Any given weekend in Washington comes with monumental views, free museum visits, plenty of American history, oh yeah, and some pretty epic dining with great people watching — maybe POTUS sits down at the table next to you (we’ll tell you where that’s likely to happen both now and after the election).
But the District is way more than political power. Inside and outside the Beltway, we believe this city delivers as America’s dining capital. So, let’s say you’ve only got 72 hours in D.C. — Friday morning to Sunday evening — to eat and drink your way through our nation’s capital.
Where should you start? We have suggestions designed to make the most of your long weekend in “this town.” And you can always check our Hit List of the top restaurants to dine at in the District right this very minute.
Because the only thing holding you back from making it to your next dinner reservation on time might be that black car motorcade, plus a few Secret Service agents blocking traffic.
But, worth it.
Tim Ebner is an award-winning food and travel writer. He has contributed to The Washington Post, Eater, Thrillist, Travel & Leisure, and Edible DC. Follow him on Instagram. Follow Resy, too.
In most cities Sunday brunch means some combination of breakfast and lunch, but in Washington it’s an all-day affair, with live music, dancing, and full-on revelry. No place does brunch better than the decades-old institution Perry’s — drag brunch, specifically. The restaurant hosts two electrifying performances every Sunday, from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1-3 p.m. Reservations are highly encouraged.
If the Sunday scaries start to creep in at the end of your trip, put your worries to ease in the cozy comforts of The Tombs. This Georgetown University bar and restaurant is exactly where you might imagine the “St. Elmo’s Fire” crew hanging out on Sundays with a smash burger and a frosted pint. The movie’s namesake bar was indeed based on the restaurant, even if smash burgers weren’t officially a thing in 1985.
For full-on mid-Atlantic flavor, end your visit at Oyster Oyster. Rob Rubba led the way as James Beard’s 2023 Outstanding Chef of the Year, with a sustainability-driven menu including Chesapeake Bay oysters and an all-veggie menu, which is also vegan friendly, with tasting menu dishes from stuffed squash blossoms to a shitake chipped cookie. It is one of the toughest tables in town to book, for its $135 per person tasting menu, with the option to add wine pairings or nonalcoholic beverages. But don’t worry, we have the inside scoop on how to score a table.
