Open City 20s / All Ages / Anything goes / Beer / Bloody Marys / Bohemian / Breakfast / Brunch / Burgers / Casual / Chic / Chill / Cocktails / Conversational / Couples / Crowded / Dessert / Down-to-earth / Dresses / Easygoing / Family / Fashion Forward / Fashion Types / Friendly / Funky / Fun-loving / Gay-friendly / Good for Groups / Good Looking / Great View / Groups / Happy Hour / Hipster Style / Laid back / Liberal / Lively / Moderate / New American Food / Outdoor Area / People Watching / Pizza / Sandwiches / Sightseeing / Smart Casual / Street Parking / Students / Trendy Casual / Trendy Crowd / Trendy Vibe / TVs / Unpretentious / Upbeat / Wi-Fi / Young Professionals / Diner / Coffee Shop / Bar

My Take: If you’re a student, 20-something, family, or tourist, in DC, you know about Open City in Woodley Park. Not because it’s exclusive, and not because it’s ‘the place to be,’ but because the food is so good and the environment is perfect for every mood you’re in. Of all the diners in Washington, D.C., Open City is always the most packed. It’s definitely saying something that on any given morning and every late evening, all three rooms are full (and in the spring and summer, so is the outdoor seating). It’s a bright blue building situated on Rock Creek Park, a few blocks from the National Zoo, in one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Washington: Woodley Park. The hostesses and employees are friendly. In the daytime, the customers are all smiling and having nice, chatty, casual conversation over their green teas and breakfast sandwiches. Later at night, everyone’s still happy, but in a more personal way: talking softly and intimately over homemade, fresh pies and chai lattes. You come to Open City with people you love and enjoy being around. Period. The Scene: Everyone comes here, which is exactly what makes it unpretentious. Families, bike riders, biker gangs, sorority girls, fraternity boys, the hipster scene, athletes, and all that’s in between. It seems like a weird mix, but it’s so harmonious. Service was helpful, if not a little busy, because the restaurant definitely holds at least 40 cramped tables of at least 4. It’s close quarters, but not uncomfortably so. No one has an attitude here. Cocktails & Cuisine: The food is delicious and fresh every time of day. My favorite meal is breakfast, so that’s usually when you can find me there, but I’ve been there at every general time of day and have never been disappointed, and neither has anyone I’ve been with. It’s mostly diner food: American. Think burgers, fries, thin crust personal pizzas, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, and a lot of bacon. All delicious. There’s also an entire coffee and baked goods section right next to the all-day bar. They’re known for their homemade Bloody Marys, and have actually been kind enough on certain occasions to give out a free one to customers who have waited too long to be seated. Very accommodating. Prices: If you’re not getting drinks, I can’t imagine that anyone would be spending more than $25-$30 at any time of day. With drinks, add maybe $10-$15. Perfect price for a splurge that you deserved but shouldn’t turn your electricity off. What to Wear: There’s no dress code, but when you go, you’re going to want to feel as trendy and put together as everyone else. Girls should think statement necklaces, light tops, favorite jeans, and casual flats for the daytime, and maybe a cute sweater at night. Boys should think their favorite t-shirt and nicely fitted jeans but probably shouldn’t reach for the button-ups or slacks. Insider Info/When to go: Depending on the crowd you’re looking for, there are different ‘best times’ to go. If you’re looking for fun, chatty, and loud, you’re probably going on Saturday for brunch (but they don’t take reservations!!! Though I’ve never waited more than 20 minutes). If you’re looking for something more intimate, you’re probably heading over around 10:30 at night on a Tuesday or Wednesday (perfect for a nice, personal date). Happy hour: M-F 4-6 pm, $3 drafts. Monday: $10 burger & beer combo. Tuesday: ½ price bottle of wine with pizza. Wednesday: $15 mussels & beer or wine. You can literally NEVER GO WRONG.