DC recommendations

[Regan MacNeil]

My wife, 10-year-old son and I are going to DC for Spring Break. Our hotel is just north of the National Mall. We pretty much have the activities nailed down (including my second Nats game; first was courtesy of some great tickets from Moddy). Looking for some good food recommendations. Money's not really an object, tho we'd prefer to avoid anything north of $200 for a meal.

 

[Moderator1]

I haven't been to Nats Park in years, need to get back this season. It is my understanding some good new restaurants have finally opened up around the stadiums but I haven't experienced that first hand. Yet. A friend of my son is the Redskins' chef, used to work at some DC restaurants. I'll try to get some suggestions from him - any particular kind of food you'd like?

 

[Regan MacNeil]

Not Indian. That's about it. Open to all other possibilities (my wife won't eat seafood, so a good seafood restaurant must also serve non-seafood).

 

[Moderator1]

He used to work at a very good steakhouse near McPherson Square but damn if I can think of the name of it. Expensive but not outrageous.

 

[Monday Morning Sportswriter]

Jose Andres’ Jaleo is a lot of fun. Small plates so lots of choices.

Near the Library of Congress, Good Stuff Eatery is great for fast-casual burgers and fries. Better than any Five Guys or similar I’ve ever tried.

Not food but if you’re looking for a museum that’s open after sunset, the National Portrait Gallery and Museum of American Art by the arena is about the only one.

 

[Webster]

Didn’t do any fine dining because we’ve always gone with the kids. We liked Farmers and Distillers a lot, which was a 15 minute walk from the Mall. Also, strongly recommend Pitango Gelato, which was amazing.

 

[Severian]

Food:
Farmers and Distillers
Capital Burger
Unconventional Diner
Pho 75, near Union Station
Ted's Bulletin

Fun:
Mansion on O St.
A walk near the Tidal Basin
Eastern Market, especially Captial Hill Bookstore

Avoid:
Anything Chinatown. It's overpriced and overrated. There is better Asian cuisine away from downtown, mainly in Virginia.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Does the Top Chef guy still have the pizza joint across from the Capital? It was good last time I was there.

 

[Monday Morning Sportswriter]

Does the Top Chef guy still have the pizza joint across from the Capital? It was good last time I was there.

Spike Mendelsohn. We, The Pizza. Yes, he does. Also owns the burger place I mentioned.

 

[Slacker]

Swing by the Comet Ping Pong pizzeria and
say hi to Old Tony on the protest line out front.

 

[qtlaw]

Tasty Diner in Bethesda; total old school greaser, so tasty.

 

[Vombatus]

Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown

Ben’s Chili Bowl

 

[Scout]

If they have them where you are from or if you are not an Obama fan, then ignore, but going to a Five Guys Obama visited while in office would be pretty cool.

 

[Scout]

Oh, National Zoo is always a good idea.

 

[Severian]

Ben’s Chili Bowl

Avoid.

 

[Cosmo]

If you like swine, check out The Pig in Logan Circle. Excellent whisky selection as well.

 

[Vombatus]

Avoid.

I know. Just really wanted a post digestive tract report on whether they survived it or lit up the hotel room.

 

[cyclingwriter2]

Oh, National Zoo is always a good idea.

Will second the National Zoo.

 

[Monday Morning Sportswriter]

There used to be free morning sports, news and culture entertainment at a for-profit restaurant at the corner of Jenifer and Wisconsin in Friendship Heights, but sadly, it is no more. #eatitcilizza

 

[swingline]

Too bad you don't want colonial Indian food because The Bombay Club is outstanding.