Need help finding dinner for family of 8
Hi all--
My family is coming in from out of town and I need help! My mom and dad are brining three kids, none of who have been to the east coast or the city before (I think this is the largest city they have ever visited). There will be eight people total - three vegetarians and four omnivores, ages 16-65 (with the possibility of a baby added to the mix if the babysitter falls through). I would love to take them some place hip and cool but also affordable for dinner (10-20 dollars on average per person). Two more challenges: I live downtown, so I am hoping for something in the city limits. I would like for our destination not to be incredibly noisey (a la Two Amys).
So far the best idea I have had is Matchbox. Any other thoughts?
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I think Chinatown Matchbox remains the best bet. if people don't drink alot (which is hard with their good beer choices) and you can talk the group into a couple apps and then sharing pizzas (especially a bargain with kids instead of ordering them their own entree) you can get out of there with quite a bargain meal. It's loud downstairs at the bar, but I've never thought it especially loud upstairs, where the bigger tables are. They take reservations for parties 6 and over except on weekends, but not day of, so call ahead. If you are going on a day when they won't take your reservation, sounds like you live close, just stop by an hour ahead of time, put your name in, and come back.
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Jaleo has the most vegetarian accessible menu in the city. Although it is popular, it is not too noisy. Zaytinya, suggested above, also has a good menu, but gets even noisier than 2 Amys. When you reserve, you can even mention that you have three vegetarians.
For vegetarians, I recommend the tortilla espanol, patatas bravas, grilled asparagus, and spinach with raisins. As specials, they sometimes have a great dish of trumpet mushrooms, so if you don't see that offered, maybe you can ask about it.›1 Reply -
you could try a place like Spices in cleveland park - it's large, good for a group, has lot of options and is convenient for metro and walking after dinner...
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re: chicken kabob
Founding Farmers is not in Georgetown. It is in Foggy Bottom. It is also very loud. After all the hype I have been here twice and I really don't think it is that good. Decor is nice, service is slow and food is mediocre. I thought it was just me. I also saw Sietsema's write up in the Post last weekend that pretty much confirmed my thoughts.
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Matchbox is a good choice. What about Cava on 8th Street on Capitol Hill (a few blocks from the Eastern Market metro)? It's Greek-inspired mezze and has plenty of vegetarian options. The ambience is great and it's a great place for groups and affordable.
Another option within your price-range would be Clyde's...they have an extensive menu so everyone would be sure to find something they like.
I love Zaytinya on 9th street (right off the Chinatown metro), which is also Greek-inspired mezze (noticing a theme here?!?)...depending on what you order, you could get away with $10-20 pp. Also hip decor, great for groups, and plenty of vegetarian options.
Potenza on 14th (metro center) is a new Italian restaurant from the owners of Zola. The decor is great and would accomodate a large group. They have plenty of pizzas and pastas that are vegetarian. Again, depending on what you order (I think I remember most of the pizzas being around $13), it would fit your price-range. I wasn't wowed by the food but liked it well enough.
