Podcast Playlist: Underrated DC Gems

Feb 23, 2026

If you know us, you know we love nothing more than discovering D.C.’s lesser-known gems. These podcast episodes dig into D.C.’s most underrated spots that fly under the radar, from cafes to happy hours.

💘 Underrated Dates in DC — For $15 Or Less

Everything is expensive! But that doesn’t mean you can’t still find love on the cheap. Jade Womack, also known as Clockout DC, tells us her best D.C. date spots for $15 or less. Because, let’s be real, we’ve all been on enough $fancy$ cocktail dates.

P.S. We’re starting a series about dating in D.C. off the apps — check out the first installment on speed dating!

🍸 DC’s Most Underrated Bars

Raman Santra, creator of the viral account @BarredInDC, knows D.C. bars — and lucky for us, he doesn’t gatekeep. He talked with us about D.C.’s best bars that don’t get enough hype, from dives to speakeasies.

☕ DC’s Most Underrated Cafes

Domonique Panton, a.k.a. As Told By Dom, is on a mission to visit every single cafe in D.C. Like seriously, she estimates she tried over 500 coffees last year. She’s on the pod to talk about her absolute favorites so far.

She also dropped her favorite ✨ cozy ✨ cafe recs here. Perfect for curling up in this dreary weather.

🍻 The Best (and Most Underrated) Happy Hours in DC

D.C. is the land of happy hours, but many of them aren’t as “happy” as they used to be. Ann Limpert, food editor for the Washingtonian, is here with some actually great D.C. bar deals where you can knock back a few (responsibly, of course 👀).

🥞 DC’s Most Underrated Brunch Spots

Sunday brunch doesn't have to mean powdered eggs and watered down mimosas. These brunches might be a little off the beaten path, but your friend group will thank you. Cornelia Poku of Black Girls Explore DC shares her pick of D.C.’s best brunches.

📚 DC’s Most Underrated Arts Scene

You might not think of D.C. as a city with a thriving literary scene, but we’re pumping out great authors like nobody's business. Local writer Hannah Greico tells us all the best book and poetry recommendations from local authors you’ve never heard of.

Also, don’t miss our talk with Marisa Kashino, author of “Best Offer Wins,” a juicy D.C. real-estate thriller. It may even become a Hulu series starring Greta Lee!