City Guide Going Out: Washington, DC

August 10, 2012 1:30 pm ET

From 9 to 5 Washington, DC is the studious and upstanding city that political science professors lecture about.  Swelling to nearly 4 times the city’s population on any given weekday, the District works hard.  But when the sun sets over Virginia, and the Washington monument’s shadow stretches the length of the reflecting pool, DC come’s alive.

In the fourth installment of our City Guides (City Guide to Shopping, City Guide to Food, City Guide to Attractions), GM Northeast will turn you into a social butterfly with the inside scoop on DC’s hot spots.   Having the proper night on the town is not about jumping from locale to locale, it’s about the perfect equation of “dinner + drinks.” Here are three areas that offer a  truly “DC” like experiences.

A “Bro”-tastic Evening- Long known for the illuminati that reside within, Georgetown has become the cultural mecca of Washington DC.  With high end shops and a culinary history to match the neighborhood has developed quite the reputation for an afternoon out.  Why shouldn’t Georgetown’s glory extend into the evening? Dinner in Georgetown is as simple as closing your eyes, spinning, and pointing; 9 out of 10 times you will have chosen a winner. If spontaneity isn’t your thing head to Old Glory Bar-B-Que for a piece of pork perfection.  From the flavorful smoke that engulfs their food to the rustic décor that adorns the Washington classic Old Glory’s will not disappoint.  Once you’ve gorged yourself on a variable smorgasbord of animals head to the one location in DC that offers patriotic views, affordable prices, and unbeatable company, Nick’s Riverside Grill.  Cast in the glow of colorful fountains and with views of both the Kennedy Center and Washington Monument Nick’s Riverside Grill is the perfect location to spend your evening.  A stomping ground for all of DC’s well-to-do millenials, the Nicks Riverside Grill, like Old Glory, won’t disappoint.

Party like your Lambda Lambda Lambda- An amorphous sliver sandwiched between Columbia Heights & Dupont Circle, Adam’s Morgan has always been the “go-to spot” for DC’s rebellious youth.  Set on a steep hill Adam’s Morgan is DC’s most eclectic location.  Like Georgetown, start your day with not only a quick bite, but the best bite.  Imagine for a moment the perfect tortilla, inside is succulent meats and fresh salsas that will dance across your palate.  Now that you’re mouth is watering head to Lauriol Plaza for a taste of the best Mexican food North of the border.  A quick tip for a peaceful evening: this tribute to tortillas gets packed early, waiting for a table is never as long as they say you only have to outwait the impatient people in front of you.  Just grab a pitcher of their famous margaritas, a free basket of their crispy tortilla chips and wait outside under the stars. Once you’ve sampled the authentic tastes of Mexico, just walk up the hill to a location with both live music and an electric atmosphere, Adam’s Morgan’s own Madams Organ.  A blues bar featuring the soleful live music Madam’s Organ will be you’re your entire evening.  Enjoy its many indoor floors or enjoy a drink under the stars on their rooftop terrace.

The “H” Stands for Hipster- If you find Georgetown and even Adams Morgan too posh and are looking for a real vinyl and horn rimmed glasses crowd make your way down to H Street.  From exotic foods to niche bars, H Street is abounding with unique evening experiences.  Leading the skinny jean army are the brilliant minds behind Taylor Gourmet.  From their rustic bread that transports your palate to Philadelphia to their premium cold cuts vibrant with the flavors of Italy, Taylor Gourmet has become a staple of H Street culture.  Astonishingly their sides may be better than their sandwiches; risotto balls are a must have when stopping by Taylor’s.  Once you’ve had your fill make your way down just a few blocks to the H Street Country Club, a witty country club themed bar with a DC putt-putt golf course on the second floor.  Put your way through the Lincoln memorial and underneath the “Awakening” as you and your friends enjoy an evening you’ll never forget.

Do you have more great stops in DC? Leave them in the comment section below!

Featured photo by Schodts