User Lists in Washington, DC Metro

It's been a year of big change in D.C.; we've welcomed a new President, weathered the recession and seen the birth of some fantastic bars. The opening of Policy on 14th Street (pictured) mirrored those changes in the White House, and then there's H Street Country Club, which in addition to being a first-rate cocktail stop, holds the distinction of being the district's first miniature golf course. Read on about these and our other favorite new bars of 2009, including the place where party crashers--White House or otherwise--are always welcome.

Washington moved up the foodie ladder this year with the addition of restaurants that combined notable chefs, luxe design and bites worth blogging about. Inaugural weekend in January brought with it a new President and an Oprah-fueled parade for the opening of what would become--after some changes--Zentan in the Donovan House Hotel; Kellari Taverna (pictured) upped the ante on K Street with an authentic Greek menu; and a restaurant named after the patron saint of prostitutes opened in Penn Quarter--it's sure to be a hit among D.C.'s senators and visiting governors.

We've got a list of some of the biggest New Year's Eve celebrations in DC.

Fifty drafts and 500 bottles of beer hit Logan Circle at Churchkey (pictured), H Street gets another fantastically eccentric watering hole with Little Miss Whiskey's Golden Dollar, and Midtown Loft brings free beer to the people during its daily happy hour. All that plus a wine bar and something new from the brothers behind The Gibson and Cork in our list of D.C.'s top five new bars.

Dupont gets another burger joint (this time with a disco ball), Tynan Coffee & Tea offers stiff caffeinated beverages to Columbia Heights bloggers, and just when you thought there couldn't be a bigger tequila selection in D.C., Masa 14 arrives on 14th Street with 120 varieties and Latin and Asian small plates. Whether you're looking for a new place to grab food before hitting the H Street bars or you want the details on Logan Circle's hip new eatery (see Birch & Barley, pictured) our list of D.C.'s top five new restaurants has you covered.

Throwing a party in D.C. doesn't have to be a pain in the ass--if you know where to go. Great drink specials, cheap private space, helpful managers and interesting ambiance can make the difference between a party you'd rather forget and one worthy of Salahi-crashing. From a classy wine fete to a gothic rock suite, there are plenty of places--and types of parties--to think about for your next D.C. bash. Your friends will thank you for not stuffing them into your tiny apartment once again. (Pictured: A tequila tasting at H Street Country Club)

Turkey and pumpkin pie--everyone loves a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in Washington, D.C. Even in the nation's capital people pause to spend time with family over the long weekend. With so little time to enjoy the parade and the myriad of football games on television, why waste it slaving over a hot stove? Instead, grab dinner at one of these great Thanksgiving restaurants in D.C. and spend your day catching up with your cousins. (Photo by Flickr user Pink Sherbert Photography)

New York may get all the attention when it comes to fashion and shopping opportunities, but D.C. has some deals of its own, It's not all pearls and pant suits in the nation's capital; we've got our fair share of designer-loving fashionistas and the good sense to find a deal while we're at it. There are plenty of bargains for the savvy shopper and we've got the lowdown on where to find gently worn consignment goods, vintage finds, designer discounts and more. (Photo: Flickr user mikefats)

It happens every year: Holiday gift season comes way too early, you procrastinate for a month and then you're left scrambling at the last minute for the two items left at Target. Time for change. We're going to make it easy for you to personalize your presents with our holiday gift guide. Find the perfect telescope/vase/necklace/spatula for the adventurer/design snob/fashionista/gourmand in your life! The only hard part will be in actually giving these goodies away. (Photo: Flickr user docbaty)