Need a place for 3 couples meeting in DC for a weekend
My husband and I will be meeting up with 2 other couples for a weekend in DC. We come from NJ, KY and WI. Each couple has been charged with selecting a dining place and paying for it. So far I believe Martin's in Georgetown has been selected and the other couple going with seafood at a location still undecided.
I would like a place with solid food, good cocktails, not a small or loud place, that takes reservations. We also have a gluten free person among us so need to take that in to account.
I have been looking at Brasserie Beck but not sure on that one.
We are staying around 14th and H so a walk from there would be great but no required. We can cab or Metro.
We are open to most cuisines. Not looking for a high end, 5 course type of place. No one in this group is interested in that for this particular trip. Just a good night out with a chance to catch up with friends.
Can anyone offer any ideas? I know this is a sort of vague request.
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Brasserie Beck
1101 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
By mbw1024
on Jun 24, 2011 07:31 AM
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Potenza and Bibiana are both nearby. I am pretty sure Potenza has gf pasta, and I know I have looked at the Bibiana menu and have seen plenty of things I could order that would be gf there too.
You also aren't far from the Penn Quarter/Chinatown area there are a lot of options there. Proof might be a good one to consider, PS7, Zaytinya, Oya. Zaytinya and other Jose Andres restaurants are really good with allergies. But if you contact the restaurant in advance and let them know about the gluten thing most places are pretty accommodating.
I like Brasserie Beck in that area Againn is also very good.
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PS7 Restaurant
777 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Brasserie Beck
1101 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Zaytinya
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Potenza
1430 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Bibiana
1100 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005
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Agreed with all of these, but I do think Beck is something special and worth seeing - though be warned that it is on the loud side.
Also, if there is a subtle way to politely steer your friend away from Martin's, you may want to do that. It's worth stopping in for a drink and a bit of history, but the food is pretty abysmal (except the bread pudding, which is pretty darn good). Perhaps after a drink there, you could head north on Wisconsin to Bistro Lepic: http://www.bistrotlepic.com/
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Thanks for the responses. Will try and steer but don't know how succesful I will be. Appreciate the feedback and will take a look at all these.
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I would recommend Bibiana as well - love it there.
I'd also recommend Birch and Barley- it would be something different. Also Rasika if you can get it - it's amazing and unique. Actually, I'd recommend Rasika before Bibiana, Bibiana before Birch and Barley. All are different from one another with Bibiana being the most "dressy" (though it's not really fancy). Birch and Barley has a bar above it called Churchkey that might be a great place to go after any dinner.
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Rasika Restaurant
633 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004
Bibiana
1100 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Birch and Barley
1337 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
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All the places mentioned so far are good, with the possible exception of Potenza. I've only eaten there once, for lunch, and thought it was pretty awful. I'm planning a special occasion meal at Bibiana next month myself - can't wait to try it! I love the mussels at Beck. They also have an excellent, although expensive, Belgian beer list.
Another to consider is Estadio for Spanish small plates. It's across the street from Birch and Barley - about 15 minutes walk up 14th St. at 14th and Q.
http://estadio-dc.com/
The above-mentioned Churchkey has the best beer list in town, if that is of interest.
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Bibiana
1100 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Birch and Barley
1337 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
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Brasserie Beck is a really good option. It can get a little loud though so make a request to sit towards the back of the restaurant (away from the bar) or outside and you should be fine.
Another option would be Urbana. Their chef is putting out great stuff lately. They have cocktails and a nice wine list as well of a variety of menu items to suit everyone's taste.
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Brasserie Beck
1101 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
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Jaleo (tapas) or Zaytinya (Meeze): Jose Andres restaurants: great places to socially share small plates and to drink
Two Amy's: delicious adult pizza's and more! (doesn't take reservations but greasing the palm will get you in quick)
Brasserie Beck: mussels and pomme fritte
Central: Michelle Richard's less formal bistro restaurant
PS7 unique cocktails and great appetizers
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PS7 Restaurant
777 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Two Amys
3715 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC 20016
Brasserie Beck
1101 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Zaytinya
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
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Sounds fun! I would recommend Aguinn - not too far from where you're staying. Food is solid, cocktails are good and interesting, and I think you'd be ok to find something gluten-free on the menu.
(Longtime reader, but new poster, so I've got to go figure out how to hyperlink the name....in the meantime, here's a link: http://www.againndc.com/ )
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decided on Bibiana. thanks for the recommendations. might check out some of these other places for a lunch along the way and Churchkey sounds fun!
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Bibiana
1100 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005
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I would try Carmine's in the Penn Quarter on 7th Street. The food is very good and with the large portions (family style) it really is a good spot for 5 or more. Ask to sit in the lounge near the window as the dining room can get loud
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Not even in the same stratosphere as Bibiana, which is just a few blocks from where these people are staying. Carmines is great for large groups and visits with kids, but for people serious about food, Bibiana - as they have chosen - is a far better option. Much more adult, exceptional food and service.
As I always say about Bibiana, I hope they have salted caramel gelato when this group goes!
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Bibiana
1100 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005
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Jeserf, call Seasonal Pantry on 9th. It just opened. When I strolled by they had two flavors of homemade ice cream: strawberry shortcake and salted caramel. The salted caramel was downright outstanding. http://www.seasonalpantry.com/
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Talenti, a ridiculously tasty national brand, also has it at various supermarkets. I'm just not going to buy it because I'll eat it. I'd rather remember the flavor from Bibiana. Much easier on the scale!
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Bibiana
1100 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005
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I just bought this flavor of Talenti a few days ago at Safeway. I don't think it's particularly good and won't buy it again - no need to pine away for it Jeserf. You really aren't missing much!
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hm I've had their toffee/caramel cookie one (whatever the flavor actually is) and really like it.
Also - we were at Dolcezza last weekend and they had a Maldon Sea Salt flavor - it was VERY good (but too salty for me without an accompanying flavor...hubby ate it). Highly recommend traveling to try some
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The Sea Salt flavor and the bitter chocolate are standouts at Dolcezza. But I just had the regular sea salt, source was not named.
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