Neighborhood Gems: Mt. Vernon Square

This extension of U St.'s popular literary-themed cafe has a variety of American fare, ranging from pizzas to burgers to entrees like crab cakes and lasagna. Vegetarians and vegans will appreciate B&P's several vegetarian and vegan dishes. The restaurant also hosts weekly events like open mic nights and live bands, so you can enjoy some entertainment while noshing.

This nicer-than-your-normal deli offers a wide variety of sandwiches, salads and appetizers inspired by Philadelphia hoagies. Taylor II also stocks chips, Italian soads, gelato, and even pastas and sauces for you to take home.

One of the more expensive options in Mt. Vernon Square is highly-rated Corduroy, which offers elegant, unique dishes with both Asian and French influences. If you sit at the bar upstairs, you can take advantage of their pre-fixe menu and their excellent cocktails.

The area's newest joint is an izakaya-style restaurant - think Japanese tapas. They also specialize in sake and shochu, perfect for a unique drinking experience when your usual Miller Lite just won't do.

For a relaxed setting and custom cocktails, The Passenger is excellent for just hanging out with friends on a casual night.

If you'd rather dress up, grab your usual beer or cran-vodka and dance, hit up Lux for a more upbeat night out. Lux also has multiple rooms offering different kinds of music, so you can get a little bit of both hip-hop or salsa or r&b in just one night.

In a powerful, fast-paced place like DC, sometimes people don't have an entire afternoon to relax. You can get massages lasting from 20 to 90 minutes, and you don't have to disrobe. Lunar is perfect for anyone from professionals looking to fill an open lunch hour to locals who just want to walk in and zone out.

Mt. Vernon even features a bit of culture. Support the arts and check out up-and-coming photographers, painters, sculptors and other artists at Civilian. The gallery also often hosts special events featuring artists, including writers and poets.