I planned to ask a girl who lives in D.C out very soon. We actually talked about this and she said it is ok, one way or another. However, I happen not to be a D.C resident so I don’t really know much about the town’s night life.
The catch is that we are not 21, so D.C Dopers, please suggest me some places to hang around a night.
Appericate any responds and comments.
I’m on the wrong side of the river so I probably won’t be much help. Try browsing the entertainment section of the Washington City Paper.
Well, I guess a date counts as “entertainment,” but Cafe Society forum is about arts and entertainment in a sort of different sense. Hence, moving this to IMHO.
What do you want to do? What does she want to do? What’s your budget? Georgetown is a reliable spot with a lot of restaurants and possibly some places to have a drink, if you so desire. Its been 10 years since I was in college so things may have changed.
Having no clue what you like, I’m rather fond of a place called something like Cafe L’Enfant on 18th and Florida, NW. It has the feel of a French cafe, and they make pretty darn good crepes. I think there’s still one or two under 21 dance clubs on 18th Street, but I’m not sure which ones, but I’m assured that they’ll be cheesy. Many under 21 girls would love it; most under 21 guys would hate em.
Alternatively, if you’re into the alternative rock scene, do you spend the evening at the Black Cat, on 14th Street, a couple of blocks below U Street. There’s a really good Thai place a couple blocks down, Thai Tanic. Then after the show, you could head to Ben’s Chili Bowl for some late night grub. Mmmm, Ben’s Chili Bowl.
We are not very fond of dancing, clubbing, or getting wild. We are pretty quite people. We like to read.
Budget, I think I am willing to spend around $100, more or less. Is it ok ?
I definitely will find a place where we can get some coffee. Yep, one more thing, we like coffee.
However, I am thinking about a walk or some sort after coffee. Georgetown normally is very packed so I don’t know if it is a good area to have a nice walk. Any suggestions ?
Maybe Kramerbooks and Afterwards. Just above Dupont Circle. Pick up a book or a magazine and enjoy a coffee and dessert in the cafe. Its open 24 hours on the weekends if you want to hang out late and chat.
Maybe the Georgetown Cafe on Wisconsin Ave. Middle Eastern Food, not too pricey, coffee should be alright. Upper Georgetown wouldn’t be too bad and you can always take a walk back on the side streets of Georgetown and check home homes of the rich and moderately famous.
Maybe you could do a daytime thing – go to a museum (you definitely have your pick, down on the Mall), then an early supper after, maybe up on the Hill somewhere.
I second this, with a nitpick: Kramerbooks and Afterwords. And you can get a real meal there, too. Not just a cafe snack.
As already mentioned before, the Mall would be your best bet. It might get a little emotional but walking along the famous locations in our national capital will allow you to get to know her better. Here’s a tip: (playfully) suggest that she’ll be your tour guide!
I know of a high-level restaurant where you could have a romantic dinner or desert. It commands a breathtaking view of the White House. I can’t remember the name or the exact location. I think it’s the Lafayette.
Ah, a sophisticate, eh? Then how about dinner at an Ethiopian place in Georgetown – forget the name, it’s at about 26th and M St, and then head down to the Kennedy Center for a Millenium Stage performance. They have a lot of interesting musical programs.
It’s probably the Sky Terrace on the top floor of the Hotel Washington (corner of Pennsylvania Ave. and 15th St.). It really does have a beautiful view, especially around dusk.
It’s also very convenient if you’re going to (or are coming from) the Mall. There are a couple of theaters nearby: Ford’s Theater, National Theater, Warner Theater, Shakespeare Theater. Heck, even Chinatown is only an eight block walk, or one stop further along the Orange line or Blue line.
Take her to see Sheer Madness at the Kennedy Center. $76 for two tickets fits into your price range, and during intermission you can walk her out onto the rooftop terrace and get a nice view of the city in all directions. This adds a nice romantic touch to the evening, as long as it’s not too cold or raining.
The Kennedy Center is a short walk from Foggy Bottom metro station. There is a parking garage, but you only have $24 left in your budget and that might be cutting it too close, especially if you plan to eat before the play.
BTW, you don’t need to buy a ticket to any shows in order to get up onto the rooftop terrace, but you might feel a little silly going through all the trouble to get to the KC for no other reason than to catch a rooftop view of the city.
The restaurant is Zed’s.
Tell us a bit about yourself so we can determine what might appeal to you. What are both of you interested in? Do you want a restaurant? A night out? Cafe? Play? Fun way to spend a day? Where does she live? Do you want something fairly upscale? Something more down to earth?
Another point, are you going to be driving, or taking public transportation?
Out of curiousity, how far are to traveling to DC for this date?
Thank Dopers for your useful suggestions.
Kennedy Center seems appealing. Is it near downtown D.C ?
Sky Terrace is probably out of my league.
I am inclined to use public transportation since I don’t like to drive three or four blocks to park and walk back to a restaurant. Plus, I don’t know the town well enough, I think.
About one hour, is that normal ?
About 6 blocks up Connecticut from Kramerbooks, towards the Hilton, is the best-tasting Chinese Restaurant in DC, City Lights of China.
If you start with the drinks in the Washington Hilton Lounge for drinks in their lounge, check times for the Piano player, then walk out the Reagan Entrance (where Reagan was shot-though you shouln’t mention that on a first date probably, walk down Florida to Connecticut, then down the hill two blocks, going past CVS to your left, you will find the restaurant. (City Lights of China.)
Dinner is Fab. High quality and huge value for very reasonable dollars. I love the Lemon Chicken myself. But I have never heard of anything even mediocre there. Then continue down hill on City Lights (Hilton) side of Connecticut, you’ll need the walk, to Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe in DuPont Circle, where you can browse then get coffee and chat, whatever.
One thing though, Kramerbooks can sometimes be quite crowded, they have a coffe bar in front but the Cafe can sometimes be quite loud and the noise can make it a hard place to chat.
So if it gets too loud, go back up about two blocks NW up Connecticut toLa Tomate , the cafe with the Tomato on it, for drinks and chatting. Perhaps some light pasta, you are still well within your budget. They also have music in the evening I believe but the full entree`s are pricier.
Oh, there’s a Movie house and what used to be a large Vegan Restaruant on the other side of the Street along the way.
Hope these ideas are helpful.
PeterFi (Formerly ThePeterFiles)
Then Depending on how it goes…
Not really. You can take the #80 bus from Foggy Bottom though.