Dinner Entrees <$20 in DC/Arlington?

[abitalove]

I'm looking for a great place to have a birthday dinner. It will be a party of six, and I'm looking for a place with decent atmosphere and takes reservations (that's key). But most importantly, I'm trying to keep the costs under wraps.

At first glance, this probably seems silly, since you'd think everywhere has entrees under $20, but what I'm finding going through many restaurant reviews is either 1) while the stated price point in the review might say the avg entree is $12-20, if you go look at the actual dinner menu, the main entrees are actually >$20. OR...2) they just have horrible reviews...

I'm open to all sorts of food, but location wise I'd like to be in Downtown/Penn/Dupont area or somewhere in Arlington.

Thanks!

[ktmoomau]

Sette Bello in Arlington is good and has lots of entrees for under $20, Italian stuff... they take reservations.

Eleventh St. Lounge (although it can get a little smokey if you mind that) has really good food at very good prices and I like their cocktails. I don't know if they will reserve or not, I think I have seen them put reserved signs on areas though so you could ask.

You could also do Eat Bar, they have entrees and small plates and can definitely be done for under $20 for your food, and it is very good, and has a great bartender which just got some much needed press attention. No reservations though, but if the front room doesn't have space, the back normally does, even on a Friday night, it is the smoking section but you would never know few people smoke, and they have good smoke eaters.

Harry's Tap Room isn't too bad, I normally go for brunch, but have done happy hours too, and they have a good majority under $20 and those that aren't are only a couple dollars higher. I believe they take reservations.

Not as good with DC... on places that are cheap and take reservations.

[dcfoodie13]

I second Eat Bar. It's an upscale wine bar with a great atmosphere. Every small plate I've had at the bar has been delicious and while I haven't had a bar entree yet, those next door at Tallula (same chef) have all been excellent. I also really like the fact that it is one of the few bars in Arlington that doesn't allow smoking (at least in the front room).

While the pastas I've had at Sette Bello have been good, the service is absolutely horrible. Recently, I was there with a party of six, and when a friend and I arrived about 10 minutes late to join the other four, it took our waitress about 15 to 20 minutes just to come and ask if we wanted something to drink. Then it was another 15 to 20 minutes to actually receive the drink. The service was very spotty the rest of the night as well.

[ktmoomau]

Also check out Liberty Tavern, very good food, most everything but a few items would be under $20 and takes reservations.

[Elyssa]

Sette Osteria in Dupont Circle has lots of options in your price range including pizzas, pastas, and meat and fish dishes. You can also try to request a table on their outdoor patio. I don't think they are on OpenTable.com but you should be able to call them to reserve a table.

Also in Dupont is Mark and Orlandos. Their upstairs location has a menu mostly in the $9-15 range.

Another option would be Mai Thai or Regent Thai is you and your friends are into Thai cuisine. In addition, they have awesome drinks!

Hudson also has entrees around your price range. The drinks can be a little on the higher end but you can also get pitchers of margaritas etc. They also have outdoor seating.

Other places to check out: Heritage India and Jaleo.