I tend to go out a lot in DC. Someone always has something to celebrate. For my job, DC is the central location where everyone comes 1-2 a year. I love to meet girlfriends for a glass of wine. And we go out when family and friends come to visit our Nation’s Capital. So, in 2023 I went to over 50 separate places and went out a total of 67 times. It feels like a lot considering that is more than once a week and when you factor in that I was out of town over 75 days through the year …. it’s a lot.
DC is a great place to find every type of food and while I had a lot of wonderful meals and drinks this past year, very few will end up on the “Meals I Dream About” list.
Favorite Meal: Lamb, spinach and potatoes at Martin’s Tavern.
Drinks: Living Room at the Ritz in Georgetown is beautiful and cozy.
Where I go again and again: I went to Rosa Mexicana and Lebanese Taverna each four times this year. At Rosa’s I love their Salsa, their guacamole, and their Pomegranate Margarita. At Lebanese I love their Artichokes and their outside seating.
Favorite Brunch: Palette 22 is a great place to go with friends for brunch. They have a bottomless tapas brunch with discounted drinks that is very affordable and they don’t rush you.
Where I take visiting friends and family: In the past this answer has always been Old Ebbitt Grill but I’ve taken everyone there more than once. I’ve now switched to Ada’s On The River – everyone has loved it and their menu is more varied. I love their veggies and wine list but they also have everything from seafood to steaks and veggie lasagna.
Biggest Surprise: This summer I wanted to hit as many rooftop bars as I could. That plan fizzled out and I only went to a few. However, I did make it to Upstairs at the Marrow and their French Fries were some of the best I’ve ever had. This is a lovely place with a great staff. The view isn’t what you would think of if you say “DC Rooftop” but still, I keep meaning to go back.
Best Brussel sprouts: I’ve grown addicted to Brussel Sprouts and really enjoyed the ones at Logan’s Tavern.
Best Wine bar: A friend and I tried Screwtop in Clarendon for wine and brunch. I then enjoyed it so much I went twice more in order to take other friends there. The wait staff is fun, the food is good and they have several wonderful wine flights to try.
Best International Food: For the first time in years, I went back to Rasika for Indian food. It was magnificent.
For as many times as I went out this year, it isn’t a long list. I’ll make an effort to do better in 2024!
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