diner and fireworks wash dc

[css]

Thinking we would eat at Hook on fri the 4th at 6ish then head over to the mall for fireworks. is that doable or should we just eat casual by the mall. That would mean we only have Thurs for a meal and would have to choose between Hook and Cordory! Feedback please. Thanks

[EatinFool]

Was going to ask the same question almost - so I hope you don't mind if I piggyback on your question! We are going to Ruth Chris for dinner, 5:30 reservations (not my choice, friends I'm going with want to go there!), have a room at the Capitol Hilton for the night, so where would I go to see the fireworks? Are there any rooftop bars or places where we might wander to after dinner to see the fireworks? My biggest concern is I have a very small bladder!!!!! and am afraid I will have to tinkle during the fireworks! Thanks!

[ktmoomau]

Just a question EatinFool, which Ruth Chris? The one in Crystal City actually would have an awesome view of the fireworks if you are near a window, although you might be a little early for that.

[EatinFool]

Oh - you know, I believe she mentioned the one in DuPont circle. I didn't realize there was one in Crystal City! I can drag out a dinner for hours if I had to......:) Think they would push us out?

[ktmoomau]

I doubt it... you should see if you can change at least if you are eating somewhere you don't particularly want to you could have great fireworks views. We would watch them at the Hotel Washington, the food was terrible, but the view and drinks were good, I am still pouting about it being gone...

[Steve]

To get a good spot at the Mall (or near the monuments), many people arrive very early in the day to claim their space. I would not think of going down there so late. You will run the risk of finding nothing except for a view blocked by trees, of which there are many.

The only way I would venture down there for the fireworks is to get a spot on the Washington Monument grounds, toward the Lincoln Memorial. That way you could watch the fireworks lying down on a blanket looking up as the fireworks explode almost directly over your head. Aside from that, it is not worth the hours of chaos you will endure. Don't go to the Mall. As katecm already said, might as well find a nice spot on Key Bridge after eating at Hook.

[ktmoomau]

Agreeing with Steve and Katecm about Georgetown Waterfront or Key Bridge.

[Elyssa]

The Key Bridge is a good idea, but the Jefferson Memorial is always my go to spot when watching the fireworks near the mall. People get there early but not nearly as early as the real Mall. It's a bit farther away from Hook, so you'll have to do quite a bit of walking, but its still a beautiful place to view the fireworks.

[monkeyrotica]

The Iwo Jima Memorial offers a commanding view of the fireworks but, like every spot on the Mall, you gotta get there early. Short walk to the Rosslyn Metro and you've got the Quarterdeck behind you for crabs.

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Quarterdeck
1200 Fort Myer Dr, Arlington, VA 22209

[keithdcil]

dont know if anything has changed at Hook , but chef Bart Seaver left a week ago.

[Elyssa]

When I ate there Chef Seaver wasn't even in the restaurant, which at the time was a bit disappointing, but we ended up having one of the best meals of the year, so I have a feeling things will be ok as long as they don't mess with the menu or the theme of the restaurant.

[chaofun]

I think you should be good to go with plan A.

[katecm]

Are you wedded to going to the Mall? Because after dinner at Hook, I would think you'd have a great view of the fireworks by walking halfway down Key Bridge or down along the waterfront. You'd be watching them over the river, which would be gorgeous.

[css]

Wow- watching from the key bridge or the waterfront sounds sounds great. I have a 6:15 at Hook. 1) Is that timing good? 2) Do I want a different restaurant in that area ? Thanks!

[ktmoomau]

Nope, you have a great choice. Although Mr. Seaver left, I am sure his staff can execute his dishes as they normally do, the tough part will be growing from his shoes. I highly suggest one of the calamari first courses, either with black risotto or grilled. I think both are really good and fresh. Oh! and if you can request a table near the open kitchen, perhaps call ahead and see if they will note that and then ask when you get there, it is worth it.

[Elyssa]

No stick with Hook. The food is amazing! A 6:15 reservation will help guarentee that you'll get a good spot to watch the fireworks. Plus if you get out early you can always stop by someplace and get ice cream (not 100% sure where the best place in G-town to get ice cream is but I'm sure someone will know).