Looking for a decent restaurant that isn't taking part in restaurant week

[wizzy99]

I'm headed to town next week for a conference, and didn't realize that Restaurant Week is going on, so reservations aren't as easy to come by as I'd expected.

Group of 4, like interesting food. Last year we went to Black Salt and Founding Farmers. Loved Black Salt (did the tasting menu) and thought Founding Farmers was good even though we had to wait way past our reservation.

Any suggestions based on the above? We'll be there on Wednesday night, ideally around 7:30.

[wizzy99]

Thanks for all the guidance so far. A few more data points: we're staying at the Omni Shoreham; this is a work dinner, so we'll want to talk but have some drinks as well; and at least one of the people is not an adventurous eater.

I've currently got a reservation at Proof as a backup; thoughts?

[DanielK]

OK, given the fact that it's a work dinner, and you'll want to be able to hear each other and have a reservation, I'd reiterate all of my previous choices. I got lucky in my guesses. :-)

But Proof is an excellent choice too.

[rHairing]

I like many of these choices but for a work dinner I would say Corduroy.

[Elyssa]

Proof could work. Also closer to you is Palena and Cashion's, neither of which are participating in Restaurant Week but both are delicious.

[ktmoomau]

I would second Palena. Although Proof has great food, as well.

[wizzy99]

The menu at Palena looks great, however it looks like the baseline is $75/person. I'm guessing we'll hit that anyway at Proof, but don't want to set that as a the floor out of the gate.

[Elyssa]

There is also a more affordable cafe, that has an incredible menu and is much more affordable.

[ktmoomau]

That's what I meant.

[sheldman]

District Kitchen is a new restaurant in the Omni Shoreham neighborhood (Woodley Park), a very few minutes walk from the hotel, and it is excellent so far. If you want to stay in the neighborhood, go to District Kitchen or (somewhat higher end and very good) New Heights.

[DCDOLL]

What about New Heights? i don't know if they are doing RW or not but it's right there near you...walking distance even.

[Elyssa]

They are participating in Restaurant Week.

[DanielK]

Masa 14, Corduroy, Oval Room, Mio

[Elyssa]

Mio, Masa 14 and Oval Room usually takes part in Restaurant Week,so you might want to double check on those 3.

[Elyssa]

Brasserie Beck is a good idea. You might also like Cashion's Eat Place, Hank's Oyster Bar or Estadio...none of which are taking part in Restaurant Week.

[woodleyparkhound]

Brasserie Beck for great moules and frites

Estadio for outstanding tapas

Pearl Dive for great seafood, especially oysters (doesn't take reservations)

[Steve]

Ray's to the Third in Arlington, VA. Hard to go wrong there. A league above Founding Farmers.

Tonic in DC.

Both places very casual with well-thought out food.

Thai X-ing in DC, only two tables, no kidding. A unique experience, worth calling.

[broodingomnipresence]

Thai X-ing has a lot more than two tables now. There's seating upstairs and downstairs.