Washington, D.C.—Election season? Buckle up. The city unfolds in front of me like the start of a spy thriller. A city always on the brink of something major. But today, it felt different. Today, I wasn’t just attending a conference; I was in the middle of an operation I didn’t sign up for.

Safe Houses and High-Speed Chases (Sort Of)

I’m not touching down from some distant location; I’ve already been here for my company’s conference, hopping from one hotel to the next like I’m moving between safe houses à la Netflix’s Narcos. D.C. has that effect on me—it’s the only place where your routine Lyft ride feels like a scene ripped straight out of a Jason Bourne movie.

More Than Just Point A to Point B

You see, this city doesn’t let you just go from point A to point B. No, the city pulls you into its energy, makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger. The kind of place where global decisions get made, and election season only cranks up the intensity.

This is the part in the movie where the b-roll kicks in: helicopters circling the White House, the American flag whipping in the wind. Then, two quick cuts—Langley, Quantico (wherever the hell that is), and of course, the Pentagon. All of it set to a Hans Zimmer score, naturally.

But back to reality: I’m just stepping out of my last hotel–The Fairmont–sliding into the backseat of a Lyft. “Step on it,” I say, half-joking, half-lost in my imagination. The driver pulls into traffic, but in my mind, I’m no longer in a Prius—I’m behind the wheel of a beat-up, manual transmission Peugeot 406, shifting gears as I barrel through Logan Circle.

TRAAT! TRAAT!—Okay, Not Really

TRAAT! TRAAT! The sound of gunfire rings out in my head, Heckler & Koch MP5-PDW rounds peppering the side of my car as I take a hard turn, trying to stay ahead of whoever’s tailing me. 

The Peugeot’s transmission groans.I shift back into third gear, then fourth. But fourth pops out again—damn it, the synchro is blown. Doesn’t matter, I slam it back into third, the engine roaring as I race toward Mass Ave, heading for Thomas Circle.

Glancing in the cracked rear view mirror, I spot them: Black Suburbans with obfuscated plates—Secret Service? CIA? Double agents? Didn’t matter. Whoever they are, they’re after me.

Just as I hit Mass Ave NW, I see them—Australian SAS and U.S. JSOC operators near the Australian Embassy, guns drawn, laying down fire on whoever’s chasing me. Reinforcements—right on time.

I breathe out and glance back, half-expecting another hail of gunfire. But instead, the Suburbans roll to a stop. No more shots, just the low rumble of the city resuming its rhythm. A sticker catches my eye on the back of one vehicle: “Please Stay Back—Learn More About the Secret Service at www.secretservice.gov.”

And just like that, it’s over. I step out of the imaginary Peugeot, back into the Prius, my Lyft driver giving me that look like, “You good?” I nod. The city resumes its usual hum, but even in the quiet, there’s a sense that something bigger is always brewing here—especially with the election looming.

Day 1: Arrival, Action-Packed Streets, and Craft Brews

Morning: Checking into Hotel Zena

This time around, I switched things up and checked into Hotel Zena—a modern boutique hotel, just blocks from the White House. The sun-filled rooms and central location made it the perfect base for exploring D.C. on foot.

Although my previous stay was at the Fairmont for a conference, Hotel Zena offered a more creative vibe. The upgraded room? Nice. The view? Even better. And the gym? Stocked with lifetime fitness equipment, though a mirror would’ve been a welcome addition.

The hotel’s location had me second-guessing my original choice of the Thompson (more central to breweries I wanted to visit), but in the end, Zena’s proximity to everything won me over. 

Tip: Make sure to ask for a window-facing room that’s adjacent to Thomas Circle. 

Location: Hotel Zena

Afternoon: Navigating D.C.’s Iconic Streets and Mumbo Sauce

Walking through Logan Circle, even without the imaginary gunfire, feels cinematic. But I’m on a mission for local flavor, and that means one thing: mumbo sauce. Stan’s DC Restaurant, a hidden gem tucked away in a lively basement, is the place to be.

Stan’s DC Restaurant

I was on the hunt for some local flavor. And then, I remembered mambo sauce/mumbo sauce was a uniquely DC thing and was like, I NEED to check out a spot while I’m still here. 

Well I was in luck since Stan’s DC Restaurant came highly recommended and was only a few blocks away. That means I had to try the city’s signature mumbo sauce, and Stan’s, just a short walk from my hotel, was the perfect spot for it. (Side note: I passed Yum’s on my way to Aslin Brewery earlier, but I’d assumed it was just a fast food joint. Now, after hearing everyone rave about it, I realize that’s the place for the best mumbo sauce wings).

Stan’s is tucked away in a lively basement, the kind of place that immediately feels like a local gem. If you’re traveling solo, the bar is your best bet, but be prepared—it fills up fast in the evening. I had to wait about 10 minutes for a seat.

Now for the food. I wanted to do it right, so I went for a mix of baked and fried chicken, both served with mumbo sauce. As you can imagine, I got a little more than I bargained for. Don’t ask how much I ate… SMH.

• Baked Chicken – Really good, especially with the mumbo sauce. It’s one of those meals where the sauce enhances the dish but doesn’t overpower it.
• Fried Chicken – This is where Stan’s really shines. The chicken had extra seasoning that gave it a serious kick. Honestly, it didn’t even need the mumbo sauce, but once you grab the vinegar-based hot sauce on the table, you’ll be hooked. That tangy, vinegary bite made the whole meal addictive—I couldn’t stop eating, even when I knew I should.

You can add the hot sauce to the baked chicken too, but it doesn’t pack the same punch. I still think slathering Capital City Mambo sauce on both options would be a hit. But hey, maybe I’m just used to that signature flavor combo.

Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Location: Stan’s DC Restaurant

Stan’s was definitely worth the stop—great atmosphere, and if you’re looking for that authentic D.C. mumbo sauce experience, this place hits the mark. Perfect for solo travelers or anyone in search of local flavor.

Evening: Craft Brews with a Spy Vibe at Aslin Beer Company

Aslin Beer Company is nestled right in the heart of D.C., next to Chicken and Whiskey. The place has this old-school look from the outside—think 80s hamburger joints scattered across the midwest, mixed with the roller rink vibes of Harvey, IL. But no rink.

There are two outside bars, and the internal one lets you grab some merch stickers and other fun fanfare.

While they don’t serve food on the premises, you can easily order from Doi Moi or Chicken and Whiskey. I went with Doi Moi’s drunken noodles with extra spicy shrimp. Honestly, I’ve been deficient in protein lately, so it was just what I needed. Though, I’ll admit the appearance wasn’t too appetizing. In hindsight, I should have gone for the banh mi since it’s less oily—my PCP (GP for the Brits) is going to have words with me about my cholesterol levels. 😬😬

It was Wednesday night, smack in the middle of the work week, so the vibe was a bit subdued. Still, Aslin’s large beer selection and the outside patio, with lawn-style chairs perfect for watching the game, made it a great spot. The inside was quieter, with enough space for someone to theoretically get some remote work done—as long as you don’t get too tipsy, that is.

On some nights, like the one I visited—dumpling night—they actually host on-site cooking classes. You can’t go wrong with that, right?

One thing though, if you’re a solo traveler on a weeknight, this place might feel a little too group-centric. It gave me some vibes of a spot I went to in Iceland but with more activity.

Thanks to Rachelle, the bartender at Aslin, who helped me navigate the beer menu. She even recommended Federalist Pig for dinner later in the week, which turned out to be a fantastic suggestion.

Here’s what I tried:

• Clear Nights (4.2) – Harsh, reminiscent of Pilsner Urquell.
• West Coast (4.2) – Similar to Clear Nights, but smoother and less bitter.
• Astro Zombie (4.1) – Floral aftertaste that lingers.
• Orange Starfish (4.4) – Hazy and citrusy, but it didn’t pair well with the noodles.

Location: Aslin Beer Company

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Day 2: Political Heartbeats, Local Flavors, and Farewell

Morning: Zeke’s Coffee

Nothing says “start your day right” like a strong Americano from Zeke’s Coffee. This D.C. institution, just a short walk from my hotel, is super quaint with a laid-back, low-key vibe. The incredibly friendly staff adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Get there early! By 2 PM, the place is packed. Its proximity to major D.C. landmarks, including the White House, makes it a popular spot, especially during the afternoon rush.

I grabbed an Americano for a quick pick-me-up and couldn’t resist stocking up on some of their popular beans to go. Gotta keep that pour-over life going, right?

Operating Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Zeke’s Coffee

Afternoon: Federalist Pig

D.C. is a city where politics meets culture, and you can feel the energy shift from conversation to conversation as you walk its streets. As I strolled along, I couldn’t help but feel like I was in the middle of Enemy of the State with Gene Hackman and Will Smith. The political buzz is everywhere, from the coffee shops to the people-watching corners.

But let’s get to the real star of the day: Federalist Pig. This D.C. BBQ joint came highly recommended by Rachelle, a bartender at Aslin. As a self-proclaimed nomad with a love for all things sauce, I couldn’t resist checking out their renowned ½ pound pork rib tips, which came with pickles and Texas toast—the perfect lighter meal (well, lighter compared to my dinner at Stan’s).

When I picked up my order, one of the cooks gave me the best tip of the day: try the Sticky Garlic sauce. And, of course, I had to try all of them because, well, sauces are life.

• Sticky Garlic – The real MVP of sauces, it made the rib tips even more unforgettable. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you wonder why you didn’t order extra ribs.
• Mild BBQ and Hot BBQ – Perfect for dipping if you’re into something more classic. But trust me, the Sticky Garlic is where it’s at.

The ribs themselves were super succulent and fell off the bone. Paired with the bread and pickles, they made for a perfect, hearty meal to cap off my D.C. food adventure.

Other Must-Try Dishes at Federalist Pig:

• The Carolina On My Mind Sandwich – Featuring crispy chicharrones.
• The Jimmy Muscles Sandwich – Another local favorite, packed with flavor.

Operating Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: Federalist Pig

This was the perfect stop before my flight back to Seattle. They also have outdoor seating. So, the mix of takeout and sit-down options makes this a flexible spot, whether you’re in a rush or want to linger a bit longer.

Evening

When I first walked by ChurchKey, all I saw were candlelit tables and no bar in sight. My first thought? “Oh damn, this must be a date spot.” So, naturally, I bailed and headed over to Aslin first. But then I decided to do a quick Google Image search, and lo and behold—it does have a bar. The secret?

You’ve got to open the door and walk upstairs! Duh!

Once I made it up to the second floor, the vibe completely changed. The bar is one of the longest counters I’ve ever seen—just a pure hidden paradise for craft beer lovers. You can keep to yourself or engage with others, and the staff is super helpful in navigating their extensive beer selection.

I highly recommend trying the Xül Mynmebtaart. Now, I’m not usually a fan of sours, but this one was like sipping on Zingerman’s Apple Pie from Ann Arbor on a cold day—in beer form. It was recommended by the bartender, and it did not disappoint.

I showed up just before their Oktoberfest event and noticed a beer called “Garage Beer.” For a split second, I thought it was from the New Zealand brewery, Garage Project—a must-try. But then, I learned it’s actually owned by the Kelce brothers (yes, the football players), who became part owners in 2023.

Beers Sampled:

• Xül Beer Co. Mynmentaart – Zingerman’s apple pie vibes.
• Tripping Animals Si A Todo (3.1) – A solid, if slightly standard, choice.
• North Park Older Than Comet (3.2) – Rich and smooth.
• Plank Grandpa Plank’s Weissbier (4.5) – Reminiscent of Blanche de Bruxelles (I got this one because I was tired of IPAs and needed to switch it up).

Operating Hours: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: ChurchKey

The vibe at ChurchKey was a fantastic way to close out the night—definitely a hidden gem in D.C. with one of the best bar setups I’ve seen in a long time.

Lost Generation Brewing Company

Just when I thought my craft beer journey in D.C. had reached its peak, Lost Generation Brewing Company provided the perfect final act—or so I thought. The lively atmosphere, combined with a lineup of exceptional beers, made this a must-stop before wrapping up my trip. I had high expectations for this place, and it delivered in full—amazing service and an even better selection.

Here’s what I tried:

• Grave Shift (4.5) – A nice, chocolatey flavor with a subtle hint of vanilla. Perfect for those who enjoy darker beers with a dessert-like finish.
• Disturb the Universe (4.5) – A Hazy IPA with a mild palette and no bitterness. If you’re someone who’s hesitant with IPAs because of the bitterness, this one’s a smooth ride.
• Freak Out (4.5) – A double hazy IPA with more of a citrus-forward taste. This one came in second place for me but still packed a punch. It reminded me of the kind of citrusy goodness you get with Garage Project Beers—smooth and easy to drink.
• Influence of the Earth (4.5) – The clear winner of the night. This is an American IPA brewed with NZ Cascade hops. I was especially excited about this one after my trip to New Zealand, where I had a chance to try some fantastic local brews. It hit all the right notes for me—balanced, fresh, and a reminder of my time in New Zealand.

Lost Generation is definitely worth visiting if you’re a fan of diverse beer styles and a laid-back vibe. I thought this would be my final stop for the night, but D.C. had one more surprise in store.

Location: Lost Generation Brewing Company

Evening: Final Stop at Red Bear Brewery

Just when I was ready to call it a night, one last recommendation pulled me in—Red Bear Brewery. Though not local to D.C. in origin, the owner hails from my current location, Seattle, which didn’t dawn on me until the bartender pointed to the ceiling where you can see all the Seahawks jerseys hanging. As a fellow Seattleite, I felt an immediate connection, though it hadn’t clicked until that moment.

Red Bear Brewery stays open late, compared to the usual 10:00 PM closing time of other breweries. If there’s a Seattle Seahawks game on, they extend their hours until the game wraps up—perfect for when other spots close too early.

Here’s what I sampled:

• 19 – All Hands Lager (4.5): A pumpkin lager that surprised me by tasting like a mix of peach cobbler and apple pie—definitely a unique blend of flavors.
• 10 – Oktoberfest Märzen (4.2): It was Oktoberfest season, so this was the perfect nod to the festivities happening worldwide.
• 2 – Hefewagen (4.2): After all the IPAs, I needed to switch it up, and this Hefeweizen did just that. Refreshing and classic, it hit the spot.

Sometimes, IPAs are like someone flexing on Instagram—overdone and predictable. So, I always like to “circle back” to something more original, and this Hefeweizen was the perfect palate cleanser to wrap up my D.C. brewery tour.

Location: Red Bear Brewery

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

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Conclusion

Washington, D.C. might not have handed me a high-speed car chase in an Aston Martin DB-9 or a crash-landing in the Potomac, but it sure delivered an atmosphere that felt like a spy thriller atmosphere—especially with the upcoming election heightening the tension. From the bustling political chatter in coffee shops to the mix of languages echoing down its streets, D.C. felt like a movie set where the stakes are real.

Even in the quieter moments, you feel like you’re in the middle of something bigger. The city seamlessly blends the monumental and the everyday. Walking through iconic landmarks, sipping craft brews with an air of espionage, or discussing world affairs with a stranger at the bar, D.C. is anything but ordinary. 

For someone coming from Seattle’s tech bubble—where the “tech bro” uniform of Patagonia vests and AirPods reigns supreme—D.C.’s diverse conversations were a breath of fresh air. 

Here, you’ll hear debates ranging from international policy to legal battles with people from various fields—UN officials, lawyers, lobbyists—adding richness to my journey. No “I’m in tech” humblebrags here—just real talk from people driving the world’s most crucial conversations.

As I packed my bags—mind full of stories, taste buds wanting more of that Stan’s fried chicken, and a newfound appreciation for our nation’s capital—I realized that D.C. isn’t just a travel destination. It’s an experience, a city that blurs the lines between reality and a suspenseful political thriller. And like any good spy—or traveler—will tell you, it’s what lies beneath the surface that makes the journey worthwhile.

So, whether you’re here for the food, the drinks, or to feel like you’re part of an international espionage plot as the election looms, D.C. has you covered. Grab a pint, savor the mumbo sauce, and remember—this city doesn’t do anything small.

Now, hold on while I put on my Patagonia vest—I left it here somewhere.