Pick-me-up treats, luxurious meals, and award-winning cocktails in Washington, D.C.

Most people don’t think of DC as a summer getaway or vacation destination. Seen as a tourist stop—a place to visit museums and monuments, see the cherry blossoms in the spring, and wave to the White House—visitors often miss the city’s best offerings, many of which come in an edible form. DC is a bustling city, full of energy and entertainment, with unparalleled dining and drinking options throughout.

Where New York City has five boroughs, DC has eight wards with multiple neighborhoods in each. No DC resident will identify themselves by their ward (unless it comes to parking restrictions!), but they’ll proudly tell you which neighborhood they live in. Columbia Heights, Logan Circle, Mount Pleasant, Woodley Park. Residents are loyal to their namesakes because every area has its own unique qualities and offerings. Whether you’re looking for a pick-me-up coffee and treat, a luxurious meal with cocktails, or just hoping to enjoy a good beer and some tacos, there are endless options in DC.

Coffee & Breakfast

Baked & Wired, Georgetown
With inventive coffee house style for over a decade, this Georgetown coffee shop is a tucked-away favorite. Not only is their coffee delicious, offering beans from multiple roasters including Stumptown and Intelligentsia, they have mouth-watering selections of homemade cupcakes (arguably better than the famous Georgetown Cupcakes), granola called “Hippie Crack”, cookies, and everything sweet. Not to mention their quiche and other savory food options. Owned by former graphic designers, their keen eye for decorating and design is present throughout.

The Coffee Bar, U Street/Logan Circle
A newer favorite for locals, their historic building location is cozy and welcoming with a theme of reclaimed and recycled goods throughout. You’ll be pleasantly overwhelmed by the chalkboard menu that spans the wall behind the coffee bar. In the morning they feature “on tap” brews, in the afternoon you can explore their pour over menu, and there is a steady stream of seasonal offerings from select roasters.  With bagels from Bethesda Bagels and sweets from an Annapolis bakery, you can easily pass time people watching or engaging with locals here.

Ted’s Bulletin, 14^th Street and Capitol Hill/Southeast
With two popular DC locations, Ted’s Bulletin is one of the best combination coffee/breakfast/brunch/sweets destinations in the city. The 14^th Street location is much larger than the one on Capitol Hill, but both offer diner-style breakfast fare, inventive milkshake selections including “Adult” milkshakes with blended liquors and liquers, and a selection of pastries and donuts. If you happen here on a weekend and the wait is too long, pop over to the bakery side and order one of their homemade pop tarts….you won’t regret it.

Other worthy options: Qualia Café, Petworth. The Coupe, Columbia Heights.

Lunch Brunch

Kafe Leopold, Georgetown
DC’s finest European dining is nestled inside Cady’s Alley in the heart of Georgetown. Everything is served a la carte…and everything is worth trying. From Leopold’s Frühstück (two eggs, smoke & grilled ham with toast) to Gurkesalat (sliced cucumber, radishes, yogurt-honey, fresh dill, and walnuts) the extensive menu has delectable options for every palate. Transport yourself to a Vienna café with Apfelstrudel for dessert.

Union Market, NoMA
Look for the large white warehouse with letters on top proudly spelling out its name and you’ll find close to 40 local food artisans and pop-up kitchens. A selection of many of DC’s established favorites are present—Dolcezza Gelato, Buffalo & Bergen, Peregrine Espresso, and more. If you’re traveling with a group, there is an option for every taste bud, plus shopping (check out Salt & Sundry!) and foodie souvenir options.

Founding Farmers, Downtown
Let’s start with the companies core beliefs: “…it is the right of all diners and food lovers to enjoy a good ‘meal away from home’ that is fulfilling, delicious and honest, made with ingredients from high-quality sources.” Founding Farmers does just that at every table, with healthy, locally sourced ingredients and a holistic approach to their entire business. Just three blocks from the White House, you can take in some of the sites on your way.

Other worthy options: Eastern Market, Capitol Hill. Matchbox, Chinatown, 14^th Street, Capitol Hill. Pete’s Apizza, Columbia Heights, Friendship Heights.

Dinner

Le Diplomate, 14^th Street
With French-inspired plates like duck confit, escargot, and their popular mushroom tart and steak frites, it’s no wonder this bistro is always filled with patrons. Its zinc bar, sidewalk café, bistro seating, and tile floors complete the French café culture dining experience. Perfect for a leisurely brunch or a celebratory lunch.

Toki Underground, H. Street
Serving Taiwanese ramen, dumplings, and Asian-theme cocktails in the Atlas District on trendy H. Street, Toki Underground is not to be missed. With a cool vibe and a delicious spin on ramen, Chef Erik Bruner-Yang was nominated for Food & Wine Magazines Best New Chef: Mid-Atlantic for good reason.

El Chucho, Columbia Heights
Just passing their second birthday, El Chucho is a welcome addition to the offerings on 11^th Street. With creative takes on taqueria fare, a rooftop deck, endless tequila and margarita options, and friendly staff, you’ll find this the perfect location to enjoy dinner and drinks.

Other worthy options: El Centro, 14^th Street. Pho 99, Columbia Heights.

Libations

Room 11, Columbia Heights
Don’t let the size of Room 11 fool you—it’s small space houses award-winning cocktails and fine wine and beer options. Be sure to check what cocktails are featured for the evening and, if you beer is your beverage of choice, give the Monk’s Café Flemish Sour Ale a try or two.

Churchkey, Logan Circle
Churckey has 555 beers. 5 cask ales, 50 drafts, 500 bottles. They are also noted for their wine selection, named one of America’s Top 100 Wine Restaurants by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. With open spaces and inviting seating, this is arguably the best place to have a beer or glass of wine in DC.

Spirits Bar at Rogue 24, Shaw
With a menu option called “Ask the chef-tender” encouraging you to call your spirit and dream your flavor, you’ll find cocktails like no other at Spirits Bar. Fresh ingredients and inventive flavors (Avuá Cachaça, fruit loops, and beer cocktail?!) make this a bar to not be missed.

Other worthy options: Red Derby, 14^th Street. Penn Social, Chinatown/Downtown. Meridian Pint, Columbia Heights.