"American" restaurant recommendations downtown

[Anonymous]

The family's coming for a visit at the end of September. My three nephews are those kids who eat nothing - pizza, fries, chicken fingers - so planning where we'll eat is proving tricky for me. I'll be taking them downtown, to the Mall, etc. to see the sights and would love any recommendations for places in the area that serve plain, plain food. Austin Grill comes to mind, maybe Nando's...

[Anonymous]

There's a Fuddrucker's at Gallery Place. Also a Five Guys.

[Anonymous]

Is the Hard Rock Cafe still around?

[Anonymous]

Clyde's / Old Ebbitt - something for everyone on each.

[Anonymous]

District Chophouse. Ella's Pizza.

[Anonymous]

Matchbox
Good Stuff Eatery/We the Pizza

[Anonymous]

Second/third the recommendations for Old Ebbitt, District Chophouse, Clyde's Ella's and Matchbox - the adults will get to eat well while the kids are eating kid stuff. Hard Rock is still around but the food is not good and it's a tourist zoo. Could also try the Spy Cafe in the Spy Museum or the caf in the American Indian museum.

[Anonymous]

Could also try the Spy Cafe in the Spy Museum or the cafe in the American Indian museum.

The original "American" restaurant...

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for the recommendations! I totally agree, 14:02, I don't think I could tolerate Hard Rock. I haven't been since my own Close Up visit 20 years ago.

I love the American Indian Museum suggestion. I've been a handful of times, but I don't remember if they offer pizza, fries, nuggets. (Listen. I know. I'm trying not to show my annoyance that the entire family's menu is being dictated by a 9yo's whims. Just playing the hand I've been dealt.)

[Anonymous]

I like La Tosca - menu is Spanish tapas, but they are kid-friendly and have a kids menu with grilled cheese and fries, etc. Plus they have a nice wine menu and great sangria.

[Anonymous]

I agree with most of the places and will add:
Cap City at Metro Center
Gordon Biersh across from the Spy Museum

[Anonymous]

Chef Geoffs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thanks for the recommendations! I totally agree, 14:02, I don't think I could tolerate Hard Rock. I haven't been since my own Close Up visit 20 years ago.

I love the American Indian Museum suggestion. I've been a handful of times, but I don't remember if they offer pizza, fries, nuggets. (Listen. I know. I'm trying not to show my annoyance that the entire family's menu is being dictated by a 9yo's whims. Just playing the hand I've been dealt.)

Hey OP - the American Indian Museum Cafe does indeed have a kids meal with chicken fingers and fries!
http://www.nmai.si.edu/visitor/files/2010summer_menu.pdf

[Anonymous]

The basement cafeteria at the American History Museum is actually quite nice--and they definitely offer fries, pizza, chicken fingers, as well as a decent salad bar.

[Anonymous]

The sculpture garden on the mall has my favorite cafe in the area. It has great panninis and salads plus pizzas for the young ones. they also have a beautiful selction of desserts. You can't beat the views either!