Best Nightlife in Washington DC

"Chef Fabio Trabocchi now has two seafood-focused places to choose from. While Wharf newcomer Del Mar offers shellfish-studded, Spanish paella along the southwest waterfront, Fiola Mare has been serving a stylish crowd at another waterfront (this one in Georgetown) since 2014. Both are splurge spots: here, consider a variety of crudo dishes, seafood brodetto, or the simply grilled seafood selection."

"The stylish younger sister of the famed Fiola restaurant, Fiola Mare fronts the lively Georgetown waterfront and features sophisticated Italian cuisine. The menu focuses on fresh seafood dishes, which are complemented by an extensive wine list. Interiors are elegant and..."

"High-end service and seafood await at Fiola Mare, delivering beautiful waterfront views and a luxe, modern interior. The sophisticated menu is a great fine-dining option around Georgetown, and reservations are recommended."

"Stepping out onto this vine-canopied patio gives the same tingly romantic feeling as seeing The Notebook for the first time. Though the restaurant could probably rest on the laurels of atmosphere alone, its food, wine and cocktail programs are excellent, making it ideal for date-night drinking. Start with something stiff like the bourbon-based Art of Almost before moving on to Iron Gate’s calling card: Greek wine."

"Book a patio table at Iron Gate for a one-of-a-kind romantic experience. Surrounded by wisteria trees and fairy lights, the outdoor dining area is a magical oasis tucked away from ..."

"Named for Chef Aaron Silverman's paternal grandmother and his desire to provide a warm, casual and hospitable environment for guests, this venue is one of the district's favorites. Start off your experience with small plates likes spicy 'happy' oysters or green tomato Panzanella. Pasta and family-style options will draw you in with selections like lumaconi alla norma and smoked brisket."

"You may have heard of Rose’s Luxury, the American spot in Capitol Hill with creative pastas and vegetable-heavy small plates. You may have also heard about the no-reservations policy and the hours-long lines that come with it. Don’t let all that steer you away, though, because even a few years into the hype, it’s difficult to have a bad time at Rose’s."

"If you don’t mind the inevitable wait, then Rose’s Luxury is the place to be. It won the best new restaurant title by Bon Apetit last year and has gained meteoric popularity. The dishes can’t really be classified into a specific cuisine and varies depending on the season."

"Fiola serves up rustic Italian food and original cocktails in a sophisticated modern space. Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema gave Fiola a rare three-star review before complimenting individual dishes like the lobster ravioli. Sietsema reported being so overwhelmed with flavor that he felt like waving his napkin in surrender."

"It’s taken some time, but renowned Chef Fabio Trabocchi has finally perfected his take on modern Italian cuisine with this Penn Quarter eatery. The rustic but elegant atmosphere serves as the perfect backdrop for the contemporary Italian fare such as..."

"Washington foodies wept when Fabio Trabocchi took his Italian talents to the beloved Fiamma in New York City, but he soon returned to the District...Read More"

"This distillery tavern, located in a brownstone townhouse, is the first in D.C. (and judging from the crowds jockeying for a table, it won’t be the last), so if you’re hungry and in the mood to try some new spirits, head over now. Take a tour of the distillery downstairs, and then make your way to the tavern to sample the distillery’s hand-crafted vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum, all made in small batches in German copper pots and column stills."

"A ten-minute drive from the St. Gregory, this airy U Street distillery features steampunk-style decor (think giant, brass vats). Make sure to sign up for a tour so you can sample the spirits on offer, which include rum, vodka, gin, and whiskey. Once you’re done snapping pictures and sipping your shot glasses, head to the bar for a smooth cocktail."

"Occupying a series of historic rowhouses, DC’s most ambitious distillery sports a handsome bar room and a dining room where you can order up veal marrow bones and Carolina flounder schnitzel along with your whiskey, vodka and gin. Don’t miss: The limited-edition Embassy Row Grappa, made in collaboration with Boxwood Winery in Virginia."

"Free State is one of the edgiest, chillest bars in Washington, DC. If you want somewhere to lay low and drink with a few friends, or by yourself (something I would do), this place is seriously perfect. This bar is proud to serve whatever drink you’re feeling, and their happy hour happens Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM — ideal for a long day’s work. You can pick any of their unique cocktails from the Blue Luna to Buck Up and Jack’s Orange Or Grapefruit Crush."

"Located in Washington DC's Georgetown neighborhood, Dumbarton House is a Federal-style house from around 1800. The museum's collection includes 1,000+ pieces of furniture, paintings, textiles, silver, and ceramics primarily from the Federal period, 1789 to 1825, as well as, a manuscript and document collection including journals, account books, and letters that together document nearly 300 years of Nourse family life."

"2715 Q St. NW Washington, DC. The historic house in Georgetown was originally the home to Joseph Nourse, first Register of the U.S."

"The National Portrait Gallery is located north of the National Mall and shares its home at the Old Patent Office Building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Like the name suggests, the National Portrait Gallery houses historic and culturally-significant portraits and photographs. Famous exhibits at the National Portrait Gallery include the Hall of Presidents, Time magazine covers, a Frederick Douglass daguerreotype, and more."

"It houses tens of thousands of pieces, seen by over 2 million visitors a year, within a Greek Revival frame. The gallery’s indoor courtyard is also one of D.C.’s most beautiful interiors."

"The Spa by Ivanka Trump is a 10,000 sq ft boutique spa located within the Trump International Hotel in the DC area. The spa is known for its highly customized service, ensuring that every guest has a unique experience during their visit. The spa has six rooms, with expert therapists ensuring your aches and pains disappear in no time."

"Bar Charley is a hip gastropub in Dupont Circle where you can choose from an extensive list of craft cocktails and local beers. If you are feeling a bit thirsty, try to visit for brunch when you can get bottomless drinks starting at $32. There is ample outdoor seating in an adorable little courtyard or you can hang out indoors if you want to escape the cold, sun, or rain (it is DC so you never really know how the weather will be)."

"The go-to cocktail den from Jackie Greenbaum (Little Coco’s, soon-to-reopen Quarry House) unveiled a flower-filled back patio lined with umbrellas and string lights during the pandemic. The 70-seat, al fresco expansion hosts weekend brunch and dinner nightly, serving core classics like a wagyu beef burger and steak frites alongside a long list of cocktails and tiki drinks. Reserve a seat or order takeout."

"DC chef-restaurateur Jeff Tunks’s upscale, 185-seat District Commons serves American comfort food (brick-pressed chicken, shrimp and grits), excellent charcuterie from the country’s best producers (Allan Benton, Col.) and 99 types of beer. Every night at 10 p.m., a loud bell rings, signaling the availability of the night’s special late-night entrée—a $12 dish featuring items from the kitchen staff’s meal, like fried chicken, meat loaf or pupusas. In an homage to DC’s past, the restaurant’s walls are lined with sepia-toned photographs of the city from the 1930s and ’40s."

"A contemporary neighborhood tavern situated in Park Hyatt, the Blue Duck features an extraordinary design concept by Tony Chi. The interior is a combination of classic dark oak and blue burlap complete with unique handcrafted wood furnishings, including a 29-foot long Windsor bench. This Georgetown restaurant houses an open staff pantry and kitchen, complete with a wood-burning oven."