Washington DC Guide

Posted by Chris Ibbitson on Fri, Jul 18, 2025

I’ve been to Washington a couple of times on holiday. The following is a list of places I’d recommend checking out!

Hotels

  • Canopy Washington Embassy Row. Stayed here once - dated rooms, but nice. Good location, nice bar, although breakfast isn’t the best (but lots of places near by).
  • The Ven Embassy Row. Nice hotel, good location, with some nice bars / restaurants near by.

Bars

  • City Tap House nice tap bar near Dupont Circle. Food isn’t too bad, and good range of beers!
  • The Exchange Saloon nice pub around the corner from the White House. Great service, good food, and cold beers!
  • Off the Record must visit cocktail bar in the Hay Adams Hotel. Great cocktails, and amazing political pictures all around the place. May even spot a politician if you recognise any!
  • Jane Jane Awesome cocktail bar on 14th. Does an amazing Peach Dry Gin Martini, and the Apple Martini is pretty good too.
  • Kirwan’s on the Wharf nice irish bar on the Wharf.
  • Limani nice bar right on the waterfront at the Wharf. Good cocktails, and nice chilled vibe.
  • Bar A Vin nice Georgetown bar in a French restaurant.
  • VUE Rooftop great roof top bar with views over the National Mall, the White House and the Washington Memorial.
  • Atlas Brew Works Navy Yard Brewery & Tap Room great brewery near to the Ball Park. Nice pizzas and great range of beers!

Food

  • Teds Bulletin nice diner on 14th. Great breakfast and amazing cake selection.
  • Barcelona Wine Bar Great Tapas and Wine Bar on 14th Street. Awesome food, great service, and really relaxed atmosphere.
  • Boqueria Dupont Another great Tapas restaurant near Dupont Circle. Cracking food and nice drinks, in a fun neighborhood.
  • La Diplomate nice french restaurant on 14th where Obama apparently ate once.
  • Union Market nice market in an up and coming area. Collection of different food stalls covering many cuisines. Worth a visit.
  • Bobby Vans Steakhouse old school steakhouse not that far from the White House. Good food and wine.
  • Old Ebbit Grill classic DC bar near the White House. Good bar scene, and the food is pretty good too.
  • Clyde’s of Georgetown sister bar of Old Ebbit Grill. Nice food, good beers and cocktails. It is also bigger than it looks.
  • Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers Georgetown great breakfast/brunch venue on Georgetown’s waterfront.