Anonymous wrote:American University is not in a desirable restaurant area. Most of the places people have mentioned (Chef Geoff's, Guapo's) might be close but are nothing special. They are neighborhood places. Range in Friendship Heights is owned by a famous Chef from Top Chef and was a very hot place awhile back, not too far from AU, but gets mixed reviews these days. There is also a decent and old style French restaurant not far, Le Chat Noir, that might be fun. But if you want something more interesting, you will have to venture out. Adams Morgan is a restaurant and bar filled area that is fun, and walkable from the Woodley Park Metro. Most of the restaurants are mediocre but Mintwood is very good. As people mentioned, Cleveland Park has a small cache of restaurants, Ripple being probably the best of the lot though I was disappointed the time I went there. Medium Rare is just steak and frites, and if that appeals to you, it would be fun. Dupont Circle, also on the Red Line, is very lively and would make for an interesting dinner, lots of choices depending on what you want (not helpful I know). Anyway, just thought I would add a little to what people had said.
Thanks! We'll have to venture around.