Pitbull may sing “Get me in D.C./ Let’s party on the White House lawn,” but we recommend a little more discretion in choosing nightlife spots. Here are a few suggestions for politically themed venues, as well as traditional D.C. locations where you may even spot the occasional senator or two.
Activity
City Segway evening tour
Whether you’re new to GW, haven’t seen much of D.C. or just want to ride around on a Segway for giggles, a tour around D.C. is a great way to learn about the city we live in. Until Oct. 31, there are three-hour evening tours of the National Mall starting at 6 p.m. There are also earlier two- and three-hour tours. Two-hour tours are $60 per person and three-hour tours are $70 per person.
202-626-0017 | 624 9th St. NW
Dinner
Old Ebbitt Grill
Dining here just around the corner from the White House, you might encounter congressmen and other D.C. movers and shakers. Any of the extravagantly-decorated dining rooms will cater to a comfortable meal. For such an upscale restaurant, expect a surprisingly down-to-earth experience with a casual dress code and reasonable prices. Sandwiches and burgers are $9.95 to $14.95 and entrees and entree salads range from $10.95 to $18.95.
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 to 1 a.m., Saturday and Sunday 8:30 to 1 a.m.
202-347-4800 | 675 15th St. NW
Bullfeathers
Historically, this restaurant’s name is an affectionate tribute to Teddy Roosevelt’s use of the term “bullfeathers” in public rather than using profanities. Today, the main point is that it’s right by the Capitol Building. Get some tasty pub grub and try out some of the 31 beers on tap – you can order by the glass, or get “flights,” in which you pick four beers from a category or “class” to sample smaller versions of. What could be better than learning about beer at a quintessentially American pub?
Hours:Monday through Saturday 11:15 a.m. to midnight
202-484-0711 | 410 1st St., SE | Metro: Capitol South
Late-night grub
Ben’s Chili Bowl
If there’s one late-night eatery considered quintessentially D.C., a must do for all bucket lists – it’s Ben’s Chili Bowl. Graced in recent years by the presence of Bill Cosby, President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his family, it has become a prominent figure among D.C. eateries. It does specialize in chili and chili dogs but also has veggie chilli, burgers and dogs. It’s guaranteed to hit the spot after a late night of political partying.
Hours: Open until 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday
202-667-0909 | 1213 U St. NW | Metro: U Street
Headliners
Capitol Lounge
This venue near the Capitol is a meeting spot for Hill workers, interns, neighborhood residents and visitors alike. Many other places directly near the Capitol may have busy after-work crowds, but Capitol Lounge has more of a nightlife feel, with two floors, three bars, a younger crowd and a great political ambiance. Besides daily happy hours with $1 off all drinks, there are varying food specials, like half-price pizza Mondays. To top it all off, you have a view of the Capitol when you leave as a late night treat. After 5 p.m. Monday through Friday it is 21 and up.
Hours: Open Monday until 1:30 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday, and Sunday until 1:30 a.m., Friday and Saturday until 2:30 a.m.
202-547-2098 | 231 Pennsylvania Ave., | Metro: Capitol South East
James Hoban’s Irish Restaurant and Bar
What’s so American about an Irish restaurant and bar, you ask? The flavors may be Irish, but this Dupont neighborhood gem is named after a obscure Irish architect of the White House, James Hoban, who beat out Thomas Jefferson in the design contest. It’s perfect if you want to be reminded of political history without a venture to Capitol Hill. Daily happy hours include $1 off drafts, $4 rails and house wines, as well as $1 off pub foods. On Wednesdays, happy hour is graciously extended for the Pub Quiz. It starts at 8:30, but get there early for a seat.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11:30 to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 to 3 a.m., Sunday 11 to 2 a.m.
202-223-8440 | 1 Dupont Circle NW
