Excellent but not pretentious restaurant recommendations in DC?

[Anonymous]

Trendy Bar with good view of DC - POV Rooftop Terrace at the W can't be beat - but it's pretentious as all get out. I also love J&G Steakhouse at the W - but it has a faint whiff of that DC pretentious "corridors of power" to it as well.

[Anonymous]

the bar with a view would probably be the POV at the W, but I would stay away because it is the definition of pretentious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Or someplace like Granville Moore's on Cap. Hill -- more bistro like, with mussels and Belgian beer.

It's not really Capitol Hill and it's definitely not bistro-like... but you're right about the mussels and beer and it is great.

I also discourage Marrakech. I don't think it's what you're looking for, OP. Kitschy is right.

Kushi is a good suggestion, or Brasserie Beck too. Central would be good too.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you ask the concierge for recommendations? I'd get a reservation soon since I've heard of a lot of ppl coming in for that weekend plus it's Halloween. Or go on opentable.com and see what's available just to have something booked, even if you change your mind.

[Anonymous]

Is this the actual celebration? Or is that at the Mandarin, and this is just a dinner out the day before?

[Anonymous]

You don't think Granville Moore's is bistro-like? Maybe more pub-like, I guess.

And ok, it's not exactly Capital Hill, but close enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't think Granville Moore's is bistro-like? Maybe more pub-like, I guess.

And ok, it's not exactly Capital Hill, but close enough.

Yeah, pub's more like it. Bistro makes me think of round tables and tablecloths, and Granville Moore's is all dark wood and booths.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this the actual celebration? Or is that at the Mandarin, and this is just a dinner out the day before?

OP here-not the actual celebration just dinner out the day before.

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

[Anonymous]

OP,
The city is going to be INSANE starting Friday that weeken between Halloween, the marches and a marathon! The concierge is a great idea. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

For good views of DC, you can't beat the rooftop of the W hotel. There is a restaurant there- POV. I've only had hors d'oeuvres and drinks there, but the view from the deck is incredible.

I've enjoyed some great meals at Rasika (if your guests like Indian), Brasserie Beck (mmm, Belgian food), as PP's have suggested.

I'm putting in a vote for Acadiana - very good Cajun convenient to the mall (new york ave near Brasserie Beck) and the service was wonderful when I've been there. I also like Corduroy a lot, but it might be a little quiet and pricey.

[Anonymous]

Oooh, I forgot about Acadiana - I second that recommendation. Delicious food and not pretentious at all - plus a relatively laid-back atmosphere - it is Cajun type food after all.

[Anonymous]

What about Eatonville or Marvin at 14th and U Sts?

[Anonymous]

Poste.

[Anonymous]

I always love Bistro Du Coin in Dupont. It's on the more casual side but it has great atmosphere and the food is awesome. Plus you can walk to many other places for drinks afterward. Not fancy but great food and a lively vibe. Oh and it's on the metro.

[Anonymous]

OP here - finally got some input from the birthday girl. She wants sushi. Is there a nice sushi place near the Mandarin Oriental that takes reservations? I guess I should check to see if it is near a metro station. I definitely don't want to be driving around Friday night! Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. Clearly i don't get out much. Stuck out here outside the Beltway.