Places to eat at DCA

[Haymak]

I am going to a convention at DLH at the end of this month, one night a few of us (around 12) are going to DCA using twilight tickets. Where would be a good place to eat? My manager said she wants to do a kiosk for dinner, I'm not sure what she means by this, maybe she is getting confused with WDW?

I was thinking The Cove Bar because it also sells alcohol and that is a priority for our group that's why we chose DCA over DL.

I just had bad luck in finding good food places at DCA, I loved Flo's and the Mexican food place was ok. I am just not sure where to go. Will the Cove Bar have large enough portions to satisfy us? We will need reservations? Can we even get reservations?

Thanks in advance!

 

[crystal1313]

Have you considered Carthay? The lounge is great! And the restaurant food was pretty yummy as well! It's my new favorite dining spot at DCA

 

[Epek]

Wine Country Trattoria is very yummy! We were able to get day of reservations first thing in the morning, during spring break. But, I would still try to make a reservation ahead of time, once you decide. However, your manager's desire of a kiosk has me thinking she wants counter service. Then, the pacific warf might be good for your group. Lots of options and you can get beer and margaritas! I also really like the lounge at Carthay, but have only had appetizers and drinks.

 

[asunutgirl]

We like the Trattoria as well - less expensive than Carthay if I remember correctly - and you can get adult beverages there. Nice people watching spot too.

The last time we were at the Cove Bar it took forever to get a seat and the service wasn't great.

 

[figment_jii]

I think the biggest issue facing your group is your size. The QS/CS (kiosk) locations are most likely able to accommodate 12 people, it'll be harder to get a walk-up at on the TS locations.

The Cove Bar isn't very big and it fills up pretty quickly, so it might be tough to find seating for 12 (you will probably end up being split up would be my guess). My group of 3 asked the hostess and the wait was about 30-minutes in the mid-afternoon. The line got longer as the evening progressed. Carthay Lounge is a lot of fun, but again, there is no seating for 12. Both the Cove Bar and Carthay are first come-first serve, so you cannot "reserve" seating for 12 and I highly doubt you'd find enough empty tables to seat all 12 of you near each other. The only places in DCA that take reservations are Wine Country Trattoria, Ariels' Grotto, and Carthay Circle Restaurant. You can make a reservation, but note there is a $10 per person penalty if you are a no show or do not cancel in time.

In all honesty, with your group's size and the desire to have alcohol, I'd consider dining somewhere in DTD or one of the hotels.