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
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
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
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
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
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.
PENN QUARTER WINTER SPECIAL:
FIFTH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY MARKET
Penn Quarter, F Street between 7th and 9th Streets
Dec. 4 – Dec. 24, 2009
Noon-8 PM daily
This popular holiday market has become a wintertime staple in Penn Quarter for locals and visitors alike. Featuring works from more than 150 talented artisans and craftspeople, this is a fantastic place to pick up that one-of-a-kind gift. Enjoy the live entertainment as you browse through handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, textiles, artisan foods and more.
BARS & RESTAURANTS
OYA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
777 9th St. NW
Washington DC
(202) 393-1400
www.oyadc.com
Like the cuisine, the décor of Oya is stylish and contemporary, while maintaining a sense of warmth. Eye-catching, artful plates feature comfort food with an Asian flair — try the chicken pot pie with edamame, shiitake and leeks; or the mac’n’cheese with lobster, saffron pasta, mascarpone, cheddar and panko. They also offer beautiful sushi dishes and a wide international selection of wines and sakes.
BIBIANA
1100 New York Ave.
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 216-9550
www.bibianadc.com
This chic and artful enclave is home to authentic Italian cuisine prepared simply and elegantly, with thoughtful marriages of flavors and textures. With a knowledgeable staff that can tell you anything you want to know about the foods and wines, you are guaranteed a memorable dining experience. Recommended: wood-fired pizzas, house-made lemoncello, and the juicy, crispy and tender “Anatra” Muscovy roasted duck breast with grilled peaches.
THE PASSENGER
1021 7th St. NW
Washington DC
(202) 393-0220
This train-themed bar hearkens back to the days of upscale rail voyages, riding the tracks between stylish and saloon. With lots of dark wood, gilt, and paintings by local artists, it’s both a comfortable place for a good draft beer or cocktail made to order, and a swank hangout in which one can see and be seen. Their twist on upscale bar food includes a Kimchi hot dog, chili half-smoke and panini.
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