Fathom Favorites : Washington, D.C.

1. Line D.C.

Line D.C.

A literal temple of high design, gastronomy, and cultural inclusivity in the capital’s eclectic and ceaseless Adams Morgan neighborhood. The unique boutique is housed in a refurbished, century-old Neoclassical church that, in the most charming way possible, stays true to its original form. Instead of pews, the nave and balcony are lined with seating of a far more comfortable sort, where folks from near and far gather around coffee and laptops and fine culinary fare from a powerhouse roster of local chefs. Instead of an alter, visitors look up at glorious vaulted ceilings and a stunning chandelier fashioned from organ pipes. Instead of a sermon, congregants tune into Full Service Radio, a podcast proclaiming stories of and from the community that’s broadcast live from the lobby. The result of this holy transfiguration? One of the coolest places to visit in D.C., whether you're planning to stay the night or not.

1770 Euclid St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
+1-202-588-0525



2. Little Leaf

Little Leaf

Super cute plant shop right off 14th Street that’s as good for the ‘Gram as it is for a small botanical souvenir. 

1401 S. St. NW.
Washington, DC 20009
+1-202-506-2131  

3. Pear Plum Café

Pear Plum Café

The perfect place to start your day and take in the feel of the activist-centered neighborhood. Think baristas in vintage L.L. Bean hats and avocado toast for under $5.

3064 Mt. Pleasant St. NW.
Washington, DC 20009
+1-202-878-6459

4. Churchkey

Churchkey

A spacious yet always packed Logan Circle joint offering an impressive list of brews and accompanying high-end pub fare. Located above the restaurant Birch & Barley, it is dark and welcoming. Claiming a table may require some professional negotiating skills.

1337 14th St. NW.
Washington, DC 20005
+1-202-567-2576

5. The Tabard Inn

The Tabard Inn

Primarily an inn for overnight guests, the ground floor is a cozy living room with a roaring fireplace that feels like a throwback to another era. It’s the kind of place where you could have a hot toddy with an old professor or a martini alone with a good book.

1739 N. St. NW.
Washington, DC 20036
+1-202-785-1277

6. Blagden Alley

Blagden Alley

An enclave of murals, coffee shops, one of D.C.’s top cocktails bars (Columbia Room), and more in the hip Shaw neighborhood. Totally unassuming from the street, with back-meeting alleyways and interior corridors overtaken with eclectic murals and choice graffiti about the current administration.

Blagden Alley NW.
Washington, DC 20001

7. Kramerbooks

Kramerbooks

Another hybrid bookstore, cafe, restaurant, and bar located in Dupont Circle. Kamer’s is always full of people browsing the shelves, sitting down for a full meal, or just stopping by for a glass of wine. Who said print was dead?

1517 Connecticut Ave. NW.
Washington, DC 20036
+1-202-387-1400

8. Busboys and Poets

Busboys and Poets

Part cafe, part bookstore, park community gathering place, the shop first opened in 2005 by an Iraqi-American artist and activist and has now grown to six locations throughout D.C. Driven by community activism, Busboys and Poets hosts a full range of events, from science talks to poetry open mics. It draws its name from Langston Hughes, who worked as a hotel busboy in the 1920s before gaining recognition as one of America’s greatest 20th-century poets.

2021 14th St. NW.
Washington, DC 20009
+1-202-387-7638

9. Wharf District

Wharf District

At once D.C.’s oldest and newest neighborhood. Chock-full of construction and glass and steel condo towers, it’s also home to some of the oldest fish markets in the city. On warm weekend days, the Wharf is flooded primarily by locals who stroll the handsome boardwalk or stop for alfresco drinks by the water.

690 Water St. SW.Hoffman-Madison Waterfront
Washington DC, 20024

10. Newseum

Newseum

Devoted entirely to unpacking the First Amendment and examining the history of the free press, the interactive museum is designed to prompt visitors to examine the role the free press plays in their lives — something ever more necessary in today’s era of "fake news" and social media and evolving dialogues.

555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.
Washington, DC 20001
+1-202-292-6100

11. National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery

Pay homage to President Obama's portrait in the Presidential Gallery and Mrs. Obama’s portrait in the 20th Century Americans Gallery. Learn about the life and legacy of actress Marlene Dietrich, who pushed gender and sexual boundaries. And visit a small room devoted to the short and tragic life of poet Sylvia Plath, one of our country’s great literary minds.

8th St. NW. & F St. NW.
Washington, DC 20001
+1-202-633-8300

12. National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

The landmark museum is devoted to the exploration of American history through the stories and lens of the African American experience. Long-overdue, it houses more than 36,000 historical and cultural artifacts and is worthy of a multi-hour visit. Tickets are free, but they’re hard to come by and require advanced reservations.

1400 Constitution Ave. NW.
Washington, DC 20560
+1-844-750-3012

13. Tidal Basin Cherry Blossom Path

Tidal Basin Cherry Blossom Path

Early each spring (late March through mid-April), Washington explodes in a riot of pink during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The Tidal Basin, now the site of the Jefferson Memorial, remains the most picturesque place to take in the blossoms’ full grandeur.

Tidal Basin and Ohio Drive NW.
Washington, DC, 20003

14. Boundary Stone

A solid spot with a great homemade veggie burger, lots of whiskey and beer options, and buzzing neighborhood vibes. 

116 Rhode Island Ave. NW.
Washington, DC, 20001
+1-202-621-6635

15. Table

What was once a non-descript garage space in Shaw is now a rustic, cozy space for casual French fare prepared right in front of you from the beautiful open kitchen. Come for the family meal held every fourth Thursday of the month, where you get to sit with the staff for a fun pre-service communal dinner featuring some of the chef's favorite items. While you're in the neighborhood, there's also The Dabney for mid-Atlantic food and Thally for custom cocktails and dessert.

903 N St. NW.
Washington, DC, 20001


16. Obelisk

Simple Italian fare since 1987 served in a charming townhouse just off Dupont Circle.

2029 P St. NW.
Washington, DC, 20036
+1-202-872-1180 


17. The Lounge at Bourbon Steak

2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.
Washington, DC, 20007
+1-202-342-0444

18. Minibar

See if your hotel's concierge can score you a reservation at molecular gastronomist José Andrés' superb but tiny restaurant (twelve seats only!) offering a multi-course, fully immersive dining extravaganza. For drinks, consider his cocktail lab barmini next door. If neither works out, check out Andrés' food-on-wheels concept, Pepe, for Spanish flauta sandwiches.

855 E St. NW.
Washington, DC, 20004
+1-202-393-4451

19. Duke's Grocery

A laid-back East London-influenced spot with massive sandwiches. Check their Facebook page for the day's menu. Or order the aptly named Proper Burger and a pint.

1513 17th St. NW.
Washington, DC, 20036
+1-202-733-5623

20. Fiola Mare

A bit a ways from the fussy, see-and-be-seen atmosphere of Fabio Trabocchi's first spot Downtown, his third D.C. restaurant serves incredible Italian seafood along the Potomac. 

3100 K St. NW.
Washington, DC, 20007
+1-202-525-1402

21. Chez Billy Sud

A Parisian bistro with beautiful balcony seating and a downstairs dining area makes a lovely spot for an intimate French meal. Tuck into mussels, confits, and burgers. In colder months, cozy up by the fireplace.

1039 31st St. NW.
Washington, DC, 20007
+1-202-965-2606


22. Room 11

A cozy spot for savory sandwiches and delicious four-barrel coffee in the morning, or dinner and drinks in the outdoor patio on balmy evenings. While you're in the neighborhood, also drop by El Chucho for tacos and margaritas, or Red Rocks for breakfast pizza.

3234 11th St. NW.
Washington, DC, 20010
+1-202-332-3234

23. Komi

Every Tuesday through Saturday evening, James Beard award-winning chef/owner Johnny Monis serves a dozen delightful, mostly seafood-based dishes. Ask for table 11, the best seat in the house (once occupied by the President and First Lady). It may feel impossible to get in, but the 30-day wait is totally worth it. 

1509 17th St NW.
Washington, DC, 20036
+1-202-332-9200

24. Tail Up Goat

From the same minds behind longtime favorites Komi and Little Serow, Tail Up Goat doles out delish Mediterranean-meets-Cajun fare. Don't miss out on inventive loaves like seaweed sourdough and charred chocolate rye.

1827 Adams Mill Rd. NW. (entrance on Lanier Place NW.)
Washington, DC, 20009
+1-202-986-9600

25. Hank's Oyster Bar

A great neighborhood hangout with classic New England fare like lobster rolls and daily fish 'n' chips specials. The Capitol Hill location is also fun (especially because of its cocktail program).

1624 Q St. NW.
Washington DC, 20009
+1-202-462-4265

26. Maketto

An industrial space that functions as a retail store, restaurant, and cafe serving matcha lattes and sticky buns. At lunch, the 60-seat restaurant doles out Taiwanese and Cambodian street food like steamed bao and spicy beef rice bowls.

READ MORE ON FATHOM

1351 H St. NE
Washington, DC, 20002
+1-202-838-9972

27. Toki Underground

Sidle up to the bar for dumplings and a big bowl of steaming ramen with a Taiwanese twist. Waits can be long at the popular tchotchke-filled eatery. Pass the time with drinks at The Pug downstairs.

READ MORE ON FATHOM

1234 H St. NE
Washington, DC, 20002
+1-202-388-3086

28. Iron Gate

The historic stables-turned-inn-turned-restaurant continues to be the District's most romantic dinner spot — see if you can score seats in the wisteria- and grapevines-filled courtyard. The Italian and Greek tasting menu by executive chef Anthony Chittum pair with an equally excellent wine list (also from Italy and Greece).

1734 N. St. NW
Washington, DC, 20036
+1-202-524-5202

29. Little Serow

Just off Dupont Circle, the 28-seater serves an ever-changing prix-fixe menu of northern Thai dishes like aap chiang mai (pork and lanna spices) and si krong muu (pork ribs, Mehkong whiskey, and dill). Go early: As with most restaurants in D.C., Little Serow doesn't take reservations.

READ MORE ON FATHOM

1511 17th St. NW
Washington, DC, 20036
+1-202-332-9200

30. Izakaya Seki

Delicious small plates like tsukune chicken meatballs, uni with quail egg, udon noodles served hot or cold. Add an impressive beer and sake list, it's no surprise that the snug and minimalist spot is packed every night of the week it's open (note: it's closed on Tuesdays).

1117 V St. NW
Washington, DC, 20009
+1-202-588-5841

31. Mintwood Place

Go for the escargot hush puppies, duck rillettes, and forager's salad at the French-influenced American restaurant. The farmhouse-style spot is always buzzing inside, as are the sidewalk seats on warmer days.

1813 Columbia Rd. NW
Washington, DC, 20009
+1-202-234-6732

32. Bad Saint

Everyone will feel like a local at the tiny Filipino joint. Go early or stalk their Twitter feed for immediate/soon-to-be available seating. The menu changes daily, but favorites include ukoy (shrimp fritters) and pancit (stir-fried noodles). 

3226 11th St. NW
Washington, DC, 20010

33. The Willard

The Willard

Just six minutes away from the White House is a little bit of France in the swanky and legendary Willard hotel. Elegant rooms are outfitted with plush mattresses, handsome (practical) desks, and all face either the city or the courtyard. Its notable guest list includes Charles Dickens, Buffalo Bill, Lord and Lady Napier, and almost every president at some point. Probably all spotted at the Round Robin bar. 

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.
Washington, DC, 20004
+1-202-628-9100   

34. Rosewood Washington DC

Rosewood Washington DC

Rosewood Washington may have just changed management but kept many of the beloved elements when it was Capella, like the rooftop lounge and the Grill Room restaurant with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the historic C&O Canal. With just 49 rooms and suites and its discreet location, it feels like a luxurious homestay.

1050 31st St. NW.
Washington, DC, 20007
+1-202-617-2400

35. Hotel Palomar Washington DC

Hotel Palomar Washington DC

The San Francisco-based Kimpton group brings a pop of color and some West Coast vibes to the otherwise straight-laced city. It's still luxe enough to not scare away the typical D.C. crowd, but also doesn't shy away from bold patterns and modern fixtures in the rooms and public spaces.

2121 P St. NW.
Washington, DC, 20037
+1-855-546-7866

36. The Dupont Circle Hotel

The Dupont Circle Hotel

Besides its obviously convenient location right on the popular Dupont Circle, the hotel is also walking distance to hip Logan Circle, The Mall, and buzzy bars on U Street. A recent redesign brought a modern and masculine edge to the hotel normally catering to international dignitaries. Get a room facing the Circle or splurge on a Level Nine room for VIP extras like a glass balconies, a dedicated concierge, and a self-service bar. 

1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW.
Washington, DC, 20036
 +1-202-483-6000

37. Kimpton Mason & Rock Hotel

Kimpton Mason & Rock Hotel

The bustling Logan Circle neighborhood is no place for stuffy heads-of-states but instead attracts a younger, stylish, and more discerning crowd. That's thanks to the rooftop pool, the hotel's trademark 5 p.m. wine hour, and spacious rooms filled with Frette linens, walk-in glass showers, and 65-inch TVs.

1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW.
Washington, DC, 20005
+1-202-742-3100

38. The Watergate Hotel

The Watergate Hotel

The luxurious riverfront hotel recently completed a massive $125-million (and multi-year) facelift. The original grand staircase and mosaic-tiled saltwater pool have been restored, but new interiors by Israeli designer Ron Arad adds mid-century modern elements to public spaces including the lobby whiskey bar and hotel's restaurant. Rooms are just as decked out with floor-to-ceiling marble bathrooms and La Bottega bath amenities.

2650 Virginia Ave. NW.
Washington, DC, 20037
+1-844-617-1972

39. The Jefferson

The Jefferson

The stately 1926 Beaux Arts building has all the gilding, marble, and ornate accents fit for the Francophile president that inspired the hotel's name. Everyone on staff — from the front desk concierge to Monti the "executive canine officer" — balances discretion and comfort with a graceful ease.

1200 16th St. NW.
Washington, DC, 20036
+1-202-448-2300