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Welcome to Chocolate City! Washington DC has a lot to offer from being the nationals capital, the rich history, diversity of cultures and so much more. If you look a little deeper, DC is actually a gem for entertainment, beyond what DC is obviously known for it makes a great city for those looking to indulge in non-political matters. If you like a bottomless brunch you'll like DC, if you're a foodie then you're coming to the right place. In this city guide, we'll share a curated list of recommended things to do and spots to hit when visiting DC. This is beyond the obvious, we're focusing on what makes DC unique for Millennials, we're talking dope rooftops views, restaurants that transform into bars and clubs, Speakeasys and a lot more.
Where to Eat
The cultural diversity of DC allows for a wide variety of foods from all over the world. Here are some of our favorites.
Top Picks:
Maydan- Family-style dining taking your taste buds on a journey through cuisines from the Middle East, Africa, and the Mediterranean. We highly recommend this place, but you'll need to make a reservation ASAP ideally 20 days before you come to visit. The only way to RSVP is via RESY.
Founding Farmers- Great food, everything from breakfast to dinner. A wide range of foods to make everyone happy. Be sure to call ahead and make a reservation. This spot is very popular.
Other Favorites:
Georgia Browns (Upscale Soul Food)
The Fainting Goat
Tiger Fork
Busboys and Poets
Compass Rose
Big buns and damn good burgers
Barcelona
Rose’s luxury (Go around 4PM and make a reservation for later in the day, yeah its like that)
Oohh’s and Aahh’s (Soul food)
Where to Brunch
Probably one of the top cities for folks looking for a brunch experience with bottomless mimosas, great food, and vibes that turn into parties. Brunch in DC is the gateway to an epic night or a night back home to rest. Set your intentions and enjoy!
Top Picks:
The Park at 14th- An all in one spot. Come for brunch and enjoy bottomless food. The DJ sets the vibe with some chill music to start and then slowly transitioning into more party type music before it pretty much turns into a full-on day party. They have an enclosed patio where you can purchase bottle and hookah service. To get the best of brunch and the day party, 3 PM may be an ideal time.
Other Favorites:
Half Smoke
El Centro (Bottomless food and drinks)
Hawthorn
Gryphon
Provisions 14
Where to catch a vibe
DC has a lot to offer for those looking for good music, dancing, drinks...etc. DC is unique in the sense that many places in the list below can fit various needs. You can go to a restaurant for brunch, which then turns into a day party, which then turns into a night party. Seriously some people can stay at one spot all day and get a variety of experiences. With that said many of the places listed below fall into multiple categories.
Clubs
Remember its a marathon, not a sprint. The energy in DC is vibrant and flows from brunch into the night. Here are some of our favorite clubs.
Opera
Gryphon
Rose Bar
Decades
Bar Code
Day Parties
Trying to get some rest later at night? No worries, check out some of the top day party locations below.
Lost Society (Hookah, brunch, rooftop)
Rosebar
Decades
Hookah Lounges
There are a lot of hookah lounges in DC, some of the spots mentioned previously also serve hookah. The spots below are known for hookah first.
Gazuza Lounge
Amsterdam cafe and lounge
Vivid Lounge
Chi Cha Lounge
Secrete Lounge
Apple Lounge
Chill Bars and Lounges
Just want to enjoy a drink and good music without the crowd. Get in early at some of these spots.
Columbia Room
Brooklyn on U
El Techo (Dope rooftop patio)
Stans (Known for their strong drinks and fire wings)
El Ray
12 Stories
Cloak and Dagger
Museums
There are tons of museums so this list could go on for a while but w
e highlighted a few of our favorites.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Portrait Gallery
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
National Museum of Natural History
Speakeasy's
If you've never been to a speakeasy, we highly suggest it. If you're looking for an intimate date or something quiet with a few friends then check these out.
* means you'll need to RSVP.
Chicken and Whiskey
Nocturne*
The Backroom at Capo Deli
The Donut Shop in Alexandria
Poppin' All in One Neighborhoods
Want a spot to spend the day? the areas below have everything from shopping, restaurants, bars, and parks.
Georgetown- Cobblestone streets and tree-lined neighborhoods filled with fashion and design shops. Tons of restaurants, bars, and lounges all within walking distance. Great place to spend the day. Walk a few blocks down and you can also enjoy the waterfront area.
The Wharf- Recently developed neighborhood on the water. Great place for fresh seafood. Highly recommended as a place to enjoy nice weather. There are many bars and restaurants conducive to outside seating.
National Harbor- Across the water in Maryland. This area is home to the MGM hotel and casino, over 160 stores, and 40+ restaurants.
Other Things to do
DC Improv- Ready to laugh? This comedy club is a DC staple with quality comedians performing throughout the week and weekend.
Looking for a private chef or catered food? Check out @chefmorganjames
If you travel during the Fall, check out Shenandoah. Beautiful view of the mountain ranges that put you in the midst of all the leaves changing colors.
Rent a 10 seater float boat, grab some friends and drinks, and float down on the river. Check out Float Boat at the Wharf.
Jack Rose Whiskey Saloon (over 2600 flavors of whiskey)
Rock Creek Park
See Something Missing? Share your recommendations.
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