georgetownronin's Profile
Steakhouse - not super fancy/overpriced
Personally, I think BLT would be a big disappointment.
Take a look at "The Grill" at Smith & Wollensky. http://www.smithandwollensky.com/menus/S&W_Fall_2010_Grill_menu_DC.pdf You can order off of the normal menu as well.
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Smith & Wollensky
1112 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Georgetown, Washington D.C. help
I think the renovation was completed a few years ago.
Georgetown, Washington D.C. help
Maybe stop in at Martin's Tavern. http://www.martins-tavern.com/
One of the best hidden museums in the city is actually in Georgetown: http://www.doaks.org/museum/ Gardens/grounds are also fantastic for a leisurely afternoon.
DC in need of some LV advice, re: 3sq Restaurant Week
Thanks. That's encouraging to hear.
DC in need of some LV advice, re: 3sq Restaurant Week
Thanks for the info. Good to hear that most restaurants stay true to their core.
"...every place adjusts the menu accordingly. Instead of filet-skirt, instead of big eye-rainbow trout, and so on."
Unfortunately, that's the type of thing I'm afraid of. When I want fillet, I want fillet and not skirt steak. At least it sounds like the regular menu will still be available.
I didn't mean to go too far to the "dark side" when I heard about RW in Las Vegas. In DC, sometimes places ONLY serve their RW menu. Other times, restaurants have items that overlap, and an order from the regular menu confuses the kitchen and you get the RW portion and preparation for twice the price. Even further, some restaurants decide to "experiment" and have RW offerings that have no chance of making it to the regular menu. The reality is that servers can also be disgruntled with a busier schedule, non-regulars, and half the tips that they are use to. Of course, there are plenty of restaurants that really shine during RW in DC; I'm just always a bit skeptical.
DC in need of some LV advice, re: 3sq Restaurant Week
I'll be coming to Las Vegas in early September, and I have been planning a few nice dinners. I just learned that it is "Restaurant Week." http://www.threesquare.org/events/event-calendar/restaurant-week/
In DC, I dread Restaurant Week because the food, service, and overall experience are markedly different than going during a normal week. Is this the same in Las Vegas? What should I expect when a restaurant serves $100 of food for $50?
Any insights would be great -especially if you know of any restaurants that stay true to their core during RW.
Good Place for 21st Birthday dinner?
Smith & Wollensky's
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Smith & Wollensky
3767 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Very casual 50th birthday spot for 20 people?
I might suggest making arrangements with Willow Restaurant in Ballston. See if you can reserve an outdoor spot for your 20 people and use the Bar Menu. The Bar Menu features gourmet appetizers at $5 each. Some people, myself included, will use the Bar Menu to create a tapas style dinner for $10-15; I think it would be nearly impossible to finish more than 3. If your guests eat 2-3 each, that gives you room for 2-3 cocktails/glasses of wine per person. You may even consider getting a few bottles of wine and making the event a wine tasting of sorts. There is also a lot that you can do with the gourmet flatbreads ($17-20) and cakes ($10 per slice).
As a non-chain, neighborhood place, I think this is within reason for Willow. Give them a call (ask for Brian or Kevin) and see what type of arrangements they could make.
http://www.willowva.com/
Looks like they have not updated the online Bar Menu.
Where to Dine for Great Lambchops???
Try RIS. On Thursday nights (double check) Ris Lacoste serves her signature Rack of Lamb that she used to do at 1789. There's also a delicious lamb shank that's a staple item on the menu.
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RIS
2275 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
Birthday cake
I asked the same question last year, and I ended up at Pastries by Randolph in Arlington. The whole group was very happy with the cake, and I would buy from them again.
DC Steakhouse? Top notch, but where I can eat at the bar
Honestly, you can eat at the bar at any steakhouse in town. My only warnings would be for The Capital Grill and The Palm, in which you may have to fight for bar space. Relaxing? -maybe Charlie Palmer or Smith & Wollensky.
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Smith & Wollensky
1112 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Restaurant in DC not too crowded or noisy on a saturday evening that doesn't mind if you linger
The place that immediately comes to mind is 1789 in Georgetown. I normally plan on a minimum of 2 hours for a normal dinner there. I've had dinners there in the 4 hour range as well. The servers do a very good job of controlling the pace. Just a note: jacket required for gentleman. The menu changes daily, but you can take a look online to get an idea of the type of food they offer.
If you feel like steak, The Caucus Room is very quiet on weekends. I could see you having a long dinner there with very little interruption. However, given the crowd volume, they may want to clear out earlier than other restaurants (think 7-11, rather than 8-12). Someone mentioned Charlie Palmer's, and I think that's an excellent choice as well for a Saturday dinner
Late night eats in DC
How late?
Late: Brasserie Beck
Later: Bistro du Coin
Latest: Kramerbooks
Honestly, I'd strongly recommend staying away from Adams Morgan and U street for late night food. The reason to go to Ben's Chili Bowl is historic, not for the food. Plenty of other junk food places if that's what you're looking for.
First time in DC Spending a weekend in April
To answer your first question about safety: you should be fine just about anywhere in "NW" Washington DC. NW is the largest quadrant in the city, and cab drivers will assume that is your destination unless you tell them otherwise. As a general rule, you may not want to go too far north and too far east. You are staying in a great location. Honestly, in DC you'll know by "feel" if a neighborhood seems unsafe. Arlington is also very safe if you venture across the river.
For a breakfast/brunch try the Old Ebbitt Grill. People on this board seem to criticize it quite a bit for being touristy, but it is a DC landmark. I've been here for over a decade, and I don't have any problem going there. The Tabard Inn is another good brunch spot. It's also right next to St Matthew's, the cathedral of Washington DC (but not the National Cathedral) -if you want to squeeze in a non-cherry blossoms sight.
You could attempt reservations for Obelisk. It's a daily TBD Italian 5-course menu at $75 per person. Another spot I would recommend is Charlie Palmer's. If you go, make sure they know you are visiting and ask to go to the rooftop after dinner for stunning views of the Capitol. The Palm, Smith & Wollensky's, and The Caucus Room are other places that I like for a good steak.
I always have a fantastic time at Brasserie Beck. You should also take a look at RIS and 1789, and also Kinkead's. Zaytinya and Oyamel are also fun stops that shouldn't break the bank if you order accordingly.
Enjoy your visit.
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Caucus Room
Market Square North, 401 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004
Brasserie Beck
1101 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Old Ebbitt Grill
675 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Kinkead's Restaurant
2000 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006-1812
Tabard Inn
1739 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Zaytinya
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Smith & Wollensky
1112 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
RIS
2275 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
CH from Montreal-Where to go???
Second for Obelisk. Worth a call. (202) 872-1180. It's also very close to the Palomar (one of my favorite properties).
Honeymoon In DC
Take a look at Obelisk. 5 course Italian with daily TBD menu. Very small, intimate setting.
Best steak place in Washington DC for a large group of guys
Take a look at Smith & Wollensky's. I know it's not well-regarded on this board, but I have had consistently good meals there, and they are one of the only places to "really" dry age their steaks. I think they have a private room called The Boardroom. You could also setup in the Wollensky Grill.
I went to a bachelor party dinner there and we all had a blast. The management and staff took very good care of us. Hey, it's also a block away from Camelot...
Sunday brunch in Arlington
I really like Tallula and Boulevard Woodgrill for brunch in Arlington. For some reason, Boulevard Woodgrill has awful coffee, while Tallula uses Illy coffee -not sure if that matters.
Suggestions for group dining in DC with a small budget.
Excellent. More booze for the group. Honestly, I'm thinking of places where you could spend the extra $20 per person....hard because I can't think of a 3-courser that ends up less than $60-70. That's why I recommend your original plan + booze (normally, a crowd pleaser).
Ris
I have been to RIS several times and have loved it (especially as an old 1789 fan of her work). I have had some of the nightly specials, and been very impressed. On the regular menu, I recommend the cider glazed pork chop. The Gnudi appetizer is also amazing.
Can you recommend a place in DC that I won't feel out of place in a great dress and heels?
I answered the male equivalent of your post a few weeks ago. Personally, I think DC is one of the few places where you can go dressed up and never feel out of place. It's all about perception. I wear a jacket or suit just about everywhere and never "feel" out of place.
I think there were some really good suggestions listed. RIS might be a nice option. Are you looking for something quiet and romantic, or lively and happening? Honestly, The Palm might be a good pick. It's steak and seafood, it's established, it's relatively dressy, and it attracts DC elites. It is, however, very noisy, and you might lose some of the romantic feeling. Not to be too much of an as*hole, but it's the type of place I might bring a girl if I wanted to "close the deal" that night.
Suggestions for group dining in DC with a small budget.
Take a look at Sette Osteria or Bistro du Coin.
Need a V-Day Recommendation in Northern VA
I'm a big proponent of Willow in Arlington. It looks they they created a V-day menu, which is along the lines of their normal menu with a very small price bump (nothing nearly as bad as what I have seen from restaurants in the past).
http://www.willowva.com/documents/ValentinesDay2010_000.pdf
Classy After Dinner Piano Bar/Lounge in DC?
701 might fit the request. I haven't been there for years (since the old chef/owner left), but Teatro Goldoni use to have live music on Fri and Sat -not sure if this still holds true.
Celebrating parents 43rd Anniversary!! Restaurants needed!
You might want to consider Bistro du Coin in Dupont. They have many beef (and seafood) items on the menu for under $25. I say "might consider" because the atmosphere is very loud. My parents tend to think of the hustle and bustle as "fun," but your parents may not enjoy that.
http://www.bistrotducoin.com/menu.html#Nos%20Viandes
Valentines in Old Town
You should definitely try to get reservations at PX for drinks before or after dinner. This may be impossible, but worth a shot.
DC dinner near Shakespeare Theatre
The Caucus Room (at 9th and D) may be a perfect spot for your family. I believe they introduced a 3-course for around $35. Take a look online and see if it qualifies.
http://www.thecaucusroom.com/
Spezie Disaster / Smith and Wollensky Disappointment
I normally stick with the Filet. However, if I went with something different, I would certainly order the Cajun Ribeye (which is different from their other Cajun preparations).
? Best steak in DC proper?
Charlie Palmer's Steak on The Hill. I love the food, atmosphere, service, and location. I think The Caucus Room also makes a great steak. I've never been a fan of the Prime Rib, although many people seem to like it.
http://www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/CPSteak/DC/
http://www.thecaucusroom.com/
