinks in quickly!
$1 oysters and drink specials Tuesday-Friday 5-7 pm. Or late night Tuesday-Saturday 11 pm - close and Sunday 9:30 pm - close.
Ever wonder where the word "lobbyist" came from? This is it. Business people trying to influence members of Congress would hang around in the lobby waiting for them to head over after session. Walk through this historic Willard Hotel after checking out the White House.
11 recommandé par les habitants
InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C.
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NWEver wonder where the word "lobbyist" came from? This is it. Business people trying to influence members of Congress would hang around in the lobby waiting for them to head over after session. Walk through this historic Willard Hotel after checking out the White House.
Definitely check out the monuments, and other tourist sights. But, if you're not too tuckered out, head up to the bar at the top of W and check out the view. We recommend heading up here earlier in the day and grabbing one drink. You'll have the most amazing view of the city -- including The White House!
55 recommandé par les habitants
W Washington D.C.
515 15th St NWDefinitely check out the monuments, and other tourist sights. But, if you're not too tuckered out, head up to the bar at the top of W and check out the view. We recommend heading up here earlier in the day and grabbing one drink. You'll have the most amazing view of the city -- including The White House!
Arts & Culture
Perhaps my favorite of the Smithsonian museums -- with pop culture items like the ruby slippers, the star spangled banner and other cool items. Plus, there are fun activities for the kids.
325 recommandé par les habitants
Musée national d'histoire américaine
1300 Constitution Ave. NWPerhaps my favorite of the Smithsonian museums -- with pop culture items like the ruby slippers, the star spangled banner and other cool items. Plus, there are fun activities for the kids.
Parks & Nature
Perhaps my favorite memorial - overlooks the Tidal Basin where you can take in a gorgeous sunset.
258 recommandé par les habitants
Thomas Jefferson Memorial Bookstore
16 E Basin Dr SWPerhaps my favorite memorial - overlooks the Tidal Basin where you can take in a gorgeous sunset.
Sightseeing
You're staying in the LeDroit Park Historic District, which was a planned subdivision designed by James McGill and constructed mainly between 1873 and 1877. LeDroit Park presently contains 50 of the original 64 McGill houses (you're staying in one of them!) The remaining brick and frame rowhouses were constructed in the late 1880s and 1890s. Take a walk around the neighborhood and follow some of the street signs that show off it's beauty.
LeDroit Park was developed as an exclusively white residential area, and this policy was enforced to the extent that a fence enclosed the area and guards were stationed at the gates to restrict access. This fence became a focal point of unrest. In July of 1888, the fence was torn down by protesting African Americans, which signaled a movement toward the integration of the area. Famous African American poets, authors, activists and musicians have lived here (Duke Ellington, Anna J Cooper and Jessie Jackson, have all lived here.)
17 recommandé par les habitants
Le Droit Park
You're staying in the LeDroit Park Historic District, which was a planned subdivision designed by James McGill and constructed mainly between 1873 and 1877. LeDroit Park presently contains 50 of the original 64 McGill houses (you're staying in one of them!) The remaining brick and frame rowhouses were constructed in the late 1880s and 1890s. Take a walk around the neighborhood and follow some of the street signs that show off it's beauty.
LeDroit Park was developed as an exclusively white residential area, and this policy was enforced to the extent that a fence enclosed the area and guards were stationed at the gates to restrict access. This fence became a focal point of unrest. In July of 1888, the fence was torn down by protesting African Americans, which signaled a movement toward the integration of the area. Famous African American poets, authors, activists and musicians have lived here (Duke Ellington, Anna J Cooper and Jessie Jackson, have all lived here.)
Hit up Georgetown for shopping, food, drinks, Georgetown Cupcakes, history and more! If you love history, tour the Tudor Place Mansion or the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks or find the homes JFK or Julia Child once lived in. Take a walking tour or tour on your own. The best way to get to Georgetown is by cab (Metro stop is Foggy Bottom but still a 10-15 min walk from their) OR take the G2 bus which stops across the street! You need a card which you can on the Metro. (I recommend you do Georgetown on Day 2, on Day 1 take the Metro to the sights so you can pick up a Metro card. )
664 recommandé par les habitants
Georgetown
Hit up Georgetown for shopping, food, drinks, Georgetown Cupcakes, history and more! If you love history, tour the Tudor Place Mansion or the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks or find the homes JFK or Julia Child once lived in. Take a walking tour or tour on your own. The best way to get to Georgetown is by cab (Metro stop is Foggy Bottom but still a 10-15 min walk from their) OR take the G2 bus which stops across the street! You need a card which you can on the Metro. (I recommend you do Georgetown on Day 2, on Day 1 take the Metro to the sights so you can pick up a Metro card. )
Getting Around
About 4 blocks from home base. You can get anywhere in the city from here.
148 recommandé par les habitants
Shaw-Howard Univ Station
1701 8th St NWAbout 4 blocks from home base. You can get anywhere in the city from here.