In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, how about some tips on how to spend an evening in DC without the kids.

DC is really coming into its own as far as the food scene. This month’s Washingtonian lists the 100 Very Best Restaurants in DC and is a great resource if you are looking for advice on where to eat in the city. Although there are tons of fun areas to explore during a night on the town, our favorites are 14th Street, Georgetown and Downtown.

14th Street

14th Street is the new place to be. It’s a fun scene with great new restaurants and a hip young crowd. We like to go so we feel hip and young. Start your evening with a drink at the Cork Wine Bar and afterwards take a short walk to Pearl Dive for delicious oysters and fresh seafood or to Estadio for amazing small plates.

Georgetown

Georgetown is our place to go for old time favorites. Here you can mix with the Georgetown college kids out bar hopping and the international set dressed to the nines. If it’s a nice evening start your night at Sequoia where you can sit outside and enjoy a cocktail by the water. Be forewarned this is a popular spot and can be packed on a pretty Spring or Summer night. You may find some folks started their evening early, like at lunch.

For the ultimate spot in people watching, dinner at Cafe Milano is a must. Wear your highest heels and your designer jeans, but also make sure you are comfortable enough to enjoy your meal because this is good Italian food. Another fun spot nearby is Neyla, a cozy mediterranean restaurant with small plates perfect for sharing. If you want to splurge, then Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons Hotel is perfect for dinner for two.

Downtown

Downtown DC has an endless number of restaurants so it was difficult for me to choose just a few. Off The Record, the bar in the basement of the Hay Adams Hotel is a must for your first stop. Just across the park from the White House, this dark clubby bar is full of red leather and classic cocktails. For dinner, The Source is Wolfgang Puck’s DC home. Located in the Newseum Building this airy restaurant has a varied menu and a fun vibe. If it’s steak you crave, then across the street is the famous Capital Grille and you must try their amazing Stoli Doli – but just have one! If you want something a bit more laid back head to Rosa Mexicana in Penn Quarter for grown-up Mexican and guacamole made right at your table. And to end your night, the W Hotel rooftop bar is the perfect place for a drink with the best view of the city.

I’ll take any excuse for a quiet evening for two! Have fun exploring!

Happy Valentine’s Day from Mr. and Mrs. Kids Will Travel!