Eating in Washington DC

By Lisa

Upscale Mexican in Logan & Georgetown

El Centro D.F. 14th Street

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Whether you want a hearty Mexican meal, drinks at the bar with some guacamole, or you're hosting a larger party, El Centro is always loud and happening. Taco Tuesdays for happy hour are especially popular. There are often groups for birthday and bachelorettes as well. Read more ›

by Lisa

Ben's Chili Bowl

Eating 4 3

By Adrienne

A Washington landmark

Ben's Chili Bowl

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This historic diner offers classic American favorites such as burgers, hot dogs, and of course, chili. It has been visited by figures such as Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Bill Crosby, and more recently, President Obama himself. Read more ›

by Adrienne

H Street Country Club

By Lisa

Lawn sports, tacos, and tequila

H Street Country Club

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H Street Country Club is a catch-all for all ages. They are known for making a meal or drinks feel like an occasion, as well as making your larger group occasions feel relaxed and exclusive, like a proper country club. They have over 25 tequilas, so sticking to margaritas and the like is wise. Their mini-golf course is the only one in DC. Read more ›

by Lisa

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

By Lisa

Four themed drinking and dining rooms

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

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Jack Rose hosts a dining saloon, open-air terrace, balcony room, and a tiki bar. Each space has a distinct air about it. If you want to feel exclusive, the dining saloon is the spot that feels the most intimately like a boys club. You'll be surrounded by more whiskeys/bourbons/Scotches than you'll ever be able to taste in a lifetime. Read more ›

by Lisa

Boundary Stone Public House

Eating 2 0

By Lisa

Bar and public house in Bloomingdale

Boundary Stone Public House

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If you're in the neighborhood (and boy, is this neighborhood becoming hip...), Boundary Stone is the place to go and get a sense of the local flavor. The drinks and whiskey list are great. But it's also a great gastropub--the staff takes the bites as seriously as the drinks, so expect that bar burger to be slathered in house-made ketchup. Read more ›

by Lisa

Madam's Organ Blues Bar

Restaurants 3 0

By Lisa

Blues bar in Adams Morgan

Madam's Organ Blues Bar

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With live music seven nights a week, Madam's Organ has as many regular patrons as they do regular musicians. With local features of indie and blues, it's easy to get a sense of the more artsy comrades in this part of town on any given night of the week. Read more ›

by Lisa

El Rey

Restaurants 3 6

By Lisa

Tacos & Tequila on U Street

El Rey

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Though El Rey is always overly loud and raging with bros, it is completely forgivable because the tacos and nachos are so good. Whether you eat inside, take it to go, or snag an order at their street window, no one will be left hungry. For drinks there are pitchers of margaritas and micheladas. For food, steak nachos and all the tacos are great. Read more ›

by Lisa

Red Derby

Eating 3 1

By Lisa

Hip, dive bar in Columbia Heights

Red Derby

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Red Derby is a local bar known for its all-can beer list and hip, hipster crowd. They also have $5 specials which gets you one can of beer and one shot. The chalkboard wall and the free board games should also be tip-offs that this is a local hipster spot. They also have a great roof deck. Read more ›

by Lisa

Rasika West End

Restaurants 3 2

By Lisa

High-end Indian cuisine

Rasika West End

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Whether you come for the lunch buffet, or for a proper, white-tablecloth experience, Rasika is Indian fine dining at its best. The food and lounge are modern takes on tandoori favorites (griddle and open barbecue specialties). Even if you aren't there for a lunch buffet, the modern flare favors small plate dining with flavors for all. Read more ›

by Lisa

Far East Taco Grille

Eating 3 0

By Lisa

Tacos with a twist

Far East Taco Grille

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Whether you have a quick lunch-break downtown between meetings, or you're a tourist looking for street food, Far East Taco Grille is quintessentially American in that street food ethnic fusion sense. The flavors are insatiable. Though you might not think bahn mi or kimchi belong in the flavor profile of tacos, the sweet and spicy mix amazingly. Read more ›

by Lisa

Komi

By Lisa

Prix-fixe Mediterranean in Dupont Circle

Komi

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It would be difficult to be regular at Komi, but it is worth it for an occasion, even if the occasion is finally being able to eat at Komi. The food is outstanding and their are (for a price) wine pairings to go with the menu. The menu changes daily if not seasonally, guaranteeing the freshest of local ingredients. Read more ›

by Lisa

minibar by José Andrés

By Lisa

The most expensive meal in DC

minibar by José Andrés

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If you've got deep pockets and you're savvy enough to get a reservation, minibar is a rare dining experience. Though it has gotten some heat for how severe price is now (it used to be $65...), there aren't many places like it. Where else might you find cotton candy useful or complex texture to infuse in a savory entree, for example. Read more ›

by Lisa

Biergarten Haus

By Lisa

Bavarian bar and patio

Biergarten Haus

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Biergarten Haus has a stellar list of imported beer (mostly from Germany and Austria, and a few from Brussels). They also have a small menu of outstanding bavarian pub food so you can knosh as you drink your day or night away. The live music and the cohorts of soccer fans make the day and night drinking experience feel like a laid back house party. Read more ›

by Lisa

Duke's Grocery

By Lisa

Taste of East London in DuPont Circle

Duke's Grocery

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It's a liberal kitchen in that East London way, with menu items cobbled together from different cultures based on the ingredients and the chefs whimsy. The sandwiches rotate daily and are built from the bread up. The menu changes are written on the blackboards, with consistent brunch items as mainstays like the Proper Burger and Bangers with Syrup. Read more ›

by Lisa

GBD (Golden Brown Delicious)

By Lisa

Golden, Brown, Delicious

GBD (Golden Brown Delicious)

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Known around town, also, for their affordable happy hour, GBD is a local favorite among people of all ages and sizes. The chicken and doughnuts are the two items the menu is built around. They also have a myriad of house-made sauces for dunking. Their brunch menu is also full of southern favorites like biscuits and gravy and chicken and waffles. Read more ›

by Lisa

Filomena Ristorante

By Lisa

Old-school Italian restaurant

Filomena Ristorante

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Part of the VIP treatment at Filomena is the over-the-top staff; that is accompanied, of course, by over-the-top portions of classic Italian dishes. The kitschy holiday decorations, seasonal twinkle lights, and decor make it feel like a classic Italians-in-America dining experience. You feel like you're part of a huge Italian family dinner. Read more ›

by Lisa

Kogod Courtyard

Eating 2 0

By Lisa

Stunning pit-stop on your art stroll

Kogod Courtyard

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The courtyard is completely enclosed and thus available to you rain or shine. Like many museum and memorial spaces in DC, the courtyard is also free for all. A good spot for couples, families, tourists, strollers, and anyone in the vicinity. It is also used for lectures and special events, with a lineup of speakers/artists to boot. Read more ›

by Lisa

Vinofest

Eating 2 0

By Lisa

Spring wine and music festival

Vinofest

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DC is a hub of international cultures blending and trending. What better way to mark this than a spring event for winos, charity, food, and music? Vinofest is an annual wine festival that takes place in early May in Storey Park in DC's No(rth)Ma(ssachusetts Ave) neighborhood. With general admission and VIP entry options, tickets sell fast. Read more ›

by Lisa

Teaism

By Adrienne

Find your zen

Teaism

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When Washingtonians need to momentarily escape the bustle of the city without leaving the city, they retreat to Teaism. Teaism is a tea house and cafe with oriental-inspired ambiance and offerings just two blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro. Teaism has menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making a visit appropriate at any time of the day. Read more ›

by Adrienne

Tryst

By Lisa

Coffeehouse, bar, lounge

Tryst

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Hipsters, artists, students, and the indie spirited are Tryst loyalists. With the open floor, relaxed vibe, and eclectic furniture, it's no wonder why. Tryst prides itself on unmatching silverware, craft cocktails, and specialty coffee. They are selling a feeling and community--an air if you will--more than anything else. And the young are buying. Read more ›

by Lisa

Marvin

By Lisa

Homage to Marvin Gaye

Marvin

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DC's native son, Marvin Gaye, is an important American figure to all. The menu blends his roots with his two year (self-imposed) exile to Belgium. Go upstairs for the lounge and bar area, where Motown and soul lovers can get down with local DJs, especially on Mondays which are exclusive for the cause. Read more ›

by Lisa

Bin1301

By Meenakshi

Good vibes, great wine

Bin1301

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This wine bar is popular among the locals because of its affordable happy hour, which lasts all night on Monday (!) and Tu-F from 5-8 PM. It has great service, good food and live music, which make for a positive overall experience. Read more ›

by Meenakshi

Caphe Banh Mi

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By Sarah

Small Vietnamese Restaurant

Caphe Banh Mi

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This restaurant was one of my all-time favorites in the Washington DC metro area. It has great prices and great food. Washington DC Metro area has INCREDIBLE Vietnamese food! Read more ›

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by Sarah

Sticky Rice

By Lisa

Trendy H Street sushi and American food

Sticky Rice

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Do you love sushi? Do you love buckets of tater tots? This is an American-Pan-Asian spot with all of your favorites in both of those normally estranged categories. The young and hip are lured to Sticky Rice for all of its delicacies, but especially, the sticky rice balls, which are tempura fried. Read more ›

by Lisa

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

By Adrienne

Hometown favorite for burgers

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

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A not-so-little 'Little Burger' includes unlimited toppings such as grilled onions and mushrooms and will set you back less than $4. Read more ›

by Adrienne

Julia's Empanadas

By Adrienne

Perfect mid-day or late night snack

Julia's Empanadas

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There are many options in terms of flavor, but the most popular tend to be Jamaican, Saltena, and Turkey, and each one is literally bulging with ingredients and flavor. If you're here late-night, you'll see hordes of partygoers queueing up, but Julia's empanadas are tasty any time of the day. Read more ›

by Adrienne

Lupo Verde

By JD

Best prosecco in town

Lupo Verde

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Meet and greet locals and enjoy good cuisine. Read more ›

by JD

Ted's Bulletin

By Ben

Best diner in the city!

Ted's Bulletin

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Ted's Bulletin is a cute, quirky restaurant with fantastic American food. There's always a line on Fridays and Saturdays, but you can get in fine on week nights. Don't forget about dessert: their homemade pop tarts are really popular, but my favorites are the butterscotch pudding and the carrot cake. Read more ›

by Ben

Izakaya Seki

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By Sarah

hip row home Japanese Restaurant

Izakaya Seki

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Quiet, peaceful, and artsy atmosphere. Small plates are great for sharing. It's not on a main road, so it isn't filled with tourists and large crowds. I've had a range of vegetable and fish dishes and enjoyed everything. Sake menu is great. Read more ›

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by Sarah

W Washington D.C. P.O.V. Lounge

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By Renee

Trendy rooftop bar and amazing city view

W Washington D.C. P.O.V. Lounge

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The POV lounge has one of the most breath-taking views in D.C. Located at the top of the W hotel on the 11th floor, this rooftop terrace bar is a perfect location for happy hour, dinner, or even late-night dancing! With large glass windows and an open balcony, you can view gorgeous landmarks of D.C. while you sip delicious drinks. Read more ›

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by Renee

Farmers Fishers Bakers

By Lisa

Farm-inspired American fare, Georgetown

Farmers Fishers Bakers

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If you want amazing food and an amazing view, look no further. There is not better place to be after shopping and a stroll through Georgetown for a great meal (especially in a part of town with over-priced restaurants). Everything is scratch made, from first bake to post-dinner. And the cocktails are upscale and innovative. Read more ›

by Lisa

Room 11

By Lisa

Hip wine bar in Columbia Heights

Room 11

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High-end meets hipster in this Columbia Heights neighborhood watering hole. Equal parts drinking and small plates for evenings, with a neighborhood favorite brunch menu on the weekends. The drink and food menus are exacting, with daily and seasonal changes. Their house cocktail list is small, with one cocktail per spirit done perfectly. Read more ›

by Lisa

DGS Delicatessen

By Lisa

Jewish deli in Dupont Circle

DGS Delicatessen

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From corned beef, to pastrami, to matzah balls, DGS is doing Jewish classics with some contemporary twists. Unlike the NYC delis, DGS is also serving up cocktails to slosh down that 1/2 pound of brisket. They do have some old world, hot-plate favorites, such as latkes. But the deli food is the fan favorite for every meal of the day. Read more ›

by Lisa

Dangerously Delicious Pies

By Lisa

Local pie shop

Dangerously Delicious Pies

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Sweet or savory, brunch or snack, these hand-made pies are a classic comfort food in many cultures. They sell pies and quiches by the slice or whole. A slice is about 8 bucks, but it is heaping. The menu changes daily and seasonally with on to two dozen offerings per day. Whether you're heading to a potluck, or strolling by, you'll be full. Read more ›

by Lisa

Zeba

By Lisa

A snug Columbia Heights lounge

Zeba

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Zeba Bar is a multi-level, upscale space for drinking, small plates, DJs, and DC rooftop access. This is mostly a neighborhood joint, where bartenders serve up craft beers and cocktails to regulars. With local DJs in the house, you can be sure to see the indie/hipster crowd dancing up a storm any night of the week. Read more ›

by Lisa

Floriana

Restaurants 1 1

By Lisa

Intimate Italian bistro in DuPont Circle

Floriana

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The menu changes seasonally if not daily, with some Italian favorite mainstays like lasagna and tortellini mignon. The wine list is as excellent and the food. Most importantly, the hospitality is old-school. You're made to feel as if you are a regular member of the Floriana family with every sip or bite you take. They have a great happy hour too. Read more ›

by Lisa

Cork

By Lisa

Wine bar with upscale small plates

Cork

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Cork is in Logan Circle. Whether you're looking for a nice dinner experience or just a glass of wine before heading out on U Street, Cork is a sophisticated option. Cork hosts about 50 wines by the glass and nearly 200 by the bottle. The staff is very knowledgable about the wines as well as how to pair them with your small bite needs. Read more ›

by Lisa

Granville Moore's

By Lisa

Belgian triad - mussels, frites, brews

Granville Moore's

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The mussels. The moules are outstanding. There are traditional preparations to accompany your traditional salt and parsley covered frites. But then there are all the new ways to encounter the mussels: Morrocan, Thai, seasonal tomato with crab stock, etc. The inventions are endless. The rest of the menu is upscale gastropub. The burger rules too. Read more ›

by Lisa

JRINK

By Lisa

DC's favorite cold-pressed juice

JRINK

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The bottles of juice are nearly $10 here, but they are oversized comparatively. The staff know what to recommend based on your health and hunger needs. Further, they often let you sample before you spend your money. With a few locations popping up, yogis and business people in rush alike are making this a daily to weekly stop amide the hustle. Read more ›

by Lisa

Habesha Market and Carry-out

By Lisa

Ethiopian fare and market

Habesha Market and Carry-out

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The storefront is a small dive, with some shelve space for Ethiopian market items--spices, beans, hand pies, exotic drinks. The kitchen is open to two small dining areas (the place probably sits about 30 people). This dive is packed with regulars every night. They are there to be your Ethiopian family kitchen for breakfast lunch and dinner. Read more ›

by Lisa

Satellite Room

By Lisa

Late-night hot spot with west coast vibe

Satellite Room

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From craft cocktails to comfort food, from pinball to pool, the Satellite Room is a much frequented late-night spot in DC. With the large panels of reclaimed wood and 70s style marquee signatures, Satellite Room feels like it could be on a drag of Los Angeles. A great pre, post, or during show spot as it's next to 930 Club. Read more ›

by Lisa

Slipstream

By Lisa

Coffee by day, cocktails by night

Slipstream

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Are you a coffee snob? Food snob? Mixology snob? Do you know the beauty of a house-made, almond-cashew blended milk? Then slipstream is the right pour-over coffee/pot of tea/bourgie snack/post-work cocktail for you. Everything that is seemingly common is elevated to the extraordinary inside slipstream. Starting with the gorgeous walnut bar. Read more ›

by Lisa

Parkway Deli

By Danielle

traditionalJewish Deli with modern twist

Parkway Deli

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Consistently great food and service at a great price. It has traditional Jewish Deli classics, from latkes and chopped liver, terrific french toast, pancakes, omelettes and other brunch fare, vegetarian options. It also has a pickle bar and a great selection of cakes! Read more ›

by Danielle

Taylor Gourmet

Eating 0 0

By Lisa

Made to order gourmet sandwiches

Taylor Gourmet

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With a few locations in the heart of DC, Taylor Gourmet is the convenient, affordable lunch of choice. Whether you grab one to go and take it to a nearby park, or you hang inside, these sandwiches will suit your every hunger. Started by two guys who missed the large hoagies of Philly, Taylor is made for those with an appetite. Read more ›

by Lisa

Pie Sisters

Eating 0 0

By Lisa

Homey, high-end, Georgetown bakery

Pie Sisters

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There is a longstanding battle between cake lovers and pie lovers, but this American tradition is definitely trending in town. Pie Sisters is an adorable, high-end pie shop on the edge of Georgetown. They sell whole pies, pie by the slice, and even adorable single serve pies (a little larger than a bite-sized quiche). Read more ›

by Lisa

Moby Dick House of Kabob

By Adrienne

Authentic, filling Persian food

Moby Dick House of Kabob

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All Moby Dick restaurants are casual and lack waitstaff, but they’re tastefully decorated, clean and good spots to rest your weary feet while filling your stomach. At $6–7, the sandwiches (meat and veggies rolled in traditional flatbread) are budget-friendly and a challenge to finish because of their size. Read more ›

by Adrienne

Rice

By Lisa

Classic and modern Thai in Logan Circle

Rice

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14th Street has many alluring offers for happy hours and thai food, but how to choose? One easy answer is to stick with Rice--with classic and modern dishes, there's something for everyone. The space is as chic as the menu with exposed brick, earth tones, and modern lines. This is a great place for a happy hour with wine and appetizers at half off. Read more ›

by Lisa

La Boum at L'Enfant Cafe