Looking for a good night out in DMV? Make an evening out of your night at the theatre and hit all the D.C. highlights.
Dinner
Downtown D.C. features a variety of restaurants from those steeped in history to chic newcomers.
For those interested in history, head to the Old Ebbitt Grill at 15th and G streets NW. The Ebbitt was founded in 1856 as a boarding house and saloon and housed President McKinley during his tenure in Congress. It also welcomed Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Warren Harding as guests at the stand-around bar. While the location has changed over the years, the history remains, and Old Ebbitt is a great option to grab a bite close to the White House and theatres. Find Parking for the Old Ebbitt Grill here.
For a more modern option, head to Daikaya at 6th and G streets NW. Since 2013, this highly acclaimed Ramen and Izakaya style Japanese restaurant has been a hit in D.C.. Its casual and funky ambiance exudes a style all its own, but never overshadows the bold and unique dishes found on both floors. Parking for Daikaya is available here
Theatres
The main event of the evening, The Warner Theatre, Ford Theatre, and E Street Cinema are all located within 3 blocks and provide a range of entertainment options.
The Warner Theatre was built in 1924 and recently restored. It has played host to a variety of performances, from comedians Dave Chappelle, Lewis Black, and Ron White to concerts from Jay Z , Johnny Cash, and the Rolling Stones.
When the holiday season begins in December, the Washington Ballet begins their extremely popular production of the Nutcracker. This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit but it sells out annually so get your tickets early!
For a more historical evening, Fords Theatre is a meaningful option. In this theatre on April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a performance of Our American Cousin. He died across the street the next day. After being closed for 100 years it reopened in 1968 as a working theatre that hosts plays, musicals, and commissioned works often examining the social and political issues tied to Lincoln’s legacy. Whether going for a performance or just to visit the Center for Education and Leadership, the Warner Theatre is an important part of American history and worth the trip.
Smack dab in the middle of these 2 historical theatres lies Landmark’s E Street Cinema. But you won’t find the big Hollywood blockbusters here. Instead, E Street specializes in critically acclaimed independent, foreign, and documentary films. Often this is the only venue in the DMV area that screens these films. If you are looking for movies focused more on content than revenue, this is the place to find them.
Find parking for the theatres here
Drinks
Before heading home, grab an evening drink at one of these insider watering holes.
Feel like a political insider for the night and head to the historic Hay Adams Hotel across the street from the White House. Down in the hotel bar, you’ll find Off the Record. This elegant hotel bar is frequently named one of the best in the country and is considered one of the cities most important “power bars” as it often plays host to lobbyists, politicians, journalists, and international statesmen. Parking for Off the Record is available here
If you are looking for a view, find your way to the POV Lounge at the W hotel. POV is a posh cocktail bar and features breathtaking views of both the White House and the National Monuments. There is a dress code here, and crowds gather on the weekends, but it’s a great way to take in DC from above. Find parking for POV Lounge here