Bar-hop (or just stroll) up newly revitalized 14th Street corridor

One of the most impressive transformations in Washington DC (amidst many transformations over the past 20-25 years) has been 14th St NW between Massachusetts Ave NW and U St NW, mainly over the last 10 years. What was once run-down neighborhood to include a red-light district is now home to one of Washington DC hottest addresses, for restaurants, bars, and living.

14th ST NW, looking north from Q St NW: CC - Ted Eytan

At night, 14th Street becomes one of the hubs of dining and nightlife of Washington DC. Start at Thomas Circle (14th St NW and Massachusetts Ave NW) and head north. Particularly notable locales include:

• Churchkey: Considered by many as the premiere beer bar in the Washington DC region, Churchkey and it’s downstairs restaurant Birch and Barley, are at 1337 14th St NW. Website

• Barcelona: Barcelona Wine Bar in one of the trendiest spots to see and be seen while one grabs a drink (especially a red wine), and perhaps enjoy one or a few of their tapas. Located at 1622 14th St NW. Website

• Pearl Dive Oyster Palace and Blackjack: On warm Spring, Summer, and Fall evenings, there is no more unique a place to inhabit than Pearl Dive Oyster Bar’s outdoor bar, along 14th street. If it get’s too crowded, head inside for excellent seafood - especially oysters - or for drinks, head upstairs to Blackjack. 1612 14th St NW. Website

• Garden District: This German-style beer garden is a great place to while away the time, sipping on German and German-style beers out of mugs of various sizes. If you are feeling peckish, there are many sausages and brats to eat. 1801 14th St NW. Website

• Franklin Hall: At the north end of the 14th Street Corridor, north of U ST NW is Franklin Hall, a 5,600-square-foot inside the Manhattan Laundry Building. Definitely a busy option with numerous TVs and bar games, the young crowd often has a good selection of beer. 1348 Florida Ave NW. Website

These are but a few of the options for drinks along 14th Street. For late night food, Amsterdam Falafel (1830 14th St NW, website) and Ben’s Chili Bowl (1213 U St NW, website).

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Washington DC Classics in One Day

Grab dessert at MilkBar and window shop in high-rent City Center

Milk Bar desserts: CC - atl10trader

City Center DC, a downtown neighborhood of high-rises, shopping, and the new Conrad Hotel sits on 5 square blocks that arose from the old Washington Convention Center, has now supplanted Georgetown and Friendship Heights as the premiere shopping destination in Washington DC. Considering its location adjacent to Chinatown, Metro Center, and the new convention center, it’s centrality is an important part of it’s draw.

When DC-native celebrity chef David Chang stood up his first area Washington DC area restaurant in City Center - Momofuku CCDC, he brought along it’s sister bakery/desert shop Milk Bar, created by Christina Tosi.

We suggest you grab a dessert - our suggestions include the Chocolate Malt Cake Shake, the Cornflake Marshmellow Cookie, or their famous Chocolate Malt Cake Truffles. Once you have acquired your dessert, window (or actual) shopping awaits. Notable stores include Burberry, Bulgari, Arc’teryx, Dior, Gucci, Tesla, and many others. Click here for the full list.

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Washington DC Classics in One Day