Washington DC

The 12 Most Essential Washington DC Food Experiences

Go big or go home.

HalfSmoke
HalfSmoke
HalfSmoke

When you think of bucket list to-do’s, you probably think of far-flung travel destinations or once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like hiking to Machu Picchu or going on a safari in the Serengeti. Thanks to COVID-19, these bucket list items are temporarily on hold, well… unless you’re literally that guy who has been stranded in Peru for seven months.

Even though travel plans are still on hold for the foreseeable future, there are some splurge-worthy food experiences right here in Washington DC that make for an epic experience unto themselves. Here are a dozen different DC bucket list items to check off the list, which span the gamut from high-brow tasting menus to everyday eats, including pizza-by-the-slice.

The Inn at Little Washington
The Inn at Little Washington
The Inn at Little Washington

Book a reservation at The Inn at Little Washington

Washington, Virginia
The Inn at Little Washington is DC’s only three-star Michelin restaurant, and it’s a destination unto itself. Located about 90-minutes west in the other Washington (in Virginia), this tasting meal experience has a $265 per person, plus tax and tip, price tag meaning this could very well be a once-in-a-lifetime eating experience. But you’ll savor each moment with Chef Patrick O’Connell’s whimsical menu of modern American cuisine-everything from lobster mousse to tuna and foie gras washed in black truffle vinaigrette. There’s even a cow cheese cart named Faira and she carries fromage aplenty. 
How to order: Reservations accepted by phone or online. Social distancing and outdoor dining are in effect.

Flickr/Nick Sherman
Flickr/Nick Sherman
Flickr/Nick Sherman

Take a jumbo-sized pizza tour

Adams Morgan
Anyone who has had a few too many in Adams Morgan knows that Jumbo Slice is the spot for pizza so big, you’ll need two paper plates to hold a slice. And sure, this certainly isn’t DC’s best version (pizza snobs, go here) but it’s part-nostalgia, part-novelty dish that can easily feed a small family or cure a giant-sized hangover. For the very best in jumbo slice, head to Duccini’s at the corner where U Street meets Florida Avenue NW. And if you can stomach even more carbs, meander up 18th Street in Adams Morgan for stops at Pizza Mart and Bestolli Pizza for other jumbo-sized options.
How to order: Do as most revelers do, order jumbo slice for takeout and eat it on the curb, or order it for delivery on UberEats.

Beteseb Restaurant
Beteseb Restaurant
Beteseb Restaurant

Embark on an injera crawl 

Silver Spring, Maryland
Along Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland is one of the largest concentrations of Ethiopian eateries in the United States. Let injera, a spongy textured bread, be your guide as you nosh your way through a city filled with doro wat, a spicy chicken stew, coffee ceremonies, and markets filled with imported goods. Most of the shops along Georgia Avenue, including Beteseb, Lucy, and Abyssinia offer outdoor dining in an inviting patio setting. 
How to order: Takeout, outdoor dining, and safe social distancing protocols are in effect. Delivery options are available on Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Caviar.

Eden Center
Eden Center
Eden Center

Enter an earthly Eden of eats 

Falls Church, Virginia
The Eden Center center in Falls Church, Virginia has more than 125  Vietnamese vendors and many out-of-this-world eating options, including banh mi, but also lesser-known sleeper hits, like boba shakes and cha gio, Vietnamese spring rolls. Start your experience at Banh Mi So 1 for $5 sandwiches that might be the best in DC, then swing by Huong Binh Bakery & Deli for sweets and boba teas that will only cost you a few bucks. And save room for Phuoc Loc Bakery for pillow-soft buns stuffed with sweet and savory options and priced at just $1.50 to $2 each. 
How to order: Takeout and delivery menus available online. This outdoor shopping center is adhering to safe social distancing and safety guidance.

Photo Courtesy of Hi-Lawn
Photo Courtesy of Hi-Lawn
Photo Courtesy of Hi-Lawn

Get higher on Hi-Lawn

Union Market
For a breath of fresh air and some elevated eating, visit Hi-Lawn on the rooftop of Union Market. It’s a new outdoor concept helping support local chefs throughout COVID-19 and offers a casual, park-like space for the neighborhood. The roof features some stunning views of the Capitol Building, as well as some well-known chefs serving up Octoberfest-style snacks. Chef Nathan Beauchamp started selling fall picnic baskets, stocked with German-style soft pretzels, apple cider cheese, and bratwurst topped with sauerkraut. Plus, fall cocktails from bar director Ian Fletcher, like the Cider House Rules, an autumn-spiced apple cider mixed with overproof rum and amaro.
How to order: Reservations are available on Resy

Sushi taro
Sushi taro
Sushi taro

Omakase at home with Sushi Taro

Dupont Circle
When Sushi Taro temporarily closed for service earlier in May, it left many people scrambling for sashimi. That’s because this omakase counter has been a top pick for more than decades, but a recent announcement that the restaurant would reopen for takeout and delivery brought so much joy-and so do the kaiseki boxes which come creatively designed and packaged. In the pre-COVID-19 days, it used to be a rush on the sushi counter to find a seat at happy hour, but patrons can now enjoy the divine pleasures of an omakase experience at home. Sushi Taro’s sashimi platter starts at $250 and comes with customizable options, but we suggest you let Michelin-star chef Nobu Yamazaki call the shots.
How to order: Curbside pickup and takeout only. See ordering instructions online.

Old Ebbitt Grill
Old Ebbitt Grill
Old Ebbitt Grill

Slurp oysters at Old Ebbitt Grill

Downtown
After a year of extensive renovations, Old Ebbitt Grill recently reopened and offers both indoor socially-distanced dining options for patrons eager to slurp down oysters on the half-shell. This is a quintessential DC bar and restaurant, whether you’re a tourist or have lived here for decades. The ambiance, service, and fresh seafood are the main draws. But it’s the extensive list of oysters that keeps people coming back for more. Find varieties like Great White, Pink Ladies, and Dutch Islands. 
How to order: Order online for pickup or delivery, or make a reservation on OpenTable.

Iron Gate Restaurant
Iron Gate Restaurant
Iron Gate Restaurant

Eat at one of DC’s oldest restaurants

Dupont Circle
Iron Gate in Dupont Circle is a secluded spot with a secret garden and patio that happens to be one of the oldest continuously operated restaurants in the District. Aside from almost a century’s worth of history, its latest inhabitant, Chef Anthony Chittum, has been cooking dishes inspired by his love for Greece and Italy. He also sources the menu from local farms in the Shenandoah and Path Valleys in the Mid-Atlantic region. While this restaurant has an impressive track record in terms of history, the menu offers up many new surprises according to seasonality. For fall, expect maple-roasted autumn squash served with fresh goat cheese, Asian pear, dressed in an Italian balsamic.
How to order: Order online for pickup or delivery or patio reservations available on OpenTable

Ben's Chili Bowl
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Ben’s Chili Bowl

Do the half-smoke shuffle down U Street  

U Street
Ben’s Chili Bowl is the legendary landmark for Washington, DC’s half-smoke doused in chili and cheese, but along U Street several more options can result in a half-smoke sampling. This iconic dish is beloved by tourists and locals alike. It rose to fame at Ben’s, but you can also find fun the half-pork, half-beef casing at Florida Avenue Grill, Half Smoke, and Meats & Foods. All four restaurants are located within a short half-mile distance of each other, which means you can easily plan a “half-smoke shuffle” for weekend fun. 
How to order: Ben’s is open every day for patio dine-in patio service, curbside pickup, and delivery on GrubHub.

Jessie Taylor Seafood
Jessie Taylor Seafood
Jessie Taylor Seafood

Pick crabs at The Wharf 

The Wharf
This seafood stall is located in a historic seafood market at The Wharf, a DC neighborhood that recently underwent a $2.5 billion renovation that’s only half-finished. The historic Fish Market is the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the United States, and Jessie Taylor Seafood is where you can score steamed Chesapeake crabs by the dozen, doused in Old Bay. The seafood here is arranged into display cases that span the length of the shop and is open from sun up (8am) to sundown (8pm).
How to order: Takeout-only dining. Social distancing and personal protective equipment are in use. Patrons must follow the directives of staff and signage on-site.

Photo Courtesy of Jônt
Photo Courtesy of Jônt
Photo Courtesy of Jônt

Jaunt over to Jônt

14th Street NW
The latest tasting menu to come to DC is an intimate, 12-seat counter from Michelin-star Chef Ryan Ratino, who serves prix-fixe dinners and elegant Sunday lunches. Diners can choose between a three-course menu for $75 or a tasting experience for $145. Meanwhile, the European-style lunch on Sunday goes for $65. Expect surprise boxes filled with decadent amounts of uni, sea urchin roe, or dishes topped with Kaluga caviar-the dining experience is one of the most luxurious trips your tastebuds can take while staying put in The District. Come November, Bartender Will Patton will launch a bar flight menu with his friends from around the industry. The four-course cocktail offering launches on November 2, and first up is a partnership with Tsunetaka Imada from Angel’s Share in New York City.
How to order: Social distancing and personal protective equipment are in use. Reservations required on Tock.Sign up here for our daily DC email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun in town.

Tim Ebner is a food and travel writer based in Washington, D.C. and writes for Eater, Edible, Washington City Paper, and Forbes Travel, among others. He’s from Maryland and has a weakness for Old Bay seasoning. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Washington DC

15 Totally Free Things to Do in DC

A full itinerary, completely free of charge.

Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery
Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery
Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery

Washington DC is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, and for those of us who call the District home, it’s easy to see why. With dozens of world-class museums, murals that transform streets into galleries, and sites brimming with history, DC offers a full agenda-completely free of charge. Whether you want to try a new farmer’s market, explore a new hike, or polish off your roller skating or canoeing skills, here are some of our favourite free things to do in the District.

Flickr/gawnesco
Flickr/gawnesco
Flickr/gawnesco

Hike, bike, or stroll along the C&O Canal

The historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is one of the most accessible nature escapes from the District. Thanks to a multi-year restoration project, the first mile of the canal is an idyllic walk that’s easy to access in Georgetown. Stick to a short stroll there, or grab a bike or lace up your hiking shoes for a longer adventure along the 184.5-mile canal.

Jump on the pickleball craze

Pickleball is working its way up the ladder past kickball and softball as one of America’s favourite games. Jump on the craze and practice your paddling at one of the District’s pickleball courts in Takoma Park, the Palisades, and more. Plus, Washington DC Pickleball invites guests to drop in to beginner sessions to try their hand at the sport before signing up for a $30 annual membership.

Flickr/mcfeelion
Flickr/mcfeelion
Flickr/mcfeelion

Bike the Mount Vernon Trail

DC is incredibly bike-friendly, and luckily that applies to the land immediately outside of the city as well. Start in the city and bike along the Mount Vernon Trail, a scenic route that hugs the water and cuts through the woods. It’s about a 10-mile trip from DC to Mount Vernon, but you can cut the trip slightly short and end at the Old Town Alexandria waterfront-just make sure to factor in time for ice cream before pedalling home.

Explore a sculpture park

While not located in the District proper, Glenstone, an expansive sculpture park in Maryland, is worth the 45-minute drive. Tickets to the park are free (just be sure to reserve several weeks in advance), and the 300-acre space offers stunning art, architecture, and open land. In addition to its indoor gallery spaces, you can spend hours walking on paths that wind through sculptures, meadows, and forests.

Flickr/Geoff Livingston
Flickr/Geoff Livingston
Flickr/Geoff Livingston

See the monuments at night

When the sun goes down-and the summer humidity somewhat dissipates-head to the National Mall for the rare chance to see the monuments without busloads of tourists. Moonlight will give you a different perspective as you traverse the marble steps of the Lincoln Memorial or gaze up at the Washington Monument set aglow with lights.

Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery
Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery
Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery

Museum hop the day away

One of DC’s greatest strengths is its world-class Smithsonian museums that are open to the public free of charge. There is no shortage of options, from the intimate Renwick Gallery, to the sprawling National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonians offer something for everyone. Pro tip: Some of the museums are open late in the evenings, making for an ideal date night.

muralsdc
muralsdc
muralsdc

Explore the city’s murals

Washington is home to hundreds of murals that are becoming as much a part of the city’s landscape as the monuments on the National Mall. Take a self-guided tour of these colourful creations no matter which neighbourhood you happen to be in. MuralsDC, the organization behind 150 of the District’s public artworks, is a great resource for mapping out a route to explore the city’s street art.

Hotel Washington
Hotel Washington
Hotel Washington

Take in a birds-eye view of the city

Washington looks pretty stunning from up high, and there are few spots within the city that make for phenomenal vantage points. Rooftop bars and restaurants offer epic views for the price of a drink or two, but there’s no more iconic sight than seeing the city from the top of the Washington Monument, which is completely free. Book a ticket ahead of time and ride an elevator all the way to the top of the monument and step out on the 500-foot observation deck.

Flickr/Nicolas Raymond
Flickr/Nicolas Raymond
Flickr/Nicolas Raymond

Wander through a garden

DC is home to some of the most beautiful urban gardens in the country, and many of them are open to the public for free. There is nothing like an afternoon spent strolling through, or picnicking, at the expansive 446-acre United States Arboretum or wandering through the Botanic Garden on the edge of the Mall. For something a bit smaller, explore the grounds at Tudor Place or Dumbarton Oaks (free in the winter), both of which are in Georgetown.

Flickr/ehpien
Flickr/ehpien
Flickr/ehpien

Hike the Billy Goat Trail

You can catch one of the District’s most popular hiking trails, the Billy Goat Trail, from the C&O canal. The full trail is 4.7 miles and ranges from easy to strenuous, so hike a section in and back or make the full loop for the variety.

Pay your respect at Arlington National Cemetery

Just across the Potomac from DC, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 veterans. The cemetery is an expanse of 639 hallowed acres and the ANC Explorer allows visitors to locate graves, notable sites, and take self-guided walking tours to spots including the tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the final resting place of President John F. Kennedy.

Lace up your roller skates

When was the last time you went roller skating? Chances are it’s been too long. So get back into this nostalgic activity at the Anacostia Park roller skating pavilion. You can rent skates for free, just show proof of a government-issued ID, and the skating pavilion is open from 9 to 5 every day.

Help clean up the Anacostia River

We all know there’s a lot of work to be done to keep our waterways clean. Do your part, and have some fun, by participating in the city’s Green Boat initiative. On select weekends, DCers can join a two-hour guided paddle along the Anacostia River to collect trash and monitor the river’s progress.

Eastern Market
Eastern Market
Eastern Market

Stroll your local farmer’s market

DC’s close proximity to the farms of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and beyond mean that the city’s farmers’ markets always have something to offer. Check out the year-round markets like Eastern Market in Capitol Hill and the Sunday market in Dupont Circle or head to seasonal markets like the pop-up in front of the White House that draws vendors like Cucina al Volo and Call Your Mother Deli.

The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress

Play tourist all around the city

It’s easy to forget that all those traditionally touristy activities can be fun for locals too. If you haven’t been on a tour of the White House, the National Archives, the Library of Congress, or the Capitol, this is your sign. All are free with advanced reservations. Plus, tucked in the northern quadrant of NW, the Washington National Cathedral is free and open to all. Tour the cathedral’s impressive architecture, 215 stained glass windows, 112 Gothically-inspired gargoyles, and enormous pipe organ. See if you can spot the sculpture of Darth Vader.

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Madeline Weinfield is a Thrillist contributor.

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