Restaurant near Dupont Circle?

[beeble1]

I need a Monday night restaurant in Dupont near the Washington Hilton Hotel. Looking for something a bit hip with a fun atmosphere, if possible, and definitely good food. Can be on the more expensive side and am not bound by type of food: everything from American to Asian is o.k. Suggestions? I've gotten great ones here before and I rarely get into the city to eat, so anything you have to offer would be excellent.

[beeble1]

Thanks everyone! I ended up going to Ardeo/Bardeo for a couple of reasons (I was driving and it had valet parking! Plus I always wanted to try it.) I liked the atmosphere and some of the dishes I tried to were fantastic (brussell sprouts, marinated chickpeas), but one was so-so (whole roasted rockfish -- TONS of bones to pick out) and one was not great ("faux" carbonara -- though I did love the egg on top). Anyway, thanks for all the suggestions. I'm going to use them for future outings!

[masonuc]

Based on your description, definitely Urbanna or Agora. I'd lean Agora because the food is terrific. Definitely avoid Vento -- not good at all.

[J_DC]

I am curious to hear others' opinions on Vento. I think it's quite good, although I prefer its sister restaurant Siroc.

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Siroc Restaurant
915 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

[Elyssa]

I thought Vento was ok....not great. i think Siroc is much, much better.

Also I live right around the corner from Vento and have been a little worried it might not survive. It's a very large space and I rarely see it even close to being filled.

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Siroc Restaurant
915 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

[masonuc]

Vento won't survive unless they improve massively. It's possible that my opinion on Vento is negatively influenced by comparison to Siroc. But how can Siroc be so much better?

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Siroc Restaurant
915 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

[dracisk]

Hmm, I only went to Vento once early this year, but I really enjoyed it. I've never been to Siroc to compare, though....

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Siroc Restaurant
915 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

[Elyssa]

There are a number of good restaurants in this area. I would check out Urbana, Hank's Oyster Bar, or Firefly. If you are willing to walk a couple of blocks you can head over to Logan Circle where there are a number of excellent (and more hip) restaurants including Masa 14, Estadio, and Bar Pilar.

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Hank's Oyster Bar
1026 King St Ste 1, Alexandria, VA 22314

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

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

[J_DC]

I like Elyssa's list, and, for hit and lively, would also add Vento on P St. and Agora on 17th for Dupont. If you are willing to head to 14th, Marvin, Cork, and Posto are additional good hip choices in my opinion.

I like Bistro du Coin's atmosphere and have enjoyed the food in the past, but my last meal there was pretty bad - tasted like mussels in water sauce.

[dracisk]

Bistrot du Coin is great and right near the hotel. Delicious food and definitely a lively atmosphere. Can get a bit noisy (maybe not on a Monday night), but if you don't mind that I'd definitely recommend it!