I recently seized a fantastic opportunity to tag along with my husband on a business trip, which serendipitously led us to Washington D.C. for an unforgettable weekend. It had been an age, truly since my middle school years, since my last visit to our nation’s capital, so my excitement was boundless. I was eager to immerse myself in its rich history by revisiting the iconic monuments, exploring the world-class museums, and, of course, delving into the vibrant local food scene. With a blend of careful online research and invaluable recommendations from locals, we curated a dining itinerary that promised, and absolutely delivered, an exceptional gastronomic adventure. We didn’t encounter a single disappointing meal – every bite was a delight!

Arriving in D.C. and First Impressions: The Majestic White House

Our D.C. adventure commenced bright and early on a Friday morning. After a swift check-in and dropping off our luggage at the hotel, our very first destination was just a few blocks away: the awe-inspiring White House. As we walked up and the grand structure came into view, I honestly had to pause and take a deep breath. Seeing it on television or in photographs is one thing, but standing so intimately close, gazing at this powerful symbol of American democracy and leadership, was an entirely different and profoundly moving experience. It left me utterly speechless for a moment, truly underscoring the weight and history encapsulated within its walls. This initial encounter immediately set a tone of wonder and historical reverence for our entire weekend.

A Taste of Maryland Tradition: Steamed Blue Crabs at Dancing Crab

Our first culinary experience in D.C. was a truly special one, especially for my husband. As a proud Maryland native, he possesses a deep-rooted affection for steamed blue crabs – a regional delicacy he simply adores. We had heard wonderful things about Dancing Crab online and were incredibly eager to check it out. This authentic seafood spot is nestled in Tenley Town, conveniently located near American University. We settled into a comfortable booth, finding ourselves to be the very first customers of the day, which offered a wonderfully serene start to our meal. Without hesitation, we ordered a generous half-dozen jumbo crabs and a refreshing pitcher of beer, ready to dive into the classic Maryland crab feast.

The crabs arrived, perfectly steamed and seasoned, filling the air with their enticing aroma. While we might have wished for them to be just a touch larger, their sweet, delicate meat was absolutely fantastic. The joy of cracking shells, carefully extracting every succulent morsel, and pairing it with a cold beer was the quintessential way to immerse ourselves in the local culinary traditions. This hands-on dining experience, replete with mallets and plenty of paper towels, was the perfect energetic start to our weekend tour around Washington D.C., giving us a genuine taste of the Chesapeake Bay region’s seafood heritage.

This delightful crab feast was truly the perfect culinary prelude to a weekend filled with discovery and exploration throughout Washington D.C. It offered a genuine taste of the region’s culinary heritage, preparing us for more adventures and a deeper dive into the city’s unique charm.

Exploring D.C.’s Iconic Landmarks and Cultural Treasures

Beyond our initial breathtaking glimpse of the White House, our weekend in Washington D.C. was a profound journey through its unparalleled historical and cultural landscape. We dedicated significant time to strolling along the expansive National Mall, a monumental green space that serves as the nation’s front yard. The sight of the colossal Washington Monument piercing the sky, its reflection shimmering in the pool near the majestic Lincoln Memorial, was truly unforgettable. Each monument and memorial we visited told a powerful story, evoking deep contemplation about American history, sacrifice, and aspiration.

Our exploration naturally led us to several of the renowned Smithsonian museums, which offer an astonishing array of knowledge and wonder, and importantly, are free to the public. From the marvels of natural history to the incredible achievements in aerospace, these institutions provide an immersive learning experience. While a single weekend is barely enough to scratch the surface of D.C.’s vast cultural offerings, we made the most of our time, immersing ourselves in the rich narratives and impressive collections that solidify D.C.’s reputation as a global cultural hub. Every corner we turned, every historic building we admired, offered a new and vital perspective on the nation’s past, present, and future.

D.C.’s Diverse Dining Scene: A Gastronomic Adventure

Of course, no trip is truly complete without savoring the unique flavors of the local cuisine, and Washington D.C. certainly delivered on that front. Our weekend was transformed into a delightful gastronomic journey, filled with discoveries of hidden gems and acclaimed establishments that tantalized our taste buds at every turn.

Ella’s Wood Fired Pizza: Rustic Charm and Delicious Bites

One evening, seeking a comforting yet authentic meal, we found ourselves at Ella’s Wood Fired Pizza, a place that exuded a warm, inviting, and truly rustic ambiance. There’s something inherently captivating about watching the mastery of a chef working with a traditional wood-fired oven. We started our meal by indulging in their renowned sangria, which was, without exaggeration, the best we’d ever tasted – so utterly delicious, in fact, that ordering a full carafe seemed like the only sensible option to truly savor it!

Our appetizers included exquisite mozzarella-filled risotto balls, commonly known as arancini. These were perfectly crispy on the outside, giving way to a creamy, flavorful interior – a delightful explosion of textures and tastes. For our main course, we chose the classic Pizza Napoletana, a true masterpiece topped with briny capers, savory anchovies, ripe fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and rich, fresh mozzarella. Every single bite was a symphony of authentic Italian flavors, each ingredient playing its part to transport our palates straight to the bustling streets of Naples.

Gordon Biersch: Craft Brews and Savory Bites

For a different culinary and social vibe, we made a stop at Gordon Biersch, a vibrant brewery restaurant renowned for its expertly handcrafted beers and a menu of delicious, thoughtfully prepared dishes. My wife thoroughly enjoyed a crisp, refreshing Hefeweizen, appreciating its light and fruity notes. Meanwhile, I embarked on a delightful exploration of their diverse offerings with a comprehensive beer sampler, which allowed me to taste several of their signature brews, from robust lagers to hoppy IPAs. The atmosphere was lively and convivial, perfectly suited for unwinding and socializing after a busy day of sightseeing and museum visits across the city.

To accompany our brews, we shared a delightful selection of tapas-style dishes. Each small plate was thoughtfully prepared and bursting with flavor, offering a perfect complement to our chosen beers. From savory sliders to perfectly crispy calamari, every bite contributed to a highly enjoyable dining experience. The service was impeccable – attentive without being intrusive – and the overall quality of the food truly stood out, solidifying Gordon Biersch as a memorable and highly recommended stop on our comprehensive D.C. food tour.

Oyamel: A Vibrant Mexican Culinary Journey

Our taste buds were further delighted and utterly captivated at Oyamel, a vibrant and critically acclaimed Mexican restaurant from the renowned chef José Andrés. The dining experience began with a flourish as we ordered their famously theatrical tableside guacamole – a spectacle in itself. Fresh, ripe avocados were expertly muddled right before our eyes with fiery serrano chiles, fragrant cilantro, and a perfect balance of zesty lime juice and sea salt, all then generously topped with crumbled queso fresco. It was an explosion of incredibly fresh, bright, and nuanced flavors – truly heavenly and unlike any guacamole I had ever tasted before.

This memorable visit also marked my very first taste of ceviche, and what an absolute revelation it proved to be! We opted for the Red Snapper Ceviche, which was exquisitely prepared with tender pieces of avocado immersed in a vibrant salsa mexicana composed of fresh, diced tomatoes, sweet onion, aromatic cilantro, and generous splashes of bright lime juice. The delicate texture of the red snapper, perfectly “cooked” by the citrus, combined with the zesty, refreshing marinade, left me utterly captivated. I was, quite simply, in love with ceviche from that moment on. Oyamel truly offered an unforgettable and sensory journey through the rich, diverse, and authentic flavors of Mexico, making it a culinary highlight of our D.C. trip.

Old Ebbitt Grill: A Historic D.C. Brunch Experience

Our Sunday morning in Washington D.C. was thoughtfully dedicated to experiencing brunch at the legendary Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic establishment that has been an integral fixture of the D.C. dining scene since its founding in 1856. The atmosphere inside was absolutely buzzing, a lively blend of discerning locals and curious tourists, all reveling in the timeless elegance and classic charm of the space. I opted for their signature Eggs Chesapeake, a truly delightful and regionally inspired twist on a classic brunch dish. This exquisite plate featured two perfectly poached eggs and a succulent jumbo lump crab cake, expertly placed atop a toasted English muffin and finished with a rich, flavorful Chesapeake sauce. It was a decadent, perfectly balanced, and utterly satisfying brunch experience, beautifully encapsulating the sophisticated culinary charm that Washington D.C. is known for.

Yogen Fruz: My Afternoon Sweet Obsession

Throughout our delightful weekend, I cultivated a pleasant little afternoon obsession: Yogen Fruz. This convenient and refreshing spot was located right next door to our hotel, making it my irresistible go-to for a sweet treat. Their fresh, blended frozen yogurt, which can be customized with a wonderful variety of fruits and toppings, was the perfect cool-down after hours spent walking and vigorously exploring the city’s numerous attractions. It was a simple pleasure, yes, but one that I genuinely looked forward to and indulged in every single day, providing a sweet respite in the midst of our D.C. adventures.

Tony Cheng’s: An Unforgettable Chinatown Feast

On our final evening in D.C., we ventured into the vibrant heart of the city’s Chinatown to dine at Tony Cheng’s. The queue for a table was quite considerable, and it felt like an eternity as we patiently waited, but the palpable buzz and aromatic scents wafting from the kitchen promised something truly special. We are absolutely thrilled to report that it was unequivocally worth every single minute of the wait. The culinary experience at Tony Cheng’s offered some of the very best Chinese food we’d had in a remarkably long time – a true testament to authentic flavors, masterful preparation, and fresh ingredients.

From impeccably crispy spring rolls to wonderfully flavorful stir-fries and perfectly steamed, delicate dumplings, each dish served was an absolute delight for the senses. The quality of the ingredients shone through, and the masterful balance of spices truly elevated the entire meal, making it a standout experience. As a charming and memorable end to our feast, my fortune cookie delivered a message that perfectly encapsulated the wonderful spirit of our weekend: “Good fortune awaits you in your travels.” It certainly did in Washington D.C., and we left with satisfied palates and warm memories.

Concluding Our Washington D.C. Adventure

Our weekend in Washington D.C. was an incredible and enriching blend of business and leisure, deeply intertwined with history, culture, and unforgettable gastronomy. From the awe-inspiring monuments that stand as silent storytellers of a nation’s past to the incredibly diverse culinary delights that tantalized our taste buds at every turn, D.C. truly offers an abundance of experiences for every type of traveler. We left with our hearts full of gratitude, our palates thoroughly satisfied, and a refreshed, profound appreciation for our nation’s capital. This trip served as a perfect, poignant reminder of how much there is to explore and discover, even in places we might think we already know.

P.S. A heartfelt and immense thank you to Uncle Joey and Lindsey for taking such wonderful, loving care of our little ones this weekend. Your invaluable help and support truly made this unforgettable getaway possible for us! XOXO