The District Blog
CHOOSE YOUR INTEREST
TOP
Guide to WorldPride 2025
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington, DC and we're celebrating by making it an all-out international experience. Join the momentous celebrations as the nation’s capital is painted with pride, featuring a variety of events to inspire, empower and connect the international LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The Fabric of Freedom theme emphasizes our community, woven together through our rich cultures, diverse identities and backgrounds. Check out some of the highlights below. Enjoy exclusive WorldPride 2025 hotel discounts in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with direct links to special rates and curated accommodations. Visit the official WorldPride 2025 website to sign up for email updates. Read more about travel resources and safety information.
Your DC Bucket List
You don’t have to experience these in any order, but you do have to experience them all. Each activity illustrates how There’s Only One DC and many can be enjoyed for free. What’d we leave out? Does your DC Bucket List differ? Follow us on Instagram & TikTok and let us know your favorite activities in the District.
Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC
DC’s art galleries are certainly some of the best places to explore masterful works of art. But DC’s color palette is not confined to museums or its bounty of natural beauty. The city’s neighborhood walls are covered with vibrant and unique murals, celebrating everything from hometown heroes to Founding Fathers and even fruit – there are literally hundreds of outdoor artworks and street murals to behold! We picked out just a handful of the most color-popping, popular works for an instantly ‘grammable street mural tour through the nation's capital. Before you dive into must-see street art, tag along with mural artist Aniekan Udofia – famed for his alleyway opus adorning the wall of local institution Ben’s Chili Bowl – as he unveils where he finds his inspiration in DC. Adams Morgan Madam's Organ A neighborhood landmark, this mural lives on the side of the Madam's Organ Blues Bar and was completed in 1997. The piece was sponsored by the restaurant owner, Bill Duggan, and has been controversial for its bold depiction. Make sure to check out all the murals in Adams Morgan. 2461 18th Street NW Mural at BUL Head to BUL Korean Bar & Restaurant to see a mural that depicts one of Toulouse-Lautrec’s most famous posters of the singer Aristide Bruant. Completed in 1980, the mural was painted from a photograph by the restaurant’s original owner, André Neveux. The piece is now iconic, and signals your arrival in Adams Morgan, much like the Madam's Organ Mural. 2461 18th Street NW Mural Un Pueblo Sin Murales The title of this striking mural on Adams Mill Road translates to: A People Without Murals are a Demuralized People. The piece, which is located on the side wall of Kogibow Bakery, was created by artists Felipe Martinez, Carlos Salozar, Carlos Arrien and Juan Pineda in 1977. It is the only mural in the neighborhood created by Latino immigrant artists. The mural was revitalized in 2005 by Sol & Soul, a local arts organization, in collaboration with one of the original artists, Juan Pineda, and renovated again by Pineda in 2011 after an earthquake in DC. 1817 Adams Mill Road NW Bloomingdale Neptune in Bloomingdale Head to DC’s Bloomingdale neighborhood to grab a slice of pizza from Bacio Pizzeria and check out this vibrant mural in the neighboring alley. This bright, contemporary piece references mythology and was created during the 2019 ART ALL NIGHT DC event by artists Jeff Huntington and Juan Pineda. 81 Seaton Place NW Columbia Heights The Columbia Heights neighborhood is full of street art celebrating the area’s culture and diversity. My Culture, Mi Gente, by artist Joel Bergner is just one such mural. The colorful artwork can be found across from the Columbia Heights Metro Station. 3064 15th Street NW Dupont Circle Amanda Gorman Mural Dupont Circle is home to a new radiant mural that depicts a memorable scene from the 2021 U.S. presidential Inauguration: 23-year-old Amanda Gorman reading her captivating poem, “The Hill We Climb.” The mural was painted by local artist Kaliq Crosby, a frequent and acclaimed contributor to DC’s street art scene. In addition to Gorman’s larger-than-life portrait, the installation features symbols from the DC flag and a notable line from her famed poem: "There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it." 1608 17th Street NW (near Dupont Circle) Georgetown Wave Mural Nestled a few blocks from M Street in historic Georgetown, this iconic mural was created to replicate the mid-1800s Japanese print, ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’ by Hokusai. In 1974, painter and architect John McConnell was asked to ‘dress up’ the wall of a rowhouse owned by his friends, which led to this breathtaking memorial to Hokusai’s legendary piece. After admiring the street art and snapping a few pics for the ‘gram, be sure to check out nearby Call Your Mother Deli for delicious bagels. 3510 O St. NW Alma Indigena Created by artist Victor Quinonez in 2021, Georgetown's newest mural is located at 1564 Wisconsin Avenue NW. Inspired by the photography of Diego Huerta and the people of the western Mexican state Jalisco, the detailed artwork features an indigenous Wixárika Elder as well as blue maize and guajillo peppers, ingredients used in many native cultures. 1564 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 NoMa For a more traditional portrait of the country’s first president, head to National Portrait Gallery. But if you’re looking to see George Washington funk-a-fied, look no further than artist MADSTEEZ’s piece in NoMa. The mural is part of an international art movement, POW! WOW!, which celebrates culture, music and art all over the world. 331 N Street NE Union Market is your one-stop shop for mural grams! The revitalized NoMa food hall has something for everyone; there’s the heart wall topped with the inspiring message, “Never Give Up,” a project by LA-based graffiti artist Mr. Brainwash in honor of International Women’s Day in 2015. There's also the [R] Mural Project, which was designed to inspire the community through art and storytelling, specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and those who have been most affected. There are three pieces to this Union Market project that complete the narrative: the installation, stories of resilience and community resources. 1309 5th Street NE New Mural by Meaghan Toohey As part of the 2021 D.C. Walls Festival, artist Meaghan Toohey's mural of a woman building a brick staircase is located on a 900-foot wall along the Metropolitan Branch Trail. Toohey's eye-catching work is accompanied by an array of murals created by local, national and international artists during the annual fall celebration of art. Near Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002 Mount Vernon Triangle Tucked amongst rehabbed carriage-houses and Shaw's award-winning restaurants like The Dabney, Blagden Alley was once home to working class Black Americans following the Civil War and, later, creators in DC’s underground art scene. Now you’ll find a series of rotating murals including an oversized tribute to musicians Sun Ra and Erykah Badu and this piece, titled, Let.Go. by artist Rose Jaffe. 50 Blagden Alley NW XXIV Carrot in Blagden Alley Cleverly titled XXIV Carrot, this mural in Blagden Alley features 24 carrots and was created by artist Marcella Kriebel with the help of the local community. Kriebel designed and outlined the piece, but members of the public were invited to grab a paint brush and add their mark to the vibrant project. Blagden Alley NW Voice of Change in Mount Vernon Triangle The full title of this mural is Voices of Change: Representation, Progress and Hope, as this piece encourages Americans to unite and work toward peaceful and positive change. Featuring Black leaders such as DC’s Mayor Muriel Bowser, Vice President Kamala Harris and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the five-mural installation was part of a 2021 MLK Day of Service Project and painted by local artists Shawn Perkins, Levi Robinson and Dez Zambrano. The corner of 5th and K Streets NW Shaw Artist Aniekan Udofia, who is the creative mind behind the Ben’s mural and Blagden Alley’s whimsical portrait of Sun Ra and Erykah Badu, pays tribute to DC-born musician Marvin Gaye in this masterpiece in Shaw. The vibrant mural is Udofia’s second of the soulful icon – the previous mural was created in 2013 but later covered by construction. S Street NW, between 7th & 8th streets Watermelon House Plastered on the side of a residence in Logan Circle, the Watermelon House is a must-see on your mural tour of DC. The story behind the Watermelon House goes something like this: the owners of the home hired someone to paint the side red but when the result was more pink than anticipated, the owners turned lemons into watermelon. The home has become an attraction for visitors and locals alike. 11th Street & Q Street NW Washington by No Kings Collective in Shaw This colorful piece is situated across from Howard Theatre in the eclectic Shaw neighborhood. The mural was created by No Kings Collective in collaboration with Stella Artois (notice the hops); note that there are also features of the Washington Monument and the District of Columbia flag. 631 T St. NW Dacha Beer Garden A hip, dog-friendly brewtopia and cafe, Shaw’s Dacha Beer Garden also boasts some of the city’s most recognizable street art – a giant mural of glamorous 20th-century movie star, Elizabeth Taylor, whose charity work around AIDS awareness has been recognized by nearby Whitman-Walker Health Center. Raise a glass (or one of the eatery’s monster pretzels) to the icon for the perfect outdoor patio gram. 1600 7th Street NW Southwest Waterfront Culture House DC This former Baptist Church has been transformed into a brightly colored arts and culture community center and gallery space near the Southwest Waterfront. Built in 1886, the Victorian and Romanesque architectural gem was re-imagined in October 2012 by artist HENSE and later repurposed as Blind Whino in 2013 before changing its name to Culture House DC. 700 Delaware Avenue SW U Street Ben's Chili Bowl A DC staple since it opened in 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl remains a must-visit for tourists, locals and celebrities. Known for its half-smoke – a DC delicacy that is half-pork, half-beef and served with heaping helpings of herbs, onion and chili sauce – Ben’s is also famous for its iconic building. The restaurant’s U Street location features a gigantic mural of iconic African American figures, updated in 2017 by Aniekan Udofia, to include DC-native Dave Chappelle, abolitionist Harriet Tubman and Barack and Michelle Obama. Step back for a wide-angled shot of the whole mural or get up close and personal for a selfie with one of the wall’s icons. 1213 U Street NW The Resurrection on U Street You’ll definitely want to pencil this one in to your DC mural hunt. This epic street art by Aniekan Udofia features musical legends Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and Billie Holiday. The spark of creativity is illuminated through a stargazing backdrop and the inclusion of pencils, piano keys and a depiction of Miles bellowing through his legendary trumpet. 2001 11th Street NW Lee’s Legacy Mural on U Street Lee’s Flower and Card Shop first opened its doors in 1945 and specializes in quality flower arrangements, no matter your needs. Lee’s and Ben’s Chili Bowl— both Black-owned businesses — have been staples along the U Street Corridor since the 1960s. The Lee’s Legacy Mural was painted by airbrush artist and native Washingtonian Kaliq Crosby in 2017. 1026 U Street NW Foggy Bottom Duke Ellington Mural Celebrated DC artist Aniekan Udofia's breathtaking mural is on the outside of the building that now occupies the space where the legendary Duke Ellington was born, when it was 2129 Ida Place back in 1899. The gorgeous installation shows the Duke as a pianist, composer and band leader, with doves incorporated as a representation of his reputation as a goodwill ambassador. 2121 Ward Place NW Foggy Bottom Painted in 2017 by Aniekan Udofia, this mural captures Foggy Bottom's industrial past and the educational spirit of its present. The mural's central figure is a Mad-Max style glass-blower, a reference to the Glass House, an early Foggy Bottom industry. The vibrant mural also shows factory smoke, the three red stars and stripes of the DC flag and George Washington's face and pencils, two references to nearby George Washington University. 950 24th Street NW Garden Elizabeth Graeber's Garden mural can be found on the rear façade of an historic row house and was first featured in the 2014 Arts in Foggy Bottom Bi-Annual Art Exhibition. Graeber painted the image freehand using acrylic interior and exterior house paint. She returns to the neighborhood from time to time to tend to her garden. 923 Hughes Mews NW, Washington, DC 20037 Patriotic Pasture Daniel Zeltner's three-sided mural in the Foggy Bottom Historic District features images of red hearts, puddles of milk, cows and the Capitol. The cow's face that turns the curve with the corner of the wall adds a touch of dimensional whimsy. Are the images of spilt milk references suggesting the lost opportunities one finds in government and politics -- or just darn cute bovines common to Switzerland? We leave it up to you to figure it out. 2532 I Street NW
What You Need to Know About the Giant Pandas at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
While there are plenty of reasons to visit DC in 2025, the return of giant pandas to Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of the coolest. It’s been more than a year since the Zoo bade farewell to beloved giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xio Qi Ji on Nov. 8, 2023. Qing Bao and Bao Li are the popular new residents of the nation’s capital and we’re here to help you prepare for this awesome experience that showcases how There’s Only One DC.
Guide to Dining at Award-Winning Restaurants in Washington, DC
MITA At MITA in Shaw, Chefs Tatiana Mora and Miguel Guerra have made history with their first Michelin star: Mora is the first Venezuelan female chef to achieve the honor while Guerra is the youngest Venezuelan chef to do so. The duo's vegetable-forward tasting menus approach each ingredient with reverence and a little magic. While diners may recognize Latin favorites like arepas and mole, they may encounter less familiar ingredients like arracacha (Andean root vegetable), chontaduro (Amazonian palm fruit) or cachaça (a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane). Even the familiar is reimagined, such as the chicharrónes made from wild rice. Omakase @ Barracks Row DC diners may have enjoyed a delicately plated dish from Chef Yi "Ricky" Wang at Sushi Nakazawa or at minibar by José Andrés. Now, fans have the chance to try the chef's Michelin-starred menu at Capitol Hill sushi bar Omakase @ Barracks Row. The carefully curated blend of contemporary and classic means communal seating and twenty courses of otsumami (snacking plates) and nigiri. Oyster Oyster The first restaurant in DC to be awarded a Michelin green star for its outstanding sustainability efforts, Oyster Oyster takes vegetable-first dining to the next level. Seasonal menus feature ingredients from local farms that share the restaurant's ethos, as well as environmentally beneficial oysters from the Chesapeake Bay. Even the mushrooms are locally foraged. You can find this gem in the Shaw neighborhood. Albi Chef Michael Rafidi pours his heart into his Navy Yard restaurant. That’s no joke, either; Albi literally means “heart” in Arabic, a nod to the chef’s Levantine roots that matches his signature mix of mezze plates and mashawi, dishes cooked over an open flame. Savor Mediterranean staples with a twist, like a saccharine fattoush with pear and cucumber or the sumac bok choy with honey, whipped feta and smoked peanut harissa. Entrees bend the mind, such as the lump crab tabouli bolstering the barbecued black bass, or the fire-kissed loin and smoked belly lamb kebabs. As if you needed more convincing, Chef Rafidi was honored with the 2024 Outstanding Chef Award from the James Beard Foundation. Perry's Restaurant Perry’s in Adams Morgan has long been a fan-favorite for its community-minded drag brunches, its idyllic yet low-key rooftop and its killer Japanese menu. Yet, in 2022, Chef Masako Morishita began authoring an exciting new chapter in the restaurant’s forty-year story. The first Japanese woman to helm the kitchen, Morishita has refreshed the menu to reflect her adventurous brand of “modern comfort food," including parmesan-topped edamame dumplings, shrimp katsu burgers on potato buns (held together by pink flamingo cocktail picks), udon carbonara and a special Japanese breakfast service. Morishita's vision was recognized on a new level when she was awarded two of the most prestigious endorsements a culinary up-and-comer can receive – first, the honor of Emerging Chef at the James Beard Awards, and second, Rising Culinary Star of the Year at the RAMMYs, the prestigious culinary awards granted annually by the DC region's restaurant association. Anju Anju in Dupont Circle melds modern technique with traditional Korean flavors, resulting in tantalizing delights like the fried chicken complemented by jujube mole, white barbecue sauce and spicy gochujang. While executive chef Angel Barreto is no stranger to accolades – including recognition in DC-area awards, national press from the James Beard Foundation and Food and Wine and even the honor of Culinary Ambassador for the U.S. – he continues to solidify his place as one of DC's dining virtuosos, especially with his recent, extra meaningful achievement: this year's Best Chef award from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. Causa Led by Michelin's Young Chef Award winner Carlos Delgado, Causa provides a Peruvian culinary journey that highlights the coastline and Andes mountains. The $125 six-course menu features the nation's abundant ingredients and fresh fish. Enhance your experience with wine pairings or explore Peru’s national spirit with North America's largest Pisco library. Reservations are made available two months in advance, so be sure to plan ahead – Causa was named Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year by the DC area's restaurant association. minibar by José Andrés Take a multi-course journey through the world of molecular gastronomy from renowned chef José Andrés. Located in Penn Quarter, this restaurant is regularly booked months in advance. Jônt Chef Ryan Ratino has gathered a lineup of inspired chefs and creatives to bring Jônt to DC. The restaurant offers a tasting menu that is a voyage through dynamic flavors, showcasing a playful technique that leads to dishes you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Think Dungeness crab with donabe rice, truffle and maitake, or sea urchin with custard and English peas. The robust beverage menu means you’re also likely to find the perfect drink to pair with your meal. Ellie Bird From the minds behind Rooster & Owl comes "little sister" concept Ellie Bird. The "unfussy" a-la-carte spot – named after founders Yuan and Carey Tang's youngest daughter – serves New American plates a few blocks away from where the restauranteur power couple grew up in Falls Church, Va. While you may recognize some familiar menu items like pineapple buns and kimchi bouillabaisse, diners are delighted by notable new items like "fancy tater tots," Vietnamese French onion soup and mochi waffles for brunch. And to top it all off? Metropolitan DC's restaurant association recently named Ellie Bird its new restaurant of the year. Pineapple and Pearls Chef Aaron Silverman’s tasting menu is the stuff of perfection. Venture into Barracks Row on Capitol Hill for a night filled with meticulously crafted courses – each paired with a drink. Tip: You can belly up to the bar for the same tasting menu sans drinks and save $100. Rania Rania translates to “queen” in Hindi and Sanskrit so it’s no surprise that this Penn Quarter hot spot is a royal delight. Chef Chetan Shetty exceeds expectations of a traditional Indian restaurant with a captivating menu of three courses for $75 or four for $90, featuring inventive dishes like beef short rib with saffron nihari and charred maitake mushroom. Imperfecto: The Chef’s Table Chef Enrique Limardo embraces the idea that we can’t achieve perfection despite our best efforts. It’s that constant pursuit that fortifies the entire dining experience at this West End restaurant, which draws on Greek influences and Limardo’s Latin American cooking chops. For the full experience, book the Chef’s Table (as opposed to eating a la carte), featuring 10 dizzying dishes, including options like the kampachi sea tartare, caramelized king crab with caviar and strawberry-mushroom duck breast. Reverie Like something out of a daydream, Reverie in Georgetown will delight your senses with a dining experience featuring ingredients from all over the world. The intimate restaurant is guided by award-winning Chef Johnny Spero, whose playful menu draws from the local daily catch to create a historic evening for you and your guests, an appropriate tribute to the restaurant's idyllic neighborhood. Elcielo D.C. Dive into the flavors of Colombia at Elcielo D.C., located inside La Cosecha and helmed by chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, who mixes the avant-garde with traditional Colombian cuisine to create a flavor-packed adventure that incorporates all five senses. Choose from four tasting menus to be enjoyed in a reserved room next to the open kitchen. The a la carte menu, served in the great hall, features signature dishes like The Tree of Life, which offers oven-baked Yucca bread on a bonsai tree, representing the Amazon rainforest. Xiquet Chef Danny Lledó has built a menu that reflects the climate, agriculture and sea bounty of Valencia at Xiquet. Featuring a stunning wood-fired kitchen enclosed in glass, the Embassy Row restaurant offers both tasting and a la carte experiences that are sure to leave you breathless. Standout dishes have included the Red Prawn of Denia and either of the two paellas, including a vegetarian version with artichoke, asparagus, lima beans and eggplant, or the seafood version with lobster, red prawn, scallop and cuttlefish (caviar optional). Rooster & Owl After honing his skills at renowned kitchens around New York City, chef Yuan Tang teamed up with wife Carey Tang to open Rooster & Owl in DC. The couple’s 14th Street NW restaurant serves contemporary American fare, offering diners a four-course, prix-fixe menu where seasonal ingredients and vegetarian dishes shine. Diners can expect something unique from the jump with takes like the Carolina-style barbecue carrots with a cornbread ice cream, meatless larb made with lime-kissed shiitake mushrooms and grilled cobia fish served with broccoli mole and turnips dressed in fish sauce vinaigrette. Gravitas Chef Matt Baker has turned a former tomato cannery in Ivy City into Gravitas, a farm-to-table restaurant highlighting the delicious bounty of the Chesapeake in a modern space with plenty of exposed brick. You can choose your own culinary adventure with the flexible three-, four- or six-course tasting menu options, allowing you to sample a range of Baker’s popular dishes (think yellowfin sashimi and an exceptional chocolate ganache that snakes across your plate). Green thumbs can get their kicks sipping on cocktails upstairs at the Conservatory, which includes a greenhouse and garden alive with flowers, fruits and vegetables. Sushi Nakazawa If a menu-less, 20-course dining experience suits your taste, look no further than Sushi Nakazawa. This New York import that turns eating into an adventure comes from chef Daisuke Nakazawa. The restaurant serves fresh-caught fruits of the sea in the style of omakase, a Japanese phrase that roughly translates to “I'll leave it up to you.” Little Pearl Little Pearl allows you to enjoy Aaron Silverman’s award-winning culinary creations without waiting in line at Rose’s Luxury or shelling out for Pineapple and Pearls. This Capitol Hill cafe-by-day and wine-bar-by-night has taken over as the casual spot in Silverman’s dining empire. Choose from gourmet java, potato donuts and a delightfully crispy fried chicken sandwich (served fried or Japanese-style) during a daytime visit. You can also wash down one of the inventive snacks with a glass of vino from an extensive by-the-glass list or choose the affordable prix-fixe dinner menu. Kinship After cutting his teeth at The French Laundry, chef Eric Ziebold moved to DC and came into his own when he opened Kinship to rave reviews. The menu features dishes that focus on technique, history, ingredient or communal preparations. It’s a special place, and perfect for a celebratory meal. Métier Located beneath Kinship, an even more indulgent experience awaits at Métier, chef Eric Ziebold's ambitious 36-seat restaurant with a $200 six-course tasting menu. The French-themed restaurant is has become a city favorite, and diners take note: advanced reservations are recommended and jackets are required for gentlemen. Masseria Located near the foodie wonderland of Union Market, Nicholas Stefanelli’s restaurant harkens back to his rustic Italian roots. Savor coastal cuisine cooked to perfection, aided by a well-manicured wine list. The Dabney Chef Jeremiah Langhorne added to the Shaw neighborhood's transformation into one of the city’s hottest dining neighborhoods with his Blagden Alley venture. Come here to discover what his signature Mid-Atlantic fare is all about. Fiola Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s Penn Quarter outpost sates wine and negroni lovers, as well as connoisseurs of house-made pastas and Italian-inspired seafood. Head to his other spots, including downtown DC pasta house Sfoglina, for an array of delectable dining experiences. Rose's Luxury Neighborhood dining doesn't get any better than this Barracks Row establishment, once named the best new restaurant in America by Bon Appétit. Eaters line up hours in advance to get a table, but now you can score same-day reservations as well. Tail Up Goat Mediterranean flavors permeate the menu at Tail Up Goat, an Adams Morgan darling since its opening in 2016. Enjoy everything from goat lasagna and house-baked breads to hearty veggie-friendly fare.
Guide to WorldPride 2025
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington, DC and we're celebrating by making it an all-out international experience. Join the momentous celebrations as the nation’s capital is painted with pride, featuring a variety of events to inspire, empower and connect the international LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The Fabric of Freedom theme emphasizes our community, woven together through our rich cultures, diverse identities and backgrounds. Check out some of the highlights below. Enjoy exclusive WorldPride 2025 hotel discounts in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with direct links to special rates and curated accommodations. Visit the official WorldPride 2025 website to sign up for email updates. Read more about travel resources and safety information.
Your DC Bucket List
You don’t have to experience these in any order, but you do have to experience them all. Each activity illustrates how There’s Only One DC and many can be enjoyed for free. What’d we leave out? Does your DC Bucket List differ? Follow us on Instagram & TikTok and let us know your favorite activities in the District.
Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC
DC’s art galleries are certainly some of the best places to explore masterful works of art. But DC’s color palette is not confined to museums or its bounty of natural beauty. The city’s neighborhood walls are covered with vibrant and unique murals, celebrating everything from hometown heroes to Founding Fathers and even fruit – there are literally hundreds of outdoor artworks and street murals to behold! We picked out just a handful of the most color-popping, popular works for an instantly ‘grammable street mural tour through the nation's capital. Before you dive into must-see street art, tag along with mural artist Aniekan Udofia – famed for his alleyway opus adorning the wall of local institution Ben’s Chili Bowl – as he unveils where he finds his inspiration in DC. Adams Morgan Madam's Organ A neighborhood landmark, this mural lives on the side of the Madam's Organ Blues Bar and was completed in 1997. The piece was sponsored by the restaurant owner, Bill Duggan, and has been controversial for its bold depiction. Make sure to check out all the murals in Adams Morgan. 2461 18th Street NW Mural at BUL Head to BUL Korean Bar & Restaurant to see a mural that depicts one of Toulouse-Lautrec’s most famous posters of the singer Aristide Bruant. Completed in 1980, the mural was painted from a photograph by the restaurant’s original owner, André Neveux. The piece is now iconic, and signals your arrival in Adams Morgan, much like the Madam's Organ Mural. 2461 18th Street NW Mural Un Pueblo Sin Murales The title of this striking mural on Adams Mill Road translates to: A People Without Murals are a Demuralized People. The piece, which is located on the side wall of Kogibow Bakery, was created by artists Felipe Martinez, Carlos Salozar, Carlos Arrien and Juan Pineda in 1977. It is the only mural in the neighborhood created by Latino immigrant artists. The mural was revitalized in 2005 by Sol & Soul, a local arts organization, in collaboration with one of the original artists, Juan Pineda, and renovated again by Pineda in 2011 after an earthquake in DC. 1817 Adams Mill Road NW Bloomingdale Neptune in Bloomingdale Head to DC’s Bloomingdale neighborhood to grab a slice of pizza from Bacio Pizzeria and check out this vibrant mural in the neighboring alley. This bright, contemporary piece references mythology and was created during the 2019 ART ALL NIGHT DC event by artists Jeff Huntington and Juan Pineda. 81 Seaton Place NW Columbia Heights The Columbia Heights neighborhood is full of street art celebrating the area’s culture and diversity. My Culture, Mi Gente, by artist Joel Bergner is just one such mural. The colorful artwork can be found across from the Columbia Heights Metro Station. 3064 15th Street NW Dupont Circle Amanda Gorman Mural Dupont Circle is home to a new radiant mural that depicts a memorable scene from the 2021 U.S. presidential Inauguration: 23-year-old Amanda Gorman reading her captivating poem, “The Hill We Climb.” The mural was painted by local artist Kaliq Crosby, a frequent and acclaimed contributor to DC’s street art scene. In addition to Gorman’s larger-than-life portrait, the installation features symbols from the DC flag and a notable line from her famed poem: "There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it." 1608 17th Street NW (near Dupont Circle) Georgetown Wave Mural Nestled a few blocks from M Street in historic Georgetown, this iconic mural was created to replicate the mid-1800s Japanese print, ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’ by Hokusai. In 1974, painter and architect John McConnell was asked to ‘dress up’ the wall of a rowhouse owned by his friends, which led to this breathtaking memorial to Hokusai’s legendary piece. After admiring the street art and snapping a few pics for the ‘gram, be sure to check out nearby Call Your Mother Deli for delicious bagels. 3510 O St. NW Alma Indigena Created by artist Victor Quinonez in 2021, Georgetown's newest mural is located at 1564 Wisconsin Avenue NW. Inspired by the photography of Diego Huerta and the people of the western Mexican state Jalisco, the detailed artwork features an indigenous Wixárika Elder as well as blue maize and guajillo peppers, ingredients used in many native cultures. 1564 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 NoMa For a more traditional portrait of the country’s first president, head to National Portrait Gallery. But if you’re looking to see George Washington funk-a-fied, look no further than artist MADSTEEZ’s piece in NoMa. The mural is part of an international art movement, POW! WOW!, which celebrates culture, music and art all over the world. 331 N Street NE Union Market is your one-stop shop for mural grams! The revitalized NoMa food hall has something for everyone; there’s the heart wall topped with the inspiring message, “Never Give Up,” a project by LA-based graffiti artist Mr. Brainwash in honor of International Women’s Day in 2015. There's also the [R] Mural Project, which was designed to inspire the community through art and storytelling, specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and those who have been most affected. There are three pieces to this Union Market project that complete the narrative: the installation, stories of resilience and community resources. 1309 5th Street NE New Mural by Meaghan Toohey As part of the 2021 D.C. Walls Festival, artist Meaghan Toohey's mural of a woman building a brick staircase is located on a 900-foot wall along the Metropolitan Branch Trail. Toohey's eye-catching work is accompanied by an array of murals created by local, national and international artists during the annual fall celebration of art. Near Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002 Mount Vernon Triangle Tucked amongst rehabbed carriage-houses and Shaw's award-winning restaurants like The Dabney, Blagden Alley was once home to working class Black Americans following the Civil War and, later, creators in DC’s underground art scene. Now you’ll find a series of rotating murals including an oversized tribute to musicians Sun Ra and Erykah Badu and this piece, titled, Let.Go. by artist Rose Jaffe. 50 Blagden Alley NW XXIV Carrot in Blagden Alley Cleverly titled XXIV Carrot, this mural in Blagden Alley features 24 carrots and was created by artist Marcella Kriebel with the help of the local community. Kriebel designed and outlined the piece, but members of the public were invited to grab a paint brush and add their mark to the vibrant project. Blagden Alley NW Voice of Change in Mount Vernon Triangle The full title of this mural is Voices of Change: Representation, Progress and Hope, as this piece encourages Americans to unite and work toward peaceful and positive change. Featuring Black leaders such as DC’s Mayor Muriel Bowser, Vice President Kamala Harris and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the five-mural installation was part of a 2021 MLK Day of Service Project and painted by local artists Shawn Perkins, Levi Robinson and Dez Zambrano. The corner of 5th and K Streets NW Shaw Artist Aniekan Udofia, who is the creative mind behind the Ben’s mural and Blagden Alley’s whimsical portrait of Sun Ra and Erykah Badu, pays tribute to DC-born musician Marvin Gaye in this masterpiece in Shaw. The vibrant mural is Udofia’s second of the soulful icon – the previous mural was created in 2013 but later covered by construction. S Street NW, between 7th & 8th streets Watermelon House Plastered on the side of a residence in Logan Circle, the Watermelon House is a must-see on your mural tour of DC. The story behind the Watermelon House goes something like this: the owners of the home hired someone to paint the side red but when the result was more pink than anticipated, the owners turned lemons into watermelon. The home has become an attraction for visitors and locals alike. 11th Street & Q Street NW Washington by No Kings Collective in Shaw This colorful piece is situated across from Howard Theatre in the eclectic Shaw neighborhood. The mural was created by No Kings Collective in collaboration with Stella Artois (notice the hops); note that there are also features of the Washington Monument and the District of Columbia flag. 631 T St. NW Dacha Beer Garden A hip, dog-friendly brewtopia and cafe, Shaw’s Dacha Beer Garden also boasts some of the city’s most recognizable street art – a giant mural of glamorous 20th-century movie star, Elizabeth Taylor, whose charity work around AIDS awareness has been recognized by nearby Whitman-Walker Health Center. Raise a glass (or one of the eatery’s monster pretzels) to the icon for the perfect outdoor patio gram. 1600 7th Street NW Southwest Waterfront Culture House DC This former Baptist Church has been transformed into a brightly colored arts and culture community center and gallery space near the Southwest Waterfront. Built in 1886, the Victorian and Romanesque architectural gem was re-imagined in October 2012 by artist HENSE and later repurposed as Blind Whino in 2013 before changing its name to Culture House DC. 700 Delaware Avenue SW U Street Ben's Chili Bowl A DC staple since it opened in 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl remains a must-visit for tourists, locals and celebrities. Known for its half-smoke – a DC delicacy that is half-pork, half-beef and served with heaping helpings of herbs, onion and chili sauce – Ben’s is also famous for its iconic building. The restaurant’s U Street location features a gigantic mural of iconic African American figures, updated in 2017 by Aniekan Udofia, to include DC-native Dave Chappelle, abolitionist Harriet Tubman and Barack and Michelle Obama. Step back for a wide-angled shot of the whole mural or get up close and personal for a selfie with one of the wall’s icons. 1213 U Street NW The Resurrection on U Street You’ll definitely want to pencil this one in to your DC mural hunt. This epic street art by Aniekan Udofia features musical legends Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and Billie Holiday. The spark of creativity is illuminated through a stargazing backdrop and the inclusion of pencils, piano keys and a depiction of Miles bellowing through his legendary trumpet. 2001 11th Street NW Lee’s Legacy Mural on U Street Lee’s Flower and Card Shop first opened its doors in 1945 and specializes in quality flower arrangements, no matter your needs. Lee’s and Ben’s Chili Bowl— both Black-owned businesses — have been staples along the U Street Corridor since the 1960s. The Lee’s Legacy Mural was painted by airbrush artist and native Washingtonian Kaliq Crosby in 2017. 1026 U Street NW Foggy Bottom Duke Ellington Mural Celebrated DC artist Aniekan Udofia's breathtaking mural is on the outside of the building that now occupies the space where the legendary Duke Ellington was born, when it was 2129 Ida Place back in 1899. The gorgeous installation shows the Duke as a pianist, composer and band leader, with doves incorporated as a representation of his reputation as a goodwill ambassador. 2121 Ward Place NW Foggy Bottom Painted in 2017 by Aniekan Udofia, this mural captures Foggy Bottom's industrial past and the educational spirit of its present. The mural's central figure is a Mad-Max style glass-blower, a reference to the Glass House, an early Foggy Bottom industry. The vibrant mural also shows factory smoke, the three red stars and stripes of the DC flag and George Washington's face and pencils, two references to nearby George Washington University. 950 24th Street NW Garden Elizabeth Graeber's Garden mural can be found on the rear façade of an historic row house and was first featured in the 2014 Arts in Foggy Bottom Bi-Annual Art Exhibition. Graeber painted the image freehand using acrylic interior and exterior house paint. She returns to the neighborhood from time to time to tend to her garden. 923 Hughes Mews NW, Washington, DC 20037 Patriotic Pasture Daniel Zeltner's three-sided mural in the Foggy Bottom Historic District features images of red hearts, puddles of milk, cows and the Capitol. The cow's face that turns the curve with the corner of the wall adds a touch of dimensional whimsy. Are the images of spilt milk references suggesting the lost opportunities one finds in government and politics -- or just darn cute bovines common to Switzerland? We leave it up to you to figure it out. 2532 I Street NW
What You Need to Know About the Giant Pandas at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
While there are plenty of reasons to visit DC in 2025, the return of giant pandas to Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of the coolest. It’s been more than a year since the Zoo bade farewell to beloved giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xio Qi Ji on Nov. 8, 2023. Qing Bao and Bao Li are the popular new residents of the nation’s capital and we’re here to help you prepare for this awesome experience that showcases how There’s Only One DC.
Guide to Dining at Award-Winning Restaurants in Washington, DC
MITA At MITA in Shaw, Chefs Tatiana Mora and Miguel Guerra have made history with their first Michelin star: Mora is the first Venezuelan female chef to achieve the honor while Guerra is the youngest Venezuelan chef to do so. The duo's vegetable-forward tasting menus approach each ingredient with reverence and a little magic. While diners may recognize Latin favorites like arepas and mole, they may encounter less familiar ingredients like arracacha (Andean root vegetable), chontaduro (Amazonian palm fruit) or cachaça (a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane). Even the familiar is reimagined, such as the chicharrónes made from wild rice. Omakase @ Barracks Row DC diners may have enjoyed a delicately plated dish from Chef Yi "Ricky" Wang at Sushi Nakazawa or at minibar by José Andrés. Now, fans have the chance to try the chef's Michelin-starred menu at Capitol Hill sushi bar Omakase @ Barracks Row. The carefully curated blend of contemporary and classic means communal seating and twenty courses of otsumami (snacking plates) and nigiri. Oyster Oyster The first restaurant in DC to be awarded a Michelin green star for its outstanding sustainability efforts, Oyster Oyster takes vegetable-first dining to the next level. Seasonal menus feature ingredients from local farms that share the restaurant's ethos, as well as environmentally beneficial oysters from the Chesapeake Bay. Even the mushrooms are locally foraged. You can find this gem in the Shaw neighborhood. Albi Chef Michael Rafidi pours his heart into his Navy Yard restaurant. That’s no joke, either; Albi literally means “heart” in Arabic, a nod to the chef’s Levantine roots that matches his signature mix of mezze plates and mashawi, dishes cooked over an open flame. Savor Mediterranean staples with a twist, like a saccharine fattoush with pear and cucumber or the sumac bok choy with honey, whipped feta and smoked peanut harissa. Entrees bend the mind, such as the lump crab tabouli bolstering the barbecued black bass, or the fire-kissed loin and smoked belly lamb kebabs. As if you needed more convincing, Chef Rafidi was honored with the 2024 Outstanding Chef Award from the James Beard Foundation. Perry's Restaurant Perry’s in Adams Morgan has long been a fan-favorite for its community-minded drag brunches, its idyllic yet low-key rooftop and its killer Japanese menu. Yet, in 2022, Chef Masako Morishita began authoring an exciting new chapter in the restaurant’s forty-year story. The first Japanese woman to helm the kitchen, Morishita has refreshed the menu to reflect her adventurous brand of “modern comfort food," including parmesan-topped edamame dumplings, shrimp katsu burgers on potato buns (held together by pink flamingo cocktail picks), udon carbonara and a special Japanese breakfast service. Morishita's vision was recognized on a new level when she was awarded two of the most prestigious endorsements a culinary up-and-comer can receive – first, the honor of Emerging Chef at the James Beard Awards, and second, Rising Culinary Star of the Year at the RAMMYs, the prestigious culinary awards granted annually by the DC region's restaurant association. Anju Anju in Dupont Circle melds modern technique with traditional Korean flavors, resulting in tantalizing delights like the fried chicken complemented by jujube mole, white barbecue sauce and spicy gochujang. While executive chef Angel Barreto is no stranger to accolades – including recognition in DC-area awards, national press from the James Beard Foundation and Food and Wine and even the honor of Culinary Ambassador for the U.S. – he continues to solidify his place as one of DC's dining virtuosos, especially with his recent, extra meaningful achievement: this year's Best Chef award from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. Causa Led by Michelin's Young Chef Award winner Carlos Delgado, Causa provides a Peruvian culinary journey that highlights the coastline and Andes mountains. The $125 six-course menu features the nation's abundant ingredients and fresh fish. Enhance your experience with wine pairings or explore Peru’s national spirit with North America's largest Pisco library. Reservations are made available two months in advance, so be sure to plan ahead – Causa was named Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year by the DC area's restaurant association. minibar by José Andrés Take a multi-course journey through the world of molecular gastronomy from renowned chef José Andrés. Located in Penn Quarter, this restaurant is regularly booked months in advance. Jônt Chef Ryan Ratino has gathered a lineup of inspired chefs and creatives to bring Jônt to DC. The restaurant offers a tasting menu that is a voyage through dynamic flavors, showcasing a playful technique that leads to dishes you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Think Dungeness crab with donabe rice, truffle and maitake, or sea urchin with custard and English peas. The robust beverage menu means you’re also likely to find the perfect drink to pair with your meal. Ellie Bird From the minds behind Rooster & Owl comes "little sister" concept Ellie Bird. The "unfussy" a-la-carte spot – named after founders Yuan and Carey Tang's youngest daughter – serves New American plates a few blocks away from where the restauranteur power couple grew up in Falls Church, Va. While you may recognize some familiar menu items like pineapple buns and kimchi bouillabaisse, diners are delighted by notable new items like "fancy tater tots," Vietnamese French onion soup and mochi waffles for brunch. And to top it all off? Metropolitan DC's restaurant association recently named Ellie Bird its new restaurant of the year. Pineapple and Pearls Chef Aaron Silverman’s tasting menu is the stuff of perfection. Venture into Barracks Row on Capitol Hill for a night filled with meticulously crafted courses – each paired with a drink. Tip: You can belly up to the bar for the same tasting menu sans drinks and save $100. Rania Rania translates to “queen” in Hindi and Sanskrit so it’s no surprise that this Penn Quarter hot spot is a royal delight. Chef Chetan Shetty exceeds expectations of a traditional Indian restaurant with a captivating menu of three courses for $75 or four for $90, featuring inventive dishes like beef short rib with saffron nihari and charred maitake mushroom. Imperfecto: The Chef’s Table Chef Enrique Limardo embraces the idea that we can’t achieve perfection despite our best efforts. It’s that constant pursuit that fortifies the entire dining experience at this West End restaurant, which draws on Greek influences and Limardo’s Latin American cooking chops. For the full experience, book the Chef’s Table (as opposed to eating a la carte), featuring 10 dizzying dishes, including options like the kampachi sea tartare, caramelized king crab with caviar and strawberry-mushroom duck breast. Reverie Like something out of a daydream, Reverie in Georgetown will delight your senses with a dining experience featuring ingredients from all over the world. The intimate restaurant is guided by award-winning Chef Johnny Spero, whose playful menu draws from the local daily catch to create a historic evening for you and your guests, an appropriate tribute to the restaurant's idyllic neighborhood. Elcielo D.C. Dive into the flavors of Colombia at Elcielo D.C., located inside La Cosecha and helmed by chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, who mixes the avant-garde with traditional Colombian cuisine to create a flavor-packed adventure that incorporates all five senses. Choose from four tasting menus to be enjoyed in a reserved room next to the open kitchen. The a la carte menu, served in the great hall, features signature dishes like The Tree of Life, which offers oven-baked Yucca bread on a bonsai tree, representing the Amazon rainforest. Xiquet Chef Danny Lledó has built a menu that reflects the climate, agriculture and sea bounty of Valencia at Xiquet. Featuring a stunning wood-fired kitchen enclosed in glass, the Embassy Row restaurant offers both tasting and a la carte experiences that are sure to leave you breathless. Standout dishes have included the Red Prawn of Denia and either of the two paellas, including a vegetarian version with artichoke, asparagus, lima beans and eggplant, or the seafood version with lobster, red prawn, scallop and cuttlefish (caviar optional). Rooster & Owl After honing his skills at renowned kitchens around New York City, chef Yuan Tang teamed up with wife Carey Tang to open Rooster & Owl in DC. The couple’s 14th Street NW restaurant serves contemporary American fare, offering diners a four-course, prix-fixe menu where seasonal ingredients and vegetarian dishes shine. Diners can expect something unique from the jump with takes like the Carolina-style barbecue carrots with a cornbread ice cream, meatless larb made with lime-kissed shiitake mushrooms and grilled cobia fish served with broccoli mole and turnips dressed in fish sauce vinaigrette. Gravitas Chef Matt Baker has turned a former tomato cannery in Ivy City into Gravitas, a farm-to-table restaurant highlighting the delicious bounty of the Chesapeake in a modern space with plenty of exposed brick. You can choose your own culinary adventure with the flexible three-, four- or six-course tasting menu options, allowing you to sample a range of Baker’s popular dishes (think yellowfin sashimi and an exceptional chocolate ganache that snakes across your plate). Green thumbs can get their kicks sipping on cocktails upstairs at the Conservatory, which includes a greenhouse and garden alive with flowers, fruits and vegetables. Sushi Nakazawa If a menu-less, 20-course dining experience suits your taste, look no further than Sushi Nakazawa. This New York import that turns eating into an adventure comes from chef Daisuke Nakazawa. The restaurant serves fresh-caught fruits of the sea in the style of omakase, a Japanese phrase that roughly translates to “I'll leave it up to you.” Little Pearl Little Pearl allows you to enjoy Aaron Silverman’s award-winning culinary creations without waiting in line at Rose’s Luxury or shelling out for Pineapple and Pearls. This Capitol Hill cafe-by-day and wine-bar-by-night has taken over as the casual spot in Silverman’s dining empire. Choose from gourmet java, potato donuts and a delightfully crispy fried chicken sandwich (served fried or Japanese-style) during a daytime visit. You can also wash down one of the inventive snacks with a glass of vino from an extensive by-the-glass list or choose the affordable prix-fixe dinner menu. Kinship After cutting his teeth at The French Laundry, chef Eric Ziebold moved to DC and came into his own when he opened Kinship to rave reviews. The menu features dishes that focus on technique, history, ingredient or communal preparations. It’s a special place, and perfect for a celebratory meal. Métier Located beneath Kinship, an even more indulgent experience awaits at Métier, chef Eric Ziebold's ambitious 36-seat restaurant with a $200 six-course tasting menu. The French-themed restaurant is has become a city favorite, and diners take note: advanced reservations are recommended and jackets are required for gentlemen. Masseria Located near the foodie wonderland of Union Market, Nicholas Stefanelli’s restaurant harkens back to his rustic Italian roots. Savor coastal cuisine cooked to perfection, aided by a well-manicured wine list. The Dabney Chef Jeremiah Langhorne added to the Shaw neighborhood's transformation into one of the city’s hottest dining neighborhoods with his Blagden Alley venture. Come here to discover what his signature Mid-Atlantic fare is all about. Fiola Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s Penn Quarter outpost sates wine and negroni lovers, as well as connoisseurs of house-made pastas and Italian-inspired seafood. Head to his other spots, including downtown DC pasta house Sfoglina, for an array of delectable dining experiences. Rose's Luxury Neighborhood dining doesn't get any better than this Barracks Row establishment, once named the best new restaurant in America by Bon Appétit. Eaters line up hours in advance to get a table, but now you can score same-day reservations as well. Tail Up Goat Mediterranean flavors permeate the menu at Tail Up Goat, an Adams Morgan darling since its opening in 2016. Enjoy everything from goat lasagna and house-baked breads to hearty veggie-friendly fare.
