Editor's Favorites: Lauren Sloat

1602 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 (map)

Cute bartenders, jolly bouncers and a steady stream of regulars make this my favorite neighborhood bar. When all else fails, I can always count on Local to make it a great night. It has served me well in a variety of ways over the years: Flings, boyfriends and breakups have all happened in the flickering candlelight over the steady bass beat. The largely single crowd is also always a good bet for girls night out.

2009 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 (map)

Don't know the address? Good luck finding the Gibson! This U Street speakeasy is for people in the know--and marked only by an unadorned black door next to the boisterous restaurant and bar, Marvin. The candlelit darkness and large, private booths make this one of my favorite date spots, and its exclusivity means no elbowing your way to the bar for drinks. Its best feature? The bartenders know their stuff--they'll talk with you at length to determine your taste in alcohol and are always up for a challenge. Even my pickiest, most demanding friends have found a libation to love here.

1739 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036 (map)

This dusty old Dupont hotel with no elevators and lots of needlepoint is one of my favorite brunch destinations and my go-to place for out-of-town guests. This is especially true in winter, when the gingerbread pancakes are hot off the griddle, the homemade donuts are just right, and the spiked rum in the cozy, highly-upholstered sitting room warms you from the inside out.

1529 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 (map)

ACKC cocoa bar and chocolate shop was where I turned after a friend suffered a brutal breakup. There was no better gift for her than the chocolate voodoo doll (tasty and useful) and box of chocolate Band-Aids (delightfully symbolic). When she gets a new boyfriend, I'll go back for the chocolate-scented candles and massage oil. It's also a great place to browse for fun, holiday-themed gifts, such as the tool-shaped chocolates for Father's Day.

1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC 20007 (map)

Off the beaten path in Georgetown, this bakery and coffee shop is one of my favorite hidden gems. It doesn't get the foot traffic that some of D.C.'s other cupcake shops receive, so there's never ridiculous lines. I prefer my cupcakes to be large and delicious rather than tiny pieces of edible art, and here my wish is fulfilled: These cupcakes are low on showmanship (no fancy designs, just mounds of frosting and the occasional sprinkle) and high on gluttony.

2604 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 (map)

Boyfriends have come and gone, but Mr. Chen will always be there for me. When I'm just too lazy to cook, a giant container of the fresh, organic lo mein always hits the spot. The portions are generous, so even the so-called "small" fried rice can sustain me for days. As a bonus, it's always a hit with my lactose-intolerant roommate and friends, with whom ordering pizza is never an option.

3030 M St Nw, Washington, DC 20007 (map)

A girl never forgets where she bought her first pair of Tory Burch "Reva" flats. Ever since that spring day, I've been an addict of this Neiman Marcus boutique; there is simply nothing in this store that I don't desperately want. When I need to be absolutely on-trend, a trip to Cusp always fits the bill (or overdraws my bank account). My insane collection of Love Quotes scarves started here, and I will never find a more luxurious hand soap than Savon de Marseille Extra Pur.