Washington, DC restaurants

[AndreaU]

I'm seeking some recent info on DC area restaurants. I haven't been there for over 20 years, so my knowledge is pretty much non-existent.

A group of us from our school district- about 20 of us in all- are going to DC as part of a social studies grant and our hotel, transportation and food (to a point) is being covered. For the most part, we're on our own for meals though there are a few planned as a group (lunch at Mount Vernon and a group dinner out one night). We get reimbursed for $60/day... $10 for breakfast, $15 for lunch and $35 for dinner. I'm hoping to keep it to that and not go too much over, but it's also DC and I know it's not always cheap to eat there.

We're staying at the Key Bridge Marriott, so we're not actually IN DC but it's close to Georgetown and the Rosslyn Metro station is about a 1/4 mile. I'm not looking for places to necessarily accommodate our whole group. There are about 5 or 6 of us who are pretty close (2 of whom I'll be rooming with), so I'm just seeking some cool places to eat in and around DC. It doesn't have to be cheap-cheap, but I'm not looking for gourmet either. Funky, unique and ethnic suggestions are more than welcome!!

Thanks all!

[AndreaU]

Just bumping... bad timing on my post being the start of the weekend and all!

[EmptyNestMom]

Hi, What a great place to visit. When I was there a couple of years ago this thread was going. It is quite extensive so I thought I would tell you about it.

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=70914&highlight=Washington

Have a wonderful trip!
Pam

[HealthyinMN]

I don't have much to suggest, but Jeff and I ate at 2 Amys Pizza and it was a fantastic pizza place!

[Robyn1007]

Pizza Paradiso in Dupont is fantastic.
Old Ebbitt Grill near the White House is an institution and every meal I've had there, including breakfast, was yummy.
Adams Morgan is well known for ethnic restaurants but I've never been down there.

[susan_foster]

The Lebanese Taverna is good - I've been there a couple times. http://www.lebanesetaverna.com/restaurants/dc/

Susan

[Babs73]

When are you coming down? DC Restaurant Week is August 6-12! Dinner & Lunch specials on 3 course fixed priced meals at loads of great restaurants. Here's more info from Opentable.com (which you can use to make reservations): http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=9&ref=299&pid=68

[AndreaU]

The Lebanese Taverna is good - I've been there a couple times. http://www.lebanesetaverna.com/restaurants/dc/

This one sounds fantastic! I think I'll have to get there.

When are you coming down? DC Restaurant Week is August 6-12! Dinner & Lunch specials on 3 course fixed priced meals at loads of great restaurants. Here's more info from Opentable.com (which you can use to make reservations): http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=9&ref=299&pid=68

How timely! This is the exact week I'll be there. Awesome... off to check the website. ;)

[SusanPC]

Pizza Paradiso in Dupont is fantastic.


There is actually one in Georgetown now as well. So, that would be closer than DuPont.

For ethnic/funky, you could try Mie N Yu in Georgetown (http://www.mienyu.com/) which is always fun--but you need a reservation.

Also, in Adams Morgan I love the "Grille from Ipanema."

Near Rosslyn is also a Cafe Asia that is good (Sushi, and lots of different Asian fare. Good happy hour scene). http://www.cafeasia.com/

There is a wine bar in my neighborhood (2 metro stops from Rosslyn or a decent walk--probably too hot in August!) called Tallula. Both the bar area and the main dining room have good food/wine/drinks.

http://tallularestaurant.com/

Also, in Old Town Alexandria, I'd suggest Bilbo Baggins.

http://www.bilbobaggins.net/Dinner.html


Also, there are several Lebanese Tavernas in DC area. The biggest is probably in the Tyson's II Mall. I think the original was on Conn. Ave. I'd skip the one on Washington Blvd. in Arlington. (Just my $0.02).

This also reminded me of Neyla for Lebanese food which is great and is in Georgetown.

http://www.neyla.com/

Also, for awesome Thai in Georgetown is Bangkok Bistro.



I suggest also checking out www.opentable.com for the area. Hope this helps.

[Ytram79]

Here's my Northern Virginia list:

Mediterranean Bakery and Cafe, 352 S Pickett St, Alexandria, VA 22304
great deli/grocery/bakery. Probably my favorite place. (And they made our wedding cake).

Ravi Kabob, 305 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203
Authentic Pakistani. The honest to goodness real deal.

Pho 75, 1721 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22209
If you've never had pho before, start with the #10. This is just a few blocks away from your hotel.

India Curry House, 3181 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201.
Metro accessible via Clarendon. New place, just opened last summer.

El Pollo Rico, 932 N Kenmore St. Arlington, VA 22201.
Excellent latino chicken, also in Clarendon area.

Bangkok 54, 2919 Columbia Pike, Arlington VA 22204.
Very hip Thai in South Arlington. A few blocks away, there's an awesome Thai grocery store of the same name.

Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, 2055 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201.
I go here twice a week. The owners and most of staff are Morrocan; they're relaly fast, you're in and out in a few minutes, even if there's a line. (Just know what you want before you get into or they get annoyed.) This is also a few blocks from your hotel.

[MusicMom]

Your hotel has a nice restaurant on the top floor with great views of the city at night. I don't remember how expensive it is, but I'm sure you could go just for drinks or dessert.

[AndreaU]

(Just know what you want before you get into or they get annoyed.)

Bagel nazis!! ;)

Thanks everyone for some wonderful looking suggestions! I only wish I'll be there longer to enjoy them all. Now I just have to make sure there are some culinarily adventurous people in our group!