The MM Insider’s Guide to Washington, D.C.

March 17, 2017 | Filed in: Take a Break

It’s been less than a week since MM opened its first permanent outpost in Washington, D.C., but we’re already feeling right at home. Our new neighborhood is easy to get to (you might work here!) and close to bustling areas like Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, and the East End. Whether you’re popping into the showroom during lunch, an afternoon of errands, or a leisurely day of enjoying the city, we’re here to make you feel calm and efficient—not just during your appointment, but before and after as well. (We pride ourselves on full-service treatment.) Here, some local recommendations from trusted D.C. customers Kate Bahn and KC Sledd, with additions from MM’s Washington aficionado, Hanna Freedlund.

KC Sledd on her office rooftop in D.C., wearing the Crawford top in ivory and the Dupont 2.0 pant in black.

Just a few minutes to spare

BEST TO-GO LUNCHES

“I work in this area, and my favorite desk lunch is from Yafa Grille, right by McPherson Square. You can pick from a ton of delicious toppings for your falafel sandwich or bowl. I especially like the fried eggplant topping.” —Kate

“WTF, the takeout half of Woodward Table, has a barbecue pork grilled cheese that is out of this world. I like to find an office mate who’s game to go halfsies and split that and a salad. If you try to eat the whole thing, you might wind up needing a nap under your desk.” —KC

“If you’re confident that you won’t spill on yourself, head around the corner to Buredo—it’s a sushi-burrito place. The local staff has also recommended &pizza and SKWR Kabobline for quick, tasty bites right next door.” —Hanna

BEST PICK-ME-UPS

“Try Pleasant Pops, a cute, independently-owned coffee shop on 15th Street. They have great coffee as well as delicious fancy popsicles for the summer.” —Kate

“Instead of going for coffee, I would head to Teaism, an Asian-inspired teahouse near Lafayette Square. They have any type of tea you could want in a lovely, calming environment. Make sure to get the salted oat cookie to go!” —KC

Kate wears the Etsuko dress in contrast.

A couple of hours to relax

BEST LEISURELY LUNCH

“I go to Sushi AOI on New York Avenue whenever I’m meeting up with a friend or colleague to sit down for lunch. Unlike many places in the area, it’s not a corporate chain, and their bento box lunches are a great deal.” —Kate

“Tabard Inn is a Washington institution. It’s in this odd little rowhouse on N Street, filled with antiques and dim lights. Their lunch is casually sophisticated, but impossible to do quickly. Go a little later in the afternoon and then call out for the rest of the day!” —KC

BEST COCKTAIL BAR

“There’s a basement bar at the Hay-Adams Hotel called Off The Record that’s like a movie set of a D.C. politico hangout, where a character would go to rub elbows or make backroom deals. The cocktails aren’t cheap, but it’s one of my favorite places near work for a dirty martini with some complimentary bar snacks in cushy lounge chairs.” —Kate

“At the Jefferson Hotel, there’s a small, dark, tucked-away bar called Quill. I love to cozy up in a corner there with a bourbon drink in chilly weather, especially. It always feels very old-school D.C., like I’m spilling political secrets, even if I’m just there to talk about my best friend’s upcoming wedding.” —KC

BEST DINNER SPOT

“The Hamilton is an underrated dinner spot that doubles as a live music venue. It’s this huge restaurant that serves a range of traditional American dishes, and they also happen to have an incredible sushi bar with a special happy hour. If you get there and order before 6:00 p.m., the sushi menu is half off! I like to go here for a glass of wine (or three) with a ton of sushi before catching a show at the Warner or National Theatres.” —KC

“I’d venture a little bit from the immediate area and head to Chinatown for small plates and sake at Izakaya or its sibling, Daikaya, a popular ramen spot.” —Kate

“Lincoln is fun! It’s a Lincoln-themed restaurant (think: pennies in the floor, trendy Abe T-shirts on the waitstaff) with yummy, hearty small plates. We had a team dinner there a few nights ago and it was delicious.” —Hanna

ALSO WORTH A VISIT

“The National Museum of Women in the Arts is right nearby. It’s not part of the Smithsonian, so it has an admission fee, but it is a beautiful space and does great special exhibits. It also has a beautiful atrium, if you want a nice place to sit for a bit. If you venture more toward Chinatown, the National Portrait Gallery is a great (and free) place to pop in if you have extra time before a movie at E Street Cinema.” —Kate

“I’ve gone to a couple different salons since I moved here in 2011, but I always keep coming back to one80 salon to take care of my ‘do. They give you a fabulous head massage and a glass of champagne while you wait! I see Alanea Manuel for a work-ready style that also doesn’t make me feel like a senator 20 years my senior.” —KC

Hanna wears her namesake dress in black.

The whole afternoon to explore

ALL-TIME FAVORITE D.C. SPOTS

“If you are coming up to where I live in Mt. Pleasant, Suns Cinema is a real neighborhood gem. It’s a cute little bar that screens interesting movies every night. For an off-the-beaten-path tourist site, the Frederick Douglass House in Anacostia is a pretty cool place to visit, both to learn about Douglass himself  and just to see a beautifully-preserved house on top of a hill overlooking D.C.” —Kate

“Columbia Room. I used to sneak through the old Passenger Bar to get to Derek Brown’s cocktail laboratory for the most perfect martini and whatever other fabulous drinks he and the team were making. Now, he’s created this incredible cathedral to the drink in Blagden Alley. If you have a special occasion—or even if you really just want to taste the future of cocktails—make a reservation to visit now.” —KC

“The Renwick Gallery—free, quick, and centrally located. Always worth a quick stop-in if you’re into art installations. I love picking some good music and taking a leisurely stroll through the space.” —Hanna