small, dark and casual?

[mstrimel]

Spouse and I do not get to eat out much, but tonight we have a babysitter and are just CRAVING some non-kid-friendly ambience. The kind of dark-wood place where the seating is very close-in, the menus are hard to read, and no one would ever bring a toddler.

We need DC or close-in Virginia, ethnic food a plus, let's say $18 or less for entrees. We like most kinds of food (ethiopian, thai, middle eastern, seafood, ....) but since it's kind of a weird request about the ambience, we're flexible.

Thanks for any suggestions!

[chicken kabob]

Proof would be good and fits your description, except slightly above your price range and not ethnic. What about Granville Moore's for awesome mussels & frites? Have fun....

[mstrimel]

Yay! Granville Moore's was absolutely what we neede. Bonus points for it being in a neighborhood that was new to us.
We had a delectable fried risotto balls, mussels mariniere, frites, and dessert. The service was unhurried in the best possible way ... we'll be back there I'm sure.
Thanks!

[anchor]

hah! Granville Moore's was the first place I thought of too! It is so kid-UNfriendly in every way (and as a mother of a 19 month old, I mean that in the best possible way!)

[chicken kabob]

So glad you liked my suggestion- I have to get back there soon- it really is a very delicious and cool place, IMO!