A city buzzing with bigwigs, the nation's capital is a C-SPAN junkie's Hollywood.

Catch lawmakers unwinding after work at the Capital Grille (601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; +1 202 737 6200), renowned for its dry-aged steak, advises Betsy Rothstein, an editor at The Hill.

Or try the roasted oysters in curried chardonnay sauce at Monocle (107 D St. NE; +1 202 546 4488), frequented by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Supreme Court justices. At Charlie Palmer Steak (101 Constitution Ave. NW; +1 202 547 8100), enjoy a 42-oz. porterhouse (for two) and keep an eye peeled for your congressional representative.

The chic Bistro Bis (15 E St. NW; +1 202 661 2700), "is close enough to the Capitol that everyone goes there," Rothstein says, including Chris Matthews and Gwen Ifill.

Watch for Denzel Washington, Bono, or Chris Rock at Ben's Chili Bowl (1213 U St. NW; +1 202 667 0909), says Nizam Ali, one of its owners. The chili half-smoke is named in honor of Bill Cosby, a longtime fan.

Hill staffers and lobbyists party at the hip Capitol Lounge (231 Pennsylvania Ave. SE; +1 202 547 2098). Michelle Obama, diplomats, and Hollywood celebrities from Tom Cruise to Angelina Jolie have all dined on Italian fare at Café Milano (3251 Prospect St. NW; +1 202 333 6183).