What usually distinguishes an iconic D.C. spot from a classic spot?

Answer

Carrying a narrative (scandal, historic role, unique feature)

The delineation between a restaurant being merely 'classic'—consistently good for perhaps thirty years—and becoming truly 'iconic' hinges on narrative embedding. An iconic location typically possesses a story that transcends its menu, such as involvement in a political scandal, playing a historic role during movements like the Civil Rights movement, or featuring a unique architectural element that makes it immediately recognizable as belonging to D.C. While a classic spot is defined by consistent quality, the icon is defined by its cultural weight and recognizable story.

What usually distinguishes an iconic D.C. spot from a classic spot?
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