DC this weekend

[backpack]

I'll be in DC visiting friends this weekend... other than the cherry blossoms (which are supposed to be at something like 70%... lucky me, I guess), the new Native American museum and the Mediterranean bakery in Arlington... any other spots that I just have to see or eat at? I've been to DC plenty of times, but only twice in the past 10 years, so I'm especially lacking in the eatery knowledge department.

I know my friends who live there probably have their places, but I'd like to have a few general ideas just in case.

[Tye 1on]

I'll be in DC visiting friends this weekend... other than the cherry blossoms (which are supposed to be at something like 70%... lucky me, I guess), the new Native American museum and the Mediterranean bakery in Arlington... any other spots that I just have to see or eat at? I've been to DC plenty of times, but only twice in the past 10 years, so I'm especially lacking in the eatery knowledge department.

I know my friends who live there probably have their places, but I'd like to have a few general ideas just in case.

Tippster is the fkna mang for DC tips. PM him if he doesn't drop by.

[biggins]

The Native American museum is, aparently, a major let down. Skip it.

Instead hit up the Spy museum. While it does cost money (which will seem silly as every other museum in town is free), it pretty well kicks ass.

Also the Botanical Gardens, which are indoors to lookers right of the Capitol building, are pretty great. Orchids are cool.

If you can get out to Dulles- the new Air and Space museum is Fabtastic. Its an entire Airplane hangar (a HUGE one) containing hundreds of planes, helis, space capsules, a concord, a space shuttle, etc.

If money isn't an object, Black Salt on MacArthur Blvd. is the tits for seafood. Get the Conch fritters. Its pricey though.

Otherwise, yeah- search for Tipps comments or wait for him to chime in. He's got a seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of out nations capitol.

[Tye 1on]

The Native American museum is, aparently, a major let down. Skip it.

Instead hit up the Spy museum. While it does cost money (which will seem silly as every other museum in town is free), it pretty well kicks ass.

Also the Botanical Gardens, which are indoors to lookers right of the Capitol building, are pretty great. Orchids are cool.

If you can get out to Dulles- the new Air and Space museum is Fabtastic. Its an entire Airplane hangar (a HUGE one) containing hundreds of planes, helis, space capsules, a concord, a space shuttle, etc.

If money isn't an object, Black Salt on MacArthur Blvd. is the tits for seafood. Get the Conch fritters. Its pricey though.

Otherwise, yeah- search for Tipps comments or wait for him to chime in. He's got a seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of out nations capitol.

Native American museum was just ok in my book. Beautiful building, but confusing inside. Or i'm just too dumb to understand the flow. Cafeteria actually kicks ass tho, with cuisines of various tribes....salmon from the PNW etc. I've heard the same about the air/space. One of my fave semi-touristy things to do is go up the old post office tower. Second highest building in dc, next to the Washington Monument, and no line or waiting...great view of the city.

[iceman]

The Building Museum is pretty cool, they currently have an exhibit on "green" housing that's pretty informative.

The Corcoran Galllery currently has an exhibit on the birth of Modern Art that's supposed to be amazing, the exhibit was originally in London and is now in the States for the first time. You need tickets, I think you can get them online.

The 9:30 club is a great venue for bands, not sure who's there this weekend.

They're building the Stadium for the Nationals, kinda cool to check it out.

If the weather's nice, go to the bar on the roof of The Hotel Washington, great view of the city from there.

I'm in UT and don't get back until Sunday night or I'd meet you for a drink.

[curtisvill]

PM sent.

[tromano]

If the weather's nice, go to the bar on the roof of The Hotel Washington, great view of the city from there.

+1

Also

The old Ebbitt Grill on 15th St. NW right near Hotel Washington is great for dinner.

The Monocle on capitol hill near the Hart office building on D St. NE. Its good food and it has a very neat political atmosphere.

Ben's Chili Bowl on Florida Avenue NW is a local institution and worth a visit if you like chili dogs.

DC has some really good Ethiopian Food which is pretty rare on this continent. Try Dukem on 14th and Florida Ave NW.

[backpack]

Thanks for all the suggestions and PMs. Sorry you won't be in town, ice, but I guess I'd rather be in Utah this weekend too.

[Vets]

Just joining this thread to gather ideas for my visit to DC in June.
The Ethiopian food sounds good.

[PrincessGruntyPuffs]

Don't know where you guys are staying......but check out Old Town Alexandria (my hometown) if you can. It's a cool area to walk around and there are great restaurants and bars. Plus the waterfront is beautiful.

[Tippster]

What's your food budget? Where are you staying?

So much good food in DC... within the beltway actually. If you like Vietnamese food this is one of the best areas in the country for that, especially Arlington, VA. Bethesda, MD has more decent restaurants within 10 square blocks than any place I've ever seen. Seriously - you can't spit without hitting one.

Cherry Blossoms are worth it. Go early or take Metro to the Smithsonian stop - the traffic sucks ass around the Tidal Basin when the blossoms are out. Check out the monuments while you're down there, especially the FDR memorial. Really well done.

I'm also in UT this weekend, but would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Oh, for a really good blog on affordable fine dining in DC check out www.dcfoodies.com - they have yet to steer me wrong.

[iceman]

As Tipp said, there's a ridiculous amount of good food in DC these days, but for a real local experience I guess I'd recommend the Bethesda Crab House if you have wheels. Not far from DC at all (next jurisdiction over), surly service, not cheap, but damn those crabs are good. Wear cheap clothes (it's messy), drink lots of beer, and get you some crabs. They are good.

[tromano]

As Tipp said, there's a ridiculous amount of good food in DC these days, but for a real local experience I guess I'd recommend the Bethesda Crab House if you have wheels. Not far from DC at all (next jurisdiction over), surly service, not cheap, but damn those crabs are good. Wear cheap clothes (it's messy), drink lots of beer, and get you some crabs. They are good.

Shoot I am from Montgomery county and I have never been there. That will be on the agenda for next weekend.

[Dudley]

I'm a huge fan of Cafe Atlantica. It is Latin Fusion style and entrees are right under $20. They make the Guacamole at your table, etc. Pretty bomber in my opnion.

I have only been working in DC for about 6 months but feel free to PM me with any questions...

[Tippster]

Shoot I am from Montgomery county and I have never been there. That will be on the agenda for next weekend.

Wait 'til they're in season. Go in August/September for the best crabs for the $$. Right now they're serving Louisiana Blue Crabs, not Chesapeake Bay Blues.

[Tippster]

I'm a huge fan of Cafe Atlantica. It is Latin Fusion style and entrees are right under $20. They make the Guacamole at your table, etc. Pretty bomber in my opnion.

I have only been working in DC for about 6 months but feel free to PM me with any questions...

If you like the Atlantico check out Ceiba on 14th St. (corner of 14th & G.) So fucking good.

[biggins]

I'm a huge fan of Cafe Atlantica.

They have that many dozen course tasteing menu. They seat you at a bar for four or six and it takes hours to eat.

I'm a big fan of that place.