Eats and Drinks
AMBAR Restaurant, Clarendon
Come hungry for all-you-can-eat tapas! This is one of our favorite spots for both brunch and dinner, serving a wide range of Balkan-inspired dishes meant for sharing. Conveniently located right off the metro silver line (with street parking available if you’re driving), it’s an easy stop while you’re in town. Reservations are highly recommended as tables fill up quickly.
L'Ardente
Get ready to fall in love with Joanna's favorite meal in DC: the infamous 40-layer lasagna with roasted garlic sauce at L'Ardente, an upscale Italian restaurant serving some of the best in DC. Parking is available in an underground parking garage directly behind the restaurant. Reservations are a must and remember, get the lasagna!
Southeast Impression
One of Mark and Joanna's go-to spots for date nights and hosting out-of-town guests, this chic, upscale restaurant serves family-style Thai favorites with tasty hand-crafted cocktails. Reservations are highly recommended, though small groups can often find first-come, first-serve seating at the bar.
Del Ray Café
This is one of Mark's favorite spots for Sunday brunch. This small restaurant runs out of an early 1920's home in Alexandria, with a quaint atmosphere, friendly staff, and extensive French-inspired menu! Mark's go-to is the lobster eggs benedict, and Joanna loves the savory crepes! Reservations will be needed on the weekends and street parking is available nearby.
Le Diplomate
A DC staple, Le Diplomate appears on just about every “must-eat” list in the city - and for good reason. Joanna’s order is the beef bourguignon, while Mark goes for the lobster risotto. Reservations book up quickly, so be sure to plan ahead. Parking can be a challenge and the metro is a 20 minute walk away - best to uber/lyft for this one!
Taqueria Cancun
Mark can't drive through Falls Church without Joanna's mandatory detour to Taqueria Cancun for California burritos! A perfect mid-day meal or late night snack, located just a few minutes from the reception venue. Pro tip: call ahead! They prioritize pickup orders, and the in-store wait can be a bit long. Either way, we promise, it’s worth the wait!
La Bonne Vache
Get ready for Joanna’s second beef bourguignon recommendation on this list - this time in burger form! The beef bourguignon burger with truffle fries at La Bonne Vache is her favorite burger in the city. The restaurant is first-come, first-serve (no reservations), and it can get loud inside. It's not ideal for long dinners with old friends, but it’s the perfect quick bite before strolling around Georgetown.
Mama Tigre
If you’re up for something a little unexpected, Mama Tigre is a fun fusion of Mexican and Indian flavors that somehow just makes sense. It’s colorful, lively, and easy for a casual meal. Joanna orders the tikka masala burrito - an unlikely combination that somehow delivers.
Rose Ave Bakery
Stop by Rose Ave Bakery for Asian-inspired donuts, confections, and lattes almost too pretty to drink. It’s the perfect treat after visiting the nearby Smithsonian National Zoo to see Joanna’s favorites (the pandas) or strolling the trails of Rock Creek Park. Wait times can be long, so consider bringing a friend. There’s street parking nearby, plus a metro stop across the street.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Falls Church
This cafe has several locations throughout the DMV, with their Falls Church location just a few minutes from the reception venue. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a variety of light brunch fare and pastries. The best item on the menu is their Kouign Amann, ask them to heat it up (they like to forget that part) and enjoy a perfect marriage of buttery-caramelly goodness!
Brooklyn Bagel Bakery
The perfect place for a quick bite on your way in or out of town. Mark goes savory: a toasted jalapeno cheddar bagel, topped with chive cream cheese, capers, onions, and double lox. Joanna goes sweet: French toast bagel with maple-walnut cream cheese! In true Brooklyn fashion, these people talk fast and work faster, so be prepared, order quick, and step aside!
Baked & Wired
Even before moving to DC, Joanna considered Baked & Wired an absolute must every time she was in the area. Mark even flew these cupcakes across the country to Seattle on a surprise birthday visit! Stop by while you’re exploring Georgetown and try her all-time favorite cupcake. We love all the flavors equally… but carrot cake just a little more equally than the others.
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee
If you’re staying at the Archer Hotel or are near the Mosaic District, Dolcezza is a very worthwhile stop. This local gelato chain serves rich, creamy scoops in both classic and seasonal flavors - Joanna’s go-to is the hazelnut. In cooler weather, their spiced hot chocolate is just as tempting. There’s also a free parking garage just steps away, making it an easy stop if you’re driving.
The Alex at the Graham
This is Mark's favorite hideaway! Enter the Graham hotel in Georgetown and ask the receptionist for directions to the basement. They will escort you to their basement speakeasy and lounge - a small, quiet bar with live soft jazz on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (6PM to 10PM). The spot is small so consider making a reservation on their website.
Crimson Whiskey Bar
Another of Mark's favorite hangouts, the Crimson is located in Chinatown and boasts over 300 whiskey and scotch offerings. When you enter, walk past the main floor bar (that's for tourists!) and proceed to the basement for hardwood, leather, and rustic vibes.