One Block: Exploring D.C.'s Penn Quarter & Chinatown

By Madison Sullivan on 09/23/2019, updated on 03/30/2020
Your quick guide to eating, shopping, imbibing and playing in Washington, D.C.'s Penn Quarter & Chinatown.
Marvel at your artful surroundings while indulging in contemporary Peruvian cuisine at China Chilcano | WhereTraveler
China Chilcano (©Ken Wyner)

When deciding which of Washington, D.C.'s neighborhoods to devote a day to, you won't want to overlook Penn Quarter & Chinatown. (Although, we recommend extending your trip and exploring them all.)

Satisfy Your Appetite for Hip Restaurants and Culture

The bustling zone is filled to the brim with global cuisine, unique shops and bars pouring wine, craft beer or artful cocktails. Not to mention, there's a myriad of activities waiting on every architecturally stunning street. Clockwise, it's bordered by the Friendship Archway, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Newseum and Ford's Theatre. 

Grab your itinerary and a pen, then read on for our suggestions, which are sure to spice up your time in Penn Quarter & Chinatown. 

Eat

Soak up some fresh air as you enjoy a French Riviera-inspired brunch on Fig & Olive’s terrace. Then, marvel at your artful surroundings while indulging in contemporary Peruvian cuisine at China Chilcano. Or try the prime steak at District ChopHouse (which also has an in-house brewery). Finally, when late-night cravings hit, Clyde’s satisfies with classic American fare, such as juicy burgers and jumbo lump crab cakes. 

Try the prime steak at District ChopHouse | WhereTraveler

Shop

Peruse women’s upscale apparel and accessories, plus stationery and gifts at Upstairs at 7th. After, stop by Teaism, a tea shop teeming with tisanes, greens, oolongs and more. Don't forget to deck out the hand holding the cup—visit Mia Gemma, a jewelry store selling beautiful baubles from engagement rings to earrings. 

Peruse women’s upscale apparel and accessories, plus stationery and gifts at Upstairs at 7th | WhereTraveler

Drink

Swirl, sniff and sip a glass of wine while nibbling on locally sourced snacks at Free State. Sip on a flight of wine at Flight Wine Bar, which carries more than 640 wines. Or, make a reservation at trendy Barmini, where expert mixologists pour top-shelf cocktails and present them in stunning fashion. 

Make a reservation at trendy Barmini, where expert mixologists pour top-shelf cocktails and present them in stunning fashion | WhereTraveler

Play

Challenge your competitive companions to a game of shuffleboard, darts or Skee-Ball at Rocket Bar. Bring your history-buff buddies to Ford's Theatre to see a show or take a tour of the site where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Top off your trip by taking your fun-loving friend group to Escape the Room, where sleuths follow clues to beat the clock and flee a locked room.

Bring your history-buff buddies to Ford's Theatre to see a show or take a tour of the site where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated | WhereTraveler

One Block: Exploring D.C.'s Penn Quarter & Chinatown By Madison Sullivan on 09/23/2019, updated on 03/30/2020