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Washington DC is known for many things like monuments, memorials and landmarks. Honestly, it should also be known for its restaurants. There are so many places to dine that are sure to make your trip memorable. As you are planning your trip to our nation’s capitol, be sure to check out the various eateries. This post outlines my favorite 8 restaurants in Washington DC that we fell in love with.
If You Are Near 4th Street NW:
There is so much to see and do in the heart of Washington DC. Nearby the White House, Ford’s Theater, and many other landmarks are restaurants sure to make your day.
1. Old Ebbitt Grill
This is one of the most famous restaurants in Washington DC. Old Ebbitt Grill is a half mile from the White House. History has happened before this restaurant’s eyes. As you stop in, you will see the décor honoring the neighboring White House.
See over 9,000 reviews of Old Ebbitt Grill on YELP!
According to their website, Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest saloon in Washington DC. Oh, to know what these walls have seen.
Old Ebbitt Grill is located a half mile from the White House. Stop in for a bite before or after seeing this famous landmark.
Make a reservation at Old Ebbitt Grill through Open Table.
Looking to visit the White House? Check out these 25 things to see on the FREE tour of the White House.
2. Pi Pizzeria
Walking around Washington DC is exhausting. It is fun and it will give you goose bumps, but it will also wear you out. We visited Pi Pizzeria twice. On both days, we were needing a bite in between tours. The pizza and beer here became our favorite.
Check out Pi Pizzeria on YELP!
Pi Pizzeria was the prefect stop during a busy day of sightseeing. We scootered around the different monuments and were in desperate need of a beer and pizza. While you are in the neighborhood, make sure you check out the different monuments.
Check out all 10 of the monuments to see in Washington DC.
If You Want A Nice Dinner:
3. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab is a memorable restaurant for me. We visited as I just stepped off the airplane so I arrived with luggage. I can proudly say this is the first restaurant I ever visited that had a coat check. Um, we do not have that in California! I was star struck.
Make a reservation at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab through Open Table.
We hung out in the bar as the Friday night crowd began to fill in. I got major east coast vibes at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab as we sipped wine and people watched. We were seated at our table and we began to look around. We were sitting beside a congressman, and I am sure there may have been more we did not know about.
See why Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab has 4.5 stars on YELP!
4. I Ricchi
This restaurants is decadent. Delivering top cuisine, you can sit near Dupont Circle with a glass of fine wine. I Ricchi is a rumored favorite restaurant of Hillary Clinton, and has a back door where she and other highly publicized politicians can sneak in and out. Of course, when I went to the bathroom in the back, I tried to peek around!
Make a reservation at I Ricchi through Open Table.
See over 500 reviews of I Ricchi on YELP!
If You Are In Georgetown:
With Georgetown around the corner, there are several spots for a younger crowd and for late night bites.
5. Martin’s Tavern
Martin’s Tavern quickly became one of my favorite restaurants in Washington DC. We were able to sit on the patio on a nice May day. After ordering a Limoncello Lemon Drop, we loved watching the bustle of Georgetown pass by.
Check out Martin’s Tavern’s 700 reviews on YELP!
Check out Martin’s Tavern, their menu, and hours on their website.
6. 90 Second Pizza
90 Second Pizza was clutch. It was a Thursday evening during May. Graduation was in a few days and Georgetown was POPPING. We loved bouncing around to different bars but we ultimately needed a late night snack. When we saw the lights for 90 Second Pizza, we almost started running. It was fun buying a $10 pizza and only waiting a minute and a half for it to be finished. We ate our pizzas in their entirety and felt just fine in the morning. Thank you 90 Second Pizza!
See why 90 Second Pizza has 4.5 stars on YELP!
If You Want An Amazing Setting:
7. Top of the Gate
The Watergate Hotel has an incredible rooftop bar. The Top of the Gate was bustling the week of graduations. The tables were full and people were walking about. We loved the energy as we ordered drinks and looked over the Potomac River. With views of Rosslyn, Virginia and Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge the Top of the Gate is a must-see rooftop bar.
Find out more about Top of the Gate HERE.
As we were sitting at Top of the Gate, we began talking about The Watergate Hotel and the scandal that led to its infamy. We found The Scandal Room, Room 214 at The Watergate Hotel. A hotel employee saw us exploring and let us have a quick peek at the room. It was a step back into the 1970’s when President Nixon allowed the break-in at the National Democratic Convention right next door.
Interested in the Watergate debacle? Here are 3 reasons to see The Scandal Room in Washington DC.
8. Peacock Alley
The Waldorf Astoria just recently moved into the Old Post Office Tower. Prior to this change, the historic building was home to Trump International Hotel.
As the Waldorf Astoria opened, it kept the same breathtaking bar and restaurant. Dubbed Peacock Alley, the venue is a unique one. Though we visited while it was still Trump International, the aesthetic and décor has remained relatively the same.
This was hands down my favorite bar in Washington DC. I loved having a lemon drop among such an incredible sight.
Peacock Alley is nearby the National Mall where there is so much to see and do. We loved stopping in for a martini after visiting different Smithsonian museums.
Looking to visit a Smithsonian museum? Here are 3 reasons to tour the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Plan Your Trip Now
Make sure you check out these incredible restaurants in Washington DC.
What are your favorite restaurants in Washington DC? I love recommendations! Please share in the comments below.
Planning A Trip To Washington DC?
There is so much to see and do in Washington DC. Covering everything from Smithsonian museums to tours of The White House, you will not want to miss out on any of these exciting sights.
The complete guide for what to do in Washington DC covers the must-see landmarks in our nation’s capitol.
Cheers!
