Ranking the Metro

The D.C. Metro is one of the most under appreciated features of the nation's best city. Washington boasts one of the best train system in the United States. It's cleaner than NYC's more useful than Chicago, and more existent than L.A.'s I give you here, the top stations on the Metro.

6. Smithsonian- I'm going to start out with a fairly obvious choice. It may be touristy, but the Smithsonian stop is arguably the most historical public transportation stop in America. The escalator leads you smack dab in the middle of the United States Capital and the Washington Monument. Of course it can also take you to all of the Smithsonian Museums and the best giant Egg Rolls outside of Hong Kong.



5. New Carrollton- The New Carrollton Metro stop itself may not be worthy of a top five spot on this list, but when you think about the ride to New Carrolton, it would be an absolute travesty not to include it. Most of the Metro's tracks are underground, or they are outdoors but out in the boonies. The track from Stadium Armory to New Carrollton sets new limits. You get a great view outside your train window, and a lot of it is within the limits of the Diamond of Crimes. But wait! There's more! Of course, watching the trains turn around at the station is always a blast.

4. Farragut North- In a recent survey, Americans said that the rivalry between the Yankees and the Red Sox was the greatest in America. The survey was dead wrong. The greatest rivalry in America is between Farragut North and Farragut West. In my mind, this rivalry is much closer to Yankees/Orioles than Yankees/Red Sox. It is so one sided that only one side even considers it a rivalry. Farragut North drops you off right in front of the Historic Mayflower hotel (Eliot Spitzer used to thoroughly enjoy himself there) and the studios of PTI and Around the Horn. Although Farragut West is near some big time office buildings, the best destination near the station is the ADC Map store. Farragut North drops you off in the heart of downtown and one of the delicious Fojol Bros trucks is usually nearby.

3. Bethesda- If anyone wants to experience the white-collar, political part of D.C. they don't have to look any further than the Bethesda Metro stop. Public transportation is not often associated with the Nation's "top one percent" but the Bethesda station defies that assumption. When you walk up the escalator the first thing you see is a Morton's Steakhouse where a dinner for two with no drinks can easily break 100 dollars. The other staples of the Bethesda Metro are the Daily Grill and a Hyatt. Of course this is also the stop you would have taken to get to our own Henno's birthday party.

2. Woodley Park/Cleveland Park- I will admit that this selection is slightly based on personal biases, my school for thirteen years and my house were located at these two stops. That being said, these two stops are well deserving and are too great and too close together to distinguish one from the other. These stops will take you to the best parts of DC that tourists don't know to go see. It takes you to the best combination restaurant, shopping, and residential areas in D.C. It will take you to not only the best pizza place in Washington, but also the best pizza place in the world, Vace. You will also exit next to Byblos Deli, a classic Cleveland Park destination run by the best deli owner imaginable, Marc Adas. Both these stations are close to late night fun as well, whether you want to hit the bar scene in Adam's Morgan, or catch a game at the sports pubs in Cleveland Park, these stops have you covered.

1. Gallery Place/Chinatown- Other than the number one station, this list was incredibly hard to narrow down. But Gallery Place/Chinatown is no doubt the best station in the DMV. It services the Verizon Center, which automatically puts it in consideration for the top spot. Emerging from the station brings back memories of so many playoff disappointments. With all the recent developments in the surrounding area though, there is always an unmistakable buzz near the station. It is also only a five minute walk from Metro Center, so it can get you to all five of the metros lines. The amazing Chinese food that would be the best aspect of many stops, is an afterthought here. So whether you are going to a Caps playoff game, or just going to Hooters for the view, there is no better place to be than Gallery Place/Chinatown.