As a travel blogger, it’s difficult to disentangle what parts of travel feel like work and which parts feel like leisure—not that I’m complaining. It’s just that sometimes the distinction is clear, like when I’m working with a local tourism board or visiting family—but other times, like a recent visit to Washington, D.C., it’s a bit murkier.
Earlier this month Michael and I flew to the nation’s capital for a weekend of live music and time with friends, placing it firmly in the leisure category. But I love pinpointing finds that I think you’ll love, and that means creating a roundup of local places that feel infused with the character of a destination.
Wondering where to go next? Check out the rest of my travel guides, sorted by destination
So today I’m bringing you along on this casual getaway to a city I’ve now visited five times, if my memory serves me correctly. Rather than sharing a full-blown guide to the city (how could I possibly justify doing so, when I’ve barely scratched the surface despite my many visits?), I’m continuing the tradition of sharing a travel diary from our weekend in the city.
Today’s post is ideal for anyone wanting to dive a little deeper into Washington, D.C. (perhaps like us, you’ve visited a few times and have scratched most of the top sights off your list) or who just loves great food (especially the city’s current hotspots). Trust me, there are a lot of great meals ahead!
HOT RESTAURANTS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
We still love the classics (they're classic for a reason!), but here are some go-to spots among locals:
YELLOW Union Market
It was a photo of the pastry case at YELLOW Union Market that first called to me, but the wood-fired pita is the thing I can’t get out of my head. You can now find a taste of the Levant in D.C.’s Union Market District, an adaptive reuse district that includes an eclectic blend of shops, restaurants, and wholesale markets.
A wood-fired pita stuffed with flavorful fillings is a beautiful introduction to YELLOW, and the smoked lamb shoulder was hearty enough to share. But sitting at a shared table, I grew a smidge envious of my neighbor, who was swiping pillowy pieces of charred pita into an equally pillowy-looking puddle of hummus. I contented myself with a halva chocolate chip cookie and vowed to order it next time. That is, unless my next visit finds me at their Georgetown location for some (not) pizza.
→YELLOW Union Market // 417 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002
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Apapacho Taqueria
Find newcomer Apapacho Taqueria in La Cosecha, Union Market District’s Latin Marketplace. Apapacho brings a taste of Mexico to the District by way of imported heirloom ingredients and traditional cooking techniques in a casual counter-service setting.
Tacos al pastor are always a go-to, and on the rare occasions I see cochinita pibil on the menu, I have to order it, too. Both were delicious on their freshly made tortilla base, but of the two tacos, the al pastor was the star. The portions are a touch smaller than you might expect, but it’s a good excuse to tack on an extra taco to your order.
→Apapacho Taqueria // 1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
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Astoria
It was a bit of a gamble, trying to dine at Astoria. D.C. has its fair share of late-night spots and carts, but you can’t always trust the kitchen will still be open during posted hours. So we knew we were taking a risk by scooting off from our concert at The Wharf by bus and then on foot to reach Astoria, but my heart was surely set on it.
As luck would have it, we made it just ten minutes before the stroke of midnight, when Astoria’s kitchen closes. The bar was bustling, but we managed to score a tiny table and slide our order in before the cutoff. Our cocktails emerged first, along with a cup of Goldfish that we munched on gratefully. The cocktail menu veers heavily toward tiki-territory, with sweet, fruit-forward flavors masking the heavy-handed pours of spirits lurking beneath (translation: careful! They go down easy).
Soon after, a bowl of jiggly mapo tofu arrived with a helping of rice. We dug right in, relishing the mouth-numbing spiciness and depth of flavor. Really, is there anything better at midnight?
→Astoria // 1521 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
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Call Your Mother Deli
To be honest, I hesitated putting Call Your Mother Deli in this guide because I didn’t exactly love my meal, but I know it’s a favorite of many so maybe I’m just missing something. Michael and I queued up at the Logan Circle location one morning to order a bagel sandwich to share, admiring the nostalgic decor while we waited for our order.
With limited seating and zero free tables, we trekked back to our hotel lobby to eat. I am annoyingly passionate about my bagels—they should be chewy with a bit of a bite—and to me, the bagel from CYM was more bread-like than bagel-like and on the sweeter side (supposedly to align with a Montreal-style bagel, but it tasted even sweeter than that to me).
As I mentioned, I wasn’t wowed by my breakfast, but given the crowd of regulars, people clearly find a favorite dish to return for.
→Call Your Mother Deli // Multiple Locations
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PLANTA Queen
I generally don’t include chains or multi-city restaurants in my guides, but there’s a surprising (or perhaps not-so-surprising) overlap between D.C., New York, and Miami restaurants. PLANTA is one such restaurant, with a few locations and iterations scattered about the country.
PLANTA Queen is a favorite of our friends, and after several meaty meals in a row, I was eager to visit this fully plant-based restaurant (I’m not the only one who hits an “I need a vegetable, now” wall when traveling, right?). The menu at PLANTA Queen is inspired by dishes from across Asia, just without the usual fish, chicken, egg, or beef you might expect.
My poke bowl was fresh and flavorful, subbing in watermelon for tuna and a plant-based alternative to spicy mayo. Michael grew unusually silent as he tucked into his kimchi egg fried rice, only emerging into conversation again when the bowl was empty. A slice of matcha cheesecake was large enough to split five ways, irresistibly silky and decadent. Join the restaurant’s loyalty program to save $5 on your first meal, or consider visiting during happy hour or on Maki Monday, when you can chow down on unlimited rolls for $29.
→PLANTA Queen // 1200 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
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Red Light Bar & Detroit Pizza
We had the absolute delight of being present at the tasting of our friend’s first Detroit-style pizza at Red Light Bar & Detroit Pizza on 14th. The ultra-thick pan crust is Michael’s favorite pizza style, and the sole driving factor for us visiting Detroit last year, as you may recall.
Red Light Bar & Detroit Pizza is a bar-first in the evenings, and service left much to be desired. But after receiving a forgotten vegan cheese pie forty-five minutes later, we were sharing a moment of history as our friend dug into the first slice. Though no longer hot, the dough was puffy and lined with crisp, charred edges, the sauce was bright and punchy, and the cheese was, well, it was decent for vegan cheese. Would I visit again? Maybe, but I’d ask about the status of our order much sooner.
→Red Light Bar & Detroit Pizza // 1401 R St NW, Washington, DC 20009
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Pisco y Nazca
Full disclosure: I love a good deal. A number of D.C.’s best restaurants offer a weekday prix-fixe lunch intended for the busy employee, but they’re also perfect for the traveler whose visit falls during the week. These coursed menus are usually significantly cheaper than their dinner counterparts and are offered at a pace for travelers with a packed itinerary.
For $26 per person, you can enjoy three courses bursting with Peruvian flavors at Pisco y Nazca. Ceviche is a must at any Peruvian restaurant worth its salt, and the version here is bright and ultra-fresh. Each bite of my pulled pork bowl yielded a different texture and flavor, although the portion was so large I had to pass it off to Michael to finish (who graciously obliged, in addition to polishing off his half-portion of fried rice—the man sure does love fried rice).
There’s always room for dessert, so we ordered both and happily bounced back and forth between the wobbly flan and rich cheesecake studded with rice. All in all, the lunch here is a delicious steal.
→Pisco y Nazca // 1823 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036
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Cranes
I debated whether to include Cranes in my bars section (below), because it’s essentially how we treated it, but in addition to enjoying a happy hour special at Cranes’ Bar Tsuru, we had enough room in our bellies to order a small plate or three. It’s fitting that it’s a tough place to categorize, because the menu is, too.
Sourcing inspiration from Japan and Spain, you can find dishes like seafood ramen with a gaspachuelo base or a patatas bravas-like okonomiyaki tot at Bar Tsuru. We ordered a pair of beautifully-dressed oysters, paella croquetas, and the star of the menu, the brown butter churros. It was a struggle not to drink the black sesame chocolate and miso caramel after we finished our churros, but we diligently refrained.
→Cranes // 724 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
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Tiki Taco
In the mood for more of a hole-in-the-wall vibe for lunch one day, we descended the stairs to subterranean Tiki Taco. With just a few stools, most diners pass through these modest digs to collect their takeout order to eat elsewhere, but we bellied up to the counter for Hawaiian-inspired tacos and a burrito.
I couldn’t tell you whether I preferred the pork belly or the island fish tacos more because it really isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison. Both were delicious, and both deserve to be in your order. And I practically had to pry Michael’s jerk chicken burrito out of his hands to snag a taste, which tells you everything you need to know about that dish. Service was quick and friendly, and this is a great choice for travelers short on time looking for a tasty, casual meal.
→Tiki Taco// 2010 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036
COOL BARS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Coming from Charlotte, Happy Hour feels like a novelty; here are a few fun spots to (safely!) imbibe:
Jane Jane
If I could pack up any D.C. bar and take it back to Charlotte with me, it would be tiny Jane Jane. Not just for its cute decor (adorable wallpaper, funky tiled bar, and cozy nooks), but because the drinks really are that good. Plus, I love a good cheeky drink name (my fave: the Should We Be Bad?, which is a coffee + bourbon concoction) and the fact that drinks are served alongside a cup of Cheez-Its is the cherry on top.
→Jane Jane // 1705 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
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ChurchKey
Find ChurchKey, a spacious bar with a lengthy list of whiskey, beer, and cocktails, just one block from Logan Square. The space felt oddly quiet during our visit, but perhaps it was just because it was Sunday. With such a great menu, I can’t think of any other reason why!
→ChurchKey // 1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
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Succotash
Okay, so technically Succotash is a restaurant, but with a food menu so reminiscent of home, we just stuck to the liquid portion of their happy hour menu (available even on a Sunday, would you believe it?). A milk punch and a belle punch were the perfect libations and they would have paired well with a Sunday evening spent on a front porch rocking chair.
→Succotash // 915 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
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Aslin Beer Company
I went on a cocktail spree in D.C. because they were surprisingly cheaper than back home, but I promise I’m still a beer girlie at heart. The D.C. taproom of Aslin Beer Company is an excellent choice on a beautiful afternoon (or a cool summer evening, when the sun finally retracts its claws), so order a pint of your favorite style of beer and relax for a while.
→Aslin Beer Company // 1740 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
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Kingfisher
If you love nothing more than a cool dive bar, then Kingfisher should definitely be on your list. This basement-level bar is cozy and dark with a great playlist, casual beer and cocktail menu, and free popcorn. Plus, they’re one of the few places to offer happy hour every day.
→Kingfisher // 1414 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
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Players Club
Travel back in time over a drink at Players Club, which looks a whole lot more like a 1970s basement lounge than your typical bar. Pick up a board game from the pile or try your luck at some of the arcade machines scattered throughout. Don’t miss the chance to pop upstairs for a lovely view of the city before you leave!
→Players Club // 1400 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
D.C. BAKERIES
Checked off Baked & Wired and A Baked Joint? Here are a few more tasty treats to try:
{petite} maman
Despite taking countless trips to NYC over the last decade, I’ve never made it to a maman. So while in D.C., I decided to finally rectify that misstep with a visit to {petite} maman, the bakery’s tiny Dupont Circle location, while Michael was working from the hotel one morning.
I’m usually one to order far too many things at a bakery (my eyes are indeed larger than my stomach!), and without Michael there to rein me in, my brain was zinging with ideas. But I collected myself and only ordered three items: a pistachio chocolate croissant for me, an everything croissant for Michael, and one of their (Oprah-approved) nutty chocolate chip cookies. Even though we munched on them in front of our laptops back at the hotel, I felt instantly transported to Paris.
→{petite} maman // 1220 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
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Bread Alley
Though I confess to being underwhelmed by Le Diplomate on my last visit to D.C., I was wowed by their bread. Today you can find their retail bakery, Bread Alley, tucked down an alley (who’d’ve guessed?) in the Urban Market District. Here you’ll find a tiny tempting selection of baguettes, croissants, preserves, cookies, and more.
→Bread Alley // 1250 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
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Malai
There was quite the line out front of the Malai scoop shop, but we hopped right on in, hoping it would move quickly. Thankfully it did, and soon we were standing in front of a case full of tempting South Asian-inspired flavors like sweet corn saffron, guava chili, and coffee cardamom.
I mean, anyone would have trouble deciding, right? But we quickly made up our minds for the sake of everyone else in the queue, and landed on a cup of masala chai and rose with cinnamon roasted almonds. We carried the cup of sweet, spicy deliciousness out the door and onto the patio, where we joined a convivial crowd relaxing under the twinkle lights for an evening of carefree summer indulgence.
→Malai // 1407 T St NW, Washington, DC 20009
WHERE TO GRAB COFFEE
I mean, it's essential, right?
Roasting Plant Coffee
For my favorite coffee of the shops on this list, head to Roasting Plant Coffee. Coffee really doesn’t get fresher than this, as the cafe uses technology to roast micro-batches for the perfect cup (this, to me, is a far better use of robots than say, writing or drawing).
Find Roasting Plant in Dupont Circle, or perhaps in another city on your list. There are quite a few locations scattered about the globe, including one at a grocery store in nearby Greensboro (how random, but lucky for me!).
→Roasting Plant Coffee // Multiple Locations
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The Coffee Bar
We made a quick stop at The Coffee Bar for one final jolt of energy before heading to the airport, and I wish we could have stayed longer. The downtown location is such an eclectic breath of fresh air in a city that feels too buttoned-up at times. This is the kind of place I’d be happy to meet up with a friend to hang for a while or spend some time working on the blog.
→The Coffee Bar // Multiple Locations
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Blank Street Coffee
I was surprised to learn that Blank Street Coffee has locations in Boston, New York, and London because the pocket-sized 14th Street location feels like a mom-and-pop. In any case, Blank Street is open a little later than some of the other local spots in the neighborhood (until 6 p.m. on the weekends!), making it a great stop before a night out. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything…
→Blank Street Coffee // Multiple Locations
OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH MUSEUMS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
If you were to examine the tallies of annual Smithsonian Museum visits, these aren't anywhere near the top—but they're absolutely worth a visit. Here are just a few great things to do in Washington, D.C.:
National Museum of Asian Art
The National Museum of Asian Art is one of ten Smithsonian Museums located around the perimeter of the National Mall. Don’t be deceived by its small footprint; this museum houses a vast collection of more than 46,000 works.
As you wander through the multi-story galleries, you’ll encounter intricate sculptures, delicate textiles, and vibrant paintings that reflect the unique traditions and histories of countries like India, Japan, China, Korea, and the Islamic world. The museum’s carefully curated exhibits not only showcase the beauty of Asian art but also provide insight into the cultural and historical contexts that shaped these masterpieces. Budget at least ninety minutes to explore, but two hours is ideal.
→National Museum of Asian Art // 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20004
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National Postal Museum
After returning from D.C., I met someone who sheepishly admitted the National Postal Museum is her favorite Smithsonian Museum, and you know what? It’s unironically up there for me, too. I’m utterly fascinated by how our mail works, and that in this day and age, we can still send a letter across the country for about the price of three bananas at Trader Joe’s.
Housed in the historic City Post Office Building, which served as the Washington, D.C., post office from 1914 through 1986, the museum’s exhibits trace the history and development of mail delivery. Follow the journey of the letter over the years and take turns practicing your letter-sorting skills with the interactive exhibits throughout. Stamp collectors will surely love the impressive philatelic collection that includes rare and iconic stamps like the Inverted Jenny. No matter your interests, expect to spend at least two hours here.
→National Postal Museum // 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
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Hirshhorn Museum
Contemporary art enthusiasts may already have the Hirshhorn Museum on their list, but even if you tend to look at a lot of modern art and think, “I could do that,” you should still make a point to visit. The building’s unique circular design makes this a very approachable art museum experience, guiding visitors through the galleries on a smooth, clear path full of modern masterpieces, from large-scale installations and thought-provoking sculptures to immersive experiences.
Be sure to check out the current events and exhibitions before you go, and set aside an hour at the very minimum for a casual visit or two hours for more in-depth exploration.
→Hirshhorn Museum // Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560
A GREAT BOUTIQUE HOTEL
A stylish and inclusive hotel that is refreshingly not cookie-cutter
The Darcy
You know I love a good boutique hotel, and we felt spoiled for choice with several options within our budget for a long weekend in Washington, D.C. In the end, The Darcy won out thanks to its Regional Resident Rate, which offers up to 30% off the regular rate, a waived amenity fee, and a free upgrade at check-in upon availability for residents of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
We didn’t receive a room upgrade but were just so grateful to be granted an early check-in to give us time to freshen up after the walk from the Metro station with our luggage. Though there are several bus stops within a five-minute walk of the hotel, the two closest Metro stops are 12-15 minutes away—which would be lovely on a beautiful autumn day, but less desirable in 95°F heat.
The King Room we found was spacious and comfortable, with a plush bed, armchair, workstation, mini fridge, and a real closet. I appreciated several sustainable touches throughout the space like the refillable bath products, but wish they would switch from the plastic water bottles on offer. However, a water filling station is included at the ice machine and in the fitness center, which features premium equipment and Peloton bikes.
I regret not being able to attend the hotel’s cocktail tasting, the “Darcy Double” where they serve their house cocktail in the lobby from 5 – 5:30 p.m. each day. I’m afraid the window was just too narrow for us to make it back to the hotel in time (if you try it, let me know how it is!).
While I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to visit Bluestone Lane, the coffee shop adjacent to the lobby, after a horrible experience on my last day, it was helpful motivation to get out the door in the morning. But with more time, I may have stopped in to enjoy a bite at Gerrard Street Kitchen, the adjoining restaurant—or at least popped in for happy hour.
Though the hotel may be a little too far from primary attractions for first-time visitors, overall, our stay at The Darcy was incredibly pleasant, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to repeat visitors to D.C. or to people who love diving into the food and drink scene at a destination.
→The Darcy // 1515 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
WITH MORE TIME IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
My list of places to visit in D.C. only grows longer with every trip...
This list can’t possibly capture all of the things I still want to do in D.C., but these are some of the spots that are a little higher in rank for my next visit:
Smithsonian Museums and Zoo | Even if I lived in Washington, D.C., I don’t think I’d get tired of visiting the vast collections of the Smithsonian Institution
The Kreeger Museum | Another off-the-beaten-path art museum, plus a gorgeous sculpture garden
International Spy Museum | I always use an excuse to skip this one because it’s not free, but I’m so fascinated by it and I need to cross it off my list one day
Anju | For modern, homestyle Korean fare
Sura | Shareable dishes inspired by Bangkok’s Chinatown
Grazie Nonna | A lovely neighborhood Italian-American spot
Casa Teresa | A charming Spanish restaurant with a hard-to-beat lunch prix-fixe
Maydan | Cult status hearth dining, family-style
dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval | Modern Mexican with a tasty-looking express lunch menu
Seylou Bakery | Good, crusty sourdough bread and pretty pastries
Nino’s Bakery | Small-batch artisan croissants and delights
As ever, please let me know if you make it to any of these places before I do!
TIPS FOR VISITING WASHINGTON, D.C., IN THE SUMMER
A "travel tips for Washington, D.C." guide could easily be its own blog post, but here are a few helpful tips for visiting the nation's capital in the warm months:
Weather
Though Charlotte is further south, Washington, D.C. can be significantly hotter and more humid than my home city and possibly more than yours, too. For a summer visit, follow all the typical safety tips like drinking lots of water, wearing a hat and sunscreen, and avoiding going outside during the hottest part of the day if you’re susceptible to heat exhaustion. You’ll find lots of vendors selling water and icy treats around the National Mall, which may bring a little relief.
Events
The heat doesn’t mean you should avoid visiting D.C. in the summer; on the contrary, some of the DMV’s best events occur during the sunshine season!
Visiting Museums
Museums are a great way to escape the heat during a summer visit, and most of the big ones are free. Note: some of the Smithsonian Institutions require a timed ticket to visit, so make your free reservation in advance for the African American History and Culture Museum, Air and Space Museum, and National Zoo.
Public Transit
People love to tout D.C.’s public transit as one of the best systems in the country, but I always seem to time my visit when there are significant delays across the DMV. Thankfully, most of the Metro stations run reasonably cool while you wait, although not all bus stations have shelter.
I was glad to discover that WMATA now has an option to move your SmarTrip card to your Mobile Wallet, making it just a little more convenient to enter and exit stations and check your balance. Finding it inconvenient to connect two of your itinerary stops? It’s worth it to call a ride-hailing service, and cars are usually quick to arrive.
Bathrooms
I found it surprisingly easy to locate public restrooms in D.C., whether at a museum or in a coffee shop, which is so refreshing (in the most literal sense!).
What to Wear in D.C. in the Summer
As you can imagine, D.C. style is pretty buttoned-up. Many people are on their way to work at their corporate jobs or in government offices, and weekday wear includes suits and sneakers (presumably with a pair of dress shoes tucked away in a tote or briefcase!). Mostly anything goes on the hottest days, though people remain relatively modestly dressed even on the weekends. If your plans include dining at any ultra-fine establishments, I would prepare to dress to impress (and take an Uber so you’re not hot and rumpled when you arrive!).
In any case, my full D.C. summer packing list is right here!
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SPENDING A SUMMER WEEKEND IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Admittedly, summer wouldn’t be my first choice for a weekend in D.C. (if we’re being honest, it might actually be my last choice), but the city is worth a visit at any chance you get. With world-class museums, a global dining scene, and an approachable layout, the city deserves multiple visits.
And because it’s easily accessible by air and train for many travelers, it’s a breeze to get to (though I would always recommend flying into DCA if you can help it!). I know I’m looking forward to many more visits to this wonderfully cultural city—how about you?
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Questions for you
Have you visited D.C. before? Or perhaps, have you visited on multiple occasions?
Which museum in the Smithsonian Institution are you most excited to visit?
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