Black's is very nice--a level above most of Bethesda.
I haven't been to the Vino Volo yet, but I think the ones in the airports are great--one in a neighborhood that's an actual place has to be even better. I'd think about doing the drinks there if you're wine people.
The bar at Mon Ami Gabi is tiny, crowded and loud. Not where I'd do drinks unless I was going to drink at a patio table outside. I love their food, though. The steak frites are exactly what steak frites should be. Good soups and salads, good wine, excellent service. It's a chain but so what--it's a good one.
Jaleo is loud and crowded, but good. Could be good for drinks and tapas appetizers, then a real dinner somewhere else.

The thing about Black's is it's north of Old Georgetown--in the land of 400 bars and restaurants, every one of them mediocre. (Except Black's, Houston's (or is it Woodmont Grill now?), and Freddy's Lobster & Clam Shack, which are good.) You can walk there from down near Bethesda Row, but it's a slightly long walk, and there's sort of a no-man's-land in between.

Food & Wine gets good reviews but I haven't been so I can't say. It's on Wisconsin, not as nice a walking area as the Bethesda Ave./Bethesda Row area (though close, just a couple of blocks away).

Anonymous wrote:I think there was a thread on where should adults go for drinks in Bethesda that had some good suggestions.

Offhand, for drinks you might consider Cesco, Food Wine and Co, Jaleo and Mon Ami Gabi.

For food, again maybe Jaleo and Food Wine and Co.?

I like these suggestions and Blacks Bar & Kitchen.

Anonymous wrote:Grapeseed is great.

Talk about over priced.

Maybe: http://www.vinovolobethesdarow.com. I have not been but I have heard good things. Too bad Max Brenner is not open yet, you could go there for dessert. Glad to hear Redwood has a new chef, because I really want that place to be good. Also, Assaggi is a nice option: http://www.assaggirestaurant.com/assaggi_flash.html

Grapeseed is great.

I would go to the otherside of bethesda instead o f the chain places on the other side.

Anonymous wrote:I think there was a thread on where should adults go for drinks in Bethesda that had some good suggestions.

Offhand, for drinks you might consider Cesco, Food Wine and Co, Jaleo and Mon Ami Gabi.

For food, again maybe Jaleo and Food Wine and Co.?

Jaleo is good, but not much different from the one in DC.

Anonymous wrote:Food and Wine Co.? It's kind of loud though. It's not GREAT, but it is reliably good and it has good energy.

It is NOT reliably good. No.

Better choice: Black's Bar & Kitchen

They have nice booths near the bar - eat there. You get a great view, great interior space and there will be NO families with kids. Problem with Bethesda is too many families out with precious snowflakes ruining other parents' hard-earned date nights!

Redwood has a much better vibe and feel. Plus they have a new chef who is doing some great stuff.

You could also start out with drinks at Mussel Bar, Jaleo, Mon Ami Gabi, Assaggi.

could someone compare redwood and food and wine co. for me? for both dinner and/or drinks.

I think there was a thread on where should adults go for drinks in Bethesda that had some good suggestions.

Offhand, for drinks you might consider Cesco, Food Wine and Co, Jaleo and Mon Ami Gabi.

For food, again maybe Jaleo and Food Wine and Co.?

Food and Wine Co.? It's kind of loud though. It's not GREAT, but it is reliably good and it has good energy.

thanks, forgot that. No allergies...

are open to American, Italian, Mexican, seafood.. maybe thai if it's nice place (meaning not a DELISH hole in the wall, which we love, too.)

probably no indian, viatnamese...

Any food allergies or definite nos? (like no indian food, nothing spicy, etc.)

Heading out in Bethesda this weekend with another couple but don't know the area at all. We are thinking of starting with a fun bar scene for drinks, then walking to a restaurant for dinner.

About us and what we're looking for:

mid-40's, would consider ourselves young and fun.. but do not want packed a cheesy bar scene where we have to fight for the bartender's attention.
want to be able to walk from the bar to the restaurant.
I'd say a mid-priced restaurant.. doesn't need to be a cheap eat, but would also not be looking at a super high end place.
this is for a birthday night, so again.. someplace a little special, but we're not super fancy to begin with.

Ideas?

Thanks!