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1789
Set in a welcoming Federal row house, 1789 is well known to Georgetown students as the place to take your visiting parents (or rather, have them take you). Chef Ris Lacoste uses local, seasonal produce and game to create new twists on American classics, such as rabbit and sweetbreads and soft-shell crabs with corn pudding. You won't pass up dessert if you catch a glimpse of the pastry chefs working in the front window next door. Upstairs you will find the students' favorite drinking spot, Tombs.
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Afterwords Café & Kramerbooks
To some locals, this independent bookstore with café attached is the center of the DC universe. The café changes its moods throughout the day: In the morning, people schmooze over lazy cups of coffee and muffins; in the afternoon and early evening, readers dally over newspapers and new-bought novels; at night, it's a bar scene with live music. The food is good, if slightly overpriced. But the real treat here is to see and be seen.
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America
Claiming to be DC's 'only 50-star restaurant,' this place takes the theme as far as it goes, with menus shaped like maps and mains from every state in the Union (from New York steak to grilled Mahi-Mahi, and don't forget Boston cream pie for dessert). The varied menu draws Hill-rats during the week and tourists on weekends. It's a good place to bring the family; couples might find the mall atmosphere un-romantic.
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Ardeo's
Prices at this slick joint are quite reasonable, considering the posh decor and the sophisticated menu. The latter features a few rich pastas, lots of fresh fish and juicy meat selections, plus a few salads and sandwiches. Try a local specialty like succulent, pan-roasted rockfish served with a ragout of prosciutto, sweet corn and plantains. There's also a giant wine list. For a sample, check out three tasters of new stock for around US$14 ; the wines change seasonally.
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B Smith's
With its spectacular vaulted ceilings, marble floors and Ionic columns, you can't beat B Smith's location in the former Presidential Waiting Hall at Union Station. It's a remarkable contrast to the down-home Southern fare served here by former model Barbara Smith (who once graced Oil of Olay ads). She upgrades Southern classics like fried chicken and blackened shrimp to sophisticated oeuvres.
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Ben's Chili Bowl
Newlyweds Ben and Virginia Ali launched this neighborhood institution in 1958. It became a lunch staple for all the locals, including the stars playing at the neighborhood clubs. Everyone from Redd Foxx to Duke Ellington to Bill Cosby has eaten at Ben's. Despite radical changes in the neighborhood, Ben's Formica counters and bright booths still look pretty much the same. And the spicy dogs ('Our chili will make a hot dog bark!') are always drawing crowds at lunchtime.
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Buck's Fishing & Camping
Set up like some sort of lakeside fishing camp complete with canoes, this place has become a neighborhood haunt that has pundits and politicos making the trek to the 'hood to see what all the fuss is about. The food is American comfort cooking at its best, and the restaurant does everything from chicken livers on toast to lobster and sirloin. The no-reservations policy means you'll be waiting ages for a seat on weekend evenings, but when you do score one of the chairs at the communal tables you could be sharing it with your state's senator and the guy selling books at the coffee shop across the street.
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Capital Q BBQ
A must for Texas-style BBQ lovers, with piled-high portions of smoked meat and plenty o' slaw on the side; try the brisket sandwich. A very casual eating environment, usually packed at lunch with journalists, office workers and other city folk.
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Cashion's Eat Place
Restaurateur and chef Ann Cashion is somewhat of a local celebrity for the original menu and inviting decor she has invented at this little bistro, lauded as one of the city's very best. Cashion's serves food that can be light and rich at the same time (or just rich and rich, as in duck breast served with foie gras). The mismatched furniture and flower boxes create an unpretentious setting to enjoy her work.
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Charlie Palmer Steak
In the shadow of the Capitol (you can see the marble dome through the plate glass windows in the dining room), this place simply oozes power. And while the place has the requisite swirling cigar smoke and old boys club feel, it's also got a muted blue and orange color scheme and a bold, award-winning modern menu with an all-American wine list. The downside? Prices at celebrity chef/owner Charlie Palmer's restaurant are appallingly high.
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Colonel Brooks' Tavern & Island Jim's Crab Shack
This friendly bar fills with regulars at lunchtime and happy hour. In the wood-paneled dining room, it serves pub grub and Southern fare. Live jazz bands play in the evenings. If you are feeling tropical, head to the tiki bar next door. Romp in a palm tree-shaded sandpit or sip umbrella drinks on the outdoor deck. Try the 'Kick Ass Margarita - hot and spicy, cold and icy.' Boogie down to live music on Wednesday evenings. Life is good, mon.
Read more about Colonel Brooks' Tavern & Island Jim's Crab Shack
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Deli City
Deli City sees no class or color. No, this faded orange building in a faded Northeast neighborhood attracts everyone from the haggard to the haughty craving a perfect over-stuffed sandwich south of New York. Eat in or take-away, this no frills place also does solid soul food like gravy smothered pork chops and fried fish at bargain prices. There is no nearby metro station, you'll need to drive.
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Diner
Late-night breakfast and satisfying comfort food hit the spot around the clock. Crowds of bar-hoppers agree, as they flock to this retro diner for refueling. Cartoons on the big screen are a nice touch.
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Elysium Dining Room
Inside the posh hotel Morrison House , the highlight of the Elysium is its one-of-a-kind Chef of Your Own experience. Chef Ulrich visits with each Elysium guest before preparing a custom-made meal, designed to fulfill each guest's desires. Suggested wines complement his creations. It's quite a dining adventure.
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Firefly
This happening bistro inside the Hotel Madera draws consistent crowds for the creations of chef John Wabeck, known for his use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Although you wouldn't expect it from the trendy menu, the best thing to order here is the big juicy burger done up gourmet-style. Low lights and earth tones lend an intimate atmosphere indoors, while the sunny terrace is perfect for warm summer nights. The adjacent cocktail lounge packs a glam crowd.
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Five Guys
From just three locations a few years ago, this hometown burger chain has grown to more than 20 locations across the city. The burgers are mouthwateringly juicy with just the right amount of grease and a dizzying choice of condiments, the fries done right. Sit at the long bar and fill up on peanuts while your food's being fried.
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Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant
Set in a former 18th-century tavern, Gadsby's is named after the Englishman who operated the tavern from 1796 to 1808 (it was then the center of Alexandria's social life). This place tries hard to emulate an 18th-century hostelry. The overall effect is rather kitsch but it's all good, clean and historical fun. Besides, who isn't curious to try 'George Washington's Favorite,' duck stuffed with tart fruit and topped with sweet Madeira gravy?
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Georgetown Café
The place claims to stay open 24-hours but has been known to shut early on slow nights. Greasy-spoon American fare, steaming mugs of coffee and bleary-eyed partiers greet you late night.
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Georgia Brown's
Sunday brunch at Georgia Brown's has become a veritable DC institution ever since it was rumored to be Bill Clinton's favorite place to get down-home food. Serious Southern cooking with an emphasis on savory Low Country dishes combines seafood from the Carolina coast with flavors from West Indian plantations. Georgia's is popular with the K St lobbying crowd, black urban professionals and anyone craving a good plate of grits.
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Hard Times Café
This menu features four distinct chilies: traditional Texas, hot and sweet Cincinnati (traditionally served over spaghetti), hearty vegetarian and the house original Terlingua Red, a tribute to the ghost town that hosted the first chili cook-off. Experimental types may want to try chili on a dog, in a tortilla or even over a bowl of Frito's, known as 1940s Frito Pie. Monday to Friday happy hours feature half-price draughts.
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J Paul's
J Paul's house favorite, the jumbo lump crab cakes, is what you should order. Skip the appetizer sliders, which have too much bun and not enough meat, and stick to the mains instead. This atmospheric old dining saloon features a popular raw bar (where live raw shellfish are shucked and served) and does a busy happy hour trade. Only in the mood for booze and munchies? Try the cheesy crab-and-shrimp dip (around US$11 ) and a perfect martini.
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Johnny's Half Shell
Happening Johnny's is the place to come for local specialties: Maryland crab cakes; fried oyster po'boys; and sautéed soft-shell crabs. The barbecued shrimp with asiago cheese grits are 'better than my mother's,' according to one Southern patron. The friendly bar always seems to be hopping and boasts strong drinks, but don't come here without sampling the seafood.
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King Street Blues
This crazy Southern 'roadhouse' diner serves really good baked meatloaf, country fried steak, Southern fried catfish and other favorites. It's strewn with colorful papier-mâché figures floating across its three levels, while shiny chrome furniture and multicolored tablecloths lend it an attractive retro air. There's live blues Thursday nights.
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Lauriol Plaza
This lively spot is popular for its pitchers of margaritas, its huge rooftop terrace and its gentrified Tex-Mex dishes. Grilled marinated quail and pork roasted in Seville's bitter oranges are among the fancier items on the menu. But never fear, there are enchiladas and fajitas here too.
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Local 16
Voted best pick-up spot by Washington Post readers in 2006, this trendy restaurant-lounge serves mouthwatering concoctions like balsamic filet mignon and pan-seared salmon with a healthy side of pheromones. Ruby-colored walls, clean lines and jazz music strike the mood for dining, and the place is filled with the young and beautiful on the prowl. Head to the lounge upstairs and roof deck for the hottest drinking experience on the block.
