How Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. Spends an Off Day in Washington, D.C.

For a professional athlete, moving from one city to the next is just part of the job.

During his first year as a wide receiver for Washington, D.C.’s football team, the Commanders, seven-year veteran Deebo Samuel Sr. quickly acclimated to the city, discovering new favorite shops, things to do and even restaurants that remind him of his home state of South Carolina.

“The DMV [District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia] is new for me, but the energy here hits fast,” says the star athlete. “I’m still learning the city, but that’s the fun of it—getting to build a routine and new memories one day at a time.”

When he’s not running the field, Samuel Sr. enjoys feasting on spicy crab boils, catching a concert on historic U Street and private shopping appointments at a favorite luxury apparel shop. Below, he shares his favorite things to do on an Off Day to get to know Washington, D.C.

Where to Eat

When he’s spending an Off Day in Washington, D.C., Samuel Sr. heads straight to Honeymoon Chicken, whose hot honey fried chicken reminds him of home.

On an Off Day, you’ll find Samuel Sr. taking advantage of D.C.’s diverse food sceneOpens overlay. At the top of his must-try list are wings tossed in mambo sauce (D.C.’s staple condiment, made with ketchup, hot sauce, vinegar, sugar and pineapple juice), seafood feasts and warm bowls of chili, all enjoyed with his favorite southern comfort: a glass of lemonade.

Fraîche
Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C.

A perfect balance of “serious and chill,” according to Samuel Sr., this fusion spot is great for celebrating all kinds of occasions, including post-practice teammate dinners. His favorite menu items include the mambo sauce wings, jambalaya risotto with salmon, crab cakes with jalapeño-bacon-corn salad and a classic gumbo. “The whole vibe is perfect for talking ball, life and [making] plans over something that tastes intentional and local.”

Hot N Juicy CrawfishOpens overlay
Woodley Park, Washington, D.C.

“This is where you put your phone down and roll up your sleeves,” says Samuel Sr. The seafood boils, including shrimp and crawfish and corn, at this casual eatery can come tossed in a spicy Cajun sauce and are served family-style across an entire table. This makes it a top pick for an Off Day dinner with his teammates, “cracking shells and telling stories late into the night.”

Honeymoon Chicken
Petworth, Washington, D.C.

“I like Southern-style fried chicken, but if you’re in the DMV, Honeymoon Chicken is pretty close to home,” says Samuel Sr. He recommends ordering a fried chicken bucket, like the Honeymoon Chicken Bucket, served “honeymoon style” with hot honey sauce and four honey butter rolls.

Ben’s Chili BowlOpens overlay
H Street, Washington, D.C.

“Ben’s isn’t just food—it’s history,” says Samuel Sr., adding that the restaurant is one of the few places in the city that feels as D.C. as you can get. The restaurant menu includes chili-topped hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches and, of course, multiple chili varieties.

Jessie Taylor Seafood
The Wharf, Washington, D.C.

“Jessie Taylor Seafood is one of those classic DMV stops where the freshest seafood feels like it just came off the boat,” says Samuel Sr. “You pick from crab legs, shrimp, oysters, fresh fish and more, then have them steam it up for you on the spot. The breeze off the river makes it even better—even in winter, when you earn every bite—and the market atmosphere, with barges and vendors right on the pier, turns a simple seafood stop into an easy memory.”

What to Do

To avoid crowds, Samuel Sr. recommends doing your Washington, D.C. sightseeing from a private boat tour on the Potomac River.

On his Off Day, the last thing Samuel Sr. wants to think about is football, so he spends his time relaxing, shopping and getting to know D.C.

Catch a Show On Historic U Street
U Street Corridor, Washington, D.C.

“When you go into the city, U Street is a must. You’ve got historic venues like the Lincoln Theatre and the Howard Theatre, spots that helped shape what people call Black Broadway,” says Samuel Sr. of the iconic music strip. On a day off, he likes to walk around the neighborhood, grab a ticket to a show and enjoy a drink afterward.

Spa Day at The Pendry
The Wharf, Washington, D.C.

The Pendry is one of Samuel Sr.’s favorite stays in the city, and the spa—which he hasn’t had a chance to hit yet—is at the top of his must-do list. “From what I hear, it turns a random day off into recovery mode: spa treatment, strong shower, maybe a cocktail outside, and suddenly the whole week feels lighter,” he says. After indulging in some R&R, he also recommends exploring the surrounding Wharf’s lively restaurants and activities.

Private Boat Cruise On the Potomac
Launch from Georgetown or The Wharf

“I haven’t taken a boat out on the Potomac yet, but people keep telling me it’s one of those moves that changes how you see D.C.,” says Samuel Sr. “[You have] monuments framed by water, wind in your face, no crowds and nobody bumping into you with a camera.”

A Personal Shopping Appointment at A Ma Manière
H Street, Washington, D.C.

Samuel Sr. hasn’t actually visited A Ma Manière yet (he has a personal shopper who handles his in-store pickups), but his closets are filled with clothing from the upscale boutique. “The people who work there are like your own personal stylists,” he says. “Stop by, ask a few questions […] and they’ll take over and find the right pieces, check the fabrics, dial in the fit—you never have to dig through racks or guess what works. It’s premium without the hassle.”

Where to Stay

When he’s staying at the Pendry, Samuel Sr. starts his mornings at the hotel’s rooftop Moonraker restaurant.

When you’re a professional athlete, says Samuel Sr., “travel is part of the job.” He seeks out hotels that offer comfort, privacy and proximity to the best places to eat. Whether he’s looking for a staycation outside of the city to relax before a game or hosting his family when they’re in town, these are a few of his favorite stays in the DMV.

Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf
The Wharf, Washington, D.C.
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Overlooking Washington, D.C.’s Wharf area, you’ll find the Pendry Washington D.C. – The Wharf, a modern hotel with a full-service spa and an outdoor pool overlooking the Potomac River. Of the hotel’s two restaurants, Samuel Sr. insists on booking a reservation at the Japanese-influenced Moonraker restaurant. “What really seals it is the restaurant on the top floor,” says Samuel Sr. “Great food with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the river: It’s the kind of meal where you can sit back [and] take in the skyline.” Samuel Sr. also appreciates the hotel’s location, just steps from the marina and a short walk from the National Mall.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
McLean, Virginia
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“When I’m in the suburbs or want serious peace before a game, this is my go-to,” says Samuel Sr. “The rooms are spacious and set up for recovery, with big beds, quiet corners and the kind of service that handles the small stuff so you don’t have to think. When my family comes in for games, this is where I put them. It’s comfortable, private, and they get taken care of from the moment they walk in. They can shop, grab dinner, hit the spa or hang in a big room that doesn’t feel cramped. It’s quieter than downtown D.C. but still polished and connected.”

Riggs Washington DC
Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.
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You’ll find the Riggs, a Chase Travel favorite, near an assortment of museums, the White House and the city’s main sports arena. The building formerly served as the Riggs National Bank, handling the finances of 23 presidents; now, as a hotel, it features colorful rooms and suites filled with details that pay homage to its banking history. (Think: vintage telephones, bankers' lamps and minibars modeled after safety-deposit boxes.) In the basement, you’ll find Silver Lyan, touted as one of the city’s best bars, housed in what was once the bank’s vault.