Lots of great recommendations here. Speaking as someone also in the DC area, I’d back the Stern’s recommendations of both the Florida Avenue Grill and Ben’s Chili Bowl as unique and true DC spots. They’re both ma and pop run, single outlet places where, indeed, the locals eat.

However, I would also back the great recommendations already made by both:

[;)] jpatweb (Reeve’s [for strawberry pie], Eastern Market [for the smells], Five Guys [for the burgers] — although I’d double-check the Gabriel for brunch recommendation. Such Dupont Circle was THE place for a Mediterranean weekend brunch but I understand that they’ve recently changed formats and management.

[;)] rbpalmer (Tony Cheng’s [for the warm sesame rolls accompanying the Mongolian barbecue, alone]).

In addition, and assuming that your stay was limited to DC-proper (vs. the neighboring MD & VA suburbs), I’d also recommend:

[:p] Old Ebbitt Grille…A true DC establishment on 15th Street, NW offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. (And whereas I saw their brunch viewed on this thread as just OK, their weekday breakfasts are both quite good and affordable.)

[:p] Oceanaire or Johnny’s Half Shell…For outstanding seafood dining — both pricy and both downtown.

[:p] Ann Cashion’s Eat Place…The bastion of American comfort food in the heart of DC’s trendy Adams Morgan section (at Columbia Road and 18th Street, NW). — HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!

[:p] Austin Grill…Both on Wisconsin Avenue, NW (above Georgetown) as well as near the MCI Center-district downtown on E Street, NW — don’t let the name fool you, this is a DC original providing top-notch Tex-Mex fare at great prices. — HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!

[:p] Rocklands Barbecue…Also on Wisconsin Avenue, NW just above the Austin Grill’s famous "EAT" sign. Excellent barbecue with limited seating. — HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!

[:p] Vidalia…Just west of Georgetown on M Street is where you’ll find this upscale, southern eatery having just emerged from a top-to-bottom renovation. — HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!

[:p] Ching Ching Cha — A true Chinese tea house offering pages and pages of various tea selections plus light fare in Georgetown below M Street on Wisconsin Avenue, NW.

[:p] Ten Penh…A new addition in DC’s Penn Quarter section offering upscale Asian-fusion cooking that’s to-die-for.

Finally, any coming to D,20,28136.012,1,14245,208.59.89.53
28147,28136,28136,2004-02-06 14:48:48,RE: Washington