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Tue / Jan 26
Prior to the late 90s construction of the Verizon Center across the street in neighboring Chinatown, Penn Quarter (sometimes called “Old Downtown”) offered little to prompt a visit.
The completion of the massive sports and entertainment arena, however, brought with it a substantial revitalization of much of the neighborhood, now home to dozens of new bars, nightclubs, artsy venues, eateries, and designer stores.
Often referred to as the Times Square of Washington, DC, Penn Quarter explodes with sports fans and concert revelers after an event at the Center, as well as young professionals sipping wine flights or chomping French/Indian fusion, and the jersey-clad set pounding pitchers at any number of sports bars and pubs along the main 7th Street drag.
Although mid-range fine dining is Penn Quarter’s calling card, foodies flock to all four of internationally-acclaimed chef Jose Andrés’s restaurants both day and night, while neon-lit national chains leave budget-minded tourists and broke students with enough left over for a cheap beer, a movie, or a few rounds at the bowling alley.
Bond wannabes get their nerd on at The International Spy Museum, or join more refined museum-goers at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery or the Newseum, a museum dedicated to the news.
On Thursday afternoons in spring, summer, and fall, the FRESHFARM farmers market opens on 8th Street, enticing hordes of organic gourmands to leave their cubicles and spend some time shopping al fresco.
20s / 30s / 40s / After Work / Bar / Beer
Party Earth Review A block from the Verizon Center sports complex, Iron Horse Taproom offers craft beers, Skeeball, a healthy bourbon selection, and lots of motorcycle décor with nary a grizzled ... more
507 Seventh Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
30s / 40s / Blazers / Button-downs
Reviewed by Christine L.
"Wow. This place was amazing. The service is top notch and the decor and ambiance were great. We had the crispy spinach that had red onion and a swe ..." more
633 D Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
Affluent / Bottle Service / Chic
Party Earth Review Even with six bars and four DJ booths spread over five floors, Ultrabar still isn’t the largest club in the city – but the hundred-deep line of partiers that forms out front every Saturday ... more
911 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
All Ages / Barbeque / Casual
Reviewed by Rachel W.
"Hill Country is one-of-a-kind in DC. Huge portions (pay by the pound), fat-laden deliciousness. This huge space in downtown DC not only has amazing br ..." more
410 7th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20004
20s and up / Brunch / Casual
Reviewed by Harper W.
"My Take: As someone who is very adventurous when it comes to food, I am always looking for new restaurants to try. This is difficult in a college town ..." more
401 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004