Old angler's inn and l'auberge chez Francois. If willing to drive the inn at little Washington.

I've heard Nora's has been revived-- you might consider that. Cashion's is a good suggestion too.

Personally I have no desire to ever go back to L'Auberge or 1789, and I admit I thought the Monocle had closed.

OP here. Whatever is the opposite of trendy, then. I see so many threads about "hip" restaurants.

Been to Prime Rib already. Been to Ray's many times.....but too casual, in my mind, to fit the bill.

I agree with the earlier posters about a narrower list of what's really old school. +1 for L'Auberge Francois.

Sadly, there aren't many left. We just lost the Caucus Room last year (or was it the year before?). They've redone the dining rooms at the Hay-Adams, the Hotel Washington, the St. Regis, the Mayflower, the Fairfax Westin. It's a generation gone.

The last dinosaurs left are the clubs. Get to know someone who can take you to the Cosmos Club, the Metropolitan Club, or the Army-Navy Club.

Or, some non-steak, non-French places have been around long enough maybe to qualify. Bombay Club and Bombay Palace have been where they are now longer than I've been here. In Alexandria, the Warehouse has a good history. In Silver Spring, Mrs. K.'s Toll House is still there (with a bit of a spritzed up menu but the same warm surroundings).

For new-school, but a somewhat classic (though casual) feel, you could try Ray's the Classics in SS.

L'Auberge chez Francois. Opened in DC in the 50's though it's in Great Falls VA now.

Definitely "classic" and "old school."

Go to The Monocle.

I have been to both The Prime Rib and 1789. Food is better at 1789 but people watching at Prime Rib is fun. We sat next to Jill Kelley, her husband and her twin at Prime Rib.

Anonymous wrote:OP, you might want to rephrase your question. Like the PP, I wouldn't consider any of those you listed as "classic" or "old-school."

Agreed. "Classic" or "old school" implies long-standing area restaurants that have been a part of their neighborhood for a very long time.

OP, you might want to rephrase your question. Like the PP, I wouldn't consider any of those you listed as "classic" or "old-school."

Obelisk is great.

1789 is good too.

Pines of Rome

Anonymous wrote:1789
Prime Rib, for the great people-watching

Great examples of old school! Good recs. I don't consider any of the others listed as old school.

Lavandou

Cashion's Eat Place

1789
Prime Rib, for the great people-watching

Wanting to go to one of the older, but good, places in DC. Been to many, but it seems like so many of the others get moved off my "must-try" list as newer places open.

Which of these do you recommend?

Obelisk
Palena
Marcel's
or something else?

We've already done Komi, Citronelle, Blue Duck, Rasika, Oval Room, Vidalia...and others but these are the first that come to mind when I think of a more established feel (vs. a Graffiato, Proof, Chez Billy, etc)