Washington D.C.

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Guides   Washington D.C.

How to Spend a Perfect 72 Hours Eating Your Way Through D.C.

By , a food and travel writer based in D.C. He’s been featured in Eater, Bon Appétit, The Washington Post, Thrillist, and Edible DC, and has appeared on-air on the PBS television show “If You Lived Here.”

Updated:

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 – that table next to you might be a member of Congress or a visiting foreign head of state.

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, it is totally worth it.

 

Tim Ebner is an award-winning food and travel writer. He has contributed to The Bon Appetite, The Washington Post, Eater, Thrillist, Travel & Leisure, and Edible DC. Follow him on Instagram. Follow Resy, too.

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Saturday: Kick It on Capitol Hill

Photo courtesy of Beuchert’s Saloon

Beuchert's Saloon Capitol Hill

Brunch Like Teddy Roosevelt

Capitol Hill is certainly not all politics. Beyond the U.S. Capitol is one of D.C.’s most beloved neighborhoods, known for the Library of Congress, historic Eastern Market (which really gets going on Saturdays) plus some of the best restaurants in the city. Start with brunch at Beuchert’s. Its well-worn brick walls include two Teddy Roosevelt trophy-hunt bison heads hung above the bar. It’s an only-in-D.C. dining experience with particularly sweet incentives including two most-ordered dishes: cinnamon rolls and lemon ricotta pancakes.

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The Duck & The Peach Capitol Hill

Photo courtesy of The Duck & The Peach

Shop and Nosh Around Eastern Market

After brunch head over to Eastern Market and peruse the food and craft vendors or pick-up a book at the Capitol Hill Books before sliding into Duck & The Peach for a leisurely lunch. After wooing diners with roast chicken at dinner, and exceeding expectations at brunch with a spicy chorizo Benedict as well as the bakery basket stuffed with freshly baked treats made by chef Rochelle Cooper.

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Photo courtesy of The Duck & The Peach

Pascual Capitol Hill

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Photo courtesy of Pascual

Uniquely Mexican-American Inspo for Dinner

No visit to Capitol Hill would be complete without a visit to the U.S. Capitol and a walk through the hallowed halls of Congress. But there’s another landmark, just up the street, that has quickly become D.C.’s must-get dinner reservation. Chef Isabel Coss brings Mexican cuisine to what was once an old-school barbecue joint (Kenny’s, which was loosely depicted on the Netflix show “House of Cards”). Her restaurant has spotlighted Mexican cuisine in Washington and is reflective of her immigrant experience, with dishes cooked over wood-fired flames taking on smoky and bold flavors. That includes lamb-neck barbacoa and tacos al pastor with each tortilla made in house. Crucially, do not miss the parsnip tamal, with its spice-rich mole blanco.

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Pascual spread
Photo courtesy of Pascual

The Wells Capitol Hill, Washington DC

Photo courtesy of The Wells

Of All The Gin Joints

After dinner, this speakeasy-style gin joint may be calling your name for last call. The Wells is an intimate space where you’re encouraged to have a conversation around each cocktail, learning about the subtle flavors and distinctions of craft gin. Space is limited, so book ahead or inquire about private parties to truly revel in the night.

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Photo courtesy of The Wells

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