Guidebook for Washington
Food Scene
Good food, nice atmosphere - kind of City restaurant like you may find at the beach. Restaurant/Bar
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Ted's Bulletin
505 8th St SEGood food, nice atmosphere - kind of City restaurant like you may find at the beach. Restaurant/Bar
Not fancy, phenomenal soul food - Chef Oji - featured on Diners Drive ins and Dives a few years ago - cash only, not cheap (but really good serving sizes), but great food only 1 block away on U St near 10th. My favorites - Beef Ribs (ask for the original ones), Shrimp & Grits, Catfish, Mac & Cheese & Sweet Potatoes - and the Meatloaf, too.
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Oohh's & Aahh's
1005 U St NWNot fancy, phenomenal soul food - Chef Oji - featured on Diners Drive ins and Dives a few years ago - cash only, not cheap (but really good serving sizes), but great food only 1 block away on U St near 10th. My favorites - Beef Ribs (ask for the original ones), Shrimp & Grits, Catfish, Mac & Cheese & Sweet Potatoes - and the Meatloaf, too.
Really good BBQ, casual - located at 2nd & Florida Ave, NW (so approximately 9 blocks away) - considered to be in Bloomingdale, which is a cool little area of restaurants & bars.
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DCity Smokehouse
203 Florida Ave NWReally good BBQ, casual - located at 2nd & Florida Ave, NW (so approximately 9 blocks away) - considered to be in Bloomingdale, which is a cool little area of restaurants & bars.
Nice sit down environment, good pizza & more. 3 Blocks away - across from Trader Joes. Open for lunch & dinner.
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matchbox
521 8th St SENice sit down environment, good pizza & more. 3 Blocks away - across from Trader Joes. Open for lunch & dinner.
Eclectic restaurant that is a leader in Social Justice - has a large room for meetings (70-80 person capacity?) - often for book readings. Reasonably priced food - a place many will go, and work on laptop for hours in couches, chairs. Also normal tables for dining. Bar and Bookstore (African American centric in selection of many of it's books/materials).
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Busboys and Poets
450 K St NWEclectic restaurant that is a leader in Social Justice - has a large room for meetings (70-80 person capacity?) - often for book readings. Reasonably priced food - a place many will go, and work on laptop for hours in couches, chairs. Also normal tables for dining. Bar and Bookstore (African American centric in selection of many of it's books/materials).
Famous, Iconic known for their Half-smoke. People love Ben's - famous for Obama stopping in unannounced in late 2008 - fair amount of soul food. I'm not that much of a fan of their food, except their best kept secret is their breakfast - inexpensive (or last time I was there) and really good basic breakfast food - but only until 10 45am. 1 minute after, and the grill is turned over for lunch! Great jukebox w/ great old school R&B, soul music selections.
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Ben's Chili Bowl Mural
1213 U St NWFamous, Iconic known for their Half-smoke. People love Ben's - famous for Obama stopping in unannounced in late 2008 - fair amount of soul food. I'm not that much of a fan of their food, except their best kept secret is their breakfast - inexpensive (or last time I was there) and really good basic breakfast food - but only until 10 45am. 1 minute after, and the grill is turned over for lunch! Great jukebox w/ great old school R&B, soul music selections.
Good Italian restaurant - 2 levels on 9th between T & U Sts, NW - 2 1/2 blocks away.
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Dino's Grotto
1914 9th St NWGood Italian restaurant - 2 levels on 9th between T & U Sts, NW - 2 1/2 blocks away.
Nice neighborhood spot - restaurant bar - with a lot of glass windows. Located in Shaw - at 6th & Florida (U St turns into Florida at 9th St NW). About 5 blocks away. Next to Bistro Bohem & a block from Howard Theatre.
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Sally's Middle Name
1320 H St NENice neighborhood spot - restaurant bar - with a lot of glass windows. Located in Shaw - at 6th & Florida (U St turns into Florida at 9th St NW). About 5 blocks away. Next to Bistro Bohem & a block from Howard Theatre.
Another really good Ethiopian restaurant considered by many to be one of the top Ethiopian restaurants in the City. Located 2 1/2 blocks away on 9th between T & U Sts.
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Etete
1942 9th St NWAnother really good Ethiopian restaurant considered by many to be one of the top Ethiopian restaurants in the City. Located 2 1/2 blocks away on 9th between T & U Sts.
Starbucks located at 13th & U Sts NW (2 1/2 blocks away) - located at U St Metro (13th St location).
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Starbucks
3100 14th St NWStarbucks located at 13th & U Sts NW (2 1/2 blocks away) - located at U St Metro (13th St location).
Peet's Coffee
1316 East-West HwyCoffee Shop at 14th & Swann Sts (between S & T Sts) NW.
The Wydown Coffee Bar
1924 14th St NWCoffee Shop on 14th St between T & U Sts NW.
Good restaurant next to Trader Joe's on 14th between T & U Sts NW - new American food with Latin American influence. Fun atmosphere.
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Tico
1926 14th St NWGood restaurant next to Trader Joe's on 14th between T & U Sts NW - new American food with Latin American influence. Fun atmosphere.
Belly up to the zinc - authentic French Restaurant. Very popular, to get a table, may try to reserve a few weeks ahead of time. But if you can't get in, you can usually have a drink in the bar. At 14th & Q Sts NW.
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Le Diplomate
1601 14th St NWBelly up to the zinc - authentic French Restaurant. Very popular, to get a table, may try to reserve a few weeks ahead of time. But if you can't get in, you can usually have a drink in the bar. At 14th & Q Sts NW.
Hip, trendy Restaurant (large outdoor seating with heaters) and hot bar that is a 'see and be seen' place. Really good food, and nice singles spot, or to meet a group of friends. At 14th & Q Sts NW.
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Barcelona Wine Bar
1622 14th St NWHip, trendy Restaurant (large outdoor seating with heaters) and hot bar that is a 'see and be seen' place. Really good food, and nice singles spot, or to meet a group of friends. At 14th & Q Sts NW.
Really good food - and wonderful, quality wine. Well regarded.
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Cork Wine Bar & Market
1805 14th St NWReally good food - and wonderful, quality wine. Well regarded.
Farm to Table - really good sit down restaurant on U St between 13th & 14th Sts.
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The Fainting Goat
1330 U St NWFarm to Table - really good sit down restaurant on U St between 13th & 14th Sts.
the pig
1320 14th St NWIf you like pork....at 14th & N Sts NW.
Authentic, family owned. Really good Greek food. Only 1 block North on other side of U St.
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The Greek Spot
2017 11th St NWAuthentic, family owned. Really good Greek food. Only 1 block North on other side of U St.
New spot about a year and a half ago - at 3rd & Florida - "Basque bar & eatery for artisan cider, bite-sized fare, seafood & steaks in rustic-chic setting."
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ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar
711 Kennedy Street NorthwestNew spot about a year and a half ago - at 3rd & Florida - "Basque bar & eatery for artisan cider, bite-sized fare, seafood & steaks in rustic-chic setting."
Nice restaurant - across from Landmark Theatre at Atlantic Plumbing (next to 930 Club) - 8th & V Sts NW. Farm to Table - several nice pizzas & other options - even have a gluten free crust option for those on Paleo or need/desire to be gluten free.
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DECLARATION RESTAURANT
804 V St NWNice restaurant - across from Landmark Theatre at Atlantic Plumbing (next to 930 Club) - 8th & V Sts NW. Farm to Table - several nice pizzas & other options - even have a gluten free crust option for those on Paleo or need/desire to be gluten free.
Compass Coffee
1535 7th St NWCoffee Shop on 8th St between Florida & T Sts NW.
Good reasonably priced pizza 1/2 block away. Good food & also does pizza by the slice. on U between 11th & 12th Sts - between Sollys and Dukem.
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Italian Kitchen
1110 U St NWGood reasonably priced pizza 1/2 block away. Good food & also does pizza by the slice. on U between 11th & 12th Sts - between Sollys and Dukem.
Good food - "Earthy Tuscan fare, cocktails & wine in vast rustic-industrial space with marble bar & open kitchen."
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Ghibellina
2000 Fenwick Street NortheastGood food - "Earthy Tuscan fare, cocktails & wine in vast rustic-industrial space with marble bar & open kitchen."
All-Purpose Shaw
1250 9th St NWReally good food further away at 9th & N Sts NW.
Good food and nice neighborhood bar, Michelin awarded "Bib Gourmand" - an Italian-influenced American restaurant located in the historic Bloomingdale neighborhood of Washington, DC. Started by long-time friends, Michael Friedman and Michael O'Malley, The Red Hen has introduced a youthful sophistication to the rapidly evolving dining scene in one of the most eclectic neighborhoods in the nation's capital. In addition to the stars and reviews, 19 restaurants were given “Bib Gourmand” rankings for being overall good-value places to eat." Located at 1st St & Seaton Pl NW.
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The Red Hen
1822 1st St NWGood food and nice neighborhood bar, Michelin awarded "Bib Gourmand" - an Italian-influenced American restaurant located in the historic Bloomingdale neighborhood of Washington, DC. Started by long-time friends, Michael Friedman and Michael O'Malley, The Red Hen has introduced a youthful sophistication to the rapidly evolving dining scene in one of the most eclectic neighborhoods in the nation's capital. In addition to the stars and reviews, 19 restaurants were given “Bib Gourmand” rankings for being overall good-value places to eat." Located at 1st St & Seaton Pl NW.
Another Michelin 'Bib Gourmand' award winner - "Hip, sleek kitchen furnishing house cocktails & Southeast Asian street fare, including a vegan menu." Located at 14th & S Sts NW.
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Doi Moi
1800 14th St NWAnother Michelin 'Bib Gourmand' award winner - "Hip, sleek kitchen furnishing house cocktails & Southeast Asian street fare, including a vegan menu." Located at 14th & S Sts NW.
Another Michelin 'Bib Gourmand' winner located at 5th & Florida Ave NW (a block from Shaw's Tavern). "This hip all-day eatery offers Latin snacks, wood-fire-grilled dishes & shaved-ice cocktails." Same owner, Paul Carlson as Vinoteca Wine Bar.
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The Royal
501 Florida Ave NWAnother Michelin 'Bib Gourmand' winner located at 5th & Florida Ave NW (a block from Shaw's Tavern). "This hip all-day eatery offers Latin snacks, wood-fire-grilled dishes & shaved-ice cocktails." Same owner, Paul Carlson as Vinoteca Wine Bar.
Another Michelin 'Bib Gourmand' Winner at 8th & V Sts NW - "Chef-driven New American fare served on artisan tableware in an artful interior & funky patio." Next to Declaration & across street from Landmark Theatres & 930 Club. 8th & V Sts NW.
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Hazel
808 V St NWAnother Michelin 'Bib Gourmand' Winner at 8th & V Sts NW - "Chef-driven New American fare served on artisan tableware in an artful interior & funky patio." Next to Declaration & across street from Landmark Theatres & 930 Club. 8th & V Sts NW.
District of Columbia
Drinks & Nightlife
Serves food - nice cool, chill atmosphere at 9th & U St NW (2 1/2 blocks away) - nice large roof deck - owned by Eric Hilton (Thievery Corporation) who owns several other restaurants in the area (Marvin at 14th between U & V Sts, NW, Ice House, simple food (bbq) at 9th & Florida Ave, NW) and several more. Brixton opens typically early evening until late.
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Brixton
901 U St NWServes food - nice cool, chill atmosphere at 9th & U St NW (2 1/2 blocks away) - nice large roof deck - owned by Eric Hilton (Thievery Corporation) who owns several other restaurants in the area (Marvin at 14th between U & V Sts, NW, Ice House, simple food (bbq) at 9th & Florida Ave, NW) and several more. Brixton opens typically early evening until late.
Great neighborhood dive bar that has been rated as one of best neighborhood bars in recent years - good guys who own it. Started offering Sloppy Mama's BBQ a few years ago. Also shows NFL Ticket upstairs during the season. Outdoor seating in front to chill. 1/2 block away on corner of 11th & U Sts.
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Solly's
1942 11th St NWGreat neighborhood dive bar that has been rated as one of best neighborhood bars in recent years - good guys who own it. Started offering Sloppy Mama's BBQ a few years ago. Also shows NFL Ticket upstairs during the season. Outdoor seating in front to chill. 1/2 block away on corner of 11th & U Sts.
Considered one of best Ethiopian restaurants in the City - at 12th & U Sts NW - 1 1/2 blocks away. Also frequently offers live music in the evenings.
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Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant
1114-1118 U St NWConsidered one of best Ethiopian restaurants in the City - at 12th & U Sts NW - 1 1/2 blocks away. Also frequently offers live music in the evenings.
Limited menu, but food is pretty good. Owner of Ben's Chili Bowl, but it's more upscale, and sit down. Pretty popular. Upscale soul food menu. It's literally next door to Ben's Chili Bowl (on U St between 12th & 13th Sts).
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Ben's Next Door
1211 U Street NorthwestLimited menu, but food is pretty good. Owner of Ben's Chili Bowl, but it's more upscale, and sit down. Pretty popular. Upscale soul food menu. It's literally next door to Ben's Chili Bowl (on U St between 12th & 13th Sts).
Popular for live music - google to see who is performing. 1 block away on U St between 11th & 12th. One description - U Street Music Hall is a DJ-owned and operated basement dance club and live music venue. Its 500-person capacity room features a state-of-the-art Martin Audio sound system,[1] a 1200 square foot cork-cushioned dance floor and two bars.[2] Of its atmosphere, a 2010 Washington Post review states, U Street Music Hall -- U Hall to its friends -- ditches most of the trappings associated with D.C. nightclubs. No dress code. No bottle service.
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U Street Music Hall
Popular for live music - google to see who is performing. 1 block away on U St between 11th & 12th. One description - U Street Music Hall is a DJ-owned and operated basement dance club and live music venue. Its 500-person capacity room features a state-of-the-art Martin Audio sound system,[1] a 1200 square foot cork-cushioned dance floor and two bars.[2] Of its atmosphere, a 2010 Washington Post review states, U Street Music Hall -- U Hall to its friends -- ditches most of the trappings associated with D.C. nightclubs. No dress code. No bottle service.
Games on TV, drag events (bingo & brunch), poker nights & karaoke draw patrons to this casual pub. Gay sports bar that is straight-friendly.
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Nellie's Sports Bar
900 U St NWGames on TV, drag events (bingo & brunch), poker nights & karaoke draw patrons to this casual pub. Gay sports bar that is straight-friendly.
Cool place with DJ on some nights, nice smaller roof deck on 14th between U & V Sts NW. Named in honor of Marvin Gaye (native son of DC) and serves Belgian food (as Marvin lived some years in Belgium). Owned by Eric Hilton & his group that has several other restaurant/bar spots in area.
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Marvin
2007 14th St NWCool place with DJ on some nights, nice smaller roof deck on 14th between U & V Sts NW. Named in honor of Marvin Gaye (native son of DC) and serves Belgian food (as Marvin lived some years in Belgium). Owned by Eric Hilton & his group that has several other restaurant/bar spots in area.
Dacha Cafe
1600 7th St NWPopular beer garden in Shaw - at 7th & Q Sts NW.
Fun neighborhood place to hang out - "Cocktail bar & lounge for classic & creative drinks & trendy bites like kolaches & fancy popcorn." Also received some notoriety when in 2017, a guy set up 6 dates at Truxton Inn & when the dates discovered it, outed him on social media. Triflin' but if you saw it, this is the place.
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Truxton Inn
251 Florida Ave NWFun neighborhood place to hang out - "Cocktail bar & lounge for classic & creative drinks & trendy bites like kolaches & fancy popcorn." Also received some notoriety when in 2017, a guy set up 6 dates at Truxton Inn & when the dates discovered it, outed him on social media. Triflin' but if you saw it, this is the place.
Matini bar - a little hidden in plain site, Speak-easyish - "Sleek space with dark lighting offering up Prohibition-era cocktails & a charming outdoor patio." On 14th St NW between U & V Sts - one or two doors away from Marvin.
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the Gibson
2009 14th St NWMatini bar - a little hidden in plain site, Speak-easyish - "Sleek space with dark lighting offering up Prohibition-era cocktails & a charming outdoor patio." On 14th St NW between U & V Sts - one or two doors away from Marvin.
Everything Else
930 Club - considered one of best smaller live music venues on East Coast. 3 1/2 blocks away.
930 Florida Ave NW
930 Florida Avenue Northwest930 Club - considered one of best smaller live music venues on East Coast. 3 1/2 blocks away.
Entertainment & Activities
Lincoln Theatre is a theater in Washington, D.C., located at 1215 U Street, next to Ben's Chili Bowl. The theater, located on "Washington's Black Broadway", served the city's African American community when segregation kept them out of other venues. *Now run by Owner of 930 Club - so check for performances.
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Lincoln Theatre
1215 U St NWLincoln Theatre is a theater in Washington, D.C., located at 1215 U Street, next to Ben's Chili Bowl. The theater, located on "Washington's Black Broadway", served the city's African American community when segregation kept them out of other venues. *Now run by Owner of 930 Club - so check for performances.
Full Bar - hip theatre with reserved seating - smaller theatre sizes. Located at 8th & V Sts NW.
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Landmark's E Street Cinema
555 11th St NWFull Bar - hip theatre with reserved seating - smaller theatre sizes. Located at 8th & V Sts NW.
Sightseeing
Dinosaurs and the Hope Diamond among other things.
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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NWDinosaurs and the Hope Diamond among other things.
National Air and Space Museum
600 Independence Ave SWThe National Zoo - not far away at all. See the Pandas.
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Smithsonian National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave NWThe National Zoo - not far away at all. See the Pandas.