Penn Quarter powers on with some of our favorite spots in the city. here, we spotlight the neighborhood’s gems.
DINE
CAFE RIGGS
The curtains alone in this place make us swoon. Cafe Riggs combines contemporary American cuisine with classic French techniques in a vibrant, all-day setting. Weekend brunch comes complete with bottomless Champagne, while the refined dinner menu includes a well-stocked raw bar, imaginative French-inspired entrees (we love the vanilla crepés served with blood orange and passion fruit) and boozy cocktails. 900 F St. NW, 202.788.2800, riggsdc.com
THE HENRI
Chef and restaurateur Frederik De Pue can do no wrong in our book. Boasting modern European bistro dining, the heart of The Henri’s inspired kitchen is the rotating Bonnet rotisserie, responsible for tantalizing dishes—think squab with almond jus, black kale and edel blue, melt-in-your-mouth lamb shank and buttery Maine lobster. Bonus: The venue offers some of the best private dining options in the city. This is the place to plan your next party. 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202.989.5881, thehenridc.com
DAIKAYA
The first floor of this Japanese eatery offers The Ramen Shop, a walk-in-only experience that specializes in the cozy broth paired with egg-based noodles and a variety of tasty toppings. On the second floor, The Izakaya serves up small plates and skewers alongside meatier dishes like miso salmon and pan-fried gyoza. 705 6th St. NW, 202.589.1600, daikaya.com
ZAYTINYA BY JOSÉ ANDRÉS
This diverse concept by José Andrés combines authentic ingredients and techniques from Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines in Andrés’ signature small-plate style. Sample the chef’s tasting menu or nosh on a veritable mecca of mezza, including hummus, flatbreads, falafel, seafood and more. Insider tip: Reserve a table upstairs to get sweeping views of the dining room. 701 9th St. NW, 202.638.0800, zaytinya.com
JALEO BY JOSÉ ANDRÉS
Penn Quarter is the home to José Andrés’ original Jaleo location, opened in 1993 in The Lansburgh. Flavorful Spanish fare abounds, from authentic tapas, cheeses, meats, paellas and other shareable small plates. 480 7th St. NW, 202.628.7949, jaleo.com
SIP
Look for exceptional sips at Dirty Habit, located in Hotel Monaco—the bar’s interior is sleek, and when the weather gets warmer, grab a seat in the outdoor lounge area.
DIRTY HABIT
Old Hollywood comes to life at Dirty Habit, a film noir-inspired speakeasy in the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC. Grab a spot by the fire pit on the outdoor courtyard while sipping one of the cheeky concoctions—we love the Man of Steel with Compass Box scotch, Uncle Nearest 1884 whiskey and Drambuie topped with a chocolate cigar. 555 8th St. NW, 202.449.7095, dirtyhabitdc.com
SILVER LYAN
Renowned mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr. Lyan) is the mad genius behind this sexy bar. The venue is located in the Riggs Washington DC, sitting pretty in the bank building’s former vault. Ingredients here are worldly and sometimes weird—think fig leaf, beeswax and maple cream, among others. We also recommend one of the silver service martinis served with oysters and olives. 900 F St. NW, 202.788.2799, silverlyan.com
STAY
Stay in one of the First Lady Suites at the Riggs Washington DC, including the Ida McKinley Suite.
RIGGS WASHINGTON DC
In honor of its historic roots as the former Riggs National Bank building, each of the 181 guest rooms and suites at the Riggs are reminiscent of a private safety deposit box. Insider’s tip: Stay in one of the First Lady suites, which feature designs inspired by four of the former first ladies, including a femininely floral room representing Ida Mckinely and a porcelain-inspired abode for Caroline Harrison. 900 F St. NW, 202.638.1800, riggsdc.com
KIMPTON HOTEL MONACO WASHINGTON DC
Once the General Post Office, this 200-year-old building now operates as the Kimpton Hotel, boasting 184 rooms in classical, European-inspired environs. Expect soaring ceilings, grand marble staircases, warm-toned oaks, regal hues and intricate details. 700 F St. NW, 202.628.7177, monaco-dc.com
SHOP & SEE
CITYCENTERDC
We know. CityCenterDC isn’t technically in Penn Quarter—it’s really close—and the lure of exceptional winter shopping is too much to pass up. Occupying over 2 million square feet of mixed-use space, CityCenterDC boasts over 40 luxury shopping brands, including Dior, BVLGARI, Hermes, Gucci, Moncler and Tiffany & Co. 825 10th St. NW, 202.289.9000, citycenterdc.com
SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY
Showcasing world-class Shakespeare productions alongside innovative contemporary works, Shakespeare Theatre Company expertly brings the Bard’s words to life. To experience a thespian delight, attend Comedy of Errors (Sept. 10-Oct. 6) at the Klein Theatre. 202.547.1122, shakespearetheatre.org
Photography by: JENNIFER HUGHES; COURTESY OF DIRTY HABIT; COURTESY OF SILVER LYAN; COURTESY OF RIGGS WASHINGTON DC
