Helen Carefoot

Spring is exciting anywhere, but it’s possibly the most exciting in D.C. The city is finally waking up after a particularly brutal, gray winter with prolonged stretches of sub 20 degree weather; for the first time in months, the skies are consistently blue and the sun is bright. Rather than masses huddled inside, I’m seeing people strolling, having picnics, and lazing away weekend mornings on the city’s many patios. It’s the season of renewal, so that means it’s time to make plans for how to start these sunny days on the right foot. Get our steps? Check. Check out all the new museum exhibits, plays, and dance parties happening in March? Figuring out which of the restaurants in our top-tier culinary scene to patronize is part of this, too. To curate the list of the best restaurants in D.C. right now, I considered which places are a.) innovating and, b.) places I’d most like to be as the seasons shift from winter to spring. The answer? Tucking into a slab of pizza and a Hugo Spritz while my friends squeeze onto a picnic table’s long bench. Diving into a pile of injera and scrambled eggs while I gossip about the night before. In a dining room that consistently surprises with ingenious riffs on familiar dishes. Every restaurant on this list evokes the feelings of comfort, excitement, and renewal that the season calls for. Read on for the 19 best restaurants in Washington, D.C. this month. March 2025: In this most recent update that reflects which D.C. restaurants are the best in

Washington, D.C. gets a bad rep for being a stuffy town of workaholics who spend all day pencil pushing or hunched in front of a computer. While people here certainly know how to put their noses to the grindstone, the idea that we hate fun couldn’t be further from the truth—rest assured, we in the District live for a good day (or night) out.  Luckily D.C. provides plenty of opportunities to have some. Whether you’re hoping to thaw the chill of this unusually cold winter or are just visiting the District for the first time, rest assured you’ve timed your trip perfectly. Spring is the best season to be in D.C. because the weather is generally mild and the natural world starts humming to life. D.C.'s massive number of parks make it one of the greenest cities in the country, and March means the city is festooned with tulips, daffodils, irises, and flowering trees. Of course, no flowering tree is more beloved and exalted than the cherry blossoms, which bloom with clouds of pink and white flowers every year late in March. All of this renewed beauty coincides with local museums, performing arts venues, and other attractions debuting new programs that make leaving your house worth it. So what are you waiting for? Read on for the best things to do in Washington, D.C. right now. D.C.-based writer Helen Carefoot updated this guide to reflect the best things to do in March and to refresh the listings with new tips and recommendations for spring. At Time Out, all of our travel guides ar

When you say the word "America," certain symbols more than likely pop into your head. At least one of these is an iconic attraction synonymous with the U.S., like the Washington Monument, Golden Gate Bridge, or the Statue of Liberty. The best tourist attractions in the USA are etched in our cultural memory and draw millions of visitors from around the globe each year for a reason, after all. The top tourist attractions in the USA span regions and draw millions of visitors from around the world each year. They include iconic structures like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis or the Space Needle in Seattle, plus important markers of the country's history like the Liberty Bell and Pearl Harbor. Add in natural wonders like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon and places of cultural importance like New Orleans' French Quarter or Miami's Little Havana, and you have a rich tapestry of American life. To make it onto this list of the top tourist attractions in the USA, each attraction had to offer something cool or interesting about the American experience. This can take the form of a particularly powerful museum, a majestic natural park, or a historic shopping district. Additionally, each spot offers something worthwhile for a variety of travelers—whether your idea of a great trip is shopping till you drop or hiking a natural wonder, we have something for you. Read on for the 26 top tourist attractions in the USA. RECOMMENDED: The coolest observation decks in America

Other cities might get all the shine as family-friendly destinations, but D.C. really holds its own here. The District offers activities that suit the whole family, especially little ones; think zoos, parks and botanical gardens—perfect for getting some fresh air while exploring the nation's capital. You can also keep it casual with a picnic at one of the many scenic parks, and escape inclement weather in one of the many (often free) world-class museums. The best part? Most attractions are free, and many of them are educational (but not in a way that would make them uninteresting to little ones). Here are 21 of the best things to do with kids in Washington, D.C. right now. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Washington, D.C.🍝 The best restaurants in Washington, D.C.🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Washington, D.C.🚌 The best day trips in Washington, D.C.

There's one thing nearly every visitor and resident of Washington, D.C. can agree on—we are a museum town. History buffs, art enthusiasts and people simply interested in America's past need to look no further than the nation's capital, which is chock-full of cultural institutions worth visiting whether you're here for a day or have been for years—many of which are free to enjoy, we might add.  The sheer number of worth-it museums in the District can feel overwhelming, but don't worry, because we're here to guide you through the spaces and galleries you simply can't miss. if you like learning—or at least looking at some seriously cool and beautiful objects—I promise there is a museum for you on this list, which encompasses art, history, interior design, pop culture, literature, and even old nuclear missiles. Read on for the 20 best museums in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Washington, D.C.🏛️ The best Washington, D.C. attractions🍴 The best restaurants in D.C. right now🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Washington, D.C.💰 The best cheap hotels in Washington, D.C. This guide was written by Washington, D.C. locals. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Whether you set New Year's resolutions or not, you probably have some goals for 2025. There's plenty to do this weekend, January 10-12, in the District to help get you on track. Curious about drinking less, or not at all? There's a whole festival for that. Want to try your hand at some new arts and crafts? One of the city's most creative boutiques will host you. Want to move more? Why not do it beneath some beautiful artwork at a dedicated yoga class? Here are some great things to do this weekend in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Washington, D.C.

Like any large city, Washington D.C draws plenty of visitors year-round for all reasons: some work travelers, some in town to check out the world-famous museums and top attractions, others to visit friends or family, or pop in for a night or two to catch a touring show or concert. No matter the reason for the visit, one common conundrum all visitors to the District face is finding an affordable hotel. Many of the best hotels in D.C. are pricey (although well-worth it), and even a weekend stay can quickly cut into your budget. Not to worry, though, because D.C.’s hotel offerings have something for everyone, including budget travelers. Many of the best cheap hotels in D.C. offer just as many desirable amenities—and cozy, pleasingly decorated rooms with plush beds—as the pricier ones. On our list of the 12 best cheap hotels in D.C., all of which cost $200 or less per night, you’ll find cozy inns, modern boutique hotels, a shockingly well-run hostel, and much more. Read on for comfy accommodations that won’t break the bank. RECOMMENDED:The best hotels in Washington, D.C.The best neighbourhoods in Washington, D.C. This list was compiled by Washington, D.C. locals. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

It's no surprise that Washington D.C. draws visitors year round, given it's the nation's capital. Some come here for seasonal draws like the cherry blossoms, while others are drawn to our world class museums and galleries (or they're here for a school trip, political event, or work conference). You'll have a great time running around our lovely city, with its world-class parks and eclectic restaurant scene, but no matter what brings you to the District, you need a nice place to lay your head and rest. Luckily for you, there are many comfortable hotels in Washington, D.C. that there is an option for nearly every kind of traveler. Selecting the right homebase for a trip is crucial, so our list of the best hotels in Washington, D.C. includes abodes of all stripes like one-of-a-kind historic lodgings, elevated luxury hotels, and chic neighborhood spots. And, best of all, many of these places have seriously great restaurants, lounges, and bars that are well worth your time. Read on for the best hotels in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Washington D.C.The best cheap hotels in Washington D.C. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Sometimes you can't decide exactly what to eat. When committing to an entree feels restrictive, the best answer is to get a bunch of small plates. Different cultures have their own versions of small share plates—think mezze platters or tapas—which are perfect for sharing and sampling different dishes. Chinese culture has dim sum, a delectable selection of buns, rolls, dumplings, cakes, veggies, dessert, and more that are traditionally eaten for brunch. The best part? Many restaurants serve them from a rolling cart packed with steam-heated baskets filled with goodies. Luckily, the DMV has a bunch of delicious Chinese restaurants that excel at dim sum. Here are the best places to eat dim sum in and around Washington, D.C.RECOMMENDED: The 43 best restaurants in Washington, D.C. right now

Cities like London and New York are top winter destinations, but Washington, D.C. really should also be on this list (no, really, hear us out). Winter in D.C. is remarkably cozy—the city goes all out with holiday light displays (think: the National Christmas Tree and National Menorah) and festive cultural events. Many other cities clear out and lose their sparkle after the holiday season ends, but D.C. is still rocking in January and February—there's the Presidential Inauguration, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Chinese Lunar New Year to look forward to. Read on for the best winter events in D.C. to mark on your calendar. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Washington, D.C. right nowThe best museums in Washington, D.C.

The only meal Washingtonians laud more than brunch is happy hour. That sacred several hour window when the city's great restaurants and bars slash prices on cocktails and appetitzers is prime hang time, whether you're alone just trying to unwind or meet up with friends or coworkers. There are so many happy hours in the city, but we tried to only include places that serve excellent drinks and food—you can keep that $1 Bud Light bucket, thanks. Picks include beloved dives, casual taprooms, and upscale cocktail bars, but what they all have in common are the makings of a fun night ahead. Read on for the 14 best happy hour deals in Washington, D.C. right now.  RECOMMENDED: The 43 best restaurants in Washington, D.C. right now

There’s something so magical about Washington, D.C. in the holiday season. While we're not exactly on the level of top Christmas destinations like New York or London, D.C. punches above its weight as a holiday and cold-weather destination. The District really comes to life in the colder months; walks around town mean plenty of Christmas trees adorned with ornaments, wreaths, and twinkling holiday lights. To get in the holiday spirit, why not visit a holiday market or grab a hot chocolate and stroll around to see some lights? Here are 11 of the best places to see Christmas lights in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED: The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2024 guide

Chef Kevin Tien's expert manipulation of texture and flavor are to thank for how playful Moon Rabbit, the modern Vietnamese restaurant he opened last year, is. The team behind Moon Rabbit, which includes pastry extraordinaire Susan Bae and co-owner Judy Beltrano have managed to make fine dining feel completely un-stuffy and fresh. Their efforts have resulted in Moon Rabbit becoming the toast of the culinary world and racking up numerous local and national awards.  The vibe: Relaxed but elevated, and definitely fun. I was surprised by how bright it was in here, a sharp contrast from the many dim dining rooms I've been in. All the better to be able to see the beautiful plates. The servers are attentive and eager to help with pairings and suggestions.  The food: I genuinely believe you can't go wrong with anything here because the menu rotates often and utilizes seasonal ingredients. Even if a dish ends up being a little out there for your tastes, you at least can rest assured it won't be boring. But the most special section of the menu are Bae's desserts, all of which use Vietnamese ingredients and flavors in intriguing ways. I am a huge fan of cake, and I often think abot the Cà Ri, a sponge cake flavored with green curry, that comes with soursop mousse and avocado sorbet—this is the most interesting baked good I've ever eaten. Another standout is her seaweed panna cotta. The drink: Moon Rabbit's cocktail program is just as inventive as its food menu. Each drink is a fusion of

Heat Da Spot Café, the beloved neighborhood go-to in Petworth known for its filling Ethiopian breakfast, had long been a secret just for us locals. Of course, word was bound to get out eventually that the little cafe serves perhaps the most satisfying—for both the stomach and the wallet—breakfasts in town. The cafe, which is decorated inside with numerous vintage artifacts like T-shirts hanging from the walls, is the ideal place to start a morning because everyone is friendly and the food is great. The vibe: Like you're at a relative's house and they're cooking you something special. A warm, inviting environment that is reminiscient of both a diner and a bodega. There aren't many seats, but the quaint space has comfortable couches and free Wi-Fi, which makes it an ideal spot to work or study remotely. The food: Get some permutation of the Ethiopian Breakfast, Heat Da Spot's calling card. Something magical happens when the spicy green sauce, scrambled eggs and injera mix. The Bacon, Egg, and Cheese is also genuinely delicious if that's more to your taste, as is the Triple Decker Club. The drink: Get the chai tea latte—this is the best drink on the menu of coffee drinks, which are mostly just fine and nothing special to be honest. This drink is one of the better chai tea lattes I've tasted because both the coffe and tea flavors are balanced. Time Out tip: You can buy jars of the homemade special sauce that tops the breakfast combo plate.

I prefer to spend sunny D.C. days sitting in Dupont Circle with a snack, and my go-to is always Compliments Only, the beloved sandwich shop known for its gargantuan subs. The shop has built a devoted local following thanks to its menu of creative, mouthwatering 10-inch subs made with fresh ingredients and served on pillowy Italian bread. Whatever you order, don't leave without a pile of napkins because things will get messy.  The vibe: Completely casual and friendly—this is primarily a takeout place (there's barely any seating), and the diners who do manage to snag one of the few tables are usually facedown in their massive subs. The eclectic decor, which includes a vintage candy cigarette dispenser, adds to the quirky and welcoming ambience. The food: The Crunchy Boi is one viral food that exceeds its hype. The shop's most famous sandwich is the ideal marriage of crunchy and creamy, thanks to a refreshing heap of potato chips, lettuce, pickles, onion, turkey, provolone, and garlic mayo. Another standout menu item is the Turkey Caesar Sub, which crowns a giant cruton with turkey, iceberg lettuce, Caesar dressing, parmesan and black pepper. The drink: You won't find any cocktails on the menu here (just soads, lemonade, and iced teas). But there's no more elite combo than an ice cold lemonade or coke with a sandwich on a hot day.Time Out tip: The good folks at Compliments Only know you probably want a drink with your sandwich. You're in luck if Diet Coke is your bev of choice,

A trip to chef Matt Adler's bright ode to Italy's coast costs way less than a plane ticket, but can honestly be almost as transportive. The vibe here is beachy, breezy, and easy, as demonstrated by the numerous seafoods and light yet hearty pastas on the menu. If you're not interested in seafood, don't worry, because Adler's menu includes plenty of hearty dishes with pork, lamb, and poultry that are worth trying, too.  The vibe: The vibe in here is effortlessly cool. The interior is modern, bright, and welcoming. A perfect spot to take someone you want to like you, and a perfect spot to go if you like yourself. Brunch feels like a busy, sunny cafe. The food: Don't skip trying the handmade pasta or the excellent seafood. The Taglioni Neri balances the salty squid ink with the pungent tang of Calabrian chili, and the branzino, mussels, calamari, and scallops that dot the Frutti di Mare make a tasty combo. If you're not into seafood, get the Gramigna, a comforting squeeze of a dish with rich pork sausage, black pepper and egg yolk. Appetizers shine here, too: the focaccia with straciatella is mouthwatering, as is the bitter rapini and earthy cauliflower with lemon aioli and pistachio.The drink: The only thing to do is to head to the lounge for Martini Hour, where you can snag $7 martinis of the espresso, dirty, classic, or citrus varieties every day. For just $3 more, you can upgrade your spirit to a premium version, which still puts your total drink cost way under what's typica

When you’re in the mood for a massive slice you can sink your teeth into, Sonny's Pizza is your spot. The Park View staple serves big, square slabs of Sicilian-style pizza topped with fresh ingredients on big lunch trays. Every space at Sonny’s, which includes a groovily decorated bar and spacious covered patio filled with picnic benches and an Airstream trailer that doubles as a bar, feels communal and welcoming—a perfect place to tuck into a pizza with friends. The vibe: As for what to order? You can’t go wrong with any flavors here, whether you order classic pepperoni or mushroom and thyme, or the very tasty Pesky Mario, with tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms, Calabrian chilis and bitter rapini. The menu is great outside of their pies, too; try the Long Shot sandwich, a rich and bitter symphony of ham, soppressata, pickled onion, provolone, escarole, Calabrian chili butter, and Italian dressing piled on sesame focaccia. Get the massive Caesar Salad, which comes piled so high on the plate you’ll wonder if it’ll topple, on the side. The food: You simply must try the huge, pillowy pizzas. Whether you order classic pepperoni or mushroom and thyme, or the very tasty Pesky Mario, with tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms, Calabrian chilis and bitter rapini, you'll be in good shape.  The drink: I'm partial to the drinks served on the patio, which include strong spritzes, Negronis, and Old Fashioneds. In colder months, the drink of choice is the "Cup of Cheer," essentially a spiked cider wit

Nobody wants to hear a West Coaster whine about the lack of great tacos out east, but we'll happilly recognize when we've found somewhere that compares to the offerings at home. La Tejana, the Mount Pleasant tacqueria, has filled that gap by serving the best breakfast tacos in the city. Co-founded by Ana-Maria Jaramillo, who is a native of the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, and Gus May, a D.C. native, La Tejana is that fix—the long lines that gather every weekend morning to secure one (or three) are proof. If you hate waking up early (or even if you do), swing by in the evenings for when the taco spot becomes a lively cocktail bar.  The vibe: In the taco line, relaxed and hungry. Come rain or shine, locals gather starting at 7:30am to snag the prized foil packages before they sell out. The cocktail bar is bright and fun, and is usually packed. The food: For breakfast, it's hard to outdo the Tio Willie, a messy pile of cheesy scrambled eggs, queso drizzle, bacon, and friend potatoes. If you're more of a carnivore, don't miss the 512, which comes topped Texas-style BBQ brisket from 2Fifty to the breakfast taco party. Evening food offerings include soft and chewy churros with dipping sauce, and queso dip you'll want to swim in.  Time Out tip: Don't even think about driving here because parking will be a nightmare. Instead, catch a bus coming up/down 16th St. or Mt. Pleasant St. There's a Capital Bikeshare stop right across the street, plus the Columbia Heights Metro station (which

This lowkey spot is tucked away on a quaint street corner in Georgetown, which is part of what protects its chill ambience. La Bonne Vache is a great place to just slow down and relax (I frequently bring a book here and read with a glass of wine or soup in hand). The very attentive service—I've been served wine and cocktails while waiting outside in line for a table—adds to the welcoming vibe. Whether seated at the cozy bar or one of the charming bistro tables on the sidewalk, you're bound to feel the stress roll off your shoulders here. The vibe: Your little corner bistro that's just busy enough to be lively but not so crowded you can't hear or feel overwhelmed. It gets especially nice in here on either a cold, rainy night or a warm, sunny morning; the petite booths and close together tables create a very intimate feeling that just feels cozy.  The food: La Bonne Vache's small and curated menu of comforts makes dinner or brunch a relatively easy series of decisions. The deviled eggs are savory and satisfying, and pillowy gougeres collapse when topped with whipped paprika cream cheese. The steak tartare is melt in your mouth tender. Don't skip out on the burgers, which are delicious and hearty; start with the LBV Classique, which comes topped with red onions and Gruyère fondue.  The drink: The drink offerings here lean heavily on low ABV spirits, so most people can have several drinks comfortably (a particular relief if you're seated at one of the high barstools). Lean into w

There's perhaps no more storied institution in modern D.C. than Le Diplomate, the French bistro that's presided over a corner of 14th St. NW—and D.C.'s social scene—since 2005. No matter the year or the season, uber restaurateur Stephen Starr's brasserie, Le Dip as it's affectionately (or venomously) called, never seems to lose its tarnish or status as one of the hottest tables in town. The warm, bistro-like dining room is always full, and more often than not at least one of the faces in the crowd is a famous one. Yet despite its starry pedigree, Le Diplomate still manages to feel like a neighborhood watering hole, and just as many tables are filled with friends catching up, tourists popping in to see what the fuss is about, and locals celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. The vibe: This is the kind of place where you try to eavesdrop and scan the room for visiting celebs. It's the kind of place where a "Real Housewives" dinner might happen—after all, one was famously accused of (allegedly) dining and dashing here. The restaurant is loud and lively, but still welcoming and comforting.  The food: The extensive menu covers all the bases of classic French bistro fare, so how you navigate it largely depends on how you'd like to feel when you emerge from Le Dip's storied walls. Refreshed and ready to conquer the afternoon/evening? Maybe the Warm Shrimp Salad or the escargot, both great options for some decadence that doesn't overwhelm. Stuffed to the gills but need to end on so

For 29 years the U.S. Botanic Garden and the Smithsonian Garden have jointly hosted special exhibits to show off their vast orchid collections. This year's iteration is all about orchids that aren't exactly what they seem. Expect these delicate flowers to be arranged into awe-inspiring, tall plant sculptures—this year includes 9-foot tall "cherry trees" of pink and white orchids, plus curtains of orchids with special roots that mean they can live without soil. Time Out tip: Are you a plant parent in need of some help? If you email or call the U.S. Botanic Garden's free Plant Hotline with your plant care questions, the garden's experts will answer your gardening questions. 

D.C. loves its cherry blossoms, and one of the fun bits of spring is seeing how local businesses and cultural institutions work the pink and white buds into their programming. One entry into this canon is ARTECHOUSE's best exhibit, a colorful wonder that's a tribute to spring flowers. Wander through the space and admire all the (virtual) botanical wonders—don't forget to nab a drink from the excellent on-site bar. Time Out tip: Seeing an installation at ARTECHOUSE isn't the same undertaking as visiting a Smithsonian museum. The small space is manageable and each reservation covers one hour, so this is a perfect activity to pair with something else before or after whether that's a short walk to see the real cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin or dinner nearby (maybe a coveted res at Dōgon or one of the many eateries on The Wharf?).

This annual holiday concert from The Washington Chorus features talented singers and brass musicians teaming up to perform classic holiday tunes. If you need a boost of holiday cheer, make some time to go to this one. 

Celebrate the holidays with this annual nationwide cocktail popup. Black Whiskey is hosting this year's D.C. outpost and serving tropical holiday drinks every day until the early morning. Love that Santa merman mug? You're in luck, because the fun drinking vessels are available to purchase, too. 

Some people ring in the New Year from a club, while others prefer to celebrate in pajamas on the couch. If you're celebrating from home, don't worry about missing out on entertainment because there are plenty of options for specials, concerts, and parties to watch tonight, December 31, to say farewell to 2024 and hello to 2025. Major networks and streamers are hosting 2025 New Year's Eve specials, some of which will take you right to Times Square without braving the crowds or cold weather. RECOMMENDED: Everything you need to know about celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times SquareSpecials include appearances by comedians and celebrities, plus musical performances. We've even gathered a couple options if you really don't want to see the ball drop, too. Read on for all you need to know about how to stream and watch major 2025 New Year's Eve specials.  Where and how to stream 2025 New Year's Eve specials Times Square's New Year's Eve Celebration 6pm ET on TimesSquareNYC.org Watch the ball drop for free using Times Square's free webcast. Jeremy Hassell and Mean Girls star Jonathan Bennett will anchor the livestream, which includes the famous ball drop plus performances from talent appearing on the CNN, ABC, and Univision specials which include Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, TLC, Mickey Guyton, and Kapo. Another fun thing about this special? There will be celebration of the city's 400th birthday, and plenty of interviews with revelers gathered in the square. ABC's "Dick Clark'

New Year's Day is tomorrow, so it's a good idea to get any last-minute tasks out of the way today on New Year's Eve, which falls on Tuesday, January 31 this year—this includes grocery shopping and any mailing, shipping, or banking tasks you're itching to finish. Here are the details about which nationwide banks, post offices and shipping services are open on New Year's Eve 2024. RECOMMENDED: These U.S. airports will be the busiest for holiday travel next week Are banks open on New Year's Eve 2024? Major banks like Chase Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Truist, Capital One, TD Bank and U.S. Bank are open today during regular hours, according to their websites. PNC Bank branches will close earlier than usual at 4pm local time today. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ are open, too.  However, all of these will be closed on New Year's Day, January 1 (they follow the Federal Reserve's bank holiday schedule). They'll resume business at normal hours the next day on Thursday, January 2, 2025. If you bank with a local credit union, be sure to call and confirm their operating hours today. Is USPS open on New Year's Eve? According to the USPS, local post offices will be open during their usual hours today. Be sure to call your local post office to confirm its specific operating hours. Mail will also be collected at the usual local times from blue postal boxes.  Are UPS and FedEx open New Year's Eve? UPS is only delivering Air and International Air packages that we

As you well know, today is New Year's Eve, which means it's time to take care of any last minute errands before ringing in 2025. Whether you plan to ring in the new year at a party or at home in your pajamas, you're in luck if your to-do list includes snagging some last-minute champagne or groceries today because nearly all major grocery stores will be open for New Year's Eve (Tuesday, December 31, 2024), although some have modified hours. Read on to learn all the details about which grocery stores are open on New Year's Eve.  RECOMMENDED: Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open New Year's Eve 2024? Will mail be delivered? Keep in mind that while many stores will be open for both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (Wednesday, January 1, 2025), most have adjusted holiday hours. It's always a great idea to call your local store to confirm hours. Check out below for details about when major grocery chains like Trader Joe's, Aldi, Publix, Safeway, Whole Foods, and more are open on New Year's Eve. Is Safeway open on New Year's Eve? Yes, Safeway, along with other stores owned by its parent company Albertsons, is open on New Year's Eve with reduced hours. Other stores owned by Albertsons include Shaw's, Vons, and Albertsons.  Is Trader Joe's open on New Year's Eve? All Trader Joe's stores are open until 5pm local time on New Year's Eve, and closed New Year's Day. Is Whole Foods open on New Year's Eve? Whole Foods is open during modified hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's D

The food desk at The New York Times is a powerhouse when it comes to reporting on culinary world happenings and crafting great recipes, so it's worth a look when they make a best of the year list. The team outlined the 26 best dishes they ate at U.S. restaurants in 2024, and one dish from a Washington, D.C. restaurant made the cut.  RECOMMENDED: The New York Times named these Washington, D.C., restaurants two of the best in America The dish in question? Bò lá lốt from Moon Rabbit, decorated chef Kevin Tien's inventive Vietnamese restaurant in Penn Quarter. Tien serves the well-known Vietnamese street food with "a dipping sauce of labneh crowned with lemongrass-chile crunch, a nod to his love for dolmas," Times writer Brett Anderson writes. "A similar swirl of influences animates all of the food at Moon Rabbit. "But this dish of juicy grilled beef wrapped in perilla leaves is one of the only items you can plan to find on the always-evolving menu." Good news for those who want to try it, because Tien told the Times he doesn't expect this dish to leave the ever-changing menu since it's so beloved. The list includes 26 dishes from restaurants around the country that Times staffers tried in 2024. Other dishes on the list include fried chicken from Idaho, green garlic and clam pasta from Rhode Island, a pie filled with toasted honey custard from San Francisco, and a stacked ham sandwich from Detroit. The team also created a separate list of the best dishes they ate in New York in

If your childhood days (or even your weekends now) include puzzling through building Legos, you may want to mark your calendar: The Art of the Brick, a massive exhibition of Lego art by artist Nathan Sawaya, comes to Washington, D.C. January 30, 2025. RECOMMENDED: The 20 best museums in Washington, D.C. to visit year-round The Art of the Brick includes more than 70 works of art constructed from more than 1 million Lego bricks. The collection includes recreations of famous art works like the Mona Lisa and Starry Night. Other notable sculptures include a 20-foot T-Rex. You can even practice your own Lego builds in a special creation area.  Photograph: Courtesy The Art of the BrickOne of the Lego sculptures includes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring." The exhibition, which marks The Art of the Brick's Northeastern U.S. debut, will make its home at the Rhode Island Center. The exhibit has been seen in more than 100 cities across 24 countries. Check out our review of the exhibition when it came to London earlier this year.  How to get tickets to The Art of the Brick Interested? Tickets go on sale Thursday, December 19 on the The Art of the Brick website. Tickets start at $20.90 for adults and $15.90 for kids. 

We're used to seeing Washington, D.C.'s restaurants and hotels named to best in the world lists, but not necessarily the city's nightclubs. A new ranking lists two D.C. venues among the best in the world—one spot was even named fifth best nightclub in the world, ahead of hotspots in Miami, London, and New York. Wow! RECOMMENDED: The best nightclubs in D.C. to let loose The Nightlife International Association released its list of The World’s 100 Best Clubs, and Echostage snagged the fifth spot. Another D.C. club, Soundcheck, was named 41st best in the world. The top club in the world is HÏ in Ibiza, Spain; Green Valley in Camboriú, Brazil and USHUAÏA IBIZA in Ibiza snagged the second and third spots, respectively. Echostage's fifth ranking makes it the highest ranked U.S. club on the list. It's unclear how the nonprofit group compiled its ranking, but a recent news release said they evaluated 420 venues across 65 countries. Spain and the United States are the countries with the most clubs represented in the ranking. The cities with the most venues on the list are Ibiza, Las Vegas, Barcelona, London, Bogotá, Los Angeles, and Madrid. Take a look at the full list here and below: World’s top 10 best clubs in 2024: 1. HÏ in Ibiza, Spain2. Green Valley in Camboriú, Brazil3. USHUAÏA IBIZA in Ibiza, Spain4. Bootshaus in Cologne, Germany5. Echostage in Washington D.C., USA6. E11EVEN in Miami, USA7. Shôko in Barcelona, Spain8. DC-10 in Ibiza, Spain9. Opium Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain1

We'll say it again: Washington, D.C. has an amazing restaurant scene. The Michelin Guide, the food world's premier distinction for fine dining, just announced new star rankings, Bib Gourmand selections, awards, and more at its annual awards ceremony Monday in New York. Two restaurants earned their first stars, which means there are now 26 Michelin-starred restaurants in the DMV.  RECOMMENDED: These Washington, D.C. restaurants were named among the best in the world for 2025 Earning a Michelin Star is considered the highest honor in the restaurant world. Every year, anonymous inspectors fan out around the world and evaluate restaurants' food based on five criteria: ingredient quality, harmony of flavors, mastery of techniques, consistency across menu and time, and "the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine." Service and atmosphere aren't considered. Restaurants that win stars earn between one and three stars; the list can change every year, with new restaurants earning or losing stars. Two D.C. restaurants just earned their first stars: Mita, the Shaw spot serving a plant-based Latin American tasting menu, and Omakase @ Barracks Row, Chef Yi "Ricky" Wang's sushi omakase experience. Oyster Oyster, a vegetarian restaurant in Shaw that already has one Michelin star, was awarded a "green star" for its sustainability practices. Photograph: Courtesy MitaA dish from Mita, which earned its first Michelin Star in 2024. There were also some shifts in the ranks: lo

Like any major city, Washington, D.C. has certain spots that are must visits each season. One of these is sipping tea and eating finger foods and scones at one of the city's ritzy hotels, most of which offer a holiday-themed afternoon tea. But doing so requires being very quick on the draw with reservations, because spots for the best ones often fill up back in the fall, which is why I've never had a chance to try one out. That changed this year when I got to try the holiday tea—at Peacock Alley, the world famous tea hall inside the Willard Intercontinental Hotel. Did it live up to the hype? RECOMMENDED: The best afternoon tea NYC has to offer Located just across from The White House, the hotel itself is a national landmark—it's perhaps the most famous hotel in D.C. after The Watergate. The Willard, a luxury hotel that's been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since the 1970s, has played host to plenty of historical figures; President Abraham Lincoln moved in for 10 days prior to his inauguration, and Martin Luther King. Jr. touched up his "I Have a Dream" speech in the lobby. It's nicknamed "the residence of presidents." The dining options onsite are known for being historic and sceney—countless D.C. movers and shakers have drank at the centuries-old Round Robin Bar, and the afternoon tea at Peacock Alley, a narrow space just off the lobby that's famous for its vibrant interior. Afternoon tea is a hot reservation for both tourists and locals, but the holiday

Are you having a tough time getting into the holiday spirit? If takeout or live singing usually lifts your mood, you're in luck this weekend because you have a chance to experience both without leaving the house—you can order live carolers to your doorstep via Uber Eats on Saturday, December 7. RECOMMENDED: One of the top trending Christmas markets in the world is in Washington, D.C. The Uber Carolers are available to Uber Eats customers in D.C., Miami, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York this Saturday only. To get them to your doorstep, tap the "Carolers" store button in the app. The singers will arrive with a festive gift basket and an alcoholic or non-alcoholic spirit of your choice; they'll sing for 20 minutes (they'll run through the classics, but you can request a song at the end). The carolers cost $30, plus the cost of whichever drink you choose. For the drinks, you can choose between bottles from Casamigos, Don Julio, Bulleit Bourbon, or non-alcoholic brand Ritual. Keep in mind that there are some rules to this feature: you need to present your ID to verify the liquor purchase, and you must be home when the the carolers and drinks arrive. You also can't be visibly intoxicated when they get there, and the person receiving the order has to be 21 or older. Photograph: Courtesy Uber EatsCarolers with Uber Eats spokesperson Macaulay Culkin. From December 3-25, the Uber Eats app will include a special holiday hub to help with gifting and hosting efforts. A number of ite

Let this settle the debate about whether Washington, D.C. is a major foodie city: a new ranking from La Liste, which calls itself "the most selective global guide of restaurants, pastry shops and hotels, for gourmets and international travelers, outlines the top 1,000 restaurants and eateries in the world for 2025—and four D.C. restaurants are included. RECOMMENDED: The world’s best restaurant has been crowned for 2024 The list includes high-end restaurants from all over the world. U.S. culinary hotspots like New York and Chicago, and more are well represented on the list, too. Four fine dining establishments in and around D.C. made the cut: The Inn at Little Washington, Jônt, minibar by José Andrés, and Pineapple & Pearls; The Inn at Little Washington scored 96/100, while the other three notched scores of 92/100.  How on earth would one figure out the 1,000 best restaurants in the world? According to the website, staffers combed through reviews from more than 1,000 publications and guidebooks, then added them to a database that scored all entries from 0 to 100, based on standard grades. Then, chefs from around the world were asked to evaluate the quality of the publications and guidebooks making the recommendations, which resulted in each restaurant being assigned a "trustworthiness index" score that contributed to their grade. Customer reviews of each spot were also taken into account. The resulting list is a "compilation of thousands of publications, hundreds of guidebooks

Esquire has a long history of taste making, and its list of the Best New Restaurants in America, 2024 is filled with places we'd like to try that spans coasts. Many of the picks include restaurants in major cities like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, but luckily, the list includes one from an in-demand chef that's local to Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED: Yelp named these Washington, D.C. spots to its list of the best new restaurants of 2024 The list isn't ranked, and the authors of the list write that every restaurant included "nudged us to think in a new way about the weaving, wandering course of 'American food.'" Dōgon, the Afro-Caribbean spot from decorated chef and restaurateur Kwame Onwuachi, made the list. Located inside the ritzy Salamander Washington DC hotel, Dōgon marks Onwuachi's return to the District after opening Tatiana in New York's Lincoln Center, which is the hottest reservation in the city at the moment.  At Dōgon specifically, Esquire writer Omar Mamoon was particularly taken with the menu from Onwuachi and chef de cuisine Martel Stone, which "tells a story about the cuisines of the African diaspora—and the city itself." He points to the berbere marinated roast chicken and jollof rice as a stand-out nod to both Onwuachi's Nigerian heritage and the Ethiopian community in D.C. (the District is home to the most Ethiopian people outside of Africa). He also highlighted the hoe crab, "a dish in which picked plump pieces of the blue crustacean are stuffed back

By now, we all know the District is a culinary hotspot, so it's not exactly a surprise when local restaurants make it onto best of lists. The latest? Review giant Yelp just released its list of the Best New Restaurants of 2024, and two Washington, D.C. restaurants are included.  RECOMMENDED: The New York Times named these Washington, D.C., restaurants two of the best in America Kappo DC and Love, Makoto made it into the top 25 on Yelp's list. To come up with the list, Yelp analyzed its own users' reviews of restaurants that opened after January 1, 2023 by examining metrics such as total volume of reviews and positive ratings in those reviews. The dataset looked at reviews from January 1, 2023 to September 1, 2024.  Some notable trends emerged: approachable, relaxed environments reigned, as did Japanese cuisine (six of the top 25 restaurants, which include the two D.C. spots, serve Japanese food). Keep reading for a closer look at the two D.C. picks. The two Washington, D.C. restaurants on Yelp's Top 25 Best New Restaurants of 2024 #18: Kappo DC Photograph: Kimberly Kong/Nom DigitalA dish from Kappo DC. A Michelin Guide selection, Kappo DC snagged the 18th spot on Yelp's list. This Japanese restaurant from Chef Minoru Ogawa operates in the casual Kappo style, which means "to cut and to cook;" multi-course meals are created by the chef right in front of the diners. The menu utilizes plenty of rich and luxe A5 Miyazakigyu beef, and the intimate Palisades dining room only has 2