Mediocre food scene in DMV

[Anonymous]

I find the dining scene here to be very mediocre. Top rated restaurants in DC always leave me wanting more (especially in terms of service). In the burbs, awful chain restaurants run rampant.

The biggest problem is that these mediocre establishments receive endless praise from the community. Why?

Am I alone?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Am I alone?

yes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find the dining scene here to be very mediocre. Top rated restaurants in DC always leave me wanting more (especially in terms of service). In the burbs, awful chain restaurants run rampant.

The biggest problem is that these mediocre establishments receive endless praise from the community. Why?

Am I alone?

Pretty much. You need to try harder.

[Anonymous]

huh? There are tons of great restaurants in DC. Do you read the Post's food critic? I've always received excellent service.

[Anonymous]

It has vastly improved in the past decade.

[Anonymous]

Yes it's just you. Why don't you describe what you're looking for and what you've disliked in DC instead of such a general email.

[Anonymous]

Yup op, just you. Even in the burbs there are some amazing restaurants and holes in the wall. Try getting away from k street and mosaic sometime

[Anonymous]

I had no idea the Department of Motor Vehicles had a food service. Must make waiting in those long lines easier to bear.

Since this is likely a new program and undoubtedly mired in some bureaucracy, I say give this some time - maybe some chef with an entrepreneurial bent will make inroads. Pardon the pun.

[Anonymous]

No you are not alone! Although it is getting somewhat better, DC pales in comparison to Philly and NYC. I think it is because rents are higher here and people are just less demanding. Maybe the best restaurants here are as good as other cities, but on the middle and lower end (i.e. Where most of us go most often) it really lacks. For example everyone crows about Maketto and it is really just meh.

[Anonymous]

Where are you from that you expect much better food/service? I'm from CA, and I find that there isn't as much diverse ethnic foods here, especially really good Mexican. I miss good Mexican food.

[Anonymous]

I find the service fine and the food only okay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where are you from that you expect much better food/service? I'm from CA, and I find that there isn't as much diverse ethnic foods here, especially really good Mexican. I miss good Mexican food.

Don't know where you are, but Alamo on Kenilworth Ave in Riverdale MD is pretty good.

Where the heck is the good CHINESE?

[Anonymous]

Have you tried Baltimore? I agree with your assessment.

I find DC restaurants pretty overrated. And I'm not a fan of chains.

Helmand (Afghani food)

Thames Street Oyster House (seafood)

There used to be a wonderful vegetarian place called The Zodiac on Charles Street, but it shut down.

Sotta Sopra is an Italian place on Charles Street.

And if you are willing to venture into the Baltimore suburbs, Bombay Nights is an Indian restaurant in Perry Hall that is absolutely fantastic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where are you from that you expect much better food/service? I'm from CA, and I find that there isn't as much diverse ethnic foods here, especially really good Mexican. I miss good Mexican food.

Don't know where you are, but Alamo on Kenilworth Ave in Riverdale MD is pretty good.

Where the heck is the good CHINESE?

Yes!! I hate the nasty American Chinese food. I would like some authentic Chinese. Last time I went to china town (can't remember which restaurant!) I went past the kitchen on my way to the bathroom and the dishes were piled sky high and everything was a filthy mess. I couldn't finish my meal. The AC vents were caked with dust too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No you are not alone! Although it is getting somewhat better, DC pales in comparison to Philly and NYC. I think it is because rents are higher here and people are just less demanding. Maybe the best restaurants here are as good as other cities, but on the middle and lower end (i.e. Where most of us go most often) it really lacks. For example everyone crows about Maketto and it is really just meh.

OP here - In addition to being less demanding, I find that, at least in my social circle, people are very eager to hop aboard the hype train.