The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is located in the Mount Vernon Square neighborhood and just a few blocks away from Penn Quarter/Chinatown.
Both areas offer an array of dining and sightseeing options. Eager to explore other areas of our nation’s capital? Access to two Metro stops makes it easy to venture out.
Mount Vernon Square
Originally designed as open space, Mount Vernon Square became the home of the Carnegie Library, located across from the convention center. An Apple Store now operates out of this building.
Nearby options include casual breakfasts spots, comfort food-themed menus and happy hour destinations.
- Founding Farmers & Distillers: Breakfast options and comfort food
- La Betty: Neighborhood café by day, wine bar by night
- Unconventional Diner: Known for its twists on diner classics
- Busboys and Poets: A D.C. institution
- RPM Italian: A popular hot spot
- Karma Modern Indian: For masala fans
- 2fifty BBQ: Known for American and Salvadoran classics
- Bar Chinois: Offers a dollar-dumpling happy hour
- RASA: Fast casual Indian
- Wiseguy Pizza: Offers many different slice options
- The Capital Burger: Enjoy a gourmet burger
Penn Quarter/Chinatown
Head a few blocks south from the convention center to another bustling area. With Capital One Arena anchoring this neighborhood, you will find an array of famous and local dining destinations.
- Enjoy tapas? Try Jaleo or Zaytinya.
- Other Jose Andres-created restaurants include Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, China Chilcano, minibar and Bazaar Meat.
- Craft cocktails can be found at Dirty Habit.
- Rasika is known for its Indian fusion menu.
- Succotash Prime blends Southern and Asian cooking.
- Craving ramen? Try Bantam King or Daikaya Raman & The Izakaya.
D.C. Food Institutions
If venturing out to one of the city’s food institutions is on your to-do list, here are a few to consider:
- Ben’s Chili Bowl: Go for the half-smoke.
- Old Ebbitt Grill: Fantastic raw bar.
- Martin’s Tavern: Spend the evening in Georgetown.
- El Pollo Rico: Local go-to for Peruvian chicken.
- Hawk N Dove: Offers West Wing vibes.
- The Occidental: You never know who you’ll see there.
- The Green Zone: Middle Eastern craft cocktails.
Photo credit: Zack Brame/Unsplash