in a bit of a rut: new east side ideas?

[nwdchound]

This one might be a bit challenging--not sure.

What's new/good on the "east side" of DC's NW quadrant? I'm looking for the best CH recc that has the following qualities:

- on the "east side" meaning east of Connecticut (so not so much middle of Dupont, Woodley, CP, Tenley, Friendship Heights, etc.) but still in DC. East Dupont/Logan/U Street Corridor/Petworth especially

- moderately priced for dinner -- moderate meaning mains in the teens to low 20s rather than 20s to low 30s

- relatively quiet; can talk w/o shouting and tables not too close together

- and, of course, great (er, really good?) food!

[nwdchound]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'm clearly overdue to try Cork (thanks for the link Elyssa--remembered reading that last month when you posted it but had forgotten about the place). Admittedly at odds with the pricing constraint I'd listed, we're now deciding between Cork (which seems to meet all the requirements) and PS 7s, which won't meet the moderately priced screen but maybe strong on all the others.

[MrsWheatie]

PS7s is participating in RW which will moderate the price point. I can't remember if they are extending it.

[Elyssa]

Also if you want to eat in the lounge at PS7 you can always partake in their Happy Hour deal (also restricted to eating before 7pm I believe).

[mselectra]

Have you been to Red Rocks Pizza in Columbia Heights? I think it's really good. Park and 11th.

Jamie Leeds new "people's gastropub" is supposed to be opening in early-mid August, on Irving across the street from Target/Best Buy, [next to Pete's Apizza (which I wasn't much impressed with, the one time I went, except they have Dolcezza gelato) and new Five Guys, and a couple other places are going in there.] Really excited about this. I believe the menu is online, British pub style food.

If you don't already, keep an eye on princeofpetworth blog -- not so good for food reviews as here, of course, but helps keep you up-to-date on the area you're asking about.

[dcandohio]

Rice on 14th (it can get loud)
Simply Home on U
Bar Pilar
Vinoteca on 11th at U

[Elyssa]

Btw, here is my review of Cork from a month ago: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/527959

I've been meaning to return since I want to try more items on the menu.

[Elyssa]

There are a lot of good restaurants in the U St. area. I don't know what you have tried before but I really enjoy Cork (new) and Creme (not so new). St. Ex is also good, especially if you want brunch.

I went to the newish Ulah and enjoyed it. Very affordable, I believe I got a good turkey burger.

[nwdchound]

Creme and St Ex are both very good (especially the burger at St Ex, which is probably top 3 in the city IMHO) but, alas, both well known. Haven't had a chance to go to Cork yet and didn't realize it was as much/more restaurant than wine bar. Can you book a reasonably quiet table there or is more of scene?

[potrzebie]

2 obvious choices are Etete & Queen Makeda for great Ethiopian food. Both are on 9th, just below U St. Queen Makeda (upstairs) is quieter with more space between tables than Etete, which might be too packed in for you. Prices are low at both places.

[Elyssa]

I went to Cork with a friend about a month ago during the week (maybe a Tues or Weds). We went on the earlier side, 5:45-6pm. We were able to get a table right away and finished up small plates and some wine right around the time that it was getting packed. It did get louder, so yes it is a scene. But I thought the food and service was really good. The small plates are fun.

They also have outdoor seating. So if the heat is not sweltering you can give that a shot. The street view isn't that scenic but it might help with the noise inside.

[DCDOLL]

We really enjoy Skewers. it isn't new but the lebanese food is quite tasty, reasonable and you can sit out on the little balcony and enjoy the neighborhood. It's in east dupont. service quite attentive too.