Glad you had fun!

We ended up at Zaytinya. She'd been to Busboys for lunch that day (that was one of my other suggestions to her). Anyhoo, we had a really nice meal and a great chat and get together.

Thanks again for all the suggestions!

So where'd you go, OP?

Looking back on it, for something fun, I'd have picked Busboys.

Brasserie Beck

Thanks everybody! This gives me a good list of ideas to pick from, I really appreciate it!

If hu are willing to go west a few blocks, Estadio is a great place to meet up with a friend. Posto is also something to consider. I live in the area and a not a fan of most places in gallery place. Of those listed, bibiana is my favorite but not super close (though just a few blocks).

Cordouroy is wonderful but it isn't what you call "fun." It is on the quieter end of things and on the pricier but it is right across the street from the Convention Center on 9th.

I would stick with restaurants that are in Penn Quarter like Proof, Zaytinya, or Jaleo.

A range of nearby options:
Ping Pong Dim Sum--not traditional cart-rolling dim sum, more like modern Asian in a hip, lounge environment
Corduroy--American fine dining, but on the casualish side, not uptight
Acadiana--Louisiana cuisine in an upscale environment
Del Campo--South American style meats
Busboys & Poets -- Southern food in a young hip atmosphere

A couple of blocks further west, there's Bibiana (Italian fine dining and cocktails) and Capital City Brew Pub (self-explanatory). A couple of blocks further south, there's Gallery Place/Chinatown, with 1,001 options.


I would avoid:
Kushi (you don't like sushi, and the non-sushi isn't that good)
RFD (many beers, but concrete floors and frat boys in ball caps)
Cuba Libre (everyone who's been says it's horrible)

Hi all - I need restaurant help. I have a friend visiting from out of town and I just found out she's got some time for dinner tonight. Her hotel is near the convention center. Since my home and job are now BOTH located in the Va. 'burbs, I seldom eat in restaurants downtown. I'm looking for something fun, but not so loud that we can't have a decent conversation. She's willing to cab/metro if need be, but I'd like to make it as easy as possible for her.

Any suggestions?

I don't think she has any food aversions, but I don't eat sushi, so anything other than a sushi restaurant would be welcome.

Thanks!