Bestof 2015

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015 | A PUBLICATION OF

We asked you to vote for what you love most about D.C., and by George, you did it!

See inside for all the winners.

Best racing president B12

Best holiday event in D.C. B22

Best non-panda zoo animal B22

D.C. experience made better by marijuana B22

bestof 2015

ALEX FINE (FOR EXPRESS)

Best place to eat when you’re drunk B3

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BEST TACOS

District TacoMultiple locations; districttaco.com.

What started as a modest food truck has since grown into a chain of six brick-and-mortar operations across D.C. and Virginia. The secret to District Taco’s success? Offering a concise menu that allows these taco experts to give every ingredient the time and attention it needs. Case in point: The tilapia for the restaurant’s famed fish tacos (available Tuesdays, Fridays and weekends) are marinated for more than 12 hours before they’re grilled and served with homemade chipotle mayo. H.S.

2ND: TaKorean, multiple locations; takorean.com.3RD: El Camino, 108 Rhode Island Ave. NW; 202-847-0419, elcaminodc.com.

dining

BEST SANDWICH

Taylor GourmetIn his seven years of business,Casey Patten has learned notto fiddle with people’s sandwiches. “When we originally started changing the menu, people would go crazy, like you stole their child,” says the co-founder of this local chain, now with 10 locationsserving up monstrous Philly-style hoagies. This consistency, combined with ingredients like roasted pork and sauces made in-house, keep people comingback to Taylor — includingPresident Barack Obama, who’s been twice since taking office. H.S. Multiple locations; taylorgourmet.com.

2ND: SUNdeVICH, 1314 Ninth St. NW; 202-319-1086, sundevich.com.3RD: Bub and Pop’s, 1815 M St. NW; 202-457-1111, bubandpops.com.

BEST BAGEL

Bethesda BagelsIf you close your eyes and biteinto a chewy New York-style bagel from this shop, you can almost hear taxi horns and hollers of “I’m walkin’ here!” “We trained in New York,” explains owner Danny Fleishman, whose family has been making

BEST PLACE TO GO IF YOU WANT TO BRING HOME LEFTOVERS

BEST VEGETARIAN

BEST PLACE TO EAT WHEN YOU’RE DRUNK

BEST PLACETO GRAB A QUICK LUNCH

Why is D.C. so obsessed with &pizza, winner of four categories this year? It could be all the options, ideal for those with dietary restrictions: You can choose from three kinds of dough, eight sauces and three cheeses, including a vegan one. Then you’re faced with a bar of 36 toppings, 28 of which are meat-free. If you’re totally overwhelmed, try one of the seven signature pizzas. Four are vegetarian, like the Moonstruck, with mari-nated mushrooms, salty goat cheese and sweet fig marsala sauce. “We’ve always been vegetarian- and vegan-friendly,” says founder Michael Last-oria, who himself is vegetarian. But maybe D.C. loves &pizza because it’s fast: At the E Street location, the speediest of all, you can expect to wait in line for about 3.5 minutes, Lastoria says. Like magic, you’re presented with a piping hot, oval-shaped pie just for you — but good luck finishing it in one go. “When our guests can’t finish their pizza, we don’t look at that as an opportunity to make a smaller pizza,” Lastoria says. Those gi-ant pies might explain why the late-night crowd is so smitten. “Unlimited toppings for one price,” Lastoria says. “Who doesn’t want that when you have a few beers in the tank?” S.M.D. Multiple locations; andpizza.com.

&pizza

LEFTOVERS2ND: Maggiano’s, multiple locations; maggianos.com.3RD Ted’s Bulletin, multiple locations; tedsbulletin.com.

VEGETARIAN2ND: Busboys and Poets, multiple locations; busboysandpoets.com.3RD: Rasika, 633 D St. NW; 202-637-1222 and 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 202-466-2500, rasikarestaurant.com.

DRUNK2ND: Amsterdam Falafelshop, multiple locations; falafelshop.com.3RD: Ben’s Chili Bowl, multiple locations; benschilibowl.com.

QUICK LUNCH2ND: Cava Grill, multiple locations; cavagrill.com.3RD: Bub and Pop’s, 1815 M St. NW; 202-457-1111, bubandpops.com.

bagels professionally for more than 30 years. Both locations offer 20 bagel flavors daily plus a weekly special, such as raspberry and cranberry or lemon andpoppy seed. H.S. 4819 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-8990 and 1718 Connecticut Ave. NW;202-299-9399, bethesdabagels.com.

2ND: Bullfrog Bagels, 1341 H St. NE; 202-494-2609, bullfrogbagels.com.3RD: Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, 2055 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-243-4442, brooklynbagelva.com.

BEST FRIED FOOD

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken Bread? How boring. Astromakes its sandwiches on freshly made doughnuts. The fry shack(and its food truck) serves fried chicken in an Old Bay-dusted doughnut and, earlier this year,it introduced another hit: a breakfast doughnut sandwichwith fried chicken, honey butter and hot sauce. Astro also sells doughnuts in gourmet flavorslike creme brulee (their most popular) and PB&J. H.S. 1308 G St. NW; 202-809-5565 and 7511 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; 703-356-0800, astrodoughnuts.com.

2ND: Bonchon, multiple locations; bonchon.com.3RD: Amsterdam Falafelshop, multiple locations; falafelshop.com.

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&PIZ

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bestof

Best place to discover sushi is an art form

Has anyone checked that chefs Nobu Yamazaki and Masaya Kitayama are working with chopsticks in the kitchen, and not a set of paintbrushes? It’s hard to tell when every complex, richly textured sushi dish they send out is an edible masterpiece. Much like a work of art, quality doesn’t come cheap. But Sushi Taro offers a reasonably priced lunch menu and hosts happy hour specials on weeknights at the bar if you want to get your sushi fix at a discount. H.S. 1503 17th St. NW; 202-462-8999, sushitaro.com.

2ND: Sushiko, 5455 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md.; 301-961-1644, sushikorestaurants.com.3RD: KAZ Sushi Bistro, 1915 I St. NW; 202-530-5500, kazsushi.com.

Sushi Taro

BEST PLACE TO EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS AS A CARNIVORE

Fogo de Chao1101 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 202-347-4668, fogodechao.com.

This Brazil-born, family-owned chain takes its meat mobile. Every diner at Fogo de Chao gets a card that’s used to signal the waiters, who wander the room eager to carve slices of beef, pork and chicken from the giant hunks of meat they carry. One side of the card is green (more meat, please!) and the other’s red (I can’t eat another bite … yet). H.S.

2ND: Ray’s the Steaks, 2300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-841-7297, raysthesteaks.com.3RD: Medium Rare, 3500 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-237-1432 and 515 Eighth St. SE; 202-601-7136, mediumrarerestaurant.com.

Barcelona seemed to have popped up overnight when it opened on 14th Street in 2013 (there are now three locations in the area). Now, diners who prefer to eat by the light of the moon can’t imagine what they did before it existed. The spacious patio at this Spanish restaurant is the spot for catch-ups, people watching and sherry shots — served in a bone luge if you know to ask for it. With a fire pit and heat lamps, Barcelona keeps the al fresco party going year round. H.S. Multiple locations; barcelonawinebar.com.

2ND: Brookland’s Finest Bar & Kitchen, 3126 12th St. NE; 202-636-0050, brooklandsfinest.com.3RD: Roofers Union, 2446 18th St. NW; 202-232-7663, roofersuniondc.com.

Barcelona

BEST PHO (NO MATTER HOWYOU PRONOUNCE IT)

Pho 75The hardest part about eating Vietnamese pho is deciding how you’ll take it: with fatty tendon, raw flank steak, salty brisket or a little bit of everything. But it starts with the salty, complex broth at this humble pho spot, which they’ve crafted by simmering beef or chicken bones and marrow, ginger and a secret collection of spices for hours, for a rich broth served with hearty noodles. Top with your personal blend of sriracha, hoisin and basil and dig in. L.M. Multiple locations; pho75.tumblr.com.

2ND: Pho 14, various locations; dcpho14.com.3RD: Pho Viet, 3513 14th St. NW; 202-629-2839, phovietwdc.com.

BEST BRUNCH

Le DiplomateThis B.Y.O.B. (bring your own beret) French restaurant turns brunch into a European vacation on the weekends, when D.C. dwellers linger over pastries and play Parisian. “The restaurant was designed to transport you to a different part of the world,” executive chef Michael Abt says. In keeping with French tradition, dishes are on the heavy side. “There’s a big focus on eggs and pastries in French cuisine,” Abt says. “It translates well to brunch.” H.S. 1601 14th St. NW; 202-332-3333, lediplomatedc.com.

2ND: Ted’s Bulletin, multiple locations; tedsbulletin.com.3RD: Open City, 2331 Calvert St. NW; 202-332-2331 and 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-965-7670, opencitydc.com.

BEST PLACE TO GET FOOD TO SHARE

ZaytinyaSmall plates have long been the trendy answer when we wish we could order a little of everything. And at this upscale Mediterranean

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B3 spot from D.C. dining czar Jose Andres, that means you can enjoy a few bites of Middle Eastern classics like stuffed eggplant and expertly spiced lamb kebab, along with modern interpretations like crispy ouzo-battered catfish and veal tartare, all in the same meal. L.M. 701 Ninth St. NW; 202-638-0800, zaytinya.com.

2ND: Jaleo, multiple locations; jaleo.com.3RD: Cava Mezze, multiple locations; cavamezze.com.

BEST RESTAURANT FOR SPICE LOVERS

RasikaIf a Doritos delivery truck crashed into a soy sauce factory, the flavor explosion would still pale in comparison to a meal at Rasika. Traditional Indian dishes like its famed palak chaat (fried spinach), black cod and tandoori chicken tikka are loaded with fresh herbs, spices and sauces that draw out bold flavors deep within the main ingredients. Don’t expect blinding heat, though: James Beard award-winning chef Vikram Sunderam’s menu focuses on flavorful ingredients with minimal firepower, such as mango chutney, mustard oil and cinnamon. H.S. 633 D St. NW; 202-637-1222 and 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 202-466-2500, rasikarestaurant.com.

2ND: Little Serow, 1511 17th St. NW; littleserow.com.3RD: Thai X-ing, 515 Florida Ave. NW and 2020 Ninth St. NW; 202-332-4322, thaix-ing.com.

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BEST PLACE TO EAT OUTSIDE


2ND: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, 1612 14th St. NW; 202-319-1612, pearldivedc.com.3RD: Birch & Barley, 1337 14th St. NW; 202-567-2576, birchandbarley.com.

Toki Underground

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B4

BEST PLACE TO EATGROWN-UP FOOD ANDKEEP YOUR KIDS HAPPY

Ted’s BulletinThis friendly, lunch counter-style restaurant knows that adults and kids really want the same things, just with a few twists. For kids, there’s PB&J, pasta with sauce or butter, and shakes in flavors like s’mores, peppermint and Oreo. And for grown-ups, Ted’s offers a peanut butter bacon burger, cheesy chicken parmesan and creamy shakes — with booze added — in flavors such as white Russian, Irish caramel coffee and grasshopper. L.M. Multiple locations; tedsbulletin.com.

2ND: &pizza, various locations; andpizza.com.3RD: Matchbox, various locations; matchboxrestaurants.com.

BEST TRENDY DESSERTS

Whisked!If by “trendy desserts” you mean time-tested recipes and wholesome ingredients, then yes, Whisked! deserves its victory. Jenna Huntsberger’s confections may not come in unorthodox flavor combinations, but you’ll be more than satisfied with her creative-yet-classic pies (salted caramel apple, Mexican chocolate cream) and cookies (milk chocolate Nutella, brown butter snickerdoodle). H.S. 202-656-4890, whiskeddc.com.

2ND: Baked and Wired, 1052 Thomas Jefferson St. NW; 202-333-2500, bakedandwired.com.3RD: Dangerously Delicious Pies, 1339 H St. NE ; 202-398-7437 and 675 I St. NW; 202-450-1292, dangerouspiesdc.com.

BEST PLACE TO GETA FROZEN TREAT

DolcezzaMany dessert spots are more flash than foundation, but Dolcezza’s gelato — made daily in their factory near Union Market

and served in eight D.C.-area shops — starts with great basics: dairy, fruits and herbs from farms in Pennsylvania and Virginia. The simple ingredients don’t mean boring flavors, though. Their rotation of gelato options includes crookneck pumpkin, black sesame and peanut butter stracciatella, while dairy-free sorbettos come in flavors like white nectarine, Champagne mango and orange honey cardamom. S.M.D. Multiple locations, dolcezzagelato.com

2ND: Ice Cream Jubilee, 301 Water St. SE; 202-863-0727, icecreamjubilee.com3RD: Pitango Gelato, multiple locations; pitangogelato.com.

Since opening in 2011, Toki has drawn lines — long ones — for inventive ramen that takes a sharp turn from classic Japanese flavors. “We forewent Japanese balance for stronger, more intense soups,” says chef Erik Bruner-Yang, who will sometimes toss apples or peaches into his stocks. “Our technique is grounded in tradition, but we don’t adhere to traditional flavors.” H.S. 1234 H St. NE; 202-388-3086, tokiunderground.com.

2ND: Daikaya, 705 Sixth St. NW; 202-589-1600, daikaya.com.3RD: Sakuramen, 2441 18th St. NW; 202-656-5285, sakuramen.info.

BEST RESTAURANTBATHROOM

Busboys and PoetsLots of restaurants and bars are getting fancy with their bathrooms these days by adding themed wallpaper, ironically kitschy knick-knacks and toe-tapping music. But clean and easily accessible are still the gold standard where potties are concerned. Busboys and Poets’ six restaurants have that part down. Plus, three of their locations (14th and V, Takoma and Brookland) have a Politics and Prose bookstore embedded within. Please, though: Do everyone a favor and buy the book before taking it into the loo with you. B.M. Multiple locations; busboysandpoets .com.

2ND: 2 Birds 1 Stone, 1800 14th St. NW; 2birds1stonedc.com.3RD: The Coupe, 3415 11th St. NW; 202-290-3342, thecoupedc.com.

RESTAURANT THAT LIVES UP TO ITS HYPE

RasikaMore than 2,400 smitten Yelpers can’t be wrong, right? Just to be safe, we looked at this year’s fall dining guide from Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema: Rasika took the No. 2 spot (its two locations — in Penn Quarter and West End — shared the honor). Following a nearly half-million dollar interior design refresh at the original Penn Quarter location (new furniture and better soundproofing, plus other improvements), Ashok Bajaj’s lauded upscale Indian restaurants are likely to keep pulling in the praise. H.S. 633 D St. NW; 202-637-1222 and 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 202-466-2500, rasikarestaurant.com.

2ND: Rose’s Luxury, 717 Eighth St. SE; 202-580-8889, rosesluxury.com.3RD: Le Diplomate, 1601 14th St. NW; 202-332-3333, lediplomatedc .com.

BEST RAMEN

BEST BREAD BASKET

Le Diplomate1601 14th St. NW; 202-332-3333, lediplomatedc.com.

In the D.C. restaurant wars, the pre-meal bread basket is the latest battleground on which chefs can stand out. Le Diplomate’s basket sets the stage for a classic French meal with selections straight out of a boulangerie: slices of crusty French baguette, rye wheat boule and sweet cranberry walnut loaf. “It gives a different spectrum of flavors and textures,” executive chef Michael Abt says. B.M.

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drinkingBEST PITCHERCOCKTAILS

Eat the Rich1839 Seventh St. NW; 202-316-9396, etrbar.com.

You’ve heard of tennis elbow, but what about citrus fingers? It’s what bartenders experience at Eat the Rich when preparing a cocktail pitcher. “It’s pretty brutal squeezing all that citrus,” owner Derek Brown says. The bar’s batch servings are equal to four drinks and don’t compromise quality. “Most people are smart enough to know that if a bar serves pitcher cocktails, you’re in trouble,” Brown says. “We wanted to take something looked down upon and make it good.” H.S. 2ND: Lauriol Plaza,1835 18th St. NW; 202-387-0035, lauriolplaza.com.3RD: La Tasca, multiple locations; latascausa.com.

BEST PLACE TO BE A WHISKEY SNOB

Boundary StoneTucked inside this humble Bloomingdale pub is a carefully curated collection of roughly 155 different bottles of whiskey — old standbys, limited releases and things the staff just wanted to try. If you’re new to brown liquor, feel free to treat the staff like your personal Yelp reviewer. “It can be intimidating for people to know what to ask for, even to know what kind of style they like,” says Boundary Stone’s assistant general

manager, Katie Fergusen. L.M. 116 Rhode Island Ave. NW; 202-621-6635, boundarystonedc.com.

2ND: Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 2007 18th St. NW; 202-588-7388, jackrosediningsaloon.com.3RD: Southern Efficiency, 1841 Seventh St. NW; 202-316-9396, whiskeyhome.com.

BEST PLACE TOBE A BEER SNOB

ChurchKeyWith 55 rotating taps and 500 types of bottled beer (some

of which are on the wall), it’s easy to be picky at ChurchKey. The 6-year-old craft beer bar routinely stocks hard-to-find brews. “We are able to access the rare stuff based on lots of tasting and hunting,” says beer director Greg Engert, “but maybe, more importantly, because brewers love to have us pour their most special beers.” R.G. 1337 14th St. NW; 202-567-2576, churchkeydc.com.

2ND: Meridian Pint, 3400 11th St. NW; 202-588-1075, meridianpint.com.3RD: Bluejacket, 300 Tingey St. SE; 202-524-4862, bluejacketdc.com.

DC Brau Brewing CompanyThe past year was another one of growth for DC Brau. Now open all week, its tasting room has become a popular spot for patrons to relax with pints of hoppy ales or draft-only rarities. “Be-fore, people would get their samples, get their beer and then they were out the door,” co-founder Brandon Skall says. DC Brau also started canning some new brews this year, including the crisp, refreshing Brau Pils. R.G. 3178-B Bladensburg Road NE; 202-621-8890, dcbrau.com.

2ND: Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria; 703-797-2739, portcitybrewing.com.3RD: 3 Stars Brewing Company, 6400 Chillum Place NW; 202-670-0333, 3starsbrewing.com.

BEST LOCAL BREWERY

Bestbarsnacks

To Brookland’s Finest chef and co-owner Shannan Troncoso, bar snacks aren’t just peanuts — there’s a whole philosophy involved. “The best bar snack is sweet and salty, a little bit sour, to make your mouth water,” she says. Her bar’s rotating cocktail selection is specifically crafted to pair with the spiced nut sampler and the plate of local charcuterie. For beer, she suggests the pretzel bites with a hint of truffle oil or the Brussels sprouts fried up like potato chips. L.M. 3126 12th St. NE; 202-636-0050, brooklandsfinest.com.

2ND: ChurchKey, 1337 14th St. NW; 202-567-2576, churchkeydc.com.3RD: Roofers Union, 2446 18th St. NW; 202-232-7663, roofersuniondc.com.

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CHECK OUT THE REST OF OUR SEASON!

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New Columbia DistillersNew Columbia has plenty of drinking buddies in D.C.’s Ivy City neighborhood, including One Eight Distilling and Atlas Brew Works. New Columbia owner John Uselton says the more the merrier: “As our neighborhood has been changing, people have been making a day of it.” At New Columbia’s cozy distillery, try samples of its seasonal Green Hat gins, with high citrus in spring/summer and warming earthy notes for fall/winter. L.M. 1832 Fenwick St. NE; 202-733-1710, greenhatgin.com.

2ND: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, 120 W. Main St., Purcellville, Va.; 540-751-8404, catoctincreekdistilling.com. 3RD: One Eight Distilling, 1135 Okie St. NE; 202-636-6638, oneeightdistilling.com.

PLACE WITH THEBEST COCKTAIL NAMES

The GibsonA cocktail’s name should have as much depth and mystery as the drink itself. Bartenders at the Gibson are masters of both. Take the Man Up: “That’s our Manhattan — a little play on words there,” bartender Ted Freeseman says. It’s made with the classic bourbon, vermouth and bitters plus the addition of spicy, rhubarb-based Zucca Amaro. Sometimes, the name comes first: The “Clueless” is an ode to the heroine of its namesake movie, so, Freeseman says, “it makes sense to have a strong base” — rye whiskey — “with a little bit of zest” — lime — plus some almond-y

orgeat syrup and absinthe. B.M. 2009 14th St. NW; 202-232-2156, thegibsondc.com.

2ND: Hank’s Oyster Bar, multiple locations; hanksoysterbar.com.3RD: The Partisan, 709 D St. NW; 202-524-5322, thepartisandc.com.

BEST PLACE TO DRINK WITHOUT EMPTYING YOUR WALLET

D.C. ReynoldsD.C. Reynolds’ happy hour is just like the end of all infomercials: Buy one drink, get the second one free! So from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, you can have a beer from this Petworth neighborhood bar’s extensive selection AND one of their signature cocktails. Our tip: Go

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on Tuesday, when a plate of tacos ($15) comes with a flight of tequila. L.M. 3628 Georgia Ave. NW; 202-506-7178, dcreynoldsbar.com.

2ND: The Pug, 1234 H St. NE; thepugdc.com.3RD: Red Derby, 3718 14th St. NW; 202-291-5000, redderby.com.

BEST PLACE TO GET CLASSY DRUNK

POV at the W HotelMaybe it’s because guests can sometimes spy snipers across the street, atop the White House. Or because they just coughed up $14 for a gin and tonic. Whatever the reason, people tend to be on their best behavior while boozing at POV. “We’re just proud that we’ve been able to provide D.C. with a place to come play and be classy,” says Meade Atkeson, general manager of the W Washington. H.S. 515 15th St. NW; 202-661-2400, povrooftop.com.

2ND: Quill, 1200 16th St. NW; 202-448-2300, jeffersondc.com.3RD: McClellan’s Retreat, 2031 Florida Ave. NW; 202-265-6270, mcclellansretreat.com.

BEST PLACE TO GO OUT TO DANCE

U Street Music HallIt makes sense that the best bar for dancing in D.C. is owned by longtime DJs. Will Eastman and Jesse Tittsworth know what gets people onto their 1,200-square-foot, cork-cushioned dance floor: two bars, an earthshaking sound system and great music. The venue hosts acts as varied as Caribbean hip-hop artists R. City and folk rockers Kingsley Flood. B.M. 1115 U St. NW; 202-588-1889, ustreetmusichall.com.

2ND: Rock & Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE; 202-388-7625, rockandrollhoteldc.com.3RD: Madam’s Organ, 2461 18th St. NW; 202-667-5370, madamsorgan.com.

HIPSTEREST BAR

American Ice Co.Hipster Bingo is the obvious drinking game to play at this U Street-area hangout. Cover your first space when you down a PBR tallboy, then graduate to a Mason jar of craft beer (or a mini Mason jar shot!). Snag a spot at one of the wood and industrial metal booths to dig into a plate of “swachos” (swine nachos), or beat out the other plaid-shirted patrons for coveted seats at the communal picnic tables outside. L.M. 917 V St. NW; 202-758-3562, amicodc.com.

2ND: Showtime Bar, 113 Rhode Island Ave. NW; facebook.com/showtimebardc.3RD: Red Derby, 3718 14th St. NW; 202-291-5000.

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Dacha Beer GardenDaytime drinking is best done under the sun. And the closest thing to a roof at this Bavarian-style beer garden is a canopy covering the bar, which means you can sample craft beers or a beer cocktail in broad daylight. On weekdays, co-owner Ilya Alter has spied teleworkers availing themselves of the bar’s Wi-Fi and picnic tables. Do they work with a beer in hand? “Some do,” he says. “Some of them wait until they finish the conference call.” B.M. 1600 Seventh St. NW; 202-524-8790, dachadc.com.

2ND: Cantina Marina, 600 Water St. SW; 202-554-8396, cantinamarina.com.3RD: Garden District, 1801 14th St. NW; gardendistrictdc.com.

Best place to day drink


BEST D.C.-AREACOLLEGEMASCOT

JacktheBulldogGeorgetown University

Our Best Of voters must be suckers for a bulldog on a skateboard: They chose a real-life animal as their favorite mascot over some of his costume-clad rivals. The Hoyas selected a real English bulldog as their mascot in 1962. They dabbled with the guy-in-a-suit version in the ‘70s and ‘80s, but by 1999 a new bulldog pup was back on campus. Georgetown’s current Jack the Bulldog is 2 years old, his zodiac sign is Cancer and he enjoys long strolls on the sidelines. J.T.

2ND: Testudo the Terrapin, University of Maryland.3RD: Clawed the Eagle, American University.

sports

For a second straight season, the Nationals had the highest home at-tendance among NL East teams, averaging 32,343 people per game (up 499 per game from last season). People don’t just come to watch baseball. There’s the food, the Racing Presidents and the innovative promotional giveaways. The best this year was the Jayson Werth Chia Pet, which recreated the outfielder’s famous beard in green sprouts. J.T. Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St. SE; 202-675-6287, washington.nationals.mlb.com.

2ND: Washington Capitals, Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW; 202-266-2277 or 202-397-7328, capitals.nhl.com.3RD: D.C. United, RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol St. SE; 202-587-5000, dcunited.com.

WashingtonNationals

BEST FOOD AT A STADIUM/ARENA

Shake Shack at Nationals ParkYou won’t go hungry at Nationals Park — all three Best Stadium Food finalists are found within the ballpark — but it’s Shake Shack that came out victorious. The outpost of the New York-born burger chain offers a slimmed-down menu of standards, including three signature burgers, two flat-top dogs and the classic crinkle-cut fries. Located on the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk, Shake Shack also has a dedicated “C-Line” exclusively for ordering frozen custard. R.G. Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St. SE; shakeshack.com.

2ND: Ben’s Chili Bowl, Nationals Park; benschilibowl.com.3RD: G Sandwich Shop, Nationals Park; gbymikeisabella.com.

BEST BAR TO WATCH A COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME WITH YOUR FELLOW ALUMNI

Penn Quarter Sports TavernWith 35 televisions and three viewing areas, this Chinatown bar can easily accommodate multiple alumni groups on college football Saturdays. This year, the biggest crowd supports the University of


Bestracingpresident

GeorgeFor years, Teddy was the crowd favorite in the Nationals’ fourth-inning Presidents Race — mostly because he’d never won. But his lovable-loser mystique wore off when he started winning races in 2012. During the Nationals’ roller coaster 2015 season, it was George who showed fortitude. According to letteddywin.com, he won the fewest races (10) in 2014 but bounced back to finish the 2015 season with 17 victories — second only to Abe. Who doesn’t like a comeback story? First in the presidency, first in our hearts. J.T. 2ND: Teddy. 3RD: Abe.

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bestofMississippi Rebels, who can draw 200 fans on a busy day, according to owner Michael Brand. “We do our best to re-create the college experience,” he says. For Ole Miss fans, that means making Chicken on a Stick, a late-night snack served at an off-campus gas station. R.G. 639

Indiana Ave. NW; 202-347-6666,

pennquartersportstavern.com.

2ND: Crystal City Sports Pub, 529 23rd St. S, Arlington; 703-521-8215, ccsportspub.com.3RD: Solly’s U Street Tavern, 1942 11th St. NW; 202-232-6590, sollystavern.com.

BEST PLACE TOSEE A D.C.-AREA COLLEGEBASKETBALL GAME

Charles E. Smith CenterGEORGE WASHINGTON COLONIALS One thing that separates George

For University of Maryland senior Alexander Jonesi, what separates Maryland from other schools is its history of sporting success, the dedication of its fans and that state flag, which is emblazoned on team uniforms and on fans’ hearts. For games, the Reston, Va., native says he covers himself from “head to toe” (or rather shoes to sunglasses) in flag-themed attire. To get the full Terps fan experience, go to a big-time men’s basketball game at Xfinity Center and take in the flash mob: Students get to games more than two hours before tipoff and choreo-graph an arena-wide dance. J.T. 2ND: University of Virginia fans. 3RD: Georgetown University fans.

University of Maryland fansBEST D.C.-AREACOLLEGE SPORTS FANS

Washington University’s Charles E. Smith Center from other local college hoops venues is size: It’s tiny. While nearly 18,000 fans pack the arenas for Georgetown and Maryland games, the Smith Center’s 5,000-seat capacity allows for a more intimate fan experience. It doesn’t hurt that the Colonials men’s basketball team has gone 46-22 over the past two seasons, including a 12-2 home record last year. J.T. 600 22nd St. NW;

202-994-6650, gwsports.com.

2ND: Verizon Center (Georgetown Hoyas), 601 F St. NW; 202-687-4692, guhoyas.com.3RD: Xfinity Center (Maryland Terrapins), Paint Branch Drive, College Park, Md.; 301-405-1000, umterps.com.

BEST D.C.-AREACOLLEGE ATHLETICS

George Washington ColonialsThe Colonials’ 2015 Best Of winwas buoyed by the women’s basketball team, which had one of the best seasons in school history last year. Their 19-game winning streak tied for the second-longest ever for the program. They finished the season 29-4, winning the Atlantic 10 regular-season and tournament titles. And they made the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2008. The men’s side didn’t do too badly either, finishing 22-13 and getting to the second round of the NIT. J.T.

2ND: Maryland Terrapins. 3RD: Georgetown Hoyas.


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City BikesCity Bikes’ Adams Morgan location was originally a gas station, which general manager Saul Leiken thinks is fitting for one of the first U.S. cycle shops to focus on bikes for city commuting. (Take that, fossil fuels!) Fans love the local chain’s community rides, customer service and practical workshops. In one class, riders learn to manage bikes on Metro, then test their new skills on the Green Line. Z.M. Multiple locations; citybikes.com.

2ND: The Bike Rack, 1412 Q St. NW; 202-387-2453 and 716 Monroe St. NE; 202-832-2453, thebikerackdc.com.3RD: BicycleSPACE, 2424 18th St. NW; 202-232-4196 and 440 K St. NW; 202-962-0123, bicyclespacedc.com.

fitness

Great Falls ParkGreat Falls is home to 15 miles of hiking trails, popular climbing areas and viewing platforms for gazing onto the scenic falls and Potomac River. The park also offers a glimpse into the area’s his-tory: Hike along the remains of the Patowmack Canal, which opened in 1802, on the Patowmack Canal Trail, a flat, 1.25-mile walk (double that if you plan to come back). The 1.5-mile River Trail is tougher, with hill climbs and rock scrambling that reward hikers with stunning vistas. Z.M. 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Va.; 703-285-2965, nps.gov/grfa.

2ND: Shenandoah National Park; 540-999-3500, nps.gov/shen.3RD: Rock Creek Park; 202-895-6000, nps.gov/rocr.

BEST PLACE TO GET RIPPED

BEST GYM THATDOESN’T INTIMIDATE YOU

Balance Gym“It is a balancing act,” says Devin Maier, managing director of Balance Gym, which this year won the approval of both hardcore fitness enthusiasts and shy workout novices. For those looking to get ripped, the locally owned chain seeks out top-notch coaches and trainers for all five of its D.C.-area gyms, and offers CrossFit at four of them. More-casual gym-goers and workout virgins will feel

right at home in exercise classes that can be adjusted for any fitness level, like Balance Core, which focuses on low-impact, functional movements. The “Right Start Package,” geared toward newcomers, includes a body fat screening, an overall fitness assessment and three personal training sessions. Patrons are also drawn to the gym’s community, largely built through events like the upcoming Halloween scavenger hunt. “You’re tricked into exercising,” Maier says. Z.M. Multiple locations; balance gym.com.

GET RIPPED2ND: SoulCycle, multiple locations; soul-cycle.com.3RD: solidcore, multiple locations; solidcore.co.

NON-INTIMIDATING2ND: Washington Sports Club, multiple locations; mysportsclubs.com.3RD: Mint, 1724 California St.NW; 202-328-6468 and 1001 16th St. NW; 202-638-6468, mintdc.com.

BEST PLACE TO SHOW OFFYOUR DOWNWARD DOG

CorePower Yoga CorePower Yoga, a first-timeBest Of winner, proudly caters to yoga lovers of all levels at its seven D.C.-area locations. The national chain draws expert yogis to its teacher-training courses, while remaining accessible to those just starting out. Most of CorePower’s classes focus on toning muscles and torching calories, rather than spiritual awakening. Yoga Sculpt, for example, is a vigorous vinyasa class that uses dumbbells; Hot Power Fusion is the same idea, but with the temperature in the classroom pumped up. Z.M. Multiple locations; corepoweryoga.com.

2ND: Yoga District, multiple locations; yogadistrict.com.3RD: Down Dog Yoga, multiple locations; downdogyoga.com.

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9:30 ClubThere are a few simple reasons that this 1,200-person capacity club, which just turned 35, wins this category every year. There’s variety:The vaunted venue has hosted everyone from Adele to ZZ Top. Musicians love it: In September, psych-rock group Animal Collective released a live album, “Live at 9:30,” recorded at the 9:30 in 2013. And, how many music venues have a signature cupcake? R.G. 815 V St. NW; 202-265-0930, 930.com.

2ND: Wolf Trap, Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; 703-255-1868, wolftrap.org.3RD: Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-7500, birchmere.com.

BEST PLACE TO SEE AN INDIE MOVIE

Landmark E Street CinemaThis perennial Best Of winner remains your favorite place to watch a future Oscar winner, that low-budget documentary your friend has been dying to see, or the bizarro cult phenom “The Room” for the 57th time. E Streetwill have more competition to win Best of 2016: Landmark opened a fourth D.C.-area branch, Landmark Atlantic Plumbing, in the U Street area this week. R.G. 555 11th St. NW; 202-783-9494, landmarktheatres.com.

2ND: Landmark Bethesda Row, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-7273, landmarktheatres.com.

3RD: Angelika Film Center and Cafe at Mosaic, 2911 District Ave., Fairfax; 571-512-3301, angelikafilmcenter.com/mosaic.

BEST PLACE TO SEE A LOCALLY PRODUCED PLAY

Arena StageArena Stage is well known as a testing ground for Broadway and off-Broadway plays, such as this summer’s hit musical “Dear Evan Hansen.” Charles Randolph-Wright, who has directed 10 Arena productions, is more inspired by Arena’s diverse audience.

“When you’re doing real work that speaks to every type of person, it pushes you to do even more,” he says. Take his next Arena play, “Akeelah and the Bee” (opening Nov. 13), for example: “When you see these young black, Latino, Asian kids competing in a spelling bee, it gives you hope.” L.M. 1101 Sixth St. SW; 202-554-9066, arenastage.org.

2ND: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; 703-820-9771, sigtheatre.org.3RD: Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda; 240-644-1100, roundhousetheatre.org.

BEST PLACE TO TEST OUT YOUR STAND-UP ACT AT AN OPEN-MIC NIGHT

DC Improv1140 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-296-7008, dcimprov.com.

The Improv’s285-seat main showroom generally features stars like Todd Glass, but on one evening each month (it varies from month to month), local comics can getfive minutes on the big stage. “The room has a lot of history and great energy, but the open mic isn’t totally open, it’s more for established local comics,” spokeswoman Allyson Jaffe says. If you do get on the bill, your friends will be super-impressed when you post photos of yourself standing in front of that famous brick wall. S.D. 2ND: Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse,2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; Saturdays at 10:30 p.m., free; 703-486-2345, arlingtondrafthouse.com.3RD: Washington DC Comedy Writers Group, Judy’s Bar and Restaurant, 2212 14th St. NW; Mondays at 8:30 p.m.; dccomedywriters.com.

BEST PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC

BEST PLACE TO TRICK YOUR KIDS INTO LEARNING

National Air and Space Museum“I think humans are curious by nature — especially children,” says Maureen Kerr, chair of the National Air and Space Museum’s education department. That’s why the walls of the kid-friendly “How Things Fly” exhibit are peppered with questions. Kids can learn the answers by keeping a ball aloft on a stream of air, test-flying paper airplanes or climbing into the cockpit of a Cessna 150. “We don’t do a lecture on physics,” Kerr says. “We start with the questions.” B.M. Independence Avenue at Sixth Street SW; 202-633-2214, airandspace.si.edu.

2ND: National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW; 202-633-1000, mnh.si.edu.3RD: Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 888-639-7386, newseum.org.

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Washington National CathedralWashington is mostly a neoclassical city, but it’s the Gothic-style cathedral wrapped in flying buttresses and grotesques that we really love. Once construction started in 1907, it took 83 years to complete, which makes sense considering they had to get 112 gargoyles, 288 angels and 231 stained glass windows up there. Bring binoculars to spy the sculpted Darth Vader head on the northwest tower. B.M. 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-537-6200, cathedral.org.

2ND: Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE and 10 First St. SE; 202-707-5000, loc.gov.3RD: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW; 202-272-2448, nbm.org.

BEST PLACE TO DISCOVERA LOCAL ARTIST

Torpedo Factory Art CenterWith 82 artist studios, seven galleries and an art school, the Torpedo Factory Art Centergives visitors an unparalleled chance to see painters, ceramicists and other artisans in their natural habitats. “You can come in, engage with the artists, ask what they’re doing and purchase their work,” CEO Eric Wallner says. S.D. 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; 703-838-4565, torpedofactory.org.

2ND: The Fridge DC, 516 ½ Eighth St. SE; 202-664-4151, thefridgedc.com.

3RD: Blind Whino, 700 Delaware Ave. SW; blindwhino.org.

BEST MUSEUM WHEREYOU CAN GET HANDS-ON

NewseumChief among the Newseum’s hands-on exhibits is the NBC News Interactive Newsroom, where visitors can take on the role of editor, photojournalist, reporter or anchor. At the Be a TV Reporter stations, select a backdrop and read a news report from a teleprompter; clips are posted to YouTube. S.D. 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 888-639-7386, newseum.org.

2ND: National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW; 202-633-1000, mnh.si.edu.3RD: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW; 202-272-2448, nbm.org.

BEST UNDERRATEDTOURIST ATTRACTION

U.S. National ArboretumIf you thought the Arboretum was your own private getaway, your secret’s out — for the fourth year in a row. Highlights of its 446 acres: the National Grove of State Trees, where you’ll discover that non-state D.C. has a state tree; the mini trees at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum; and lots of free parking. H.J.M. 3501 New York Ave. NE; 202-245-2726, usna.usda.gov.

2ND: Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE; 202-707-9779, loc.gov.

3RD: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, 400 West Basin Drive SW; nps.gov/frde.

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BEST PLACETO BUY A GIFT

Salt &Sundry1309 Fifth St.

NE; 202-556-1866

and 1401 S St.

NW; 202-621-

6647, shopsalt

andsundry.com.

Almost every item in the cozy gift shop Salt & Sundry — whether it’s accessories for your home bar, adorable onesies, letterpress stationery or gourmet jam — is handpicked by owner Amanda McClements or her store manager. “I honestly justbuy the things that I like,” McClements says. “We don’t have an age group, or men versus women.” Many of these luxury goodies are locally produced, like Sydney Hale Co. candles scented with clementine and clove or bourbon and brown sugar ($30), which are hand-poured in Virginia. Looking for quirky? Try a flask adorned with Abe Lincoln’s stern mug ($34). S.M.D.

2ND: National Building Museum gift shop, 401 F St. NW; 202-272-7706, nbm.org.3RD: Proper Topper, 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-842-3055, propertopper.com.

D.C. life

BEST OFFICE AWAYFROM THE OFFICE

TrystWith overstuffed couches, decent Wi-Fi and waitstaff who will let you loiter for hours over an increasingly tepid cup of tea, Tryst is the ideal place to “work from home.” The boho digs and trendy soundtrack make even updating spreadsheets feel hip. Just don’t make eye contact with anyone else typing away on a laptop, unless you want to help proofread a soon-to-be self-published autobiography. S.D. 2459 18th St. NW; 202-232-5500,

trystdc.com.

2ND: Busboys and Poets, multiple locations; busboysandpoets.com.3RD: Compass Coffee, 1535 Seventh St. NW; compasscoffee.com.

MOST LOYAL D.C.-AREA COLLEGE ALUMNI

Georgetown UniversityEamonn Moran, president of the Georgetown Alumni Club of

Metropolitan Washington, D.C., credits Georgetown’s strong alumni network for the university’s win. “It starts even before you arrive to campus,” Moran says, with local alumni hosting future students at their homes. After graduation, a fellow alum might help you find a job — that was the case for Moran. “I’ve met so many cool and interesting [Georgetown alums] I didn’t even go to school with,” he says. R.G.

2ND: University of Maryland, College Park.3RD: George Washington University.

BEST PLACE TO SEE WILDLIFE

Rock Creek ParkFoxes, coyotes, raccoons, opossums and a whole lot of deer: Theseare just a few of the creatures you can spot in the 1,754 acres of urban wilderness known as Rock Creek Park. Look for the rare gray petaltail, a 3-inch-long dragonfly that canfly up to 60 miles per hour, hanging out on tall trees or zipping around sunny clearings. Or try to spot migrating songbirds around the Nature Center and Picnic Area 17. S.D. nps.gov/rocr.

2ND: Theodore Roosevelt Island, near the Key Bridge on northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway; nps.gov/this.3RD: U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave. NE; 202-245-2726, usna.usda.gov.

Fact: All dogs go to heaven. Conjecture: Heaven for dogs might be this 15,000-square-foot fenced-in dog park. There are two enclosures: a smaller one for dogs weighing less than 25 pounds, older dogs or others who might have a little trouble getting around, and a large one for dogs of any size to chase balls and run to their hearts’ content. The park also hosts regular events including a Howl-o-ween party at the end of this month, which could be the perfect place to meet new friends, dog and human alike. B.M. 1673 11th St. NW; 330-737-1364,

shawdogs.org.

2ND: Shirlington Dog Park, 2710 S. Oakland St., Arlington; parks.arlingtonva.us/locations/shirlington-dog-park.3RD: S Street Dog Park, 17th and S streets NW; dpr.dc.gov/page/dog-parks.

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3RD: S Street Dog Park, 17th and S streets NW; dpr.dc.gov/page/dog-parks.

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‘House of Cards’It must have been the moody shots of real D.C. streets in the opening credits that prompted readers to vote Netflix’s “House of Cards” the show that most accurately captures our city. (The rest of the drama is shot in Baltimore.) Because it couldn’t possibly be that what rang true to viewers were the lead characters, a power-hungry couple who seem to live in business formal and are ready to sacrifice anything to get to the top of the political food chain. No, that doesn’t sound like Washington at all. B.M.

2ND: “Veep”3RD: “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!”

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BEST HOLIDAY EVENTIN D.C.

National Cherry Blossom FestivalEvery year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival — scheduled for March 20 to April 17 in 2016 — signifies that warmer weather is on the horizon. And when those trees hit peak bloom, they transform the Tidal Basin into a beautiful backdropfor Instagrams, Snapchats and marriage proposals. Throw in a parade, concerts and cherry blossom-themed specials at restaurants and bars, and you’ve got a recipe for D.C.’s best holiday event (even though it’s a made-up holiday). R.G. Various

locations; 877-442-5666,

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festival.org.

2ND: July 4 fireworks, National Mall; nps.gov/subjects/nationalmall4th. 3RD: ZooLights, National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-633-4888, nationalzoo.si.edu.

BEST PLACE TO PROPOSE THAT’S NOT THE TIDAL BASIN

U.S. National Arboretum If a wedding proposal is rejected in the middle of a garden and no bystanders are there to hear it, does it make a sound? We’ll never know, because no one could

BEST NON-GIANT PANDA ZOO ANIMAL

ElephantYou’ve got to give it to the elephants: They’re the largest land animals on the planet, and among the smartest. Like chimpanzees, they worktogether to solve problems, comfort one another when upset and recognize themselves in mirrors. The National Zoo’s Kandula impressed the scientific community in 2011 with his ability to use tools to solve problems. Visit the resourceful pachyderm soon: He’s set to move to the Oklahoma Zoo to participate in a breeding program. “It’s time for him to go be a bull elephant,” National Zoo spokeswoman Annalisa Meyer says. S.D.

2ND: Red panda. 3RD: Otter.

BEST D.C. EXPERIENCE MADE BETTER BY MARIJUANA

EverythingIn this, the year that possession of a small amount of marijuana became legal in D.C., we asked readers to nominate the D.C. experience most improved by being high. A few put down their bongs long enough to nominate “everything,” and a bunch of you voted for it, so now it’s the winner. Good job. Very clever. B.M.

2ND: Visiting the monuments at night. 3RD: July Fourth fireworks.


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ELEAMILYCOMING SOON

THE APPLE FAMILYCYCLE:SORRY ANDREGULAR SINGINGBY RICHARD NELSONDIRECTED BY SERGE SEIDEN SARAH MARSHALL

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OODNORRIS


bestof

No matter how long you’ve lived here, it’s still hard to resist the hashtag possibilities the Washington Monument presents. And it’s even harder when you see it from the rooftop bar POV with a bourbon rickey in hand. Lest you be tempted to take a sloppy sunset snap, we asked Kate Warren, one of the professional photographers Express often calls on, for her Insta tips.

Mind your light. “Professional photographers are great at making sure they’re in the right spot where the light is doing what they want it to do,” Warren says. So hit the bar at the “golden hour,” just before the sun sets.

Don’t be boring. Warren suggests shooting through a cocktail glass or from above your head to set your snap apart from other #WashingtonMonument posts.

Forget #nofilter. Warren skips Instagram’s built-in filters in favor of those from VSCO Cam (free, iOS and Android), a photo-editing app that mimics film cameras. Just pick a filter and toast to being the next Ansel Adams. L.M. 515 15th St. NW; 202-661-2400, povrooftop.com.

2ND: Tidal Basin, circled by Independence Avenue, 15th Street SW and Ohio Drive.3RD: Lincoln Memorial, 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW; nps.gov/linc.

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POV at the W Hotel

possibly turn down a proposal at the Arboretum. Beauty abounds at this 446-acre park, where meandering paths and dreamy greenery paint an enchanting scene. Pro tip: Pop the question during a ranger-led full moon hike for an added layer of romance. H.S. 3501 New York Ave. NE; 202-

245-2726, usna.usda.gov. 2ND: Lincoln Memorial, 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW; 202-426-6841, nps.gov/linc.

3RD: Meridian Hill Park, 2400 15th St. NW; 202-895-6000, nps.gov/mehi.

Written by Samantha M. Dean,

Sadie Dingfelder, Rudi

Greenberg, Beth Marlowe,

Lori McCue, Holly J. Morris,

Zainab Mudallal, Holley

Simmons and Jeffrey Tomik

(Express). Illustration by Alex

Fine (For Express). Icons via

FlatIcon.com.

Bestof 2015

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