Business Trip to D.C. - Where should I eat?

[AmyHN]

I am traveling to D.C. at the beginning of October and staying near DuPont Circle. I'm only staying four nights. Where should I go for dinner? I would like to have one very nice expensive meal ($100 per person would be OK) and for the other nights I would like to find a place where I can sit at a bar and get a great appetizer and drink. Any suggestions?

[AmyHN]

Hey everybody - just wanted to say thanks for the input! I have tons of ideas now!

[winepoet]

if you like spanish - I like Taberna del alabardero for full menu and jaleo's for tapas/wine

[DCDOLL]

OMG whatever you do go to Obelisk, if you can get in...usually takes a couple weeks but during the week might be easier. you can walk there - its' in Dupont (2121 P Street). 5 course N. Italian prix fixe with a couple choices per course, very small & intimate and the food is to die for. No website, hard to find..but worth it. Chef only fixes what is fresh that day so the menu changes daily (hence no website). 75 PP and you will want to lick the plates...honest.. :)

[Elyssa]

For your very expensive meal I would go to either The Source or Equinox.

As for meals where you can sit at a bar and have a good cocktail and food I would consider either PS7, Central, Bibianna, Urbana, Estadio, or Hank's Oyster Bar. Not all of these restaurants are in the Dupont area---but many are a short cab or metro ride away.

[AmyHN]

Thanks for the tips! It sounds like PS7 and Hank's are popular recommendations, so I will probably check those out. Any thoughts on Capital Grille?

[hill food]

Capital Grille - yawn. I'm sure it's good, I've only ducked in one August afternoon for a 'refreshment' but I could have been at Ruth Chris' or S+W or well, anywhere.

the other choices offered are far more interesting. Hank's has a small menu so it's very fresh and there's a little for everyone.

if it's a steak you want, there are better options. J+G, Bourbon, RIS?

[Elyssa]

Eh....you can do better. If you are looking for a steakhouse, I like J&G Steakhouse or Bourbon Steak.

[hill food]

ELYSSA - get out of my head!

(you know I'm kidding right?) tangential experiences can be amusing.

[woodleyparkhound]

Check out PS7 for tuna sliders and a great cocktail.

[ipsedixit]

If you can outside of your budget, save your one expensive meal for Rogue24.

Rasika and Sushi Taro for dining at the bar.

[Steve]

Rogue 24 doesn't have to break her budget. Last time I was there, eight courses at the bar (midweek) would come under her budget.

Sixteen courses were $110 before tax, just a bit over.

[ipsedixit]

I was referring to the full 24 course TM.

I think that's the best way to experience RJ Cooper.

[woodleyparkhound]

I had the 24 course and would never do it again. WAY too much food -- and alcohol.

[ipsedixit]

You don't have to do the wine pairing (although I'd recommend it).

How much food is too much is a matter of personal preference. I did not leave stuffed, or hungry. If asked, I could've probably gone another 3 or 4 more courses.

[AmyHN]

I don't mind going over budget. It sounds like most of the nicer restaurants in D.C. are going to be upwards of $100 for a tasting menu. I was actually thinking about Komi, which is even more expensive than Rogue, according to the website. Any thoughts?

[sarinaL]

Hank's Oyster Bar is FANTASTIC--their mac and cheese is out of this world. The fried oysters are delicious, as is their daily raw bar selection. You really can't go wrong. They have an outdoor patio too, if it's nice out while you're here.