Washington, D.C./East End

The East End, just north of the National Mall is home to several museums and event venues, and full of restaurants, bars, and large hotels. Pennsylvania Ave, which runs through the Penn Quarter from the White House to the Capitol Building, serves as a bridge from the city center to the Mall. As you might expect, this road has nice views.

Neighborhoods

Like the nearby neighborhood of Shaw, the East End was decimated during the 1968 riots. Many buildings were destroyed and it became a haven for drug dealers.
In the early 1990s, when Washington Capitals and Wizards owner Abe Pollin arrived for the first time by limousine at the intersection of 7th and F St NW to scout out possible sites for a new arena, he was told not to get out of the vehicle. The site, then a parking lot, had drug dealers doing business, and the neighborhood was crime-ridden and deserted at night. But, he decided that was the place to build his new arena. The Capital One Arena (formerly the Verizon Center and MCI Center) opened in December 1997, and since then, the neighborhood has experienced a remarkable turnaround with tremendous gentrification.
Penn Quarter is the commercial center of the East End. It includes Gallery Place, the bustling entertainment area between the Capital One Arena and the National Portrait Gallery. The Pennsylvania Ave stretch, whose sidewalks and parks comprise a National Park, is the city's number two staging ground for races, large festivals, and parades. Penn Quarter is distinguished from the rest of downtown by its 19th century buildings and facades. After the opening of the Capital One Arena in 1997, and the resulting development boom, many buildings were redeveloped as the ground-floor facades of private luxury apartments and office buildings, resulting in the creation of an "arts and entertainment" district. The biggest draw for city visitors, however, is Penn Quarter's theater district, and its tremendous quantity of first-rate museums.
Chinatown is to the north of Penn Quarter. While the neighborhood was majority Asian in the early 20th century, most of the Asian population moved out after the 1968 riots. The neighborhood is lively in the evenings and features many restaurants. Chinatown resembles a miniature Times Square with activity day and night into the wee hours. The city government heavily promotes the original ethnic character—businesses in the neighborhood, including Starbucks, Hooters, and local banks are required to post signage in Chinese. But those expecting something like New York's Chinatown will be sorely disappointed—area residents have taken to calling it Chinablock. While several Chinese restaurants remain, they are mostly tourist traps and these days, the best Chinese food in can be found in the suburbs.
Judiciary Square, to the east of Penn Quarter, includes the United States District Court building, along with the D.C. Superior Court building, and various other government buildings. Just north, straddling into the neighborhood of Shaw, is the massive, 2.3 million square foot (210,000 m²) Convention Center, just north of Mt Vernon Square. The Convention Center was completed in 2003, and has since been the favorite site for presidential inaugural balls.

By Metrorail

Metrorail stops at Metro Center (on the Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver lines), Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, and Silver), and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green and Yellow). The Gallery Pl-Chinatown station is at the Capital One Arena—use the H St exit for Chinatown.
For the Convention Center, get off at Mount Vernon Square on the Green and Yellow lines. For Judiciary Square in the east, take the Red Line to Judiciary Square.

By car

The East End is probably the worst place to drive to in the city. On weekdays and during peak tourist season, street parking is either unavailable, or will take a long time to find. Most parking garages fill up by 9AM. Downtown traffic jams are frequent and awful. Take note of garage hours since you won't be able to get your car after the garages close.
The main north-south routes are 7th St (which turns into Georgia further north), as well as I-395 from Virginia, which terminates east of the Convention Center. Major east-west routes include H St, which runs through Chinatown, and Pennsylvania Ave. Crisscrossing the area on diagonals through Mt Vernon Square are New York Ave and Massachusetts Ave.

By taxi

It is possible to hail taxis from the street at almost any hour of the day or night, and they are a convenient way to travel relatively short distances.

By bus

The following are the main bus routes operating in the East End, along with links to timetables and route maps. For more information on riding buses in Washington DC, see Washington DC#Get around.

• Woodley Park-Adams Morgan-McPherson Square Circulator Bus ($1) is a limited-stop/express bus that runs Su-Th 7AM-midnight, F-Sa 7AM-3:30PM. It runs from McPherson Square, at the intersection of 14th St & K St, and goes north through Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan, and then on to the Woodley Park-Zoo Metro Station in Upper Northwest.
• Georgetown-Union Station Circulator Bus ($1) is a limited-stop/express bus that runs Su-Th 7AM-midnight, F-Sa 7AM-3:30PM. It runs through the south end of Mount Vernon Square, heading east along Massachusetts Ave to Union Station, and west along K St through the West End and on to Georgetown.
• #31 / #32 and #36 run along Pennsylvania Ave northwest to Georgetown and upper Wisconsin Avenue, as well as southeast to the National Mall.
• #52 and #54 head up 14th St to Shaw.

By foot

The Penn Quarter area is an easy walk from the National Mall and the museums by walking north through the courtyards of Federal Triangle, past the National Archives. From the White House, walk east on Pennsylvania Avenue to G, F, or E St.

Museums

• Smithsonian American Art Museum

  phone: +1 202 633-7970
  address: 8th St & F St NW
  The collection here is a walk through encyclopedia of American Art—Gilbert Stuart's stern presidential portraits through Nam June Paik's house-sized America sculpture of neon and televisions.

• Ford's Theatre Museum

  phone: +1 202 347-4833
  address: 511 10th St NW
  A great museum detailing the life of Abraham Lincoln and the place where he was assassinated.

• Historical Society of Washington D.C.

  phone: +1 202 393-1420
  address: 801 K St NW
  The D.C. historical society occupies the enormous building at the center of Mount Vernon Square and has a research library and exhibit on D.C. history open to the public.

• Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington: Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum

  phone: +1 202 789-0900
  address: 701 3rd Street NW
  Washington D.C.'s oldest synagogue building, built in 1876, is operated as a museum by the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington.

• Koshland Science Museum

  phone: +1 202 334-1201
  address: 525 E St NW
  Koshland is very much on the small side for D.C. museums, but it's great for kids, and for those happy adults who can let loose and act like kids.

• National Archives

  address: 700 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  For history buffs, a visit is a must, as it has a display containing declassified top secret documents related to the Cold War. And, of course, the original copies of the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights are also on display, though the writing is so faded on the latter two that you will not be able to make it out. No photography of the documents is allowed.

• National Building Museum

  phone: +1 202 272-2448
  address: 401 F St NW
  Located in the Pension Building, the building itself is highly recommended for its architecture, with an expansive open interior space with massive columns. The space is used on occasion for special events, including Presidential inaugurations. There is a small cafe inside, to the right of the entrance, and places to sit and relax, as well as a gift shop. The National Building Museum features long-term exhibits on the planning and building of Washington, D.C., and on green building and communities, along with various short-term exhibits and special events.

• National Museum of Women in the Arts

  phone: +1 202 783-5000
  address: 1250 New York Ave NW
  This is the world's only museum devoted to art made by women. Its special exhibits can be really interesting, often featuring works from a specific part of the world. The big, beautiful building is a historic former Masonic Temple. The gift shop is extraordinary, with a collection of very unique handmade gifts from around the world.

• National Portrait Gallery

  phone: +1 202 633-8300
  address: 850 F St NW
  Its most popular exhibit is the Hall of Presidents. The enclosed courtyard has received universal accolades; Conde Nast Traveler calls it one of the seven modern architectural wonders of the world. Its cafe is certainly one of the most attractive places in the city to break out your laptop and enjoy the WiFi.

• Newseum

  address: 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  Of all the most hyped, overpriced museums in D.C., this one actually deserves the hype and even the admissions fee—it's an incredible, one-of-a-kind museum. With seven floors, it has a lot to see, and since it will be selling its building and moving to a more modest location at the end of 2019, you should check it out while you still can. The exhibits are an interesting blend of high tech (a "4-D" theater) and low tech historical documents, all about the news, how it shapes American society, and how indeed the First Amendment is so central to the nation's history. Check out the nation-wide newspaper row in front of the Pennsylvania Ave. entrance. For foreigners, while the museum is a testament to the free press, be prepared for some solid pro-U.S. bias in its selected news. The Newseum has dining options available. It has a food section open from 11 AM to 3 PM each day, catered by Wolfgang Puck on the Concourse Level of the building. Sandwiches, snacks, desserts, salads and various hot entrees are available. The Express Bar, open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, is adjacent to this with more quick offerings. The food in both areas is somewhat pricy but it is of good quality.

Landmarks and memorials

• Embassy of Canada in Washington

  address: 501 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  The building is a striking, contemporary masterpiece, helping Vancouverite architect Arthur Erickson win some prestigious awards. Look for the small dome and columns incorporated into the exterior (in part designed as a gentle mockery of the neoclassical imperial style prevalent around the Capitol), which serves as an echo chamber of sorts, where you'll have any sounds directed right back at you from the dome.

• House Where Lincoln Died

  address: 516 10th St NW
  1865 was perhaps the most consequential year in presidential history, when, on the 14th of April, a prominent actor at Ford's Theatre and Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln in his balcony seat. Attendants carried Lincoln across the street to a small bedroom in the small rowhouse across the street, but the doctors were unable to save the president. He died early morning the next day. This isn't so much a museum—it's just a small room with a few plaques, recreated to look as it did on that day. The house is operated by the National Park Service, and visited via tours from Ford's Theatre.

• J. Edgar Hoover FBI building

  address: 935 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  This brutalist office building is in bad condition and will likely be demolished eventually.

• National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

  phone: +1 202 737-3213
  address: 605 E St NW
  This monument bears the names of nearly 20,000 officials who lost their lives in the line of duty. A big law enforcement museum is being built underground across the street, but for the time being you'll have only the memorial to walk around.

• Old Post Office Tower

  address: 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  At the top of the Trump International Hotel Washington DC. One of the best views of the city.

• Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

  phone: +1 202 312-1300
  address: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  It's not clear whether the small-government Republican would enjoy having one of the biggest, most expensive recent federal buildings ($768 million), filled with agencies like USAID and U.S. Customs, named in his honor. But it is an impressive sight inside and out (especially inside). The building itself has several restaurants fast-food and otherwise, public artworks, shops, and enormous conference and party space, popular for political galas, business conferences, and expensive wedding receptions. Free WiFi throughout.

• U.S. Navy Memorial

  phone: +1 202 737-2300
  address: 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  D.C.'s memorial to the U.S. Navy is not as jolting as the big memorials, but it is nice to walk around. Make sure to see the famous Lone Sailor statue, and who knew that Neil Armstrong was in the Navy!

Public squares

D.C.'s downtown is notable for its grand squares, though they may get more use from homeless people and pigeons than visitors (there are no downtown homeless shelters).

• Franklin Square

  address: 1350 K St NW
  Franklin Square is less known than McPherson Square to the west and Mount Vernon Square to the east. The statue on the west side near McPherson Square Metro is of Commodore John Barry of the Revolutionary War-era Continental Navy and later the U.S. Navy, known today as the Father of the American Navy. The striking red building at the northeast corner of the square is the Franklin School, from which Alexander Graham Bell sent his first wireless message (to 1325 L St NW). The building is owned by the city and development proposals are being considered by the mayor.

• Freedom Plaza

  address: 1355 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  Named in honor of Martin Luther King Jr, who penned his I have a Dream speech at the Willard Hotel on this plaza, the stone center has a huge map of Pierre L'Enfant's original plan for the City of Washington. At the west end is one of D.C.'s infinite quantity of equestrian statues, this one of Kazimierz Pułaski, an American Revolutionary War general from Poland, who once saved George Washington's life, and who is known as the Father of American cavalry.

• Mount Vernon Square

  address: 801 K St NW
  This mammoth square, which causes all sorts of disastrous navigational problems for motorists unfamiliar with the intricacies of New York and Massachusetts Avenues, is dominated by one beautiful and similarly mammoth Beaux-Arts building at its center. Constructed in 1903 with funding purely from Andrew Carnegie's philanthropy, this was built as the second headquarters of the D.C. Public Library. It houses the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. (see above).

Capital One Arena

• Capital One Arena

  phone: +1 202 661-5000
  address: 601 F St NW
  The 18,277-seat arena is home to the Washington Wizards of the NBA and the Washington Capitals of the NHL, and the Georgetown Hoyas college basketball team. It also hosts major concerts, WWE wrestling, and various other events throughout the year. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster or at the box office.

Convention Center

• Walter E. Washington Convention Center

  phone: +1 202 249-3000
  address: 801 Mount Vernon Pl NW
  Hosts events throughout the year, including shows geared towards the public, as well as trade shows and conferences. The popular Washington Auto Show and the Washington Travel Show take place annually in late January and the National Book Festival occurs every September.

Theater and live music

There are several theaters around the city, but the Theater District is in Penn Quarter. The most popular theater company in the area is the Shakespeare Theatre Company, whose performances of Shakespeare and other classical plays rank among the nation's most renowned. Another very popular show is the long-running Capitol Steps show of political satire, where everyone in the political spectrum gets roasted every F-Sa in the Reagan Building.

• Flashpoint Gallery

  phone: +1 202 315-1305
  address: 916 G St NW
  A non-profit, city funded "incubator" of local artistic talent and new cultural institutions. The bulk of the performances in their (very small) Theater Lab are theatrical, and of lesser known plays (mostly foreign), but they also do stand up comedy, dance, etc. The art gallery is a great place to see contemporary works by local artists, and is open Tu-Sa noon-6PM.

• Ford's Theatre

  phone: +1 202 347-4833
  address: 511 10th St NW
  This is where John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, and he was taken across the street to the Petersen House where he died. Ford's Theatre is not only a historic site, but remains a working theater, with regular performances. Theater here is usually the most traditional of the downtown venues, offering dramatic work that is "as eloquent, intelligent and respectful of humanity as Mr. Lincoln." The truly coveted tickets are for the annual Christmas Eve performance of A Christmas Carol. The daily tours take you through the theater and the onsite museum, and also spill across the street to the Petersen House, where Lincoln died.

• National Theatre

  phone: +1 202 628-6161
  address: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  First opened in 1835, many Presidents have come to see performances, with many famous performers back in is heyday. National Theatre is now the city's most likely host for Broadway shows and musicals, and other big-name visiting acts.

• Shakespeare Theatre Company

  phone: +1 202 546-9606
  address: Lansburgh Theatre: 450 7th St NW, Harman Hall: 610 F St NW
  D.C. can't get enough Shakespeare, to the extent that the Shakespeare Theatre Company had to open a second, enormous performance venue in 2007 at the Sidney Harman Hall. Both venues are great, the Lansburgh being a long-time favorite and a smaller, intimate space, and the Harman Hall being big, flashy, and state-of-the-art. The performances here of Shakespeare, often set in present times, as well as other classics from Aeschylus to Marlowe, are almost always universally-acclaimed and top-notch. If you want to see theater in D.C., this is a great place to start. If you are in D.C. in the early fall, look for the no tickets, first come-first served Free for All performances in the grand D.C. tradition of free cultural activities.

• Sixth & I Synagogue

  phone: +1 202-408-3100
  address: 600 I St NW
  Hosts big-name theatrical and musical performances.

• Warner Theatre

  phone: +1 202 783-4000
  address: 513 13th St NW
  The Warner Theatre is a gorgeous old building. A former 1920s movie palace, having long languished in disrepair, was finally reopened in 1992 following extensive restoration. The Warner Theatre hosts Broadway shows, concerts, dance, and stand-up, etc.

• Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

  phone: +1 202 289-2443
  address: 641 D St NW
  This is the top theater company downtown for seeing new plays. Drama here is edgy, takes real risks, and is almost always memorable.

Cinema

• Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14

  phone: +1 202 393-2121
  address: 701 7th St NW
  The Regal cinema shows all the popular, current movies. Beware, though, that this movie theater is popular among the teens (especially on weekends and in the evenings) who can get rambunctious.

• E Street Cinema

  phone: +1 202 452-7672
  address: 555 11th St NW
  A Landmark Theaters cinema, showing independent films and serving craft beers. The E Street Cinema is quiet, and does not draw the same youth crowd as the Regal cinema.

Bowling

• Lucky Strike Lanes

  phone: +1 202 347-1021
  address: 701 7th St NW
  This is a combination bowling alley and lounge. After 9PM, it's 21+ only, and there is a dress code of no sportswear or baggy clothes.

There are plenty of souvenir shops in the East End. There are great gift shops at the museums - be sure to see the gift shop of the National Building Museum if you visit.

Seasonal markets

• The Penn Quarter Fresh Farm MarketA farmers market held on Thursdays, 3-7PM, from spring to fall.

• Downtown Holiday MarketHeld in December, this market sells array of handcrafted items, jewelry, pottery, and food.

Clothing

• Macy's

  phone: +1 202 628-6661
  address: 1201 G St NW
  The most-centrally located department store in D.C.

• Gallery PlaceA collection of shops including Ann Taylor LOFT and Urban Outfitters.

• CityCenterIncludes many high-end shops around 10th & H St including Tumi, Louis Vuitton, kate spade new york, Hermès, Gucci, Burberry, BOSS, Arc'teryx, and Allen Edmonds.

Artwork

• Touchstone Gallery

  phone: +1 202 347-2787
  address: 901 New York Ave NW
  This artist-cooperative owned gallery survived the neighborhood change throughout the past 30 years, and remains friendly and crammed with local artwork. Prices are reasonable, and events are packed.

The East End has everything from chain restaurants to high-end dining to overpriced tourist traps. If you dine a la Andrés, you'll see D.C. cooking at its best. Nearly all the really nice restaurants here are relatively big, loud, cramped, and impersonal—but they'll serve great food. Chinatown, while small, supplies several budget options, as long as you can appreciate the "special charms" of Chinatown service.

Budget

In addition to the restaurants listed below, there are many local and national fast food and fast casual chains including McDonald's, Chipotle, Nando's Peri-Peri, Vapiano, Five Guys, Potbelly, Cava, Sweetgreen, and Chop'd.

• Bakers and Baristas

  phone: +1 202 347-7895
  address: 501 7th Street NW
  Coffee shop with a wide selection of brews, some savory sandwich items and a wide assortment of baked goods. They have a working relationship with the Red Velvet Cupcakery next door bring your treats from Red Velvet here to sit down and enjoy.

• District of Pi

  phone: +1 202 393-5484
  address: 910 F St NW
  A St. Louis import, this big pizzeria excels with the cornmeal crust deep dish pies as well as their rotating craft beer list. It's big enough where you can actually get a table after a game at the Capital One Arena, although the service can be slow when they are busy.

• Grand Trunk

  phone: +1 202 347-3293
  address: 641 Indiana Ave NW
  A modern and intimate South Asian-American fusion restaurant. Try the naan burger or the delicious curries!

• HipCityVeg

  phone: +1 202 621-8057
  address: 712 7th Street NW
  Small vegan restaurant serving sandwiches, wraps, salads, and delicious shakes.

• Lincoln's Waffle Shop

  phone: +1 202 638-4008
  address: 504 10th St NW
  A dive that serves good waffles, assorted breakfast foods, coffee, and burgers.

• Red Velvet Cupcakery

  phone: +1 202 347-7895
  address: 501 7th St NW
  For a nice, small treat, you'll find cupcake varieties including mocha/espresso, peanut butter cup, and boutique cupcakery here. This is a counter operation and there's no seating, but they have a working relationship with the next-door coffee shop Bakers and Baristas if you wish to sit down and enjoy your treat.

• Teaism

  phone: +1 202 638-6010
  address: 400 8th St NW
  Teaism has a large selection of teas, and an adjacent tea shop where you can get some to take home. In addition to tea, they serve a variety of Asian dishes including Japanese bento boxes, udon noodle soup, ochazuke, Thai and Indian curry, and many vegetarian options. Breakfast is also delicious at Teaism, and their salty oat cookies are a must. 3 locations in DC.

Chinese

There are many hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurants that serve both food an alcohol on H Street, between 5th and 8th Streets ("Chinatown"). The quality and prices vary; however, the food is generally subpar and the suburbs are known for having better Chinese food than DC proper.

• Asian Spice

  phone: +1 202 589-0900
  address: 717 H St NW

• Chinatown Express

  phone: +1 202 638-0424
  address: 746 6th St NW
  You'll notice the chef in the window right away preparing Chinese noodles by hand. Express is precisely what a Chinatown restaurant should be (and what D.C.'s Chinatown sometimes seems to lack), a cheap casual place, serving solid, authentic Chinese food. The Singapore-style noodle and dumpling soups are the specialty, but it's also a great place to burn your mouth on some spicy beef entries.

• Daikaya Ramen

  phone: +1 202 589-1600
  address: 705 6th St NW
  Arguably the best ramen in D.C.

• Full Kee

  phone: +1 202 371-2233
  address: 509 H St NW
  Arguably the best choice for an actual, authentic, Chinatown meal. Full Kee excels in the fish department, along with some good crispy duck and the noodle soups. Daily specials on the wall are always worth a look as well.

• New Big Wong

  phone: +1 202 628-0491
  address: 610 H St NW
  This basement Cantonese and Sichuan eatery is the place to find the weirdest dishes in Chinatown in the middle of the night.

Mid-range

• B Burger Bar

  phone: +1 202 808-8720
  address: 801 Pennsylvania Ave NW

• DBGB

  phone: +1 202 695-7660
  address: 931 H St NW
  A French bistro with a good beer and wine selection.

• Dirty Habit @ Hotel Monaco

  phone: +1 202 449-7095
  address: 555 8th St NW
  American food and great cocktails.

• Hard Rock Cafe

  phone: +1 202 737-7625
  address: 999 E St NW
  Tourist hell, but very popular.

• Hill Country Barbecue

  phone: +1 202 556-2050
  address: 410 7th St NW
  Texas barbecue with live music every night.

• Jaleo

  phone: +1 202 628-7949
  address: 480 7th St NW
  Many credit this loud, happy restaurant in the Penn Quarter for the current boom in Spanish tapas bars. Serves tasty tapas and wonderful sangria, as well as a fantastic selection of ports and sherry. This is Jose Andrés' first restaurant, and one of the best options in the area. Expect to wait on a crowded F-Sa night.

• La Tasca - DC

  phone: +1 202 347-9190
  address: 800 F St NW
  Spanish food, including tapas & paellas. Sangria brunch ($2 each) on weekends from 11AM-4PM.

• Luke's Lobster

  phone: +1 202 347-3355
  address: 624 E St NW
  Great seafood/sushi.

• Matchbox

  phone: +1 202 289-4441
  address: 713 H St NW
  Many locations in the D.C.-area, all packed with people all times of the day. Some of the food here is really good such as the charcoaled sliders and wood-fired NYC-style pizza. The rest of the menu, however, would befit a bonafide tourist trap. It's also a good place to go for a drink, especially when the weather is warm and the outdoor seating is open.

• nopa Kitchen + Bar

  phone: +1 202 347-4667
  address: 800 F St NW

Splurge

• Central Michel Richard

  phone: +1 202 626-0015
  address: 1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  Central is the showpiece restaurant of the city's great chef, Michel Richard. In this restaurant, he celebrates his love for American cuisine, serving haute and somewhat Gallicized versions of dishes as simple as burgers and fried chicken. That fried chicken is the best in the city.

• District Chophouse & Brewery

  phone: +1 202 347-3434
  address: 509 7th St NW
  The lunch deal at this solid, if not exceptional downtown steakhouse, is fabulous: $15 for a filet mignon! Otherwise, location, unpretentious atmosphere, better prices than at other downtown steakhouses, and good house craft beers are the reasons to come.

• Fig & Olive

  phone: +1 202 559-5004
  address: 934 Palmer Alley NW
  The D.C. location of the upscale Mediterranean cocktail bar that serves dishes with a variety of flavored olive oils.

• Fiola

  phone: +1 202 628-2888
  address: 601 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  One of several D.C. restaurants by chef Fabio Trabocchi, Fiola offers upscale Italian food and great cocktails.

• Fogo de Chao

  phone: +1 202 347-4668
  address: 1101 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  This international chain serves all-you-can-eat Brazilian meat and sides. Flip your green card up, and the chefs come with meat; flip it to red, and the chefs let you eat. The restaurant also has a really nice salad bar for a considerably lower price than the meat menu.

• Graffiato

  phone: +1 202 289-3600
  address: 707 6th St NW
  Outside D.C., Mike Isabella is best known as a Top Chef "all star," but in D.C. he's known for some of the best Italian food in the city, served in small-plate portions, out of this small downtown restaurant with a long waitlist for reservations. The top chef's own favorite dish is the simple hand-cut spaghetti, adorned only with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and thai basil.

• Kinship

  phone: +1 202 737-7700
  address: 1015 7th St NW
  >Famous chef Eric Ziebold runs this restaurant where everything is served ala carte.

• Minibar by José Andrés

  phone: +1 202 393-0812
  address: 855 E St NW
  Mr. Andrés' wild culinary ride through molecular-gastronomy. Reservations are hard to come by at this six-customer, two-chef restaurant, which will serve you a 30-course meal of everything from cotton candy foie gras to lobster injection to beet tumbleweed. Even by its own extreme standards, the Dragon Popcorn caused a local stir last year—caramelized curry popcorn dipped into liquid nitrogen, which causes smoke to come out your nose after eating. Reservations open up one month in advance, and you should call at 10AM if you want to get one (and watch out for the rude reservations lady).

• Morrison-Clark Restaurant

  phone: +1 202 989-1200
  This small dining room is a lovely trip back to the Southern traditions of the mid-nineteenth century, and could be reason enough on its own to have dinner here, but the food is absolutely the cream of D.C.'s crop as well. The menu is small, with simple, but fairly exotic and expertly executed Southern dishes. Sunday brunch ($30-35) is popular.

• Oyamel Cocina Mexicana

  phone: +1 202 628-1005
  address: 401 7th St NW
  José Andres's take on Mexican antojitos, the Mexican word for snacks (literally, "little cravings"). The mole here is outstanding and the grasshopper tacos are... interesting. Su-F 4:30PM-6:30PM has great happy hour deals at the bar.

• Poste

  phone: +1 202 783-6060
  address: 555 8th St NW
  The standard menu, while top-notch contemporary American, may not leave a truly lasting impression as would some of the more unique restaurants in this area, but the setting is gorgeous. Set in the historic 1842 neo-classical General Post Office building, modeled after the Roman Temple of Jupiter, Poste has arguably the flashiest and prettiest dining room in the city. The courtyard occupying the center of the block is a favorite Washingtonian spot in the summer for outdoor dining and drinks—craft beers and truffle fries are a happy hour staple of the trendier crowd downtown. There are a couple memorable special-occasion items on (or off) the menu, though: if you have a big group, you can get one of the government-named seafood towers, or even make special reservations for a "Poste Roast," involving private dining and a whole roasted lamb, pig, or goat.

• Proof

  phone: +1 202 737-7663
  address: 775 G St NW
  The coziest fine dining establishment downtown, Proof is a choice date spot, with a "wine-centric" ethos—hosts want nothing better than to help you discover better and better wines, so be sure to ask recommendations for pairings (and cheeses—the charcuterie platters here are the best in town). Doubling as a dedicated wine bar, Wine comes by the taste, glass, or bottle. The cocktails are also pretty fabulous. Food is contemporary American, with a vague Mediterranean bent. Lunch deals are excellent, including wine, if you don't mind an early start to your drinking!

• Rasika

  phone: +1 202 637-1222
  address: 633 D St NW
  Possibly the best Indian restaurant in D.C., with great ambiance! Try the palak chaat - crispy fried spinach!

• The Source by Wolfgang Puck

  phone: +1 202 637-6100
  address: 575 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  Asian-focused restaurant. A great place to spot celebrities of the political variety. For a cheaper alternative, head to the lounge, which offers food from the same kitchen at slightly more modest prices.

• Zaytinya

  phone: +1 202 638-0800
  address: 701 9th St NW
  Tapas, antojitos, and... mezzes! Andrés' alphabetically last restaurant serves a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetarian Greek and Lebanese mezzes, along with large selection of wines from the same region.

Although it isn't the best place to get the true local experience, there are plenty of places to drink in the East End.
Several of the restaurants listed above have excellent bars, particularly if you like high-end cocktails surrounded by fashionable clientéle. Try Proof (make reservations), Graffiato, Poste, or any of the José Andrés restaurants' bars. Clyde's, District Chophouse, and District of Pi, double as solid places for beer lovers. If you are looking for a really unpretentious spot, try one of the Chinese places on H St, which stay open late, and serve "low-end" stiff tiki drinks, Chinese beers, and plentiful cheap sake late into the night.

• Clyde's

  phone: +1 202 349-3700
  address: 707 7th St NW
  One of 8 locations in the D.C. area, this enormous bar/restaurant is very attractive, wooden and dimly lit in a sort of Victorian grand-old-hotel fashion. It's a great after-dinner or after-theater option, though, to sit at one of its three lovely bars and have a few drinks. Or finagle a table and have those drinks with a little dessert, or something off the fantastic oyster menu

• Denson Liquor Bar

  phone: +1 202 499-5018
  address: 600 F St NW
  Old=school basement bar with art deco design.

• Flight Wine Bar

  phone: +1 202 864-6445
  address: 777 6th St NW
  Wines and wine-based cocktails. Knowledgeable staff and 70 wines available. Four beers on tap.

• Iron Horse Tap Room

  phone: +1 202 347-7665
  address: 507 7th St NW
  A rare creature here: just a bar, with a faux-biker bar theme. Iron Horse is a reliable, unpretentious spot for craft beers, sports on the television and skee ball and Big Buck Hunter. It's very crowded before games at the Capital One Arena, which either makes it a great place to mingle with local sports fans, or an overcrowded noisy experience, but otherwise is pretty low key. It's a particularly good spot if you are feeling overdressed for fancier bars in the area.

• Jackpot

  phone: +1 202 628-5225
  address: 726 7th St NW
  A great cocktail bar that offers free popcorn (to make you thirsty).

• Penn Quarter Sports Tavern

  phone: +1 202 347-6666
  address: 639 Indiana Ave NW
  A good place to watch sports games.

• Penn Social

  phone: +1 202 697-4900
  address: 801 E St NW
  A popular bar that offers live music and trivia nights.

• Redline

  phone: +1 202 333-2538
  address: 707 G St NW
  The "contemporary pan-Asian" food at the restaurant here is excellent, but the lounge downstairs is an even better reason to come. With its sexy decor and impressive drinks, it is a bonafide after-hours hot spot, and major beautiful person destination.

• Rocket Bar

  phone: +1 202 628-7665
  address: 714 7th St NW
  A funky basement bar decorated with a rocket-theme where you can play billiards, darts, shuffleboard & video games.

• The Partisan

  phone: +1 202 524-5322
  address: 709 D St NW
  A hip bar that also serves meat dishes including a whole pig's head or a pig's feast for $50 per person.

If you are staying in the East End, you have a good location as you are close to both the National Mall and the nightlife-centered districts of Shaw and Dupont Circle. Private accommodation rentals are also very popular.

• Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

  phone: +1 202 803-6110
  address: 400 E Street SW

Budget

Hostels

• Hostelling International Washington DC

  phone: +1 202 737-2333
  address: 1009 11th St NW
  The building is old and somewhat dingy-looking from the outside, but inside it's clean and in good shape. Nice kitchen and a comfy common room. Great service.

Hotels

• Hotel Harrington

  phone: +1 202 628-8140
  address: 1100 E St NW
  Odd to see such a cheap hotel next to the Mall! It's not clear how they've managed to maintain this old clunker here in such a high-value real estate zone for so long, but if you don't mind your hotel looking a little older and shabby, this is a great budget option.

Mid-range

• Hampton Inn - Washington DC Convention Center

  phone: +1 202 842-2500
  address: 901 6th St NW
  Average location of an average hotel chain, with average prices, and slightly above average continental breakfast. Small indoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, free coffee in lobby.

• Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington, DC/Downtown

  phone: +1 202 289-5959
  address: 500 H St NW
  Next to the Capital One Arena.

• Henley Park Hotel

  phone: +1 202 638-5200
  address: 926 Massachusetts Ave NW
  A nice, small, historic, non-chain hotel amidst the big chain monsters. Its amenities are fewer, but its charm obviously greater. Free WiFi.

• Marriott Courtyard Washington Convention Center

  phone: +1 202 638-4600
  address: 900 F St NW
  This location caters more to business travelers than the other options in the area. Free lobby coffee, 24 hr fitness center, small pool, & jacuzzi. Rooms are a little small. Make sure you get a good deal, otherwise consider one of the two other more upscale Marriotts also in the neighborhood.

• Marriott at Metro Center

  phone: +1 202 737-2200
  address: 775 12th St NW
  Nice lobby, large rooms, a really good gym, and a small pool + jacuzzi.

• Renaissance by Marriott Washington, DC Downtown

  phone: +1 202 898-9000
  address: 999 9th St NW

• Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, DC Downtown

  phone: +1 202 898-1100
  address: 1199 Vermont Ave NW
  Features suites with pull-out sofas, and desks with ergonomic chairs. Breakfast is included daily and a basic dinner is also included on some nights.

Splurge

• Grand Hyatt Washington

  phone: +1 202 582-1234
  address: 1000 H St NW
  Full-service business center, 32 meeting rooms, in-lobby Metro Center access, and a nice fitness center are the pluses. A rather absurd downside, though, is that they make you pay to use their gym. Another hotel that you should only use if you get a good deal.

• JW Marriott Washington, DC

  phone: +1 202 393-2000
  address: 1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW

• Hotel Monaco by Kimpton

  phone: +1 202 628-7177
  address: 700 F St NW
  Kimpton hotels are almost always lovely, and this one benefits from its location in a grand old nineteenth century building (though this means the halls are a bit old), weirdly mixed with very modern decor. Huge pool and jacuzzi. Free wine-cocktails hour. And don't forget to request your free in-room goldfish!

• The Morrison-Clark Inn

  phone: +1 202 989-1200
  address: 1015 L St NW
  An independent hotel with a little Southern flair in a Civil War-era mansion. As you would expect, the amenities cannot quite compete with the Hotel Monaco, but this is a charming, unique place to stay, and a good spot to sip a mint julep on the porch.

• Trump International Hotel Washington DC

  phone: +1 202 695-1100
  address: 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
  Luxury accommodation with great views in the 3rd tallest building in the city.

There are many cafes and restaurants in the East End that offer free WiFi. If you need to use a computer terminal, head to the library.

• Kogod Courtyard @ National Portrait Gallery

  phone: +1 202 633-1000
  address: 8th and F Sts NW
  Free WiFi is available in the Kogod Courtyard at the Reynold Center Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. There is a small cafe in the courtyard where you get coffee and sandwiches. The courtyard is a peaceful, quiet place to escape for a break. Note that your bag will be inspected when you come into the museum.

• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

  phone: +1 202 727-0321
  address: 901 G St NW
  D.C.'s central public library is enormous, and, designed by modern legend Mies van der Rohe, is one of the best examples of modern architecture in the city. Sadly, it has seen better days, and isn't as lovely a place to hang out as it should be (the homeless folks, kicked out of shelters during the daytime, make the public terminals their home). It's still quite the landmark, though, and it has a really nice bookstore inside. As with all libraries, free WiFi & public terminals.

• The National Mall, is just to the south to the East End and is where you will find many of the city's museums and main attractions.
• The nightlife here is plentiful and very visitor-friendly, but it is very much divorced from real Washingtonian culture. Head up to Shaw, Dupont Circle, and Adams Morgan to see how the locals like to wine, dine, and party.