Welcome to the Nation’s Capitol! Yes, people talk about politics in this city like the rest of us talk about the teams in our sport. But they’re not really that bad – the people at DC really know how to loosen those ties. DC is a city that loves its Happy Hour, a time when you can catch up with friends or meet new ones.
We saw you smuggle your change of clothes after work into your cubicle so you’re ready for the 5 o’clock bell. Go ahead, leave your car in the office garage; you can always take a taxi home or take the subway back to work the next morning.
Like most cities, Washington, DC is a collection of smaller neighborhoods (there are 14), each with its own flavor and charm. Architecture and attitude change from block to block, creating a cultural mosaic that can be fascinating to locals and tourists alike. The city has a lot of energy from all the politics, government, and universities in the city. From the Vietnamese haunts in Arlington, VA to the charming brownstones of Georgetown; from the urban feel of the Connecticut Corridor near Woodley Park and Cleveland Park to the alternative-minded Dupont Circle, each area of this city offers something unique.
One of our favorite things to do in DC is just spend the day or night at the mall. But remember, this is not your shopping type. It is the Quad or grass park among all the interesting national monuments and museums in the heart of the city. The Smithsonian museums are free and allow you to explore art, history, space, and much more. You also feel the national pride as you stroll through the mall. So even if you hated science class, you’ll still have fun whispering inside the Capitol Rotunda. While in the area you must stop by the Spy Museum, with all its interesting facts about the real James Bond. Just try to remember your alias as you navigate through the interactive espionage maze. And make a reservation as lines have been known to get a bit out of hand.
Seeing all those landmarks in our nation’s capitol whet your appetite? When you’ve had your fill of historical lessons and facts you’ve forgotten since sixth grade, it’s time to get going. Here are our JourneyPod picks to win and dine at your own party (political or not), while in DC:
Bars and Nightlife
Eighteenth Street Lounge (Dupont Circle) – ESL is simply the best lounge in DC, no matter how hard everyone else tries! With their own record label and hipper-than-you attitude, ESL is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Of course, there’s no name on the door and a pretty strict entry policy (if it doesn’t look good, don’t go in). Looking rather sparse from the outside (in an old house above a Mattress Discounters store), you’ll be surrounded by great music, candles galore, and a world-class crowd once inside. Although the weekends are always packed, the special nights are on Wednesdays and Thursdays when there is live music. At 1212 18th St NW (at Connecticut Ave. NW).
MCCXXIII (Dupont) – This place (affectionately known as “12-23”) has truly stood the test of time and has never lacked for style! 1223 with its Roman numerals, 3 levels of bars and 2 dance floors, has attracted virtually every famous clubber or beautiful person in the DC area at one point or another. Radiating throbbing beats and satisfying those who value a place with a modern dress code, a strict doorman and a tight velvet rope, 1223 is more than just a fashion trough. It exudes an exclusive and elite vibe that encourages flirtation and unlimited consumption of champagne and caviar. The music ranges from ultra-prog rock and international house to hip-hop and R&B. The big night here is Spank on Thursdays. 1223 Connecticut Ave NW (near 18th St. NW).
Chi-Cha Lounge (U Street Corridor): Everyone flocks to this DC nightspot. The theme here is Latin and very sexy: the walls are covered in colorful paintings, the lighting is dim, and the music is a sultry cocktail mix of jazz and electronica. After stepping inside and sinking into the luxurious velvet layers, you can order one of Chi-Cha’s popular tapas plates and the signature red or white chi-cha cocktail (a delicious mix of juices, cinnamon, cane sugar and a secret that no one can seem to notice). Chi-Cha also seems to be one of the few places in town where you can order your own hookah pipe. Located at 1624 U St. NW (near New Hampshire Ave. NW).
Eyebar (Downtown) – Surrounded by office buildings packed with young, hip people, this lounge and DJ area, located on I (also known as “Eye”) Street, is the perfect place to make a killing. With a few other clubs nearby, almost daily drink specials, and a roster of fashion-forward, trend-setting regulars, this place is a hit (weekdays and weekends). Eyebar is filled with modern furniture, house and trance music, a sexy atmosphere, and a full bar. They enforce a strict dress code policy: no sneakers, flip-flops, hats, tank tops, athletic wear, shorts, ripped, worn or baggy jeans. Eyebar can be found at 1716 I St NW (at 17th St. NW).
Dragonfly (Downtown) – Yet another nightlife destination that raises the “hip” quotient in DC! The moment you enter this restaurant/club destination, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the pages of ‘Wallpaper’ magazine or even possibly, the Howard Johnson in ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’. Furnished in white and chrome, Dragonfly oozes modernity with its drum and bass sounds and animated movies projected on the walls. A modernist’s dream, Dragonfly is surprisingly welcoming (considering the tight velvet rope at some of the city’s other hotspots). For this reason, you’ll find the clientele range from hipster urbanites to khaki-clad suburbanites, all intoxicated on the same sake that Dragonfly serves. If your palette needs fueling, the sushi here is amazing (reservations recommended). At 1215 Connecticut Ave NW (near M St. NW).
Kstreet (Downtown) – Looking for something extravagant and exclusive? The Kstreet salon is your answer! A relatively new bar that was part of an effort to make DC “more like New York”: It’s heavily promoted with special nights, guest lists, private tables that anyone can reserve in advance, and countless celebrity sightings. The minimalist, high-tech space with its futuristic edge is completely wired: with 22 high-performance cameras for webcast parties, rows of plasma TVs and flat-panel monitors built into block-style laminate tables. The venue attracts a large international crowd and different nights attract different people. It’s also open late on the weekends (it gets mostly crowded after midnight) and is definitely a place to visit. Find it at 1301 K St NW (between 13th and 14th streets NW).
Topaz Bar (Downtown): It’s not often that a hotel bar is known for its “hip and hip” factor, but the Topaz Hotel’s lounge definitely changes all that. Here you’ll find sapphire velvet benches sunk into the walls, zebra print bucket seats, and leopard print rugs. Topaz Bar’s décor is as eclectic as the crowds it draws. More often than not, you’ll find hotel guests, area workers, and DC hipsters drinking signature cocktails like Blue Nirvana, Enlightment, Mind Soother, and Guru’s Pleasure. The almost hidden back room inside the bar also boasts a dance floor, and if you’re lucky, a DJ will drop by any minute to kick things up a notch! The Topaz Hotel is located at 1733 N Street NW (between 17th and 18th streets).
Play Lounge (Dupont) – A place where rules are made to be broken, the Play Lounge can be found among the stretch of other hip nightspots along Connecticut Ave. Though not marked, most know exactly where to find it. This one-room lounge sizzles with the energy of the sexy and energetic crowds that pack it. Contemporary minimalist decor includes cube-style ottomans and low banquettes, making everything at eye level. While the DJs play hip-hop, retro, 80s and fun, everyone who is someone loosens up dancing on the tables or opening space between the bodies. And if you’re really daring, you can even go for a spin on the stripper pole! Play Lounge can be found at 1219 Connecticut Ave. (at 18th St. NW).
Cafe Citron (Dupont Circle) – Fancy some salsa and mojitos to fill your day? Check out this bar/restaurant with a Latin twist that offers some of the best mojitos and caipirinhas in the area. If you don’t come here to eat, the upstairs is definitely the place to be, allowing you to see the whole scene and support your people-watching habit. Every night is a good night here, and most end with crowds of Latinos and Latin peeps dancing on every available surface, including booth seats. The little dance floor on the main floor doesn’t have to hold you back, the mojitos and Latin music are enough to get you moving wherever you are. At 1343 Connecticut Ave. NW (between 18th and 19th streets)
Ozio’s Restaurant/Lounge (Downtown) – At first glance, Ozio’s looks like a small restaurant judging by its two simple outdoor tables. But, in the luxurious velvet capes, you can order one of Ozio’s popular tapas dishes and enjoy people-watching. Guys, be warned: there’s a $20 entrance charge for you guys on Saturday nights. At 1813 M Street NW (near 18th St. NW)
Grados Bar & Lounge (Georgetown) – Located on the lobby level of the Ritz-Carlton, this bar and lounge has been designed to capture the history and mood of this historic incinerator building, with its exposed brick walls Dating back to the 1930s. Black slate floors and the 175-foot-tall brick fireplace cylinder that serves as the hotel’s centerpiece. Degrees offers a classic cocktail menu that includes the hotel’s famous Fahrenheit Five martini and the Zentini that swaps sake for vodka and produces a less fruity version of the Cosmo (which even the men are willing to order at the bar). The hotel is located at 3100 South St. NW (at 31st St. NW).
Sesto Senso (Dupont Circle) – This nightclub in funky Dupont Circle (located at 1214 18th St. NW, off Connecticut Ave.) is the place to see and be seen. Those who want to dance can satisfy their cravings at Sesto Senso, where DJs spin a creative mix of pop and house music from the Middle East and Europe. However, this place is not just a dance club. Sesto Senso serves excellent Italian food (mainly pizza and old dishes) before 11 pm And, if you come for food, don’t miss out on dessert! Their tiramisu is a must.
Helix Lounge (Restaurant and Bar/Lounge) – Just steps from the Helix Hotel lobby, locals and visitors alike are drawn to the appearance of this lounge, an interactive social area that awakens all of their senses. Inside the venue, the mood changes every few hours, choreographed by a sophisticated lighting system. No matter what night of the week, stylish 30-something guests take a seat on stools and watch the crowd (full of girls and business types) lounging on comfy plush sofas throughout the open space. Try a Sidecar drink with a touch of Grand Marnier or the Barbecue Vodka Martini mixed with smoked Scotch. Helix Lounge is located at 1430 Rhode Island Ave NW (at Rhode Island Ave., NW).