Good eats near National Arboretum? (D.C.)

[crowsonguy]

Taking my sister to the National Arboretum on New York Avenue next Sunday, and they have no place to eat there. Without going into downtown DC or the Maryland suburbs, is there anywhere with interesting food in the area? Ethnic, southern, soul or other, it doesn't need to be fancy, just a warm place with good cooking and a few tables would do.

Thanks! Will report back if good (or spectacularly bad)

[lawhound]

In the wholesale food market just off New York Ave (and pretty close to the Natl Arboretum), there are several places that serve retail customers. A. Litteri, the one that I go to, is closed Sundays. Perhaps the DC hounds have some other suggestions in the market?

[hoorah]

Capital City Diner is probably your closest option. There are also a bunch of places around the corner from it, on or near H Street NE (look for "Atlas District" on here; you'll find plenty of results).

It looks like you're coming from Baltimore? If you're driving in on 295, Rays the Steaks at East River wouldn't be far out of your way.

[katecm]

Agreed, it's an easy drive to H Street NE, and totally worth it for sandwiches from Taylor Gourmet.

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Taylor Gourmet
1116 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

[crowsonguy]

So should it be Grenville Moore's, Taylor Gourmet or Rays The Steaks?

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Taylor Gourmet
1116 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

[Steve]

Rays the Steaks features an unusual smoked-then-fried chicken which has me dreaming to return. Also, their baby back ribs are thoroughly impressive: this is the only place that makes baby backs acceptable to me.

Taylor Gourmet, however, makes a roast pork sandwich to rival the best in Philly and maybe win a competition. If I was solo, I'd go with Taylor Gourmet, but with others I would go for more variety at Rays, which includes their great crab bisque.

[MakingSense]

The Capital City Diner might be just what you need. A classic diner with classic diner food. Really good diner food and a neighborhood favorite. I love their biscuits in the morning, great meatloaf, terrific fried chicken, seriously good collard greens, and a classic burger with waffle fries. They also have a liquor license so you can get a brew with your food.
They're open 24-hours from Friday through Sunday but close by 5 PM on Sunday - so don't be late.
http://www.capitalcitydiner.com/

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City Diner
5616 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041

[crowsonguy]

Sounds good, but I fear we'll be too late, as we have a 10:30 brunch at Woodberry Kitchen, then a drive and a whole bunch of trees

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Woodberry Kitchen
2010 Clipper Park Rd # 126, Baltimore, MD

[sweth]

Can't think of anything that meets your exact needs: Deli City is near there and great, but not open on the weekend; I believe Hogs on the Hill (not bad BBQ) is open on Sunday, but it's take-out only; and most of the other very close places are fast food. The last time I was at the Arboretum, though, they did have an On-The-Fly food truck there inside the grounds, so that might suffice.

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Deli City Restaurant
2200 Bladensburg Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018