Chart House, Washington D.C.

Favorite Dish: American seafood restaurant in old town Alexandria, sitting on the waterfront of the Potomac river.
Although there are many very nice restaurants in old town, especially along the king street, chart house has the best view of the river

Washington has restaurants of all types. I haven’t spend enough time in the city to give them a fair sampling. I would consult the Washington Post’s latest reviews. I’ve listed a few I’ve eaten at that I could recommend in different parts of the city or nearby cities. Some are noted for food, others for proximity to landmarks and logical tour sites.

Near the National Mall : Most of the Smithsonian museums have cafeterias with standard fare. The National Gallery of Art has a particularly nice cafeteria because of its sculptured waterfall, which is quite relaxing to listen to after the crowds of the museums and monuments. Unfortunately, that museum is closed for renovations until 2004. The American History museum has an ice cream parlor children and adults enjoy on a hot day.

On Capitol Hill: Try one of the nice restaurants or the food court at Union Station depending on how much you want to spend. The nearby old Post Office building adjacent to Union Station has a nice brew pub. You can also dine at the cafeterias for the House of Representatives, or Senate. Check with your Congressman or Senator for the hours.

Downtown and near the White House: Occidental Grill or Old Ebbitt Grill (oldest saloon in Washington, burger/seafood menu, great brunches), 675 15th St. N.W
Good places to eat a hamburger, have a drink, and watch lobbyiests and political types smoozing.

Georgetown: Blues Alley is a great jazz and dinner club (14th Street and M).

Old Town Alexandria: The Chart House, great upscale seafood chain restaurant with fabulous salad bar.

Arlington: Queen Bee, 3181 Wilson Blvd. Unassuming decor with some the best Vietnamese food in Washington. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to sample this type of food with its Oriental and French colonial influences.