A Local's Guide to DC

This year marks my 10th anniversary in DC, and while I could wax poetic about it, I promise to hold back and focus on what we're here for: places in DC that I can recommend with my eyes closed. Whether you're new to the city or a DMV local looking to impress visiting friends and family, these spots are guaranteed to delight.

Monuments & Museums

DC has a wealth of sights and museums that, at first glance, may seem overly cerebral or even a bit stiff. But after a decade here, I can confidently say its cultural offerings never disappoint.

If you're short on time, the National Mall is the city's heart and a must-visit in every season. You can stroll down this imposing area, from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, passing by the Washington Monument. Along the way, you'll encounter many museums and monuments, and it can feel overwhelming, so I recommend starting with the National Gallery of Art (NGA). It has two buildings—the West Wing (classical art) and the East Wing (modern art)—connected by an underground passage. You could spend an entire afternoon in just one, and which is my favorite depends entirely on my mood.

Some of my favorite pieces at the NGA West Building

The NGA Sculpture Garden is my absolute favorite spot in the city. It’s a stunning gated garden filled with sculptures (the silver tree is my all-time favorite), framed by the NGA, the National Archives, the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, and the Mall’s lawns. There’s a charming café that serves surprisingly good hot chocolate, and at the center, a fountain that transforms with the seasons—hosting Jazz in the Garden during summer and my favorite ice rink in winter.

NGA Sculpture Garden and East Building

At the far end of the Mall, you’ll find the Tidal Basin, an artificial lagoon surrounded by four

monuments: the Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin Delano Roosevelt, George Mason, and Thomas Jefferson Memorials. My favorite? The Jefferson Memorial, hands down. The entire lagoon is worth a walk, but if you’re short on time, don’t skip Jefferson’s. It’s especially magical during spring when cherry blossoms paint the city in dreamy shades of pink.

The lighting at the Jefferson Memorial is always top notch

Estates & Gardens

Dumbarton Oaks Museum and Gardens

For a more intimate, historical experience, visit Dumbarton Oaks Gardens in Georgetown or Hillwood Estate & Museum, once the property of Marjorie Post. Both offer a glimpse into a more leisurely, elegant past.

Hillwood Estate

Restaurants

DC’s food scene is a true pleasure, offering a diverse mix of cultures at all price points.

A quintessential staple is Le Diplomate. Some love it, some don’t, but I personally adore it. The ambiance is buzzy, maintaining an air of casual elegance. It always feels like something is “happening” there. My go-to orders? The brunch burger followed by profiteroles, or a classic steak frites paired with a glass of wine.

Le Diplomate and Pastis

That said, my absolute favorite restaurants in the city are:

• Pastis (French cuisine) – My top pick in DC. It’s like a moodier, sexier version of Le Diplomate. The bar steak is my favorite steak frites in the city, but I also love their tuna tartare, Caesar salad, and the Café Pastis (their espresso martini). (Also in NYC & Miami.)

Date night at Tiger Fork

• Tiger Fork (Hong Kong-style Chinese cuisine) – A vibey, hidden spot in Shaw’s Blagden Alley. Their Grandma’s chili crab wontons, jah leung, and chow fun noodles are divine. Also highly recommend their apothecary-inspired cocktails, such as in the mood for love (aphrodisiac) and nathan road (detox).

• Red Hen (Italian cuisine) – Cozy and exceptional. Reservations are tough to get, but worth it for the squid ink linguini and mafalde.

• Rasika (Indian cuisine) – An elevated take on Indian food. My top picks: palak chaat, chicken tikka masala, and garlic naan.

• Happy/Gemini (Mediterranean cuisine): This wonder of a place is wine shop that sells dinner and ice cream, talk about heaven on Earth. Their delicious treats are made even better by the fact that their outdoor seating consists of street-facing bistro tables, just like in Europe. It is a great place for drinks and dessert al fresco on a nice day. My highlight is the olive oil cocoa crumble ice cream.

  
  

  Other solid picks:

  • Rose’s Luxury (American)

  • La Bonne Vache (the best burgers in DC at the moment!)

  • Duck & The Peach (New American)

  • Barcelona (Spanish)

  • Osteria Mozza (Italian)

  • Laos in Town (Laotian)

  • Kyojin (Japanese)

  • O Ku (Japanese)

  • Chloe (International)

  • Maketto (Taiwanese Cambodian)

  • Brasserie Liberté (French)

    
    

Bars

Minetta Tavern, Silver Lyan, and Desert 5 Spot

DC has a strong drinking culture, though many of us are collectively trying to cut back. Still, when the mood strikes, here’s where to go:

• L’Annexe (Georgetown) – My current favorite bar. Their margarita is exceptional.

• Lucy Bar at Minetta Tavern (Union Market) – A restaurant with a hidden speakeasy upstairs. Cozy, elegant, and perfect for a Sinatra winter kind of night. Also perfect for people watching.

• Silver Lyan (Penn Quarter) – A speakeasy inside a former bank vault, Silver Lyan was named Best Hotel Bar in 2022. Outside, modern sculptures (including many kitties); inside, a dimly lit lounge with uniquely crafted cocktails.

  
  

Other favorites:

• Jane Jane – Intimate and stylish.

• Moonraker – The best rooftop bar at the Wharf, located in the swanky Pendry Hotel.

• The Mirror – casual but buzzy speakeasy

• Desert 5 Spot - Western bar with live country music and a mechanical bull.

Coffee & Dessert

• Pluma (NoMa and the Wharf) – A small, charming café with fantastic coffee (the foamiest vanilla latte) and pastries.

Café Georgetown and L.A. Burdick

• Café Georgetown (Georgetown) – The first café I fell in love with. Famous for its stunning latte art with edible flowers and seasonal specials.

  
  

• L.A. Burdick (Georgetown) – The best hot chocolate in town. Their white chocolate version is silky and rich. Also a great spot for high-quality chocolates.

Maman and Pluma

• Maman (Several Locations) – Even though it's in many other cities across the US, this cozy café won my heart with its unique details, like beautiful blue & white plates, rustic tables, dry flowers and bunnies galore. Their pastries and seasonal treats are always top notch.

  
  

• Wine & Butter (Capitol Hill) - Tiny shop selling coffee and French goods, with a cute patio overlooking Lincoln Park.

  
  

Honorable Mentions:

Much like Maman, there are chains that never disappoint and have both, great coffee and nice locations:

• Tatte – Great brunch & pastries.

• Blue Bottle – Their Georgetown location is stunning. I highly recommend the NoLa coffee.

_______________________________________

DC has given me a decade of incredible memories, and these places have been the backdrop to many of them.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or showing someone around, I hope this list helps you experience DC at its best. Cheers to more years exploring this vibrant city!