The Ultimate Georgetown, DC Neighborhood Guide

With lots of great restaurants, cafes and shopping in a compact walkable, historic area, Georgetown is a great neighborhood to visit and explore in Washington, DC. I love meeting up with friends on the weekends for a bite or to shop or bringing visitors to this neighborhood. And if you follow me on IG, you know I spend a lot of time here taking photos. Here are my tried and true recommendations of where to eat, what to see, what to do and more in Georgetown.

Where to Eat

  • Chaia - If you’re looking for a quick and filling bite on the go, this is my top recommendation. Chaia is a DC-based eatery serving up vegetarian tacos, but rest assured they are incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

  • Falafel Inc. - offering $4 falafel sandwiches, this spot is great for budget-conscious eaters. They also provide a meal to refugees for every meal purchased. They also have a ton of different sauces you can sample making this a fantastic value.

  • Good Stuff Eatery - another great fast bite, this is where you can get your fix of all-American food like burgers, fries and milkshakes. Try the toasted marshmallow milkshake, it’s my favorite.

  • Call Your Mother Deli - known to be the best spot for bagels in DC, you can’t miss a visit to CYM’s Georgetown location. The wait can be long on weekend mornings, so try ordering ahead using their website for a speedier experience.

  • Kafe Leopold - this European style cafe is great for lunch with friends or colleagues. It features outdoor dining in a small courtyard and is tucked away off M street on Cady’s Alley, making it a quieter spot set back from all the hustle and bustle of busy Georgetown.

  • Chez Billy Sud - a French bistro perfect for date night or a celebration. The space is intimate and elevated with mint green walls and bronze fixtures, and the food is hearty and delicious.

  • Filomena - this is by far our most requested spot to have dinner when we are hosting visitors from out of town. It is a Georgetown staple featuring larger-than-life Italian portions. And they always decorate so wonderfully during holidays like Halloween and Christmas. Come with an empty stomach and don’t miss their house-made desserts!

  • il Canale - located near the C&O canal, this Italian spot is known for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas. It has ample outdoor seating for great people-watching. Also, they offer great gluten free pizza and pasta.

Where to Grab Coffee/A Snack

  • Baked & Wired - another Georgetown staple, this cafe serves homemade baked goods and coffee. There’s often a line to get in, but the bites and coffee drinks are well worth it.

  • Foxtrot - a newer addition to Georgetown, Foxtrot serves up locally roasted Metric coffee. Be sure to try their seasonal drinks.

  • Grace Street Coffee - a favorite among Georgetown students, Grace Street offers specialty coffee drinks in a bright and comfortable space.

  • Thomas Sweet - on a hot and humid DC summer day, this ice cream and chocolate spot is my go-to to cool down with a sweet treat.

  • Blue Bottle Coffee - if you really need a strong caffeine boost to keep you going, head to Blue Bottle. Try one of their espresso drinks or signature pour-overs.

  • Cafe Georgetown - this is a wonderfully cozy spot offering seasonal lattes, pastries and even a full bar.

  • Compass Coffee - this coffee shop has a large footprint in Georgetown with plenty of seating for casual meetups and getting work done. I love their seasonal drinks, flavored cold brews and coffee available for purchase.

What to Do

  • Dumbarton Oaks - if you have time, dedicate a few hours to visit to the historic Dumbarton Oaks estate. This picturesque residence and garden was once home to wealthy U.S. diplomat Robert Woods Bliss and his wife Mildred Barnes Bliss. It boasts acres upon acres of beautiful gardens and sculptures, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the elite in the early 20th century. Be sure to visit their website for more information about tickets, operating hours, and current exhibits.

  • C&O Canal - walk along the path near this historic canal to learn about life during Georgetown’s earliest days. The C&O Canal was once a mode of transportation in the 19th and 20th centuries, and it connected Georgetown to other parts of the region.

  • Georgetown Waterfront - when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of M St., head to the Georgetown Waterfront. Walk along the path by the river and stop to enjoy restaurants with views of Rossyln, the Key Bridge and Theodore Roosevelt Island.

  • Shop on M St. - from locally owned boutiques to world-famous retailers, Georgetown’s M street is a true shopping destination. My favorite stores to visit are Anthropologie, Tuckernuck, JCrew, Sephora, Lululemon, Banana Republic, Veronica Beard, and Madewell.

And there you have it - all of my recommendations for Georgetown. This is one of my most frequently asked questions on Instagram, so I hope this post serves you well. And if you visit one of places, please tag me or shoot me a DM to let me know. I love hearing feedback from my followers and readers.

Jane D'Angelo