East End



East End is D.C.'s old downtown quarter, east of 15th St, and includes the neighborhoods of Chinatown, Penn Quarter, Judiciary Square, and Mount Vernon Square. Most D.C. natives simply call this area Downtown.

Understand[edit]

The Friendship Archway was designed by local architect Alfred H. Liu in 1986 and includes 7,000 tiles and 272 painted dragons in the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

The East End, just north of the National Mall, is home to several museums and event venues, and full of restaurants, bars, and large hotels. Pennsylvania Ave, which runs through the Penn Quarter from the White House to the Capitol Building, serves as a bridge from the city center to the Mall. As you might expect, this road has nice views.

Neighborhoods[edit]

The Kogod Courtyard inside the National Portrait Gallery is a peaceful spot to take a break or eat your lunch.

Like the nearby neighborhood of Shaw, the East End was decimated during the 1968 riots. Many buildings were destroyed and it became a haven for drug dealers.

In the early 1990s, when Washington Capitals and Wizards owner Abe Pollin arrived for the first time by limousine at the intersection of 7th and F St NW to scout out possible sites for a new arena, he was told not to get out of the vehicle. The site, then a parking lot, had drug dealers doing business, and the neighborhood was crime-ridden and deserted at night. But, he decided that was the place to build his new arena. The Capital One Arena opened in December 1997, and since then, the neighborhood has experienced a remarkable turnaround with tremendous gentrification.

Penn Quarter is the commercial center of the East End. It includes Gallery Place, the bustling entertainment area between the Capital One Arena and the National Portrait Gallery. The Pennsylvania Ave stretch, whose sidewalks and parks comprise a National Park, is a staging ground for races, large festivals, and parades. Penn Quarter is distinguished from the rest of downtown by its 19th century buildings and facades. After the opening of the Capital One Arena in 1997, and the resulting development boom, many buildings were redeveloped as the ground-floor facades of apartments and office buildings, resulting in the creation of an "arts and entertainment" district. The biggest draw for visitors, however, is theater and museums.

Chinatown is to the north of Penn Quarter. While the neighborhood was majority Asian in the early 20th century, most of the Asian population moved out after the 1968 riots. The neighborhood is lively in the evenings and features many restaurants. Chinatown resembles a miniature Times Square with activity day and night into the wee hours. The city heavily promotes the original ethnic character—businesses in the neighborhood, businesses including Starbucks, and local banks are required to post signage in Chinese. But those expecting something like New York's Chinatown will be sorely disappointed—area residents have taken to calling it Chinablock. While there are several Chinese restaurants, they are mostly tourist traps and the best Chinese food is in the suburbs.

Judiciary Square, to the east of Penn Quarter, includes the United States District Court building, along with the D.C. Superior Court building, and various other government buildings. Just north, straddling into the neighborhood of Shaw, is the massive, 2.3 million square foot (210,000 m2) Convention Center, just north of Mt Vernon Square. The Convention Center was completed in 2003, and has since been the favorite site for presidential inaugural balls.

Get in[edit]

By Metrorail[edit]

Metrorail stops at Metro Center (on the Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver lines), Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, and Silver), and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green and Yellow). The Gallery Pl-Chinatown station (Green, Yellow, and Red) is at the Capital One Arena—use the H St exit for Chinatown.

For the Convention Center, get off at Mount Vernon Square on the Green and Yellow lines. For Judiciary Square in the east, take the Red Line to Judiciary Square.

By car[edit]

The East End is probably the worst place to drive to in the city. On weekdays and during peak tourist season, street parking is either unavailable, or will take a long time to find. Most parking garages fill up by 9AM. Downtown traffic jams are frequent and awful. Take note of garage hours since you won't be able to get your car after the garages close.

The main north-south routes are 7th St (which turns into Georgia further north), as well as I-395 from Virginia, which terminates east of the Convention Center. Major east-west routes include H St, which runs through Chinatown, and Pennsylvania Ave. Crisscrossing the area on diagonals through Mt Vernon Square are New York Ave and Massachusetts Ave.

By taxi[edit]

It is possible to hail taxis from the street at almost any hour of the day or night, and they are a convenient way to travel relatively short distances.

By bus[edit]

The following are the main bus routes operating in the East End, along with links to timetables and route maps. For more information on riding buses in Washington DC, see Washington DC#Get around.

By foot[edit]

The Penn Quarter area is an easy walk from the National Mall and the museums by walking north through the courtyards of Federal Triangle, past the National Archives. From the White House, walk east on Pennsylvania Avenue to G, F, or E St.

See[edit]

Map
Map of Washington, D.C./East End

The Capital One Arena
  • 1 D.C. Alley Museum, 44 Blagden Alley NW (between M & N St NW, and 9th & 10th St NW). Ourdoor murals painted on several garage doors in an alley. free.
  • 2 Franklin Square - Statue and Language Museum, 1350 K St NW. Franklin Square was planned to be another city block until a natural spring was discovered there. With the federal buildings built nearby, the federal government wanted to use the spring water to supply water to its workers, and it was purchased in 1832 and kept as a park. The spring is no longer there, but the park remains. The statue on the west side of Franklin Square near McPherson Square Metro is of Commodore John Barry of the Revolutionary War-era Continental Navy and later the U.S. Navy, known today as the Father of the American Navy. The striking red building at the northeast corner of the square is the Franklin School, from which Alexander Graham Bell sent his first wireless message (to 1325 L St NW). The building is being converted into a language museum. Franklin Square (Q5491850) on Wikidata Franklin Square (Washington, D.C.) on Wikipedia
  • 3 Freedom Plaza, 1355 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Named in honor of Martin Luther King Jr, who penned his I have a Dream speech at the Willard Hotel on this plaza, the stone center has a huge map of Pierre L'Enfant's original plan for the City of Washington. At the west end is an equestrian statue of Kazimierz Pułaski, an American Revolutionary War general from Poland, who once saved George Washington's life, and who is known as the Father of American cavalry. Freedom Plaza (Q3087329) on Wikidata Freedom Plaza on Wikipedia

Museums[edit]

  • 4 Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th St & F St NW, +1 202-633-7970. 11:30AM-7PM daily. The collection here is a walk through encyclopedia of American Art—Gilbert Stuart's stern presidential portraits through Nam June Paik's house-sized America sculpture of neon and televisions. Free. Smithsonian American Art Museum (Q1192305) on Wikidata Smithsonian American Art Museum on Wikipedia
  • 5 Ford's Theatre Museum, 511 10th St NW (between E St & F St), +1 202-347-4833. A great museum detailing the life of Abraham Lincoln and the place where he was assassinated. Free. Ford's Theatre (Q1416812) on Wikidata Ford's Theatre on Wikipedia
  • 6 DC History Center, 801 K St NW (In Mount Vernon Sq), +1 202-393-1420, . Library: W 10AM-4PM; Window to Washington Exhibit: M W 10AM-4PM, Th 10AM-6PM. The DC History Center occupies the enormous building at the center of Mount Vernon Square and has a research library and exhibit on D.C. history open to the public. The building was constructed in 1903 with funding purely from Andrew Carnegie's philanthropy as the second headquarters of the D.C. Public Library. It also houses an Apple store. Free. Historical Society of Washington, D.C. (Q3798288) on Wikidata Historical Society of Washington, D.C. on Wikipedia
  • 7 Capital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd Street NW, +1 202-789-0900. M Tu Th 1-4PM. Washington D.C.'s oldest synagogue building, built in 1876. Free. Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum (Q6548073) on Wikidata Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum on Wikipedia
  • 8 Koshland Science Museum, 525 E St NW, +1 202-334-1201. 10AM-6PM daily except closed Tu, last admission 5PM. Koshland is very much on the small side for D.C. museums, but it's great for kids, and for those happy adults who can let loose and act like kids. Adults: $5; seniors, children, students, active duty military: $3. Marian Koshland Science Museum (Q6761924) on Wikidata Marian Koshland Science Museum on Wikipedia
  • 9 National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Rotunda and exhibit hall, open daily except 25 December; day after Labor Day through March 14: 10AM-5:30PM, March 15 through Labor Day: 10AM-7PM; last admission 30 minutes before closing. For history buffs, a visit is a must, as it has a display containing declassified top secret documents related to the Cold War. The original copies of the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights are also on display, though the writing is so faded on the latter two that you will not be able to make it out. No photography of the documents is allowed. Free. National Archives Building (Q6970416) on Wikidata National Archives Building on Wikipedia
  • 10 National Building Museum, 401 F St NW, +1 202-272-2448. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-5PM. In the Pension Building, the building itself is highly recommended for its architecture, with an expansive open interior space with massive columns. The space is used on occasion for special events, including 10 Presidential inaugural balls. There is a small cafe inside, to the right of the entrance, and places to sit and relax, as well as a gift shop. The museum features long-term exhibits on the planning and building of Washington, D.C., and on green building and communities, along with various short-term exhibits and special events. Free to enter main hall and shop. Exhibits: $8 for adults, $5 for ages 3-17 and those 60+. National Building Museum (Q624008) on Wikidata National Building Museum on Wikipedia
  • 11 National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave NW, +1 202-783-5000. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. This is the only museum devoted to art made by women. Its special exhibits can be really interesting, often featuring works from a specific part of the world. The big, beautiful building is a historic former Masonic Temple. The gift shop is extraordinary, with a collection of very unique handmade gifts from around the world. $10 adults; $8 students, ages 65+; free 18 and younger. National Museum of Women in the Arts (Q861608) on Wikidata National Museum of Women in the Arts on Wikipedia
  • 12 National Portrait Gallery, 850 F St NW, +1 202-633-8300. 11:30AM-7PM daily. Its most popular exhibit is the Hall of Presidents. The enclosed Kogod Courtyard has received several architectural accolades. It has a small cafe and is a peaceful, quiet place to escape for a break. Free WiFi. Free. National Portrait Gallery (Q1967614) on Wikidata National Portrait Gallery (United States) on Wikipedia
  • 13 Planet Word Museum, 925 13th St NW, +1 202-931-3139, . W-Su 10AM-5PM. A language arts museum that has 3 floors of interactive exhibits and displays. Best for kids. Free, with a $15 suggested donation. Planet Word (Q65079952) on Wikidata Planet Word on Wikipedia

Landmarks and memorials[edit]

The imposing Canadian Embassy
The Old Post Office Building and Waldorf Hotel Washington DC
  • 14 Embassy of Canada in Washington, 501 Pennsylvania Ave NW. The building is a striking, contemporary masterpiece, helping Vancouverite architect Arthur Erickson win some prestigious awards. Look for the small dome and columns incorporated into the exterior (in part designed as a gentle mockery of the neoclassical imperial style prevalent around the Capitol), which serves as an echo chamber of sorts, where you'll have any sounds directed right back at you from the dome. Embassy of Canada, Washington, D.C. (Q137245) on Wikidata Embassy of Canada, Washington, D.C. on Wikipedia
  • 15 House Where Lincoln Died (Petersen House), 516 10th St NW (across the street from Ford's Theatre). 9AM-5PM daily. 1865 was perhaps the most consequential year in presidential history, when, on the 14th of April, John Wilkes Booth, a prominent actor at Ford's Theatre and Confederate sympathizer shot President Lincoln in his balcony seat. Attendants carried Lincoln across the street to a small bedroom in the small row-house across the street, but the doctors were unable to save the president. He died early morning the next day. This isn't so much a museum—it's just a small room with a few plaques, recreated to look as it did on that day. The house is operated by the National Park Service, and visited via tours from Ford's Theatre. Free. Petersen House (Q4799733) on Wikidata Petersen House on Wikipedia
  • 16 J. Edgar Hoover FBI building, 935 Pennsylvania Ave NW. This brutalist office building is in bad condition and will likely be demolished eventually. J. Edgar Hoover Building (Q167479) on Wikidata J. Edgar Hoover Building on Wikipedia
  • 17 National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum, 444 E St NW, +1 202-737-3400. 10AM to 6PM daily (last entry at 5PM). The monument bears the names of nearly 20,000 officials who lost their lives on the job. The museum has many interactive experiences such as dispatching a simulated 911 call, although it has been accused of peddling "copaganda". Adults: $20; students: $18 if purchased online, otherwise add $2. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (Q6974030) on Wikidata National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on Wikipedia
  • 18 Old Post Office Tower, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW (enter on 12th St. near Starbucks, follow signs to Tower elevator). 9AM-4PM. Closed on one day during the first week of each month. At the top of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Washington DC. One of the best views of the city. Free. Old Post Office (Q1141542) on Wikidata Old Post Office Pavilion on Wikipedia
  • 19 Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, +1 202-312-1300, fax: +1 202-312-1310. It's not clear whether the small-government Republican would enjoy having one of the biggest, most expensive recent federal buildings ($768 million), filled with agencies like USAID and U.S. Customs, named in his honor. But it is an impressive sight inside and out (especially inside). The building has several restaurants fast-food and otherwise, public artworks, shops, and enormous conference and party space, popular for political galas, business conferences, and expensive wedding receptions. Free WiFi. Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (Q983772) on Wikidata Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on Wikipedia
  • 20 U.S. Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, +1 202-737-2300. 9:30AM-5PM daily. D.C.'s memorial to the U.S. Navy is not as jolting as the big memorials, but it is nice to walk around. Make sure to see the famous Lone Sailor statue, and who knew that Neil Armstrong was in the Navy! United States Navy Memorial (Q167697) on Wikidata United States Navy Memorial on Wikipedia

Do[edit]

Capital One Arena[edit]

Convention Center[edit]

The Reagan Building's main entrance

Theater and live music[edit]

The balcony where President Lincoln was assassinated - Ford's Theatre
  • 3 Ford's Theatre, 511 10th St NW (between E St & F St NW), +1 202-347-4833. Tours: 9AM-5PM daily. This is where John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, and he was taken across the street to the Petersen House where he died. Ford's Theatre is not only a historic site, but remains a working theater, with regular performances. Theater here is usually the most traditional of the downtown venues, offering dramatic work that is "as eloquent, intelligent and respectful of humanity as Mr. Lincoln." The truly coveted tickets are for the annual Christmas Eve performance of A Christmas Carol. The daily tours take you through the theater and the onsite museum, and also spill across the street to the Petersen House, where Lincoln died. Shows: $40-55, tours: free.
  • 4 National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, +1 202-628-6161. First opened in 1835, many Presidents have come to see performances, with many famous performers back in is heyday. National Theatre is now the city's most likely host for Broadway shows and musicals, and other big-name visiting acts. $50-200. National Theatre (Q3336946) on Wikidata National Theatre (Washington, D.C.) on Wikipedia
  • 5 Shakespeare Theatre Company, Lansburgh Theatre: 450 7th St NW, Harman Hall: 610 F St NW, +1 202-546-9606. D.C. can't get enough Shakespeare, to the extent that the Shakespeare Theatre Company had to open a second, enormous performance venue in 2007 at the Sidney Harman Hall. Both venues are great, the Lansburgh being a long-time favorite and a smaller, intimate space, and the Harman Hall being big, flashy, and state-of-the-art. The performances here of Shakespeare, often set in present times, as well as other classics from Aeschylus to Marlowe, are almost always universally-acclaimed and top-notch. If you want to see theater in D.C., this is a great place to start. If you are in D.C. in the early fall, enter the online lottery for "Free for All" tickets. $45-100; $10 tickets usually available for the 35-and-under crowd, standing room only, on the day of the performance. Shakespeare Theatre Company (Q7462820) on Wikidata Shakespeare Theatre Company on Wikipedia
  • 6 Sixth & I Synagogue, 600 I St NW, +1 202-408-3100. One of the oldest synagogues in DC, it was renovated in 2004 to become both a religious and entertainment venue. It hosts big-name theatrical and musical performances. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue (Q3507987) on Wikidata Sixth & I Historic Synagogue on Wikipedia
  • 7 Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW (between E St & F St), +1 202-783-4000. The Warner Theatre is a gorgeous old building. A former 1920s movie palace, having long languished in disrepair, was finally reopened in 1992 following extensive restoration. The Warner Theatre hosts Broadway shows, concerts, dance, and stand-up, etc. $35-75. Warner Theatre (Q7969769) on Wikidata Warner Theatre (Washington, D.C.) on Wikipedia
  • 8 Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St NW (between D St & E St), +1 202-289-2443. This is the top theater company downtown for seeing new plays. Drama here is edgy, takes real risks, and is almost always memorable. $25-50. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (Q8033865) on Wikidata Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company on Wikipedia

Buy[edit]

There are plenty of souvenir shops in the East End. There are great gift shops at the museums - be sure to see the gift shop of the National Building Museum if you visit.

Seasonal markets[edit]

  • 1 The Penn Quarter Fresh Farm Market (on 8th St between D and E). A farmers market held on Thursdays, 3-7PM, from April to November.
  • 2 Downtown Holiday Market (On F St between 7th and 9th). Held in late November and December, this market sells an array of handcrafted items, jewelry, pottery, and food.

Clothing[edit]

Palmer Alley is beautiful, but if you're wondering whether you can afford to shop there, you can't.
  • 3 Macy's, 1201 G St NW (on top of Metro Center), +1 202-628-6661. The most-centrally located department store in D.C.
  • 4 CityCenter, Between 9th St. and 11th St. NW, and H St. NW to New York Ave. A large luxury shopping development built in the 2010s on the site of a former convention center. Has many very pricey shops, including Tumi, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Hermès, Gucci, Burberry, BOSS, Arc'teryx, and Allen Edmonds. The pedestrian-only Palmer Alley has seasonal overhead displays that make for a nice photo-op. There is also a seasonal farmer's market Tuesday afternoons, and periodic cultural events. CityCenterDC (Q5122944) on Wikidata CityCenterDC on Wikipedia

Artwork[edit]

  • 5 Hemphill Fine Arts, 434 K St NW, +1 202-234-5601. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. A swanky gallery that usually exhibits contemporary works by established artists.
  • 6 Touchstone Gallery, 901 New York Ave NW, +1 202-347-2787. W-F 11AM-6PM, Sa Su noon-5PM. This artist-cooperative owned gallery is friendly and crammed with local artwork. Prices are reasonable, and events are packed.

Eat[edit]

José Andrés

D.C.'s Spanish transplant, now one of America's most famous celebrity chefs, originally moved here as the head chef of Jaleo, a great tapas restaurant that has grown into a small local chain. He has since come to dominate the area's most trendy restaurants, opening up a host of them in the East End from Greek through Aztec, and is often credited with popularizing the art of the small dish in the U.S.

The East End has everything from chain restaurants to high-end dining to overpriced tourist traps. Nearly all the really nice restaurants here are relatively big, loud, cramped, and impersonal—but they'll serve great food. Chinatown, while small, supplies several budget options, as long as you can appreciate the "special charms" of Chinatown service.

Budget[edit]

In addition to the restaurants listed below, there are many local and national fast food chains in the area.

  • 1 District of Pi (π), 910 F St NW, +1 202-393-5484. M-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM-10PM. A St. Louis import, this big pizzeria excels with the cornmeal crust deep dish pies as well as their rotating craft beer list. It's big enough where you can actually get a table after a game at the Capital One Arena, although the service can be slow when they are busy. Pizzas: $12-25.
  • 2 HipCityVeg, 712 7th Street NW, +1 202-621-8057. 11AM–10PM daily. Small vegan restaurant serving sandwiches, wraps, salads, and delicious shakes.
  • 3 Lincoln's Waffle Shop, 504 10th St NW (between E St & F St NW), +1 202-638-4008. M-F 5:30AM-7PM, Sa Su 5:30AM-3PM. A dive that serves good waffles, assorted breakfast foods, coffee, and burgers. $4-12.
  • 4 Pearl's Bagels, 1017 7th St NW (between New York Ave & L St NW). Daily 8AM-2PM. Tiny bagel shop serving some of the best bagels in downtown D.C. Limited seating.
  • 5 Saints Paradise Cafeteria, 601 M St NW (inside the United House of Prayer For All People), +1 202-689-2476. Delicious soul food served cafeteria style inside a church.
  • 6 Teaism, 400 8th St NW (between D St & E St NW), +1 202-638-6010. M-F 7:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 9:30AM-9PM; brunch weekends until 2:30PM. Teaism has a large selection of teas, and an adjacent tea shop where you can get some to take home. In addition to tea, they serve a variety of Asian dishes including Japanese bento boxes, udon noodle soup, ochazuke, Thai and Indian curry, and many vegetarian options. Breakfast is also delicious at Teaism, and their salty oat cookies are a must. 3 locations in DC. $3-4 for tea, $10-15 for a meal, $20 for afternoon tea.

Asian[edit]

There are several hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurants that serve both food and alcohol on H Street, between 5th and 8th Streets ("Chinatown"). The quality and prices vary; however, the food is generally subpar and the suburbs are known for having better Chinese food than DC proper.

  • 7 Chinatown Express, 746 6th St NW (between G St & H St NW), +1 202-638-0424. daily 10AM-11PM. You'll notice the chef in the window right away preparing Chinese noodles by hand. Express is precisely what a Chinatown restaurant should be (and what D.C.'s Chinatown sometimes seems to lack), a cheap casual place, serving solid, authentic Chinese food. The Singapore-style noodle and dumpling soups are the specialty, but it's also a great place to burn your mouth on some spicy beef entries. $4-12.
  • 9 Momiji, 505 H St NW, +1 202-408-8110. 2-level Japanese restaurant with creative sushi rolls and cocktails.
  • 10 New Big Wong, 610 H St NW, +1 202-628-0491. daily 11AM-5AM. This basement Cantonese and Sichuan eatery is the place to find the weirdest dishes in Chinatown in the middle of the night. $7-22.

Mid-range[edit]

  • 11 Dirty Habit, 555 8th St NW (at Hotel Monaco, between E St & F St NW), +1 202-449-7095. American food and great cocktails.
  • 12 Hard Rock Cafe, 999 E St NW, +1 202-737-7625. Su-Th 11AM-11PM; F Sa 11AM-midnight. Tourist hell, but very popular.
  • 13 Hill Country Barbecue, 410 7th St NW (between Indiana St & E St NW), +1 202-556-2050. Texas barbecue—the absolute best in the District—with live music every night.
  • 14 Jaleo, 480 7th St NW (between D St & E St NW), +1 202-628-7949. Su M 11:30AM-10PM, Tu-Th 11:30AM-11PM, F Sa 11:30AM-midnight; brunch Sa Su until 3PM. Many credit this loud, happy restaurant in the Penn Quarter for the current boom in Spanish tapas bars. Serves tasty tapas and wonderful sangria, as well as a fantastic selection of ports and sherry. This is Jose Andrés' first restaurant, and one of the best options in the area. Expect to wait on a crowded F Sa night. $20-40.
  • 15 Luke's Lobster, 624 E St NW, +1 202-347-3355. Great seafood/sushi.
  • 16 Matchbox, 750 E St NW, +1 202-289-4441. M-Th 11AM-10:30PM, F 11AM-11:30PM, Sa 10AM-11:30PM, Su 10AM-10:30PM. Many locations in the D.C.-area, all packed with people all times of the day. Some of the food here is really good such as the charcoaled sliders and wood-fired NYC-style pizza. The rest of the menu, however, would befit a bonafide tourist trap. It's also a good place to go for a drink, especially when the weather is warm and the outdoor seating is open. $10-30.

Splurge[edit]

  • 17 Central Michel Richard, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW, +1 202-626-0015. Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner: M-Th 5-10:30PM, F Sa 5-11PM. Central is the showpiece restaurant of the city's great chef, Michel Richard. In this restaurant, he celebrates his love for American cuisine, serving haute and somewhat Gallicized versions of dishes as simple as burgers and fried chicken. The fried chicken is the best in the city. $30-60.
  • 18 The Dabney, 122 Blagden Alley NW (between M & N St NW, and 9th & 10th St NW), +1 202-240-2660. Tu-Th 5:30-9:30PM, F Sa 5:30-10PM, closed Su M. Michelin-star restaurant serving delicious, beautifully plated meals.
  • 19 District Chophouse & Brewery, 509 7th St NW, +1 202-347-3434. Su M 11AM-10PM, Tu-Sa 11AM-11PM. Location, unpretentious atmosphere, better prices than at other downtown steakhouses, and good house craft beers are the reasons to come. $18-50.
  • 20 Fig & Olive, 934 Palmer Alley NW (near 9th St between H St & I St NW), +1 202-559-5004. The D.C. location of the upscale Mediterranean cocktail bar that serves dishes with a variety of flavored olive oils. Dinner mains $20-40, cocktails $10-14; glass of wine $9-28.
  • 21 Fiola, 601 Pennsylvania Ave NW (entrance on Indiana Ave NW), +1 202-628-2888. One of several D.C. restaurants by chef Fabio Trabocchi, Fiola offers upscale Italian food and great cocktails.
  • 22 Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, 1101 Pennsylvania Ave NW (between 11th & 12th St NW), +1 202-347-4668. Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner: M-Th 5-10PM, F 5-10:30PM, Sa 4:30-10:30PM, Su 4-9:30PM. This international chain serves all-you-can-eat Brazilian meat and sides. Flip your green card up, and the chefs come with meat; flip it to red, and the chefs let you eat. The restaurant also has a really nice salad bar for a considerably lower price than the meat menu. Lunch $41.95; weekend brunch $43.95; dinner $60.95.
  • 23 Kinship, 1015 7th St NW (between K St & L St NW), +1 202-737-7700. Famous chef Eric Ziebold runs this restaurant where everything is served ala carte. Items $12-25, mains $55-60, caviar $80, foie gras $150.
  • 24 Minibar by José Andrés, 855 E St NW (between 8th & 9th St NW), +1 202-393-0812. Seating times Tu-Sa 6PM and 8:30PM, Su 5PM and 7:30PM. Mr. Andrés' wild culinary ride through molecular-gastronomy. One of DC's two Michelin star restaurants. This six-customer, two-chef restaurant, serves a 30-course meal of everything from cotton candy foie gras to lobster injection to beet tumbleweed. Reservations open online for the following month, and seats fill up quickly. $295 + drinks.
  • 25 Morrison-Clark Restaurant, 1011 L St NW (inside the Morrison-Clark Inn), +1 202-989-1200. M-Sa 7-10AM, 11:30AM-2PM, 6-9:30PM; Su 11AM-2PM. This small dining room is a lovely trip back to the Southern traditions of the mid-nineteenth century, and could be reason enough on its own to have dinner here, but the food is absolutely the cream of D.C.'s crop as well. The menu is small, with simple, but fairly exotic and expertly executed Southern dishes. Located inside a historic house built in 1864. Dinner $30-40, lunch $15-25, breakfast $10-25; weekend brunch unlimited mimosas $22.
  • 26 Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, 401 7th St NW (between D St & E St NW), +1 202-628-1005. Su M 11:30AM-10PM, Tu-Th 11:30AM-11PM, F Sa 11:30AM-midnight. José Andres's take on Mexican antojitos, the Mexican word for snacks (literally, "little cravings"). The mole here is outstanding and the grasshopper tacos are... interesting. Su-F 4:30-6:30PM has great happy hour deals at the bar. $30-60.
  • 27 Rasika, 633 D St NW, +1 202-637-1222. Possibly the best Indian restaurant in D.C., with great ambiance! Try the palak chaat - crispy fried spinach!
  • 28 Zaytinya, 701 9th St NW, +1 202-638-0800. Su M 11:30AM-10PM, Tu-Th 11:30AM-11PM, F Sa 11:30AM-midnight. Tapas, antojitos, and mezzes! Andrés' alphabetically last restaurant serves a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetarian Greek and Lebanese mezzes, along with large selection of wines from the same region. $20-45.

Drink[edit]

There are plenty of places to drink in the East End. Most restaurants here have excellent bars, particularly if you like high-end cocktails surrounded by fashionable clientéle.

For a really unpretentious spot, try one of the Chinese places on H St, which stay open late, and serve "low-end" stiff tiki drinks, Chinese beers, and plentiful cheap sake late into the night.

  • 1 618 Cocktail and Whiskey Lounge, 618 H St NW, Second Floor, +1 202-510-9604. Offers social events such as roommate networking and speed dating.
  • 2 Bar Deco, 717 6th St NW, +1 202-774-5867. A huge bar and restaurant in a former industrial site.
  • Calico, 50 Blagden Alley NW (between M & N St NW, and 9th & 10th St NW), +1 202-791-0134. Tu-Th 4PM-midnight, F 4PM-1AM, Sa 2PM-1AM, Su 2-10PM, closed M. Gastropub serving tasty grilled food and mixed drinks on an outdoor patio.
  • 3 Clyde's of Gallery Place, 707 7th St NW (between G St & H St NW), +1 202-349-3700. M-Th 11AM-2AM, F 11AM-3AM, Sa 10AM-3AM, Su 10AM-2AM. One of 8 locations in the D.C. area, this enormous bar/restaurant is very attractive, wooden and dimly lit in a sort of Victorian grand-old-hotel fashion. It's a great after-dinner or after-theater option, though, to sit at one of its three lovely bars and have a few drinks. Or finagle a table and have those drinks with a little dessert, or something off the fantastic oyster menu $15-35.
  • 4 Denson Liquor Bar, 600 F St NW, +1 202-499-5018. Old-school basement bar with art deco design. Beer $8-9.
  • 5 Flight Wine Bar, 777 6th St NW (between G St & H St NW), +1 202-864-6445. Wines and wine-based cocktails. Knowledgeable staff and 70 wines available. Four beers on tap. Beer $8.
  • 6 Free State Atlantic Bar, 501b G St NW, +1 202-601-7216. Maryland-themed drinks & nostalgic snacks such as Jerkface jerky & Utz chips.
  • 7 Jackpot, 726 7th St NW (between G St & H St NW), +1 202-628-5225. A great cocktail bar that offers free popcorn (to make you thirsty). Beer $7-16, wine $8-12, cocktails: $8-12.
  • 8 La Colombe Coffee Roasters, 924 Blagden Alley NW (between M & N St NW, and 9th & 10th St NW), +1 202-289-4850. M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa Su 8AM-6PM. Serves some of the best coffee in the district.
  • 9 Penn Quarter Sports Tavern, 639 Indiana Ave NW, +1 202-347-6666. Su-Th 11AM-1AM; F Sa 11AM-2AM. A good place to watch sports games.
  • 11 Rocket Bar, 714 7th St NW (between G St & H St NW), +1 202-628-7665. A funky basement bar decorated with a rocket-theme where you can play billiards, darts, shuffleboard & video games.

Sleep[edit]

The East End is a good location, close to both the National Mall and the nightlife-centered districts of Shaw and Dupont Circle.

Budget[edit]

  • 1 Hotel Harrington, 1100 E St NW, +1 202-628-8140. Odd to see such a cheap hotel next to the Mall! It's not clear how they've managed to maintain this old clunker here in such a high-value real estate zone for so long, but if you don't mind your hotel looking a little older and shabby, this is a great budget option. From $135.

Mid-range[edit]

Splurge[edit]

  • 10 Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H St NW, +1 202-582-1234. Full-service business center, 32 meeting rooms, in-lobby Metro Center access, and a nice fitness center are the pluses. A rather absurd downside, though, is that they make you pay to use their gym. Another hotel that you should only use if you get a good deal. From $290.
  • 11 JW Marriott Washington, DC, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW, +1 202-393-2000. From $199.
  • 12 Kimpton Hotel Monaco, 700 F St NW, +1 202-628-7177. Kimpton hotels are almost always lovely, and this one benefits from its location in a grand 19th-century building (though this means the halls are a bit old), weirdly mixed with very modern decor. Huge pool and Jacuzzi. Free wine-cocktails hour. And don't forget to request your free in-room goldfish! From $279. Hotel Monaco (Q5911750) on Wikidata Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC on Wikipedia
  • 13 Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, 901 Massachusetts Ave NW (Just south of L St), +1 202-824-9200. A very chic hotel at the convention center with 105,000 square feet of event space. From $199. Washington Marriott Marquis (Q7972040) on Wikidata Washington Marriott Marquis on Wikipedia
  • 14 The Morrison-Clark Inn, 1015 L St NW, +1 202-989-1200. An independent hotel with a little Southern flair in a Civil War-era mansion. This is a charming, unique place to stay. Sip a mint julep on the porch. Located inside two historic houses built in 1864. From $210.

Connect[edit]

Most restaurants, cafes, museums, government buildings, and the metro station offer free WiFi. If you need to use a computer terminal, head to the MLK library.

  • 1 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St NW, +1 202-727-0321. M-Th 9:30AM-9PM, F Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM, Su 1-5PM. D.C.'s central public library is enormous, and, designed by modern legend Mies van der Rohe, is one of the best examples of modern architecture in the city. As with all libraries, it offers free WiFi & public computer terminals. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (Q2211847) on Wikidata Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on Wikipedia

Go next[edit]

  • The National Mall, is just to the south of the East End and is where you will find many of the city's museums and main attractions.
  • The nightlife here is plentiful and very visitor-friendly, but it is very much divorced from real Washingtonian culture. Head up to Shaw, Dupont Circle, and Adams Morgan to see how the locals like to wine, dine, and party.
Routes through East End
SpringfieldWest End  W  E  National MallLargo
GreenbeltShaw  N  S  WaterfrontSuitland
ViennaWest End  W  E  National MallNew Carrollton
GaithersburgWest End  W  E  Capitol HillWheaton
END  N  S  WaterfrontHuntington
AshburnWest End  W  E  National MallLargo


This district travel guide to East End has guide status. It has a variety of good, quality information including hotels, restaurants, attractions and arrival info. Please contribute and help us make it a star!