Washington, DC
Map
Airport code: WAS
Currency: US Dollar
Washington, DC is: big pizza in Adams Morgan, go-go music, monuments, politics, embassies, clean metro
Chocolate city, the home of go-go music, the nation’s capitol – whatever you decide to call it, Washington, DC is a city of contrasts. In one section, you have the hustle and bustle of the White House. Across the bridge, you’ll find Southeast. Or, as people from the district call it:soufeast. Speaking of pronunciations, one of the many things you’ll notice about DC is the accent. When someone mentions they’re going to the “curry out” don’t mistake that for a place that sells a Jamaican specialty. What they’re really saying is “carry out.” Basically, any word that has “ar” in it will be pronounced with “uhr.”
Now that we’ve covered some of the subtleties of the language and the nuances in the lingo, we can move along to the music. DC is known for go-go music and Chuck Berry is still king. Go-go started in the mid-70′s. It’s commonly performed live and some of the more popular bands include Uncalled For, Backyard and Rare Essence. To the untrained ear, it might sound like clanging on pots and pans. Hearing it late at night over a radio station doesn’t do it any justice. Seeing people move to it at a live show is the best way to understand how important this part of DC culture is.
It is quite possible to miss both of the things mentioned above. The reason: there are many transplants in this city which makes it quite diverse. And the city replies with many offerings. There is a wide range of things to do from museums to nightclubs. You could literally watch birds if you wanted to.
There isn’t a bad time to be in DC. The location provides for mild weather year round. However, it does snow in the winters and summers can become quite humid. In the fall, Howard Homecoming shouldn’t be missed. And, the cherry blossoms are a signal it’s spring in DC.
No matter where you’re going in DC, it will take 15 minutes to get there. If you’re leaving from the nearby areas in Virginia or Maryland, then it will take you 20 minutes. Another thing to know is metro etiquette. When exiting from the metro, stay to the right if you plan on standing; you can use the left side ONLY if you plan on walking in a frenzy. If you don’t obey these rules, you’ll get very evil looks and some may be bold enough to yell. It’s not that there are signs about this anywhere, you’re just expected to know.
By the time Jay Z came out with the song, “Excuse Me Miss” in 2002, the upscale Dream nightclub (now Love) had only been open for a year. The intro to Jay Z’s song “only for the grown and sexy” would be the hook used for subsequent promotions for nightlife, including Dream. Before Marc Barnes and Taz opened Dream, DC nightlife consisted of the Ritz, 2k9, and DC Live. Instead of the dingy clubs found earlier, partying in DC now focuses on chic lounges with bottle service, dress to impress flair and a subtle haughtiness that could rival the scene of any major city.
Large clubs currently dominate the social scene. It’s where the entertainers are when they are in town, so naturally, everyone else flocks there. However, DC has a lot more to offer below the surface. Most of these places are found in Adams Morgan. During the day, Adams Morgan seems like a very residential
neighborhood surrounded by a strip of restaurants. At night, this strip is transformed to a scene out of a frat movie. There are dozens of bars, lounges, clubs and even more people strewn outside of them.
Here are some places to check out when in DC and others to skip, especially if you have limited time.
Win
Love: We’re a little hesitant about putting Love on our picks list, but it’s for all the same reasons we have to include it. If you’re in the city for one night, interested in seeing a lot of people, enticed by the option of 4 floors, trying to see what celebrities are also here, then Love is probably the best for you. In all
of it’s glory, Love is what it is. It’s a place to see and be seen. The drinks are strong, the DJs are great and it’s where everyone visiting the city goes. The best nights are Fridays. If you’re here during Howard Homecoming it’s best you arrive around 2pm. Ok, ok, 2pm is extreme, but 6pm really isn’t an exaggeration. If you like Mansion in Miami, chances are you’ll like Love.
Timehri: In a city now full of lounges, Timehri is a great alternative. Located on the strip in Adams Morgan, it’s the only reggae club in the city. The vibe is a true basement bashment. The venue is small, but that’s a part of it’s charm. Every night is great because all the DJs offer their own flavor, however, the culture mix on a Thursday night can’t be beat.
Modern: On a Friday night, DJ Stylus Chris will take you from Dilated Pupils to Jay Z to Baltimore club to reggae to T-Pain to Earth Wind and Fire, all while throwing in some crazy mixes. The excitement will make you want to break something. Trust us, we’ve seen it. Some nights you’ll see some break dancers out, on others Chicago ballrooming. The crowd is very diverse, which is probably a result of its Georgetown location.
Habana Village: Also in Adams Morgan, this is where you can find the best mojitos in the city. Three floors of salsa – two DJs and a live band – Habana Village is packed on most nights. Ladies are always free. If you can get here early, try getting a meal before the dancing. It’s surprisingly great. So where does that leave us: great mojitios +delicious food + salsa = WIN.
Loss
1223: In 1223′s defense, there are actually a few people that like this place. So how did 1223 end up here? They hold the line for hours. This is the place where you’ll see people trying to call someone inside to get in or professing their worth to the bouncers. Once inside, you either have to know someone or pay extra to get to the VIP room on the third floor. Once in the VIP room, it’s hot. There’s no room to move, usually a fight because someone stepped on a Puma and there is yet another VIP section. Did you get that? There is a VIP area in the VIP room. The other two floors are empty after 10 p.m.; that’s when the open bar ends.
Cafe Peju: It pains us to have to put this here. For a few years, there was a little club on 7th street that had good music, an extensive martini list and a random offering of chicken kabobs that made sense at the time. The place was Juste Lounge. When Juste moved in 2005 to Bethesda, MD, the name changed to Peju and the atmosphere changed to wack. What should have been a good reason to escape the city is nothing more than a disappointment.
Others
18th & U: The upstairs bar is great in the summertime.
2004 18th St. NW, Washington, DC, 20009, 202.265.7828
Andalu (Downtown): A smaller lounge with an inviting Moroccan theme. Location makes club-hopping easy.
1214 18th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202.785.2922
Avenue (Chinatown): Ladies free all night on Fridays. And, a reggae floor.
649 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202.347.8100
Blue Gin (Georgetown): Tucked in a Georgetown alley. Find it and find another typical DC lounge with a slightly older crowd.
1206 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, 202.965.5555
Blues Alley (Georgetown):A historical spot to hear great jazz. get tickets early.
1073 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, 202.337.4141
Bohemian Caverns (U Street): 2001 Eleventh Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202.299.0800
Bossa (Adams Morgan): An intimate space with live music draws a diverse crowd. Strong drinks are a bonus.
2463 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202.667.0088
Crossroads: A reggae club. Brings in many of the major reggae artists.
4103 Baltimore Ave., Bladensburg, MD 20710, 301. 927.1056
Eighteenth Street Lounge (Downtown): Sultry and chill.
1212 18th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202.466.3922
Five (Downtown): Techno and house most nights. Stays open until 5 a.m.
1214 B 18th Street NW, Washington DC, 20036 – 202.331.7123
Felix (Adams Morgan): 2406 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202.483.3549
H2O: Good music, reggae floor, crowd…very eh.
800 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024, 202.484.6300
Fly Lounge: Designed like the inside of an airplane. Has very high standards for who they let in.
1802 Jefferson Place NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202.828.4433
Ibiza: The newest entry into the large club scene.
1222 1st Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, 202.234.9225
K Street Lounge: Always crowded with no real dance floor or space for the many people trying to profile.
1301 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005, 202.962.3933
Lima: Cool, classy and fun crowd.
1401 K Street NW, Washington DC 20005, 202.789.2800
Lotus: One of the newer lounges. Best nights are Tuesdays
1420 K Street NW, Washington DC 20005, 202.289.4222
Ozio’s (Downtown): Great martinis.
1813 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202.822.6000
Platinum: One of the few clubs that are 18 to enter.
915 F St NW,Washington, DC 20004, 202.3933555
Rendezvous: Smaller hip hop lounge
2226 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202.462.4444
Republic Gardens: Brings in a large number of Howard alumni.
1355 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202-232-2710
Soussi: A Hookah bar with good food and music. Comfy couches upstairs create a homely feel.
2228 18th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202.299.9313
The Wonderland Ballroom: 80′s, 90′s Retro feel. Moderate prices. Cheap beer.
1101 Kenyon St NW, Washington, DC 20010, 202.232.5263
Utopia: Art covered walls serve as the perfect backdrop for live jazz.
1418 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202.483.7669
DC is home to many great restaurants. The scene isn’t as large as New York, but it holds its own among culinary aficionados. It is also home to mambo sauce. Why it’s named mambo sauce and the ingredients are both mysteries..It would be impossible to tell you what’s in it. You probably wouldn’t want to know anyway and if you find out, don’t tell us. However, it’s served on chicken wings and fries and it’s great. You can find it at most carry outs in the city, but Howard China has the best.
Another phenomenon is big pizza in Adams Morgan. Only at 3 am does it make sense to eat something that’s the size of a pizza box. Don’t try eating this in the daytime. It’s just not the same. Big pizza can only be consumed between the hours of 3 am and 5 am and after drinking a minimum of 2 drinks.
Win
Ben’s Chili Bowl ($): This DC landmark is home to some of the best chili dogs, something else that makes a lot of sense at 3 a.m. However, their breakfast is also pretty damn good. Ben’s has a great history. So much so, that Barack Obama spent his first Saturday afternoon in the city at Ben’s.
Busboys & Poets ($$): It doesn’t quickly make sense when someone says that this is a coffeehouse, a bookstore, a restaurant and a place to see open mics or other events. However, they seamlessly bring it all together. There are now 3 restaurants. But, we like to pretend that the other 2 don’t exist. The original is on 14th St. and V St. NW.
Lauriol Plaza ($$): We used to think that this was the best Mexican food in DC (Guapo’s is better). It’s pretty great, but more than that, it has a great atmosphere. Well, great if you’re into loud people and plenty pitchers of margaritas. When looking at it from the outside in the summer, it is easy to believe there is a long wait, but usually those people actually plan to spend the night on the sidewalk.
Oya ($$$): Oya is very reminiscent of a restaurant in Los Angeles. There isn’t anything better than eating a great meal in a nice atmosphere. The menu is a blend of sushi and other asian and french inspired dishes.
St. Paradise’s Kitchen (aka Daddy Grace’s) ($): If someone had to guess where the best soul food in DC could be found, we doubt they would say in the basement of church. But folks, that’s exactly where it is. Right by the convention center, the line usually stretches outside the door during lunchtime. Try the catfish.
Loss
B. Smith’s: Disappointing. Not sure how many ways you can say something isn’t good and we’re not going to try. From what we hear, B. Smith’s actually used to be great. Changes in the kitchen diminished the quality of the food. Try Georgia Brown’s for upscale soul food.
Negril: The convenient location by Howard University explains why there are so many regular customers. For more authentic Caribbean food, head to Tropicana around the corner. Negril has seating which is a plus, but the food at Tropicana is undoubtedly better.
Sequoia: A great place to visit during Sunday nights in the summer. However, the food is highly overrated. Skip a meal and just grab a drink… or two.
Others:
Acadiana: 901 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202.408.8848
Aroma: 1919 I (Eye) Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006, 202.833.4700
Ceviche: 921 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301.608.0081
Citronelle: 3000 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, 202.625.2510
The Diner: 2453 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202.232.8800
Etrusco: 1606 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202.667.0047
Indebleu: 707 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202.333.2538
Georgia Brown’s (Downtown): 950 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, 202.393.4499
La Tasca: 722 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202.347.9190
Little India (Woodley Park): A hidden gem.
2623 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, 202.232.5030
Mio: 1110 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005, 202.955.0075
Oceanaire: 1201 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202.347.2277
Oohs and Ahhs: 1005 U Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-667-7142
Otello: 1329 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202.429.0209
Rosa Mexicano: 575 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202.783.5522
Sweet Mango Cafe: Authentic Caribbean jerk..well, as close as it gets.
3701 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, 202.726.2646
Steak ‘n Egg: 4700 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, 202.686.1201
Taberna del Alabardero: 1776 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006, 202.429.2200
Tropicana: 725 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202.588.5470
Tryst: 2459 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202.232.5500
Zengo: 781 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202.393.2929
In the past five years, many of the neighborhoods in the northwest section of DC have gone under major developments. Having mini-neighborhoods pop up overnight has become the norm. This trend is quickly seeping through the rest of the city.
Adams Morgan: It’s not a Vegas sized strip, but it is a cluster of restaurants and bars that stay open pretty
late. The closet hotel in this mostly residential area is the Hilton Washington on Connecticut Avenue.
Capitol Hill:
Chinatown: This area is relatively small comparison to most to the typical Chinatown. This is mainly because it exists one block. They should probably change the name to Chinablock. Outside of what you would expect from the name, there are many great restaurants. Recent developments have brought luxurious high rises and shopping ares. It is also home of the Verizon center where the Washington Wizards play.
Columbia Heights: Columbia Heights’ large Hispanic population is dwindling as the community rebuilding continues. You’ll still see a few bodegas, but there are plenty more outdoor cafes. Many of the residential areas are relatively quiet.
Dupont Circle: Dupont is full of quaint restaurants and even quainter bookstores. When the weather becomes warm there is also a great farmer’s market.
Georgetown: Located along the Potomac River waterfront, Georgetown.
Shaw: Along with U street, the effects of the riots of the 60′s can still be seen here. The beauty of the row houses are overshadowed by the deterioration they’ve faced. This is still not one of the safest neighborhoods around, but chances are that rebuilding will start soon because of the close proximity to U street. The main Howard University campus is also located here.
Southeast:
U Street Corridor: Washingtonians will tell you that the Harlem Renaissance (or the black arts movement) began in D.C. on U Street at the height of the jazz era. During the (1900′s) U street was home to many… The area went under a major revitalization during the past 10 years and is now home to many condominiums. U street is still home to many of the area’s jazz clubs as well as shops, restaurants, nightclubs and residences. The closest thing would be sublets which many people do via craigslist.org. The area extends from 9th Street on the east to 18th Street and Florida Avenue on the west. Most of this area is part of the larger Shaw neighborhood with the western end entering the Dupont area. There aren’t many hotels in this area.
Coming Soon!
[nggallery id=3]
