Date ideas in Washington, DC

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I’m looking for some date ideas in Washington, DC. This is a first date. Specifically, I’m looking for some restaurant ideas, things to do in the evening, and church recommendations. She’s lived in the city for several years.

Also, I’m looking for some hotel recommendations, as well. Ideally, I’d like to stay in a safe area that’s within walking distance to a metro station for a reasonable price.

Thank you in advance!
 
We really enjoyed going to The Dubliner! ☘️ It is a bar and a restaurant. We have been there for a quiet lunch on a Saturday afternoon, and been there when they have had a live band in the bar area at night! Take your pick. Great atmosphere for this Irishmom! 😉

They may have a website, but I am not sure.
 
Oh boy! Restaurant suggestions are tricky, because I don’t know your price comfort level, but if you’re talking IN the city, you might have to pay a little bit more.

In terms of churches: St. Patrick’s, old St. Mary’s, and St. Peter’s are all within the city that I can specifically remember as being beautiful churches (I live in the suburbs, so I know my own diocese better). There’s also the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, which is located practically on Catholic U’s campus (just off the Red Line).

Evening activities: the Kennedy Center has free concerts and events every night through the Millennium Stage. kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/schedule.html
There are TONS of free things to do in the city if you know where to look. The Smithsonian museums have extended hours on certain days: si.edu/Visit/Hours#ExtendedHours and sometimes host events that are free or for a small charge in the evenings as well. Not sure what your interests are, but there’s that.

And in terms of hotels: you’ll probably be better off price and safety wise if you stay in the suburbs near a metro station. I’d check for hotels near the Orange line stops from Rosslyn to Ballston or the Blue/Yellow line stops of Pentagon City, Crystal City, King St - Old Town, and Franconia/Springfield. wmata.com/rail/maps/map.cfm?

Just keep in mind, if you’re using metro, it closes at midnight Sun-Thu and 3 am Fri and Sat (and they’re not kidding. I showed up at a metro station at 12:05 and it was shut and locked. Whoops).

Hope that helps enough to get you started!
 
We have stayed at the G.W. Inn that is a short walk to the Kennedy Center.

It is reasonably priced and convenient if you are going to the Kennedy Center.

Now we stay in Virginia, and drive into the city because we live out of town and we want to be near the expressway out – although we still subscribe to the ballet at the K. Ctr.

Restaurants in that area keep changing. There should be some restaurant review guides for D.C. I think that is what we used the last time we looked for one. There used to be a French restaurant and an Italian restaurant that were a short walk from the G.W. Inn (opposite direction from Kennedy Center) but I cannot recall the names.

Good luck.
 
American City Diner off Connecticut. I don’t know if it’s what you had in mind for a first date but I’d love it.

There were several places in Old Town Alexandria but I can’t remember the names and wouldn’t know if they were still around but it can be a nice place to walk even into the evening.
 
Thank you for the suggestions so far. What are some fun things to do in the evening, as in after-dinner activities, likely on a Saturday?
 
Do you know exactly when you are going? It might help you find something to do. For example, if you know what band is playing at a club or bar, that might help you pick where you eat and what you do after.

I was also going to suggest Blues Alley but no Metro. And Georgetown is insane on weekends. I liked walking in Old Town (it’s by the Potomac and there are lots of shops) when it was busy but I didn’t care for Georgetown. But YMMV, and it may be different now.

This would be easier with WaPo’s Friday edition in my hands.

ETA: dceats.washington.org/restaurants/restaurants-by-metro-location/restaurants-by-metro-location-complete-list

This one’s better: tourofdc.org/restaurants/bymetro.php
 
If you like art, visit the National Gallery. nga.gov/

I was there at Christmas time and really enjoyed the Italian renaissance rooms.
 
Well, my idea of fun might be different from yours. You’re not really giving us a lot to go on. 🙂

www.dcist.com is a blog (with a little language) that has a round-up of weekend activities usually posted by Wednesday or Thursday prior.
 
I LOVE this place: lalomarestaurantdc.com/ (their seafood burritos are so good, I miss them terribly, wish I could find a place to make them out her in IL). There is a little grotto-like area on the north side of the Capitol lawn which is a quiet, peaceful little hideout that not many tourists visit. There are two Catholic churches within a block or two of each side of congress, one by the Senate office buildings, one by the House office buildings. Walking by the basin and viewing the monuments at dusk is quite beautiful too. Also, and it may sound morbid, but Arlington Cemetery is quite the beautiful place to walk and have a “unique” date experience.
 
AllSeasons said:
I’m looking for some date ideas in Washington, DC. This is a first date. Specifically, I’m looking for some restaurant ideas, things to do in the evening, and church recommendations. She’s lived in the city for several years.

Also, I’m looking for some hotel recommendations, as well. Ideally, I’d like to stay in a safe area that’s within walking distance to a metro station for a reasonable price.

Thank you in advance!
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Maybe there’s a way to get her to show you some places actually?
 
Every single person in DC is evil. They will all go to hell.

Just a fact, Jack.
 
Two things -
  1. I am not evil.
  2. If you are going on a first date with someone who lives in the District - they are the host. You are the guest. I am missing something?
 
PaulinVA said:
  1. If you are going on a first date with someone who lives in the District - they are the host. You are the guest. I am missing something?
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I think I might be. 😊 I know it’s been a long time since I dated, but doesn’t the person that asked for the date have to come up with the idea of what to do, or at least have a cople of ideas to throw out there?
 
Irishmom2 said:
I think I might be. 😊 I know it’s been a long time since I dated, but doesn’t the person that asked for the date have to come up with the idea of what to do, or at least have a couple of ideas to throw out there?
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Sure, if they both live in the same city. I got the impression the OP was traveling to the District for a first date with someone.

I would hope that the someone would take a little initiative. How in the world would the OP know anything about a place to eat or whatever?
 
PaulinVA said:
I would hope that the someone would take a little initiative. How in the world would the OP know anything about a place to eat or whatever?
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Oh, good, someone else was thinking it. 😛 I just wish we had more to go on to give advice in terms of likes and interests - we’re getting nothing!

I’m hoping the OP is just trying to cover his bases in case the date ends up expecting him to have everything planned out and will be able to scrap everything we’ve given him because she’s already got a bunch of suggestions and ideas.
 
I think I’m going to suggest the St. Patrick’s Parade, since it’s that weekend. Also, we both like sushi, so any recommendations there would be good. Thank you.
 
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