What is D.C.'s version of The Drawing Room?

Hi,

I'm going to Washington, D.C. to visit friends in May. I was wondering if they have any cocktail lounges similar to The Drawing Room and/or The Violet Hour (i.e. thoughtfully crafted cocktails in a nice atmosphere). Thanks for any suggestions!

Also, I found some places that seem to be popular in D.C. and was wondering if anyone has been to or heard much about Central Michel Richard, Jaleo, Proof, Zaytinya, Birch & Barley, or Corduroy? Or if there are any other ideas for places (entrees priced around $40 or less-ish would be awesome) to eat, I would appreciate help. Thanks!

Central is incredible, one of our favorite places to go, though be aware that it can be extremely loud. I've never been a fan of Jaleo though I know plenty of people who are. Proof, Zaytinya and Corduroy are staples of the DC foodie market and I don't know anything about Birch and Barley.

Cocktail culture is alive and well in DC and there are TONS of places you might like.

For all your DC food needs I'd really suggest going over to Donrockwell.com - they're the DC version of LTH.

Thanks! I went to that forum, but I couldn't do any searches for cocktails b/c I'm not a member. And it's inconvenient scrolling through the topics b/c I don't know which places are restaurants, bars, lounges, etc. I would love it if you might just list some places and I can look them up? Maybe locations closer to R Street NW, Washington, D.C. 2009? lol Thanks!

Spiffy,
The Passenger is brand new and supposedly very nice as well as the Gibson. You can make reservations at the Gibson.

Thanks!

Two letters...PX

Zaytinya and Corduroy are both excellent. Cannot comment on the others.

My friend said no to PX b/c it's in VA and too far from his place... what would be the next best thing in D.C.?

Eek....nothing really comes close as far as I know.

I'm sure you could get an excellent cocktail at any high end restaurants downtown. Citronelle, Rasika and Central would all probably be safe bets.

I can't speak to cocktails, but I've eaten at the bar at Corduroy and can't but think that the bartender would have some interesting, seasonal ingredients at hand. And in addition to their great food, Zaytinya's space is gorgeous on a sunny afternoon, and not very crowded compared to after work.

More recently, I ate at the downtown Jaleo this past February and thought that the specials or tapas modernas were the best: the chorizo in crispy potato was excellent as was the pork belly special. Of the usual fare, the bacon-wrapped dates were very good. I'd choose whatever pork is on the menu, and I'd take a chance on whatever special includes fruit. Didn't try any cocktails--we stuck to beer.

I heard good things about The Gibson and what I've heard of it seems very similar to The Violet Hour, although I never got there myself [I lived in DC for 2 years]. A friend loved PX.

If you're on a Jose Andres kick, I like Cafe Atlantico better than Jaleo, and they have pretty good cocktails, as well [I've had only sangria at Jaleo]. Zaytinya is pretty good, too. What type of restaurant [kind of food, price point, etc.] are you looking for?

My friends and I are pretty open in terms of cuisine-- New American, Italian, more ethnic stuff, etc. I care more about the food being delicious but a cool atmosphere for people in their mid-twenties would be a plus. Good cocktails would be fantastic too lol

I think we want to do a "nicer" dinner one night where we can dress up a little (i.e. Blackbird or MK). Maybe spend around $65 per person before drinks, tax, and tip? I dunno if that's being too cheap? If the restaurant is amazing I'm pretty everyone would be ok with spending more.

The second night can be more casual (and hopefully a little cheaper lol).

My friends are willing to travel anywhere in DC as long as it's accessible by the train. (lol I wanted to go to PX but one friend immediately ruled that out after I told him it was in VA )

Also, is there any snack type food I should make sure to try during the day or any great lunch places? I know one day will be spent shopping in Georgetown!

Thanks AaronSinger!

I've heard good things about Vidalia. Any comments? I will be in DC in October.

RevrendAndy wrote:I've heard good things about Vidalia. Any comments? I will be in DC in October.

RJ Cooper is one of the best chefs in DC. Also look at Palena.

What about Komi or Minibar? (I'm thinking of elevating my price point for one night lol)

spiffytriphy wrote:My friends and I are pretty open in terms of cuisine-- New American, Italian, more ethnic stuff, etc. I care more about the food being delicious but a cool atmosphere for people in their mid-twenties would be a plus. Good cocktails would be fantastic too lol

I think we want to do a "nicer" dinner one night where we can dress up a little (i.e. Blackbird or MK). Maybe spend around $65 per person before drinks, tax, and tip? I dunno if that's being too cheap? If the restaurant is amazing I'm pretty everyone would be ok with spending more.

The second night can be more casual (and hopefully a little cheaper lol).

My friends are willing to travel anywhere in DC as long as it's accessible by the train. (lol I wanted to go to PX but one friend immediately ruled that out after I told him it was in VA )

Also, is there any snack type food I should make sure to try during the day or any great lunch places? I know one day will be spent shopping in Georgetown!

Thanks AaronSinger!

I didn't get out to that many higher-end places; one place I did love was Dino, a medium-priced Italian restaurant in Cleveland Park. They have several prix-fixe options in the $20s and $30s, not including wine.

That's odd that your friends are willing to go to anywhere on the metro but not to PX, which is right off the metro in Old Town. Oh well.

I would've also recommended Ray's the Steaks (it's right off the Metro in Arlington), went there for my last meal in DC. Great, affordable steakhouse.

I want to try Birch & Barley the next time I'm there, the other restaurants in the group are good (I've been to Rustico, Evening Star Cafe and their bakery, Buzz).

Also, ask the folks at the DC counterpart of LTH, DonRockwell, here.

Komi is far better than Minibar- you've got 2 better versions of Minibar in Chicago at Moto and Alinea. Chicago has nothing like Komi.

I guess I should try to get reservations at Komi, but I've read it can be very difficult...boo lol I don't know if I can get one for six weeks from now? What would be a second best splurge dinner if I want to spend about $120 (or less)?

I've heard that D.C. isn't into brunch as much as Chicago is. However, I've read that Tabard Inn is very good?

jpschust wrote:Komi is far better than Minibar- you've got 2 better versions of Minibar in Chicago at Moto and Alinea. Chicago has nothing like Komi.

Couldn't agree more. Komi is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere.

I'd recommend two places for an upscale dinner if Komi isn't available. The first is The Source, in the Newseum, at 6th and Penn I believe. I'd consider it modern Asian. I went there last week and had possibly top 5 meal of my life. Stir-fried Colorado Lamb Lettuce Cups were unreal as was the calamari salad. Try the duckling for your main. Supposedly Top Chef DC (which is in town filming right now) did a challenge at the restaurant.

The second place I would recommend is Rasika, around 5th and D. It tied for the best Indian I've had with Veersaway in Chicago. Again, a modern take on Indian with a beautiful decor. They are known for a dish called Palak Chaat, flash fried spinach with yogurt and chutney.

For brunch Tabard Inn is great, I also went to Poste Brasserie right by the Spy Museum recently and the outdoor dining area there was beautiful. The duck reuben was delish.

Hope that helps.

-Sklarithy

spiffytriphy wrote:I guess I should try to get reservations at Komi, but I've read it can be very difficult...boo lol I don't know if I can get one for six weeks from now? What would be a second best splurge dinner if I want to spend about $120 (or less)?

I've heard that D.C. isn't into brunch as much as Chicago is. However, I've read that Tabard Inn is very good?

I'd take Palena over the Source or Rasika any day. My impression every time I've been into both the Source or Rasika is that they're very good, just way too expensive for what they are. Komi will be hard to get into, though minibar would be harder. Minibar only has 6 or 8 seats.

Brunch can be interesting in DC. If you're willing to get into Virginia our favorite brunch has always been at Talula, but within the district Tabard Inn has a nice brunch as does Hank's Oyster Bar. DC is nowhere near the brunch town that Chicago is, though.

What about 2941 Restaurant or Cityzen? Backups since we probably won't be able to get a reservation at Komi?

Also, you know how people associate Chicago with deep dish pizza, Italian beef, hot dogs, etc...what would you associate DC with? Maybe could do stuff like this for lunch...

spiffytriphy wrote:What about 2941 Restaurant or Cityzen? Backups since we probably won't be able to get a reservation at Komi?

Also, you know how people associate Chicago with deep dish pizza, Italian beef, hot dogs, etc...what would you associate DC with? Maybe could do stuff like this for lunch...

With DC specifically? Uhh, Ben's Chili Bowl? Food isn't great but it's an institution. As for the mid-Atlantic as a whole, crabs/crab cakes. But the best place in DC area for that, at least metro-accessible, is right off the Metro in Rockville--Bobby's Crab Cakes. But that sounds like further than you want to go.

spiffytriphy wrote:What about 2941 Restaurant or Cityzen? Backups since we probably won't be able to get a reservation at Komi?

Also, you know how people associate Chicago with deep dish pizza, Italian beef, hot dogs, etc...what would you associate DC with? Maybe could do stuff like this for lunch...

2941 is only accessable by car, and if you were to go that far I'd send you Jon Krinn's newest restaurant, Equinox in Tyson's corner. We were unimpressed by Cityzen, though I know a number of folks who love it. Seriously, make sure to check out Palena, you should be able to get in there.

Also, way closer in is Restaurant Eve (it's even near a metro, though in VA). The tasting room at Eve is my favorite restaurant probably in the US.

The food DC is known for is the half-smoke at Ben's Chilli Bowl, which you should go to more for historical reasons and to see U street than for the food.

Working agenda...

Arriving Friday late afternoon. Dinner at Central Michel Richard. Cocktails after. My friend made reservations at this rooftop lounge with a great view. I think it's in a hotel? Don't remember the name though.

Saturday. Won't be awake in time for breakfast...Lunch at Good Stuff Eatery. Does anyone know whether their milkshakes are on the thick or thin side? I like mine thick like Oberweis lol Dinner at Komi. Cocktails at The Gibson.

Sunday. Brunch at Tabard Inn.

I'm very excited to see my friends and eat all this food! haha Does anyone have recommendations for lunch Monday? I'm thinking of doing some shopping in Georgetown so maybe in that area? Somewhere I won't feel awkward eating solo since my friends have to work lol and I might hit up Georgetown Cupcakes before heading to the airport.

Thanks for your recommendations!

spiffytriphy wrote:Working agenda...

Arriving Friday late afternoon. Dinner at Central Michel Richard. Cocktails after. My friend made reservations at this rooftop lounge with a great view. I think it's in a hotel? Don't remember the name though.

Saturday. Won't be awake in time for breakfast...Lunch at Good Stuff Eatery. Does anyone know whether their milkshakes are on the thick or thin side? I like mine thick like Oberweis lol Dinner at Komi. Cocktails at The Gibson.

Sunday. Brunch at Tabard Inn.

I'm very excited to see my friends and eat all this food! haha Does anyone have recommendations for lunch Monday? I'm thinking of doing some shopping in Georgetown so maybe in that area? Somewhere I won't feel awkward eating solo since my friends have to work lol and I might hit up Georgetown Cupcakes before heading to the airport.

Thanks for your recommendations!

I don't remember being impressed by the burgers at Good Stuff, but the shakes were good. Of medium thickness [neither super thick nor thin], if I remember correctly.

Maybe Founding Farmers for lunch? They're in Foggy Bottom [in the World Bank building].

Thanks! I'll look at the menu for Founding Fathers.

I haven't had a milkshake in years so I'm looking forward to that and the French fries more than the burger lol

If you're going to be in D.C., my friends and I really enjoyed our meal at CENTRAL MICHEL RICHARD. 2008 James Beard award for Best New Restaurant 2008. It was packed on a Friday night and definitely on the loud side, but the food was really good. I would go back just for Michel's chocolate bar dessert! I also loved the tuna burger with oven roasted tomato and thick potato tuiles which added a nice crunch/texture factor. The fries that came with my burger were nicely salted, too! All the appetizers and entrees the four of us ordered were executed very well.

I LOVED KOMI! Three of us shared one bottle of white (~$50) and one bottle of red (~$60) with dinner so with tax and tip, it was $210 per person. This is the most money I've spent on myself for dinner, but the food and the company made it more than worth it If I lived in D.C., I would want to eat here for special occasions. For weekend dinner service, there is a set menu. The 14+ courses were so delicious and leaned towards Mediterranean flavors. Their pita bread that came with the pig entree (succulent meat and crispy skin!) was unlike any pita bread I've ever tasted before. I want some now.

If you have a sweet tooth, go to Baked & Wired Bakery in Georgetown! This place is awesome! I went twice in one weekend. Their cupcakes are better than any of the cupcakes I've had in Chicago. They're big, moist, dense (in the best of ways), and fantastic! Better than Swirlz, Molly's, Sugar Bliss, Sweet Mandy B's, etc. The vanilla latte was my favorite! The brownies are thick, rich, moist, and amazing as well! The chocolate Nutella with roasted hazelnuts! Do we have any great bakeries with brownies here in Chicago?!

Brunch at Tabard Inn was great. This place was packed, and service can be slow but the servers are very friendly. Start with their doughnuts with whipped sweet cream. You can't go wrong with their sweet or savory entrees. Vanilla French toast with pineapple strawberry compote. Almond waffles with blueberries. Eggs benedict with confit pork belly hash. Poached eggs with sauteed spinach over English muffins and home fries. Everything was great! Well-made breakfast dishes.

If you have a car, Ray's Hell Burgers is worth a trip. 10 oz premium aged beef, fresh, loosely hand packed, grilled, with choice of toppings. I got mine with pepper jack, cognac mushrooms, charred jalapenos, and grilled onions. The burger with a large order of fries (This place has good fries.) was less than $12. I really liked this burger! Way better than Kuma's Corner. Mmm mmm mmm

The Gibson is a great place for drinks. Speakeasy style with nice cocktails. Another place for drinks that was really nice was the rooftop lounge at The W/The Washington Hotel. You can see The White House and the monuments from here. So pretty!

spiffytriphy wrote:If you have a car, Ray's Hell Burgers is worth a trip. 10 oz premium aged beef, fresh, loosely hand packed, grilled, with choice of toppings. I got mine with pepper jack, cognac mushrooms, charred jalapenos, and grilled onions. The burger with a large order of fries (This place has good fries.) was less than $12. I really liked this burger! Way better than Kuma's Corner. Mmm mmm mmm

The Gibson is a great place for drinks. Speakeasy style with nice cocktails. Another place for drinks that was really nice was the rooftop lounge at The W/The Washington Hotel. You can see The White House and the monuments from here. So pretty!

No need for a car at all. Get off at the Court House stop on the Orange Line, it's about 2-3 blocks down the hill on Wilson Blvd; leaving, I would continue walking downhill to Rosslyn, so I wouldn't have to walk back uphill [not that it's steep or anything, but hey, I'm a Chicagoan, Ridge Ave. is a novelty]. The first time I was there, I walked in and saw them cutting and grinding the meat. I knew I was in for something good, and that still is the best burger I have ever had. Cherrywine Float, too, yum! I didn't know they had fries now, for the longest time they didn't.

I always wanted to check out The Gibson, but never did. Maybe on a future trip to DC. PX in Alexandria is similar [though I've never been there, either].

One of the bartenders from The Violet Hour grew up in D.C. and suggested PX for great cocktails. Next time!