Blink or look at the big box stores in the 3300 block of M Street NW in Georgetown and you'll miss the entrance to the charming Cady's Alley. Down the steep steps the alley, paved with Belgian block, it runs parallel to the C&O Canal. Tidily restored original stone row houses line the alley, and now house upscale shelter shops, suppliers, jewelry shops and designer clothing. Not in the market for furniture or cabinetry? I'd take a gander anyway; the stores here are like art installations, beautifully laid out and appointed.
High-end furniture shops and home building suppliers have congregated here, making it a destination for interior designers and other shelter enthusiasts. Without such a budget, I look for ideas to poach, including among the gorgeous displays of Waterworks, an upscale tile purveyor. Likewise with the fashion of Intermix, a NY fashion powerhouse, or the classic men's clothier from Richmond, VA, Ledbury. The food's more within reach -- there's nothing like meeting for a ladies lunch in the courtyard outside Leopold's Kafe Konditorei, whilst sniffing the sweet fragrance of District Doughnuts, frying a dozen varieties daily just down the alley.
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"Bar Charley" in Washington DC is famous for its cocktails. Great creations - and the food is even better!
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"Jolt 'n Bolt" in Washington DC has all-day breakfast that's cheffed up on sight and a great menu of smoothies, like the Mood Boost or Morning Detox.
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The menu hosts a bevy of dumplings and small plates, heavy on veg - we loved the eggplant-based buranee bademjan as well as the gulpee!
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"Ambar" in Washington DC is a beloved bottomless brunch spot. It's my go-to birthday celebration spot and I always make a reservation a month in advance...
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"Boundary Stone" is my go-to, no-reservation-needed brunch spot in Washington DC. My favorites are the Huevos Rancheros and the egg and chorizo sandwich...
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As far as I'm concerned, "Taco City D.C." makes the best tacos I've had anywhere. The fact it's so close to my house is dangerous for my bank account...
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"Miracle Theatre" in Washington DC is the oldest (second-run) movie theater in the city. They also host private events - I once performed theater there...
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I love going to the gift shop of the "National Building Museum" - very reasonably priced items, Also, I like what they do on Saturday mornings...
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"Eastern Market" in Washington DC just has everything, and on weekends, there's also an open-air market I visit for interesting and unique gifts.
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"Sticky Rice" is honestly one of my top five favorite places to eat in DC. My go-to dish is the Drawn and Buttered sushi roll... Impossible not to like!
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"Ala" is a beloved Turkish restaurant in Washington DC. Recently, they started offering bottomless brunch for great value! Also try the drinks...
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101 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 101 Insider Tips from our local Spotters