Chinatown & Penn Quarter
Few neighborhoods have seen as much change in recent years as Chinatown and neighboring Penn Quarter. Once a reasonably quiet part of Washington, this downtown area is now hopping every night of the week.This new energy is due in no small part to the Verizon Center, where the Wizards and Capitals play their home games and high profile bands and singers perform regularly. Next door to the Verizon Center is a multiplex movie theater, as well as an upscale bowling alley (really).
Many of DC's better restaurants are located here too. Rasika is regarded by many to be one of the finest Indian restaurants in Washington, and there's always a crowd outside of Matchbox, a pizzeria aptly named for its small size. Rosa Mexicano is famous for its pomegranate margaritas and its guacamole, which is made at the table. RFD (Regional Food and Drink) has a massive collection of bottled and draft beers from all over the world.
There are also many cultural activities you can experience in Chinatown/Penn Quarter. The neighborhood hosts many of DC's theaters, as well as the Spy Museum, Ford's Theater, the National Archives, and the National Portrait Gallery.
