Alexandria or Arlington Rec. (Vermillion-like)

[Meg]

Meeting old friends Saturday night. Looking for good food in a casual but inviting setting and with a moderate decibel level so we can catch up without screaming. Need to stay away from anything too ethnic or exotic.

Went to Vermillion last week for the first time and loved it, the food and the atmosphere. My ideal restaurant for Saturday night would be something similar though at a lower price point ($15 - $20 entrees).

Need somewhere that takes reservations or has a lounge where we can wait for a table without feeling like sardines.

TIA Hounds

[weezycom]

Carlyle in Shirlington, upstairs, sounds like a good fit for you as well. A variety of price points on the menu, running about $12 for a dinner salad up to ~$30 for large prime rib cuts.

[ktmoomau]

Tallula in Arlington would be a good option too, they also have Evening Star Cafe, but I haven't been, it may be louder.

Sette Bello is also nice, but it can get loud.

Liberty Tavern is really good, although it can be a little louder, although it isn't too bad upstairs.

I haven't been to Willow now in a while, last time I went I wasn't as thrilled with my entree, but the sticky toffee pudding was still good, not as good as Tallula but good.

[jaydreb]

Tallula fits the bill perfectly, except entrees might be slightly >$20.

[BookGuy]

Liberty Taven in Clarendon would fit the bill if you ate upstairs where the noise level is decent and not downstairs in the hooking up area. I also like Willow in Ballston although the price level is higher with most dishes in the twenties.