Moving out of state, what amazing expensive restaurant in DC should we try before we leave?

[Anonymous]

We are moving out of state at the end of this month. We've lived here for 2 years but haven't really had a chance to try a lot of in-DC restaurants because we've lived in Alexandria and can't afford to eat out much.

So, we want to treat ourselves to one really nice dinner in DC before we leave. I've been leaning toward Capital Grille but would love recommendations. I don't eat seafood (so all-seafood restaurants are out, but I will still go to like a steak & seafood place or something). We're not into that many ethnic cuisines, nothing like Indian or Thai. More classic American, Italian, Mexican, etc. I LOVE a delicious steak but am open to non-steakhouses.

Can absolutely make a reservation as long as they won't be already filled up for Thursday, May 29! Budget is less than $500 for 2.

[Anonymous]

I would not choose Capital Grille since it's a chain. Here are some other suggestions...

Restaurant Eve
2941
Farmers Fishers Bakers
Blue Duck Tavern
Red Hen
Range

[Anonymous]

Agree - don't go to Capital Grille!
I'd add Le Diplomate and Rose's Luxury to the list above.

[Anonymous]

I would do Komi.

[Anonymous]

If you want a steak try Ray's the Steaks. That's the best one, in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Taberna del Alabarderno.

[Anonymous]

Screw it. Go to the Inn at Little Washington.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Screw it. Go to the Inn at Little Washington.

OP here. We don't want to drive that far!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Screw it. Go to the Inn at Little Washington.

OP here. We don't want to drive that far!

OP, not PP, but I'm also here for only 2 years and we went to Inn at Little Washington and also spent the night, and imo you should do it once. Because when you move somewhere else, you aren't going to fly into DC and then rent a car and drive out there; too much of a hassle!

That's why we hit Yorktown/Jamestown/Williamsburg also; places one doesn't usually get to if they come in from out of town.

[Anonymous]

Komi

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Screw it. Go to the Inn at Little Washington.

OP here. We don't want to drive that far!

OP, not PP, but I'm also here for only 2 years and we went to Inn at Little Washington and also spent the night, and imo you should do it once. Because when you move somewhere else, you aren't going to fly into DC and then rent a car and drive out there; too much of a hassle!

That's why we hit Yorktown/Jamestown/Williamsburg also; places one doesn't usually get to if they come in from out of town.

We can afford up to $500 for dinner, but not $500 for a room at the Inn at Little Washington plus whatever expensive dinner they serve!

I've look at the menus for all of the suggestions so far and nothing is really intriguing me. What about Fogo de Chao?

Also, we are moving to a more rural area with none of these types of expensive chains, so even though both Capital Grille and Fogo de Chao are chains, we don't really mind! They're only really in big cities and we are moving to a much smaller town.

[Anonymous]

Mastro's just opened... you can try that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want a steak try Ray's the Steaks. That's the best one, in my opinion.

Absolutely not.

[Anonymous]

I would say Komi, which is amazing, but it might not be as great with no seafood. How about Del Campo? Lots of beef options, but different from your typical steakhouse because it has an Argentine focus. Both the food and the cocktails are delicious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Screw it. Go to the Inn at Little Washington.

OP here. We don't want to drive that far!

OP, not PP, but I'm also here for only 2 years and we went to Inn at Little Washington and also spent the night, and imo you should do it once. Because when you move somewhere else, you aren't going to fly into DC and then rent a car and drive out there; too much of a hassle!

That's why we hit Yorktown/Jamestown/Williamsburg also; places one doesn't usually get to if they come in from out of town.

We can afford up to $500 for dinner, but not $500 for a room at the Inn at Little Washington plus whatever expensive dinner they serve!

I've look at the menus for all of the suggestions so far and nothing is really intriguing me. What about Fogo de Chao?

Also, we are moving to a more rural area with none of these types of expensive chains, so even though both Capital Grille and Fogo de Chao are chains, we don't really mind! They're only really in big cities and we are moving to a much smaller town.

Not to offend you, OP, but you sound like you're looking for a less-sophisticated/trendy dining experience. All of the recommended restaurants have really creative and trendy menus with fun/unique food combinations. You're gravitating to more "steak and potatoes" type of places. Doesn't mean steak and potatoes aren't great -- it's just a different focus.

Of Capital Grille and Fogo, go to Fogo. It is a fun experience, you definitely feel you get your moneys worth, and the food is pretty decent (including their awesome salad bar). Capital Grille is where you go for an expense account dinner. The food is good, but it isn't anything amazing, and I don't think it is really worth the price if paying out of pocket. I think you'll get a better steak at Rays or Ruth's Chris.