Before I fully leave the DC area, i wanted to share a few gems with you gals - the rest of my favorite things about my former neighborhood - Capitol Hill/Eastern Market, specifically restaurants since I am such a sucker for good food (who isn't?) 

Restaurants

Many of the bars in Capitol double as restaurants, however there are a few gems that I wanted to share before heading off to the great Northeast.

Las Placitas - El Salvadorean/Mexican style, probably the best margaritas and best staff in town. Go for the food - especially the plantains, the el tipico and the burritos - and the serice and be sure to be nice to the staff, they'll be nice right back. Las Plas (as known to it's regulars) is located at 517 8th Street SE.

Market Lunch - On the weekends there is a gem located in Eastern Market that creates lines that go around the block. Market Lunch is a stand inside the market that sells burgers, crab cakes, among other snack bar-esque food. On Saturdays they serve up the best brunch in Southeast until 11am including some of the fluffiest blueberry pancakes. Two rules: Get there early and bring cash. Don't be intimidated by the long line, it moves quickly and is well worth the wait.

Image via www.Weatherbrook.com, Eastern Market, DC

Hunan Dynasty - For some congressionally approved Chinese/Japanese food, head to this upstairs joint at 215 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. When Congress is in session, you're likely to run into a member or two grabbing a quick dinner or lunch between votes, no lie, there are photos all over the wall in the entry way to prove it - pictures of Hillary Clinton, former speaker Dennis Hastert, current Speaker Nancy Pelosi and many many more adorn the wall with their photos taken with staff at this affordable restaurant. I've long loved their steamed dumplings as well as their sushi. The lunch specials top off at a nice $6.95-$8.95 and vary daily. The best part? They deliver.

There are so many great places to eat on the hill, I couldn't possibly list them all so I'll stick with my favorites.

The Hill (as known to locals) is a fabulous place to live with access to the metro, great food, Eastern Market (the oldest market in America), great activities like Oktoberfest on 8th Street, and is within walking distance to the National's ball park located near the Navy Yard Metro. I loved living here. I loved every moment of it - from being able to walk to the Capitol in fifteen minutes, the parks around to take my dog to, the restaurants, bars, and the ability to be downtown in ten minutes.