Calling all people from Barbados, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, the Virgin Islands, and everywhere in between – the annual DC Caribbean Carnival is happening this weekend. 

Hands-down one of the most fun events of the year, DC on a Dime looks forward to it each and every year, even the year organizers moved the parade from Georgia Ave. to Pennsylvania Ave., which was  ill-conceived, but fun no less. 

Of course, you don’t have to hail from the islands to enjoy Carnival.  (I’m from Ohio, but one of my best friends is a Trini).  It has it all:  authentic Carribbean food, live music, colorful costumes, and random acts of craziness!  What’s not to like?

The festivities begin at 11 am, on June 27, with the parade along Georgia Ave. from Missouri Ave. to Barry Place. 

Following the parade, there will be an outdoor festival at Banneker Recreation Park (across from Howard University), also on Georgia Ave.  There you will find all your Caribbean food favorites:  ackee and saltfish, meat patties, jerk everything, roti, and much more. 

Visit the Caribbean Carnival website for additional details, then grab a friend and head to Carnival, DC style.

No DC blog is complete without a list of favorite late night eat spots.  Here’s ours:

• Bistro Francais (Georgetown) 

This classic French bistro is the perfect late night spot, whether you’re coming from a show, or just prefer to eat your food while sitting down.  Either way, the steak sandwich is hard to beat at 2am.

Hours:

Monday, Thursday, & Sun open until 3am.

Friday & Saturday open until 4am.

Location:  3128 M St. NW.

• Five Guys Hamburgers (Georgetown)

No introduction is needed for Five Guys.   Just don’t sleep on the fries.

Hours:  Friday & Saturday open until 4:00am.

Location:  1335 Wisconsin Ave. NW  (between Dumbarton Ave & N St).

• Kramerbooks and Afterwords (Dupont Circle)

Hours:  7:30 AM – 1:00 AM Daily, Friday a& Saturday opend open 24 Hours.

Location:  1517 Conn. Ave., NW  (Just Above Dupont Circle/Across from Dupont Circle ‘Q’ St Metro).

• Julia’s Empanadas (Dupont Circle/Adams Morgan) 

If you crave food that’s hot, fried, and delectable (who doesn’t at 2am?) Julia’s Empanadas is the place. 

Hours:

Monday – Thursday open until 2:30am.

Friday & Saturday open until 4am.

Locations:

2452 18th St. NW (Adams Morgan).

6232 Georgia Ave. (Brightwood).

1221 Connecticut Ave. NW (Dupont Circle).

14th St & Park Rd. NW (Columbia Heights).

• The Diner (Adams Morgan)

It’s the best place in Adams Morgan to grab a late bite, if you don’t mind a long wait.

Hours:  Open 24/7.

Location:  2453 18th St. NW.

• Steak ‘n Egg Kitchen (Wisconsin Ave)

Osman & Joe’s Steak ‘n Egg Kitchen is where you can sit on a bar stool and enjoy classic diner food.   Great outdoor seating and service.

Hours:  Open 24/7.

Location:  4700 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

• Ben’s Chili Bowl  (U Street)

If 50 years of serving customer satisfaction means anything, Ben’s is a good call. 

Hours:

Monday – Thursday open until 2am.

Friday & Saturday open until 4am.

Location:  1213 U St. between 12th and 13th St.

Capitol Hill             Georgetown

Downtown              Golden Triangle

Dupont Circle        U Street 

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DC Fish Market on the Waterfront

Tourist season is in full-swing in DC.  While we are happy tourists contribute to the local economy, they also clog the metro, hog the sidewalk, and, generally, upset the ebb and flow of our city.  As a coping mechanism, we search for tourist “un-friendly” places to visit.  If you also suffer from tourist fatigue, DC on a Dime recommends you try the DC Fish Market on the waterfront. 

A bustling seafood and fish market on Washington’s waterfront. Crabs, lobsters and fish are sold from floating barges. This place is popular with locals, and not at all a tourist trap. Devoid of the usual consumer mall culture, it’s an authentic example of urban commerce at the street level. Ironically, it flourishes just beyond revitalized portions of the DC waterfront, which are cold and empty modernist concrete places, totally devoid of people.  (PPS:  Great Public Spaces).   

  Location:  Maine Avenue SE, Washington, DC  (click here to see google map and get directions).

Taste-of-8th

If the weatherman is right, DC will hit 86 degrees on Saturday.  That makes outdoor activities essential this weekend, so DC on a Dime stronglysuggests you head over to the “Taste of Eighth Street.” 

This event is happening in the Capitol Hill hot-spot of Barracks Row.  International food, drinks, and friendly people make this event a must attend.  After the food crawl, there will be a drawing for door prizes from Hill’s Kitchen, Chateau Animaux, Capitol Hill Bikes, and other local shops.  See you there… 

Location:  8Th St. SE, Washington, DC.  Time:  Saturday, April 25, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.  Cost: $5.00 for Adults, and $3.00 for Kids.