Recs for four gents near Union Station

[lisavf]

A gentleman friend and three of his buddies are traveling from Philadelphia to D.C. via Amtrak in about a month and would like to have dinner near the station before they return to Philly. The criteria are: sit-down service, Italian or steakhouse, affordable wine list, mid-priced meals. What can you recommend? Links to websites would be a helpful bonus.

Thanks in advance!

[monkeyrotica]

Bistro Italiano is a short walk from Union Station and meets all your criteria. I like their white pizza, and the pasta dishes are fine.

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Bistro Italiano
320 D St Ne, Washington, DC

[MakingSense]

The Monocle might be just right. A Senate hangout for almost 50 years, serious stiff drinks, and clubby atmosphere. Stick to the steak, liver and onion, burger type menu but this is a great DC classic that should be on everybody's list. It's only about 2 blocks from Union Station. They're got Fri/Sat prix fixe specials for the next few weeks. http://themonocle.com/
Café Berlin has very good German food and with the good Spring weather, they should have their patio open.http://www.cafeberlindc.com/

[Tujague]

If you're open to seafood and it's not Sunday night, check out Johnny's Half-Shell, more or less in between Charlie Palmer's and Bistro Bis, same price range.

[dcandohio]

Union Station is on the Red Line, and depending on how much time the guys have, it might make sense to travel a few stops or more. If you go toward Glenmont, you could eat at Ray's the Classics in Silver Spring (a short walk from the metro) for steaks and American fare. If you went toward Shady Grove, you have lots of choices at China Town/Penn Quarter (District Chop House for reasonably priced fare, for example), at Dupont Circle (Sette Osteria for Italian, Bistrot du Coin for steaks), at Cleveland Park (Dino for Italian).

If you have to stay near Union Station, I'd suggest Sonoma or Locanda, both on Pennsylvania Avenue in SE DC.

[Elyssa]

Charlie Palmer's Steakhouse is probably your best bet. Although it depends on how flexible your definition of affordable/mid-priced is.

Its a great location, with a view of the Capitol and is one of the top steakhouses in the district. Most steakhouses in the area are on the pricier side. But if you eat at the bar I hear they have great mini-burgers and tuna tartar.

If you are willing to go with a more French menu, I highly recommend Bistro Bis inside the Hotel George.

[ktmoomau]

Charlie Palmer's Steakhouse is close, but I don't know that I consider it mid-priced.