Restaurants in Washington, DC

[njsweetP]

Heading to Washington, DC for a few days and am looking for reasonably priced restaurants. Two DD's are pretty picky - looking for something that will satisfy everyone's palate, without costing a fortune. Thanks!

 

[vicki_c]

Heading to Washington, DC for a few days and am looking for reasonably priced restaurants. Two DD's are pretty picky - looking for something that will satisfy everyone's palate, without costing a fortune. Thanks!

Where in DC will you be and where are you staying? Your question is pretty broad, location wise.

 

[Eureka]

There was a thread on this not too long ago for someone staying I think near Union Station? I don't quite remember where she was staying. Lots of good ideas on there. I agree with the other poster, really depends where you are going to be.

 

[kajs22]

Founding Farmers is my favorite place in DC, but, really there are many many great places to eat in DC.

 

[clutter]

How old are dd's and what are your tastes? DC is home to a lot of wonderful ethnic and fusion foods, not all of them that expensive. But it depends on your tastes. And where you are staying. There are some amazing 'destination' restaurants - ones that are worth a bit of juggling to get to. There are also plenty of chains such as Chipotle and Five Guys scattered all around the metro area.

 

[njsweetP]

Hi again - yes, location would be nice (maybe I need another cup of coffee!)
We are staying two blocks north of the White House on 16th Street and K Street and will be near three different Metro Stations: Farragut North (Red Line), Farragut West (Blue & Orange Lines), and McPherson Square (Blue & Orange Lines). DD's are 20 and 17, but mostly will stick to pasta, chicken and wraps/salads. DH and I on the other hand like just about everything.

 

[shoney]

Our 2 favorite restaurants from last years trip:

Founding Farmers

District of Pi (pizza)
http://www.pi-dc.com/

 

[Eureka]

I really love Matchbox on H street (near 7th). Pizza, sliders, sandwiches, salads. They have a brunch but we have never tried it. I admit I always get the pizza but the other stuff always looks so good too. I don't know the Farragut area very well. You'll also find California Tortilla and Five Guys all over the place.

 

[automaticsoap]

The 14th St/Logan Circle area has a lot of great restaurants, and it is a pretty short walk from the McPherson Sq. metro. Keep in mind you should probably make reservations - waits can get very long!

 

[NotUrsula]

A note re: District of Pi. This is an outpost of a restaurant in my home city, and their signature pies are Chicago deep-dish style. (Even though this is not Chicago.) It really is pie; about 2 inches thick, and has to be eaten with utensils. It's delicious, but IME, kids not used to this style of pizza often balk at eating it.

They also have thin crust, but be aware that that is St. Louis style, which means REALLY thin crust; as in cracker thin. Kids are more likely to enjoy this, but it is not particularly filling, so you'll probably want to buy more of it or get salads or appetizers to satisfy your appetite.

 

[clutter]

Run, don't walk, to Moby Dick's house of Kabobs in either Georgetown (cupcakes for dessert?) or DuPont Circle. I recommend the kabobs and rice over the wraps, as the bread is fairly heavy. Salads are great, and the best hummus ever! It's casual (order, sit down and wait for your number), but SO good.

Salads? Chop't. Another good one is Nando's Peri Peri. Mostly chicken. Excellent wraps, sandwiches, salads, or get a 1/2 chicken. Really good sides.

Pizza? Luigis (sit down).

Greek? Port of Pireaus on 20th near M. Best greek salad ever. (and their soup!)

As for sit down restaurants, there are just so many. I'd recommend Trip Advisor and looking at menus, depending on your fancy. Matchbox is very popular for an inexpensive meal.

 

[bookluvingbabe]

There is an amazing local food board for DC: www.donrockwell.com

Folks there are kind and know their food.

I know your hotel--my in-laws stayed there a few years ago. We did dinner at McCormack and Schmicks, PJ Clarkes and Black Finn. I didn't think any were outstanding.

If the heat wave breaks, I would encourage you to head over to 14th Street and Logan Circle. The Whole Foods is right at 15th and P.

If you are there at lunch time, one block up at Farragut Square there are usually a dozen food trucks. Not cheap but everyone can get something they want to try.

On the 17th Street side of Farragut Square there is a Firehook Bakery and an Le Pan Quidition that have nice breakfast stuff.

Good luck!

 

[moniqueand2]

You can always take the metro to Union Station where there is a gigantic food court. Lots of options and a good place to keep in mind because you don't have to all eat at the same place. This would be a money saving option too.

 

[hlg22]

Hi again - yes, location would be nice (maybe I need another cup of coffee!)
We are staying two blocks north of the White House on 16th Street and K Street and will be near three different Metro Stations: Farragut North (Red Line), Farragut West (Blue & Orange Lines), and McPherson Square (Blue & Orange Lines). DD's are 20 and 17, but mostly will stick to pasta, chicken and wraps/salads. DH and I on the other hand like just about everything.

Pizzeria Paradiso, in Georgetown and Dupont Circle (Red Line), is quite good, as is Matchbox which has been mentioned.

If you venture to Logan Circle, as others have recommended, Logan Tavern is good American-style food, nothing too strange that your daughters wouldn't eat.

If you wanted something that's a little more interesting, I like to take out of towners to Jaleo or Zaytinya, in Penn Quarter (Gallery Place/Chinatown metro, on Red Line). They are moderately priced, Jaleo is Spanish tapas and Zaytinya is middle eastern small plates. I know you said your daughters are picky, but the menus are broad enough that there's something for everyone - for example, at Zaytinya, they could order a pide, which is basically a flatbread pizza, or a piece of grilled chicken, while you order something more interesting. The food at both is very good.

 

[minniebeth]

Some of our favorites:

Good Stuff Eatery and We the Pizza, up by Capitol Hill~ Burgers and shakes, etc. at Good Stuff Eatery and pizza at We the Pizza

Busboys and Poets~ several locations, good food, very reasonable for DC

Ben's Chili Bowl~ awesome, local food experience, cash only

Lots of great, reasonable places in Georgetown, some mentioned. We love J. Pauls, Martin's Tavern, Old Glory, Dean and DeLucca, Pizzeria Paradiso too.

In the city, we also love Gordon Biersch, Hard Rock, Clyde's, Old Ebbitt Grill. They are pricier, but have good food and large enough portions to share or to just to appetizers. We also love Founding Farmers!


For a splurge, Café du Parc at the Williard has a fantastic brunch. It's pricey for adults, but 1/2 price for kids making it a good value. We load up on a huge brunch and are good for the day with some snacks and a late dinner.