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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.
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.
In Washington, D.C., food is politics. Case in point: Immigrant Food, a fast-casual-ish concept restaurant that opened a block from the White House in 2019 to sustain activism and advocacy on an array of policy issues, including pro-immigration policy.
Founder Téa Ivanovic put together a restaurant with a global array of flavors that has since expanded to two more locations in Union Market and the Planet Word Museum, with a new addition in Arlington. This success is the result of a social enterprise startup that fuses innovative gastronomy and immigration advocacy together. The restaurants have also donated more than 25,000 meals to the immigrant community through local partnerships.
Just as the sun sets, the city’s 14th Street, NW, corridor comes to life with dining options and nightlife. We can’t think of a more diplomatic place to eat than this D.C. institution that casually holds tables for heads of state — and also, yes, former presidents like Barack Obama — on the regular. Whether this is your first visit or you’re one of the many VIPs, this Stephen Starr homage to the perfect Paris bistro draws everyone for espresso martinis, bread baskets, and a bouillabaisse you’ll be talking about days later.
