bites to eat

d.c. has a pretty decent restaurant scene. and there's definitely something for everyone here.

here, in no particular order, are some of our favorite places to eat:

1. birch and barley - located in logan circle, this place is delicious. pretty standard american food. seasonal and local ingredients abound. don't forget to check out their sister restaurant, chuchkey, located on the second floor. seriously excellent bar food. fried mac and cheese sticks? ok.

2. jaleo

if you're looking for something fun, check out this jose andres' tapas restaurant. this place is right in the heart of chinatown, and the food is delicious and unique. 

3. ted's bulletin

this place is located right by eastern market. the food is american diner style. this place is amazing. don't forget to try one of their famous 'adult milkshakes' (hint: there's booze in it) or one of their insane homemade pop tarts.

4. zaytinya - this is another tapas place. and it's also in chinatown. but the food couldn't be more different than jaleo. this place is run by former top chef contestant mike isabella. the website describes their food as greek and turkish, but it's just good stuff.

5. proof - this is located almost directly next door to zaytinya. it's a wine bar/restaurant. their cheese plates are a must try and their other food is just as good.

6. rosa mexicano. oh what's that? another chinatown restaurant? yes, this one is also in chinatown, but if you're looking for good guac (they make it at your table!) and margaritas, this is your place.

7. estadio. i have actually never been here before, but i'm dying to try it. this is also in logan circle, very close to birch & barley. spanish-style tapas. dc loves small places i guess.

8. sushi taro. bob and i used to live a block away from this sushi place. they've since remodeled the place, but i hear the sushi is as good as ever.

9. 2 amys. this place is located in upper georgetown. also known as glover park. in my opinion, this is the best pizza in the city. 

10. tackle box. you'll find this casual restaurant in the heart of georgetown on bustling m street. this is easily some of the best and freshest seafood i've ever had. 

11. marvin. you'll find marvin in dc's U street neighborhood. they have a cute little open air roof deck where you can grab a cocktail and the food here is to die for. i've never once left disappointed. just make sure at least one person in your party tries the chicken and waffles.

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we're pumped to see everyone in just a few short days! this will be our last blog post, but if there's anything you're wondering about, don't hesitate to send an email (ansmiley@gmail.com; bobby.sumner@gmail.com).


see you saturday!

getting there and parking

there's no shortage of hotels and places to stay while you're visiting dc. but no matter where you're staying, we want to make sure you can find us on the 16th.

directions from maryland, virginia and dc are below:

from maryland to eastern market

bethesda to eastern market

silver spring to eastern market

chevy chase to eastern market

from virginia to eastern market

alexandria to eastern market

springfield to eastern market

arlington to eastern market

from the grand hyatt washington/downtown d.c.

downtown dc to eastern market

and don't forget, eastern market has its own metro stop. so getting there via public transportation is also an excellent option.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL-SIZED MAP

once you arrive, directional signage will guide you to the north hall.

if you decide to drive, parking on the weekends is completely doable.

you can park in any spot you can find. just remember to read the neighborhood signs carefully to ensure you're not accidentally in a tow-away zone.

we recommend looking for a space anywhere within the red outline on this map. you'll have to parallel park, so but out those driver's ed skills from way back.

you can park outside of this red outline, but the walk will be longer. and we need you on the dance floor.

you're also welcome to take a taxi if that's more your speed.

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if you have questions about the parking/arrival situation, by all means let us know. we're happy to help (ansmiley@gmail.com/bobby.sumner@gmail.com).

see everyone soon!

top ten things to do

we are really looking forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks! 

so today, i thought it would be nice to share with you some fantastic dc activities. there's so much to do in this city that it can be hard to choose, but bob and i have worked together to come up with a list of some can't-miss activities.

so here goes: in no particular order, ten very awesome and mostly free things to do while you're here.

1. the monuments. whether you just check out some or manage to make the trek to see them all, if you've never been to dc or seen the monuments before, check them out! there's the lincoln, jefferson, washington momument, world war II memorial, vietnam memorial and more! 

insider tip: go at dawn or dusk. they're spectacular in the sunrise and moonlight. plus it won't be as hot or crowded!

2. the national gallery of art + sculpture garden.  this is an awesome FREE and air conditioned museum. there are new exhibits up all the time, and i've never left disappointed. when you're finished looking at the art, hop on over to the sculpture garden for a quick bite to eat. the sculptures are definitely something worth seeing.

insider tip: if you're in town friday afternoon, check out the free jazz in the garden series that takes place at the sculpture garden. bring a picnic blanket and spread out and enjoy the tunes!

3.  m street in georgetown. if shopping is what you're after, head this way. there's an endless amount of shops, cafes, and boutiques to check out. parking can be a bit of a challenge in the summer, but you should be able to find something. 

insider tip: skip the line at georgetown cupcake and head over to baked & wired instead. better cupcakes, no waiting.

4. nationals park. our hometown nationals will be taking on the evil yankees during the weekend. if you're looking for something fun and laid back to do on friday or sunday, head on over and check out the game and our beautiful stadium. you can buy tickets here.


insider tip: the line at shake shack is always long. but it's worth it if you really love a good burger. also, don't forget to check out the bullpen before and/or after the game ends. there's always something fun going on in there!

5. the portrait gallery. another free museum that has rotating exhibits and plentiful air conditioning. this is right in the heart of chinatown, so there's plenty of places to eat if you want to grab a bite after you're done soaking up the culture.

insider tip: don't miss the kogod courtyard. it's one of the most beautiful spaces in the city.

6. eastern market! we know you're coming here on saturday, but if you're still around on sunday morning, it's a great place to walk through. farmers, artists, and local vendors are located outside and there's fresh pasta and even more produce inside.

insider tip: don't forget to check out the parking lot across the street from the farmers tables. there's tons more to see in there!

7. the botanic gardens.  situated just in front of the u.s. capitol building, the botanic gardens are beautiful. if you're into natural surroundings, check this place out.


insider tip: admission is free so even if you just hop in here for some relief from the heat, it won't cost you a dime.

8. the newseum. this is one of the few museums in dc that has an admission but it's worth it. if you're a journalism nerd or history buff, this is an excellent museum.


insider tip: every morning, the newseum staff changes the front-page newspaper display out front to reflect the nation's most current news. see if you can find your local paper represented! 

9. the smithsonian museums. if you've been to dc before, you've probably been to a smithsonian. but they're still here. still free. still full of cool stuff.


insider tip: getting hungry while walking from museum to museum? stop in the cafeteria in the national museum of the american indian for the best food on the mall.

10. segway tour! if you don't feel like walking at all, but still want to take in everything dc has to show you, a segway tour is for you. i've done this twice now, and it was a blast.


insider tip: none. just have fun!

have questions about something that's not mentioned here? shoot us an email at ansmiley@gmail.com or bobby.sumner@gmail.com.