5 Washington D.C. Dining Experiences Students Love 

After days of exploring the capital and putting their classroom knowledge to the test, we love to celebrate an incredible educational tour with a memorable dining experience!

A shared meal among classmates and educators often becomes one of the most cherished memories of the trip—a moment where learning and laughter come together around the table.  These Washington, D.C. dining favorites serve up more than just great food; they immerse students in exceptional entertainment, interactive games, and culture that they can bring home to their family and communities.

Toby’s Dinner Theatre

If you're looking for unforgettable entertainment to fill your night—Toby's is certainly the spot to find it. Here, you’ll experience the incredible talent of the D.C. community while enjoying a chef-curated, buffet-style meal. The restaurant features rotating Broadway musicals—like Mean Girls, Elf, and The Sound of Music—as well as original productions, all accompanied by a live orchestra. One of the most unique touches? Your servers double as performers, transitioning from serving your table to stealing the spotlight. With a fresh salad bar, carving station, decadent desserts, and a plentiful buffet, there’s something for everyone—and not a bad seat in the house!

Medieval Times

Step back into the Renaissance at Medieval Times– a trip highlight for many of our students! From the moment you take your seat in the grand arena, you’ll be swept into the excitement of jousting, sword fights, and royal pageantry. While knights battle for victory, you’ll feast like royalty on a hearty, medieval-inspired meal featuring menu items like roasted chicken, tomato bisque, and sweet corn that always satisfies. Students get rowdy in the stadium as they cheer on their favorite knight, waving banners and taking on their own role in the lively show. After the show, snap some photos with the queen and winning knight! Equal parts fun and educational, Medieval Times offers a break from the typical textbook material while giving students a vivid taste of life from centuries ago.

Dinner Cruise

It’s the perfect way to wrap up your trip to D.C.!  After a day of exploration in the capital, step aboard a relaxing evening ride along the Potomac River. Peering out at the city, you’ll see Washington D.C.’s most iconic landmarks come into view from a stunning new perspective—like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial. As you cruise, you’ll enjoy a buffet-style dinner with options for all preferences. After your meal, head out to the open-air deck to see panoramic golden-hour views of the city—it’s the ultimate Instagram photo opportunity and the perfect moment to savor with friends and classmates.

Busboys and Poets

Busboys and Poets is a vibrant hub that blends art, politics, and community into an unforgettable cultural experience. Part restaurant, part bookstore, part performance space, this venue invites students to enjoy a meal while surrounded by the creativity of D.C. They often host cultural events, spoken word performances, and live discussions that highlight the city’s diverse voices. In the on-site bookstore, students might find a meaningful souvenir to commemorate their trip.

The space is named after American poet Langston Hughes, who once worked as a busboy at the Wardman Park Hotel in the 1920s before becoming an influential literary figure. A visit to Busboys and Poets gives students the chance to connect with D.C. culture, and inspires them to pursue their dreams and passions as Langston Hughes did. 

Pinstripes

Tucked in the lively neighborhood of Georgetown, Pinstripes is the perfect spot for students to relax and recharge after a full day of sightseeing in D.C. This unique venue blends dining and entertainment in a way that keeps the whole group engaged. Students can choose from a delicious Italian menu, featuring classics like pasta made from scratch, wood-fired pizzas, delectable chicken wings, and more. After your meal, the fun really begins; whether it’s bowling with classmates or trying out bocce ball for the first time, there’s always laughter and friendly competition at Pinstripes!

Student dining in D.C. and Beyond

Do these exciting dining experiences pique your interest? Many of these options are also available in cities beyond D.C. – ask our team about dinner opportunities for your next educational tour!