Locals restaurant picks?

Question

I’ll be in DC the week before Thanksgiving and will have several full days to explore the city with 1 other adult. No children. We love restaurant experiences and food of various cuisines. Please send any recommendations to help narrow our list, and include if a reservation is necessary. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert! 😄

Will welcome any additional tips for visiting the city in November, must do’s, amazing tours, etc! Thank you!

Answer

Washington DC is full of culinary delights, ranging from upscale dining to casual neighborhood gems. Visiting the week before Thanksgiving can be busy, so for popular spots, it’s wise to make reservations where possible. Here’s a breakdown by meal type and some additional tips for enjoying the city in November.

Breakfast / Brunch:

Founding Farmers – Farm-to-table American breakfast classics; reservations recommended, especially for weekends.
Le Diplomate – French bistro with excellent pastries and brunch; reservations recommended.
Busboys and Poets – Casual spot with hearty breakfasts and creative options; walk-ins possible.

Lunch:

Ben’s Chili Bowl – Iconic DC spot on U Street; casual, no reservation needed. Famous for chili dogs and half-smokes.
Old Ebbitt Grill – Classic DC institution near the White House; reservations helpful, especially around lunch hours.
Rose’s Luxury – Creative American small plates; reservations recommended, often very busy.

Dinner:

Minibar by José Andrés – High-end, avant-garde tasting menu; reservations essential months in advance.
Ambar – Modern Balkan cuisine with all-you-can-eat small plates; reservations recommended.
Tail Up Goat – Mediterranean-inspired American dishes; reservations recommended.
Little Serow – Northern Thai tasting menu; reservations essential, small space, very popular.

Dessert / Sweets:

Georgetown Cupcake – Iconic cupcakes, especially fun for a sweet treat while walking in Georgetown.
Dolcezza Gelato – Excellent artisanal gelato and chocolate; multiple locations downtown.
Baked & Wired – Creative cupcakes and pastries; great casual dessert stop in Georgetown.

Additional Tips for Visiting in November:

Weather can be cool and variable; bring layers and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the National Mall and neighborhoods.
Many Smithsonian museums are open late on certain days—check individual museum hours for evening visits.
Walking tours of neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and U Street can provide a mix of history, food, and local culture.
Consider guided tours for unique experiences: DC Monuments by Moonlight tours, Segway tours, or bike rentals to cover more ground efficiently.
Metro is convenient for sightseeing and avoiding traffic; consider a SmarTrip card for easy access.

Overall, DC in November offers a mix of seasonal charm, cultural experiences, and diverse dining. Planning ahead for reservations at popular spots and mapping your days around museum and monument hours will make your trip smooth and memorable.

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