Things To Do In Washington DC For Inauguration 2017: A Guide On Where To Eat, Sleep And Drink

If you’re planning on attending the inauguration Friday, now is the time to book and schedule any last-minute reservations or hotel stays – the Capital will be packed for the momentous occasion.

Regardless of political stance, hundreds of thousands of attendees will be expected to crash in D.C., from Thursday through Sunday. Whether you’re going in the hopes of glimpsing the incoming president, attending a protest or march, or simply visiting just to admire the spectacle of all of the above, you’re going to need a decent place to lay your head and a good joint to grab a bite to eat or a cocktail.

Unfortunately, many of the prime D.C. hotels are completely booked through the weekend. If you do find a room, many hotels will hike the prices and continue raising prices for rooms, which can range in the thousands of dollars.

Luckily, D.C. has no shortage of bars, restaurants and cafes to visit on Inauguration Day and beyond. Although some restaurants and watering holes, especially near the National Mall, might see some stifling crowds throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of worthy locations and destinations at your disposal.

With just days leading up to the main event, here are some restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels to consider visiting or staying at during your trip to D.C.

Airbnb: While many Airbnb’s in D.C. in prime locations are likely all booked, the service is probably one worth consulting ahead of a hotel stay. The renter’s service gathered that over 15,100 guests were scheduled to stay in Washington, D.C. for the three-day period, while more than 13,000 guests booked accommodations for Friday evening, alone. While spaces could be slim to none at this point, prices should remain reasonable with “typical prices” of bookings hovering around $129, according to Airbnb.

Hotels

Courtyard Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard: This hotel still had some available rooms starting at around $500 per night, and the hotel is walking distance to the U.S. Capitol and Nationals Park.

Grand Hyatt Washington: A room here starts at well over $1,000, so book this fast if the prices don't startle you. Comfortable, spacious rooms and the location could make this reservation worth it.

The Liaison Capitol Hill D.C.: The spot for good accommodations and a spot that’s located next to The Hill.

Restaurants And Cafes

Good Stuff Eatery: Conveniently located next to the National Mall, this is the place to hit for a juicy burger.

Hill Country BBQ Market: For a traditional, cafeteria barbecue-style setup, stop by Hill Country BBQ to get your fill of smoked meats. Downstairs, there’s always live music at night.

Jaleo: If you need a break from the all-American cuisine (and atmosphere) this adorable Spanish restaurant specializes in tapas plates, paella and sangria.

Fiola: If you’re looking to celebrate with a fine dining, Michelin-star experience, Fiola is an imaginative, spot to visit for its inventive cocktails and luxurious Italian dishes. A variety of prix fixe menu options are available, as well. Reservations will likely be booked through the weekend for this in-demand restaurant, but it’s a restaurant experience is seriously worth looking into.

Pitango Gelato: It might be cold out, but sometimes you just need to satisfy that gelato craving.

The Bird: This restaurant, which specializes in delicious, poultry-centric dishes, is worth investigating, simply for their Goose Pasta or Ostrich Tartare, alone. The restaurant is also registered as an All in Service venue, an initiative that partners with restaurants, bars and stores in D.C. especially for Inauguration Weekend. Each brand and business registered will allocate funds for donation to “organizations that service the D.C. community.” The Bird will be supporting “Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders” (SMYAL), which works directly to empower the LGBTQ youth and community in Washington D.C.

Café Saint-Ex: This whimsical neighborhood bar and restaurant is a cozy spot to visit for a starter or a drink. This location is also a partner of All in Service and will be supporting the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Bars

The Passenger: The newly re-opened bar boasts a “rustic-chic” vibe and features an ever-rotating list of drinks, some of which are conjured on the spot by some of the best bartenders in the area.

2 Birds 1 Stone: A quirky cocktail bar headed by the award-winning Adam Bernbach, of Estadio and doi moi. The drink menus are hand-drawn and feature zany drinks like the “Ambra” or the “YR Next Next!” the registered All in Service bar will be supporting The Trevor Project for Inauguration Weekend.

Bar Pilar: This unpretentious, nautical-themed bar takes its inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s boat, which was also named Pilar. If that’s only reason enough to go, its boozy slushies will surely give you a reason to stay. Bar Pilar will be supporting N Street Village (which offers services for low-income and homeless women), ONE DC and Whitman-Walker Health.