The Discerning Host's Holiday Guide to DC
You've taken family and friends on umpteen trips to the Mall, the National Gallery and DC establishments like Old Ebbitt Grill. With visitors once again swooping down for the holidays, what on earth are you going to do with them? Take your guests to some DC spots that are on a less-travelled tourist path (though, let's face it, the fanny-packers are everywhere). More suggestions welcome in the comments or via the tip line.
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Capitol Steps
1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20004
Take your guests to a Capitol Steps show for a dash of DC humor. A number of the performers are former staffers, and no one knows how to mock politicians better. Where … else can you see musical numbers like "Tap, Tap, Tap!," a parody of Sen. Larry Craig's bathroom woes? (Photo) [link]
Bistro Lepic
1736 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20007
Bistro Lepic is one of my favorite DC spots. Located in Glover Park, the dimly lit restaurant offers French food to die for by Chef Bruno Fortin, excellent wine and a … warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant sits downstairs and is decorated with quaint murals, and an intimate wine bar makes up the top floor. The staff is solicitous, but not overly so, and if you can block out the American voices chattering away beside you, you might, for a moment, think you're in France. (Photo) [link]
Eastern Market
7th Street SE Between North Carolina Avenue SE and C Street SE, Washington DC
Sure, tourists visit Eastern Market. But it's also a favorite of Washington locals, and it's easy to see why. Let your guests browse the eclectic flea market across the … street, look at paintings by area artists and, by all means, sample the food. Eastern Market is another great brunch spot, offering excellent (and cheap) pancakes. It's also a good place for last-minute holiday shopping, without the fuss and crazed commercialism of local malls. (Photo) [link]
Tabard Inn
1739 N St NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tabard Inn has one of the best brunches in DC. The Dupont Circle inn and restaurant, named after a pilgrim resting place in Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," is made up … of three townhouses that were built in the 1800s. In an era where elegance is often equated with stark, sleek interiors, Tabard Inn somehow manages to be grand, cozy and homey all at the same time. Order the eggs benedict; you won't regret it. [link]
Sonoma
223 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Washington, DC 20003
After a long day of flying, your guests probably wants nothing more than 1) a shower and 2) a glass of wine. Not necessarily in that order. Take them to Sonoma, one of … Washington's best wine bars, located on Capitol Hill. On a chilly night, stake out a spot near the upstairs lounge fireplace. (Photo) [link]
Sculpture Garden Ice Skating Rink
4th St NW & Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC
Yes, there will be some tourists here too. Lighten up, Scrooge. You can see the National Gallery in a whole new way by skating through its famous sculpture garden. Thanks … to late-night hours, you're even able to take a spin in the dark. The rink stays open until at least 9pm every night of the week. (Photo) [link]
