DC Saturday Night - Dinner Penn Quarter

[ianliam]

Staying for one night in DC at the Moanco Hotel. Looking for recommendations around Penn Quarter. Tapa-ed out or No Greasy Spoons. No sushi.

My wife is "very pregnant" - so looking for a comfortable, nice dinner out.

Oh, Poste restaurant in hotel. Would you recommend?

Thanks,

[Elyssa]

Poste is a good choice. Other great choices in the area are Zola, Acadiana, Corduroy, and PS7.

[Jacey]

.Very pregnant=not good with steps at Corduroy

Not a huge fan of the food at Poste. Ella's isn't the best food around, but would be satisfying and not as crazy as Matchbox. Zola is pretty good but I always leave hungry and I'm a very small girl! I like Zengo that definitely has some yummy fusion food.

[Elyssa]

True...there are steps to get up to the restaurant. Although the dining room is on the main floor (bar is up a flight of stairs, but I'm guessing the pregnant wife won't be heading that way :)) so once you go up about 8-10 steps (like those leading to a town house) she will be in the restaurant. It's still a bit of a pain though if mobility is an issue in her "current state." Good call.

But still...the food is amazing!!!!

[ktmoomau]

I never leave hungry at Zola? Do you just get an entree? Even then I can't really see getting hungry, but Fiance and I normally get at least 2 courses when we eat out, of course, I am a small girl who is always hungry!

[KWynn]

I like Poste for brunch; not so much for dinner.

By Tapas, do you mean specifically Spanish ones?
If so, there are plenty of other small plate restaurants in the area, such as Zengo, Zaytinya, and Coco Sala.

If you'd like a more traditional sit down dinner, Zola is less than a block away in the Spy Museum and has a great atmosphere. Entress are in the $20-30 range.

PS7's is a bit more of a walk, but also serves wonderful modern cuisine.

If you want seafood, the Oceannaire is only a couple of blocks from the hotel. Not sure where you're coming from, but it's a chain, but good seafood nonetheless.

And Cafe Atlantico is great for some upscale Mexican (guacamole prepared tableside, etc.)

-----
Cafe Atlantico
405 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

PS7 Restaurant
777 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001

Zengo Restaurant
781 7th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001

Oceanaire Seafood Room
1201 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004

Zola
800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

Co Co Sala
929 F street NW, Washington, DC 20004

Zaytinya
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

[ktmoomau]

Don't go to Oceanaire, if you really want seafood, there is so much better in our area. I have had a couple really awful experiences there now when I have been forced to go. You have to order sides, and they aren't very good, for example our potatoes au gratin were quartered potatoes with some gloopy american/cheddar piled on top. The fresh fish is pretty good, but just so overpriced for what you get- awful sides, and fish in preparations you could normally do at home.

I think the OP said he was tapa-ed out, so for no tapas, I would third Zola, it is comfortable, not too loud, I too like Poste for brunch, I haven't been to dinner in ages, but their fries used to be killer. I have only had bar food at PS7 it was ok.

Not a far walk away would be 701, it was good last time I went.

I don't know if you would want something exotic like Indian, but Rasika is excellent, as well.

And there is always Matchbox for pizza and mini-burgers, although there can be quite a wait sometimes for dinner.

Tosca isn't too far away, and it has wonderful Italian, it might be my top vote in that area. They will let you get half orders of the pastas as starters, everything I have had their, except desserts, has been excellent. I especially loved the veal, rabbit ragu, and prosciutto and melon.

[DCDOLL]

Proof, about a block away. I didn't like Poste myself...and your wife might not appreciate the EXTREMELY loud din and chaotic scene in there.

[ianliam]

RESERVATIONS at ZOLA.

THANKS ALL.

[KWynn]

Please report back and let us know what you think!
Great tuna tartare (although your wife should certainly avoid that) and comforting, albeit heavy, lobster mac and cheese.

[ianliam]

Appetizers:
Jen:
(pre-event dinner $30)Zola House Salad + Roasted Vanderos Farm Pork Loin + Cake & Ice Cream
Me:
Grilled Falt Bread appetizer: proscuitto, figs, foie gras butter, mascarpone and balsamic drizzle (yum)+ Sautéed Arctic Char:
oysters, bacon, spinach, tomatoes, oyster root puree (fantastic)

Great service, cozy table. Perfect....Also, we enjoyed watching tipsy bar customers confront the the confusing swinging double door leading to the WC. Thanks again!