DC cocktails, music, food, coffee

DC is a pretty great place and full of just-under-the radar spots, happenings and events. I've yet to put together a list because it's just to large. But I keep getting asked and so I'm taking a stab at my go-tos. I'm likely forgetting a ton of things, so I'll update as needed. My life pretty much revolves around cocktails, art, music and coffee, with occasional dinner and brunch, so it's heavy on those types of things. I'll add details soon...until them hope you find your own magic moments in the district. 

Cocktails
The Sheppard - my favorite spot. 

The Columbia Room - I've only been here for drinks, but I am dying to try their cocktail flight.

The Reading Room at Petworth Citizen - Chantal Tseng curates literary cocktails every Saturday and Sunday. Pretty much the best. 

Quarter+Glory

Green Hat Distillery - tour this. 

Republic Restoratives

District Distillery

Art / Culture
National Museum of African American History and Culture

Former Residence Ambassador to Spain

Mexican Cultural Institute

Museum of the Americas - My favorite balcony.

Little Salon

Creative Mornings

cocktails+craft - I run this, so I'm biased ;)

Phillips Collection

Smithsonian Portrait Gallery

Textile Museum

Yayoi Kusama at the Hirshhorn - It's a bit nuts, but if you can get in without the crowds worth it. 

Blind Whino - Can view the outside of this mural house.

Pineapple DC

Pow Wow - Murals in NOMA

Coffee
Colony Club

La Colombe in Shaw

The Wydown on 14th

Philz in Adams Morgan

Maketto

Brunch
Bar Pilar

1905

Room 11

Dinner
Iron Gate

Rasika - A good go to. 

Thai X-ing - Their best (first) location is shut down right now. 

Thip Khao

Lapis

Donburi

Toki Underground

Music
Sotto - Any night except Sunday or Monday. The cod is my favorite.

JoJos - Classic DC vibes

SongByrd - Go for Ritmos Raros

Granny's Band at The Showtime - Best night at this neighborhood fav dive bar

9:30 Club

Flash - best dance club

ESL

Black Cat

Westminster DC