Pre-Kennedy Center show dining

[Carolina Girl]

My husband and I will be meeting my brother and his family for dinner before a show at the Kennedy Center. I'm looking for something inexpensive to moderately priced that my nephews (ages nine and 16) will also enjoy. The boys are good eaters who love ethnic food. All suggestions appreciated!

[bzookaj]

Last time I went to a show at the KC, I walked up to Georgetown and ate at Miss Saigon.

[hamster]

Bobby's Burger Palace has very good and interesting hamburgers, fun atmosphere (diner-style) for the kids. Short walk to Foggy Bottom, where you pick up the free shuttle to the Kennedy Center.

[Elyssa]

Is it very good? I've heard nothing but negative reviews of the place, which is why I've never tried it despite living and working within walking distance of the place.

[mdpilam]

I would say they are solid burgers, but nothing special. If you live/work nearby and had a burger craving I would at least give them a shot. You're not going to be raving about them or anything though. Be warned, it is a madhouse during lunch hours.

[hamster]

I have really enjoyed my burgers there, good ingredients, prepared carefully. Some interesting toppings. Definitely way better than Black and Orange, also better than Burger Tap & Shake, but not as good as Ray's Hellburger.

[KeithW]

If you are as far east as 7th St NW, consider Oyamel. If you're not already that far east, getting to the Kennedy Center from there by car on a Friday night could be a challenge.

Closer to the Kennedy Center, for your price range I would recommend District Commons (can be more or less pricey depending on what you order) or Chalin's for Chinese. If you go to Chalin's be sure to look at the "Authentic Chinese" menu if they don't give it to you automatically.

http://www.districtcommonsdc.com/district.html
http://chalins.com

[KeithW]

How are you getting from dinner to the Kennedy Center? What day of the week are you going? I ask because on a typical Saturday there is not much traffic and traveling by car I have gone to dinner before the Kennedy Center in Foggy Bottom, Penn Quarter, Metro Center, Woodley Park, Pallisades, and Arlington with no problem. So depending on your transportation situation you might have many options.

[Carolina Girl]

Driving from dinner to the Kennedy Center on a Friday night. Staying in a hotel on E Street NW. Thanks!

[reiflame]

In that case I'd recommend RIS. It's an easy shot to the Kennedy Center, there's a cheap lot right next to it and the food is good and not terribly expensive.

[Elyssa]

Ris is a great choice as well. They even have a pre-theater menu.

[KeithW]

Ris is very good. But I don't know if it's in the OP's price range. Menu is online so Carolina Girl can decide.

[Elyssa]

There are not a ton of ethnic options in that area. I assume you want to be near the theater. I would go to Firefly or Circa.

Rasika West End is not far from the theater, is ethnic and delicious but I don't know if I would place it in the inexpensive or moderate price range.

For something inexpensive and very casual check out Roti (also would fulfill the ethnic qualification). It is counter service, so very casual. But I love their food.

[Carolina Girl]

Thanks, Elyssa. It doesn't need to be an ethnic restaurant. I just mentioned that so people would realize that I don't need a generic restaurant for the kids. I appreciate the suggestions.