Washington Dc Travel Guide

Gaslights illumine the entrance to "Georgetown's most romantic and powerful" restaurant, this "classy" "institution" where "wonderful" seasonal New American fare is presented with an "old-school elegance" that disarms modernists ("it is lovely to be called 'Ma'am'"); the "many" "pretty" Federal period dining rooms – some with fireplaces – cement its status as a "timeless favorite" for "a special night out"; N.B. jacket required.

Offering "phenomenal" wood-fired pies that are "certified" by the Naples pizza association, as well as "enticing" antipasti and "fantastic" wines, this "fast-paced" "favorite" in Cleveland Park proves that the "simple thrills of a perfect crust and fresh, authentic toppings" "trump everything else", including "understated decor", "crammed tables", "long waits" and occasionally "spotty service"; it attracts "lots of families", but "adults can take refuge in the bar area", the "quieter" upstairs dining room (no strollers allowed) or the "nice" outdoor patio.

"Excellence in simplicity" is the "hallmark" of this Palisades New American, an "apogee" of the "Blacks' dynasty" and a "destination for fish lovers" who "worship" its "gloriously fresh seafood" and "delicious raw bar" in the "bistro-type" dining area and "Zen-like" "tasting room in back"; it's hard to get a seat in the "frenzied" quarters (reservations recommended), but the "fabulous" retail market up front is a "mouthwatering" way to "replicate its magic at home."

"There are no boring dishes" at this "happening" Penn Quarter Nuevo Latino, a "multilevel" fiesta that "snaps and sizzles" with "swoon-worthy" cocktails and "inventive, delicious" edibles (the tableside guacamole is a "must") that include a pre-theater "bargain" and "superb Latin dim sum" on Sundays; "if you can get in", its six-seat, $120-per-person Minibar is a "well-orchestrated journey" into "molecular gastronomy", regaling adventurers with "30-plus bite-sized courses" in an "unforgettable" "tour de force."

Expect "prime dry-aged beef" and "power you can cut with a fork" at these "top-tier" chain steakhouses where the "handsome", "wood-paneled" dining rooms hum with "macho" "energy" as a "heavy-hitter crowd" hobnobs over "thick" cuts of "mouthwatering" meat and a "mind-boggling" wine list; the "highly professional staff" "won't look down on you just because you're not one of the Congressmen at the next table", so it's worth the "pricey" "indulgence."

Chef/co-owner John Manolatos' Med influences "revitalize" the "top-notch" New American fare at this "charming" Adams Morgan "neighborhood joint" that's "withstood the test of time" courtesy of a "simple and delicious" seasonal menu ("the best bison ever") enhanced by "attentive" service and a "cozy", "mellow ambiance"; you can also eat at the "friendly bar with interesting eye candy" or "people-watch" from one of the sidewalk tables; N.B. founding chef Ann Cashion now presides at Johnny's Half Shell.

A "spicy mixture of fun and élan" awaits at this "effervescent" Downtown Nuevo Latino where an "adventurous spirit" enhances the "wide-ranging" menu, which features "zesty" "culinary treats" like the "fabulous ceviche"; it's all "elegantly served" in a "stylish", modern setting that's made for "impressing" "dates and clients", as well as in a "cool", recently expanded lounge that hosts a "hip" "scene" ("don't miss the mojitos"); P.S. everyone loves the crunchy "caramel corn with the check."

These "astonishingly popular" Americans' "tribute to excess" rests on a "novel-length", "suit-any-palate" menu served in "ginormous" portions that guarantee "you get your money's worth", capped by an "over-the-top" array of the eponymous dessert; though foes fume that "factory is the operative word", "supersize-me" devotees are more than willing to accept the "crazy long waits" and "choppy" service, since it's "worth it every time."

"The 'wow' factor" endures as gustatory "wizard" Michel Richard continues to "work magic" at the Most Popular restaurant in the DC Survey, a "world-class" Georgetown New French where the "endlessly inventive", "brilliantly executed" cuisine (paired with an "unmatched wine list") makes for "culinary theater"; "flawless service" and a "posh" setting with a "glassed-in kitchen" encourage a "joyous" "celebration", but be ready to "pay for perfection"; N.B. for a thriftier if less flashy sampler, try the lounge's menu.

"Perennial favorites" for a "dependable" "variety" of "regular American fare" that "doesn't require a second mortgage", these "comfortable" saloons are "agreeable" for an "old-fashioned" burger or "classier" pub grub paired with "competent" service and priced for "value"; each location has "its own motif" ("hunting lodge", "nautical", "clubby"), and the fact that they're "always packed" with "massive crowds" indicates they're "doing something right."

"One of the city's least discovered, most beautiful" memorials is this "thought-provoking" "tribute" to "FDR's astounding" presidency, which took place during one of the most "trying times in U.S. history"; set on the Tidal Basin with "views of the Potomac" and "filled with quotes" and "lifelike, touchable statues", it might "move you to tears", particularly during cherry-blossom season in March and April; P.S. it's a "very long walk from the Metro."

"Fans of Maxwell Smart and James Bond" "find themselves immersed in the spy world" at this "way-cool" Penn Quarter museum that you infiltrate via relatively "pricey" tickets; at this "interactive", "interesting look at the history of espionage", you'll "assume an identity prior to entering", gain intelligence from more than 600 "neat artifacts" and "devices used to snoop" and then complete your mission by staking out the "great" gift shop.

"Honest Abe would be proud" to see this "magnificent temple of liberty" (and "famous site of MLK Jr.'s 'I Have A Dream' speech") that was built in "awe-inspiring" ancient Greek style on the western end of the National Mall; it includes a statue of the 16th president looking "majestic" as he appears to take in the "breathtaking" view of the Washington Monument, and the walls are inscribed with "excerpts from many of [Lincoln's] speeches", evoking a "powerful, meaningful message" that "will never be forgotten."

Perhaps the "best attraction in DC", the Smithsonian's aviation museum charts the "spectacular progress" of "an industry that went from a few hundred feet" of flight "to landing on the moon in 66 years"; the flagship National Mall structure is "packed" with everything from Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis to "rockets, spaceships and moon rocks" (no wonder it's "always crowded"), while an "awesome" companion facility near Dulles Airport offers plenty more, including the space shuttle Enterprise, a Concorde and the B-29 bomber Enola Gay.

Some of the "most treasured art in the world" is "displayed in top-flight manner" at this "good use of our tax money" on the National Mall; spanning the Middle Ages to the present, the "superb" collections are housed in "two beautiful, distinctive buildings" (including a newer, I.M. Pei–designed structure) plus a landscaped Sculpture Garden; what's more, "it's free", and the restaurants are "among the best" in the area; P.S. for special exhibitions, "be prepared to stand in line."

After a two-year, $85 million refurb, this massive museum on the National Mall reopens in November '08, complete with a new home for the original Star-Spangled Banner and the addition of a central atrium to make the space more crowd-friendly; look for all the old favorites, though, from Revolutionary War memorabilia and steam locomotives to political souvenirs and Fonzie's jacket.

"From things we know to things we can only imagine", the "beauty of the universe is on display" at the Smithsonian's "grande dame", this National Mall museum that's home to an "incredible collection" of more than 126 million "fascinating" animal, mineral and plant specimens; you'll find everything here, from dinosaurs and diamonds to "excellent" IMAX movies and a butterfly exhibit – just don't forget to visit the "fabulous" hall of mammals; N.B. Ocean Hall, an immersive exploration of the sea, opens in September '08.

More than 2,000 animals representing 400-plus species reside at this "world-class zoo" near Cleveland Park that's free and "easy to get to by Metro"; while the "playful" giant pandas "are the stars", the elephants are also "a big draw", and the Amazon exhibit is a "must-see"; nevertheless, critics complain about "outdated" displays, "long lines for refreshments" and "really expensive food."

"It's hard not to get chills walking through the halls" of this "symbol of democracy", a "magnificent" building "where history is made daily"; anchoring the east end of the National Mall and distinguished by its famed Great Rotunda, it's an "inspiring landmark" that lets you "see how government works", but since the line for public tour tickets can be "interminable", "call your congressman" beforehand to arrange for a pass that will allow you to "sit in the gallery" of the legislative chambers; N.B. a visitors center is set to open in December '08.

Located just a few steps south of the Washington Monument, this "emotionally wrenching" "depiction of the Holocaust" "should be a required visit for all of humanity"; most of the "unforgettable" exhibits are "graphic" and "horrific" but they "provide excellent insight" into a "very sad part of our history" and "really make you think" – so much so that "you shouldn't plan anything" after your visit here except some "time for reflection."

"You won't mind standing for the whole concert" at this "eclectic" U Street venue with "superb acoustics" and "great sight lines" that let you get "up-close and personal" with "up-and-coming" indie rock, hip-hop, R&B, world music and country acts; the neighborhood is "sketchy", but once inside, you can "scope out a spot downstairs in the crowd" of "punk rock teens" and "aging hippies" or "get there early and stake out a place in the balcony" far from the madding mosh pit.

Despite "high covers, overpriced food, watery drinks" and "cramped" seating, aficionados say "it's no secret why it's been around so long" -- "big names playing only feet from your table" make this Georgetown institution "a must" for devotees of "real" jazz and blues; in other words, "it's not a place where you can chat while the music is going."

"Don't order a Bud" at this "venerable" Dupont "dungeon" where the brew-ha-ha is all about the "phonebook"-sized list of more than 1,000 international beers; it's "enough to slake the thirst of the most discriminating connoisseur" (and to make it DC's Most Popular), though it sometimes feels like the slow "staff actually had to travel around the world" to get your order, and it's frustrating when your "favorite is out of stock"; "order a burger" "to prepare for the onslaught" of suds.

"A departure from the old stereotypical pool hall", this "spacious" Dupont games "oasis in a city full of attitude" is "bright, lively", "not too noisy", with a "cowboy theme", "comfy couches and fireplaces"; you can shoot stick with "normal yet cool people" or just "hang out with friends" in a "high-end" joint where there are plenty of distractions "if you and your date have nothing to talk about."

"High ceilings and huge brass fermentation tanks create the perfect atmosphere in which to wax philosophical" about the "solid seasonal beers", "awesome warm pretzels" and daily happy-hour specials at this local microbrew with sites Downtown and in the old postal museum sorting room on Capitol Hill; still, the chain has an "antiseptic" "corporate feel", and the cavernous acoustics make these joints "loud."

"High ceilings and huge brass fermentation tanks create the perfect atmosphere in which to wax philosophical" about the "solid seasonal beers", "awesome warm pretzels" and daily happy-hour specials at this local microbrew with sites Downtown and in the old postal museum sorting room on Capitol Hill; still, the chain has an "antiseptic" "corporate feel", and the cavernous acoustics make these joints "loud."

It's "easy to become a regular" at this "classic" Capitol Hill Celt "that hasn't changed since Tip O'Neill" – not a problem, as "mouthwatering shepherd's pie" and "friendly bartenders" "pouring a proper pint of Guinness" will "never go out of style"; with "live, authentic Irish music" and "raucous" weekend crowds, it "feels like Dublin, almost", except for the decidedly Stateside "political gab" in between the "sing-alongs."

This "atmospheric" "loungiest of lounges" in Dupont South has become a "DC legend" as much for its "swank", "candlelit" "living room"–style interiors and "stylish crowd" as for its "unmarked" entrance, "arbitrary door policies", "expensive" drinks and cover charge; while some decry its "snobbery", others long for years past when it truly was the "exclusive" den of a "secret society."

"Fresh local ingredients" references both the food and the crowd at this "fashionable but not snobby" U Street sib of Eighteenth Street Lounge, drawing a "young, educated, hip and soon to be well-off" clientele with "fancy martinis", meze, "lush decor" and a "fabulous rooftop bar with heated lamps for the fall and spring"; though the bartenders get "grumpy" on weekends when the deck is "hopelessly crowded", repeat attenders say "no place is better on a summer night."

Beyond the big boobs on the outside mural, "bartenders boogie with patrons" at this Adams Morgan "institution" that serves up "Southern soul food" and heaping portions of live blues and bluegrass; a rooftop tiki bar, "wood paneling" and "questionable items hanging from the ceiling" add to the "character" of the "funky" "watering hole" where you can "drink your beer out of a Mason jar" and Rolling Rocks are always "half-price for redheads."