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City Cast DC

A cheat sheet for getting beyond your block.

Navy Yard is the wild west of day drinking, pre-gaming, and general rollicking. But if you want something beyond Mission brunch (which I sincerely hope you do), here are some suggestions.

You can’t beat the halva honey latte or espresso tonic at 

 which recently reopened on 4th Street SE. The Palestinian café also serves unique non-coffee drinks, traditional pastries, and light breakfast sandwiches. If you’re looking for a breakfast bagel with your coffee, try the stellar $6 sammie at 

 or scallion pancake breakfast sandwich at 

If you can plan ahead, do yourself a favor and make a reservation at 

. The Michelin-star restaurant blends French techniques with Middle Eastern flavors. Down the block, 

 offers a stellar brunch with internationally-inspired dishes. For something less formal, head to 

 for the best deli sandwich of your life or 

Go to a ball game, obviously. But you could also head to the 

, free for D.C. residents, to take in some modern art. Or go to the 

. Stroll down the waterfront park and cool off in the fountains. Take a trapeze class at the 

 and creates an intimate but casual space with the best cocktails in the neighborhood. 

 — an enormous waterfront beach club — opened this week with bungalows, cornhole, hookah, and tropical drinks. And if you’re looking for beer, 

Navy Yard is the wild west of day drinking, pre-gaming, and general rollicking. But if you want something beyond Mission brunch (which I sincerely hope you do), here are some suggestions. 

Get To Know Navy Yard

Neighborhood Guides

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America

 was built in 1898 as a U.S. home of Franciscans who have historically cared for the shrines in current-day Israel and Palestine. The result is a stunning church and gardens filled with historic replicas right in the middle of D.C.

The monastery is an 18-minute walk from the Brookland Metro stop, or a five-minute walk from G8 and 80 bus stops. There is also ample parking. The church is open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. with the surrounding gardens open until 4:45 p.m.

The immense ceilings, stained-glass, and ornate carvings inside this church are a must-see. Mass is open to the public every Sunday at 11 a.m. I also recommend taking the free tour which allows you to see the web of catacombs and crypts underneath!

Beside the church is a sprawling garden that holds replicas of numerous altars, chapels, and grottos from the Old World. Meant to serve as a place of pilgrimage for those who could not go overseas, visitors can complete a veritable world tour of Roman and Middle Eastern religious shrines in a few hours.  There is also a vegetable garden and apiaries behind the monastery.

After taking your pilgrimage, you’ll probably be hungry. If you walk a few minutes west towards the Brookland Metro, you will find 

, a small taco shop with great guac and margaritas. Just a few blocks south of that is the dive bar/diner 

, perfect for burgers or breakfast sandwiches, and 

The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America was built in 1898 as a U.S. home of Franciscans. The result is a stunning church and gardens filled with historic replicas right in the middle of D.C.

Your Guide to DC's Franciscan Monastery

This small neighborhood in Arlington might not have the curbside appeal of a Dupont or Capitol Hill, but it’s flush with an array of reliable restaurants and bars perfect for exploring.

 should be your first stop. The New Orleans-style cafe has top-notch coffee with concoctions like ginger iced coffee and basil mint lattes. I highly recommend going for a full breakfast, but at the very least, don’t leave without a few beignets. If you want somewhere to hang out for a while, 

 has a fantastic neighborhood-y vibe and delicious scones.

Get your friends and co-workers to go with you to 

 to make or break your relationship. They even have an “art attack room” where you can splash paint all over each other. 

 has local musicians perform almost every night and a great draft menu. If you’re there on a weekend, the 

 are some of the best (and cheapest) in the DMV. The popular food truck is always parked on Fairfax Drive and Cleveland Street. Another personal favorite is Afghan restaurant 

 where the meat is grilled to juicy perfection and the pita is the size of your head. Don’t sleep on the bolani, it’s a must get.

for a giant pretzel and German beer. It’s an Arlington standby, but be warned, everyone here works for Deloitte. I don’t make the rules. For something a little hipper, try the dive bar 

. They’ve got karaoke, old-school video games, and vegan tater tots.

Your guide to the Courthouse neighborhood

City Center is mostly known for its high-end shopping, tourists, and overpriced food, meaning its gems often go overlooked. Here’s how to make the most of the small "neighborhood” as a local.

There are only two options in City Center for coffee: Tatte and Dolcezza. Personally, I would choose Dolcezza for its consistently well-made espresso drinks, and who can say no to a morning affogato? But if you need a little more sustenance, Tatte is right down the street with loads of pastries and breakfast options.

The main appeal of City Center is the high-end shopping, but if you’re not in the market for a new Louis Vuitton, don’t fret. Stop by the Museum of Illusions for a mind-bending few hours exploring interactive exhibits that will make you bigger, smaller, cross-eyed, and upside down. Don’t miss the infinity room. Also in the area, there’s a farmers market on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and other regular events hosted by City Center.

The food at Cuba Libre is good and reasonably priced, but the real draw is the dancing. Every Friday and Saturday, the dining room becomes a party with DJs blasting salsa and bachata until 3 a.m. For something more conservative but still good, the French Fig & Olive or the Italian Centrolina will do the trick.

For casual beer and good happy hour deals, Capitol City Brewing Company is the best (and only) option. The Summit rooftop offers great views of downtown, with expensive cocktails to match. If it were me, I would walk the two blocks to Chinatown and hit up the Crimson View or Jackpot for some better views and cheaper drinks.

City Center is mostly known for its high-end shopping, tourists, and overpriced food, meaning its gems often go overlooked. Here’s how to make the most of the small “neighborhood" as a local.

City Center For Locals

Home to government workers and wannabe government workers (a.k.a. GW students), Foggy Bottom is filled with brutalist office buildings and frat houses. The neighborhood is often seen as a restaurant and activity desert, but that’s only if you don’t know where to look.

 across the street from the White House. They have lots of blends and single origins to choose from, and the latte art is 10/10. For somewhere with slightly fewer suits, try 

 has something for everyone. Some favorites of ours include Roaming Rooster, Arepa Zone, and Captain Cookie and the Milkman (for their ice cream sandwiches 😋). Right around the corner,

has 14 types of chaat as well as reasonably priced Indian dishes.

 or an event at their neighboring outdoor space 

. On Saturdays, they have their Summer Sunset Series with live DJs, dancing, and lawn games from 6 - 11 p.m. Or check out the Art Museum

, a hidden gem which has contemporary work from Caribbean and Latin American artists.

 is a classic government employee hangout, but the rooftop views, large tap beer selection, and incredible frozen margaritas make it a great option for everyone. 

 also makes a decent cocktail, but let’s be honest, the real pull is their tater tots.

Home to government workers and wannabe government workers, Foggy Bottom is often seen as a restaurant and activity desert, but that’s only if you don’t know where to look.

How To Spend a Day in Foggy Bottom 

The Union Market neighborhood has blown up with restaurants and coffee shops in the last couple of years, but it also has an artsy side if you know where to look. 

, the artsiest coffee shop Union Market has to offer. Not only is their coffee delicious, they also host markets, concerts, and gallery nights. Check out the 

 this Saturday. For something a little more substantial, we swear by the breakfast sandwich at Maman.

 in the neighborhood, painted by the likes of Yoko Ono, Mr. Brainwash, and Roberto Seminario. 

 also opened last year, showcasing local contemporary artwork. (Note: they are on break until September!)

, an adult pottery painting studio where you can grab a drink and an unpainted mug and go to town. The space is small and minimalist, sure to bring forth your best ideas (see mine below). 

 also hosts multiple drop-in art classes each week.

 in La Cosecha has beautiful, handmade Latin American art such as baskets, carvings, and paintings. 

has local handmade jewelry and clothing. Finally, Shop Made In DC acts as an incubator for small-scale artists in the area.

An Artists Guide to DC's Union Market

An Artists Guide to Union Market

Eastern Market, over on 7th Street SE, is one of the oldest historic buildings in D.C. The market itself has been in continuous operation since 1873, despite a critically damaging fire in 2007. So, time to show some reverence and stop by for a snack.

If you’re coming from the north, stop by 

 before heading into the market. Their iced coffee is simple but hits the spot, and if you want something fancier, try their much-loved taro latte. On the southern end of the market, hit up 

 for a cappuccino and leek parmesan pastry.

 inside Eastern Market’s South Hall. Their pork skewers are *chef’s kiss,* plus they’ve got lots of hard-to-find ingredients (since D.C. is an H Mart desert 😭) like house-made kimchi, seaweed salad, and pre-marinated beef bulgogi. 

 is your spot for fresh ravioli, and don’t sleep on a sandwich or meat cuts from 

 is around the corner, with its musty, packed shelves and snarky staff recommendations. Also wonderfully musty? 

, a rug and antiques shop that transports you far east. They work with Tibetan refugees in Nepal and Afghan refugees in Pakistan who dye and weave the products. And 

 is a cute gift shop to get trinkets, scarves, and jewelry.

What are your favorite Eastern Market spots

Get to Know Eastern Market

Tudor Place sits at the north end of Georgetown and was home to six generations of Martha Washington’s descendants, as well as hundreds of enslaved people, from 1804 - 1983. It was designed by William Thornton, the architect of the Capitol, and is preserved just as the last owners left it.

Surrounding the home are five acres of manicured gardens and lawns that are open to the public. If you are looking for a free and uncongested version of Dumbarton Oaks, this is it. Walk down to the Dell for a shaded woodland oasis or check out the boxwood mazes that surround the home.

 (suggested donation of $10). It guides you through the stories and scandals of the estate's owners as well as the enslaved people and servants who worked there.

The grounds are open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. every day, except Sunday when it opens at noon. If you want to take a tour, reserve your tickets online ahead of time. They also 

. This weekend, they have a summer kids camp.

The estate sits a block away from Wisconsin Ave NW, with cafés like YELLOW and Pâtisserie Poupon perfect for an iced coffee and a treat. For something more substantial, Lutèce has upscale French cuisine and creative cocktails all in a cute bistro setting.

What other D.C. excursions should we cover?

Tudor Place sits at the north end of Georgetown and was home to six generations of Martha Washington’s descendants, as well as hundreds of enslaved people, from 1804 - 1983.

Spend a Day At the Historic Tudor Place

 is a pedestrian promenade with 27 different studios by local, independent artists. They frequently host different pop-up markets and events, like seconds sales or small business Saturdays. I went recently for the first time and had so much fun shopping, talking to the artists, and getting inspired.

 The Brookland-CUA red line stop drops you off steps away from the galleries. The H2, H6, R4, and G8 buses will also get you close. There’s also plenty of street parking and a parking garage.

The studios are open on Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. during the holidays. They often have special events with music and food! Watch 

 uses old tire tubes to make accessories. 

 creates watercolor landscapes. There are also several vintage and craft shops. Talk to the artists, ask questions, and support your favorites.

 is up and running, with food options including 

. Otherwise, the Brookland Pint and Busboys and Poets are both great standbys.

The Brookland Arts Walk is a pedestrian promenade with 27 different studios by local, independent artists. They frequently host different pop-up markets and events, like seconds sales or small business Saturdays.

Hidden Gems at DC's Brookland Arts Walk

Hidden Gems at Brookland Arts Walk

. Mount Pleasant is a treasure trove of food and fun that’s often overlooked because it’s not on a Metro line. But don’t let that deter you — Mount Pleasant Street is well worth the walk. Here’s where to get started:

I go out of my way to snag a coffee and pastry from 

. The strawberry pepper fizz special – espresso, strawberry, Szechuan pepper, and tonic – is delightful. For something low-key, try 

. You can get a coffee and a full breakfast for under $10.

, an indie movie theater and bar screening documentaries and art house films. For foodies, don’t miss 

, a bookstore of cookbooks. And if you happen to be there on a Saturday check out the 

. The hours are short and the lines are long, but it’s worth it. Right next door you’ll find 

 which serves Filipino comfort dishes, including adobo and fried pork belly. Finally, try 

 for their award-winning sourdough pizza.

 rules the roost of Mount Pleasant bars. The small speakeasy-like bar has won numerous awards and its bartenders can whip up something for any palette.

What are your favorite Mount Pleasant spots?

Mount Pleasant is a treasure trove of food and fun that’s often overlooked because it’s not on a Metro line. But don’t let that deter you — it is well worth the walk. Check out this guide on the spots you can't miss.