City Spotlight: Washington, DC

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We’re going to start taking a quick look at some of the best cities and places the country has to offer. First up: Washington, D.C.

One of the most historical cities in the country (for obvious reasons), DC has some of the best museums and parks around (plus, they’re all free!). The ones you must see (in no specific order):

1. The National Mall

2. Smithsonian Air & Space Museum

3. National Archives

4. Library of Congress

5. You might as well see the Capitol. Personally, I don’t know that the museum is necessarily worth it, but you should, at the very least, take a walk around it (as much as they’ll let you) to really appreciate the architecture, it’s incredible.

There are obviously many, many more, but those some of my favorites.

If you’re into monuments, don’t worry, DC has plenty. The best ones are easy to see in less than a day, and there’s no reason to not see them all if yo’re in DC. Be sure to check out the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.

Now to the good stuff. This may (hopefully not) surprise you, but there is a LOT more to DC than the museums and monuments. DC is also home to some of the best food in the country. Here are some of my favorite restaurants and places to eat:

1. Lauriol Plaza- Located just off of Dupont Circle, Lauriol Plaza is a huge restaurant that is seemingly perpetually packed. Filling a 4-story building, including the rooftop terrace, Lauriol is the perfect mix of Tex-Mex, Central and South American and Spanish cuisine, with the chef’s own flare. Every time I’m in DC I make sure to go to Lauriol at least once, and have been there probably upwards of 10-15 times. I have never had a meal there that I haven’t at least considered for the best meal I’ve ever had. They also have an excellent bar and a great after-work happy hour. If there’s one restaurant you go to in DC it should be Lauriol.

2. America Eats- I wrote a bit about this earlier in the year, but this is the latest concept from renowned Spanish chef and DC-resident, Jose Andres. Andres takes his diners on a trip through the history of the United States through its food, serving popular dishes from all eras of U.S. history, as they were made at the time. I haven’t had the opportunity to eat here yet, but I can’t wait until I do. If my description hasn’t sold you, this interview with Andres will.

3. Ray’s The Steaks and Ray’s Hell Burger- Awesome food AND a great play on words? What more could you want? These two restaurants rank up with Lauriol on my list of favorite restaurants in DC. Great steaks or burgers, depending on which one you’re in the mood to. A must-visit.

4. Moby Dick- What is it with DC restauranteurs and awesome names? I first had Moby Dick at the original location in Georgetown. He now has 15 locations across the area, but there’s nothing like the original. Excellent, quick Persian food, perfect for a quick meal on the go or for carry-out.

Finally, if you’re in DC and you have the time, it’s definitely worth it to make a day trip out of seeing Old Alexandria, VA and Annapolis, MD. Alexandria is an awesome old town on the seafront with a ton of cool restaurants and incredible seafood. Annapolis is the home of the US Naval Academy, and is another really cool small town to walk around in. Again, great seafood. Do it.

If you think I’ve left anything out (I’m sure I have) please let me know!

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