A Local's Guide to Washington, DC

Morgan
A Local's Guide to Washington, DC

Local Faves: Food & Drinks

From intimate eateries to grand gourmet dining, DC is full of restaurant options for every occasion and craving!
Since 1958, Ben's Chili Bowl has served Washington DC's original half-smoke. Locally owned, with options to suit every appetite.
288 recommandé par les habitants
Ben's Chili Bowl Mural
1213 U St NW
288 recommandé par les habitants
Since 1958, Ben's Chili Bowl has served Washington DC's original half-smoke. Locally owned, with options to suit every appetite.
Celebrity chef's high-end Mexican fare in a glamorous bi-level setting with killer waterfront views.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Mi Vida Restaurante
98 District Square SW
15 recommandé par les habitants
Celebrity chef's high-end Mexican fare in a glamorous bi-level setting with killer waterfront views.
Hip American-Pan-Asian spot serving cocktails, sushi, noodles, sandwiches & buckets of tater tots.
118 recommandé par les habitants
Sticky Rice
1224 H St NE
118 recommandé par les habitants
Hip American-Pan-Asian spot serving cocktails, sushi, noodles, sandwiches & buckets of tater tots.
Dupont Italian Kitchen has been serving up fresh homemade Italian dishes since 1986. Great food and unbeatable prices.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Dupont Italian Kitchen
1637 17th St NW
14 recommandé par les habitants
Dupont Italian Kitchen has been serving up fresh homemade Italian dishes since 1986. Great food and unbeatable prices.
Chef Ryan Ratino's avant-garde, French influenced cooking & modern cocktails in a playful bistro.
15 recommandé par les habitants
BRESCA
1906 14th St NW
15 recommandé par les habitants
Chef Ryan Ratino's avant-garde, French influenced cooking & modern cocktails in a playful bistro.
The premier seafood spot in DC, with a history dating back to 1805. It’s the oldest open-air fish market in America and entices foodies from every corner of the nation’s capital.
158 recommandé par les habitants
Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf
1100 Maine Ave SW
158 recommandé par les habitants
The premier seafood spot in DC, with a history dating back to 1805. It’s the oldest open-air fish market in America and entices foodies from every corner of the nation’s capital.
Small plates menu of traditional Balkan dishes, plus regional spirits, offered in rustic-chic digs.
134 recommandé par les habitants
Ambar Capitol Hill
523 8th St SE
134 recommandé par les habitants
Small plates menu of traditional Balkan dishes, plus regional spirits, offered in rustic-chic digs.
Upscale restaurant serving Ethiopian cuisine, beer & wine in a sleek, elegant setting.
147 recommandé par les habitants
Ethiopic Restaurant
401 H St NE
147 recommandé par les habitants
Upscale restaurant serving Ethiopian cuisine, beer & wine in a sleek, elegant setting.
Hill Country Barbecue Market brings Texas barbecue to DC, just a 10-minute walk from the National Mall.
27 recommandé par les habitants
Hill Country Barbecue Market
410 7th Street Northwest
27 recommandé par les habitants
Hill Country Barbecue Market brings Texas barbecue to DC, just a 10-minute walk from the National Mall.
Hip, bright eatery whipping up toasts, sandwiches & salads, plus weekend brunch, wine & cocktails.
Lulu’s Wine Garden
1940 11th Street Northwest
Hip, bright eatery whipping up toasts, sandwiches & salads, plus weekend brunch, wine & cocktails.
Tex-Mex fare, margaritas & a patio draw college students & families to this lively, casual spot.
40 recommandé par les habitants
Cactus Cantina
3300 Wisconsin Ave NW
40 recommandé par les habitants
Tex-Mex fare, margaritas & a patio draw college students & families to this lively, casual spot.
Offshoot of roving flea market pie purveyor with Neapolitan pies & Argentinean bites like empanadas.
175 recommandé par les habitants
Timber Pizza Company
809 Upshur St NW
175 recommandé par les habitants
Offshoot of roving flea market pie purveyor with Neapolitan pies & Argentinean bites like empanadas.
Trendy option for Japanese small plates & noodle dishes, plus sizable beer list in minimalist digs.
41 recommandé par les habitants
Izakaya Seki
1117 V St NW
41 recommandé par les habitants
Trendy option for Japanese small plates & noodle dishes, plus sizable beer list in minimalist digs.
Subterranean-level bar in the Hay-Adams Hotel serving classic cocktails & upscale bar food.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Off the Record
800 16th St NW
7 recommandé par les habitants
Subterranean-level bar in the Hay-Adams Hotel serving classic cocktails & upscale bar food.
Globally inspired New American share plates & cocktails in hip, edgy hotel space with courtyard.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Dirty Habit DC
555 8th St NW
14 recommandé par les habitants
Globally inspired New American share plates & cocktails in hip, edgy hotel space with courtyard.
Japanese, Chinese & Thai fare, plus sushi, is served in modern surroundings with a sidewalk patio.
27 recommandé par les habitants
Raku
7240 Woodmont Ave
27 recommandé par les habitants
Japanese, Chinese & Thai fare, plus sushi, is served in modern surroundings with a sidewalk patio.
Iconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs.
152 recommandé par les habitants
Old Ebbitt Grill
675 15th St NW
152 recommandé par les habitants
Iconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs.
Welcoming spot offering eclectic & classic Louisiana-style sub sandwiches & Cajun & Creole dishes.
27 recommandé par les habitants
Po Boy Jim Bar and Grill
709 H St NE
27 recommandé par les habitants
Welcoming spot offering eclectic & classic Louisiana-style sub sandwiches & Cajun & Creole dishes.
Hip American eatery with late hours, plus plenty of room in a live music space downstairs.
75 recommandé par les habitants
The Hamilton
600 14th St NW
75 recommandé par les habitants
Hip American eatery with late hours, plus plenty of room in a live music space downstairs.
Le Diplomate pays sincere homage to French cafe culture, providing a comfortable, versatile gathering place that's become an anchor for Washington, DC.
513 recommandé par les habitants
Le Diplomate
1601 14th St NW
513 recommandé par les habitants
Le Diplomate pays sincere homage to French cafe culture, providing a comfortable, versatile gathering place that's become an anchor for Washington, DC.
Eclectic New American small plates menu crafted in a cozy, converted townhouse with upstairs bar.
303 recommandé par les habitants
Rose's Luxury
717 8th St SE
303 recommandé par les habitants
Eclectic New American small plates menu crafted in a cozy, converted townhouse with upstairs bar.
Hearty down-home soul food such as fried chicken & collard greens presented in a no-frills setting.
25 recommandé par les habitants
Oohh's & Aahh's
1005 U St NW
25 recommandé par les habitants
Hearty down-home soul food such as fried chicken & collard greens presented in a no-frills setting.
Busboys and Poets is a full-service restaurant, bar, bookstore, coffee shop, and events venue in Washington, D.C., founded in 2005 by Andy Shallal.
569 recommandé par les habitants
Busboys and Poets
450 K St NW
569 recommandé par les habitants
Busboys and Poets is a full-service restaurant, bar, bookstore, coffee shop, and events venue in Washington, D.C., founded in 2005 by Andy Shallal.
Sophisticated Italian seafood, plus wine & cocktails, in a luxe, modern setting with river views.
82 recommandé par les habitants
Fiola Mare
3100 K St NW
82 recommandé par les habitants
Sophisticated Italian seafood, plus wine & cocktails, in a luxe, modern setting with river views.
Low-key, basement-level Downtown spot offers signature wings with "mumbo" sauce & strong drinks.
13 recommandé par les habitants
Stan's Restaurant
1029 Vermont Ave NW
13 recommandé par les habitants
Low-key, basement-level Downtown spot offers signature wings with "mumbo" sauce & strong drinks.

Local Faves: Coffee Shops

This community hangout serves Southern fare, displays art, sells books, hosts music & readings.
169 recommandé par les habitants
Brookland's Finest Bar and Kitchen
3126 12th Street Northeast
169 recommandé par les habitants
This community hangout serves Southern fare, displays art, sells books, hosts music & readings.
Relaxed coffeehouse offering light cafe bites plus African-focused books & film screenings.
28 recommandé par les habitants
Sankofa Video Books & Café
2714 Georgia Ave NW
28 recommandé par les habitants
Relaxed coffeehouse offering light cafe bites plus African-focused books & film screenings.
Hip artisanal-coffee shop offering drip, pour-over, French press & siphon methods.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Sweet Science Coffee
35 N Street Northeast
6 recommandé par les habitants
Hip artisanal-coffee shop offering drip, pour-over, French press & siphon methods.
Local chain outpost featuring coffee blends from Rwanda as well as sandwiches, pastries & desserts.
22 recommandé par les habitants
Bourbon Coffee
621 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
22 recommandé par les habitants
Local chain outpost featuring coffee blends from Rwanda as well as sandwiches, pastries & desserts.
Described as a “bright cafe with a walnut bar serving pour-over coffee by day and cocktails by night, with light fare,” this is the place to be for a day-to-night hangout or date. They serve coffee drinks and lunch food from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then in the evening, the modern coffee shop trades its coffee mugs for cocktail and wine glasses for a romantic happy hour setting.
60 recommandé par les habitants
Slipstream
1333 14th St NW
60 recommandé par les habitants
Described as a “bright cafe with a walnut bar serving pour-over coffee by day and cocktails by night, with light fare,” this is the place to be for a day-to-night hangout or date. They serve coffee drinks and lunch food from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then in the evening, the modern coffee shop trades its coffee mugs for cocktail and wine glasses for a romantic happy hour setting.
In the heart of Adams Morgan, this local coffee shop has a homey, rustic vibe, providing you with the perfect ambiance to lounge on their sofas, study or work on their outdoor patio. Serving everything from coffee, teas, and frappes, they also serve brunch and lunch all day and alcoholic beverages in the evening.
252 recommandé par les habitants
Tryst
2459 18th St NW
252 recommandé par les habitants
In the heart of Adams Morgan, this local coffee shop has a homey, rustic vibe, providing you with the perfect ambiance to lounge on their sofas, study or work on their outdoor patio. Serving everything from coffee, teas, and frappes, they also serve brunch and lunch all day and alcoholic beverages in the evening.
Sleek coffeehouse dispensing caffeine drinks made with single-origin beans roasted on site.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Corridor Coffee
1665 Wisconsin Ave NW
17 recommandé par les habitants
Sleek coffeehouse dispensing caffeine drinks made with single-origin beans roasted on site.
Ethiopian coffee beans roasted in-house plus gourmet teas, breakfast, lunch & some desserts.
120 recommandé par les habitants
Sidamo Coffee & Tea
417 H St NE
120 recommandé par les habitants
Ethiopian coffee beans roasted in-house plus gourmet teas, breakfast, lunch & some desserts.
Tiny eatery with outdoor seating & a simple menu of sandwiches, salads & breakfast items.
18 recommandé par les habitants
Le Bon Café
210 2nd St SE
18 recommandé par les habitants
Tiny eatery with outdoor seating & a simple menu of sandwiches, salads & breakfast items.

Local Faves: Family-Friendly

Always free of charge, the Smithsonian's National Zoo is one of Washington DC's most popular tourist destinations and one of the oldest zoos in the United States.
771 recommandé par les habitants
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave NW
771 recommandé par les habitants
Always free of charge, the Smithsonian's National Zoo is one of Washington DC's most popular tourist destinations and one of the oldest zoos in the United States.
United States Botanic Garden (USBG), established by the U.S. Congress is 1820, is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America.
253 recommandé par les habitants
United States Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Ave SW
253 recommandé par les habitants
United States Botanic Garden (USBG), established by the U.S. Congress is 1820, is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America.
Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the art and artists of our time.
230 recommandé par les habitants
Hirshhorn Museum
7th Street Southwest
230 recommandé par les habitants
Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the art and artists of our time.
This school playground with creative play structures & a zip line is open to the public on weekends.
Beauvoir Playground
3500 Woodley Rd NW
This school playground with creative play structures & a zip line is open to the public on weekends.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a place where all Americans can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American culture.
451 recommandé par les habitants
National Museum of African American History and Culture
1400 Constitution Ave. NW
451 recommandé par les habitants
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a place where all Americans can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American culture.
From on-the-water revelry to dining accompanied by spectacular scenery to highly anticipated annual events, the Georgetown waterfront presents an array of activities for you to explore.
219 recommandé par les habitants
Georgetown Waterfront Park
3100 K St NW
219 recommandé par les habitants
From on-the-water revelry to dining accompanied by spectacular scenery to highly anticipated annual events, the Georgetown waterfront presents an array of activities for you to explore.
Visit the International Spy Museum in Washington DC and step into the shoes of a spy. Experience DC's most immersive museum.
231 recommandé par les habitants
International Spy Museum
700 L'Enfant Plaza SW
231 recommandé par les habitants
Visit the International Spy Museum in Washington DC and step into the shoes of a spy. Experience DC's most immersive museum.

Neighborhoods

This culturally diverse neighborhood is known for its nightlife and eclectic dining scene thanks to all the bars and restaurants dotting the 18th Street corridor.
287 recommandé par les habitants
Adams Morgan
287 recommandé par les habitants
This culturally diverse neighborhood is known for its nightlife and eclectic dining scene thanks to all the bars and restaurants dotting the 18th Street corridor.
Venture into southeast DC and discover Anacostia, a vibrant neighborhood with museums, bike paths and a rich African American history.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Anacostia
14 recommandé par les habitants
Venture into southeast DC and discover Anacostia, a vibrant neighborhood with museums, bike paths and a rich African American history.
DC’s "Little Rome" is awash in Catholic churches and sites, plus a lively arts zone and charming, bungalow-filled streets.
33 recommandé par les habitants
Brookland
33 recommandé par les habitants
DC’s "Little Rome" is awash in Catholic churches and sites, plus a lively arts zone and charming, bungalow-filled streets.
Some of the government’s most powerful edifices – the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court and the U.S. House and Senate – make their homes on this famed incline, where views of the Capitol Dome come at almost every turn.
190 recommandé par les habitants
Capitol Hill
190 recommandé par les habitants
Some of the government’s most powerful edifices – the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court and the U.S. House and Senate – make their homes on this famed incline, where views of the Capitol Dome come at almost every turn.
Just south of the U.S. Capitol, this vibrant neighborhood on the Anacostia River is home to Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals, watery diversions like kayaking and a booming restaurant scene.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Capitol Riverfront
17 recommandé par les habitants
Just south of the U.S. Capitol, this vibrant neighborhood on the Anacostia River is home to Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals, watery diversions like kayaking and a booming restaurant scene.
Hispanic culture, a jumbo city park plus cool bars and restaurants draw locals and visitors to this upper northwest hot zone.
89 recommandé par les habitants
Columbia Heights
89 recommandé par les habitants
Hispanic culture, a jumbo city park plus cool bars and restaurants draw locals and visitors to this upper northwest hot zone.
Downtown DC is considered the center of the nation’s capital because of its close proximity to popular attractions, a wide range of cultural experiences, national retail chains and noteworthy dining options.
23 recommandé par les habitants
Downtown
23 recommandé par les habitants
Downtown DC is considered the center of the nation’s capital because of its close proximity to popular attractions, a wide range of cultural experiences, national retail chains and noteworthy dining options.
You might find impromptu yoga, pick-up games of chess and dog-walking locals at this social circle, which anchors its neighborhood namesake.
301 recommandé par les habitants
Dupont Circle
301 recommandé par les habitants
You might find impromptu yoga, pick-up games of chess and dog-walking locals at this social circle, which anchors its neighborhood namesake.
Culture vultures, diplomats and outdoor enthusiasts dig this riverside neighborhood best known as home to the Kennedy Center and the State Department.
13 recommandé par les habitants
Foggy Bottom
13 recommandé par les habitants
Culture vultures, diplomats and outdoor enthusiasts dig this riverside neighborhood best known as home to the Kennedy Center and the State Department.
The perfect intersection of historic charm and upscale modernity happens where M Street meets Wisconsin Avenue in the heart of picturesque Georgetown.
664 recommandé par les habitants
Georgetown
664 recommandé par les habitants
The perfect intersection of historic charm and upscale modernity happens where M Street meets Wisconsin Avenue in the heart of picturesque Georgetown.
A dynamic one-and-a-half mile corridor, this neighborhood promises a memorable night out, funky shops and chill cafés.
171 recommandé par les habitants
H Street Northeast
H Street Northeast
171 recommandé par les habitants
A dynamic one-and-a-half mile corridor, this neighborhood promises a memorable night out, funky shops and chill cafés.
You’ll find a high concentration of craft distilleries, unique concert venues and even agricultural wonders in this historic industrial zone that is experiencing a modern-day renaissance.
22 recommandé par les habitants
Ivy City
22 recommandé par les habitants
You’ll find a high concentration of craft distilleries, unique concert venues and even agricultural wonders in this historic industrial zone that is experiencing a modern-day renaissance.
Alluring for residents who dig the neighborhood’s old-timey charms and new shops and eateries, and for visitors who will find walkable blocks packed with things to do.
60 recommandé par les habitants
Logan Circle
60 recommandé par les habitants
Alluring for residents who dig the neighborhood’s old-timey charms and new shops and eateries, and for visitors who will find walkable blocks packed with things to do.
This historic city square and neighborhood masterfully blends DC’s past and present, perfect for business and pleasure.
Mount Vernon Square
This historic city square and neighborhood masterfully blends DC’s past and present, perfect for business and pleasure.
In this up-and-coming zone, find food hall Union Market, trendy restaurants and historic sites like Gallaudet University.
11 recommandé par les habitants
NoMa
11 recommandé par les habitants
In this up-and-coming zone, find food hall Union Market, trendy restaurants and historic sites like Gallaudet University.
Satisfy your appetite for hip restaurants and culture in this diverse ’hood where museums like the National Portrait Gallery and the International Spy Museum keep company with eateries by celebrity chefs.
107 recommandé par les habitants
Chinatown
604 H St NW
107 recommandé par les habitants
Satisfy your appetite for hip restaurants and culture in this diverse ’hood where museums like the National Portrait Gallery and the International Spy Museum keep company with eateries by celebrity chefs.
Take a look inside Petworth, a close-knit residential neighborhood with local draws that beckon for you to explore.
36 recommandé par les habitants
Petworth
36 recommandé par les habitants
Take a look inside Petworth, a close-knit residential neighborhood with local draws that beckon for you to explore.
Shaw is hip, trendy and edgy. From the live rock and roll music to the African-American Civil War Memorial, you’ll get plenty of excitement and culture here.
32 recommandé par les habitants
Shaw
32 recommandé par les habitants
Shaw is hip, trendy and edgy. From the live rock and roll music to the African-American Civil War Memorial, you’ll get plenty of excitement and culture here.
The Southwest & The Wharf neighborhood is a must-visit for experiencing the arts and local history, as well as The Wharf's many restaurants, shops, concert venues and on-the-water activities.
56 recommandé par les habitants
Southwest Waterfront
56 recommandé par les habitants
The Southwest & The Wharf neighborhood is a must-visit for experiencing the arts and local history, as well as The Wharf's many restaurants, shops, concert venues and on-the-water activities.
The part of the city that never sleeps, U Street stays up late and knows how to have a good time.
98 recommandé par les habitants
U Street Northwest
U Street Northwest
98 recommandé par les habitants
The part of the city that never sleeps, U Street stays up late and knows how to have a good time.
Enjoy the great outdoors in the middle of DC. With the National Zoo and Rock Creek Park, this neighborhood houses everything from giant pandas to breathtaking waterways. Click below to learn more about what you’ll see in Woodley Park.
Woodley Park
Enjoy the great outdoors in the middle of DC. With the National Zoo and Rock Creek Park, this neighborhood houses everything from giant pandas to breathtaking waterways. Click below to learn more about what you’ll see in Woodley Park.