Originally Posted by adam34space
Should I get off on the metro center station?
For the mall and museums, you will be coming in on the Orange Line so easiest thing to do will be to get off at Smithsonian.
If you are craving something to eat first, your best bet for restaurants will be the Penn Quarter area - then get off at Metro Center and walk 4-5 blocks or switch from Orange to Red at Metro Center and go 1 block to the Gallery Place / China Town stop.