16th & K NW

[Teddybear]

I'm meeting an old college chum who's staying at the Capitol Hilton. Any suggestions for a good place to drink and eat (in that order)? I'm thinking maybe the bar area at Equinox, but have never been. We really want a place where we can sit around and laugh as well as eat and drink. Thanks for any advice.

[sarahinthecity]

Not sure how it is at happy hour, but I went to Olives at 16th and K the other day for lunch. The bar area looked awesome and the food was delicious.

[Teddybear]

Thanks -- that is an option especially given its location. Now I just hope the snow doesn't scuttled our plans.

[DCDOLL]

It isn't down home but the bar at the St Regis is too cool for school...very dark wood & sophisticated. You could always have a drink there and walk over to Olives for dinner.

[ktmoomau]

Isn't off the Record right there?

[Teddybear]

Do you mean the bar at the Hay Adams?

[ktmoomau]

Yep I do, Off the Record is a great place to drink, and has food, sorry it has been a while, but as I recall it is still a great bar, don't know if the food is still good as it has been a while, but there are probably reviews on here. And as I remember it is pretty close, 17th and H isn't it? It would be a place you wouldn't feel pressured to leave, the menu on menupages looks pretty good?

[Teddybear]

Ended up at Off the Record -- and it was just right -- definitely not cheap but good service, excellent drinks, and tasty food and very low key. Thanks again for all the suggests. Hope to try some of the others out before too long.

[keithdcil]

Bar at DC Coast 14 & K

[Elyssa]

The bar at Equinox is nice but not that large. Not as familar with the bar area, but Bombay Club is right across the street from Equinox. Anyone know if they have a bar and what it's like?

[Teddybear]

Thanks all -- I'm also thinking Brasserie Beck. Any thoughts?

[mselectra]

I agree that the bar at Equinox I think is too small for what you're looking for. I think you'd be better off at Central, is that too far? Or how about Ceiba's happy hour (I'm not speaking from personal experience)?

[Elyssa]

Ceiba at happy hour is actually a great idea. Their lounge is really nice, they have great drink specials and hand out a free appetizer with your order. I sometimes try to get there on the earlier side since it seems to be a popular space, but there is quite a bit of room and people seem to come and go quickly.

Brasserie Beck is another good idea (especially if you like beer). It can get very loud and very crowded though (especially depending on what night of the week you go). They have both tables and a regular bar, which is nice.

I personally love Central. And if you are willing to travel a bit, PS7 in Penn Quarter or Sette Osteria or Tabard Inn in Dupont are also good ideas.

I'm heading to the bar at Mio (14th and L) for the first time tonight. So I'll let you know if that also seems like a good choice.

[steve h.]

central at the bar makes great sense.

[Teddybear]

Thanks very much -- these are all great suggestions. I look forward to trying them out.

[dcandohio]

The bar at Bombay Club is lovely. I like Cieba for the happy hour specials. Drinks and food are specially priced. And don't forget Joe's bar at Old Ebbitt.

[Teddybear]

I'm hoping she will be up for Bombay Club -- that looks just about right. But I'm guessing she may want to go to Georgia Brown's since that is so close. That menu may not work as well though. Thanks again -- and if anyone has anything else worth trying, please do chime in.

[popagent]

It's pricey, but BLT Steak does it right. Ate there for the first time a few weeks ago and have been back twice since. The amuse bouche crock of chicken liver pate and the indescribably delicious popover are a meal in and of themselves.