Two college students looking to celebrate 19th birthday in DC

[mboxermd]

We are students at UMD and looking to celebrate our 19th birthdays in DC with a bunch of friends. We want a fun place with great food and ambiance - all cuisines considered - looking to spend around a range of $25 to $40 per person.

[spinachandchocolate]

Matchbox would be perfect.

[woodleyparkhound]

Be forewarned that Matchbox gets really, really loud and long waits are to be expected. I think their pizza is mediocre but a lot of others love it. I hear the Capitol HIll location is better than the one at Chinablock, which is the only one I've been to.

[Raids]

It might stretch your budget, but I'd go to Jaleo. It's a great place to celebrate, particualrly if you're going with people who like to share.

[agarnett100]

Hit Cafe Asia at Happy Hour for drink specials and an inexpensive meal 18th and I next to Eye Bar

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Cafe Asia
1720 I St NW Unit Frnt, Washington, DC 20006

[hamster]

I'm sorry, but Cafe Asia is depressingly worn down. I went there for dinner a couple months ago and was positively depressed by the decor, torn carpeting, etc. Also it's cheaper than what the OP is looking for, so it's not necessary to make the sacrifice there.

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Cafe Asia
1720 I St NW Unit Frnt, Washington, DC 20006

[Snd485]

Also, they've carded the few times I've been to Cafe Asia. Not a good place for 19 year olds to hit up for drink specials.

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Cafe Asia
1720 I St NW Unit Frnt, Washington, DC 20006

[hill food]

and while it may show my age - it's too dang loud for 2 people huddled knee to knee to talk, much less a group.

[woodleyparkhound]

Carmine's for Italian - huge portions meant to share.

http://www.carminesnyc.com/pdf/menus/...

[dining with doc]

2-Amys
Matchbox
Cuba Libre
dc Chophouse

[Elyssa]

Masa 14 and Sette Osteria are both good recommendations. I would also look in to Regent Thai, Ping Pong Dim Sum, Marvin, and Agora.

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Sette Osteria
1666 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

Ping Pong Dim Sum
900 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Masa 14
1825 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009

[chicken kabob]

Granville Moore's is also known for their mussels & frites. Bobby Flay had a showdown there.

I really dislike Ping Pong Dim Sum. I thought the food was terrible.

[Snd485]

Masa 14 would be a perfect choice. Easy to get to, great atmosphere and small plates are great for sharing with a group.

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Masa 14
1825 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009

[Jeserf]

Lauriol would be perfect for this - it's loud, busy, and a great celebration environment. My fiance and I get out of there for $34 between the two of us, so it's definitely budget friendly. Also consider Busboys and Poets - definitely inexpensive and a great place to celebrate with friends.

[chicken kabob]

Granville Moore

Matchbox

Creme

[ktmoomau]

Will Granville Moore let you in if you are under 21, isn't it a bar?

[lilkimbo]

They'll definitely let you in; it's more a restaurant with a bar than a bar, really. But, depending on the size of your group, I'm not sure I would recommend it for a party. It tends to get pretty crowded in there.

[Elyssa]

The problem with those 2 places is you can't make a reservation, which could be tough with a large group.

[Elyssa]

The problem is I don't think either of those places takes reservations...which could be difficult for a large group. And since they are underage, it's not like they can kill time waiting at the bar.

[ktmoomau]

Ideas:
Lauriol Plaza- doesn't get much love on this board, I like the cuban and peruvian dishes, they are the stronger things to get.
Ted's Bulletin or Cava on Capitol Hill
Marvin
Masa 14
Jaleo or Oyamel (though tapas prices add up quickly)
Sette Osteria in Dupont

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Sette Osteria
1666 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

Lauriol Plaza
1835 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Masa 14
1825 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009

Ted's Bulletin
505 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003