So OP, what'd you do, and how'd it go?

Mintwood rocks!!

Agree that Sushi Taro is outstanding, and that Hank's, while casual, is also very good. Both Hank's and Mintwood also have sidewalk patio seating, if the weather's good and that appeals to you.

If you're into japanese, you can't go wrong with Sushi Taro at 17th and P.

Mintwood Place is fabulous. Better than all other recommendations here by a good bit.

Sounds like their hotel may be the Washington Hilton (the big one), which is at 1900 Connecticut but not actually 19th & Connecticut--more like Connecticut and Florida. If you don't mind a medium-length walk (maybe 3/4 mile, I'd guess), the walk from there to Mintwood is sort of nice--up Columbia Ave.

If they're tea people, they might like a casual breakfast or lunch at Teaism during their stay. If they're coffee nerds, they should know about Filter on 20th St., down the hill from their hotel.

Mintwood is lovely--recommend.

Anonymous wrote:DGS is a good lunch place, but I don't think it would be fun for dinner. Mintwood is awesome!

Been there twice and still cannot understand the hype.

Anonymous wrote:I would try Ted's. It's great because out of towners will appreciate the Washington-y-ness about it.


Rasika is great but I wouldn't do indian food before going out and I'm indian. Westend bistro is great but I haven't been there in ages.

Vidalia is stuffy in my opinion. I've heard Mari vanna is filled with bitchy Russians and ok food. Urbana is ok, kinda blah but it works.

Maybe try Bistrot du coin? Definitely stay away from Nora... So stale and uppity. Firefly is ok also.

I vote Ted's.

Oof. Have you eaten at Bistrot du coin lately? Food is horrible and it's too loud for catch-up conversation.

DGS is a good lunch place, but I don't think it would be fun for dinner. Mintwood is awesome!

OP here. Thank you all! I'm dying to go to Little Serow but the no reservations situation won't work for this particular event. I will propose DGS and maybe Mourayo. Also looking at Mintwood Place, which turns out to be closer to their hotel than DGS or 14th St.