Washington DC Restaurant/Grocery Ideas...thanks

[+ azdr0710]

Hey All....

 

will be back in DC for about ten days coming up in the downtown area....I think some of you gave some great sightseeing suggestions when I was there early last year....

 

now looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner suggestions....I know there are a ton of great places all over and I'm doing research with others, also....I DO NOT like hip, trendy, see-and-be-seen hot places of the month....much prefer established, unchanged, long-time presence, locally-owned, independent, unpretentious, non-touristy joints....a place where the waitresses, dressed in white starched outfits, call you "hun" and keep your coffee cup full....last year, I ate one lunch at a place across from Ford's Theater called Lincoln Restaurant or similar and it was perfect...maybe a bit too crowded and a tiny bit touristy, but close to what I mean.... also looking for to-go sandwich joints, maybe some sort of burrito/wrap place, healthy salad bars to go, local coffee joints, southern-style cafeterias.....

 

again, most important is locally-popular, non-chain, established and stable, non-trendy....atmosphere and a hip vibe are not important!....

 

also, are there locally-owned little grocery stores in the District where I can grab some essentials, maybe a soup pot to dip into, grab-and-go lunch??

 

thanks a lot....more later

[edjames]

Capital Grille is a popular, and very good, steakhouse, but reservations are required.

https://www.thecapitalgrille.com/pages/menu/dinner.aspx?id=8016&cmpid=TCG_PPC_GOO_Intention%20%7C%20Desktop%20%7C%20Menu_45680

 

Art Smith's Art and Soul restaurant is also a good choice for an upscale twist on southern cusine. Reservations required.

http://www.artandsouldc.com/

 

ED

[fedssocr1]

I don't think there are really any small grocery stores like you are looking for other than some little Korean-run places here and there. But nothing special.

 

I suppose Ben's Chili Bowl is kind of an institution. It's on U St right across from the 13th St exit of the U Street Metro stop. http://www.benschilibowl.com/ordereze/Content/1/Summary.aspx

 

Duplex Diner on 18th St has diner-y food. http://www.duplexdiner.com/ It's a gay-owned place.

 

On 17th St in Dupont there's Trio's which has been around forever. I haven't been there in ages though. Service used to be a little haphazard. And there's Annie's Paramount Steakhouse (also on 17th) that serves good basic American food. And Dupont Italian Kitchen is just up the street there as well.

 

There's a new-ish small local sandwich chain called Taylor Gourmet which is very tasty. I think the owners are originally from Philly. 3 or 4 branches around town. http://www.taylorgourmet.com/#/Locations

 

Interestingly I have always read good things about the cafeteria at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian but have never eaten there. It's a little pricey http://www.mitsitamcafe.com/content/menus.asp

[justaguy]

So much depends on the type of food you enjoy. When I think of DC and food, the first place that comes to mind is Adams Morgan. It's got tons of great Ethiopian and Caribbean places. And for a sweet treat Julia's a tiny place that makes fantastic dessert empanadas. Julia'ss also in Adams Morgan.

 

The Washington Post Magazine runs articles on established local spots on a regular basis. I've never checked to see what they have on-line, but it's worth a try.

[Steven_Draker]

much prefer established, unchanged, long-time presence, locally-owned, independent, unpretentious, non-touristy joints....a place where the waitresses, dressed in white starched outfits, call you "hun" and keep your coffee cup full.

 

Unfortunately those places belong to a different era ... they're now replaced by the big chains.

 

If you're looking for a quality, healthy grocery store where you can grab some lunch try the Whole Foods Market on P street http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/pstreet

[Poolboy21409]

For lunch only CF Folks Cafe on 19th St just south of N Street and almost adjacent to the venerable Palm. Be prepared to be insulted by the owner/proprietor. It is constantly three out of four stars for it lunch fare as rated by he Post. Tabbard Inn and Iron Gate on N Street between 17tyh & 18th. Giovanni Trattu on Jefferson Place between 18th & 19th subterranean Italian delight.

[big-n-tall]

If you like Mexican food I suggest El Centro. Simply amazing.