Holley Simmons

With Memorial Day in the rearview, summer has finally descended on the District. It’s not quite swampy yet for mosquitoes, but we’ve already had our first thunderstorms, and the oddly cold weather has abated and given way to that sweet steaminess that marks the warmest season here. It’s not quite dire enough to hide inside the shelter of air-conditioned buildings, so I’m doing all the outdoor dining I can handle before heat and bugs chase me inside.  Part of what makes me love this city is the sense of togetherness and community, which permeates the restaurant scene. We’re a city of curious people who celebrate diverse cultures and take pride in doing so. The best restaurants in D.C. evoke this feeling of home and are safe spaces for you to be yourself around the people you love—all of which is especially grounding in chaotic times. The new additions to this list offer homey atmospheres. They’re celebrations of cultural cuisine that double as really great spots to make new memories with your loved ones. They include one longtime favorite and one newcomer that feels like it's destined to become a beloved staple. This June, make it your mission to eat at restaurants that make you feel like you belong. Read on for the 21 best restaurants in Washington, D.C. right now. June 2025: In this latest update, which highlights the best D.C. restaurants this month, we have added Mélange Food, Inc. and El Tamarindo. This guide was updated by D.C.-based writer Helen Carefoot. At Time Out, a

With the exception of peak cherry blossom bloom, summer is the District’s busiest season—once Memorial Day passes, we’re in the belly of the beast. Expect throngs of tourists crowding the Metro and packing museums.  Can you really blame them? May in D.C. is my favorite month of the summer; it’s not yet so sweltering that hiding inside is mandatory and there’s a certain breeziness that takes hold when the sun consistently shines and sets at 8pm. Signs of the season are everywhere: college seniors pack the monuments for portrait sessions and celebrations, parks are filled with picnickers, the outdoor patios are packed and there’s a buzz that washes the city with life. One thing about Washingtonians? We know how to take advantage when the seasons shift. May 2025: The best things to do this month in D.C. are all about getting out of the house and into the world. Mark this month by truly celebrating the people in it. This month includes the kickoff of a global celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in the form of WorldPride DC 2025. May also means Passport DC, the annual showcase of global cultures that sees locals line up to tour embassies. Plus, who isn’t excited about the return of Jazz in the Garden? Don’t worry if smaller crowds are more your style. Exploration can happen on your own or with a friend or two at a show, an exhibit, or a vintage sale. Read on for the best things to do in Washington, D.C. right now.  D.C.-based writer Helen Carefoot updated this guide to reflect the

Living in D.C. is fantastic, especially with all the freebies. The city is alive with fun events and beautiful public spaces—and it's not just museums. Though, the 19 free Smithsonian museums are pretty great, too. Something exciting is always happening, from botanical gardens and outdoor movie screenings to free jazz performances and festivals. So whether you're looking for free family activities, planning a budget-friendly date night, or just exploring the city, here are some of the best free things to do in DC. And if you need more ideas? Check out our list of the best things to do in Washington, D.C. With so much to explore, you'll never run out of things to do. This guide was updated by D.C.-based writer Omnia Saed. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in D.C.The best attractions in D.C.

There's one thing nearly every visitor and resident of Washington, D.C. can agree on—we are a museum town. History buffs, art enthusiasts and people simply interested in America's past need to look no further than the nation's capital, which is chock-full of cultural institutions worth visiting whether you're here for a day or have been for years—many of which are free to enjoy, we might add.  The sheer number of worth-it museums in the District can feel overwhelming, but don't worry, because we're here to guide you through the spaces and galleries you simply can't miss. if you like learning—or at least looking at some seriously cool and beautiful objects—I promise there is a museum for you on this list, which encompasses art, history, interior design, pop culture, literature, and even old nuclear missiles. Read on for the 20 best museums in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Washington, D.C.🏛️ The best Washington, D.C. attractions🍴 The best restaurants in D.C. right now🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Washington, D.C.💰 The best cheap hotels in Washington, D.C. This guide was written by Washington, D.C. locals. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

The only meal Washingtonians laud more than brunch is happy hour. That sacred several hour window when the city's great restaurants and bars slash prices on cocktails and appetitzers is prime hang time, whether you're alone just trying to unwind or meet up with friends or coworkers. There are so many happy hours in the city, but we tried to only include places that serve excellent drinks and food—you can keep that $1 Bud Light bucket, thanks. Picks include beloved dives, casual taprooms, and upscale cocktail bars, but what they all have in common are the makings of a fun night ahead. Read on for the 14 best happy hour deals in Washington, D.C. right now.  RECOMMENDED: The 43 best restaurants in Washington, D.C. right now

There’s something so magical about Washington, D.C. in the holiday season. While we're not exactly on the level of top Christmas destinations like New York or London, D.C. punches above its weight as a holiday and cold-weather destination. The District really comes to life in the colder months; walks around town mean plenty of Christmas trees adorned with ornaments, wreaths, and twinkling holiday lights. To get in the holiday spirit, why not visit a holiday market or grab a hot chocolate and stroll around to see some lights? Here are 11 of the best places to see Christmas lights in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED: The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2024 guide

Christmas will be here before we know it, which means it's time to start making plans for holiday merriment. As you make your plans to ring in the season around the District (may we suggest seeing some of the Christmas lights in Washington, D.C.?) be sure to turn some attention to where you'll eat on the day itself. Rather than spend precious time on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worrying about whether the turkey is done or if your guests have enough to drink, why not head to one of the many great restaurants in D.C. instead? By letting someone else take care of the yuletide cooking, you'll free up time and energy to focus on what really matters during the holidays—spending time with loved ones, relaxing, and celebrating. Read on for 12 restaurants in Washington, D.C. that will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  RECOMMENDED: The 43 best restaurants in Washington, D.C. right now

The best restaurants in Washington, D.C. are a bunch that span the globe. Ask a dozen Washingtonians for their favorite restaurant recs, and you're bound to get 12 different answers. There's a good chance though that at least one person will name an Italian restaurant. The District has a slew of delicious Italian eateries that are worth your time. Whether your goal is to eat an authentic Sicilian pasta or an Italian American classic like chicken parm, we've got you covered. Read on for our favorite Italian restaurants in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED: The 18 best Chinese restaurants in Washington, D.C.

If there's one thing people in D.C. know how to do, it's brunch. This city is famous for its brunch scene. Locals and tourists alike take part in the time honored tradition of rolling up to a favorite spot with friends to debrief the week and indulge in sweets and savories—all the better if the meal is washed down with mimosas. I've spent many a weekend morning (fine, late morning) debriefing night befores with my friends, and there's no better venue for it than brunch. Another reason to love D.C.'s brunch specifically? Just like our diverse restaurant scene, brunch restaurants in D.C. encompass a huge swath of the globe. Brunch in D.C. doesn't just mean the classic pancakes, mimosa and eggs—although our spots make tasty traditional and innovative versions of these, too (ever had a rosewater and cardamom pancake, or ube pancakes with rich coconut syrup?) Here, brunch includes pan-fried pork and kimchi dumplings, all you can eat Balkan dips, puffy Turkish breads, tacos with braised adobo mushrooms and black beans and richly spiced Galbi beef burgers and milk bread egg sandwiches. There's an embarassment of riches when it comes to brunch offerings, so to narrow this list we considered the following factors: quality of food, drink, and ambiance, plus whether the offerings are unique and cater to a variety of patrons. There are some known brunch places absent from this list that provide a bottomless experience that's a great value but serves food that's nothing special, or some t

There are certain moments in life where a plate of warm dumplings are the only way to soothe. Those who agree will be happy to learn that the DMV has some of the best Chinese restaurants around. There are options for soothing hotpot and spicy dan dan noodles aplenty, plus plenty of places to nosh on as much savory beef and pork as you’d like. While there are a handful of A+ Chinese restaurants in D.C. proper, some of the best lie just beyond the city borders in Maryland and Virginia and are absolutely worth the drive or Metro ride. We put together a list of the area’s best, in no particular order.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in D.C

Got 48 hours in Washington, D.C. and looking to make the most of it? You’re in the right place. This city is packed with history, culture and a whole lot of fun, so whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to rediscover the capital, we’ve got you covered. From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to hidden gems and local favorites, this guide will help you squeeze in as much adventure as possible in just two days. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your metro card, and get ready to experience the best of D.C. in 48 action-packed hours. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Washington, D.C. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Planning a trip to DC? Good call. The District is packed with free, cheap and family-friendly things to do to keep visitors busy. The city is broken into four different quadrants that are made up of distinct neighborhoods, each one promising history, art, food, drinks and so much more. Below are a few of our favorite neighborhoods (complete with pros and cons for each one), so you can better decide where to stay in Washington, DC on your next visit. Plus: Hotel picks for each neighborhood. We hope these are helpful – hopefully see you out on the town sometime soon! Happy vacation, friends. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Washington D.C.RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Washington D.C. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Helmed by the same family behind Beau Thai’s success, BKK Cookshop serves a sleek menu of classic street food dishes and over a dozen noodle bowls and stir fries (the coconut noodle bowl is an absolute must). Head to the corner patio for a pleasant meal outdoors when the weather permits it.

The secret is out on this charming restaurant that started out as a humble takeaway joint in the owner’s home on Florida Avenue. It has since grown into one of the hardest reservations to snag with a new, BYOB location in Shaw. It’s a dream for indecisive diners, as chef Taw Vigsittaboot serves a rotating tasting menu based on the freshest ingredients available—but always expect (and order!) the signature pumpkin curry.

This family-run restaurant earns high marks for staying true to traditional Thai tradition: many dishes follow the owner’s family recipe book and the walls are adorned with sepia-toned snapshots of the founder’s ancestors. Menus are essentially identical at both the Shaw and Mount Pleasant locales, though the latter offers a spicy pork stew worth driving out of your way for.

Recipes dating back generations are the stars of the menu at this family-owned restaurant. With nearly ten locations throughout the D.C. area, Tara Thai does its part to bring classic, flavor-rich Thai dishes and sushi to the masses. Offerings range from standard favorites (think pad thai and larb gai) to modern takes on classics, like the Bangkok wings dish and the tilapia sautéed in hot chili paste.

Our favorite spot to enjoy the chef’s Asian classics is up top, in space’s mezzanine section. From here, observe what’s going on all around the bustling restaurant while admiring the masterful sushi chefs working at the counter below. This Dupont Circle spot also offers an excellent happy hour programs that includes $4 glasses of wine and sake as well as select nigiri sushi and maki rolls for under $5. 

This Logan Circle standard has satisfied DC slurpers for years. Following a redesign, the noodle house better reflects the sleek area that surrounds it. The space is intimate, meaning you can easily hear the clinks of woks over the buzzy conversations while waiting for your skewered meat, dumplings and salads. The venue also leads a swift take-out business, just in case you’d rather devour your meal at home.

Based on common Thai street foods, the menu (and interior) at Soi 38 is designed to reflect Bangkok’s open air night markets. The dining room can be just as bustling, with guests enthusiastically ripping into skewered meats and rustic curries. Don’t be afraid of a little spice—especially since the extensive beverage and cocktail menu will help you wash down any fiery bites you decide to indulge in.

Doi Moi is your spot if you like your Thai food with a side of fusion and flair. The 14th Street hotspot serves polished Southeast Asian cuisine, including Thai-style fried marinated beef and Vietnamese marinated pork ribs. Ever accommodating, the restaurant also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options. Don’t overlook the carefully concocted cocktails and, if you’re still thirsty by the time you pay your bill, just head downstairs to sister speakeasy Two Birds One Stone.

Located on the second level of Tsunami Sushi on 14th Street, this restaurant within a restaurant serves one of the city’s meanest plates of pad thai. Dishes hail from every region of Thailand, with standouts including the milky Tom Yum noodle soup with roasted pork and ground chicken. Perhaps the best part: Although this hidden gem is in a pretty popular neighborhood, it’s usually fairly easy to find a table.

The first thing you’ll probably notice when you enter Lupo Verde—the Italian hotspot at the heart of all the 14th Street action—is the curing room where pancetta, sausage and other meats hang while they’re aged. It’s just one way this restaurant ensures flavors as close to the motherland as possible. The cuisine is rustic with seafood highlights (reflective of Southern Italy, where the owner is from) and includes dishes such as homemade cavatelli with smoked muscles, cherry tomatoes, potato and white wine sauce.

DC claims several stars from the popular Top Chef tv cooking competition, and one of the most recognizable is Spike Mendelsohn. Following the success of his fun, classic American burger joint on Capitol Hill, Mendelsohn opened a second DC locale in Georgetown. The Michelle Melt, a free-range turkey burger with Swiss cheese and a wholewheat bun, is named after the First Lady, a frequent fan. Grab your order at the counter and don’t miss the dipping bar where you can doctor up your handcut fries with flavored mayonnaises and sauces. The delicious toasted marshmallow milkshake is the stuff of legend.

The only way you could enjoy Kenilworth Park more was if you were a frog and able to jump from lily pad to lily pad. The sprawling nature conservatory in Northeast DC is made up of a series of foot bridges that allow you to take in all the beauty of the wetlands sprinkled with blossoming lotuses. The park is open year-round, and you can attend a ranger-led nature walk daily at 2pm. But by far the best time to visit is during the Locus and Water Lily Festival during the summer when the foliage will be in full-bloom.