ALA 2010: Restaurant Picks from DC Public Library Insiders
By DCPL Staff Jun 22, 2010Because there is never enough restaurant guidance in a convention city, LJ asked the staff of the District of Columbia Public Library to clue us in to their favorite haunts. Their 49 picks, alphabetical here, are straight from their mouths to yours, and promise to fit everyone's needs, be it for tea, chili, or a swank dinner to impress or celebrate.
The price range is:
$... around $10
$$...around $20
$$$..around $30
$$$$...$40 and up
All addresses are in Washington, DC, unless otherwise noted. See you in DC!
701
701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
202-393-0701
$$$
0.7 miles from convention center, or a 15-minute walk.
Good for lunch, best for dinner. "Expensive, but worth it. Elegant atmosphere, great cocktails, and wonderful food. The place to go when you want an extraordinary meal."
Azi's café
1336 9th St., NW
202-232-0001
$
Half block from the convention center.
"Simple straightforward cafe near convention center. Good coffee, good sandwiches. Has pleasant outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi."
B. Smith's
Union Station
50 Massachusetts Ave., NE
202-289-6188
$$
1.2 miles from the convention center.
"This beautiful restaurant is...southern with an upscale menu."
Ben's Chili Bowl
1213 U St., NW
202-667-0909
$
Ten blocks/two metro stops from the convention center.
Lunch/late night eating. "Find out why Bill Cosby and Obama often frequent this place! ½ smokes, chili cheese fries, and veggie-chili burgers are outta this world!! Cash only."
Bistro d'Oc
518 10th St., NW
202-393-5444
Approximately nine blocks from the convention center.
$$$
Best for dinner, moderately priced. "Excellent traditional French menu and right across the St. from the Ford's Theater."
Busboys & Poets
1025 5th St., NW
202-789-2227
$–$$
One-third mile from the convention center.
Lunch and dinner. "This restaurant isn't just about good eats, it's about social justice and peace—plus it has a full bar, for all your adult beverage needs."
Cantina Marina
600 Water St., SW
202-554-8396
$–$$
1.9 miles from convention center—easy to reach by Circulator Bus (Red line $1 fare).
Best for lunch. "Chill out on the deck overlooking Washington Channel with something to eat and drink. Not generally overrun by tourist groups—smallish and has a limited menu. Go for the view, the relaxed atmosphere, not gourmet food."
Capital Grille
601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
202-737-6200
$$
"Really classy, clubby looking restaurant. Looks like you would need a membership card. Steaks and fish dominate the menu."
Chix
2019 11th St., NW
202-234-2449
$
1.2 miles from the convention center.
Lunch or dinner. "Organic, free-range rotisserie chicken with healthy (and tasty!) sides."
Circa at Dupont
1601 Connecticut Ave., NW
202-667-1601
$–$$
1.3 miles from convention center, near Dupont Circle Metro.
"General American, outdoor seating."
Clyde's of Gallery Place
707 7th St., NW
202-349-3700
$$
Four blocks from the convention center.
"Clydes is a DC legend with multiple locations. Nothing dramatic or showy—just good meals and large beverage portions. Great brunch place."
Corduroy
1122 9th St., NW
202-589-0699
$$–$$$
Across from the convention center.
Best for dinner. "Elegant and trio of first courses a must. Reservations are needed."
DC Coast
1401 K St., NW
202-216-5988
$$
Six blocks from the convention center.
"Save room for dessert—go with friends who will share—you want to taste them all!"
Dino
Cleveland Park
3435 Connecticut Ave., NW
202-686-2966
$$$$
3.2 miles from the convention center.
Dinner only. "Very popular, but worth the wait. Make an online reservation if you can. A crowd-pleasing top Italian restaurant in DC, and a great value. The menu is sophisticated and offers local ingredients sculpted into a huge selection of antipasti, salads, house-made pasta and risottos, and excellent main dishes. Tonight, I'm having the Linguine alla Pescatore. Enjoy!"
Ella's Wood-Fired Pizza
901 F St., NW
202-638-3434
$$
Five blocks from the convention center (near Chinatown/Gallery Place metro stop).
Great for lunch or dinner. "Ella's thin crust pizzas always please and the happy hour specials at the bar are hard to beat. They offer vegan and gluten free options, too."
Founding Farmers
1924 Pennsylvania Ave., NW,
202-822-8783
$$
About a mile from the convention center (accessible by Metro on the Blue and Orange lines at Farragut West).
Best for lunch. "Located three blocks west of the White House, this LEED-Gold certified, environmentally conscious restaurant offers made-from-scratch dishes using ingredients from family farmers. The Grilled Artisanal Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup is outstanding, but make sure to leave room for the Red Velvet Cake."
Fusion Grill
515 8th St., SE
202-546-3874
$–$$$
3.15 miles from the convention center, 1.5 blocks from the Eastern Market Metro Stop on the Orange and Blue Lines.
"Quick service, with Asian Fusion/Chinese cuisine that will appeal to most."
Good Stuff Eatery
303 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
202-543-8222
$
Two miles from the convention center. Metro: Capitol South
Lunch or dinner. "Good burgers and fries. GREAT shakes. See Chef Spike Mendelsohn from Top Chef."
Hanks Oyster Bar
1624 Q St., NW
202-462-4265
$$$
Approx. 1.4 miles from the convention center, near Dupont Circle.
"Exceedingly casual but with excellent, carefully prepared food. The oysters are sourced from around the United States, and are uniformly excellent. Also recommended: the lobster roll and any day's specials, including the Southern tradition of ‘meat and two.' Not cheap; dinner for two with a glass of wine each would run around $60, unless you indulge in lots of oysters."
Himalayan Heritage
2305 18th St., NW
202-483-9300
$–$$
2.1 miles from the convention center, in the Adams Morgan area.
"Mostly Indian, and at least one Nepalese selection. Especially good vegetarian dishes."
Jaleo's
480 7th St., NW
202-628-7949
$$
Four blocks from convention center.
Lunch and dinner. "The best sangria ever!!!"
Java Green
1020 19th St., NW
202-775-8899
$
14 blocks from the convention center. A few blocks from Farragut North and Farragut West metro stations.
"Vegetarian, mostly vegan restaurant take out."
Kinkead's, an American Brasserie
2000 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
202-296-7700
$$$
1.4 miles from the convention center.
"Always great food. Known for fish and sides. Go for a celebration dinner."
Kushi Izakaya and Sushi
465 K St., NW
202-682-3123
$$–$$$
Four blocks from the convention center.
"This authentic—and upscale—Izakaya, or sake bar, opened recently in the heart of Mount Vernon Triangle. The friendly staff will help you match your small plates with the perfect sake for lunch, dinner, or late-night snacks. If you are in the mood for sushi, Kushi flies their fish in twice weekly from Tokyo."
Luna Grill and Diner
1301 Connecticut Ave., NW
202-835-2280
$
1.2 miles from the convention center. Near Dupont Circle Metro.
"Casual atmosphere; included in local lists of good restaurants at great prices."
Market Lunch (a lunch counter inside of the Eastern Market)
225 7th St., SE
202-547-8444
$–$$
3.42 miles from the convention center, two blocks from the Eastern Market Metro stop on the Orange and Blue lines.
Breakfast and lunch only. "The crabcake and fried oyster sandwiches are a must, as are the blueberry and buckwheat pancakes (called bluebucks)."
Marrakesh
617 New York Ave., NW
202-393-9393
$$$
One block from the convention center.
Dinner. "Live belly dancing and yummy Moroccan food."
Matchbox
713 H St. NW
202-289-4441
$$
Two blocks from the convention center.
"Chicken and Pesto Pizza.....yum-o!!"
McCormicks & Schmick's Seafood
901 F St., NW
202-639-9330
$$–$$$
Seven blocks from the convention center.
"Blackened scallop salad—makes a fabulous lunch."
Oceanaire Seafood Room
1201 F St., NW
202-347-2277
Reservations recommended.
$$$
Four blocks from the convention center.
Reservations recommended. "The name says it—seafood heaven. They pay attention to detail, and you know it."
Old Dominion Brew House
1219 9th St., NW
202-289-8158
$–$$
One block from the convention center.
Best for lunch, dinner, happy hour. "Best brew pub around, half-price drafts (over 50) and apps (including sushi)."
Ollie's Trolley
425 12th St., NW
202-347-6119
$
0.7 miles from the convention center, or a 15-minute walk.
Best for lunch. "The place to go for burgers—the veggie kind included!—and the ambience is terrific. The room is filled with pop culture artifacts. Bring cash; no charges accepted."
Oya
777 9th St., NW
202-393-1400
$$–$$$
Half mile from the convention center.
Best for lunch or dinner. "$10 ‘to go' lunches are also available. A prix fixe meal includes an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert. Reservations are taken at opentable.com. Seafood and vegetarian choices are abundant."
The Passenger
1021 7th St., NW
202-393-0220
$
Best for martinis and late-night fare. "Kimchi hotdogs (yum) and the ‘mixologist extraordinaire' brings back greats like Pink Ladies and Gin Fizzes!"
Pesce
2002 P St., NW
202-466-3474
$$
1.3 miles from the convention center. Near Dupont Circle Metro.
"Good fish menu."
Pizza Paradiso
2003 P St., NW
202-223-1245
$
1.3 miles from the convention center. Near Dupont Circle Metro.
"The stone oven–baked crusts can't be beat! Extensive beer selection, outdoor seating."
Potenza
1430 H St., NW (intersection of 14th & H)
202-393-0293
$$
About eight blocks from the convention center.
"This large Italian restaurant located in the historic Woodward Building is flanked by its bakery/gelateria and its wine shop. Good for large group lunches or dinners, it has a lively bar scene and spacious outdoor area. If you'd like vino with your meal, bring a bottle from the Potenza wine shop and your corkage fee will be waived."
Raku
1900 Q St., NW
202-265-7258
$$
1.3 miles from convention center. Near Dupont Circle Metro.
"Asian noodles and curry, outdoor seating."
RFD-Regional Food and Drink
810 Seventh St., NW
202-289-2030
$
Two blocks from the convention center.
Lunch and dinner. "30 beers on draft and 300 bottled beers from around the world—need I say more?"
Rosa Mexicano - DC
575 7th St., NW
202-783-5522
$$
Six blocks from the convention center, near Gallery Place Chinatown Metro.
"The appetizers are wonderful—share them with your favorite beverage."
Ruth's Chris Steak House
724 9th St., NW
202-393-4488
$$
Less than four blocks from the convention center.
"Go for the Petit Filet and Asparagus!"
Soul Vegetarian Restaurant & Exodus Carry-Out
2606 Georgia Ave., NW
202-EAT-SOUL (328-7685)
$
1.6 miles from the convention center. Six-block walk from Shaw-Howard University Metro Station on Green line.
"The walk is well worth it for the world's greatest vegan macaroni and cheese."
Sticky Fingers
1370 Park St., NW
202-299-9700
$
2.2 miles from the convention center.
"Great vegan bakery; lunch and dinner take-out; also serves brunch on Sat. and Sun."
Taylor Gourmet
485 K St., NW
202-289-8001
$
One-third mile from the convention center.
Lunch. "The super-tasty chicken cutlet sandwiches on homemade bread make me happy, and the outdoor seating is great for people-watching."
Teaism (multiple locations)
a) 800 Connecticut Ave., NW
202-835-2233
One mile from the convention center.
b) Dupont Circle R St. NW
202-667-3827
1.5 miles from the convention center.
c) Penn Quarter 400 8th St., NW
202-638-6010
Seven blocks from the convention center.
$–$$
"The sandwiches and tea are fantastic. Also there are great lunch deals for Japanese bento boxes. Coming in a group is fine but you may have to push two tables together."
Tony Cheng's Mongolian Restaurant
619 H St., NW
202-371-8669 or 202-842-8669
$$
Half mile from the convention center
"Great for a fast group lunch; bring an appetite. Select fresh raw veggies and meats from the buffet and watch them sizzle on the grill."
Vaso's Kitchen
1225 Powhatan St., Alexandria VA 22314-1305
703-548-2747
$$
7.4 miles from the convention center.
"Don't leave before trying the "yalaktoboureko," a warm sugar and cinnamon pastry filled with liqueur-flavored orange custard (cooked to order). As friendly as your neighborhood pizza place, but the food is more than a cut above."
Veranda
1100 P St., NW
202-234-6870
$–$$
Six blocks from the convention center.
"Outdoor seating and brunch is excellent. Lokaniko and pepperdews a must!"
Zola
800 F St., NW
202-654-0999
$$–$$$
Eight blocks from the convention center.
"Connected to the Spy Museum, but no sleuthing is required to have a great dinner. Also try their newish location: Wine and Kitchen at 9th and E St. NW. Not open on Sun."
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE CONTRIBUTORS:
Michelle Chronister, Presidential Management Fellow, U.S. General Services Administration; Eric Coard, Chief Business Officer, DC Public Library; Nancy Davenport, Director of Library Services, DC Public Library; Jessica Fomalont, Librarian, Transportation Research Board; Micki Freeny, Youth Service Coordinator, DC Public Library; Mary Ann V. Gamble, Retired Reference Specialist, US State Department; Ivey Glendon, Graduate Student, School of Library & Information Studies, Florida State University; Leslie Griffin, Library Associate, DC Public Library; Andrea Gruhl, Former DCLA President; Angelisa Hawes, Branch Manager, DC Public Library; Helen Hiltz, Branch Manager, DC Public Library; Richard Huffine, President-Elect, District of Columbia Library Association; April King, Branch Manager, DC Public Library; Arven Knight, Library Associate, DC Public Library; Caroline Labbe, Librarian I, Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library; Jeanne Lauber, Librarian, DC Public Library; Lily McGovern, National Defense University Library; Jennifer Manning, Information Research Specialist, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; Tamara McKinney, Children's Librarian, DC Public Library; Tracy Myers, Branch Manager, DC Public Library; Rosanne North, MLS student, University of Maryland, College Park; Myndi Pruett, Library Specialist II, NVCC Library; Angela Redmond, Library Associate, DC Public Library; David Robinson, PhD, Administrative Librarian, DC Public Library; Linda Rooks-Dimps, Administrative Assistant, DC Public Library; Maria Rosensweig, Library Associate, DC Public Library; Jean Lambert Ross, Branch Administrator, Potomac Community Library; Tony Ross, Branch Manager, DC Public Library; Gerald Schwinn, DC Public Library; Maura M. Seale, Research and Instruction Librarian/Bibliographer, Georgetown University; Faith Williams, Librarian, Eagle Academy
Visit ALA Annual Conference News for ongoing coverage of the conference by the editors of Library Journal and School Library Journal.
