Solo dining near 14th Street N.W (between H and I streets)

[prdct]

NYC hound looking for one night of solo dining in DC. I'm staying on 14th Street N.W (between H and I streets) and would prefer to stay within walking distance but could take the metro if there is nothing of note in the area. I would strongly prefer to sit at bar and order apps and wine/cocktails. Other than that there are few restrictions-any cuisine will do, bonus points for something I can't get in NY. For reference if you know NYC restaurants, Babbo is my favorite place for solo bar dining here --there are always solos and couples eating at the bar and its a chance to try someplace special without dishing out for a multicourse sitdown meal. I would prefer to try to keep the price of just the food (so not including drinks tax or tip) to about $40, but I could go over that for something spectacular. Any ideas?

[prdct]

thanks for all of the recs--I've been looking at menus and drooling. I would promise to report back, but it turns out that I now have a working dinner on the night I thought I would have the chance for the solo meal. I'll be back in DC for work in a few weeks thoguh, likely in the same area, and am really looking forward to trying some of these suggestions.

[katecm]

I'd head a few blocks east to Brasserie Beck in 11th. For all the great stuff NYC has to offer, I don't think it has Belgian brasserie food quite like this. Robert Wiedemeier is something special.

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Brasserie Beck
1101 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

[Elyssa]

I would head over to Estadio and try to get a seat at the chef's table. Sample a couple plates of their delicious Spanish tapas and try one of their cocktails. I was there with a friend recently we each got a drink and split 5 plates, we stayed within your price range (give or take) and that was for 2 people.

If you are willing to travel away from your hotel a bit, I also agree that PS7 is excellent for solo dining. I got there all the time and eat at the bar alone. You can order from the bar menu (you must get the tuna tartar sliders) or the regular menu. Make sure you try one of Gina's seasonal cocktails.

Another favorite place to dine solo is Central. Again you can eat at the bar or one of the small tables in the bar area. They always treat me very well and you'll get to sample some of Michel Richard's cooking, a local celebrity! Enjoy!

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PS7 Restaurant
777 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001

[Marty L.]

I agree -- Estadio is an excellent choice, as would be Bar Pilar.

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Bar Pilar
1833 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

[Elyssa]

Another great choice. Get the chicken liver pate...although it's super rich so you might not need much else besides some extra bread and a cocktail.

[hamster]

Graffiato is opening this Thursday. I'm sure they'll be working out some kinks for a few weeks, but it sounds like it's up your alley:
http://graffiatodc.com/

[hamster]

How about Bibiana? Not sure about the scene at the bar there, but the food is delicious. You could also consider Proof. You are in the Metro Center/Penn Quarter around there, tons of restaurants, so going up 14th Street is not really necessary - though it's also not very far.

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Bibiana
1100 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005

[Jeserf]

that's a good suggestion - I've seen people eating at the bar there before and the food is wonderful. And while not SUPER close, another popular eat at the bar place is PS7 - 7th and I streets. The bartenders are very friendly and the food is delicious.

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PS7 Restaurant
777 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001

[msr3017]

Bibiana is the closest analog to Babbo that we have found in DC. It's a little more 'chic' and it doesn't have music from Mario's IPod, but the staff are real friendly and the food is out of this world. It is just a block or two away from 14th and I.

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Bibiana
1100 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005

[woodleyparkhound]

I had a colleague who came to DC for one week every month. DC Coast was his favorite place precisely because he felt so comfortable eating at the bar. I haven't been there yet, but I have read they do great crab cakes there.

It would help if you define "walking distance". If you are willing to walk, say 20 mins. one way to get to a restaurant, there are a great many excellent places within walking distance of where you will be.

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DC Coast Restaurant
1401 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

[prdct]

Thanks for the recs. I'm a New Yorker, so I'm used to walking everywhere--a 20 min walk, as long as it is basically safe for a solo female sounds totally reasonable. I just don't know the Metro well, so I was trying to make things easier for myself by walking.

[Jeserf]

Walk up to Birch and Barley/Churchkey....it's at 14th and N (right?).
Also on 14th north of Local Circle is Estadio and Masa 14. People here will have far more experience at those places than I have, but all three have good reviews here!

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