Laura Carver

Review of Smithsonian National Portrait ...

Open 11:30 to 7:00. Was the best art Smithsonian I...

Open 11:30 to 7:00. Was the best art Smithsonian Institution I visited in DC. I spent over 6 hours here. Great portraits worth the walk from the National Mall. There is a Metro stop on G St. NW (Gallery Place Chinatown Station). This stop in on the backside of the building, to get to the entrance walk toward 7th St and take a right and go south on 7th St. At F St NW take a right and you will see the entrance. If you take a backpack be prepared to have it inspected. They will ask you to carry on you chest. There are great places to eat near by. They do have a cafe but I thought it was pricey. There are plenty of places to eat close by, Bibibop Asian Grill,
Daikaya (1F Ramen Shop, walk in only), Chipolte, McDonald's, Shake Shack, Dunkin and all these are $ or $$. I ate at Daikaya a "hip joint for Japanese noodle soups", and it is definitely worth a try if you like ramen. It is less crowded around 3 or 4.