Hidden D.C.: How to Visit Like a Local

Get to know the ins and outs of D.C. with satisfying soul food restaurants and state-of-the-art breweries—this list covers all the bases.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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At this juncture in life, a visit to D.C. should be more adventurous than the class trips you took in middle and high school. While landmarks like the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and even the infamous steps from The Exorcist are certainly worth visiting, venturing to spots off the beaten path will offer a more memorable—and authentic—D.C. experience. The funny thing about D.C. is that, as time passes, the number of people who reside there but aren’t actually from there increases. What they eventually learn to do (granted they’re willing to leave their quadrant of the District) is blend in, to some degree, by frequenting certain places. Allow this guide to be your cornerstone for seamlessly navigating the streets of D.C. like a seasoned veteran.

Velvet Lounge

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Meridian Hill Park

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Eddie Leonard

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Bluejacket

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Marvin

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Landmark’s E Street Cinema

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Oohh’s & Aahh’s

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Sakuramen

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LongView Gallery

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Pho Viet

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Explore More Hidden Gems Across the Country

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