What is Washington D.C.’s cultural scene like?
Washington, D.C. has earned its title as the nation’s seat of power. The city houses the three branches of the federal government, plus thousands of lobbyists, lawyers, advocates and journalists all vying for their slice of the pie, which makes for an interesting scene.
Washington also has more than half a million residents; the metropolitan area, which includes the surrounding Virginia and Maryland suburbs, is the eighth largest in the country, and with that comes thriving ethnic pockets that represent African, Asian and Latin American cultures. And thanks in large part to the sartorial smarts of first lady Michelle Obama, D.C. is ditching the stuffy pants suits and getting more fashion-forward.
In this power town, a long list of iPhone contacts trumps a fat bank account any day of the week. Power drives Washington and the people who run it. From lobbyists to lawyers to journalists to politicos, Washingtonians make a living off of knowing who matters — and who doesn’t.
You can see it everywhere — from the highway-clearing motorcades that shuttle diplomats around town to the sequestered tables at top restaurants that cater to an elite group of regulars. At happy hour, you’re more likely to overhear ladder-climbing twenty-somethings debating international policy than the merits of a college football team. Even playtime nods to power, with popular annual events like the Roll Call Congressional Ball.
Despite a palpable air of power, a true local — someone born and raised here — is a rarity in Washington. A genuine local wears that native status like a badge of honor. Everyone else is quick to point out how long he or she has been a resident — five, 10, 20 years.
Why the fuss? D.C. has earned a reputation for being a transient city for good reason: Lots of people come here for school or short-term jobs in the federal government. And not that it’s a bad thing: The come-and-go nature has allowed D.C. to become a melting pot in the truest sense. Rather than lacking an identity, the city has merged the hustle and bustle of northern cities with the appealing small-town feel of the South. Home to hundreds of embassies, D.C. also has an international flair, with cultural events and festivals celebrating traditions from around the world.
Ethnic enclaves abound, too. At Ninth and U streets, Northwest, there’s a hub of authentic Ethiopian restaurants. In the Mount Pleasant and Columbia Heights neighborhoods, you’ll find Latino grocery markets, cafés and street vendors. For a taste of authentic Asia, head just outside the city to the Eden Center in Falls Church, Va. It’s packed with enough Vietnamese restaurants and bakeries to make any world traveler pine for Hanoi.
There’s really no phrase or easy way to describe the culture in D.C., except to say that it’s an eclectic mix of people from every country, background and status, all jumbled in one bustling city bent on who’s in power.
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On May 29McLean Robbins answered the question:
What are the best coffee shops in Washington D.C.?
When it comes to coffee, we actually venture just outside of the city for our fix. We can’t get enough of Northside Social, a coffee bar and wine lounge located in Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood. Highly-trained baristas and baristos mix up traditional macchiatos, lattes and cappuccinos as well as pour-overs and French Press brews. But our favorite part? Come 5 PM, guests can enjoy local craft beers and a well-curated selection of wines from around the world. Hungry? No worries. Owned by the same group that has the popular Liberty Tavern and Lyon Hall to its name, the food here is also top-notch, from daily fresh-made pastries (Nutella Pop Tart, anyone?) to salads, sandwiches and cheese/charcuterie plates. It’s worth the drive over the river, folks. -
On May 29McLean Robbins answered the question:
Where is the best pizza in Washington D.C.?
We love pizza in any form – thick crust, thin crust, Neapolitan or New Haven style, which makes the city’s wealth of ‘za all the more appealing. Washington, D.C. can’t compete with New York when it comes to quantity (or quality, for the most part) but it’s unique all in its own way.
We’d say the best in the city is a toss-up between Cleveland Park’s popular 2 Amy’s restaurant, which serves its Neopolitan pizza “D.O.C.” style, which means that it is traditionally prepared and worthy of the Denominazione di Origine Controllata status, which specifies specific ingredients and preparation methods. We also can’t get enough of popular local chain Pete’s APizza, which dishes out New Haven-style pies in flavors like White Clam and the “Into The Woods,” which combines spinach and caramelized onions with tender flash fried strips of eggplant. Yes, we frequently get cravings for that pie. -
On May 29McLean Robbins answered the question:
What are the best places for breakfast in Washington D.C.?
Washington, D.C. may be a city known for power lunch, but they are also a frontrunner when it comes to the power breakfast.
To see the city's movers and shakers, visit Seasons at the Four Seasons in Georgetown, which underwent a $1 million renovation last year. Political types, media personalities, celebrities and royalty alike dine on fritattas, french toast, and traditional egg dishes during the week, or visit the fantastic weekend brunch.
Another hot spot is the tony Blue Duck Tavernin the Park Hyatt. We can't get enough of their short rib hash or the deilciously decadent sticky buns. Of course, a table outside on the herb-filled patio, listening to the small waterfall and people watching makes the occassion even all the more fun. -
On May 29McLean Robbins answered the question:
What are the best comedy clubs in Washington D.C.?
When we are in the mood for a laugh, there's no better place than D.C. Improv, located in the city's Penn Quarter/Chinatown neighborhood. Offering comedy classes, national, local and touring comedian performances, and a full bar (to keep the mood light), this is the city's absolute best spot to catch a laugh.
The shows are usually quite cheap, the talent top-notch, and the atmosphere quite casual. It's the perfect weeknight evening out with friends, a low-key date night, or pre-party activty.
The best part? It's right near some of the city's best restaurants and bars, so it makes the ideal start or end point to a fun-filled evening in Washington, D.C. -
On May 29McLean Robbins answered the question:
What would be a perfect date night in Washington D.C.?
The concept of an ideal date night is inherently subjective, but we can think of plenty of fun things to do for couples in Washington, D.C.
We’d suggest planning a quintessentially “Washington” experience and taking advantage of all that the city has to offer. First, we’d begin by hiring a car service (Reston Limo does a great job) to do a champagne sunset tour of the monuments and memorials. While touristy, this activity isn’t something even locals do every day, and it’s hard not to be moved by the glory of the Lincoln or Jefferson memorial, particularly in good weather.
We’d then head to a restaurant with a view. We’d suggest Charlie Palmer, a clubby steakhouse with a quintessentially Washington vibe. After your steak or seafood of choice, ask for a private visit on the restaurant’s roof deck, offering a panoramic view of the Capitol building.
Then, cap it off with a final drink at somewhere hip and trendy, like Jose Andres’ new barmini, a creative cocktail lounge inspired by his minibar restaurant.
Should you wish to extend the stay into an overnight, we’d chose a Forbes-rated hotel of your choice. We’re huge fans of the intimate Jefferson Hotel on 16th and M (and love their craft cocktail bar Quill too) but also love the Four Seasons in Georgetown and the Hay-Adams, which offers rooms overlooking the White House. -
On May 29McLean Robbins answered the question:
What are the best places to hear live music in Washington D.C.?
Washington, DC isn’t known as a music city, but the area surely has a wide variety of locations for hearing your favorite well-known and under-the-radar bands play.
The best venue for live shows is the 9:30 Club. Small and intimate with just a balcony and floor room (standing only), you’ll see big names and indie artists alike take the stage at this often remarkably affordable venue. Tickets to shows are usually $45 and under, the bar is relatively cheap, and you can get as close to the artists as you want – provided you show up early. From tribute bands to dance parties to rap to folk, you’ll see everything under the sun performing here.
If you prefer outdoor entertainment, head just outside the city to Wolftrap, near Tysons Corner in Virginia. You'll enjoy a large stage with a massive grassy knoll, perfect for setting up a picnic and taking in a show. -
On May 29McLean Robbins answered the question:
Where is the best ice cream in Washington D.C.?
In Washington’s unbearably hot summer months, the cool taste of an ice cream cone is sometimes the only thing that can lure us out of the air conditioning. When we bypass our ice cream maker for a store-bought scoop, there are only three places we’d go – and one is technically a gelato joint.
Trickling Springs Creamery
Located in Union Market, the shakes, malts and cones from Trickling Springs are unique in that they use milk and dairy products from the farm’s own cows. We love light summer flavors like Lemon Chiffon or decadent Butterscotch Toffee Parfait as well as your standard Vanilla and Chocolate.
Larry’s Homemade Ice Cream
When it comes to homemade ice cream, few do it better than Larry’s, which offers locations in Dupont, Crystal City and Clarendon. We like nothing better than the salted caramel when it’s available, although flavors like Green Tea, Cleopatra (coconut and date) and Crème de Menthe Chocolate Chip are pretty delicious too.
Dolcezza Gelato
This local gelateria is the closest thing one can get to Italy in DC. Serving up seasonal, artisanal and locally-inspired flavors, this sweet treat is sure to please everyone from young to old. Look for Dolcezza in Dupont, Georgetown and Bethesda, as well as at local farmer’s markets. -
On May 29McLean Robbins answered the question:
What is the best hamburger in Washington D.C.?
From fast food to fine dining, the hamburger is everywhere these days. Washingtonians certainly have their choice when it comes to the barbeque classic. Nearly every restaurant in the city has some sort of “burger” on the menu, but not all are created equal. Here are a few of our favorites:
Ray’s Hell Burger
Cross the river to Arlington and you’ll find a burger joint that President Obama has returned to time and again. Here, you’ll enjoy giant burgers served with tater tots – no fries, and make-to-order milkshakes from the same team that brought you Rays the Steaks.
Palena Café
Tucked away in a Cleveland Park strip mall, the café at the acclaimed Palena restaurant doesn’t look like much. But their burger, juicy and full of flavor and served on a buttery brioche bun, is a true menu standout.
BOURBON Steak
The bar at BOURBON Steak by Michael Mina in the Four Seasons is where the city’s elite go to drink – and often, to dine. The juicy burgers here are some of the city’s best. We personally prefer the standard Prime Steak variety, but you can also sample a turkey, salmon, lamb or veggie variety. For a true splurge, pair with duck fat fries or truffled popcorn.
Good Stuff Eatery
Owned by former Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn, Capitol Hill’s Good Stuff stays true to its name, dishing out good, nearly great burgers, fries, shakes and sodas. The most similar to fast food on the list, order at the counter and wait in line for your purchase (and yes, you will wait) for a greasy yet glorious patty dripping with your choice of cheese and toppings. -
On May 9McLean Robbins answered the question:
What are the newest shows in Washington D.C.?
Washington, D.C. is a culture-lovers paradise, boasting a wide array of ever-changing shows, music performances and limited run engagements straight from Broadway. Here are a few of our favorites currently in the city as of May 2013.
It’s always worth a visit to The Kennedy Center to see the city’s famed National Symphony Orchestra, which plays weekly engagements, but we’d also suggest that The Washington Ballet makes for a worthy trip. Hemmingway: The Sun Also Rises is the current show. Long-running yet extremely popular Shear Madness is also worth taking in. The Washington National Opera also currently operates out of the Kennedy Center space, and is currently performing Show Boat. If you’re in town on May 22, we’d suggest doing a virtual performance at Nationals Park, where they’ll broadcast the show live during Opera In the Outfield. -
On May 9McLean Robbins answered the question:
What are the best art galleries in Washington D.C.?
Art lovers, take note. It’s easy to plan an entire vacation around gallery hopping in Washington, D.C.. Venture beyond the expected – the impressive yet well-known National Gallery of Art and its associated Sculpture Garden – to the Smithsonian-operated Freer & Sackler Galleries, where you’ll see a wide variety of Eastern art. You’ll also want to escape the National Mall entirely for three art museums owned by the Smithsonian collection – the Renwick Gallery, which features American craft arts, and the two-in-one museums in Chinatown, the National Museum of American Art and the National Portrait Gallery. But we haven’t even begun to complete our artistic journey yet – you’ll also want to stop by the gorgeous downtown National Museum of Women in the Arts (bonus points if you can attend an evening gala or lecture) and the famed Corcoran Gallery of Art, which offers an ever-rotating selection of works by master painters, sculptors and photographers alike. -
On May 9McLean Robbins answered the question:
What festivals are going on in Washington D.C.?
Any major city will have some sort of festival or cultural event at least a few times each month, but visitors to the Nation’s Capital are luckier than most – Washington, D.C. boasts some of the country’s most enticing annual events.
Summer visitors should consider planning a visit over 4th of July weekend. The city’s Independence Day celebration, "A Capitol Fourth," is one of the nation’s best, if not the best in the country, featuring a massive concert and orchestral performance, plus big name acts. Airing live on PBS each year, the Thursday-evening concert will celebrate America’s 236th birthday with the famed “1812 Overture” as well a number of celebrity performances.
But we have a secret – the best day to watch the concert isn’t even on Thursday, but at the open-to-the-public rehearsal the day before. Gates usually open mid-afternoon, and almost all of the performers and emcees taking place in the event will participate in this dress “practice round.” -
On May 9McLean Robbins answered the question:
What are the best kids activities in Washington D.C.?
Washington, D.C. is an ideal city for family travel – it’s easy to find activities that suit kids and kids at heart a like. Some of the city’s best cultural attractions have special activities suited just for little ones. One of our favorites is the Spy Museum downtown, which offers kids-friendly programming and a slew of interactive exhibits.
We’d also suggest a ride around the Tidal Basin on a paddleboat. As long as your children are old enough to reach the pedals, it’s a fun and relatively low-cost activity the whole family can enjoy. If your children are animal fans, a visit to the National Zoo is also always in order – the spacious and Metro-accessible Zoo is free and offers the standard lions, tigers and bears plus special reptile, elephant, bird and famed Panda exhibits that are fun for all ages.
Parental note: Most of Washington, D.C.’s luxury hotels (and all of the properties on our Forbes-rated list) offer some sort of concierge-suggested list of activities for parents traveling with VIK’s (Very Important Kids). The concierge at most any hotel can also arrange custom tours and special activities to suit a child’s age or special interests. -
On May 2Mary Beth Albright answered the question:
What are the best activities to do in Washington D.C.?
On May 4-5, National Harbor hosts its fourth Food and Wine Festival along the Potomac River, with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment. Waterfront dining and drinking is second only to the shopping, with food, clothing, and jewelry artisans lining National Harbor's pedestrian-friendly streets. This year the festival falls on Cinco de Mayo, so a special pavillion will serve up taquila to complement several Mexican food vendors. The official festivities are from 12-6, but Nationbal Harbor's bars and restaurants stay open all night, so don't let the closing time fool you. General Admission is $39 in advance, $48 on site, and includes tastings of the 150 boutique wines (but you probably won't get to all of them...)
