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Dupont Circle is a trendy historic neighborhood in Washington D.C.. It is popular due to its night clubs, bars, cafes, art galleries, and shops.

Understand

Pierre Charles L'Enfant's original plan for Washington, D.C. included a number of grand boulevards, radiating out and intersecting with one another in a way that would create public squares and green space. One such circle, Dupont Circle, lies at the intersection of Connecticut Ave, which emanates from the White House and runs roughly north-south, New Hampshire Ave, which runs diagonally, and Massachusetts Ave which runs roughly east-west.

The Dupont Circle area remained largely undeveloped until after the Civil War, when demand for housing from returning soldiers and freed slaves spurred additional development in D.C. Construction of the traffic circle, originally called Pacific Circle, began in 1871. In 1884, the circle was renamed after Civil War Rear Admiral Samuel Francis DuPont, partial heir to the DuPont family fortune, and a bronze statue of him was added. The statue was replaced in 1921 with the large marble fountain that remains to this day. The fountain was designed by Daniel Chester French and Henry Bacon, also the designers of the Lincoln Memorial, and features creatures that symbolize sea, the stars and the wind. It is now a popular gathering spot, with many places to sit.

In the early 1900s, the area became a popular place for wealthy Washingtonians to build their mansions, most notably on Massachusetts Ave.

In the late 1940s, a tunnel was built beneath Dupont Circle as part of a Capital Transit streetcar project. Streetcar service ended in 1962, and several ideas have been proposed for what to do with the underground space, which is currently unused. Along with the streetcar tunnel, another tunnel was constructed to allow Connecticut Ave vehicle traffic to pass beneath, helping to alleviate traffic congestion around the circle.

While the neighborhood suffered considerably during the 1968 riots, it recovered faster than the adjacent neighborhoods of Shaw and the East End due in part to the trendiness brought on by the gay community, which brought a Bohemian feel the area, similar to Greenwich Village in New York City. In the 1980s and 1990s several clubs, bars, and shops opened in the area, furthering the gentrification process.

The neighborhood is now a very popular place to live by young people without cars and without children, as well as by the wealthy elite who can afford some of the highest home prices in the city.

Get in

By Metrorail

For more information on riding the Metrorail in Washington DC, see Washington DC#Get around.

Metro is exceptionally convenient in Dupont Circle—the Dupont Circle stop on the Red Line is right under the circle itself.

By bus

The following are the main bus routes operating in Dupont Circle, along with links to timetables and route maps. For more information on riding buses in Washington DC, see Washington DC#Get around.

  • G2 runs along P St between Georgetown and Shaw and is a good way to travel east-west. It stops on P St just off the circle on both sides.
  • L2 is a good way to quickly get up 18th St to Adams Morgan—it runs up from K St along 20th to New Hampshire, around the circle, back on New Hampshire, and then up 18th St.
  • 42 runs between Chinatown and Mount Pleasant, stopping in Dupont Circle. It is a good alternative to the Metro to getting to the National Mall area, passing many historical buildings en route.

By car

Unless you are an experienced D.C. driver, it is very easy to get confused in Dupont Circle, or worse yet, wind up on the barbarous circle itself.

Connecticut Ave is the main thoroughfare. Massachusetts Ave is busy as well, but its traffic patterns are too confusing to be of much practical value. If passing through, make sure to stay in the left lanes to go through a tunnel under the circle, not around it. Traffic is terrible on the circle, in volume, confusion, and rage. If you accidentally get stuck driving around the circle and don't know what you are doing, stay in the outer lane and get off to save yourself the headache. P St is the best route west to Georgetown.

Parking

Street parking is scarce, and limited to 2 hours during the daytime on weekdays. There are several parking garages, with daily rates in the $15-$20 range. Late at night, you can find street parking in the deserted business district just south of M St in the West End.

See

The Fountain on Dupont Circle
The French Ambassador's Residence in the upscale Kalorama neighborhood
The Study inside the Woodrow Wilson House
  • Heurich House Museum: The Brewmaster's Castle, 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 429-1894, fax: +1 202 463-1307, . Walk-in 1-hour tours: Th-Sa 11AM, 1PM, 2:30PM. Competing with the Smithsonian for top castle status in the District is the Victorian mansion of Christian Heurich, who immigrated to the states from Germany to become a wildly successful real estate baron and brewer. He also holds the title of world's oldest brewer, having kept up his work until his death at a ripe age of 102. It's a striking example of Victorian architecture and design, and even if you don't make it to a tour, there's a nice Victorian garden in the back open to the public M-F 10AM-4PM, spring-fall. Free, suggested donation $5. 
  • Mansion on O Street, 2020 O St NW, ☏ +1 202 496-2020. By reservation only. The only way you will possibly get a handle on what this mysterious place is about is to visit. In their own words: The Mansion on O Street is a way of life, not a business. As a small private luxury hotel and club, conference center, and museum, we combine art, architecture, literature and inspiration to craft an exhilarating, entertaining experience. Having been a haven for heads of state, foreign dignitaries, business leaders, writers, artists, musicians, scientists, and members of the entertainment industry, The Mansion offers privacy, security, distinctive amenities and world-class cuisine, all in an environment that is nothing short of magical. Between hundreds of rooms, a collection of some 20,000 books, dozens of secret passages, a collection of John Lennon's guitars, modern art and curiosities of all stripes in every room (virtually anything of which is for sale if you're interested), frequent concerts by legends of rock and R&B, numerology evaluations, banquets, etc., your curiosity will probably find enough piquing here to justify the advance reservations for tours. It's also a luxury B&B, if you are looking for extremely eccentric accommodations in the city. Tours: $5-50/person, rooms: $350-850. 
  • The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St NW, ☏ +1 202 387-2151. T-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-6PM. The Phillips Collection, opened in 1921, is America’s first museum of modern art. Featuring a renowned permanent collection of nearly 2,500 works by American and European impressionist and modern artists, the Phillips is internationally recognized for both its incomparable art and its intimate atmosphere. Housed in founder Duncan Phillips' 1897 Georgian Revival home, The Phillips Collection is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest small museums. Special Exhibit prices vary; Permanent Collection: Tu-F: donation suggested, Sa-Su: Adults $10, Seniors and Students $8. 
  • Spanish Steps, S St and 22nd St NW. Kalorama is a quiet, stately neighborhood, northwest of the circle and is home a few hidden gems. Based on Rome's famous Spanish Steps, these once led up to the Kalorama Mansion, from which the neighborhood gets its name. They now lead up the steep hill to a small fountain and a nice city view, which is best appreciated on a summer night. 
  • Woodrow Wilson House, 2340 S St NW, ☏ +1 202 387-4062, fax: +1 202 483-1466, . T-Su 10AM-4PM. President Woodrow Wilson moved here in 1921 for a quiet retirement after the disastrous setbacks of his late presidency, and lived here for little over 3 years before he died. He is buried in the National Cathedral in Upper Northwest). The pretty Georgian Revival-style house is preserved just as the Wilsons left it, with a nice collection of period furnishings and clothing. Adults: $10; Seniors 62+: $8; Students: $5 , Children under age 7: Free. 

Embassy Row

Many of the buildings that now house embassies were once the luxurious residences of the rich and famous. If you have the opportunity, take a walking tour of embassy row and learn the stories behind these beautiful buildings.

  • Anderson House (Society of the Cincinnati headquarters and museum), 2118 Massachusetts Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 785-2040. Tours: Tu-Sa, 1PM-4PM. The 55,764 square-foot Anderson House, which is perhaps better described as a castle, was built in 1902-1905, as the home of Larz Anderson and his wife. Upon Anderson's death, the house was given as a gift to the Society of the Cincinnati which was something of an American noble order dedicated to preserving the legacy of the American Revolution founded in 1783 after the Revolutionary War. The house serves as the organizations headquarters, and houses a museum and library with information relating to the Revolutionary War. Free. 
  • Everett House (Turkish ambassador's residence), 1606 23rd St NW. Designed by George Oakley Totten, Jr., the 40,000 square foot house was built in 1914 for industrialist and philanthropist Edward H. Everett. The house was later used as the Turkish embassy, beginning in 1932, and became the Turkish ambassador's residence in 1999 when a new embassy building was built on Massachusetts Ave. The Everett House features a limestone facade, in Beaux-Arts neoclassic style. 
  • Townsend Mansion (Cosmos Club), 2121 Massachusetts Ave NW. Almost completed rebuilt by heiress Mary Scott Townsend in 1899, the house features a Beaux Arts, Louis XVI French-inspired design. Townsend lived there until she died in 1931. For a period of time before World War II, Sumner Welles, the son-in-law of Mary Scott Townsend and Franklin D. Roosevelt's Under Secretary of State, lived in the Townsend Mansion. The Cosmos Club, a private social club, bought the house in 1950, and continues to occupy the mansion. 

Do

Dupont Circle has relatively few activities and is generally not a great place for kids. The actual Dupont Circle, around which the neighborhood is centered, has a nice park in the middle of the traffic circle. It's a favorite neighborhood spot to read, play chess, and people-watch. On summer weekends there are relatively frequent musical performances.

Comedy clubs

  • DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave NW. First-come-first-served seating. 
  • Topaz Hotel Bar, 1733 N Street NW. Thursdays 8-10PM. Anyone can tell a joke - $25 cash prizes. First-come-first-served seating. 

Festivals & events

Buy

Shops on Connecticut Ave north of Dupont Circle

Art galleries

Most galleries in Dupont Circle participate in First Friday Dupont, an open house from 6PM-8PM on the first Friday of every month, with a strong social bent (cocktails, music, etc.).

  • Hillyer Art Space, 9 Hillyer Ct NW, ☏ +1 202 338-0680. M 10AM-5PM, Tu-F 11AM-7PM, Sa 11AM-4PM. This is one of the hipper galleries in town, often sporting live DJs. It's mission is tied vaguely to international, cross-cultural communication, and puts on exhibits by established international artists, as well as locals. 
  • Marsha Mateyka Gallery, 2012 R St NW, ☏ +1 202 328-0088. W-Sa 11AM-5PM. Location is a plus at this gallery, housed in pretty old Washingtonian brownstone, rather than the usual characterless minimalist whitewashed galleries you find everywhere. Shows principally contemporary works, American and European, by some big names in the contemporary art world—buyers should expect high prices here. 

Books and music

Dupont Circle may not have many bookstores, but those that are here are beloved city-wide.

  • Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe, 1517 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 387-1462. Su-Th 7:30AM-1AM, F-Sa 24 hrs; brunch (popular and crowded): Sa-Su 8AM-3PM. A great independent bookstore and a tried and true Washingtonian experience. It's an odd bookstore, in that it has a full restaurant and bar—pick up a travel guide inferior to this one and then sit down for filet mignon, perhaps? There is also one meager computer, at the bar, hooked up for public internet use. Live music on weekends. Food: $10-20. 
  • Red Onion Records and Books, 1901 18th St NW (between T St & U St), ☏ +1 202 986-2718. Tu-Sa noon-7PM, Su noon-5PM. The friendly owner is an afficianado with a huge second-hand vinyl collection (and CDs and books about music). The store is quite small, so he has a carefully hand-picked selection on display, with some rare finds waiting for a browser to uncover. If there's a specialty here, it's indie. 
  • Second Story Books and Antiques, 2000 P St NW, ☏ +1 202 659-8884. 10AM-10PM daily. This is the one and only great used bookstore anywhere nearby. The collection is big and well curated by very knowledgeable staff, and they have a section for rare and collectible books. It's one of the best browsing bookstores you'll ever come across. 

Fashion

  • Betsy Fisher, 1224 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 785-1975. M-W 10AM-7PM, F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-4PM. Sorry stereotypes, D.C. has some great fashion boutiques. Ms. Fisher is a careful curator, with a fiercely loyal customer base, attentive service (complimentary drinks, for one), and with clothes ranging from conservative to very trendy. You'll pay a price for this, though! 
  • G-Star Raw, 1666 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 232-8520. M-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 10AM-9PM. A trendy international men's and women's denim brand. 
  • Lou Lou Boutique, 1601 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 588-0027. An affordable accessories and jewelry boutique chain much loved by locals for its trendy, very cute items. 
  • Proper Topper, 1350 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 842-3055. M-F 10AM-8PM, Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-6PM. This is where you get your hats! From fedoras to baseball caps, they have hats and accessories for women, men, and children, and all of them are stylish. 

Other

  • Beadazzled, 1507 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202-265-2323. M-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. This charming store is filled with an astonishing quantity of beautiful beads, jewelry-making materials, handmade jewelry, and handicrafts from around the world. In addition to stocking an unrivaled selection of beads—ancient, ethnic, vintage and contemporary--Beadazzled offers a full range of jewelry-making supplies and tools, how-to classes and books, beautiful jewelry made by top designers, and gifts from around the world. 
  • Cocova Chocolate DC, 1904 18th St NW, ☏ +1 202 328-1506. Tu-Sa Noon-8PM; Su Noon-5PM. This shop, tucked away on a lower level, carries a wide selection of chocolates, and has small art gallery. 
  • Tabletop, 1608 20th St NW, ☏ +1 202 387-7117. M-Sa noon-8PM, Su noon-6PM. A quirky, stylish little gift shop with all sorts of items, but an especial emphasis on anything related to interior design. It's a fun place to browse even if you don't want to buy, but this can be dangerous. 

Eat

Rowhouses just around the corner from D.C.'s most active nightlife and dining districts

Dupont Circle has plenty of dining options, including some of the best in the city, but keep in mind this is expensive territory with limited budget options aside from chain restaurants. For more affordable local dining, hop on the metro and visit Shaw or Adams Morgan-Columbia Heights.

Budget

  • Alberto's Pizza, 2010 P St NW, ☏ +1 202 986-2121. M-Tu 11AM-11:30PM; W,Su 11AM-12:30AM; Th-Sa 11AM-2AM. Renowned in a city generally lacking good pizza for being above palatable, Alberto's is a good option for dining in Dupont Circle on the cheap. 
  • C.F. Folks, 1225 19th St NW, ☏ +1 202 293-0162. M-F 11:30AM-2:15PM. A happy little sandwich/salad/fries lunch spot with patio seating on the street. Those sandwiches are exceptional and worth seeking out. Sandwiches: $7-8. 
  • Julia's Empanadas, 1221 Connecticut Ave NW (between M St & N St), ☏ +1 202 861-8828. Su-Th 10AM-2AM, F-Sa 10AM-4AM. Better for a snack than for a full meal, Julia's offers authentic Chilean food in the form of big specialty empanadas (stuffed savory pastries). Popular late at night among inebriated locals strolling out of the nearby bars. Good vegan and vegetarian options. Take-out only. 3 locations in DC. $4.50 Each. 
  • Zorba's Cafe, 1612 20th St NW (between Q St & R St), ☏ +1 202 387-8555. Greek food with outdoor seating. Order at the counter. Sandwiches: $9; Mains: $13-15. 

Mid-range

  • Al Tiramisu, 2014 P St NW, ☏ +1 202 467-4466. M-F noon-2:30PM; 5:30PM-10:30PM; Sa 5:30PM-10:30PM; Su 5PM-9:30PM. Very tasty Italian cuisine with a nice wine list served in this small restaurant. The one stumble is the noise level, but the restaurant remains quite the good deal. Reservations required for dinner. Guess which one of the desserts is especially popular. $25-50. 
  • Bistrot du Coin, 1738 Connecticut Ave NW (between R St & S St), ☏ +1 202 234-6969. Su-W 11:30AM-11PM; Th-Sa 11:30AM-1AM. Usually crowded and noisy, but the French/Belgian bistro cooking is great, and the atmosphere is lively and happy. They do a mean mussels with pomme frite. Also try the monkfish. $14-27. 
  • Boqueria Washington DC, 1837 M St NW, ☏ +1 202 558-9545. A very stylish tapas bar with locations in [[[New York City]] and Hong Kong. Very popular for their $39 all-you-can-eat-and drink tapas brunch for 2.5 hours on weekends. 
  • Hank's Oyster Bar, 1624 Q St NW, ☏ +1 202 462-4265. Su-Tu 5:30PM-10PM; W-Sa 5:30PM-11PM, Sa-Su 11AM-3PM. Small, cozy restaurant, with a popular oyster bar, along with fried clams, lobster rolls, and other seafood. This is also a good place to enjoy a beer and martinis. $12-25. 
  • Mourayo, 1732 Connecticut Ave NW (between R St & S St), ☏ +1 202 667-2100. M-Th,Su 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-11PM. A classy restaurant (despite the kitschy sailor theme) serving authentic Greek, regional fare. If you're up for a wild ride, try the local favorite: grilled octopus in ink with fava bean puree. $20-45. 
  • Pizzeria Paradiso, 2003 P St NW, ☏ +1 202 223-1245. M-Th 11:30AM-11PM; Fr-Sa 11:30AM-Midnight; Su Noon-10PM. One of two locations of the famous local gourmet pizza place. They don't take reservations, so the Saturday night wait can be brutal (on a less crowded night, patio seating is nice). But never fear, they do a healthy take-out business too. Also of note is there is an extensive list of rotating draft and one cask beer. 3 locations in the DC area. $14-22. 
  • Regent Thai, 1910 18th St NW (between T St & U St), ☏ +1 202 232-1781. Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-3PM; Sa Noon-3PM; Dinner: Su-Th 5PM-10PM; F-Sa 5PM-11PM. Thai in the U.S. (and certainly in D.C.) is often nice for a cheap meal with just a little bit of flair, and not much beyond that. But this is one of best Thai places in the city, and serves up less greasy, more authentic dishes, in an attractive space (and it's not quite as cheap). Strangely, they serve free sodas—not just free refills—which makes this a good bet if you're thirsty. The spice levels, which you can control per request, are higher here than you'd find elsewhere, so those extra drinks are extra useful. $15-30. 
  • Urbana @ Hotel Palomar, 2121 P St NW, ☏ +1 202 956-6650. M-F 7-10:30AM; 11:30AM-3PM; Su-Th 5:30-10PM; F-Sa 5:30-11PM (bar Su-Th to midnight, F-Sa to 2AM). A good place for a cocktail, upscale pizza, and happy hour specials (M-F 4PM-7PM), or for a full meal of their fine Mediterranean-influenced cooking. $28-45. 

Splurge

  • Komi, 1509 17th St NW (between P St & Q St), ☏ +1 202 332-9200. Tu-Th 5:30PM-9:30PM; Fr-Sa 5:30PM-10PM. "Universal acclaim" is often claimed, but rarely factual in a strict sense. But Komi seemingly has yet to generate a negative critical review anywhere—not even a quip. Declared by serious foodies one of the best restaurants in the country, this is a place for a special occasion (or simply is a special occasion), as it's both super expensive and very memorable. Mediterranean/New American cuisine. It is indeed harder to get reservations here than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, so be ready to try a few times a full month in advance, calling first thing in the morning. Dinner: $90, tasting menu: $125, wine pairings: 3 for $48, 5 for $62. 
  • Obelisk, 2029 P St NW, ☏ +1 202 872-1180. Tu-Sa 6PM-10PM. Very, very classy, and very, very tasty Tuscan cuisine. Obelisk's five course pri-fixe menu changes daily, so everything is always fresh and seasonal. It is reputed to be both one of the city's best dining experiences and one of its best deals. It is, however, small and therefore quite hard to get reservations—plan well in advance. $70. 
  • Restaurant Nora, 2132 Florida Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 462-5143. M-F 5:30PM-10PM; Sa 5:30PM-10:30PM. The country's first certified organic restaurant serves almost all locally sourced food. Excellently done, but somewhat limited at times by the organic requirements—it's best in the summer. $35-65, four course tasting menu: $75, $65 vegetarian. 
  • The Palm, 1225 19th St NW (between M St & N St), ☏ +1 202 293-9091. M-F 11:45AM-3PM, 3PM-10PM; Sa 5:30PM-10PM; Su 5:30PM-9:30PM. Yes, it is not the only Palm, but it remains a worthy choice for Washington power dining—along with a very small handful, the Palm has a pretty good claim to best steak in town. And truly, this location is unmistakably Washingtonian. There isn't a whole lot of reason to come beyond political celebrity spotting and steak, but that should be reason enough. $35-70. 
  • Plume @ The Jefferson Hotel, ☏ +1 202 448-2300. Tu-Sa 6PM-10PM. Classic French cuisine served in a traditional American, and frankly gorgeous, interior. The food is competitive with the best the city has to offer, and the service is perhaps a step above, with details covered down to the string-bound parchment you receive on your way out, upon which your servers have listed the wines you sampled. $80-200. 
  • Sushi Taro, 1503 17th St NW, ☏ +1 202 462-8999. Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2PM; dinner: M-Sa 5:30PM-10PM. The entire country is lacking in top-notch Japanese restaurants, depriving Americans of one of the world's truly great cuisines. So thank goodness that Sushi Taro is around. You'll spend a fortune, but if you like seafood, this place will blow you away. The name is a bit of a relic from when Sushi Taro was an affordable after-work sushi bar. Today, you are better off going straight to the entrees, since enormous prices and sushi don't mix well—the restaurant's excellent chef isn't as relevant when your dish is not cooked. $55-90; prix-fixe options: kaiseke for 2 $75, omakase for 1 $100. 

Desserts

  • Mr. Yogato, 1515 17th St NW, ☏ +1 202 629-3531. A must visit, not just for the great frozen yogurt, but for the experience. Play the Nintendo game system and receive discounted yogurt based on your score. There are plenty of other ways to get free yogurt such as reciting by heart braveheart's freedom speech. $3-$5. 
  • TangySweet Yogurt Bar, 2029 P St NW (in the same building as Obelisk), ☏ +1 202 822-2066. M-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Sa 11AM-2PM. A local favorite for its frozen yogurt and the free WiFi. 2 locations in DC. $6-12. 

Drink

There are bars, clubs, and lounges catering to all sorts of different people, but the general theme is that they are upscale - you wont find many dive bars here and you likely wont be allowed into a club wearing sneakers or shorts. The main nightlife stretches are along Connecticut Ave just north and south of the Circle, P St west of the Circle, and on 17th between P and T St.

If you just want to sit back and enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee, you are in good hands here. Starbucks and Cosi's lovers will find their every whim catered to on every block. But independent coffee shops are in ample supply as well, most of which offer outdoor seating in nice weather to watch the crowds go by.

Bars

  • Bar Dupont (in the Dupont Hotel), ☏ +1 202 797-0169. M-Th 11:30AM-1:30AM, F 11:30AM-2:30AM, Sa 11AM-2:30AM, Su 11AM-11PM. A classy place at the bottom of the Dupont Hotel with the best people watching in town through its wall of windows right on Dupont Circle. The drinks are excellent, and the happy hour special—$5 for their signature cocktails—is quite a bargain for this location. 
  • Bier Baron, 1523 22nd St NW, ☏ +1 202 293-1885. M-Th 11:30AM-2AM, F 11:30AM-3AM, Sa 6PM-3AM, Su 6PM-2AM. Remodeled in 2010, this bar features 300+ different beers on the menu, including around 40 on tap. The servers are remarkably knowledgeable if you are looking for particular recommendations—and they might talk you out of that second rate Zimbabwean lager you just ordered in favor of a far superior Mosi from Zambia. Try the sweet potato fries. Beer: $4-$14. 
  • The Big Hunt, 1345 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 785-2333. M-Th 4PM-2AM, F 4PM-3AM, Sa 4PM-3AM, Su 5PM-2AM. The Big Hunt is another very popular, very large bar right off the circle, full of friendly twenty and thirty-something singles. The safari theme throughout is interesting, but those comfy booths are the number one reason to have your beers here—if you can get one, that is. If not, there are plenty of other places to explore. The red basement has extraordinarily bizarre decor, and is a lot quieter for conversations. There are three levels including a rooftop and second bar room and basement that occasionally open to accommodate overflow. 
  • Buffalo Billiards, 1330 19th St NW, ☏ +1 202 684-8700. Su-Th noon-2AM, F-Sa noon-3AM. Huge bar located in basement right off Dupont Circle. Popular among fraternity boys, but a good place to watch football games, drink beer, and play billiards. Serves appetizers till late. 
  • Fireplace, 2161 P St NW, ☏ +1 202 293-1293. M-Th 1PM-2AM, F-Sa 1PM-3AM, Su 1PM-2AM. Black men's gay bar that serves decent brick-oven baked pizzas. Always crowded—to the point of spilling out onto the street—after dark. Upstairs sees dancing on a very dimly lit dance floor. 
  • Fox and Hounds, 1537 17th St NW, ☏ +1 202 232-6307. Su-Th 11AM-2AM, F 11AM-3AM, Sa 10AM-3AM. There's one big reason to visit this bar, and it's the big, friendly, low-key patio on the street—this is some of the best people watching in the city. Not a bad place to spot celebrities (of the entertainment variety). 
  • Gazuza Lounge, 1629 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 667-5500. Su-Th 5PM-2AM, F-Sa 5PM-3AM. An upscale lounge where you can hear yourself talk is a find in Dupont Circle, but that's hardly the only hook. The excellent mixed drinks take a back seat in popularity to the hookahs, old Looney Tunes cartoons run on big flatscreens, and then there is the inaccessibly crowded patio overlooking the street. 
  • JR's Bar and Grill, 1519 17th St NW, ☏ +1 202 328-0090. Su-Th 4PM-2AM, F-Sa 2PM-3AM. Gay central! On weekends, and even weeknights, JR's is packed with fashion-conscious yuppie gay men, although there is no dress code, and the crowd isn't snobby-judgmental. In general, the friendly people are the reason to come—otherwise it's just a very crowded bar. Monday show tunes nights are very popular. 
  • Lucky Bar, 1221 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 331-3733. M-Th 3PM-2AM, F 3PM-3AM, Sa noon-3AM, Su 9PM-2AM. A fratboy-ish fake Irish pub/sports bar is really a breath of fresh air in this pretentious neighborhood. The big hook here is the soccer—about 25 TV screens of it every night. Weekends are when the frat-boy ethos can start to get tiresome, unless you really like the crowded, drunken, yuppie-college bar scene. $3 beers during happy hour (4PM-8PM). 
  • Madhatter, 1319 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 833-1495. Alice in Wonderland theme. They serve a spiked sugar punch in a giant green hat for $35. Large dance floor. 
  • Russia House Restaurant and Lounge, 1800 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 234-9433. M-Th 5PM-midnight, F 5PM-2AM, Sa 6PM-2AM; Restaurant closes M-F 10PM, Sa-Su 11PM. Serves traditional Russian fare and vodka, with more than 30 vodkas to choose from. The vodka bar is the main draw, full of ex-pats and Russophiles talking all things Russia, while the restaurant is a bit of an afterthought. Live music W-Th. Owned by D.C. native Aaron McGovern and Lithuanian Arturas "Jeepo" Vorobjovas. Hockey player Alex Ovechkin has been spotted here several times. Baltika/Švyturys Beer: $7; Vodka: $10, Martini: $16. 
  • Thomas Foolery, 2029 P St NW, ☏ +1 202 822-6200. A really cool vibe! The bar features plenty of board games making for a fun night! Try the spiked root beer floats and liquor-infused gummy worms! 

Clubs

Dupont Circle has been dance central in the city for at least 25 years, although booming Adams Morgan has given it a good run for its money. There are plenty of parties going on here nightly, the most famous and established of which are at the Eighteenth Street Lounge.

  • Cafe Citron, 1343 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 530-8844. M-Th 11:30AM-2AM, F-Sa 4PM-3AM. A super-crowded Latin salsa/reggaeton dance club that is one of the best bets for a good party on a weekday. Weekends are too crowded to dance. Definitely try one of their renowned mojitos. No cover, strict door policy (i.e. no shorts allowed). 
  • Cobalt Gay Bar, 1639 R St NW, ☏ +1 202 232-4416. M-Th 5PM-2AM, F 5PM-3AM, Sa 11AM-3AM. This club is one of many gay hotspots in D.C., set apart mostly for the fact that people with differing tastes will be happy. The first floor is a fairly relaxed bar scene where you can chat, while the upstairs club is thumping, raucous, and dancing. The shirtless bartenders are also a draw. 
  • Eighteenth Street Lounge, 1212 18th ST NW, ☏ +1 202 466 3922. Tu-W 9:30PM-2AM, Th 5:30PM-2AM, F 5:30PM-3AM, Sa 9:30PM-3AM. D.C.'s most famous club may have gone to lengths not to become so (no sign, no publicity), but was destined to fail to be obscure. Thievery Corporation, the owners, have long been the biggest name in the local music scene, but lately they have become one of the bigger names in electronica internationally. It's a multi-level house party most nights of the week, with the best DJs in town, bossa nova (weekends) on the third floor, and a swanky atmosphere. The door policy is strict, so dress nicely and wear your best fashion. The crowd inside is both sophisticated, older, and pretty low-key. If you're not in the mood for a party, check out Thievery Corp's music anyway—you'll probably recognize a few tracks from movies, TV commercials, etc. Popular for their Wednesday night Reggae shows. Cover: $10-20. 
  • Kabin Lounge, 1337 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 810-2770. Stylish bar - with a chic rustic design, where you can drink luxurious cocktails. 
  • Ozio Restaurant and Lounge, 1813 M St NW, ☏ +1 202 822-6000. M-Th 11:30AM-2AM, F 11:30AM-3AM, Sa 6PM-3AM. A self proclaimed cigar and martini bar, which at times seems much more of a swanky, upscale, four-floor dance club than anything else. The crowds get thick F-Sa, which makes for a good night of dancing, while weeknights are better for heading to the first floor bar for that cigar and martini. The cigar menu is long and impressive. 

Cafes

  • Filter Coffeehouse and Espresso Bar, 1726 20th Street, NW, ☏ +1 202 234-5837. Mo–F:7AM–7PM, Sa&Sun:8AM–7PM. Filter was a nice surprise. Your eyes are attracted from the people moving in this semi basement location. Something tells you to check it out, you are not disappointed... 
  • Java House, 1645 Q St NW, ☏ +1 202 387-6622. Su-Th 7AM-10:30PM, F-Sa 7AM-11PM. A long-time neighborhood coffee shop that roasts its own beans. The biggest draw is the plentiful, shaded outdoor seating, which fills up with laptops (free WiFi and plenty of outdoor outlets!) checking emails while enjoying some good 17th St people watching. 
  • Jolt 'N Bolt, 1918 18th St NW, ☏ +1 202 232-0077. M-F 7AM-8:30PM, Sa 7AM-9PM, Su 7AM-8:30PM. Another neighborhood outdoor seating and WiFi coffee shop, this one with a more private seating area on the side of the building. The inside is attractive, decorated with local artwork. 
  • Steam Cafe and Lounge, 1700 17th St NW, ☏ +1 202 483-5296. Su-Th 7AM-1AM, F-Sa 7AM-3AM. Steam distinguishes itself from the other independent neighborhood coffee shops by staying up late. It's mellow, plays classical music, and has particularly reliable WiFi. 
  • Teaism, 2009 R St NW. M-F 7:30AM-10PM, Sa-Su 9:30AM-9PM; Brunch Sa-Su 9:30AM-2:30PM. Tea shop with Asian inspired foods. Breakfast, lunch, and desserts offered on menu. Great selection of fine teas, although the prices exceed the (high) quality. Good place for lunch/brunch. Seating is limited, so if it looks busy you might want to look elsewhere (but there's also seating upstairs). $2-9. 

Sleep

The Brewmaster's Castle

Dupont Circle is a great place to stay when in D.C., and should be even more popular than it is. Rates are more affordable than at the big chain hotels in the touristy East End, there are lots of charming independent options, it's a great area to come back to in the evening, has convenient metro service, and is just a few blocks north of the main business district. If staying towards the southwest end, you'll be right by the business district of the West End, and a short walk from Georgetown, while the northeast side puts you closer to main dining and nightlife strips.

Budget

  • 1 The Carlyle - Dupont Circle, a Kimpton Hotel, 1731 New Hampshire Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 234-3200 (hotel), toll-free: +1 877 301-0019 (reservations), . The interior is gorgeous—an Art-Deco masterpiece. Aside from the aesthetics, and reasonable prices, the premium Tempur-Pedic mattresses are another good reason to stay here. All rooms have 37 inch HD flat screen TVs, free WiFi (need to sign up to Kimpton Karma loyalty programme), and daily passes to the nearby Washington Sports Club. Hotel offers two free rental bicycles. $140-200. 
  • The Churchill Hotel, 1914 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 797-2000. Originally opened as a luxury apartment building in 1906, this hotel is nice, upscale, and unique, without being either trendy or swanky. It's a simple, lovely place just far north enough of the Circle to qualify as being in a quieter neighborhood. Beds get high marks for comfort, while WiFi costs $10/day, and the rooms are a little small. $125-285. 
  • The Tabard Inn, 1739 N St NW, ☏ +1 202 785-1277. A small, old, charming inn located on a quiet tree-lined street just five blocks from the White House. 40 sleeping rooms, each unique in character and design, aiming to preserve the turn-of-the-century atmosphere, while keeping decor eclectic. In keeping with the historic bent of this hotel (believed to be the oldest continually operating hotel in the city), there are no TVs. (You do get free gym passes to the local YMCA and WiFi, though.) Even if you are not staying at the hotel, the Tabard is a great place for a relaxed evening cocktail hour, and some terrific live jazz on Sunday nights. The small hotel restaurant is as attractive as it is highly acclaimed, serving delicious New American cuisine. Some of the cheaper rooms have shared baths, which you can request upon reservation. $113-218; restaurant: $28-45. 
  • Windsor Park Hotel, 2116 Kalorama Rd NW, toll-free: +1-800-247-3064. An old fashioned, and slightly worn, hotel in a quiet, beautiful spot on Kalorama, several blocks north of the commercial areas. Simple, Queen Anne-style rooms, free WiFi. $100-150. 

Mid-range

  • Beacon Hotel and Corporate Quarters, 1615 Rhode Island Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 296-2100. Contemporary design, cosmopolitan style hotel with upscale suites. New York-inspired studio suites and upscale turret suites also available. Ask for a room on the upper floors. Views of the White House and the Mall from the rooftop bar are spectacular. $150-260. 
  • The Embassy Row Hotel, 2015 Massachusetts Ave NW, ☏ +1 855 893 1011. This hotel by Destination Hotels & Resorts is a life-style hotel in Dupont Circle. One standout feature (aside from the great location) is the rooftop pool, open Memorial Day–Labor Day, which offers non-guests day passes, usually for $10. $190-300. 
  • Hotel Palomar, 2121 P St NW, ☏ +1 202 448-1800. A flashy, trendy Dupont Circle location of the Kimpton chain, with a penchant for L.A.-style designs and leopard print, and a reputation for very good service. Pet friendly hotel, outdoor pool. $180-300. 
  • Topaz Hotel, 1733 N St NW, ☏ +1 202 393-3000. One of the several hip Kimpton Boutiques in Dupont, this one has fairly large rooms, soothing but funky decor with a vague oriental theme, and no gym. The upscale bar, Topaz Bar, is a great, relatively quiet place for drinks, with similarly funky decor. $140-230. 

Splurge

  • The Dupont Circle Hotel, 1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 483-6000. You can't beat the location of being literally on Dupont Circle. This hotel, just remodeled in 2009, has stylish, sleek, contemporary decor, and is a little overpriced compared to the services you'd get at other hotels in the same price range, but that is to be expected given the real estate. The recently refurbished bar as very high quality cocktails, with great views out the windows right on the circle. $190-350. 
  • 2 Embassy Circle Guest House, 2224 R St NW, ☏ +1 202 232-7744, toll-free: +1-877-232-7744, . The building, surrounded by embassies, is itself a former embassy, housed in a historically restored mansion. The elegant guestrooms offer modern amenities, private bathrooms, and are decorated with original artwork. A gourmet breakfast buffet and evening reception are included. $180-295. 
  • The Fairfax at Embassy Row, 2100 Massachusetts Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 293-2100. Since 1927, The Fairfax has been home to many distinguished travelers including congressman, senators, and ambassadors who made the hotel their permanent residence. Prominent tenants included Mrs Henry Cabot Lodge, Admiral and Mrs Chester William Nimitz, and Senator John McClellan. A young George H Bush and his parents as well as Senator and Mrs Prescott Bush also made The Fairfax their home when in town. 259 guest rooms and suites with views of Embassy Row. $200-280. 
  • The Jefferson Hotel, 1200 16th St NW, ☏ +1 202 448-2300. Housed in a gorgeous 1923 Beaux-Arts building is this small, ultra-luxury hotel, where rooms come with butlers, and a focus on historical charm coexists with flatscreen tvs embedded in the bathroom mirrors and microchips alerting room service when your plates need to be cleared. Much of the decor is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, representing his life and his interests. The on-site spa, reading room, piano bar (and its cocktails) (Su-M 11:30AM-midnight, Tu-Sa 11:30AM-1AM), and two restaurants are as beautiful as they are excellent. $350-800. 
  • St Gregory Hotel, 2033 M St NW, ☏ +1 202 530-3600. With the exception of the lobby's Marylin Monroe skirt-in-the-wind statue, there isn't a whole lot that's distinctive about the St Gregory, but it lives up to the name of a luxury hotel, in terms of excellent service and extra thoughtful details. Its clientèle certainly has been distinguished, having played host to big shots in the worlds of art, entertainment, politics—in no small part due to the fact that this is a great location for an extended-stay suites hotel. But it's a luxury hotel, c'mon now, it shouldn't be charging $11/day for WiFi. $150-450. 

Connect

Internet

To get free WiFi in Dupont Circle, you basically just have to open your computer—everyone has it, and not everyone has password protection. Furthermore, many neighborhood shops, cafes, and restaurants offer wireless—the coffee shops and frozen yogurt listed above will give it to you for free, as will all the Starbucks.

If you don't have a computer and need to access the internet, Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe (see listing above) has a single computer at the bar. Eport World is another option:

  • Eport World, 1719 Connecticut Ave NW, ☏ +1 202 232-2244. M-F 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM. 30 minutes for $3, 60 minutes for $5. 

Go next

Routes through Dupont Circle
Gaithersburg ← Upper Northwest ←  N  S  → West End → East End


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