The oldest continuously operating fish market, DC's Fish Market on Maine Avenue on the Potomac River, has been given a facelift but preserved as the gateway to a new waterfront destination called simply "The Wharf." I'll fill you in on that in another post, but for now, let's give the Fish Market its due, because the fishmongers here offer an iconic local experience that's rare in the city.
Stalls stacked with all manner of fish, shrimp, oysters, clams and crustaceans line three sides of a large square. If you want to take your purchases home to enjoy, buy your shrimp and take it around back to be steamed, or grab a whole fish and stand in line for it to be cleaned and dressed for free (with or without the head). A rebuilt building to the side offers ready-to-eat seafood: fried fish, crab cakes and other delicacies to consume on the spot.
The city has shored up the old buildings and added more parking, though it's still relatively tight with an auto. I think it's a great destination for a hired scooter, or try the water jitney for a ride on the river in fair weather.
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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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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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"Rooftop at 801" is one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants in Washington DC because they always have something going on each season. But I love it in winter.
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"Lulu's Wine Garden" in Washington DC is one my favorites on U Street. It's the perfect spot for both tourists and locals. I love their back patio!
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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