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After the requisite cooing over the pandas and other cuddly creatures at the National Zoo, consider wandering around this popular neighborhood, where you'll see plenty of locals eating, drinking, and playing. Many Hill staffers, journalists, and other inside-the-Beltway types live along this hilly stretch of Connecticut Avenue. Eateries and shops line the few blocks near each of the Red Line Metro stops. Eateries in Cleveland Park range from tiny takeout spots to upscale restaurants where you stand a good chance of spying your favorite Sunday-morning talk-show guests at a nearby table. International cuisines are abundant here, especially in Cleveland Park. Lined up along the stately stretch of modern row houses are diverse dining options ranging from Afghan to Thai.
You can never have enough Greek restaurants, and Parthenon is among the best in town. This is traditional Greek food, including great moussaka, pastitsio, salads, and grilled fish. Try to start your meal with the saganaki, where the cheese is flamed right at your table. The interior screams Greece, with pictures of the Parthenon and islands. A large outdoor patio adjoins the restaurant, which is also connected to the Chevy Chase Lounge, a legendary local watering hole.
