D.C. is a culturally diverse city, but breaking out of the Foggy Bottom bubble can be hard – especially if you don’t know where to go. This guide will help you explore off-campus neighborhoods, highlighting hot spots as well as places that fly a little more under the radar.
Adams Morgan
On the Red line: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan
If you haven’t seen Adams Morgan, you haven’t seen D.C. This neighborhood offers just about anything you could ask for with restaurants and clubs, plus it’s blocks away from the National Zoo. The Metro stop is located between The Hatchet’s restaurant selections and the zoo, so make a day-long trip.
Jumbo Slice
If you’re hungry after exploring the neighborhood or the National Zoo, Jumbo Slice is the place to go. The $5 price tag for a slice might seem steep, but trust me, you’ll only need one. The Adams Morgan staple is open until 4 a.m., but it is always worthwhile to go during the day with family. Turn your usual post-partying spot into the next stop on your parents’ introduction to D.C. eateries.
2341 18th St., NW
Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 a.m.
The Diner
Check out The Diner, open 24 hours a day. Parents will appreciate the classic menu items and affordable prices. The breakfast options are served from 6 a.m. to midnight, and the hearty macaroni and cheese ($3.75) is another to-die-for diner option. Stop in at any hour of the day or night and sit back, relax and enjoy. 2453 18th St., NW, open 24 hours daily
Dupont Circle
On the Red line: Dupont Circle
Dupont features cool bars, awesome shops and, of course, delicious food, while offering a true taste of D.C. with its chaotic traffic circle and selection of embassies. It is just a few blocks from campus.
The Front Page
This relatively affordable hot spot is perfect for families and young professionals. Its proximity to the circle makes it ideal for people-watching over some appetizers or drinks. For families looking for a livelier rendezvous, arrive for happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. for $2.75 drinks. Or, grab some appetizers, like the crispy flatbreads ($8-9) or the calamari ($12) to share, as the entrees are slightly pricey.
1333 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Mondays to Thursdays 11 to 2 a.m., Fridays 11:30 to 3 a.m., Saturdays 11 to 3 a.m., Sundays 10 to 2 a.m.
Bistrot Du Coin
For the foodies, Bistrot Du Coin is the perfect place to go with your parents, friends or that special someone. For a classic French option, try an entrée like the boeuf bourguignon ($22.95), a beef stew in red wine sauce with vegetables and pasta. For a light option, try a salad, like the salade de chèvre chaud ($8.95), a warm goat cheese salad with walnuts. Even if you don’t speak French, “yum” is the same in every language.
1738 Connecticut Ave., NW
Sundays to Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursdays to Saturdays 11:30 to 1 a.m., Brunch: Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
