Description:
Heading to DC for work, and hoping to see a little of the city in between meetings? Navigating Washington's downtown area can be tricky if you don't know the best places to explore. Here's a guide to some of the spots you don't want to miss if and when you have some time to kill.
Steal away for an hour and treat yourself to some culture, if only so that you can say you did so when people ask. Some very cool museums are within easy walking distance, like the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Check the event schedule at DAR Constitution Hall for evening entertainment options. And Decatur House Museum offers an interesting glimpse into the city's history.
Looks can be deceiving; the downtown district may seem rather quiet when the hustle and bustle of the workday dies down, but there are actually quite a few watering holes in the area where you can mingle with the local suits. Elephant & Castle is as close to a typical London pub as you can get - refreshingly lacking in "Ye Olde" cliches and with a great draft beer list. For a slightly swankier atmosphere, head to the Bar at the St. Regis Hotel, or to Lotus Lounge.
Food-wise, you're within walking distance of some excellent dining options. Central by Michel Richard, while pricey, is considered one of the best restaurants in the city (one for the expense account, perhaps?). Ceiba serves eclectic Latin American cuisine in a colorful setting. If you're hankering for some schnitzel and accordian music, head to Cafe Mozart for a singularly different experience (and pick up some treats from their German deli on your way out).
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Ceiba
Contact:
- 1 202 393 3983
- visit website
Location:
- 701 14th Street NW
- Washington,DC20045
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Map
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Description:
Ceiba, meaning an umbrella-shaped tree found in many tropical regions, is a restaurant located in Downtown Washington. The Washington Post has come up with a new synonym for it - 'good times'. The walls, done in shades of cocoa brown, burnt red, ice blue and sage green, are complemented by bright murals celebrating the ceiba tree. The over head lights look like long trays of candles suspended from the ceiling. If you are a Ceviche fan, this is the place to be. For entrées, try the Feijoada - layers of flavored beans, rice, and kale topped by a tender and braised pork shank. Authentic flavors and techniques are used to create innovative Latin-inspired desserts. Although they do accept casual wear, try avoiding cut-off jeans, halter tops, tank tops, baseball caps, t-shirts and flip-flops, as they are unacceptable.
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Lotus DC
Contact:
- 1 202 289 4222
- visit website
Location:
- 1420 K Street NW
- Washington,DC20005
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Map
reserve with OpenTableDescription:
Lotus DC is a relatively new establishment and has quickly made a name for itself as a great downtown place to see and be seen. Beautiful people flock to this Asian-inspired lounge to sip cocktails, dine on sushi, and dance to hip-hop and Top 40 music. Dress to impress and consider putting your name on the guest list (via their web site) to ensure easier club entry. If you're willing to spend a little, you can also reserve a table with bottle service.
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Constitution Hall
Contact:
- 202 628 4780
- visit website
Location:
- 311 18th Street Northwest
- Washington,DC20006
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Map
Description:
Built in 1929 to serve as a meeting hall for the Daughters of the American Revolution, this neoclassical building is Washington's largest auditorium. Throughout the year, concerts and other cultural events are held here. Famous artists from all genres of the entertainment world from rap stars to pop singers to classical musicians perform here.
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Central Michel Richard
Contact:
- 1 202 626 0015
- visit website
Location:
- 1001 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
- At 11th St
- Washington,DC20535
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Map
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Description:
This modern American brasserie, is located on Penn. Ave NW between the White House and the Capitol. It offers great American cuisine, both modern and classic, with a French accent. A vibrant bar scene with boutique beer and wines, and modern and classic cocktails.
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Corcoran Gallery of Art
Contact:
- +1 202 639 1700
- visit website
Location:
- 500 17th St. NW
- Between E St. and New York Ave
- Washington,DC20240
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Map
Description:
The first art museum in Washington, the Corcoran Gallery, founded by Washington philanthropist William Wilson Corcoran in 1869, focuses on American Art. The rotating main collection includes a variety of American art spanning from older pieces to modern works by Nevelson, Warhol, and Rothko. The building of the Corcoran is in itself impressive, and its convenient location between the White House, the National Mall, and many of the national monuments make it an easily accessible museum for locals and tourists alike. Also home to a school of art, the Corcoran Gallery is well-known for its wide variety of rotating exhibitions. For the most up to date information, see http://www.corcoran.org/exhibitions/index.htm.
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Cafe Mozart
Contact:
- 1 202 347 5732
- visit website
Location:
- 1331 H Street NW
- Antwerp,DC2000
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Map
- user rating
Description:
This German delicatessen is not fancy, but the food is delicious - buy as much sausage as your stomach can handle. The chocolate and assorted baked goods are also tasty. In the rear of the cafe is a small bar and restaurant. Try the wurst platter or stop in for the happy hour specials. Beck's and other imported beers are always available.
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St. Regis Hotel Washington
Contact:
- +1 202 638 2626 / +1 877 787 3447 (Reservations)
- visit website
Location:
- 923 16th St Nw
- at K St. NW
- Washington,DC20006
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Map
- user rating
Description:
The St. Regis Hotel is just a hop, skip and a jump from the White House, and has catered to world leaders the world over since the mid-1920s. It was designed to mimic an Italian Renaissance palace, complete with ornate draperies and antique furnishings. It's been named one of the "Top 200 Hotels in the World" by Condé Nast Traveler, "Top 700 Greatest Hotels" by Travel & Leisure and "Top 50 North American Hotels" by Condé Nast Traveler.
Make sure to check out Ardour, the hotel's signature restaurant, which benefits from the expertise of its resident chef, Alain Ducasse. Then cozy up in one of the 175 guestrooms, where beds come equipped with Egyptian cotton sheets.
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Decatur House
Contact:
- +1 202 842 0920
- visit website
Location:
- 748 Jackson Place North West
- Washington,DC20006
-
Map
Description:
Located across from the White House, Decatur House is the oldest house on Lafayette Square. It was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe in 1819. The first owner, Stephen Decatur, was killed in a duel. A number of distinguished Washington families resided in the house afterwards, each one adding Victorian renovations and furnishings to this fine Federal-style mansion.
- Destination(s): Washington DC
- Type: Business
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