DC Metro Area Restaurant Suggestions

[NewJersey]

****Keeping the thread going to include all restaurant suggestions since there are a lot of great places to eat in the area!****



Can anyone recommend a good steakhouse in Northern VA (or DC as a second request)? I was thinking of Flemington's in Tysons Corner but I'm trying to get something that is local instead of a chain.

I thought I passed one the other night in McLean when I was driving towards the GW Parkway to get into DC but it was dark out and I couldn't make out the sign.

Thanks!

ETA: Trying to stay within Fairfax/Loudon/Arlington counties in VA.

 

[Princess_Michelle]

Sorry....Can't help ya'....Now if you were willing to venture over to my side of the beltway in MD, THEN I could help ya'. (Jordan's in Ellicot City is FRIGGIN' AWESOME and I hear Lewne's in Annapolis is GREAT, it made Washingtonian's Top 100 DC Restaurants this year. )

On a side note: You can't really go wrong with a Ruth's Chris...there are a couple in DC, I'm positive they have them somewhere around Fairfax area...and you can check out Washingtonian's Top 100 DC Restaurants online, just google it. They included some VA restaurants in there....

 

[Christine]

I don't know of any awesome "local" steakhouses. You are probably figuring out that D.C. is great for "hometown favorites." The go-to steakhouses are Morton's (in Tysons), Ruth's Chris (DC, Crystal City), and The Prime Rib in DC.

 

[NewJersey]

I'd definitely venture into MD since I live pretty close to the Potomac but I just googled Ellicot City and it's all the way up near Baltimore, which is about 45-55 minutes from me aka 2 hours in beltway traffic.

I was thinking of Ruth's Chris since there is one near me in Fairfax County but was hoping for a local establishment; I'll google that list now.

Thanks for the ideas.

 

[singingpixie]

I believe there's a Ruth's Chris in Fairfax... Fairfax Towne Center, I think. But that's the side of Fairfax closer to me, probably a good 1/2 hr or so from you. It's hard to find non-chain places around here, except for Asian and South Asian places.

 

[NewJersey]

I don't know of any awesome "local" steakhouses. You are probably figuring out that D.C. is great for "hometown favorites." The go-to steakhouses are Morton's (in Tysons), Ruth's Chris (DC, Crystal City), and The Prime Rib in DC.

Yeah I asked around at work and I got Ruth's Chris time and time again, along with Fleming's in Tysons. I'm leaning towards Morton's since I've never been to one before, and I'm discovering there aren't many local places here!

 

[Princess_Michelle]

I totally understand If you are ever up that way though, Jordan's is great It's right on the main street of historic Ellicot City, in a very old building. Dim lit, very romantic, we went there for our 4 year anniversary. I believe they have live Jazz on the weekends.

If you could make it to Annapolis, (I find 50 isn't as bad as others) you should really try Lewne's or the Chart House, sorry, I'm getting carried away Let us know what you decide, I LOVE exploring restaurnats in the area.

 

[DizkneeDenna]

Don't know if Rosslyn is within the travel limits.....but.....Ray's the Steaks is really fantastic. It is a local place - not much ambiance - think artistic/funky/upscale diner? But really, you're just going for the MEAT!

Here's the info:

Ray's the Steaks
1725 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 841-7297

Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 6PM to 10 PM

Dress Code: Casual
Parking: There is a parking lot but it can get crowded.
Smoking: Not Allowed.
Closest Metro: Rosslyn or Courthouse
Reservations: Not taken. First come, first serve.
Baby-Friendly Rating: 4 out of 4 diapers. Laid back and casual environment. There are less tables now, and there is plenty of room for that child seat.


Let us know if you go!

Denna

 

[agnes!]

There is also a Chart House in Old Town Alexandria.

I've been to the Ruth's Chris' Steak in Crystal City and wasn't impressed.

OP - Maybe the place you saw is J. Gilbert's. My nephew used to love their steaks. It's on 123, at the corner of that & Old Dominion Drive in McLean. I've never eaten there, but as I say, my sister's family liked it.

You could always try out The Palm.

agnes!
PS - This is off-topic, but why is it that cats always seem to choose to THROW UP on important (as in VERY hard to replace!!!!) documents...ARRRRRRRRRRgghhhh. Thus endeth my RANT for the day.

 

[sk8belle]

I was about to recommend Ray's the Steaks as well. It is outstanding. The chef opened a second restaurant called Ray's the Classics in Bethesda which was reviewed in this past Sunday's Washington Post.

 

[hellokitty86]

Bobby Van's in DC- there are 2 locations. Delicious steaks!

http://bobbyvans.com/index2.php

 

[merekc]

Well, I was going to recommend Sam & Harry's as a good independent but I googled it and found out there are two locations. So it is a chain.

We went there on a business trip once because as we traveled the country we were working our way through a Top 10 steakhouse list. My memories were that it was good, DC folks may be able to confirm.

 

[Poohnatic]

Flemings. Awesome. A former boss left the chain restaurant we worked in together to manage there. We went to visit him a few months after he started there. What a tender steak and the service was great.

I've got two places up in Frederick, one more casual and one white tablecloth. Barley and Hops or the Brown Pelican. I miss both places!

Suzanne

 

[LadyyRedd]

Flemings. Awesome. A former boss left the chain restaurant we worked in together to manage there. We went to visit him a few months after he started there. What a tender steak and the service was great.

I've got two places up in Frederick, one more casual and one white tablecloth. Barley and Hops or the Brown Pelican. I miss both places!

Suzanne

Dutch's Daughter up here in Frederick is also AWESOME!!! YUMMMM

http://www.dutchsdaughter.com/main3.html

But I also agree with Barley & Hops and the Brown Pelican. Let me know if you're ever coming up to B&H, there are coupons in the local mailers.

Kimya

 

[TiggerPiglet]

Well, I was going to recommend Sam & Harry's as a good independent but I googled it and found out there are two locations. So it is a chain.

We went there on a business trip once because as we traveled the country we were working our way through a Top 10 steakhouse list. My memories were that it was good, DC folks may be able to confirm.

We ate there and thought it was really good

 

[kaseyC]

Dutch's Daughter up here in Frederick is also AWESOME!!! YUMMMM

http://www.dutchsdaughter.com/main3.html

But I also agree with Barley & Hops and the Brown Pelican. Let me know if you're ever coming up to B&H, there are coupons in the local mailers.

Kimya

Oh My!! You're making me homesick. I miss Dutch's Daughter. The crab cakes are fabulous. I also get cravings for a yummy burrito salad from La Paz.

 

[dizchick]

Rays the Steaks in Arlington is delicious. You could also do Morton's in Georgetown, Capitol Grille in DC or Tysons, or Smith & Wollensky's in DC. I think Rays the Steaks would be the best if you want a local restaurant. It's very small inside and I don't remember if they take reservations.

 

[LadyyRedd]

Oh My!! You're making me homesick. I miss Dutch's Daughter. The crab cakes are fabulous. I also get cravings for a yummy burrito salad from La Paz.

A good friend of mine...his brother-in-law's wife's family owns La Paz. They have a fancy schmancy new location along Carroll Creek now, nice place.

Kimya

 

[JunieJay]

Ya gotta come into the city and go to either Mortons, Ruth Chris or The Prime Rib.

I rarely venture out to Tysons Corner or Reston. can't help you there

 

[JunieJay]

A good friend of mine...his brother-in-law's wife's family owns La Paz. They have a fancy schmancy new location along Carroll Creek now, nice place.

Kimya

Wow...haven't thought about La Paz in years and years. I used to go up there with a friend of mine who happened to be Mexican. He knew good Mexican food and that was the place he went to get it. Did they open a new restaurant in addition to the one in Frederick, or to replace it?