User Lists in Washington, DC Metro

With the abundance of grocery stores around Metro stops, it's easy to find fresh food in D.C. But when you're looking for something a little more unique, a quick visit to Safeway won't do the trick. Gourmet shops offer more options than a traditional grocery store when it comes to planning out a complex recipe that calls for a harder-to-find ingredient or looking for that perfect treat to bring to a dinner party. Check out these stores when your inner-gourmet wants to come out. (Photo: flickr user justgrimes)

Perhaps D.C.'s most well-known neighborhood for nightlife, Adams Morgan has an impressive collection of neighborhood dives, DJ-driven bars and live music, making it a one-stop shop for a night out on the town. Though it's a hot spot out-of-towners looking for an epic evening, plenty of locals have their favorite bars here, too--you'll find both types lining the streets after last call, chowing down on the neighborhood's ubiquitous drunk food: Jumbo Slice. Here, a collection of some of our favorite Adams Morgan bars. (Photo by Flickr user Daquella Manera)

One of D.C.'s most eclectic and culturally diverse neighborhoods, Adams Morgan is best known for the rowdy bar scene along 18th Street, but it has some stand-out restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, too. From falafels with a cult following to a beloved Italian version of the soup nazi, there's amazing food and plenty of character to go around at Adams Morgan's best restaurants. (Pictured: The sushi bar at Perry's)

Unlike Billy Madison, most people don't get the chance to go back to school--and with acne, braces and awkward unrequited love, not to mention homework and tests--who would want to? Unless you were the prom queen, high school kind of sucked. And if you were the prom queen, hope you enjoyed peaking at 16! This fall, we propose going back to different types of schools where this time the curriculum includes cocktail-making, cigar-smoking and bedroom massage--no prom date required. (Pictured: Derek Brown teaching a class in the Columbia Room at the Passenger)

No longer just for the lonesome business travelers (or Eliot Spitzer types), hotel bars in Washington, D.C., have become cocktail and nightlife destinations all on their own. Maybe it's that being in a hotel adds a sense of carefree vacation--or the idea of meeting a handsome stranger--or maybe it's just because these bars serve some damn good drinks. Whether poolside or fireside, each of these hotel bars is worth a drink or two. (Pictured: The view from the P.O.V. Lounge)

It shouldn't be a surprise that a city known for its Southern charm would offer great restaurants for noshing on one of the South's most beloved dishes: chicken and waffles. Because the spicy-sweet combo works for day and night, you'll find it on brunch, dinner and even late-night menus in Washington, D.C., for those times when you can't choose between savory and sweet, breakfast or dinner. Chicken and waffles might seem like a strange combination, but try it at a D.C. restaurant once and you'll be back for more. (Pictured: Chicken and waffles with a side of mac at Founding Farmers)

In culinary times past, bacon was just bacon. You might order a couple of crispy strips at brunch or add them to a burger if you were feeling fancy. These days, bacon is showing up in unlikely (but very tasty) places in Washington, D.C.: donuts for breakfast, cake for dessert and even as an eye-opening cocktail. Blame America's obsession with bacon on pig-themed events such as Cochon555, the need to replace cupcakes as the ?next big thing,? or just our collective hunger for the delicious fatty substance that turns everything it touches into gold, but know this: Bacon, in all its forms, is everywhere. (Pictured: a bacon flight at Eola)

Girls night out in D.C.: a time to bond, to exhale, to get a little tipsy off wine and syrupy cocktails. It's practically part of the female psyche. Every now and again, a girl and her posse require a ladies-only night on the town. So ditch your dudes, slip on a slinky dress and get a babysitter. We've got you covered with the best restaurants and bars for your girls night out in Washington, D.C.

Keeping up appearances can be costly in this town; it's nearly impossible to find a cheap haircut in D.C. And a single haircut can mean the difference between looking like a hipster or a prep, between a Democrat or a Republican--so it's paramount to find a reliable hair salon that you can actually afford. Washington, D.C. is buzzing with high-end salons, but fortunately there are some tried-and-true spots for cheap haircuts in D.C. that will fit even a hill staffer's budget, no matter from which side of the aisle. (Pictured: The Aveda Institute)

North of Pennsylvania Avenue and halfway between the White House and U.S. Capitol lies the neighborhood of Penn Quarter--nearly indiscernible from a decade ago with its new developments, revitalized real estate and hot bar and club scene. Bustling with businessmen and museum-goers by day, Penn Quarter sizzles by night--it's home to some badass bars, authentic pubs and high-energy clubs perfect for getting pickled. Check out our list of Penn Quarter bars for our favorites. (Pictured: Fado Irish Pub)