I like the beer and vibe at Nest but have found the food a little disappointing. I wish these places did a smaller menu and concentrated on doing a few things very well, rather than standard burgers, pizza, salads...

Nest is very good--you'll like it. It's a little crowded with big groups (and can be loud) so you may want to go slightly early and definitely try to make a reservation if you can.

I also wanted to second Jake's American Grille. The downstairs area is great for kids during the day and the food is decent. They have tons of games and toys for the kids. DH and I went without the kids for an evening event but can't wait to take the kids there for brunch.

HI everyone, thanks for all the suggestions. We're going to Nest in Bethesda.

BTS, good stuff and BGR are all counter service.

maybe matchbox in rockville (or dc) would be a good place.

^^^
The burgers are good, but it's not table service or cozy atmosphere. A good lunch, but not what the OP is looking for.

I've not been, but I've heard very good things about Burger Tap & Shake in Foggy Bottom.

http://www.burgertapshake.com/index.html

Boat House in Palisades. Good burgers, small, pub feel.

Ray's the Classics in Downtown Silver spring. They have hell burgers in the bistro area in the front of the restaurant. They don't take reservations for that area though so get there early. Do NOT go to the Stage Burger Lounge a couple doors down. Went there once when we couldn't wait for Ray's and wish we had waited the 45 minutes instead.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parker's in Bethesda it a nice burger type place and they have great salads also very kid friendly

Parker's is awful.

How about Cafe Deluxe in Cleveland Park or Bethesda or Clyde's in Friendship Heights? Also, American Tap Room in Bethesda has awesome burgers.

Parker's is awful, but so is Cafe deluxe and American tap room.

I agree with this assessment. The Woodmont Grill maybe (Houston's with a name change so they don't have to list calorie counts). They do have good burgers and salads though they are a bit pricey.