Best DC Bars

With all restrictions finally lifted, DC is back to its thriving restaurant scene! New places are opening every week, in every neighborhood. Any cuisine you’re craving is at your fingertips so we know it can be hard to choose where to start. Luckily NOW has suggestions for some of the newest places to hit the District and we’ve got you covered for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Mariscos 1133

1133 11th Street NW

Sibling chefs Alfredo and Jessica Solis were inspired by their Mexico City upbringing and their favorite dishes from their travels though Latin America and Latin communities. Their latest endeavor, which translates to ‘seafood’ in spanish, has an expansive menu offering traditional Latin food preparations, nods to the Caribbean and dishes influenced by Latin communities across the Americas.

London Curry House

1301 U Street NW

Celebrating the most popular Indian dishes, and including several vegan and vegetarian options, restauranter Asad Sheikh aims to have a completely different menu from his other concepts, Bombay Street Food, Butter Chicken Company, and Curry Mantra. To him, London curries have more heat and spice than American Indian restaurants and he wants a place for people to experience the real thing.

Dolce Vida Coastal Mediterranean Cuisine

1610 14th Street NW

Boasting neighborhood favorites like Lupo Verde and Lupo Pizzeria, comes restaurateur Med Lahlou’s most ambitious cuisine yet. The menu includes an upscale meze selection, salad, and vegetarian options, and large dishes from the brand new wood fired oven. The “Piraeus Market Pick" - a seafood platter inspired by the namesake coast in Athens that’s served atop a wave-like eggwhite & salt base.

Honeymoon

4201 Georgia Avenue NW

4856 Cordell Avenue

Capitalizing on the fried chicken craze that’s not going away anytime soon, Honeymoon features chicken that's brined for 24 hours, tossed in a special spice blend, and drizzled with their signature hot honey. They use elevated ingredients and flavors to transform the ordinary chicken sandwich to extraordinary. Pair with one of their innovative sides and you have yourself an unforgettable meal.

Butter Me Up

1409 T Street NW

Steps away from the bustling 14th street corridor, this should be your go-to choice when craving a mouth-watering breakfast sandwich. Go simple with the “Staycation”: eggs, cheese, carmelized onions, avocado, sriracha mayo on a buttery soft bun, or go big with the “Wake & Bake,” a buttermilk biscuit with braised short rib, caramelized onion, green chili, and three different cheeses.

The Side Door

(Basement

of The Pub & The People)

1648 North Capitol Street NW

The long-awaited retro Pub-basement speakeasy will transport you back to the 80s. You'll find expertly made cocktails and hard-to-find spirits in the cozy, 25-seat space that feels like going back in time, in a good way. Cocktails include fun names that will take you back to the 80s like “Payphone,” “Trapper Keeper,” and “Legwarmers.” Open Weekends; expanded hours during summer/fall.

With apologies to the U.S. Capitol Dome and the Old Post Office Tower, both of which are closed to the public here are the best places to get a top view of Washington.

National Cathedral

Not for the faint of heart, the Tower Climb at the National Cathedral is 333 steps to the top. Less taxing is the Pilgrim Observation Gallery, accessed via an elevator. Soaring 360 degree views are available with both options.

Washington Monument

Arguably the best view of the city, the Washington Monument features an observation deck 500 feet in the air. The 70-second elevator also takes visitors to a museum.

Arlington House

Robert E. Lee’s former home, this Greek Revival-style mansion became the site of the national cemetery during the Civil War. Now operated by the National Park Service, Arlington House, in Arlington, VA, overlooks the Potomac River and National Mall.

Meridian Hill Park

With dramatic views of the White House and Potomac River, Meridian Hill on 16th St, NW, is a landscaped park complete with a cascading waterfall. It draws residents particularly on Sundays when a weekly drum circle takes place.

Air Force Memorial

Situated on a hill in Arlington, VA, the Air Force Memorial offers unexpected views of the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol. The memorial itself is a stunning view of three planes performing a Missing Man formation.

Pov

On the 11th floor of the W Hotel, this trendy rooftop terrace bar and lounge follows a “casual sophistication” dress code. It is a see-and-be-seen destination for the over-21 crowd after 7:00 p.m. Daytime brunch is also available.

Capital Wheel

National Harbor’s 180-foot Ferris wheel boasts views of Virginia, Maryland, and the District.

The 15-minute ride in one of 42 glass-enclosed gondolas is spectacular.