Where to Dine & Drink: girls' weekend in DC
How I'd plan a bachelorette or girls' weekend in Washington, DC
I’ll preface this by saying: I am a 30-year-old-happy-hour-loving-asleep-by-9pm kinda gal, and this list is tailored to day drinking, great dining, and places to go other than clubs. Cheers!
Thursday: Night
After you’ve landed at DCA, you’re likely looking for a jovial vibe that isn’t too wild for the first night. I’m going to send you to L’Ardente, DC’s new Italian addition. It’s a big restaurant (think RPM Italian, but more local), with great service, delicious food and fabulous cocktails. It’s big enough to hold a large party, friendly to reservations and always filled with loud groups: perfect for a Bach! Start you weekend right with a round of negronis or martinis and a bottle of red for the table. Send this to your future husband so they can call ahead of time and cover your wine tab.
After dinner, grab a drink at Bar Spero or walk to the corner of 6th and H for a night cap. Everything you need to kick off your first night is right here: wine bars like Flight, funky billiards like Rocket, speakeasies like Denson, whiskey bars like Crimson. You get the gist.
Friday: Day
You’re probably going to wake up with (at least) a twinge of a hangover, so let’s head down to Navy Yard and grab brunch at Salt Line. IMHO, they have the best burger in DC and my favorite fries. Make it festive and order a round of oyster shooters for the group. They have a great indoor ambience but their outside patio offers the perfect waterfront breeze when the hangover sweats kick in.
After brunch, you can hang around Navy Yard. Check out what’s going on at Nats park; always a good time, baseball or otherwise! Dacha beer garden is right next door and the area has tons of bars, including District Winery. If you want to switch up the scene but stay on the water, head over to the Wharf. There are so many good bars, but check out 12 Stories for a gorgeous view with loungey vibes.
Friday: Night
We had a fancy dinner last night, so you might be looking for something more casual for your Friday evening.
Since you’re already down at the Wharf, check out what’s playing at the Anthem, a super vibey and intimate performance venue. One of my personal favorite things to do in DC is check out the cozy basement that is DC Improv; even if you don’t know who’s playing, you’re guaranteed to die laughing.
If you’re into live music, Adams Morgan is the place to be. Madams Organ always has live music, and The Green Zone is an epic cocktail bar that is open until 3am and usually has live DJs on the weekends. You could also try Le Mont Royal, which is a new loungey bar in AdMo.
Otherwise, you may be looking to UberEats some food and recover for day three, in which case: Raku-ya has my favorite sushi, Ghost Burger is a Shake Shack dupe but 100x better, Roaming Rooster is a must for some epic chicken fingers and sandwiches, and Emmy Squared or We the People have the best pizza.
Saturday: Day
Yesterday was a long day, so let’s just grab Instagrammable bagels from Call Your Mother or some authentic croissants from Fresh Baguette.
There are so many fabulous places to day drink around DC: 14th street between U and Q, 17th street between R and P, 18th street between Columbia and Florida. All of those are very central to where you’d most likely be staying.
If you’re looking to try an adventure, I’m going to provide you with the exact agenda we tackled last Saturday. We started at St. Vincent’s Wine Bar, which has a great outdoor space and room for groups (and happened to be opened by one of our favorite bartenders from Red Hen). We then went over to Lyman’s Tavern, a7 minute Uber or 20 minute walk. This place is so divey and cool. Last time we were there, they were hosting a very serious pinball tournament and wait until you see how they take your drink order. Then we bopped next door to Red Derby which has more of a clubby feel downstairs but a cool rooftop upstairs.
Saturday: Night
For a second dinner out, I’ll recommend Seven Reasons for something a little fancier. Every girl I know loves this place and goes with huge groups. To be fully transparent: I have had mixed experiences at Seven Reasons, but I am in the minority. The food is creative and the cocktails are stellar.
If you’re seeking something more casual, try All Purpose for some delightful pizza. It’s an upscale pizza joint but laid back restaurant. Make sure someone in your group gets the Buona. Or, do what Michelle Obama and her girlfriends did and grab dinner at San Lorenzo. I personally think they have some of the best Italian in all of DC. Get the prosciutto and the chef’s signature tagliatelle.
Sunday: Day
Eat away your hangover at the Diner or Unconventional Diner and get the f*ck out of dodge.
Have a blast!