So last year some douche bag had the nerve to kill himself outside the gate. In turn the WH sent cancellations for the next week. So we cancelled and are back on for this April. We are staying at the Mandarin Oriental a block and a half or so from the National mall.
So help me with a list of the best places to eat and visit. This will be a 4 day trip Tuesday-Saturday thank goodness the week after the cherry blossom festival.
Someone told us about a tavern that every US president except Obummer has eaten. I can't remember the name of it.
So go.....
Air & Space Museum
Museum of American History
Jefferson, Lincoln & Washington Memorial are all impressive.
The National Portrait Gallery
National Zoo Check out the Pandas
Adams Morgan is a great neighborhood, Food, Shopping & non- tourist culture.
Georgetown is OK but sort of Touristy. Lots of expensive shopping but is a nice upscale DC neighborhood. If you go there check out the "Tombs" the bar featured in the Exorcist and the inspiration for the Bar from St Elmos Fire and stairs from the Exorcist at Prospect Street to M Street.
Day Trip to Baltimore Inner Harbor and the National Aquarium
Nationals Park and the area around it is fun.
National Harbor across the river in MD has a Casino, shopping and tons of restaurants.
National Botanical Gardens are nice.
Old Town Alexandria is a great area just on the other side of the river.
Restaurants:
Old Ebbit is and institution but the food is just solid but nothing amazing IMHO.
Federalist Pig in Adams Morgan pretty solid BBQ.
Bens Chili Bowl is a DC icon a bit overrated but still good. (Might too liberal for you. LOL)
Blue Duck Tavern in Georgetown is an amazing meal but pricey.
Hanks Oyster Bar in Olde Town Alexandria
Taqueria Habanero best authentic tacos in the city.
Amsterdam Falafelshop in Adams Morgan. Amazing Falafel and fries to die for. They have a topping bar for the sandwiches that is amazing. This is the original one I think there are more locations now.
St Anslems is a great steak house.
Get some legit dimsum in China Town...
Not much of Chinatown is left. Most of it is gone. If you are in town on a weekend and want Dim Sum you have to go to Marks Duck house in Arlington. One of the best Dim Sums in the US. Back in the day there were lots of good 24/7 spots but they are all gone. The Verizon Center and the development around it have destroyed the "China" part of Chinatown. Hockey games are still fun there. I remember the Chinatown area before the then MCI Center was even built. There were old import junk shops, 24 hour noodle joints, real Chinese food and Asian Grocery stores. Almost all that stuff is gone.