Recommend a really good, reasonable restaurant in D.C.?

January 23, 2006 5:07 PM

Please recommend a Washington D.C. restaurant for a couple of adventurous foodies on a budget, but who want to have "that one really good meal of the trip."

Lack of attitude, especially with regard to serving a gay couple, is important. Our ceiling is about $150 U.S., but less is cooler.

posted by iconoclastic flow to Food & Drink (41 answers total)

Warning: Nasty flash intros with sound on the restaurants' websites:
Ten Penh is simultaneously swanky and funky.
Marrakesh for the truly adventurous and surreal DC insider dining experience. The bonus of Marrakesh is that it's been frequented by every political heavy hitter of both parties forever. Seriously a weird and wonderful place.
1789 is classic old school D.C. dining, in Georgetown.
And the best restaurant in D.C., hands down, is the Inn at Little Washington.
posted by JekPorkins at 5:26 PM on January 23, 2006

Well, D.C. is known for its Ethiopian food. Try Zed's or Fasikas.
posted by Ironmouth at 5:27 PM on January 23, 2006

Second the Inn at Little Washington. However, you might have to skip alchohol to stay within your budjet. It's on my top 5 meal list.
posted by Sagres at 5:37 PM on January 23, 2006

I suggest hightailing it over to chowhound and egullet. They'll do a much better job with this question.

FWIW, I think the Inn at Little Washington is overrated, and quite expensive.
posted by deadfather at 5:38 PM on January 23, 2006

oops, I forgot that Fasikas was in a fire. Try Dukem or Meskerem. There are dozens here, however, so you can try a lot of different places. To be honest, I would have a hard time finding a place that would have attitude towards a gay couple specifically.
posted by Ironmouth at 5:38 PM on January 23, 2006

Lack of attitude, especially with regard to serving a gay couple

I'd also like to add that this should be a complete non-issue at pretty much any foodie-type place in DC.
posted by deadfather at 5:40 PM on January 23, 2006

Haven't been for a while, but The Lebanese Taverna was wonderful for years and years and years.
posted by JanetLand at 5:40 PM on January 23, 2006

And while you're here, since I shot two folks down, I'll offer my recommendation:

Corduroy. Outstanding food and an excellent wine list at reasonable-for-DC prices.

Also, check out this DC food blog for long, detailed restaurant reports.
posted by deadfather at 5:44 PM on January 23, 2006

The Inn at Little Washington is, in fairness, extraordinarily expensive. But no discussion of DC dining should be without at least some mention of it.

If it were me, I'd go to Ten Penh.

It's too bad Archives and Signatures are now closed. The food was good, and their fresh scandal was as juicy as it gets.

Actually, the Signatures website is still up, so maybe they're not closed after all. Eat there and be part of an unfolding scandal that will change the face of DC politics forever. (It's one of Jack Abramoff's restaurants, if memory serves)
posted by JekPorkins at 5:45 PM on January 23, 2006

My favorite DC restaurant is Citronelle. It is expensive, so dinner for two can run a bit over $150. Jackets are required. If you go there, you have to order the "breakfast" for dessert. Zagat gives it a 28 for food, 25 for decor, and 26 for service. It's in Georgetown.

Equinox is located downtown. They have well designed tasting menus. The chef-owner does a great job of making you feel at home. Zagat gives it 25 food, 19 decor, 23 service.

Some cheaper options are the restaurants run by José Andrés, Jaleo (tapas), and Zaytinya (middle eastern mezza) are my favorites. At both places, you'll find lots of tasty small dishes. They are near Gallery Place.

None of the places will give you any attitude. You'd have to try pretty hard to find a place in DC that had a problem with gay couples.
posted by i love cheese at 5:47 PM on January 23, 2006

I quite like Obelisk, it's been good whenever I've been there, although the last time was a couple of years ago (since I moved).
posted by OmieWise at 5:48 PM on January 23, 2006

Georgia Brown's is famous for their brunch, but it's only served on Sundays.
posted by amarynth at 6:42 PM on January 23, 2006

I am not a foodie. I like food, but I don't know fancy.

Haven't been for a while, but The Lebanese Taverna was wonderful for years and years and years.

The one in Silver Spring is like a food court.

Georgia Brown's is great. Real good southern. You need to reserve the Sunday brunch weeks ahead of time, iirc. It's probably easier to get in for dinner.
posted by callmejay at 6:53 PM on January 23, 2006

Just to make sure you know, The Inn At Little Washington is NOT like, at all, in Washington, DC. It's in Washington, Virginia and is an hour and half to two hours west of DC.

Unless there's some secret other Inn At Little Washington I don't know about, different from the Inn At Little Washington linked to from above. But, I've heard it's quite nice. Just quite a drive from DC.
posted by skynxnex at 7:01 PM on January 23, 2006

I had a worm in my salad at Inn at Little Washington.
posted by Xurando at 7:02 PM on January 23, 2006

The Lebanse Taverna on Connecticut Ave. is incredible still.
posted by Ironmouth at 7:28 PM on January 23, 2006

**Totally off topic** As I was scanning the responses, this comment jumped way out at me:

"You'd have to try pretty hard to find a place in DC that had a problem with gay couples."

I'm sure this is true, but being from the provinces, I find it totally weird that such a thing can be so given the political climate that DC has been issuing to the rest of us for that past several years.
posted by hwestiii at 7:33 PM on January 23, 2006

Go to the drag brunch at Perry's in Adams Morgan.

Also, Bombay Club is good upscale Indian.

And for pol watching, the Palm (funner) or the Monocle (more Senators) for lunch.
posted by CunningLinguist at 7:35 PM on January 23, 2006

I find it totally weird that such a thing can be so given the political climate that DC has been issuing to the rest of us for that past several years.

All those guys making the laws you're talking about? They're from the provinces too.

posted by CunningLinguist at 7:37 PM on January 23, 2006

If you are really on a budget, grab some falafel and fries at Amsterdam Cafe on 18th St. It is a great alternative to big slice/grease pizzas. Some Belgian friends introduced it to me and claim that they serve the most authentic Belgian fries they've had in the states. In the last few months, the quality seemed to be declining, although last week they were great.

I had a worm in my salad at Inn at Little Washington.

Perfect for adventurous foodies on a limited budget.

I also third the Taverna on Connecticut.
posted by Falconetti at 7:37 PM on January 23, 2006

Zaytinya's great, and so is Lebanese Taverna, with Zaytinya getting the edge on presentation. Marrakesh is an experience, but I enjoyed it less than other places mentioned.

Hmm, onlyconnect, what was that tiny Italian place we went to?

And, truly, I'd be shocked to hear of any DC restaurant failing to welcome any couple, period.
posted by NortonDC at 7:38 PM on January 23, 2006

Malaysia Kopitiam. (And I second Jaleo's.)
posted by Wet Spot at 7:41 PM on January 23, 2006

My vote is for Lebanese Taverna. Been to Inn at Little Washington and spent north of $300 for a dinner for two. Not cheap. And unless you are a French food fanatic, not worth it.
posted by queue_strategy at 7:55 PM on January 23, 2006

I second NortonDC's recommendations of Zaytinya and Lebanese Taverna (and it's nice that we both like it since we go there together!). The look of Zaytinya is just really beautiful, and make sure you go to the bathrooms there if you go! We also went to Al Tiramisu downtown on P street for a special occasion once -- and as the review notes, asked for Table #15 -- and the food and wine were really good, our server was very attentive and fun, and the lighting was appropriately dim and romantic.
posted by onlyconnect at 7:56 PM on January 23, 2006

My family had a great time at Le Gaulois and at a Georgetown Ethiop palais which might oughta been Zed's, referenced above. Neither was super budgety but both ought to meet 150-for-two. I had especial fun talking zee franch with the Algerian and Morrocan staff at Le Gaulois.
posted by mwhybark at 9:43 PM on January 23, 2006

Fourthing or fifthing Zaytinya; it's the only restaurant I actually miss now that I've left Washington -- both food and atmosphere/decor were wonderful. Plus, it's mezze/tapas, so you can try lots of different stuff.

And I'll stop with all the slashes now.

(And just so you know, Dupont Circle is the gay neighborhood, so if you're looking for other no-brainer gay-friendly options, that would be a good place to start.)
posted by occhiblu at 10:23 PM on January 23, 2006

there's a wonderful ethiopian restaurant somewhere in DC. i don't know any more information. it's really different, really fun, fairly cheap, and a great experience. i went there a few months ago when I was in the US. can't tell you the name or location, sorry. someone else might be able to help though?
posted by twirlypen at 1:21 AM on January 24, 2006

Meskerem is my favorite Ethiopian place. If you haven't had Ethiopian, and you're a little adventurous, it's a good bet. You'll get out of there for way less than $150.

Jaleo is my favorite restaurant in DC, bar none. Lots of fabulous little dishes. Order 4 per person. Have the sangria, and finish with the sherry sampler. Truly wonderful.

I prefer Lebanese Taverna (the one on Connecticut, or the one in Silver Spring) to Zaytinya, actually. Good, solid Lebanese food.

If you can spend (rather) a bit more, and want something truly special and adventurous, you can't do better than the Minibar at Cafe Atlantico. Two wonderful folks who happen to have commented in this thread gave me and MrsMoonPie a trip there for a wedding present, so I'm actually not exactly sure what it cost, but I think, with wine, tax, and tip, it's more like $150 a person. You will never have a meal anything like it. Make reservations NOW, though.

Quick shots--I'v heard good things about Corduroy, though I've never been. I've not had, nor do I know anyone who's had, a good meal at TenPenh. Inn at Little Washington is, again, $150 a person, and a long way from DC, but, from what I understand, worth the trip. Malaysia Kopitiam and Full Kee are great, funky (somewhat dive-y), places WAY within your budget--go there, and to Meskerem, skip drinks, and you can get out for $150, total, for all three combined, I bet. All the cool people I know have been to marrakesh, and love it, though I've not yet made it.

No one will even notice the fact that you're gay in any of these places.

Lemme know if you have questions--I love talking about this stuff.
posted by MrMoonPie at 3:23 AM on January 24, 2006

I prefer Lebanese Taverna (the one on Connecticut, or the one in Silver Spring)

Uhhh, it's early. I meant to say the one on Connecticut, or the one in Falls Church. Dunno how Silver Spring snuck in there.

There's also a Jaleo in Crystal City. Though the one in DC is better, I think, the Crystal City location is easier to get into, and, I think, the portions are bigger.
posted by MrMoonPie at 3:31 AM on January 24, 2006

Since it's my most recent hoity-toity experience, I have to recommend Mie N Yu in Georgetown. The overall concept is Silk Road, with themed rooms running from Morocco to Hong Kong (plus one table/room shaped like a birdcage), a wandering bellydancer, and the food was fantastic.

And if you need something cheap and garish with silly mixed drinks, I heartily recommend Thai Tanic on 14th St NW (by Logan Circle, Dupont's less-pretentious sister).
posted by kittyprecious at 5:54 AM on January 24, 2006

I also second what other's said about DC's gay-friendliness. Remember, if a dozen congressman lose their seats and leave DC, it can make a huge difference in the gay-friendliness of the nation's politics, but those 12 guys and their staffs are just a drop in the bucket in a metropolitan area with a population of nearly 5 million. The lawyers, lobbyists, and so forth who make up DC's permanent political class no doubt have their own biases, but even the most conservative ones would be discrete enough to keep them to themselves. (I should note that, while I grew up in DC, I am not gay, so if there were subtle biases going on I might not pick up on them. But DC's economic infrastructure is meant to serve a clientele that, on average over the years, is going to be 50% liberal and 50% conservative, and it seems to me that neutrality is the best economic strategy for a restaurant owner catering to DC's political class.)

However, keep in mind that DC is not just lawyers and lobbyists. There is a second, much poorer Washington, which historically has had fewer opportunities for good education, travel, and other broadening activities, and attitudes might be different there. I wouldn't necessarily hold your boyfriend's hand if you find yourself in the middle of a bad neighborhood (of which, it should be said, DC has far fewer than it used to.)

Also, I second what other folks said about Jaleo. It serves the best tapas I've had outside of Spain (and better than some I've had in Spain) and the prices are very reasonable given the quality. Be prepared to queue for a table if you show up on a busy night, though; it's deservedly popular. It has a very energetic and casual vibe, and you won't come even close to your $150 ceiling there, though, so it might be more of a fun meal along the way than The Single Big Splurge Of Your Entire Trip.

For other suggestions, check out Washingtonian magazine's 100 Best Restaurants and 100 Best Cheap Eats. I've always found Washingtonian's restaurant reviews to be reliable and informative. (Disclaimer: I used to work for Washingtonian about 10 years ago, and still have some friends there, so I'm potentially biased.)
posted by yankeefog at 5:59 AM on January 24, 2006

Lebanese Taverna on Connecticut (Woodley Park) - yes.

Mama Ayesha's around the corner toward Adams Morgan - yes.

Oyamel is next to the Jaleo in Crystal City - also yes. It's also worth noting that Jaleo, Zatiniya, Oyamel, and Cafe Atlantico (I think) are all the brain-children of Jose Andres. Small plates, different cultures. I wish he'd do Indian, because Indique just doesn't do it for me.

Rosa Mexicano near the MCI-soon-to-be-Verizon center - fun fun fun.

Chinatown Express for the hand-made noodles - oh my, yes. The lo mein is the best post-drinking food ever.

The real shame is that there isn't really any decent Korean food in the District proper. But Woomi Garden in Wheaton? Yum.
posted by ersatzkat at 6:58 AM on January 24, 2006

I'll second yankeefrog's Washingtonian recommendations--they're pretty much the standard DC food references.
posted by MrMoonPie at 7:01 AM on January 24, 2006

Yechon in Annadale, about a 30-minute drive from downtown DC, is another great Korean option. Bonus--it's open 24 hours.
posted by MrMoonPie at 7:04 AM on January 24, 2006

I love Ray's The Steaks. You have to call well in advance (i.e 2+ weeks, and only between 2-4pm) to get a reservation, but if ou like steak, and like it affordable, this is the place to go.
posted by pithy comment at 8:30 AM on January 24, 2006

Pho 75. The food is as delicious (and cheap!) as the unintentional pun that is the title.
posted by dgaicun at 8:42 AM on January 24, 2006

See also: Pho 79
posted by dgaicun at 8:44 AM on January 24, 2006

You could buy Pho for everyone in the shop and spend less than $150, I bet. If you do venture out to Pho 75 (oh, 20 minutes from DC), go to the sandwich shop next door for grilled pork bahn mi. Best $2.50 you'll ever spend. We may be getting a bit off topic, though.
posted by MrMoonPie at 9:05 AM on January 24, 2006

I will second pithy comment's suggestion of Rays the Steaks (coincidently next to Pho 75, both in this thread, and in Rosslyn).

Rays the Steaks is one of my favorite restaurants in DC--the service alone is worth the trip out to NoVa. The crab bisque is excellent, too.
posted by soda pop at 9:53 AM on January 24, 2006

I'm surprised no one's mentioned any of the restaurants in Logan Circle, also a pretty gay neighborhood. My personal favorite is Logan Tavern. It's not super fancy, more of a nice, cozy neighborhood place where the servers are super friendly and the food is delicious.

Rasika [can't find the website, here's the DC Foodies link] just opened and is some of the best indian food in town (trust me, I'm super picky about indian food). It is in the neighborhood now called Penn Quarter, I think. 6th & Dish.

Poste Brasserie, in the Hotel Monaco, right near the MCI Center, is also one of my favorite restaurants. If you can, go for brunch, but dinner there is excellent, too.
posted by echo0720 at 1:16 PM on January 24, 2006

Restaurant Nora - I've had some of the best food I've ever eaten there, although it's a bit pricey. In Dupont Circle.

Bistro Bis - I love this place; it's especially good for cocktails and appetizers. On Capitol Hill. If you have a full meal, skip dessert and order the cheese course. Good God, it is phenomenal.

Cashion's Eat Place - In Adams Morgan. French/American cuisine, very nice, great wine list.

I could go on - email me if you have any questions!
posted by GriffX at 3:08 PM on January 24, 2006