Expecting great food because you spend money on it (and really $15 for an entree, as many PPs have said, is not exactly "wow" territory) is like expecting a great shirt because you spend money on it. It's not necessarily good because it's expensive.

Does the "high rating" come from someplace that is really just pushing advertisers? A friend or acquaintance who might not know much about food? Zagats (seriously, a 25 for food at In'n'Out burger should let you know about their standards there)?

DC in particular I agree is blah for food. I go based on large numbers of solid recommendations and price is only one factor. Price determines the decor, possibly service and "foofiness" but not necessarily the food. The most expensive, super highly rated restaurant in my city (not DC) is honestly meh. I have a gift certificate for it and can't even bring myself to go for free. It's just how it is.

I think a lot of it is expectations. The better cook you are at home, the higher your expectations. I'm a good home cook. Going out to dinner where I'm paying a premium better surpass my home cooking experience. I'm pleased when we walk out of a restaurant and my family announces that my rendition is better. And then I'm annoyed at the money we just spent.

A restaurant will always cost more than it costs to prepare a meal at home. At home, I can control portion sizes. I don't have to pay for a too large portion that no one is going to eat in one sitting or too small a portion that leaves you still hungry. At home, I don't have to worry about entertaining the little kids while we wait for service.

Yes, there are dishes to be done but when the family pitches in to help, dishes can be done quickly.

When we were on a tight budget, we started eating at home more. Now we prefer it.

Even for DH and I, a great date night dinner is sending the kids to grandmas for the night. We cook up something outrageous, delicious, and full of calories. We get a great bottle of wine and make some desserts. Then we spend the evening at home, cooking, talking, and then we finally head upstairs.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why is "just" in your title twice?

Do you always write the way you talk?

But the "just" is modifying a different word each time

But why "just go"?

I understand "just basic" -- it's not great, it's not terrible.

But how else does one go?

Anonymous wrote:You've got to be kidding me. $15 is more like a starter. A $15 entree will get you nothing and will be below basic.

+1

Yes, the blahness of DC restaurants is notorious. Very few really merit the money.

Anonymous wrote:"Basic" - how old are you, OP?

Maybe try some new restaurants. Does Washingtonian still have the Cheap Eats list? That might be a good place to start. Try new cuisines.

I do agree with this. Some of the best cooking in the world is basic. Simple ingredients cooked perfectly can be the most amazing. I think OP means plain and boring. Her terminology isn't helping as it makes it sound like she is going to all chains, and that is what chains do.

"Basic" - how old are you, OP?

Maybe try some new restaurants. Does Washingtonian still have the Cheap Eats list? That might be a good place to start. Try new cuisines.

I'm a great cook. I never go to chains because I can always make better food at home. Even in great restaurants I am often disappointed because I know I could make the dish more to my liking with fewer calories. I try to remember that this isn't a bad thing, this means I'm very lucky to be able to access such good food so easily in my own kitchen. I order accordingly at restaurants, sticking to things that I know I couldn't make myself.

I have a similar "problem" with cocktails. My husband is a brilliant bartender who doesn't skimp. Despite my love of cocktails, I have learned I can only order them at the absolute best cocktail bars, and even then it is best if the bartender knows us and the quality we are expecting. Generally I stick to wine or a straight liquor when I'm out so as not to be disappointed. Again, a great predicament.

I would rather go to the grocery store or get the ingredients for a meal delivered from Blue Apron & cook it myself at home. Going out to eat is for the convenience of not having to shop, cook & clean up. A plus if the venue and food are great.

Anonymous wrote:DC restaurants are often blah.

+1. The DC dining scene has always been very blah. It is better now, but a lot of the newer restaurants that are hip and such still serve very blah food.

I just moved here after living in Chicago for multiple years. I am going through fantastic restaurant withdraw!!!!

Understand.

Went to a restaurant tonight, $40 entrees, $100 wine, $20 apps, food was still only okay.

Seems like I get better "wow factor" from the Pupusa truck in Wheaton.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here. I'm a really pleaseant person. I don't tell the server the food is basic. I'm really low key at restaurants. It's more about the time with friends. I know the servers don't cook so I don't take it out in them when the food is just okay. I usually leave 30% tip regardless of the food.

OP ignore the haters. People have too many issues in their personal lives and take out their anger and superiority here.

Anyway back on track, I agree with you. Recently I went to a top-rated (like top 5 in several best of lists) and both my husband and I thought it was just OK. We spent around $175 for a dinner for two.

Np. I agree with you. I've been to top restaurants and thought, "meh." The other day I ate in a Greek restaurant and the food was wonderful. I truly enjoyed it. This is why DH and I go back to the same places repeatedly. Sometimes hole in the wall places are better than ranked restaurants.

Anonymous wrote:Op here. I'm a really pleaseant person. I don't tell the server the food is basic. I'm really low key at restaurants. It's more about the time with friends. I know the servers don't cook so I don't take it out in them when the food is just okay. I usually leave 30% tip regardless of the food.

OP ignore the haters. People have too many issues in their personal lives and take out their anger and superiority here.

Anyway back on track, I agree with you. Recently I went to a top-rated (like top 5 in several best of lists) and both my husband and I thought it was just OK. We spent around $175 for a dinner for two.

Op here. I'm a really pleaseant person. I don't tell the server the food is basic. I'm really low key at restaurants. It's more about the time with friends. I know the servers don't cook so I don't take it out in them when the food is just okay. I usually leave 30% tip regardless of the food.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get a $15 Chopt Salad. It's filling, great taste and healthy.

$15 for a fast food salad? That's ridiculous.

Chopt salads aren't $15 unless you use every premium ingredient they offer.