Guidebook for Washington
Food Scene
Kramers
1517 Connecticut Ave NWFamily owned, low-key place with a decent menu to hang out and browse the interwebs on your laptop (switch it up from Starbucks!).
11 locals recommend
Soho Tea & Coffee
2150 P St NWFamily owned, low-key place with a decent menu to hang out and browse the interwebs on your laptop (switch it up from Starbucks!).
Funny little place. I go there specifically to take time guessing the trivia of the day, which gives you 5, 10, 15%.... off your order. Also has board games and Nintendo.
9 locals recommend
Mr. Yogato
1515 17th St NWFunny little place. I go there specifically to take time guessing the trivia of the day, which gives you 5, 10, 15%.... off your order. Also has board games and Nintendo.
Parks & Nature
The gardens are nice and museum on the grounds is worth a visit as well.
39 locals recommend
Dumbarton Oaks Park
R Street NorthwestThe gardens are nice and museum on the grounds is worth a visit as well.
Arts & Culture
Beautiful building and great collection of both traditional and contemporary art, located on the National Mall.
385 locals recommend
National Gallery of Art
Constitution Avenue NorthwestBeautiful building and great collection of both traditional and contemporary art, located on the National Mall.
Studio Theatre
1501 14th St NWOften doing interesting experimental installations, and being almost never crowded, the great atrium is a glorious respite from the crowded museums and National Mall nearby.
92 locals recommend
National Building Museum
401 F St NWOften doing interesting experimental installations, and being almost never crowded, the great atrium is a glorious respite from the crowded museums and National Mall nearby.
Shopping
Chocolate Moose
1743 L St NWfunny curiosities, gifts and cards
GREAT DEALS on trendy secondhand items! Second location is in Georgetown (for when you get sick of the high-end boutiques of M Street).
11 locals recommend
Buffalo Exchange
1318 14th St NWGREAT DEALS on trendy secondhand items! Second location is in Georgetown (for when you get sick of the high-end boutiques of M Street).
Home Rule
1807 14th St NWTiny shop of hip housewares, sometimes with a DC theme.
Entertainment & Activities
Tavern with one of the largest beer selections in DC. Often has live improve and burlesque shows starting around 9pm.
7 locals recommend
DC Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern
1523 22nd St NWTavern with one of the largest beer selections in DC. Often has live improve and burlesque shows starting around 9pm.
Small theater, veeery comfortable seats, never crowded. Indie and mainstream films.
67 locals recommend
The Park at 14th
920 14th Street NorthwestSmall theater, veeery comfortable seats, never crowded. Indie and mainstream films.
Sightseeing
Great views of the city. Evidence of the 2011 earthquake is still being repaired on the structure.
226 locals recommend
Washington National Cathedral
Great views of the city. Evidence of the 2011 earthquake is still being repaired on the structure.
Beautiful views of the Cherry Blossoms in the spring, and a great place to walk the monuments (particularly the FDR memorial) all year around.
123 locals recommend
Tidal Basin
20245 National DrBeautiful views of the Cherry Blossoms in the spring, and a great place to walk the monuments (particularly the FDR memorial) all year around.
Oldest structure on its original foundation in Washington, D.C.; short, inexpensive bit of history (great for kids).
584 locals recommend
Rock Creek Park
3545 Williamsburg Ln NWOldest structure on its original foundation in Washington, D.C.; short, inexpensive bit of history (great for kids).
A recently-established (and therefore, little-known) historic site, the "Summer White House" is where President Lincoln spent part of each year during the Civil War. Tours paint insightful pictures of President Lincoln as a person and politician, his relationship with his wife and children, and pictures of our Capitol before the US became a global superpower.
126 locals recommend
President Lincoln's Cottage
140 Rock Creek Church Rd NWA recently-established (and therefore, little-known) historic site, the "Summer White House" is where President Lincoln spent part of each year during the Civil War. Tours paint insightful pictures of President Lincoln as a person and politician, his relationship with his wife and children, and pictures of our Capitol before the US became a global superpower.
Drinks & Nightlife
Duke's Grocery
1513 17th St NWHipster haven. The burgers are great!
Madam's Organ
2461 18th St NW4 floors including an open roof deck, each with it's own music.
Awesome custom cocktails & menu filled with ramen noodles. Brothers who own the place were inspired by their love of cinematography and Charlie Chaplin.
113 locals recommend
Chaplin's Restaurant
1501 9th Street NorthwestAwesome custom cocktails & menu filled with ramen noodles. Brothers who own the place were inspired by their love of cinematography and Charlie Chaplin.
Towny dive bar. Great place to watch live sports away from crowds. Very generous with their rail liquor!
10 locals recommend
The Fox and Hounds Lounge
1533 17th St NWTowny dive bar. Great place to watch live sports away from crowds. Very generous with their rail liquor!