Social Activities
Get the low down on our favorite places in DC and meet up with fellow conference goers.
Please join us nightly in the following neighborhoods.
Tuesday October 7th - Dupont Circle area
Official Pre-Conference Socializing
Join us for our now annual night before the conference social night. We're heading to the Science Club, one of our very favorite places in DC. Science Club has been gracious enough to staff up in anticipation for our visit. Enjoy great cocktails, a solid wine and beer list and wonderful vegetarian food.
The fun starts at 7pm! Drop in and say hi or stay the entire night. We can't wait to catch up!
1136 19th St NW
Wednesday October 8th - Penn Quarter/Federal Triangle area (near the conference)
These neighborhoods surround the Reagan Center and are all close enough for a quick bite to eat or drink. We're in the heart of D.C. with the National Mall, tons of monuments and museums. Oh, and that big white house. Lots of attendees are staying at hotels in this area as well. While this area tends to be more up-scale and/or touristy, we still think it's a great place to check out.
Places we like near the conference:
- Fado 808 7th st NW- Irish pub with English premier league on tv and Quiz Nights on Mondays. Typical bar fare with a few Irish influenced dishes thrown in. Plenty of scotch on hand. Can accomodate large groups. Team Plone quiz night anyone??
- Capitol Lounge 229 Pennsylvania Ave SE - Politically themed pub type restaurant and bar. Decent fare and prices. Great for large groups.
- Waffle Shop 522 10th St NW - Cheap diner near the Metro Center stop. We heart Waffles and breakfast served all day.
- Rocket Bar 714 7th St NW- Pool tables, shuffleboards, darts, board games, and big TVs. Good place for large groups.
- Central 1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW- Best new restaurant in DC 2008 Beard award winner. Definitely more on the pricey side of things but we hear it's real tasty.
- Teaism 400 8th Street NW- Tea, sandwiches, and a definite Asian influence. Good for a light meal.
- Dickey's Frozen Custard 1710 I St NW- Frozen custard and carved sandwiches. Near a park.
- Pavillion Cafe at the Sculpture Garden, off 9th St between Constitution and Madison- Small menu, beer, wine. Indoor and Outdoor seating.
Thursday October 9th - Dupont Circle area
The park in the Circle itself is a great place to hang out and do nothing. You'll see bicycle couriers doing just that all day there. It may have something to do with the near by Big Hunt bar. There are lots of restaurants and bars, up- and down-scale, along both sides of Connecticut Avenue. Dupont Circle is just a few stops away on the Red line from our conference location.
Places we like near Dupont Circle:
1523 22nd St NW - HUGE beer menu (though they don't always have every single thing in stock). Serves food too. A bit of a walk from the Dupont metro but definitely a selection that will make everyone happy.
1136 19th St NW - Our absolute favorite DC haunt. Stiff drinks, good beer, solid wine list. All vegetarian menu, all home made. Be sure to get the frites with the garlic aioli!
1136 19th St NW - Total dive bar with a kind of hunting theme. Cheap drinks, cheap food. We'll be passing out coupons for 1/2 price burgers til 7pm and $1 off drinks til 7pm. $3 beer special this night as well.
- Vapiano M Street 1800 M Street N.W.- Smallish international chain with a European vibe. Chic but not overly pricey. Good drinks and good food. Good option for vegetarians and meat eaters to dine in harmony.
- Sushi Taro 1503 17th St NW- Boasts the longest sushi bar in town. Vegetarian and cooked options available as well. Seems pretty darn affordable too. Yelp.com reviews tell us it's the best sushi in town.
- Alberto's Pizza 2010 P St NW - Stone oven baked pizza. Chicago styles - thin and stuffed, plus the regular pan pizza. Try the specials or pick your own toppings. One of our locals says it's the best pizza in town.
- Five Guys Burgers 1645 Connecticut Ave NW - A franchise that's expanding across the US but still some of us have never had Five Guys. From what we hear they are some of the best burgers you will ever eat. Burgers, fries, and Coca Cola- that's it. Vegetarians need not apply.
Friday October 10th - U Street Corridor area
This stretch of U street (near 14th St) is chalk full of restaurants and nightlife. There's bound to be something for every one! U Street has lots of music venues and a large variety of ethnic foods to offer. A short walk down the street and you're sure to find Thai, Ethiopian, Soul Food, Greek, Italian, and more.
Places we like near the U Street Corridor:
- Cafe Saint Ex 1847 14th Street NW - Restaurant and lounge along U street. Their menu serves up an American bistro style and their lounge is known for having great DJs of all kinds just about every night. Second Wednesday (ie: October 8th, 9pm) of each month is iPod Jukebox night. Bring your iPod and play up to 12 minutes of your own playlist.
Black Cat 1811 14th St NW
- All our locals agree, this is *the* music venue to hit while in DC. Check the schedule for acts on the main stage (they've got music every night we're in town), or check out the Red Room for a no cover charge lounge.
- Bar Pilar 1833 14th St NW- Interesting menu with out being overpriced. Creative cocktails and an interesting wine list. We hear Sunday brunch is divine.
- HR-57 1610 Fourteenth Street NW - Our locals tell us it's the place to go for jazz. Check out the website to learn more...it's actually a non-profit dedicated to preserving jazz and blues music!
- Love Cafe 1501 U St NW- Who doesn't love a good cupcake now and then? Features a cupcake bar, beverages, a few sandwiches and salads and FREE wifi. And yes, they open at 9am so you can get a cupcake for breakfast.
- Creme 1322 U St NW - Great little menu with plenty of seafood options. Live jazz during dinner on Friday and Saturdays. Decent martini menu.
- Simply Home 1412 U St NW - A combination Thai dining and home decor place. Probably not good for big groups but affordable and tasty.
- Dukem 1114 U St NW - Ethiopian. If you've never had it, you're in for a treat. Great for groups. Where else can you eat with your hands and not get laughed at?