The ***OFFICIAL*** Washington, DC thread (2 Viewers)

[VA703]

Please help me understand the appeal of Ben's Chili Bowl. Surely, it's not the chili.

not really sureits a good eat at the ballpark and it wont give you heartburn. but other than that its mediocre half smoked w/ onions and chili

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Please help me understand the appeal of Ben's Chili Bowl. Surely, it's not the chili.

not really sureits a good eat at the ballpark and it wont give you heartburn. but other than that its mediocre half smoked w/ onions and chili

Ben's isn't a chili restaurant. It's a half-smoke restaurant. I think the half-smokes are pretty great drunk food, but nobody's claiming it's a gourmet half-smoke. It's a half-smoke. Served at a place with awesome history, a cool multicultural vibe, and one of the great classic soul/R&B jukeboxes you'll ever find.

 

[shake zula]

Please help me understand the appeal of Ben's Chili Bowl. Surely, it's not the chili.

not really sureits a good eat at the ballpark and it wont give you heartburn. but other than that its mediocre half smoked w/ onions and chili

Ben's isn't a chili restaurant. It's a half-smoke restaurant. I think the half-smokes are pretty great drunk food, but nobody's claiming it's a gourmet half-smoke. It's a half-smoke. Served at a place with awesome history, a cool multicultural vibe, and one of the great classic soul/R&B jukeboxes you'll ever find.

And a generous amount of homeless ppl harrassing you...

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Please help me understand the appeal of Ben's Chili Bowl. Surely, it's not the chili.

not really sureits a good eat at the ballpark and it wont give you heartburn. but other than that its mediocre half smoked w/ onions and chili

Ben's isn't a chili restaurant. It's a half-smoke restaurant. I think the half-smokes are pretty great drunk food, but nobody's claiming it's a gourmet half-smoke. It's a half-smoke. Served at a place with awesome history, a cool multicultural vibe, and one of the great classic soul/R&B jukeboxes you'll ever find.

And a generous amount of homeless ppl harrassing you...

You can tell who the yuppies are, because the locals just yell at the homeless guys. I've totally tuned out the homeless because I walk to work and live in Georgetown. I'm panhandled at least five times a day.

 

[shake zula]

Please help me understand the appeal of Ben's Chili Bowl. Surely, it's not the chili.

not really sureits a good eat at the ballpark and it wont give you heartburn. but other than that its mediocre half smoked w/ onions and chili

Ben's isn't a chili restaurant. It's a half-smoke restaurant. I think the half-smokes are pretty great drunk food, but nobody's claiming it's a gourmet half-smoke. It's a half-smoke. Served at a place with awesome history, a cool multicultural vibe, and one of the great classic soul/R&B jukeboxes you'll ever find.

And a generous amount of homeless ppl harrassing you...

You can tell who the yuppies are, because the locals just yell at the homeless guys. I've totally tuned out the homeless because I walk to work and live in Georgetown. I'm panhandled at least five times a day.

I generally don't care either but BCB is the only place I've been accosted. Literally hands on my chest trying to fight me.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Please help me understand the appeal of Ben's Chili Bowl. Surely, it's not the chili.

not really sureits a good eat at the ballpark and it wont give you heartburn. but other than that its mediocre half smoked w/ onions and chili

Ben's isn't a chili restaurant. It's a half-smoke restaurant. I think the half-smokes are pretty great drunk food, but nobody's claiming it's a gourmet half-smoke. It's a half-smoke. Served at a place with awesome history, a cool multicultural vibe, and one of the great classic soul/R&B jukeboxes you'll ever find.

This exactly. Also the location is at a sort of crossroads of DC nightlife, so you get all kinds at 3:00 AM: young Adams Morgan types venturing east, the black bars and clubs on U, hipsters from the 14th St bars and 9:30, gay folks who've strayed north from Logan Circle, etc., all drunk and crowded together in this little dive. Yet somehow nothing ever goes wrong in my experiencee. It's like everyone walks in the door and they feel like they need to keep their #### together out of respect. Weird and very cool vibe. Or at least that's how it was back when I stayed up late.

 

[moleculo]

Quick - need suggestion for inexpensive, good food near National Mall for tomorrow.

Tia.

 

[Don Quixote]

Quick - need suggestion for inexpensive, good food near National Mall for tomorrow.Tia.

Hill Country BBQ?

 

[dgreen]

Quick - need suggestion for inexpensive, good food near National Mall for tomorrow.

Tia.

What part of The Mall? It's about 2 miles from the Capitol to the Lincoln, so it would be good to know where you'll be on The Mall.

Food Trucks (not food carts) are a good, inexepensive option. There are usually several a block or two away from the Air and Space Museum. This site maps their locations each day. The American Indian Museum (near the Air and Space Museum) has an interesting and pretty good cafeteria.

 

[Sweet J]

Quick - need suggestion for inexpensive, good food near National Mall for tomorrow.

Tia.

What part of The Mall? It's about 2 miles from the Capitol to the Lincoln, so it would be good to know where you'll be on The Mall.

Food Trucks (not food carts) are a good, inexepensive option. There are usually several a block or two away from the Air and Space Museum. This site maps their locations each day. The American Indian Museum (near the Air and Space Museum) has an interesting and pretty good cafeteria.

Also, my favorite "chain" place to eat in DC is Cosi. There are a ton of them along the mall. As dcgreen says, it may be helpful to know where you will be for people to give recommendations.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

Just returned from our vacation in DC/VA. I got a lot of great advice from this thread. We spent Saturday through Thursday in DC and then rented a car and drove through Virginia on a Founding Fathers's home tour and on to Williamsburg for the weekend.

DC highlights:

National Art Museum

National Portrait Gallery

The Mall

Drinking beer with Zilla

Natural History Museum

Bike ride to Mt. Vernon (Mt. Vernon tour, not so much).

Capitol Tour

Disappointments:

Mt. Vernon: the assembly line tour through the mansion was awful, especially after touring Montpelier, Monticello and Ash Lawn-Highland later in the week.

American History Museum

Missing a White House tour and the National Archives due to the sequester and 2 hour lines, respectively

Most the DC restaurant recs were spot on.

Wound up at the Willard for Easter Brunch---very pricey but we were staying at that hotel and the other recommended brunch places were booked. Excellent food but probably not worth the price.

Dinners:

Jaleo. We were seated at the foosball table which my daughters loved. The food was good but not great relative to some tapas we've had elsewhere. Still recommended.

Blue Duck Tavern--fantastic. The somewhat sterile setting in a Hyatt hotel lobby didn't quite fit the picture in my mind but the food was undeniable. This was the favorite meal of the week for my wife and both my daughters, yet not mine, which was....

Rasika--best Indian food we've had, especially the appetizers. The main dishes were also very good but not far better than our local Indian--possibly a bit overrated--not as much as...

The Source--this Wolfgang Puck joint comes highly recommended and was not bad, but the service was VERY slow (food arriving before the drinks/wine-slow) and the food itself was not great. Biggest disapointment of the week as far as restaurants. Even less worth the cost than the Willard brunch. Would not go back.

Ethiopic--last meal in DC and worth the wait. By far the best bargain of the week--not cheap but not overpriced. I'll go here anytime I'm in town.

Las Canteras--went to this Adams Morgan Peruvian restaurant for lunch and it wound up being one of our favorite meals of the week.

Spent 3 days in Virginia:

Toured the homes of Madison, Jefferson and Monroe in one day and despite the long day, it was well worth it. Spent the next day and a half in Williamsburg. Some might find it cheesy, but we enjoyed it quite a bit. Hadn't been there in 25 years and it's gotten much better.

Overall, an exellent vacation. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[dgreen]

I agree about Mount Vernon, but I generally despise home tours. Also agree about the American History Museum. It is boring, other than the Star Spangled Banner. Did your wife and daughters like the dresses of the first ladies? Women usually like that.

Where did you eat in Williamsburg?

 

[Todd Andrews]

Just returned from our vacation in DC/VA. I got a lot of great advice from this thread. We spent Saturday through Thursday in DC and then rented a car and drove through Virginia on a Founding Fathers's home tour and on to Williamsburg for the weekend.

DC highlights:

National Art Museum

National Portrait Gallery

The Mall

Drinking beer with Zilla

Natural History Museum

Bike ride to Mt. Vernon (Mt. Vernon tour, not so much).

Capitol Tour

Disappointments:

Mt. Vernon: the assembly line tour through the mansion was awful, especially after touring Montpelier, Monticello and Ash Lawn-Highland later in the week.

American History Museum

Missing a White House tour and the National Archives due to the sequester and 2 hour lines, respectively

Most the DC restaurant recs were spot on.

Wound up at the Willard for Easter Brunch---very pricey but we were staying at that hotel and the other recommended brunch places were booked. Excellent food but probably not worth the price.

Dinners:

Jaleo. We were seated at the foosball table which my daughters loved. The food was good but not great relative to some tapas we've had elsewhere. Still recommended.

Blue Duck Tavern--fantastic. The somewhat sterile setting in a Hyatt hotel lobby didn't quite fit the picture in my mind but the food was undeniable. This was the favorite meal of the week for my wife and both my daughters, yet not mine, which was....

Rasika--best Indian food we've had, especially the appetizers. The main dishes were also very good but not far better than our local Indian--possibly a bit overrated--not as much as...

The Source--this Wolfgang Puck joint comes highly recommended and was not bad, but the service was VERY slow (food arriving before the drinks/wine-slow) and the food itself was not great. Biggest disapointment of the week as far as restaurants. Even less worth the cost than the Willard brunch. Would not go back.

Ethiopic--last meal in DC and worth the wait. By far the best bargain of the week--not cheap but not overpriced. I'll go here anytime I'm in town.

Las Canteras--went to this Adams Morgan Peruvian restaurant for lunch and it wound up being one of our favorite meals of the week.

Spent 3 days in Virginia:

Toured the homes of Madison, Jefferson and Monroe in one day and despite the long day, it was well worth it. Spent the next day and a half in Williamsburg. Some might find it cheesy, but we enjoyed it quite a bit. Hadn't been there in 25 years and it's gotten much better.

Overall, an exellent vacation. Thanks for all the suggestions.

You got a lot in. Sounds like you saw a good mix of the area and had some good eats. People are surprised at the interesting mix of excellent restaurants here in DC but forget that we have a large international population resulting from the embassies, etc.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

Drinking beer with Zilla

Any of this happen?: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=644506&hl=chicken

 

[Foosball God]

Went down to see the cherry blossoms yesterday. We've lived here 5 years and hadn't done it yet. About what you'd expect but it was a nice morning/afternoon of walking.

 

[shake zula]

Blue Duck Tavern--fantastic. The somewhat sterile setting in a Hyatt hotel lobby didn't quite fit the picture in my mind but the food was undeniable. This was the favorite meal of the week for my wife and both my daughters, yet not mine, which was....

Rasika--best Indian food we've had, especially the appetizers. The main dishes were also very good but not far better than our local Indian--possibly a bit overrated--not as much as...

I'm glad you liked BDT and Rasika. What'd you have at BDT? Did you try the marrow appetizer?

 

[JZilla]

Glad you had fun Marco

Marco and I spent about 15 minutes drinking $9 beers and shooting the breeze on the concourse at Nationals Park, while I shivered like a chihuahua. This is why I am the Cornhole King.

 

[tom22406]

I didn't do this but had to share.

The Rules of D.C.

If you are from D.C. you'll understand these rules. If you are coming here, you'll learn these rules. If you are just going to visit, give up. Read, enjoy and then destroy them.1) First, you must learn to call it by its rightful name. It is D.C., or "the District". Only tourists call it Washington.2) Next, if your road map of Montgomery County is more than a few weeks old, throw it out and buy a new one. It's obsolete. If in Loudoun or Fairfax County and your map is one day old, it's already obsolete.3) There is no such thing as a dangerous high-speed chase in D.C. It's just another chase, usually on the BW Parkway.4) All directions start with "The Beltway"...which has no beginning and no end, just one continuous loop that locals believe is somehow clarified by an "inner" and 'outer loop' designation. This makes no sense to ANYONE outside the Beltway.5) The morning rush hour is from 5 to 11 AM. The evening rush hour is from 1 to 8 PM. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning, especially during the summer on Route 50 eastbound.6) If there is a ball game at the FedEx Field, there is no point in driving anywhere near PG County.7) Tip: Never say PG County to anyone from Mitchellville, Upper Marlboro or Fort Washington. They'll blow a vessel in their neck and go into a seizure.8) If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear-ended and shot at. If you run the red light, be sure to smile for the $100 picture you will receive courtesy of DMV. (However, if you don't go as soon as the light turns green, you will get cussed out in 382 languages, none ofthem English.)9) Rain causes an immediate 50 point drop of IQ in drivers. Snow causes an immediate 100 point drop in IQ and a rush to the Giant for toilet paper and milk.10) Construction on I-270 is a way of life and a permanent source of scorn and cynical entertainment. It's ironic that it's called an "Interstate" but runs only from Bethesda to Frederick. (Unless you consider Montgomery County another state, which some do). Opening in the 60's, it has been torn up and under reconstruction ever since. Also, it has a "Spur" section which is even more confusing.11) All unexplained sights are explained by the phrase, "Oh, we're in Takoma Park or Greenbelt".12) If someone actually has their turn signal on, they are by definition, a tourist. Car horns are actually "Road Rage" indicators. Heed the warning.13) All old ladies in Buicks have the right of way in the area of Leisure World.14) Many roads mysteriously change their names as you cross intersections. Don't ask why, no one knows.15) If asking directions in Arlington, Langley Park, Wheaton or Adams Morgan, you must know how to speak Spanish. If in PG County, Ebonics will be your best bet. In Annandale, a Cambodian or Vietnamese dialect will come in handy. If on Dupont Circle, Capital Hill or U Street, a gay dialect helps.16) If you stop to ask directions in Southeast... well, just don't.17) A taxi ride across town will cost you $12.50. A taxi ride two blocks will cost you $16.75. (It's a zone thing, you wouldn't understand) (Oh, and if you are in DC and want to go to MD, don't tell them until you get in the car...they won't take you otherwise)18) Traveling south out of DC on Interstate 395/95 is the most dangerous, scariest thing you will ever do and when you hit it, you will wonder why the section of this road called "the Mixing Bowl" is so named. After all there is no mixing there, heck, there is no movement at all.19) There is nothing more comforting than seven lanes of traffic cruising along at 85 mph, BUMPER TO BUMPER!!!20) The minimum acceptable speed on the Beltway is 85. Anything less is considered downright sissy.21) The Beltway is our daily version of a NASCAR reality show. Strap up and collect points as you go.22) The open lane for passing on all Maryland interstates is the far right lane because no self-respecting Marylander would ever be caught driving in the "slow" lane. Unofficially, both shoulders are fair game also.23) The far left lanes on all Maryland interstates are official "chat" lanes reserved for drivers who wish to talk on their cell phones. Note: All mini-vans have priority clearance to use the far left at whatever speed the driver feels most comfortable multi-tasking in.24) If it's 10 degrees, it's Orioles' opening day. If it's 110 degrees, it's the Skins opening day.25) If the humidity is 90+ and the temperature is 90+, then it's May, June, July, August and sometimes September.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I didn't do this but had to share.

The Rules of D.C.

If you are from D.C. you'll understand these rules. If you are coming here, you'll learn these rules. If you are just going to visit, give up. Read, enjoy and then destroy them.1) First, you must learn to call it by its rightful name. It is D.C., or "the District". Only tourists call it Washington.2) Next, if your road map of Montgomery County is more than a few weeks old, throw it out and buy a new one. It's obsolete. If in Loudoun or Fairfax County and your map is one day old, it's already obsolete.3) There is no such thing as a dangerous high-speed chase in D.C. It's just another chase, usually on the BW Parkway.4) All directions start with "The Beltway"...which has no beginning and no end, just one continuous loop that locals believe is somehow clarified by an "inner" and 'outer loop' designation. This makes no sense to ANYONE outside the Beltway.5) The morning rush hour is from 5 to 11 AM. The evening rush hour is from 1 to 8 PM. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning, especially during the summer on Route 50 eastbound.6) If there is a ball game at the FedEx Field, there is no point in driving anywhere near PG County.7) Tip: Never say PG County to anyone from Mitchellville, Upper Marlboro or Fort Washington. They'll blow a vessel in their neck and go into a seizure.8) If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear-ended and shot at. If you run the red light, be sure to smile for the $100 picture you will receive courtesy of DMV. (However, if you don't go as soon as the light turns green, you will get cussed out in 382 languages, none ofthem English.)9) Rain causes an immediate 50 point drop of IQ in drivers. Snow causes an immediate 100 point drop in IQ and a rush to the Giant for toilet paper and milk.10) Construction on I-270 is a way of life and a permanent source of scorn and cynical entertainment. It's ironic that it's called an "Interstate" but runs only from Bethesda to Frederick. (Unless you consider Montgomery County another state, which some do). Opening in the 60's, it has been torn up and under reconstruction ever since. Also, it has a "Spur" section which is even more confusing.11) All unexplained sights are explained by the phrase, "Oh, we're in Takoma Park or Greenbelt".12) If someone actually has their turn signal on, they are by definition, a tourist. Car horns are actually "Road Rage" indicators. Heed the warning.13) All old ladies in Buicks have the right of way in the area of Leisure World.14) Many roads mysteriously change their names as you cross intersections. Don't ask why, no one knows.15) If asking directions in Arlington, Langley Park, Wheaton or Adams Morgan, you must know how to speak Spanish. If in PG County, Ebonics will be your best bet. In Annandale, a Cambodian or Vietnamese dialect will come in handy. If on Dupont Circle, Capital Hill or U Street, a gay dialect helps.16) If you stop to ask directions in Southeast... well, just don't.17) A taxi ride across town will cost you $12.50. A taxi ride two blocks will cost you $16.75. (It's a zone thing, you wouldn't understand) (Oh, and if you are in DC and want to go to MD, don't tell them until you get in the car...they won't take you otherwise)18) Traveling south out of DC on Interstate 395/95 is the most dangerous, scariest thing you will ever do and when you hit it, you will wonder why the section of this road called "the Mixing Bowl" is so named. After all there is no mixing there, heck, there is no movement at all.19) There is nothing more comforting than seven lanes of traffic cruising along at 85 mph, BUMPER TO BUMPER!!!20) The minimum acceptable speed on the Beltway is 85. Anything less is considered downright sissy.21) The Beltway is our daily version of a NASCAR reality show. Strap up and collect points as you go.22) The open lane for passing on all Maryland interstates is the far right lane because no self-respecting Marylander would ever be caught driving in the "slow" lane. Unofficially, both shoulders are fair game also.23) The far left lanes on all Maryland interstates are official "chat" lanes reserved for drivers who wish to talk on their cell phones. Note: All mini-vans have priority clearance to use the far left at whatever speed the driver feels most comfortable multi-tasking in.24) If it's 10 degrees, it's Orioles' opening day. If it's 110 degrees, it's the Skins opening day.25) If the humidity is 90+ and the temperature is 90+, then it's May, June, July, August and sometimes September.

This seems far more geared to people who commute to DC than to people who live in DC (or even in the closer suburbs). For instance, DC taxis haven't used the Zones for three years, and I almost never worry about Route 50 or I-270, much less the road configuration in Loudoun county.

 

[tom22406]

I didn't do this but had to share.

The Rules of D.C.

If you are from D.C. you'll understand these rules. If you are coming here, you'll learn these rules. If you are just going to visit, give up. Read, enjoy and then destroy them.1) First, you must learn to call it by its rightful name. It is D.C., or "the District". Only tourists call it Washington.2) Next, if your road map of Montgomery County is more than a few weeks old, throw it out and buy a new one. It's obsolete. If in Loudoun or Fairfax County and your map is one day old, it's already obsolete.3) There is no such thing as a dangerous high-speed chase in D.C. It's just another chase, usually on the BW Parkway.4) All directions start with "The Beltway"...which has no beginning and no end, just one continuous loop that locals believe is somehow clarified by an "inner" and 'outer loop' designation. This makes no sense to ANYONE outside the Beltway.5) The morning rush hour is from 5 to 11 AM. The evening rush hour is from 1 to 8 PM. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning, especially during the summer on Route 50 eastbound.6) If there is a ball game at the FedEx Field, there is no point in driving anywhere near PG County.7) Tip: Never say PG County to anyone from Mitchellville, Upper Marlboro or Fort Washington. They'll blow a vessel in their neck and go into a seizure.8) If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear-ended and shot at. If you run the red light, be sure to smile for the $100 picture you will receive courtesy of DMV. (However, if you don't go as soon as the light turns green, you will get cussed out in 382 languages, none ofthem English.)9) Rain causes an immediate 50 point drop of IQ in drivers. Snow causes an immediate 100 point drop in IQ and a rush to the Giant for toilet paper and milk.10) Construction on I-270 is a way of life and a permanent source of scorn and cynical entertainment. It's ironic that it's called an "Interstate" but runs only from Bethesda to Frederick. (Unless you consider Montgomery County another state, which some do). Opening in the 60's, it has been torn up and under reconstruction ever since. Also, it has a "Spur" section which is even more confusing.11) All unexplained sights are explained by the phrase, "Oh, we're in Takoma Park or Greenbelt".12) If someone actually has their turn signal on, they are by definition, a tourist. Car horns are actually "Road Rage" indicators. Heed the warning.13) All old ladies in Buicks have the right of way in the area of Leisure World.14) Many roads mysteriously change their names as you cross intersections. Don't ask why, no one knows.15) If asking directions in Arlington, Langley Park, Wheaton or Adams Morgan, you must know how to speak Spanish. If in PG County, Ebonics will be your best bet. In Annandale, a Cambodian or Vietnamese dialect will come in handy. If on Dupont Circle, Capital Hill or U Street, a gay dialect helps.16) If you stop to ask directions in Southeast... well, just don't.17) A taxi ride across town will cost you $12.50. A taxi ride two blocks will cost you $16.75. (It's a zone thing, you wouldn't understand) (Oh, and if you are in DC and want to go to MD, don't tell them until you get in the car...they won't take you otherwise)18) Traveling south out of DC on Interstate 395/95 is the most dangerous, scariest thing you will ever do and when you hit it, you will wonder why the section of this road called "the Mixing Bowl" is so named. After all there is no mixing there, heck, there is no movement at all.19) There is nothing more comforting than seven lanes of traffic cruising along at 85 mph, BUMPER TO BUMPER!!!20) The minimum acceptable speed on the Beltway is 85. Anything less is considered downright sissy.21) The Beltway is our daily version of a NASCAR reality show. Strap up and collect points as you go.22) The open lane for passing on all Maryland interstates is the far right lane because no self-respecting Marylander would ever be caught driving in the "slow" lane. Unofficially, both shoulders are fair game also.23) The far left lanes on all Maryland interstates are official "chat" lanes reserved for drivers who wish to talk on their cell phones. Note: All mini-vans have priority clearance to use the far left at whatever speed the driver feels most comfortable multi-tasking in.24) If it's 10 degrees, it's Orioles' opening day. If it's 110 degrees, it's the Skins opening day.25) If the humidity is 90+ and the temperature is 90+, then it's May, June, July, August and sometimes September.

This seems far more geared to people who commute to DC than to people who live in DC (or even in the closer suburbs). For instance, DC taxis haven't used the Zones for three years, and I almost never worry about Route 50 or I-270, much less the road configuration in Loudoun county.

I think that stems from the fact that most that live near the city consider themselves part of it as well even though they are either in Va or Md.But yeah I get your point on what was pointed out and I honestly didn't know the taxi situation since I've only used them a few times.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I think that stems from the fact that most that live near the city consider themselves part of it as well even though they are either in Va or Md.But yeah I get your point on what was pointed out and I honestly didn't know the taxi situation since I've only used them a few times.

Guessing it's just an old list- not just because of the zones, but also because it says Orioles opening day instead of Nats opening day. And more obviously, because it talks about road maps as if they are still in use.

 

[shake zula]

I didn't do this but had to share.

The Rules of D.C.

If you are from D.C. you'll understand these rules. If you are coming here, you'll learn these rules. If you are just going to visit, give up. Read, enjoy and then destroy them.1) First, you must learn to call it by its rightful name. It is D.C., or "the District". Only tourists call it Washington.2) Next, if your road map of Montgomery County is more than a few weeks old, throw it out and buy a new one. It's obsolete. If in Loudoun or Fairfax County and your map is one day old, it's already obsolete.3) There is no such thing as a dangerous high-speed chase in D.C. It's just another chase, usually on the BW Parkway.4) All directions start with "The Beltway"...which has no beginning and no end, just one continuous loop that locals believe is somehow clarified by an "inner" and 'outer loop' designation. This makes no sense to ANYONE outside the Beltway.5) The morning rush hour is from 5 to 11 AM. The evening rush hour is from 1 to 8 PM. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning, especially during the summer on Route 50 eastbound.6) If there is a ball game at the FedEx Field, there is no point in driving anywhere near PG County.7) Tip: Never say PG County to anyone from Mitchellville, Upper Marlboro or Fort Washington. They'll blow a vessel in their neck and go into a seizure.8) If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear-ended and shot at. If you run the red light, be sure to smile for the $100 picture you will receive courtesy of DMV. (However, if you don't go as soon as the light turns green, you will get cussed out in 382 languages, none ofthem English.)9) Rain causes an immediate 50 point drop of IQ in drivers. Snow causes an immediate 100 point drop in IQ and a rush to the Giant for toilet paper and milk.10) Construction on I-270 is a way of life and a permanent source of scorn and cynical entertainment. It's ironic that it's called an "Interstate" but runs only from Bethesda to Frederick. (Unless you consider Montgomery County another state, which some do). Opening in the 60's, it has been torn up and under reconstruction ever since. Also, it has a "Spur" section which is even more confusing.11) All unexplained sights are explained by the phrase, "Oh, we're in Takoma Park or Greenbelt".12) If someone actually has their turn signal on, they are by definition, a tourist. Car horns are actually "Road Rage" indicators. Heed the warning.13) All old ladies in Buicks have the right of way in the area of Leisure World.14) Many roads mysteriously change their names as you cross intersections. Don't ask why, no one knows.15) If asking directions in Arlington, Langley Park, Wheaton or Adams Morgan, you must know how to speak Spanish. If in PG County, Ebonics will be your best bet. In Annandale, a Cambodian or Vietnamese dialect will come in handy. If on Dupont Circle, Capital Hill or U Street, a gay dialect helps.16) If you stop to ask directions in Southeast... well, just don't.17) A taxi ride across town will cost you $12.50. A taxi ride two blocks will cost you $16.75. (It's a zone thing, you wouldn't understand) (Oh, and if you are in DC and want to go to MD, don't tell them until you get in the car...they won't take you otherwise)18) Traveling south out of DC on Interstate 395/95 is the most dangerous, scariest thing you will ever do and when you hit it, you will wonder why the section of this road called "the Mixing Bowl" is so named. After all there is no mixing there, heck, there is no movement at all.19) There is nothing more comforting than seven lanes of traffic cruising along at 85 mph, BUMPER TO BUMPER!!!20) The minimum acceptable speed on the Beltway is 85. Anything less is considered downright sissy.21) The Beltway is our daily version of a NASCAR reality show. Strap up and collect points as you go.22) The open lane for passing on all Maryland interstates is the far right lane because no self-respecting Marylander would ever be caught driving in the "slow" lane. Unofficially, both shoulders are fair game also.23) The far left lanes on all Maryland interstates are official "chat" lanes reserved for drivers who wish to talk on their cell phones. Note: All mini-vans have priority clearance to use the far left at whatever speed the driver feels most comfortable multi-tasking in.24) If it's 10 degrees, it's Orioles' opening day. If it's 110 degrees, it's the Skins opening day.25) If the humidity is 90+ and the temperature is 90+, then it's May, June, July, August and sometimes September.

This seems far more geared to people who commute to DC than to people who live in DC (or even in the closer suburbs). For instance, DC taxis haven't used the Zones for three years, and I almost never worry about Route 50 or I-270, much less the road configuration in Loudoun county.

I think that stems from the fact that most that live near the city consider themselves part of it as well even though they are either in Va or Md.But yeah I get your point on what was pointed out and I honestly didn't know the taxi situation since I've only used them a few times.

Not telling them where you want to go until you are inside the cab is critical. I've had a cab pull off as I was getting in b/c I said Silver Spring MD to the question "where you go".

 

[Don Quixote]

I think that stems from the fact that most that live near the city consider themselves part of it as well even though they are either in Va or Md.But yeah I get your point on what was pointed out and I honestly didn't know the taxi situation since I've only used them a few times.

Guessing it's just an old list- not just because of the zones, but also because it says Orioles opening day instead of Nats opening day. And more obviously, because it talks about road maps as if they are still in use.

Yeah, I feel like I first read that list about 10 years ago.

 

[tom22406]

I think that stems from the fact that most that live near the city consider themselves part of it as well even though they are either in Va or Md.But yeah I get your point on what was pointed out and I honestly didn't know the taxi situation since I've only used them a few times.

Guessing it's just an old list- not just because of the zones, but also because it says Orioles opening day instead of Nats opening day. And more obviously, because it talks about road maps as if they are still in use.

Yeah, I feel like I first read that list about 10 years ago.

First I saw of it but agree on the points.I will fact check next time

 

[Apple Jack]

From where did you ride down to Mt. Vernon? Did you use the red bikes?

 

[dgreen]

I didn't do this but had to share.

The Rules of D.C.

11) All unexplained sights are explained by the phrase, "Oh, we're in Takoma Park or Greenbelt".

I don't get this one. Maybe because I've spent approximately zero time in either place?

 

[JZilla]

Whenever it was, whoever wrote that was trying way too hard

 

[Apple Jack]

Whenever it was, whoever wrote that was trying way too hard

Comically bad.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

From where did you ride down to Mt. Vernon? Did you use the red bikes?

We took the Metro from DC and rented them in Alexandria at Bike & Roll. Gorgeous trail along the Potomac. It was a perfect day to ride the 10-12 miles to Mt. Vernon--not a cloud in the sky but only 50ish degrees.

Speaking of Alexandria, we had some fantastic coffee at Misha's before the ride. Already received the 4lbs. I ordered online. Great java.

 

[dgreen]

I guess we can officially say the local real estate market has recovered (eta: for sellers).

 

[Apple Jack]

This place is as good as any. Go Terps!

http://gawker.com/5994974/the-most-deranged-sorority-girl-email-you-will-ever-read

 

[TobiasFunke]

Any Petworth FBGs? Moving there soon with the family. Done a little research of course, but I'm wondering about stuff like good bars for watching sports or having a quiet drink with the wife, quality food delivery options, parks and other insider type stuff.

 

[Don Quixote]

Any Petworth FBGs? Moving there soon with the family. Done a little research of course, but I'm wondering about stuff like good bars for watching sports or having a quiet drink with the wife, quality food delivery options, parks and other insider type stuff.

I don't know much about that area, but I have a friend who lives around there. I've been to Meridian Pint with him once or twice. Not a bad place to watch sports, particularly if you like craft beer.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Any Petworth FBGs? Moving there soon with the family. Done a little research of course, but I'm wondering about stuff like good bars for watching sports or having a quiet drink with the wife, quality food delivery options, parks and other insider type stuff.

I don't know much about that area, but I have a friend who lives around there. I've been to Meridian Pint with him once or twice. Not a bad place to watch sports, particularly if you like craft beer.

Good to know.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I want a day at a beach. I'd like clean water, small crowds and a good setting for stand up paddle boarding (SUP). Need to rent. I'll be there tomorrow. Suggestions.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Go to the west coast?

 

[Don Quixote]

Maybe Assateague? (Though I've never been, so I could be wrong on all counts.)

 

[dgreen]

I see stand up paddle boarding on the Potomac quite a bit. That won't get you clean water or a beach, though. And tomorrow probably won't get you small crowds. Maybe check for some places in Southern Maryland or the Virginia Northern Neck?

 

[dgreen]

Newseum currently has free admission for kids (4 kids for every paying adult). I may finally go.

 

[JZilla]

Newseum currently has free admission for kids (4 kids for every paying adult). I may finally go.

My kids had a rough night after the Newseum. They weren't super wimpy kids either, I really only remember that ever happening twice (the other time was a movie - War of the Worlds ). This was when they were maybe 10-12

Some scary images and stuff there - just a heads up. I think the DC sniper stuff mostly got em.. hit a little close to home.

 

[Don Quixote]

Seeing the DC sniper car even freaked me out a little.

...Since we were talking about cheap/dive eats in here recently, my new favorite is Mama Reacer's in Del Ray. The place is a total dive by all appearances, but it serves quite possibly the best fried chicken that I've ever had.

 

[dgreen]

Hmm, good to know. Mine are 10, 8, and 6.

 

[dgreen]

Any DC lawyers familiar with Neal R. Gross and Company? They are apparently a court reporter and transcriber company. My wife responded to a craigslist job ad for doing transcription work from home. Now the contact is emailing her with instructions on how to download the software on our computer so she can do a transcription test as part of the interview/hiring process. Basically, she sent a resume and cover letter to them, they exchanged a couple emails about what kind of hours she could work, and they now want her to download the software to take a test.

As far as I can tell, Neal R Gross is a legit company. I told my wife to call up their main phone line from their web site/yellow pages as a way to confirm this is legit. If they are legit, I was maybe assuming DC lawyers would know about them and could verify that? Or do you generally have no knowledge of what company is doing the reporting and transcribing?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Swing 51]

Pretty hot outside.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Pretty hot outside.

Yeah, I've been back in SoCal since Sunday. 8 days in the DC area, 3 in Atlantic City. Still recuperating. The weather beat me down. I have an opportunity to do the over-paid retired guy consultant thing in DC, but I think I prefer being just the retired young-ish guy in the SoCal desert. I've specifically checked out DC in the dead of winter and mid-summer to see if I can hang. I'm a wimp.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Maybe Assateague? (Though I've never been, so I could be wrong on all counts.)

Internet called this a 4 hour drive from Vienna where I stayed. The map suggested that was BS but no one would take the trip with me. Sounded exactly like what I wanted, btw. Regret not making it.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Go to the west coast?

Supped from Laguna Main to the Ritz the day I got back.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Any DC lawyers familiar with Neal R. Gross and Company? They are apparently a court reporter and transcriber company. My wife responded to a craigslist job ad for doing transcription work from home. Now the contact is emailing her with instructions on how to download the software on our computer so she can do a transcription test as part of the interview/hiring process. Basically, she sent a resume and cover letter to them, they exchanged a couple emails about what kind of hours she could work, and they now want her to download the software to take a test.

As far as I can tell, Neal R Gross is a legit company. I told my wife to call up their main phone line from their web site/yellow pages as a way to confirm this is legit. If they are legit, I was maybe assuming DC lawyers would know about them and could verify that? Or do you generally have no knowledge of what company is doing the reporting and transcribing?

Any help would be appreciated.

I haven't used them, but a lot of transcription / court reporting companies seem to use that type of arrangement as far as I can tell. You're often dealing with firms that have no brick and mortar presence.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Btw, don't let the above mislead you. I friggin' love DC and had a great time. Just too spoiled by Cali weather, and used to spending most my time outdoors.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Maybe Assateague? (Though I've never been, so I could be wrong on all counts.)

Internet called this a 4 hour drive from Vienna where I stayed. The map suggested that was BS but no one would take the trip with me. Sounded exactly like what I wanted, btw. Regret not making it.

Assateague wasn't going to be secluded on July Fourth. It would probably have done for you at other times in the summer. Of course, I haven't been to Chincoteague / Assateague in close to 30 years, so what do I know?