Page 182 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Washington, DC

180  TR A VELERS ’ NEEDS

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

Joseph Alsop, a renowned Washington Washington's cosmopolitan population
hostof the early 1960s, routinely gave enjoys a wide array of cuisines, from
lavish dinner parties in his George town Ethiopian to Vietnamese, with many new
home. When asked why he gave so many styles of “fusion food” in between. The
parties, Alsop replied that it was because seafood is also superb, freshly caught from
Washington had no good restaurants. the nearby waters of Chesapeake Bay. Crab
Today the capital rivals New York, offering and shellfish feature regularly on menus,
restaurants of every cuisine and price range. especially in coastal areas outside the city.

reasonable places, again mostly major credit cards, although
ethnic restaurants, are found street vendors and fast food
closer to the Circle. The vortex places may only accept cash.
of 14th Street and U Street has Waiters rely on earnings from
restaurants for a young crowd, tips and a 15–20 percent tip is
including Busboys and Poets, expected for good service in
and Marvin (see p189). restaurants. The tip is not
All restaurants in Washington automatically added to the bill
are air conditioned and most except in the case of large
(except for a few located in parties, which may incur an
historic buildings) are automatic 15 percent gratuity.
wheelchair accessible. Unlike in many European
cities, the fixed-price meal is
uncommon in Washington.
Reservations
Items are usually listed à la carte
Reservations may be necessary unless specified in the menu.
for popular restaurants; the Diners should expect to spend
Graffiato restaurant (see p185) most fashionable can get between $20 and $40 for dinner
booked up weeks in advance. and a drink, including a tip, at a
Places to Eat Call ahead if there is some- moderate restaurant. However,
Washington’s restaurants are a where you really want to go. Indian, Ethiopian, Chinese, and
reflection of its neighborhoods. However, walk-in diners are Vietnamese restaurants are often
Adams-Morgan has a mix of expected in most places. You considerably less expensive. You
ethnic establishments, especially may be placed on a waiting list will generally be charged about
Salvadoran and Ethiopian. and expected to return at the 25 percent less for the same meal
Perry’s Restaurant (see p190) appointed time or wait in if you eat at lunchtime rather
offers creative fusion food with the adjacent bar. than in the evening, so visitors
Asian and French in fluences, on a budget may choose to eat
and the crowd is young and Prices and Paying their main meal at lunchtime.
hip. An easy walk from the Breakfasts are usually under
Mall, Washington’s compact Restaurant prices range from the $10 for bacon and eggs with
Chinatown in the Penn Quarter very cheap to the very expensive coffee and juice, but some
district has both expensive and in Washing ton. Prices vary hotels include a free continental
moderately priced restaurants, accord ing to location, cuisine, breakfast (rolls, coffee, and juice)
such as the Spanish Jaleo (see and decor. All restaurants take in the cost of the room.
p184), Italian Graffiato, and
Mexican Rosa Mexicana (see
p185). Few Asian restaurants have
survived the gentrification of this
area. Closer to the White House,
a few of the old-guard stalwarts
remain, including the historic Old
Ebbitt Grill (see p185), which
specializes in regional seafood,
and Georgia Brown’s (see p186),
whose menu features Southern
cuisine. Georgetown has a mix
of expen sive and inexpensive
establishments. Good value
can be found at Indian and
Vietnamese restaurants. More Rustic charm at the exclusive Inn at Little Washington (see p191)

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