2018 School Spending Survey Report
Washington, DC, ALA 2007: Dine in DC
Where librarians, spies, and politicians eat together
Washington, DC, used to be known for steakhouses where the deals were bigger than the porterhouses and the clientele clubbier than the sandwiches. Those restaurants still sprinkle the area—two of the most famous include Charlie Palmer Steak near the Senate and the Palm near Dupont Circle—but, fortunately, the dining scene has expanded to include restaurants of all types, ethnicities, and price ranges. Some newer DC-area specialties include Ethiopian food (primarily in the U St. area) and tapas (owing largely to the efforts of Metro Washington Restaurant Association's 2006 Chef of the Year José Andrés, owner of tapas restaurants including Zaytinya and Jaleo).
We are focusing on the Gallery Place/Chinatown/Convention Center area, though this article also covers select restaurants in the nearby neighborhoods of Union Station/Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and Georgetown. Most restaurants in the Gallery Place/Chinatown/Convention Center section are within a few blocks' walk of the convention center. The restaurants listed in “Off the Beaten Path” (p. 72) all require a trip by taxi or on the metro—the nearest metro stop is listed next to each restaurant. Don't overlook DC's new tourist-friendly Circulator buses (www.dccirculator.com). They serve the convention center area and take you to Union Station, Georgetown, the Mall, or the Southwest Waterfront for a dollar.
The convention center area is a vibrant district bordered by Chinatown to the north and the Smithsonian Museums on the Mall to the south. While Chinatown is now smaller—many of the most authentic Chinese restaurants have moved out to the suburbs—it's still possible to find gems like homemade noodles and fresh, crispy Peking duck. To the south, the Penn Quarter area is packed with culinary discoveries, from Rasika's Indian fusion to the homey feel of R.F.D., the beer-geek's emporium where most menu items are brewski infused.
If you have time, explore far-flung neighborhoods. The “Off the Beaten Path” section describes outstanding restaurants in Old Town Alexandria (VA) and the Van Ness neighborhood. Old Town offers great shopping and dining, along with a slice of Virginia history and a glimpse of the Potomac River. Maryland suburbs Bethesda and Silver Spring showcase redeveloped downtowns with many local shopping and eating venues.
For an inside scoop on the DC dining scene, check out Washingtonian magazine, which publishes three annual restaurant listings: “100 Very Best Restaurants,” “Cheap Eats,” and “Dirt Cheap Eats.” Reviews are also available in the Washington Post under “City Guide” or the free alternative weekly Washington City Paper select “food” in upper left).
Most restaurants listed take all major credit cards. The area code is 202, unless otherwise indicated.
Penn QuarterThere's been a recent explosion of new construction and action in the Gallery Place/Chinatown/Convention Center area, newly named Penn Quarter. Much of the energy seems to come from the cross-pollinating crowds gathering for everything from the reopened Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery to the Verizon Center's hockey games and the bowling alley. If you're not yet ready for a full meal but want to experience the local hangouts, try Teaism, a teahouse offering bento boxes, addictive salty oat cookies, and, of course, multiple varieties of tea. Hosting an impromptu get-together in your hotel room? Stop by Cowgirl Creamery's for some fantastic, though rather pricey, cheeses.
Acadiana 901 New York Ave. NW (across from the convention center), 408-8848; www.acadianarestaurant.com. Mon.–Thu. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5:30–10:30 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5:30–11 p.m.; Sat. 5:30–11 p.m.; Sun. 5:30–9:30 p.m. $$$
Metro Convention Center
Relive last summer's ALA conference in New Orleans over fried green tomatoes, seafood gumbo, and delectable biscuits with Creole cream cheese. The much cheaper lunch menu features po-boys, muffalettas, and crawfish étouffée. Louisiana-inspired Acadiana is a product of renowned local chef Jeff Tunks, whose other downtown restaurants—DC Coast (seafood), Ten Penh (Asian), and Ceiba(South American)—are all worth a visit.Capitol City Brewing Company 1100 New York Ave. NW (across from the convention center), 628-2222; www.capcitybrew.com. Sun.–Thu. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–midnight. $
Metro Convention Center
The first brewpub to open in DC since prohibition offers standard American fare and is a good group meeting place. If it's too crowded, try the one next to Union Station (2 Massachusetts Ave NW, in the Postal Museum building). Otherwise, craft beer drinkers rejoice—Northern Virginia's Old Dominion Brewing Company recently opened a brewhouse in the convention center.
Chinatown Express 746 6th St. NW, 638-0424. Daily 10 a.m.–11 p.m. $
Metro Gallery Place/Chinatown
Take your cue from the man making fresh noodles in the window and order a bowl of them, in a soup or stir-fry, with a choice of meat or veggies. There's also a full Chinese menu (including crispy Peking duck), but for $5, these noodles/dumplings are one of the best values in DC.
Eat First 609 H St. NW, 289-1703. Sun.–Thu. 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–4 a.m. $$
Metro Gallery Place/Chinatown
Who knows what you're supposed to do second, but the advice is good: you should eat first when the Chinese food is this tasty. Try one of the many casseroles, or check the seasonal specials. If soft-shell crabs are available, order them with scallions and ginger for a real treat. You may also want to try Full Kee for authentic Singapore soups and dumplings, Tony Cheng's for dim sum (served every day for lunch), and Burma Restaurant for a taste of the unique Indian/Thai combination that is Burmese food.Fadó Irish Pub 808 7th St. NW, 789-0066; www.fadoirishpub.com/washington. Daily 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m. $–$$
Metro Gallery Place/Chinatown
Relive your best St. Patty's day at this authentic Irish Pub. Happy hours are warm and rowdy, but off times keep the warmth with a smaller crowd.Gordon Biersch 900 F St. NW, 783-5454; www.gordonbiersch-restaurants.com. Mon.–Thu. 11:30 a.m.–midnight; Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sun. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. $$
Metro Gallery Place/Chinatown
Located on the elegant first floor of a former Riggs Bank building, now the Courtyard Marriott Convention Center, this chain brewpub offers sandwiches, steak, pasta, and pizzas, with a quieter happy hour than neighboring bars.Jaleo 480 7th St. NW, 628-7949; www.jaleo.com. Tue.–Thu. 11:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–midnight; Sun.–Mon. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. $$
Metro Gallery Place/Chinatown or Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter
The first wave in DC's tapas tidal surge, Jaleo's Spanish-inflected cooking remains inspired. Try a special of the day or local favorites such as Calamares à la Romana or the traditional fritters of dates and bacon. Jaleo trivia: chef José Andrés just beat Bobby Flay in their battle on Food Network's Iron Chef. Jaleo is about seven blocks south of the convention center, so if you're wearing your interview shoes, you may want to grab a cab.Matchbox 713 H St. NW, 289-4441; www.matchboxdc.com. Mon.–Thu. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sat. noon–11 p.m.; Sun. noon–10 p.m. $$
Metro Gallery Place/Chinatown
A current dining-scene darling, Matchbox offers imaginative pizzas, fantastic main-course salads (try the tuna or calamari), and its signature sliders—miniature hamburgers submerged in a nest of perfectly cooked onion strings. Everything's served to the thrum of house beats and general buzz, so come at an off hour if you don't want to wait. Or saddle on over to the Capital Q BBQ a few doors down—it has a polar opposite ambiance but offers good barbecue.Rasika 633 D St. NW (near 6th St.), 637-1222; www.rasikarestaurant.com. Mon.–Thu. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5:30–10:30 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5:30–11 p.m.; Sat. 5:30–11 p.m. $$
Metro Gallery Place/Chinatown or Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter
A current finalist for 2007 Best New Restaurant from the Metro Washington Restaurant Association, Rasika offers innovative Indian cooking, focusing on tawa (griddle), sigri (barbecue), and tandoor (clay oven) entrées. The $28 pretheater package is a delicious bargain. Like Jaleo, this is a substantial walk from the convention center but worth it. IndeBleu, a more formal and expensive (but not necessarily better) Indian restaurant in the same neighborhood (www.indebleu.net), serves up high-concept French-Indian fusion cuisine.R.F.D. 810 7th St. NW, 289-2030; www.lovethebeer.com/rfd.html. Mon.–Thu. 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–3 a.m.; Sat. noon–3 a.m.; Sun. noon–2 a.m. $–$$
Metro Gallery Place/Chinatown
With 30 beers on draft and another 300 in bottles, this place is a mecca for DC's beer-loving public. The commitment to cooking with beer is even more unusual than the vast beer selection: beer marinates the steak and forms a lemony sauce for the seafood. Happy hours are loud but fun, and the crowd is generally welcoming.Rosa Mexicano 575 7th St. NW (at F St. NW, across from Verizon Center), 783-5522; www.rosamexicano.info. Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. noon–3 p.m.; Sun.–Thu. 5–10:30 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 5–11:30 p.m. $$
Metro Gallery Place/Chinatown
This is the DC location of the Manhattan restaurant known for its dramatic décor, frozen pomegranate margaritas, tequila samplers, and Guacamole en Molcajete prepared tableside. The menu includes contemporary Mexican dishes such as Pato en Salsa de Zarzamora and Budín Azteca. Other worthwhile “Latin” options in this neighborhood include Oyamel (modern Mexican) and Café Atlantico (Caribbean/South American).Zaytinya 701 9th St. NW (across from DC's MLK Public Library), 638-0800; www.zaytinya.com. Sun.–Mon. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Tue.–Thu. 11:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–midnight; brunch Sat. & Sun. $$
Metro Gallery Place/Chinatown
This stylish mezze (small plates) restaurant is currently listed on both of Washingtonian magazine's 100 Very Best Restaurants and Cheap Eats lists. With dozens of different Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese items on the menu, there's something for everyone—from kibbeh to htipiti to taramosolata—and you can spend a lot or a little.
Dupont Circle
All of DC's roads may converge at the Capitol, but all of DC's scenes converge at Dupont Circle. On a pretty day, stop to watch aging hippies playing drums, old men playing chess, and a crowd congregating around the break dancers. Halfway between elegant Embassy Row to the west and Logan Circle's party and gay bar scene to the east, Dupont Circle offers shopping and eating to suit every taste and most budgets. Stores range from United Colors of Benetton to classy consignment shop Secondi, from bead store Beadazzled to used book store Second Story Books. If you tire of shopping, there's a Teaismshop here, too, as well as a fabulous Sunday farmer's market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., perfect for making a picnic in the Circle.
Bistrot du Coin 1738 Connecticut Ave. NW, 234-6969; www.bistrotducoin.com. Mon. 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; Tue.–Wed. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Thu.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sun. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. $$
Metro Dupont Circle
Some have criticized the service here as snooty, but it matches the classic bistro food: efficient, well executed, and very, very French. So, start the meal the French way: try a glass of Pernod or another aperitif at the small bar if you're waiting for friends. Then move on to the excellent mussels to share. The mussels, which can also be ordered as a main course, come with some of the best fries in town (the curry sauce is particularly recommended as a dipping sauce). Other good options include rabbit stew, half a roasted chicken, and—for the daring—steak tartare.Hank's Oyster Bar 1624 Q St. NW, 462-4265; www.hanksdc.com. Sun.–Tue. 5:30–10 p.m.; Wed.–Thu. 5:30–11 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 5:30–11:30 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $$
Metro Dupont Circle
Located between Dupont Circle and Logan Circle, Hank's is well worth the short walk from the Dupont Circle metro stop. The menu changes daily but regularly celebrates New England beach food, including fried Ipswich clams, lobster rolls, and, of course, fresh oysters from the raw bar. Weekly specials that feature a meat and two vegetables include such temptations as molasses-braised short ribs (on Mondays and Tuesdays) and Blue Cheese Hangar Steak on Saturdays.Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café & Grill 1517 Connecticut Ave. NW, 387-1400; www.kramers.com. Fri.–Sat. 24 hours; Sun.–Thu. 7:30 a.m.–1 a.m. $$
Metro Dupont Circle
A DC classic, Kramerbooks is the bookstore, bar, and restaurant that has launched a thousand friendships (and romances). It's easy to find something to talk about in front of Kramer's political/social issues–themed central table, piled high with books. Retire to the bar or restaurant for more in-depth chat, or just indulge in a night alone with a book. The bar serves fun seasonal drinks, and the restaurant offers good American food with just a bit of a twist, along with a better-than-average brunch. One small drawback: books and magazines must be purchased before they can be brought into the bar or restaurant area. For nighthawks, Kramerbooks is open all night on Fridays and Saturdays.The Palm 1225 19th St. NW, 293-9091; www.thepalm.com. Mon.–Fri. 11:45 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sat. 6–10 p.m.; Sun. 5:30–9:30 p.m. $$$
Metro Dupont Circle
A Washington institution, the Palm is where DC natives go to revel in name-dropping, people-watching, and old-fashioned luxuries like creamed spinach, whole lobsters, and prime New York strip steak. The place is decorated with caricatures of DC's famous and infamous—several real-life examples may be at the table next to yours.
Georgetown
Georgetown is all about intersections. Geographically, its heart is located at M St. and Wisconsin Ave., but, culturally, its charm comes from two intersecting populations: elegant, old-money Georgetowners and the student population of Georgetown University. The combination produces a vast range of shopping and eating opportunities. A saunter up M St. brings you to art galleries, antiques stores, classy boutiques, and some fun, offbeat emporiums like Paper Source for gorgeous stationery and Lush, the soap and beauty products store you can smell coming. We review a couple of special-occasion restaurants here, but it's just as easy to eat cheaply: follow a student to one of the many American bars, pubs, and pizzerias, or duck into an Indian or Vietnamese restaurant for spicy curry or a bowl of pho.
Citronelle 3000 M St. NW, 625-2150; www.citronelledc.com. Daily 6–10 p.m. $$$+
Metro none nearby; Foggy Bottom-GWU six blocks
Citronelle's chef, Michel Richard, has earned his coffee-table cookbook status. A glass-enclosed kitchen provides a burst of adrenaline with your creative amuse-bouche, which could be anything from a mushroom “cigar” or haricots verts “tartare.” After that, get plenty of endorphins from the food and wine. A friendly sommelier can help you pick out a wine from $60 to $3800, and the service is mostly gracious. Make reservations well in advance since it's been named by Condé Nast Traveler as “one of the world's most exciting restaurants.”
1789 Restaurant 1226 36th St. NW (corner of 36th and Prospect Sts.), 965-1789; www.1789restaurant.com; www.clydes.com. Dinner Only: Mon.–Thu. 6–10 p.m.; Fri. 6–11 p.m.; Sat. 5:30–11 p.m.; Sun. 5:30–10 p.m. $$$+
Metro none nearby; taxi recommended
Serving simple American classics in a restored Federal townhouse near Georgetown University, 1789 is a perfect (and expensive) special-occasion destination. The Tombs, a sporting saloon popular with Georgetown students, occupies the basement. 1789's owner—the Clyde's Restaurant Group—offers cheaper but reliably tasty menus in classic DC settings at the various Clyde's around town: Gallery Place/Chinatown (707 7th St. NW), Georgetown (3236 M St. NW), and Chevy Chase (5441 Wisconsin Ave.).
Capitol Hill/Union Station
Roughly bounded by the Union Station metro stop on the north, the Eastern Market metro stop to the east, and Capitol South metro stop to the south, Capitol Hill offers a wide variety of restaurants. “Senate side” eateries include two of DC's best-known Irish pubs—Dubliner and Kelly's Irish Times—while “House side” establishments include Thai, Greek, Chinese, and local favorites like Firehook Bakery and Pete's Diner. Note: The Hill's beloved Eastern Market, a National Historic Landmark, was heavily damaged by fire on April 30. Although the city intends to rebuild, we don't expect the market's popular lunch counter and food stalls to be reopened in time for the conference.
Bullfeathers of Capitol Hill 410 1st St. SE (across from Capitol South Metro), 543-5005; www.bullfeatherscapitolhill.com. Mon.–Sat. 11:15 a.m.–midnight. $
Metro Capitol South
“Serving the House of Representatives and all of their friends since 1980,” says the web site of this bar/restaurant, where the TVs are often tuned to C-SPAN. Sit outside in nice weather and watch the politicians go by. Monday is half-price burger night. The legislative branch also frequents Hawk 'N Dove and Tune Inn, both “on the Avenue,” as Library of Congress staffers say—stretching down the long row of Pennsylvania Avenue restaurants and bars heading southeast from the Capitol.
Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar, 223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, 544-8088; www.sonomadc.com. Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Mon.–Thu. 5:30–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 5:30–11 p.m.; Sun. 5:30–9 p.m. $$
Metro Capitol South
Relax after a long day of sightseeing (or program-attending) with a glass of wine—Sonoma has 40 options. Then, savor a cheese plate, wild boar sausage pizza, or black risotto. Like many establishments along this stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue, Sonoma offers alfresco dining.
Union Station 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, 289-1908; www.unionstationdc.com. Open daily; individual restaurant hours vary. $–$$$
Metro Union Station
Once the largest train station in the world, DC's Beaux Arts–style transportation hub houses a mall, food court, and several restaurants. Sit-down dining options range from elegant Southern at B. Smith's to Southwestern at Thunder Grill and deep-dish pizza at Uno Chicago Grill. Stop by Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shopin the basement food court for fabulous cookies and cannoli from the landmark bakery in Baltimore's Little Italy. Amtrak travelers take note: there are at least six coffeehouses on Union Station's three levels, so your options extend beyond the long lines at the single Starbucks.
Off the beaten path
Washington abounds with eating, shopping, and browsing opportunities. Start exploring a new neighborhood here.
Ben's Chili Bowl 1213 U St. NW (across from U St. Metro Stop), 667-0909; www.benschilibowl.com. Mon.–Thu. 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–4 a.m.; Sun. noon–8 p.m. $
Metro U St./African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo
Since 1958, Washingtonians have been going to Ben's in the historic Shaw neighborhood for late-night Chili Half-Smokes, Chili Burgers, and milk shakes. Don't overlook the generous breakfast options, either. This venerable mom-and-pop diner anchors the revitalized U St. Corridor—formerly nicknamed “America's Black Broadway”—with hip restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife.Old Ebbitt Grill 675 15th St. NW (between F & G Sts.), 347-4800; www.ebbitt.com. Mon.–Fri. 7:30 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sat.–Sun. 8:30 a.m.–1 a.m.; brunch Sat. & Sun. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. $$
Occidental Grill 1475 Pennsylvania Ave. NW (15th St. corner of the Willard Inter-Continental Hotel), 783-1475; www.occidentaldc.com. Mon.–Thu. 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5–10 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5–10:30 p.m.; Sat. 5–10:30 p.m. $$$
Metro Metro Center or Federal Triangle
Two of the most famous restaurants in American political history are located just around the corner from each other—and steps from the White House. Since 1856, the Old Ebbitt Grill has been feeding Presidents, pundits, and everyone in between in a clubby atmosphere of mahogany, velvet, and brass. Famous for its oyster bar, Old Ebbitt (part of the Clyde's Restaurant Group) offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus of “upscale American saloon food,” with an emphasis on local produce and seasonal ingredients.
Since 1906, the more expensive Occidental Grill has been serving classic American cuisine against a backdrop of dark wood, presidential portraits, and hundreds of photographs of past and present famous patrons. The Occidental, “Where Statesmen Dine,” is a sentimental favorite of coauthor Manning—she married a White House staffer there in 1998. [See “Politicians and Pundits,” p. 67.]Politics and Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW (at Nebraska Ave.), 364-1919; www.politics-prose.com. Mon.–Thu. 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 9 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (coffeehouse opens earlier) $
Metro One mile north of Van Ness metro stop
A talk at Politics and Prose in Northwest DC is de rigueur for any author passing through. This well-known bookstore hosts author events daily—often twice daily on weekends. Authors appearing during the conference include Elizabeth Drew (June 23) and Joyce Carol Oates (June 26). Stop in the Modern Times Coffeehouse downstairs for coffee, tea, sandwiches, or pastries, or head up the block to Buck's Fishing and Camping, one of Washingtonian magazine's 100 Very Best Restaurants for 2007.Restaurant Eve 110 S. Pitt St., Alexandria, VA (corner of Pitt & King Sts.), 703-706-0450; www.restauranteve.com. Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Mon.–Thu. 5:30–9:30 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 5:30–10 p.m. $$$
Metro Almost a mile from the King St. Metro stop; Old Town Alexandria's free Dash About bus travels from the station up and down King St.
A stunner, Restaurant Eve deserves all the accolades it's been getting. It is actually two-in-one: the outer room serves modern American “bistro” cuisine, with playful updates of a BLT (served with cured pork loin) and a fried fish sandwich for lunch and more serious entrées like sautéed skate with Manila clams for dinner. The inner sanctum is a tasting room that offers a five- and nine-course prix fixe tasting menu, priced at $95 and $125, respectively, which focuses on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Course options are labeled with themes like “earth and sky,” “creation,” and “Eden.” Make reservations now for a visit during the conference, and you won't be disappointed. KEY TO SYMBOLS (range indicates entrée only)
| $ | up to $10 | |
| $$ | $11–$20 | |
| $$$ | $21+ |
|
| Author Information |
| Hannah Fischer and Jennifer Manning are Information Research Specialists at Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and not those of the Congressional Research Service or the Library of Congress |
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