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Now is the time to visit Washington, DC. Cherry Blossoms are in prime time and the city is a buzz. Here are a few ideas to make your trip to the nations capital city- Washington, DC a memorable one.

Penn Quarter

This historic neighborhood in downtown Washington D.C. survived race riots, inner-city turmoil and recession; after an epic renovation it’s now one of the most culturally significant neighborhoods in the nation’s capital. Museums, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, shops, salons and a seasonal farmer’s market dot the streets, while parks and plazas create inviting public spaces. Several apartment buildings and condos keep the vibe decidedly local, as residents mix with shoppers and tourists to create a thriving 24-hour community. Even the subway stop that serves Penn Quarter – the Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station - carries out the area’s aesthetic with a big, bold Chinese fan spreading over one entrance.

Penn Quarter is a great jumping-off point for those who want to see the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall. Park there, grab a bite, tour the museums and mall, and come back to Penn Quarter for dinner, drinks, theater or a night on the town. Here are some don’t-miss destinations in this cool neighborhood. – Eileen Loh is a free lance writer and world traveller. You can read more of her work here

GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

8th and F Streets NW

Washington DC

(202) 633-8300

Free Admission

www.npg.si.edu

This branch of the Smithsonian Institute portrays significant figures in U.S. history through visual arts, performing arts and new media.

INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM

800 F Street NW

202-EYESPYU (393-7798)

www.spymuseum.org

Admission $14 and up.

With more than 600 items related to the field of international espionage, this is one of the more interesting interactive museums around – guests are given five minutes to memorize a “spy profile” that they’re supposed to use as their cover throughout their visit. Visitors can participate in more elaborate spy games too.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
401 Constitution Avenue, NW (4th and Constitution)

Washington, DC

(202) 737-4215

www.nga.gov

Free Admission

Some of the world-renowned works of art here include pieces by Rodin, Degas, Titian, Rembrandt, Goya and Rafael. It’s best known for its spectacular Italian Renaissance art collection.

SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM

8th and F Streets NW

Washington DC

http://americanart.si.edu

(202) 633-7970

Free Admission

This is the definitive museum for all regions and movements of American art. Its Lunder Conservation Center is one of the few places in the world where one can see behind-the-scenes preservation work on valuable pieces of art.

HARMAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS/ SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY

Lansburgh Theatre: 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC

Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC

(202) 547.1122

www.shakespearetheatre.org

Ticket prices vary

Called “the nation’s foremost Shakespeare company,” this regional troupe often features notable guest actors. It focuses mainly on works by The Bard and occasionally presents productions by other classic playwrights as well; its summer Free For All productions attract theatregoers by the thousands.

RESTAURANTS, BARS & CAFES

COWGIRL CREAMERY

919 F St. NW

Washington, DC

(202) 393-6880

www.cowgirlcreamery.com

California’s beloved crafters of organic, artisan American cheese have brought their internationally acclaimed cheeses here, to their only East Coast shop. One of the Cowgirls (co-owner Sue Conley) hails from D.C., so the store’s down-home feel is no accident. Sample and choose hand-crafted cheeses from around the world, select a bottle or two of great wine, and maybe grab a gourmet sandwich or salad to go.

D’ACQUA

801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Washington, DC

(202) 783-7717

www.dacquadc.com

Cesco Ricchi and Chef Enzo Febbraro bring the tastes of their native Italy to the Penn Quarter, to high acclaim. On sunny days, sit outside and listen to the bubbling of the Navy Memorial fountains next door as you enjoy the Tuscan flavors that made Ricchi one of the most successful restaurateurs in Washington.

FADÓ IRISH PUB

808 7th St. NW

Washington, DC

(202) 789-0066

www.fadoirishpub.com

Come here for the rugby and footy games shown live by satellite; stay for the inspired bar food including Smithwick’s mini-burgers, Fadó’s signature potato bread and Guinness BBQ wings.

FOGO DE CHAO

1101 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Washington, DC

(202) 347-4668

www.fogodechao.com

Nobody does meat quite like South Americans, as this Brazilian steakhouse so deliciously reminds its aficionados. Authentic Gaucho chefs from southern Brazil will slow-roast more than a dozen types of meat and carve it right in front of you. Pair it with such accompaniments as garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh selection from the huge, bountiful salad bar.

JALEO

480 7th St. NW

Washington, DC

(202) 628-7949

www.jaleo.com

This smart Spanish tapas restaurant, founded by celebrity chef and neighborhood anchor José Andrés, features exquisite small-plate offerings. The dishes are an homage to classic Spanish flavor profiles, with some experimentation thrown in. Fantastic ingredients, such as Ibérico ham or housemade chorizo, provide the foundation for the excellent tapas.

POSTE MODERNE BRASSERIE

555 8th St. NW

Washington DC 20004

(202) 783-6060

www.postebrasserie.com
Old meets new meets delicious at this classic American restaurant. Set in the original 1841 General Post Office, Poste Moderne is home to the most modern sustainable and eco-friendly standards applied in U.S. eateries. Chef Rob Weland uses the freshest organic ingredients from regional farms, dairies, ranches, and the Penn Quarter farmer’s market.

TEAISM A TEA HOUSE
400 8th St. NW

Washington, DC

(202) 638-6010

www.teaism.com

The gourmet teas and herbal blends are the main draw here: blacks, greens, whites, Chais, oolongs and tisanes to your heart’s content. Its simple, classic, Asian-inspired fare covers everything from kebabs to bento boxes and includes tasty choices for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

TENPENH

1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Washington, DC

(202) 393-4500

www.tenpenh.com

Influences from all over Asia converge at TenPenh: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Vietnam are all represented here. Asian-Pacific-inspired contemporary cuisine rules the menu, highlighted by exciting sauces and decadent desserts.

ZAYTINYA

701 9th St. NW

Washington, DC

(202) 638-0800

www.zaytinya.com

All the best flavors of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean can be found in Zaytinya’s mezze, or small plates. James Beard-winning chef and neighborhood champion José Andrés, renowned for tapas-style dining, directed the inspired menu here. Contemporary meets classical Greek, Turkish and Lebanese cuisine, and its extensive wine list showcases the little-known Eastern Mediterranean wine region.

More on DC – All About Washington, DC

Welcome to the Nation’s capital! Yes, folks talk politics in this town like the rest of us talk about our sport’s teams. But they aren’t really that bad – the D.C. folk really do know how to loosen up those ties. D.C. is a town that loves its Happy Hour a time when you can catch up with friends or meet new ones.

We saw you smuggle your after-work change of clothes into your cubicle so that you’re ready for the 5 o’clock bell. Go ahead, leave your car in the office garage you can always cab it home or Metro it back to work the next morning.

Like most cities, Washington, D.C. is a collection of smaller neighborhoods (there are 14 of them), each having its own flavor and charm. Architecture and attitude changes from one block to the other, creating a cultural patchwork that can be fascinating for locals and tourists alike. The city has plenty of energy from all the politics, government, and colleges in town. From the Vietnamese places in Arlington, V.A. to the charming brownstones of Georgetown; from the urban feel of the Connecticut Corridor near Woodley Park and Cleveland Park to the alternative minded Dupont Circle, each area in this city offers up something unique.

One of our favorite things to do in D.C. is to just waste the day or night away on the Mall. But remember, this is not the shopping type. It’s the Quad or grassy park in between all the cool national monuments and museums in the heart of the city. The Smithsonian museums are free and allow you to explore art, history, space, and much more. You also feel the National pride as you stroll thru the Mall. So, even if you hated science class, you’ll still have fun whispering inside the Capitol rotunda. While in the area, you must stop by the Spy Museum – with all its interesting tidbits about the real James Bonds. Just try to remember your alias as you navigate thru the interactive maze of espionage. And, make a reservation since the lines are known to get a bit out of hand.

Worked up an appetite seeing all those landmarks in our nation’s capital? When you’ve had your fill of historical lessons and facts that you’ve forgotten since the 6th grade, it’s time to get your groove on. Here then are our journeyPod Picks for wining and dining your own party (political or not), while in D.C.:

Restaurants

CityZen (Downtown) – Located at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (1330 Maryland Avenue SW, at 12th St.), CityZen’s chef extraordinaire, Eric Ziebold was voted as one of America’s Best New Chefs and the restaurant one of the Hottest Restaurants in the World. This American-French restaurant (with Asian roots) boasts soaring ceilings and an exhibition kitchen where you can watch your scrumptious dishes like foie gras risotto, chicken and dumplings or proscuitto with melon get prepared. Three and five-course tasting menus are also available and will not disappoint. With an 800-bottle wine cellar, a sophisticated lounge, dining area, and a signature martini or champagne cocktail CityZen will allow you to indulge in a fine culinary journey.

Mate (Georgetown) An upscale Latin-sushi lounge, this place is simply hip. Another jewel in the crown of bar guru Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld (creator of Chi-Cha Lounge and Gua-Rapo), this fusion retreat takes over prime corner real estate in one of the last remaining retail spaces at the Ritz-Carlton complex. Known for its verba-mate teas, the restaurant also features imported blends from Argentina mixed with rum and fresh fruit, mojitos and even verba-mate-infused soup. Don’t miss out on the maki-like rolls with zesty Latin ingredients, along with the traditional dishes like platonas. While there’s no dance floor here, Mate turns into a sexy night spot when DJ’s spin. Mate can be found at 3101 K St NW (at 31st St. NW).

Zola (Downtown) An elegant contemporary place serving American fare, Zola is set amongst restored classic architecture (located in the historic Le Droit Building) and offers an interestingly eclectic wine list. With a little pinch of espionage, patrons can peer through a small spy hole into an adjacent booth and glimpse others feasting on smoked beer and cheddar fondue, roasted lamb tabouleh or potato gnocchi (that’s pronounced enyaw-kees). Though desserts range from simple to sweet, make room for the peanut butter trifle and the chocolate bomb. Zola can be found below the radar at the International Spy museum building at 800 F Street NW (at 8th).

IndeBleu (Downtown) The motto for this place is: Mingle below, sup above, seduce throughout. Combining the intrigue of the Near East, the sophistication and class of Europe, and the style and energy of the capitol of the world, IndeBleu temps you with an experience like no other. Offering a contemporary fusion of French/Indian fare in the main dining room, street foods and world rhythms in the sensual lounge, and playful assortments of cocktail options in the bar what else do you need? The pillows, sunken nooks and floor-to-ceiling couches do indeed help. This place is especially busy Wednesdays thru Saturdays when DJ’s spin international tunes. IndeBleu can be found at 707 G. St., NW (at 7th St.).

Filomena Ristorante (Georgetown) One of Washington’s most celebrated authentic Italian restaurants, Filomena is a landmark that has endured the test of time for nearly 25 years. Located in the heart of historic Georgetown (1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, at M St.), pasta mamas are known for whipping up enticing homemade pastas in the restaurant’s storefront window. Inside, you’ll be blown away by the lavish portions and the bargain basement (no pun intended the restaurants is located below street level) $10 lunch buffets. Filomena’s menu takes you on a tour of Italy with its culinary delights, like the pasta mama’s tender ravioli stuffed with Italian cheeses and spinach and gnocchi della. As for a sweet ending of your tour, you won’t miss out by choosing any of the awesome cakes baked daily in Filomena’s own bakery.

Mie N Yu (Georgetown) This place is so exotic, you’ll be fooled into thinking you’re in a completely different country. Formerly the space of Georgetown Station, everything about this place is a feast for the senses. Nearly every inch of the 7,000-square foot restaurant/bar is adorned with red and fuchsia silks, brocade and velvet, antiques, relics and other colorful trinkets reminiscent of a Moroccan bazaar. A Silk Road theme throughout, Mie N Yu gives anyone and everyone license to recline in the Dragon Lounge, sip cocktails in the Red Baroque dining room and order food and specialty drinks in the Turkish Tent or Tibetan harem room (keep on the lookout for the wrought-iron bird cage). An English-inspired bar, complete with DJs spinning eclectic grooves from across the globe, rounds out this unique dining destination. At 3125 M St. NW (at Wisconsin Ave.).

Local 16 (U Street Corridor) This place may sound like a place for union workers, but the name really just refers to its location. A dinner-only destination for grown-ups, Local 16 is notches above its neighbors and wonderfully below the radar screen of the bridge and tunnel crowd. Eating here means eating with the locals. A split between a hip bar/lounge and a cozy dining room, Local 16 serves amazing dishes like the fried oyster po’ boy and coleslaw and the salmon with haricot verts. After 11 p.m., you’ll notice most of the diners piling out and the locals piling in. Checkout two indoor bars, an outdoor terrace bar, DJ’s and a mixed crowd of folk who just want a pint. Local 16 is located at 1602 U St. NW (at New Hampshire Ave. NW).

LIMA (Downtown) This resto-lounge on K Street offers strong Latin influences on its menu with a few international-fusion curveballs to keep things interesting. With a dining room above and a lounge in the basement, LIMA is dark, sultry and sexy. Just be careful of indulging to the point of losing your footing on the invisible staircase! Representing a winning combination of cuisine, design and ambiance, LIMA will have your palette tantalized with sensual and savory dishes that include ceviche, salad, steaks and seafood. At 1401 K Street NW (at 14th and K Sts.).

Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar (Capitol Hill) A new wine bar and restaurant in – of all places – Capital Hill. Though it sounds an odd place to open such a trendy, hip restaurant/bar, success speaks for itself. Their menu bears a southern European influence, and it offers the best cheeses and meats of the Italian, French, & Spanish variety – all served in various combinations with olives and other treats on a wood cutting board. Sonoma also has, arguably, the largest collection of wines by the glass or by the flight. Sonoma is located at 223 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (2nd Street S.E.).

Zengo (Downtown) A Latin-Asian hotspot, Zengo (which translates to give n’ take) merges Chef Richard Sandoval’s heritage with his love of Asian fare. Located in the restaurant hot zone near the MCI Center, Zengo is part serious and sophisticated restaurant, part sleek and sexy lounge. With intriguing shareable dishes like tacos filled with pickled ginger and empanadas laden with Thai chicken this place is definitely worth checking out! The cocktail menu is one place at Zengo where its Latin and Asian interest don’t mix so stick with the classic caipirinha’s, martinis or sake. Zengo is located at 781 7th St. NW (bet. 7th & H Sts.).

Tabaq Bistro (U Street Corridor) One of the hottest new places in DC, this five-story Bistro features a restaurant, lounge space with multiple bars and a killer roof-top terrace (for all-season use and a 360 degree panoramic view of the city). Embracing the flavors of the Mediterranean from Turkey to Morocco, Tapaq’s tapas-style fare offers an exquisite and elegant blend of taste and presentation. Be forewarned: You may experience a bit of an attitude at the door, because Tapaq really does enforce a strict no-jeans, no-sneakers dress code that has been known to ruffle a few feathers. Found at 1336 U St NW (Bet. 14 & U).

Cabanas (Georgetown) Offering upscale authentic Latin-American fare, coupled with the option to dine indoors or out, Cabanas is another choice in the heart of Georgetown. A place to see-and-be-seen spot, the outdoor patio seating is flanked by palm trees and overlooks the harbor fountains. The menu offers delicious options that range from chili-dusted calamari and shrimp/scallop ceviche to fish tacos and corn/crab fritters. Don’t miss the frozen Mango Margaritas! When weather permits, try to catch an outside table. Found at 3050 K Street NW (at Thomas Jefferson).

Cafe La Ruche (Georgetown) – This French-inspired old favorite (open since 1979), features contemporary artwork, flags and old photos scattered across the walls in this 19th century building. Known for having some of the best quiche you’ve ever tasted, the menu also showcases traditional French favorites such as potato and leek soup and croquet monsiers. Cafe La Ruche also offers good wine and superb desserts – all of which can be consumed in the adorable garden-like outdoor seating area that overlooks cobbled streets of Georgetown. Cafe La Ruche is located at 1039 31st Street NW (at M St. NW).

Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place (Georgetown) An establishment as old as the waterfront itself, it’s hard to imagine a better view in all of D.C. Resting on the Banks of the Potomac River, this Harbor spot (with views of the Kennedy Center, the Key Bridge and Roosevelt Island) is usually packed with everyone who goes to the waterfront in G-town by boat or otherwise. And, it seems as if every young Washingtonian finds their way here for after-work drinks and seafood. Try the hot crab dip, which always makes for a good start. Tony and Joe’s can be found at 3000 K St NW (at 30th).

Ceiba (Downtown) Latin inspiration guides the menu and dcor at Ceiba. The cuisine bounces through Brazil, the Yucatan, the Caribbean and Cuba while the dcor boasts Mexican tiled floors and tropical murals. Located in the historic Colorado Building (at 701 14th St. NW, at G St.), Ceiba features a multi-leveled dimly-lit dining area filled with patrons chowing down on traditional Latin American dishes of ceviche. Appetizers like the Jamaican crab fritters and foie gras served with corn cake are not to be missed! Adding authentic caipirinhas & mojitos how can you go wrong?

The Palm (Dupont Circle) – Some institutions never change. If you can’t find your Senator on Capitol Hill, you better check The Palm. This is where the city’s most powerful have long been its most loyal patrons. A spot for negotiating and deal-making over a juicy (huge) steak is as infamous as the restaurant’s signature martini! But you don’t need to be a politician to enjoy the great food, white-jacketed waiters, dark suits and high heels here. Keep an eye out for Larry King and Tim Russert as both have been known to pop in. The Palm is located at 1225 19th Street NW (Bet. N & M Sts. NW).

Taste of Carolina (Shaw District) Feel like Dixie-style dishes, but can’t make your way down to the South? Experience southern food and hospitality at its best at a Taste of Carolina. This restaurant serves up the South in high-style in a two-story townhouse turned restaurant and bar. Representing some good ol’ food, the menu offers a variety of choices, from fried fish sandwiches and BBQ chicken, to Homemade Pound Cake. The bar at Taste of Carolina definitely buzzes at happy hour, but the best seats in the house are at the bay window nook. Keep in mind: you can also find karaoke, poetry reading and live jazz on weekends. A Taste of Carolina is located at 1930 9th Street SW (near T St. NW).

Sequoia Restaurant (Georgetown) Walk through the doors at Sequoia, and you walk into the land of beauty beautiful decor (high ceilings, warm lighting and cherry wood), beautiful people (the city’s well-heeled elite can be found here) and beautiful views (located right on the Potomac’s Waterfront). Offering indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurants boasts three dining levels and a gorgeous patio area where the sexy singles swarm to sip their cocktails under the white lights. The restaurant serves everything from fancy burgers to pan-seared Chilean sea bass. You must must try the duck dumplings and crab cakes. Jacket and tie are required. Sequoia is located at 3000 K St. NW (at 30th St. NW).

Old Ebbitt Grille (Downtown) – Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest dining saloon in the city. Located across from the White House (and steps away from the museums in downtown Washington), Old Ebbitt serves American Traditional Cuisine, offering the largest selection of oysters in the area. A favorite of Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Roosevelt, Old Ebbitt offers casual dining with service to locals and visitors alike always a popular meeting spot for political insiders, journalists, celebrities and theater-goers. Old Ebbitt Grille is at 675 15th Street, NW (between F and G).

Bars & Nightlife

Eighteenth Street Lounge (Dupont Circle) ESL is simply the best lounge in DC – no matter how hard everyone else tries! With its own record label and a hipper-than-thou attitude, ESL is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Of course there is no name on the door and a pretty strict door policy (if you don’t look the part, you don’t get in). Looking pretty sparse from the outside (in an old townhouse sitting above a Mattress Discounters store), you’ll be surrounded by superb music, candles galore and a first-class crowd once inside. While weekends are always packed, special nights are Wednesdays and Thursdays when live music is playing. At 1212 18th St NW (at Connecticut Ave. NW).

MCCXXIII (Dupont) This place (which most fondly refer to as 12-23) has really stood the test of time and has never lacked panache! 1223 with its roman numerals, 3 levels of bars and 2 dance floors, has brought in practically every famous clubber or beautiful person in the DC area at one time or another. Radiating pulsating beats and satisfying those who value a venue with a hip dress code, a strict bouncer and a tight velvet rope, 1223 is more than just a trendy watering hole. It exudes an exclusive and elite vibe that encourages flirtation and the unlimited consumption of champagne and caviar. The music ranges from ultra-progressive rock and international house to hip-hop and R&B. The big night here is Spank on Thursdays. 1223 Connecticut Ave NW (near 18th St. NW).

Chi-Cha Lounge (U Street Corridor) Everyone flocks to this DC nightspot. The theme here is Latino and very sexy the walls are filled with colorful paintings, the lighting is low and the music is a sultry mix of cocktail jazz and electronica. After you enter and sink into the plush velvet couches, you can order one of Chi-Cha’s popular tapas dishes and signature red or white chi-cha cocktail (a mouth-watering mix of juices, cinnamon, cane sugar and a secret ingredient nobody can seem to figure out). Chi-Cha also seems to be one of the few places in town that you can order your own hookah pipe. Located at 1624 U St. NW (near New Hampshire Ave. NW).

Eyebar (Downtown) Surrounded by office buildings swarming with hip young things, this lounge and DJ stomping ground, located on I (a.k.a. Eye Street), is in the perfect spot to make a killing! With few other clubs in the vicinity, almost daily drinks specials and a roster of trendsetting and fashionista regulars this place is a hit (on weekdays and weekends). Eyebar is filled with modern furnishings, house and trance music, a sexy ambiance and a full bar. They do enforce a strict dress code policy: no sneakers, flip flops, hats, tank tops, athletic wear, shorts, ripped, worn out or baggy jeans. Eyebar can be found at 1716 I St NW (at 17th St. NW).

Dragonfly (Downtown) Yet another nightlife destination that raises the hip quotient in DC! The moment you step into this restaurant/club destination you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported into the pages of ‘Wallpaper’ magazine or even possibly, the Howard Johnson in ‘2001: A Space Odyssey.’ Furnished in white and chrome, Dragonfly oozes hip-ness with its drum and bass sounds and the animime films projected onto the walls. A modernist’s dream, Dragonfly is surprisingly welcoming (considering the tight velvet rope in some of the city’s other hotspots). For this reason, you’ll find that the clientele ranges from hipster urbanites to the khaki-clad suburbanites, all getting loaded on the same sake Dragonfly serves. If your palette needs feeding, the sushi here is amazing (reservations are highly recommended). At 1215 Connecticut Ave NW (near M St. NW).

Kstreet (Downtown) Looking for something extravagant and upscale? Kstreet lounge is your answer! A relatively new bar that was part of an effort to make DC more like NY it’s very heavily promoted with special nights, guest lists, private tables anyone can reserve ahead and innumerable celebrity sightings. The high-tech minimalist space, with its futuristic feel is thoroughly wired with 22 high-performance cameras for web casting parties, rows of plasma TVs and flat screen monitors built into block-style laminate tables. The place draws a heavy international crowd and different nights bring different people. It’s also open late on weekends (filling up mostly after midnight) and definitely a place to check out. Find it at 1301 K St NW (bet. 13th and 14th Sts. NW).

Topaz Bar (Downtown) It’s not often that a hotel bar is known for its hip and trendy factor, but the lounge at the Topaz Hotel definitely changes all of that. Here you’ll find sapphire velvet benches sunken into the walls, zebra print seating cubes and leopard-print carpets. The dcor at Topaz Bar is as eclectic as the crowds it draws. Most times, you’ll find hotels guest, area workers and DC hipsters sipping on signature cocktails like the Blue Nirvana, Enlightment, Mind Soother and Guru’s Pleasure. The nearly-hidden back room inside the bar also features a dance floor, and if you’re lucky a DJ will arrive any minute, to enhance the mood! The Topaz Hotel is located at 1733 N Street NW (bet. 17th and 18th Sts.).

Play Lounge (Dupont) A place where rules are made to be broken, Play Lounge can be found among the stretch of other hot nightspots along Connecticut Ave. Though it’s unmarked, most know exactly where to find it. This one-room lounge sizzles with energy from the sexy and energetic crowds that pack it inside. The contemporary minimalist dcor includes cube-style ottomans and low banquettes making everything eye level. While the DJ’s here spin hip-hop, retro, 80’s and fun everyone who’s anyone lets loose by dancing on the tables tops or carving out space between the bodies. And if you’re really daring, you may even find yourself taking a turn on the stripper pole! Play Lounge can be found at 1219 Connecticut Ave. (at 18th St. NW).

Cafe Citron (Dupont Circle) Feeling like a little salsa and mojitos to fill up your day? Check out this bar/restaurant with a Latin edge that delivers some of the best mojitos and caipirinhas in the area. If you don’t come here to eat, the upstairs is definitely the place to be allowing you to check out the entire scene and supporting your people-watching habit. Every night is a good night here, and most end up with crowds of Latins and latin-loving peeps dancing on every available surface, including the booth seats. The small dance floor on the main floor need not stop you, the mojitos and latin music are enough to get you moving wherever you stand. At 1343 Connecticut Ave. NW (bet. 18th and 19th Sts.)

Ozio’s Restaurant/Lounge (Downtown) At first glance, Ozio’s looks like a small restaurant judging from its mere two outdoor tables. But, on the plush velvet couches, you can order one of Ozio’s popular tapas dishes and enjoy some people watching. Boys be warned: there’s a $20 cover charge for you on Saturday nights. At 1813 M Street NW (near 18th St. NW)

Degrees Bar & Lounge (Georgetown) Situated in the lobby level of the Ritz-Carlton, this bar and lounge has been designed to capture the history and the mood of this historic incinerator building – with its exposed brick walls dating back to the 30’s, black slate floors and the 175-foot tall brick smokestack cylinder that serves as the hotel’s centerpiece. Degrees features a classic cocktail menu that includes the hotel’s signature Fahrenheit Five martini and the Zentini that swaps sake for vodka and produces a less-fruity version of the Cosmo (that even the men are willing to order at the bar). The hotel is located at 3100 South St. NW (at 31st St. NW).

Sesto Senso (Dupont Circle) This nightclub in the funky Dupont Circle (located at 1214 18th St. NW, at Connecticut Ave.) is the place to see-and-be-seen. Those wanting to dance can satisfy their cravings at Sesto Senso where DJs spin a creative blend of pop and Middle Eastern/European house music. This place isn’t just a dance club, however. Sesto Senso serves great Italian fare (mainly pizza and pasts dishes) before 11 p.m. And, if you’re coming for the food don’t pass on the dessert! Their Tiramisu is a must.

Helix Lounge (restaurant and bar/lounge) Just steps away from the lobby of Hotel Helix, locals and visitors alike are drawn to the look n’ feel of this lounge an interactive social zone that tickles all your senses. Inside the place, the mood changes every few hours, choreographed by a sophisticated lighting system. No matter what night of the week, stylish 30-something guests take seat at the stools and gaze out at the crowd (filled with babes and business types) lounging on comfy plush sofas throughout the open space. Try a Sidecar drink with a Grand Marnier twist or the BBQ vodka martini mixed with smoky Scotch. Helix Lounge is located at 1430 Rhode Island Ave NW (at Rhode Island Ave., NW).

DC Shout-outs to: Rich, Michael S., Tiffany, Bill, Heather, James, Elizabeth, Lindsy, Abigail and Andy

Written by journeypod.com – your guide to luxury travel around the world. We give you VIP access to the hippest hotels, the hottest nightlife, and the coolest restaurants. It’s the insiders guide to luxury and vip access around the world.