Visiting DC for the first time or want some recommendations on where to spend your time in this gorgeous city? Here is a curated list of all the coolest places to visit in DC (hot weather edition).
*All recommendations are based on my personal experiences in DC – this post is not sponsored.
I’ve seen the DC Alley of Museum in pictures and have been wanting to go explore that place for some time now. I also found out there are many art walls to check out by various artists. After navigating to Blagden Alley, which is a narrow little road in between buildings, we made it. There is like a square in the middle, surrounded by art and restaurants. It’s amazing how people are imaginative and can create beauty to view.
I’ve been wanting to visit Never Looked Better as well and realized this was a few steps away from the art walls. The entrance to the bar is a little obscure – it’s a gray door in the middle of Blagden Alley. Once you go down, you will be surrounded by a red background including a mirror and a neon sign. When you give your ID, you’ll walk into a blue room filled with flowers. If you grab a drink, sit closer to the bar near the blue background. The mirrors and flowers provide pretty backup for the 2007 music hits.
This bar is absolute perfection for a weekday night with good music, decor, and drinks. I grabbed a Dirty Martini, and it was pretty strong.
3. El Techo
I’ve been here before, and I always like the vibes. This was my first time coming here at night, and it still has that beach vibe with the decorations and greenery. Grab the tacos and mozzarella balls for a satisfying meal.
4. dLeña
I went here with my family a few months back, and I liked the ambiance. It’s better to make reservations before going in. We had tacos, carrots, hibiscus water and so many unique dishes that were vegetarian-friendly. Even if you don’t come here for the food, go to the lounge at the bottom level for an intimate feel. The best part of this restaurant was the crème brûlée – it is divine, and I don’t usually say this about a lot of desserts.
5. Living Room
This is the place to be if you want to dance and enjoy a night out in DC. Grab your friends and get ready to dance to the latest hits (as heard on TikTok). When you enter, you will descend the stairs with a brilliant gold chandelier before heading to the dance floor. If you go to the front, the music may be too loud, so stick closer to the entrance for a relaxed feel.
6. Mission
If you like tacos and music from 2006-2012, this is the place to hang out. The tacos are super filling before going out for dancing. Mission has a cozy feel to it with wood tables – you can still enjoy even on a weeknight.
If you’re looking for great Mediterranean food and drinks, search no more. This restaurant has a pretty rooftop with a unique seating arrangement. It is better to make reservations before going in because the wait is super long. Start with the fabulous drinks and definitely get the cheese board – it’s worth waiting for.
Me. Poojah.