Well, I know we should have been making reservations MUCH earlier but we blew it. 11-5-11; 8 pm show. We are taking the Metro (red line)from SHady Grove and then switching to get off at Foggy Bottom. We really could eat anywhere along the line that is an easy walk from a station, but would like to try to get a fixed - price, pre-theater dinner.

The "best" places are booked. What about Circle Bistro? Other ideas that might be further out, but an easy walk from the station?

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Circle Bistro
1 Washington Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037

Kennedy Center
2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20256

Looking for good food and good service,with comfortable outdoor seating, moderate to inexpensive, any cuisine. Just north of Dupont Circle would be perfect. Oh- for 2 people.

Ideas?

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I will let you know what we decide and how it goes!

This is my first post on Chowhound, although in the past I have read thru many helpful reviews.
I moved to DC/MD just 3 months ago, so I still have much to learn about the area and I need some advice. I have 2 questions; one regarding a weekday lunch and the other a weeknight dinner.

My 26 YO daughter is flying into Dulles on a weekday at 11:00 am. She wants to have lunch and drive down to Arl. Natl. Cem. I could REALLY use a suggestion or two about where to eat lunch en route from Dulles to Arl. National Cemetery.

I know this may be a toughie ~ is there a convenient spot where 1) the food is consistently decent ; 2) conducive to happy conversation; 3) provides a good "first impression" of the area; 4) and maybe has a "view" of some sort?

Next, I need suggestions for a weeknight dinner (not the same night as lunch above). She isn't a big fan of seafood, so keep that in mind.

Prefer to dine within U street, Dupont, or Georgetown; 1) Price $25 -$32 for an entree maybe a little higher for something really special ; 2) She likes to discuss with the server the specifics of the menu - she really is INTERESTED in the food & prep, not just being annoying, but she is inexperienced; 3) Someplace fairly casual 4) Conversational atmosphere (we havent seen each other for a few months so we want a relatively quiet place where we can chat); 5) this will be her first "adult" experience in DC - we visited when she was a teen- so I'd love a place that is "classic Washington DC" although I'm not sure "classic DC " fits with # 1-4, Ha!

Thanks in advance and I PROMISE to report back!