Things To Do
Players Club
Where we had our first date! Pool, skee ball, arcade games, and drinks.
Albi
Where we went after we got engaged! The name means "my heart" in Arabic. Eric called it "the best Middle Eastern restaurant in the world" well before Michelin gave it a star in May 2022.
Dauphine's
This New Orleans-style restaurant is our go-to for special occasions. The oysters, sweet potato brioche, collard greens and scallops are not to be missed!
Lucky Buns
The best burgers! You can't go wrong with any of them, but Ariella loves Alfie's bun and Eric recommends the El Jefe burger. Grab a beer at the Blaguard across the street if you have to wait for a table.
Wiseguy Pizza
The best/only New York-style pizza in the city, according to Eric.
Colada Shop
This Cuban café with several locations in DC has coffee, cocktails, pastelitos and sandwiches, and it reminds Ariella of Mi Apa in Gainesville (go Gators!).
Federalist Pig
This is our local BBQ place - nothing better than sitting by the pool with a fried chicken sandwich, Brussels sprouts and French fries!
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
We love the egg breakfasts, sandwiches and pastries at this Israeli-inspired cafe. There are several locations in the city. This one is a few blocks away from the Mayflower Hotel.
Call Your Mother – Logan Circle
Za'atar bagels, pastrami sandwiches and black-and-white cookies are a few of our favorite things to order at this Jewish-style deli. There are several locations in the District.
China Chilcano by José Andrés
Visiting a José Andrés restaurant is a must in DC, and this is one of Ariella's favorites. Get the aeropuerto noodles and the dumplings topped with gold flakes. His other excellent restaurants Oyamel and Jaleo are right across the street.
Great Wall Szechuan House
The best Chinese takeout! Order from the ma-la menu for food that literally numbs your face. (This restaurant is takeout-only).
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Eric wants you to get the space ice cream in the gift shop! (Free admission)
National Gallery of Art
Our favorite museum - don't miss the Sculpture Garden! (Free admission)
United States Botanic Garden
Flowers! Ariella's favorite. (Free admission)
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
The National Zoo is one of the best places to visit this time of year in DC. (Eric loves visiting the small mammal house to see the golden lion tamarin monkeys. Ariella likes visiting because the zoo serves some fantastic chicken fingers and Dippin' Dots.) Admission is free, but you'll need to reserve passes online ahead of time.
Nationals Park
Baseball! America's (and Eric's) favorite pastime. (Nats are playing the Dodgers on our wedding weekend!)