The ***OFFICIAL*** Washington, DC thread (1 Viewer)

[Swing 51]

I guess it all depends on what type of scene you like. Spider Kelly's and Clarendon Ballroom seem to be popular with the young 20s crowd. Go in there on a Fri or Sat night and it is full of douchebags.

I usually head down the hill to Arlington Rooftop, Ragtime, or Rhodeside.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I haven't been to Spider Kelly's in a few years, but it seemed to be a pretty typical post-college bar to me. Having come out of UVA law late in life, I"m sure I've been de-sensitized to all popped collar violations. If you're not in salmon colored slacks or wearing crushed velvet loafers, I don't notice anymore.

I also might be feeling charitable to any bar named after a throwaway line from The Sun Also Rises.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Seemed like a pretty normal young crowd back when I hung out there, maybe you guys just hate common folk. DC as a whole is more than a little snooty.

Granted, I don't think I paid as much attention to the dudes as you did

Going to the wrong bars if you ask me. Don't think I ever saw a single popped collar at Galaxy Hut or Iota.

If you went back, I think you'd find that things in Clarendon have really escalated down hill in the past 5 years or so. Places like those are an endangered species in Clarendon now. Most of the "dive bars" are being torn down for condos. Dremo's was torn down, and Jay's is reportedly next. As someone who grew up in Jersey, Clarendon reminds me a bit of the Jersey shore now.

 

[dgreen]

Another good way to describe the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor is...White. There are some Asians, but not much else. I'm a bit surprised to see that there are actually more men than women in that area.

In 2010, in the three Census Blocks that border the Clarendon Metro Station (pop = 4,866):

White: 84%

Asian: 9%

Hispanic: 6%

Women: 49%

 

[Shockizzle]

Thanks for all the info guys. I actually went to school in DC for 5 years (4 at GW and grad school at American) but never really ventured out to Arlington so this helps. Looks like I want to be somewhere between Courthouse and Ballston.

I know there was a lot of talk about the difference between the Clarendon scene and Ballston scene but I don't have a preference of one over the other since it's a walk/metro stop away or two away.

The hard part now is finding something in my price range. I'll be making 56K so I think 1,500 would be the max I should be spending on rent. I'm going down this weekend to check some places out... maybe I'll get lucky and see a for rent sign somwhere

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I know there was a lot of talk about the difference between the Clarendon scene and Ballston scene but I don't have a preference of one over the other since it's a walk/metro stop away or two away.

This was my point as well. I live in Georgetown. I'm old, so it's not as if I particularly care about nightlife options, but if I did, I wouldn't care that Georgetown nightlife sucks. I'd go to Adams Morgan or U St. or something. Which is what I do when I am going to meet friends out at bars or go to a concert or something. And that's with Georgetown not even having a Metro stop. I just find it hard to imagine that jumping on the Metro for a five minute ride is that big of a concern.

As to your other point, if I were making 60K and looking to live inside the Beltway in 2013, I'd be looking for a roommate.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Lived in and around those neighborhoods from 1989 until a few years ago except for two years I spent in Charlottesville.

On that budget you've got a few choices. You can live in an efficiency in a high-rise. Or maybe a small one bedroom. The older and the fewer ameneties the cheaper. Not my thing.

There are also a handful of garden apartment complexes that almost a right of passage -- everyone knows them. I lived in Colonial Village both before and after grad school and would highly recommend it if you go that route. You're a block off the main drag (unless you're facing Wilson) but it's pretty quiet and there's quite a bit of green and the value/price can't be beat. It's also closer in, at Court House, which I really liked for biking. I also worked in the city and it was great to be able to walk home (~4 miles) when there's a problem with Metro.

You could also get a roommate and live in a pretty decent two bedroom apartment/condo. You'll have a million options anywhere along the Orange line if you go that route. Never did that.

If you're willing to live out towards Ballston though, you also pick up the option to do a group house. For $800-1200 you could live in an awesome place if you're willing to take on 2-3 roommates. Or at least you used to be able to -- the real estate boom may have dinged the group house thing. I lived in an older four bedroom with a real yard and my rent was dirt cheap. The key there is obviously the roommates -- especially if everyone is in their early 20s. There are horror stories. You'll also end up with a 10-15 minute walk to the Metro, so you have to be willing to have a longer commute. It was worth it to me until I could comfortably afford to rent a place of my own.

Not as wired into that whole gig as I used to be but if you've got any questions about the neighborhood or logistics feel free to PM me.

 

[thecatch]

I don't think even an efficiency in a high rise is an option for $1500 within a mile of one of the metro stations in that corridor. But, $1500 will get you a room in a 2 bedroom in some great locations right on top of the metro if you can find a roommate.

If you go farther than a mile or so out, you will probably have some options but you'll be too far to conveniently walk, to the extent that is important.

 

[Shockizzle]

Looked around today and found a nice, renovated studio for $1550/month with all utilities and everything included. It's on North Quincy Street right in between the Ballston and Virginia Square metros. Perfect location but that price is pushing it.

Are buses to Tyson's reliable in the mornings? I'm trying everything I can to not bring a car down. Drove past the new metro stops in Tyson's and one literally stops in front of where I'll be working so I'm thinking of just trying to use the bus until the metro opens.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Looked around today and found a nice, renovated studio for $1550/month with all utilities and everything included. It's on North Quincy Street right in between the Ballston and Virginia Square metros. Perfect location but that price is pushing it.

Are buses to Tyson's reliable in the mornings? I'm trying everything I can to not bring a car down. Drove past the new metro stops in Tyson's and one literally stops in front of where I'll be working so I'm thinking of just trying to use the bus until the metro opens.

I can't picture the building, but if it's close to the library and the park there it's a pretty solid value pick IMO. You get most of the location benefits (walkable nightlife, decent takeout and delivery, Metro, close in) without the Clarendon/Ballston premium.

I've only ridden the buses sporadically, but they're generally great. The problem will be how do you get home when they aren't great? If Metrorail goes down and all the buses are packed, or there's a bomb downtown and buses aren't running, or there's a surprise snowstorm you could get stuck -- and Tyson is a long way from home. It does happen.

OTOH traffic is truly awful merging from the Dulles spur to I-66. It's a nightmare every single night. So riding in the dedicated bus lane straight to the Falls Church Metro stop and jumping an almost empty train is a great way to get home.

 

[Shockizzle]

Looked around today and found a nice, renovated studio for $1550/month with all utilities and everything included. It's on North Quincy Street right in between the Ballston and Virginia Square metros. Perfect location but that price is pushing it.

Are buses to Tyson's reliable in the mornings? I'm trying everything I can to not bring a car down. Drove past the new metro stops in Tyson's and one literally stops in front of where I'll be working so I'm thinking of just trying to use the bus until the metro opens.

I can't picture the building, but if it's close to the library and the park there it's a pretty solid value pick IMO. You get most of the location benefits (walkable nightlife, decent takeout and delivery, Metro, close in) without the Clarendon/Ballston premium.

I've only ridden the buses sporadically, but they're generally great. The problem will be how do you get home when they aren't great? If Metrorail goes down and all the buses are packed, or there's a bomb downtown and buses aren't running, or there's a surprise snowstorm you could get stuck -- and Tyson is a long way from home. It does happen.

OTOH traffic is truly awful merging from the Dulles spur to I-66. It's a nightmare every single night. So riding in the dedicated bus lane straight to the Falls Church Metro stop and jumping an almost empty train is a great way to get home.

Yea, it's that big white building by the library. I'll have to check the bus routes and times but you bring up good points about being totally reliant on buses/Metro.

 

[Apple Jack]

Looked around today and found a nice, renovated studio for $1550/month with all utilities and everything included. It's on North Quincy Street right in between the Ballston and Virginia Square metros. Perfect location but that price is pushing it.

Are buses to Tyson's reliable in the mornings? I'm trying everything I can to not bring a car down. Drove past the new metro stops in Tyson's and one literally stops in front of where I'll be working so I'm thinking of just trying to use the bus until the metro opens.

I can't picture the building, but if it's close to the library and the park there it's a pretty solid value pick IMO. You get most of the location benefits (walkable nightlife, decent takeout and delivery, Metro, close in) without the Clarendon/Ballston premium.

I've only ridden the buses sporadically, but they're generally great. The problem will be how do you get home when they aren't great? If Metrorail goes down and all the buses are packed, or there's a bomb downtown and buses aren't running, or there's a surprise snowstorm you could get stuck -- and Tyson is a long way from home. It does happen.

OTOH traffic is truly awful merging from the Dulles spur to I-66. It's a nightmare every single night. So riding in the dedicated bus lane straight to the Falls Church Metro stop and jumping an almost empty train is a great way to get home.

Yea, it's that big white building by the library. I'll have to check the bus routes and times but you bring up good points about being totally reliant on buses/Metro.

You'll be fine with rail once it opens, but he has a point with buses and snow. That could be a colossal pita. But you'd also have at least a hint that it's coming. Rail should be fine. The orange/silver lines are either below ground or in the middle of highway, so there's no risk of downed trees or anything. The likelihood of both tracks being shut down unexpectedly is extremely slim.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Looked around today and found a nice, renovated studio for $1550/month with all utilities and everything included. It's on North Quincy Street right in between the Ballston and Virginia Square metros. Perfect location but that price is pushing it.

Are buses to Tyson's reliable in the mornings? I'm trying everything I can to not bring a car down. Drove past the new metro stops in Tyson's and one literally stops in front of where I'll be working so I'm thinking of just trying to use the bus until the metro opens.

I can't picture the building, but if it's close to the library and the park there it's a pretty solid value pick IMO. You get most of the location benefits (walkable nightlife, decent takeout and delivery, Metro, close in) without the Clarendon/Ballston premium.

I've only ridden the buses sporadically, but they're generally great. The problem will be how do you get home when they aren't great? If Metrorail goes down and all the buses are packed, or there's a bomb downtown and buses aren't running, or there's a surprise snowstorm you could get stuck -- and Tyson is a long way from home. It does happen.

OTOH traffic is truly awful merging from the Dulles spur to I-66. It's a nightmare every single night. So riding in the dedicated bus lane straight to the Falls Church Metro stop and jumping an almost empty train is a great way to get home.

Looked around today and found a nice, renovated studio for $1550/month with all utilities and everything included. It's on North Quincy Street right in between the Ballston and Virginia Square metros. Perfect location but that price is pushing it.

Are buses to Tyson's reliable in the mornings? I'm trying everything I can to not bring a car down. Drove past the new metro stops in Tyson's and one literally stops in front of where I'll be working so I'm thinking of just trying to use the bus until the metro opens.

I can't picture the building, but if it's close to the library and the park there it's a pretty solid value pick IMO. You get most of the location benefits (walkable nightlife, decent takeout and delivery, Metro, close in) without the Clarendon/Ballston premium.

I've only ridden the buses sporadically, but they're generally great. The problem will be how do you get home when they aren't great? If Metrorail goes down and all the buses are packed, or there's a bomb downtown and buses aren't running, or there's a surprise snowstorm you could get stuck -- and Tyson is a long way from home. It does happen.

OTOH traffic is truly awful merging from the Dulles spur to I-66. It's a nightmare every single night. So riding in the dedicated bus lane straight to the Falls Church Metro stop and jumping an almost empty train is a great way to get home.

Yeah well it's a friggin nightmare on Saturday afternoons, too. It took me a damned hour+ to get from Silver Spring to Vienna yesterday. I posted in the "why your state sucks" thread that, though I'm sure you're all nice guys & gals, I would've turned you all into dust if I could've called down nuclear napalm.

Shock, is the place you're looking at called Quincy Orchards or some such? We did the foundations on that joint.

There's also a high rise going up in front of the mall at Tyson's but that'll probably be a bazillion $$ a month.

 

[Shockizzle]

Looked around today and found a nice, renovated studio for $1550/month with all utilities and everything included. It's on North Quincy Street right in between the Ballston and Virginia Square metros. Perfect location but that price is pushing it.

Are buses to Tyson's reliable in the mornings? I'm trying everything I can to not bring a car down. Drove past the new metro stops in Tyson's and one literally stops in front of where I'll be working so I'm thinking of just trying to use the bus until the metro opens.

I can't picture the building, but if it's close to the library and the park there it's a pretty solid value pick IMO. You get most of the location benefits (walkable nightlife, decent takeout and delivery, Metro, close in) without the Clarendon/Ballston premium.

I've only ridden the buses sporadically, but they're generally great. The problem will be how do you get home when they aren't great? If Metrorail goes down and all the buses are packed, or there's a bomb downtown and buses aren't running, or there's a surprise snowstorm you could get stuck -- and Tyson is a long way from home. It does happen.

OTOH traffic is truly awful merging from the Dulles spur to I-66. It's a nightmare every single night. So riding in the dedicated bus lane straight to the Falls Church Metro stop and jumping an almost empty train is a great way to get home.

Looked around today and found a nice, renovated studio for $1550/month with all utilities and everything included. It's on North Quincy Street right in between the Ballston and Virginia Square metros. Perfect location but that price is pushing it.

Are buses to Tyson's reliable in the mornings? I'm trying everything I can to not bring a car down. Drove past the new metro stops in Tyson's and one literally stops in front of where I'll be working so I'm thinking of just trying to use the bus until the metro opens.

I can't picture the building, but if it's close to the library and the park there it's a pretty solid value pick IMO. You get most of the location benefits (walkable nightlife, decent takeout and delivery, Metro, close in) without the Clarendon/Ballston premium.

I've only ridden the buses sporadically, but they're generally great. The problem will be how do you get home when they aren't great? If Metrorail goes down and all the buses are packed, or there's a bomb downtown and buses aren't running, or there's a surprise snowstorm you could get stuck -- and Tyson is a long way from home. It does happen.

OTOH traffic is truly awful merging from the Dulles spur to I-66. It's a nightmare every single night. So riding in the dedicated bus lane straight to the Falls Church Metro stop and jumping an almost empty train is a great way to get home.

Yeah well it's a friggin nightmare on Saturday afternoons, too. It took me a damned hour+ to get from Silver Spring to Vienna yesterday. I posted in the "why your state sucks" thread that, though I'm sure you're all nice guys & gals, I would've turned you all into dust if I could've called down nuclear napalm.

Shock, is the place you're looking at called Quincy Orchards or some such? We did the foundations on that joint.

There's also a high rise going up in front of the mall at Tyson's but that'll probably be a bazillion $$ a month.

No name just 1020 North Quincy Street Apartments

 

[thecatch]

That's a great location and deal. I think that's an older building but that's really close to two metro stops in a nice neighborhood. For comparison's sake the 1 bedrooms in the high rise apartments near there are over 2k including utilities, etc. that said, unless you absolutely have to live in this corridor for social reasons, I don't know why you wouldn't get a cheaper place near Tyson's and not have to deal with the bus going out there every day.

 

[dgreen]

Looked around today and found a nice, renovated studio for $1550/month with all utilities and everything included. It's on North Quincy Street right in between the Ballston and Virginia Square metros. Perfect location but that price is pushing it.

Are buses to Tyson's reliable in the mornings? I'm trying everything I can to not bring a car down. Drove past the new metro stops in Tyson's and one literally stops in front of where I'll be working so I'm thinking of just trying to use the bus until the metro opens.

Here's a Virginia bus map with all the various bus providers (WMATA, Fairfax Connector, etc). WMATA bus timetables and Fairfax Connector timetables. Looks like you can Metro to West Falls Church or Dunn Loring and take a bus or even just take a bus from Arlington to Tysons. I think it's easily doable without a car. Sure, there will be days where you are stuck waiting, but that's true for driving in traffic, too.

 

[Don Quixote]

I can't comment on the buses, but thought I'd mention that if you are planning to go without a car, you should look into ZipCar, if you have not already. It's a popular hourly car rental service along the Orange line in that area. Good for trips to Costco, etc.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I'm taking the wife to see Book of Mormon for her birthday. Haven't been to the Kennedy Center in a decade or more and I haven't worked west of the White House in that long either, so I don't really know what's over there. What's the best way to do transportation and pre-show dinner ... for a pregnant wife in her third trimester? Can I send her on the metro to Foggy Bottom, or is driving and parking a better option for her? Any decent but not obscenely expensive restaurants nearby?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I'm taking the wife to see Book of Mormon for her birthday. Haven't been to the Kennedy Center in a decade or more and I haven't worked west of the White House in that long either, so I don't really know what's over there. What's the best way to do transportation and pre-show dinner ... for a pregnant wife in her third trimester? Can I send her on the metro to Foggy Bottom, or is driving and parking a better option for her? Any decent but not obscenely expensive restaurants nearby?

If she's comfortable with Metro in general there's a shuttle that runs every few minutes from Foggy Bottom to the KC.

Not sure about restaurants in that area though. There's a decent buffet in the KC. It's pricey for the quality, but not over the top costly if you want to keep things simple since she's pregnant.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I'm taking the wife to see Book of Mormon for her birthday. Haven't been to the Kennedy Center in a decade or more and I haven't worked west of the White House in that long either, so I don't really know what's over there. What's the best way to do transportation and pre-show dinner ... for a pregnant wife in her third trimester? Can I send her on the metro to Foggy Bottom, or is driving and parking a better option for her? Any decent but not obscenely expensive restaurants nearby?

If she's comfortable with Metro in general there's a shuttle that runs every few minutes from Foggy Bottom to the KC.

Not sure about restaurants in that area though. There's a decent buffet in the KC. It's pricey for the quality, but not over the top costly if you want to keep things simple since she's pregnant.

Nice. I did not know that.

With that in mind, any restaurant recommendations up by the Foggy Bottom stop? Founding Farmers is over there somewhere I think, but I went there once and thought it was meh.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I am also going to Book of Mormon on Friday and have not figured out my dinner option. I'll probably just eat at the Westend Bistro at the Ritz Carlton and walk, but I might get lazy and take a cab.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I am also going to Book of Mormon on Friday and have not figured out my dinner option. I'll probably just eat at the Westend Bistro at the Ritz Carlton and walk, but I might get lazy and take a cab.

Cornhole! See you there. I'll be the underdressed guy with the pregnant chick.

 

[Don Quixote]

I'm taking the wife to see Book of Mormon for her birthday. Haven't been to the Kennedy Center in a decade or more and I haven't worked west of the White House in that long either, so I don't really know what's over there. What's the best way to do transportation and pre-show dinner ... for a pregnant wife in her third trimester? Can I send her on the metro to Foggy Bottom, or is driving and parking a better option for her? Any decent but not obscenely expensive restaurants nearby?

If she's comfortable with Metro in general there's a shuttle that runs every few minutes from Foggy Bottom to the KC.

Not sure about restaurants in that area though. There's a decent buffet in the KC. It's pricey for the quality, but not over the top costly if you want to keep things simple since she's pregnant.

Nice. I did not know that.

With that in mind, any restaurant recommendations up by the Foggy Bottom stop? Founding Farmers is over there somewhere I think, but I went there once and thought it was meh.

I've done the shuttle in the past. Yeah, they run pretty regularly. I've also parked at the Kennedy Center, but I think it's $20.

The Blue Duck Tavern is a couple of blocks north of Washington Circle.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I'm taking the wife to see Book of Mormon for her birthday. Haven't been to the Kennedy Center in a decade or more and I haven't worked west of the White House in that long either, so I don't really know what's over there. What's the best way to do transportation and pre-show dinner ... for a pregnant wife in her third trimester? Can I send her on the metro to Foggy Bottom, or is driving and parking a better option for her? Any decent but not obscenely expensive restaurants nearby?

If she's comfortable with Metro in general there's a shuttle that runs every few minutes from Foggy Bottom to the KC.

Not sure about restaurants in that area though. There's a decent buffet in the KC. It's pricey for the quality, but not over the top costly if you want to keep things simple since she's pregnant.

Nice. I did not know that.

With that in mind, any restaurant recommendations up by the Foggy Bottom stop? Founding Farmers is over there somewhere I think, but I went there once and thought it was meh.

I've done the shuttle in the past. Yeah, they run pretty regularly. I've also parked at the Kennedy Center, but I think it's $20.

The Blue Duck Tavern is a couple of blocks north of Washington Circle.

Blue Duck, and Ris are both good, but they'd definitely be a cab ride with a pregnant wife. A bit of a walk from the Metro.

I guess I'd also mention Rasika West End, but I doubt you could get a reservation even for pre-theater times.

 

[dgreen]

Does the Foggy Bottom Whole Foods have a seating/dining area?

 

[Don Quixote]

Yeah, you are probably right on it being a cab ride with his wife. I went to GW and go back to Foggy Bottom regularly, but I'm not having much coming to mind right there by the Metro... there's a Circa right across the street from the Metro; while it has convenience in its favor, it is nothing special and on par with Founding Farmer's, or maybe a step below.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Thanks for the ideas. I'm thinking maybe Tonic- my wife is a Kraft Mac and Cheese kind of gal, Blue Duck Tavern would be a waste of money.

I feel like I remember seeing a couple new places on that traffic circle at 23rd and K (Washington Circle I think). Am I remembering that right? Anything decent there?

 

[dgreen]

Google Maps shows District Commons and Burger Tap & Shake in a newer building on the circle.

 

[Don Quixote]

Thanks for the ideas. I'm thinking maybe Tonic- my wife is a Kraft Mac and Cheese kind of gal, Blue Duck Tavern would be a waste of money.

I feel like I remember seeing a couple new places on that traffic circle at 23rd and K (Washington Circle I think). Am I remembering that right? Anything decent there?

Tonic is a good place for that. I don't think I've had much more than burgers and beer there, but I've had good experiences there.

Yeah, that's the old GW hospital site. That's where the Circa that I mentioned is located (on the I street side). There's also a District Commons there. I haven't been, but I think it's somewhat similar to Tonic.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Thanks again, everyone. Think we'll check out District Commons or Tonic if that's too crowded.

 

[Shockizzle]

Does the Foggy Bottom Whole Foods have a seating/dining area?

Yes, inside and outside

 

[nittanylion]

Thanks again, everyone. Think we'll check out District Commons or Tonic if that's too crowded.

As I post more in this thread, it's going to be my goal, from an industry insider perspective, to give recommendations primarily directing people towards small chef-driven places not enough people know about, but absolutely should. So...

Tobias, if Georgetown isn't out of the question, - and it shouldn't be, in August, which is dead-time downtime for the entire metro DC area, please give this restaurant some consideration as well, I think they offer a nice mix for you and 'mac & cheese kinda gal' that you'd both enjoy...

http://www.unumdc.com/

Very under-the-radar place by a very talented and passionate couple who are absolutely committed to what they're doing there. Very solid food and tremendous value. I'd go District Commons over Tonic every time, but both of those places you can do any time for any reason. They aren't special (although District Commons can be) When I go to the KC, I like to go someplace unique or with character and Unum is that, without significantly lightening your wallet like Marcel's, Blue Duck, Raskia, Westend Ris or Bourbon Steak...

 

[TobiasFunke]

Thanks again, everyone. Think we'll check out District Commons or Tonic if that's too crowded.

As I post more in this thread, it's going to be my goal, from an industry insider perspective, to give recommendations primarily directing people towards small chef-driven places not enough people know about, but absolutely should. So...

Tobias, if Georgetown isn't out of the question, - and it shouldn't be, in August, which is dead-time downtime for the entire metro DC area, please give this restaurant some consideration as well, I think they offer a nice mix for you and 'mac & cheese kinda gal' that you'd both enjoy...

http://www.unumdc.com/

Very under-the-radar place by a very talented and passionate couple who are absolutely committed to what they're doing there. Very solid food and tremendous value. I'd go District Commons over Tonic every time, but both of those places you can do any time for any reason. They aren't special (although District Commons can be) When I go to the KC, I like to go someplace unique or with character and Unum is that, without significantly lightening your wallet like Marcel's, Blue Duck, Raskia, Westend Ris or Bourbon Steak...

Thanks, and definitely will appreciate the continued insight. Will do District Commons as per your recommendation, but Georgetown is out of the question due to my wife's pregnancy, it's a bit too far of a walk from Foggy Bottom.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I live in Georgetown and I haven't been to Unum (I went when it was Mendocini or Sedona or some other boringly named California wine country name and thought the cooking didn't live up to the ambition). I'll have to check it out sometime.

 

[nittanylion]

If any local FFA'ers actually play Fantasy Football, we have an Auction League that's going into Year 5, with a bunch of footballguys. Live Draft using some very cool auction software, Draft is held at a restaurant owned by two of my buddies - Grillmarx in Olney, MD. Food and drinks part of the deal. Still firming up the date, but we're willing to go with as many as 16 Teams, and we currently have 5-6 openings to get to that number...

Thread here: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=681392

Could be a quality unofficial cornhole...

 

[Go DC Yourself]

If any local FFA'ers actually play Fantasy Football, we have an Auction League that's going into Year 5, with a bunch of footballguys. Live Draft using some very cool auction software, Draft is held at a restaurant owned by two of my buddies - Grillmarx in Olney, MD. Food and drinks part of the deal. Still firming up the date, but we're willing to go with as many as 16 Teams, and we currently have 5-6 openings to get to that number...

Thread here: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=681392

Could be a quality unofficial cornhole...

This is a great affordable league that I'm glad I found on here after its inaugural year, and a great way to spend an afternoon (Sunday 9/1 this year). Best ball too, which avoids those annoying lineup setting issues. I live inside the beltway in VA, and would be glad to be the designated driver for anyone wishing to give it a try this year.

 

[Don Quixote]

What's the FFA pick for the best restaurant for a good filet mignon? Trying to find a place to take my wife for her birthday. Still a couple of months away, but researching now in case I need to make reservations far in advance.

We've done Ray's the Steaks a number of times, but would like to do something different. Love Lewnes, but Annapolis is a bit too far to go just for dinner. Also been to Bobby Van's since it was near my old firm, but nothing special.

I know there are a number of steakhouses downtown, but I associate most with lobbyists. Thoughts on Bourbon Steak?

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

What's the FFA pick for the best restaurant for a good filet mignon? Trying to find a place to take my wife for her birthday. Still a couple of months away, but researching now in case I need to make reservations far in advance.

We've done Ray's the Steaks a number of times, but would like to do something different. Love Lewnes, but Annapolis is a bit too far to go just for dinner. Also been to Bobby Van's since it was near my old firm, but nothing special.

I know there are a number of steakhouses downtown, but I associate most with lobbyists. Thoughts on Bourbon Steak?

Bourbon Steak is a great restaurant (and not just a great steakhouse). I have no idea how they do filet because I'm kind of anti-filet mignon in premium steakhouses. I can say that Bourbon Steak's premium ribeyes are ridiculous. And if you care, the cocktails are among the best in the city.

Among "premium" steakhouses, Ruth's Chris is somewhat unique in having the filet be their signature cut. It's not my thing, but I know lots of people who like nothing more than their butter drenched filets.

 

[Don Quixote]

What's the FFA pick for the best restaurant for a good filet mignon? Trying to find a place to take my wife for her birthday. Still a couple of months away, but researching now in case I need to make reservations far in advance.

We've done Ray's the Steaks a number of times, but would like to do something different. Love Lewnes, but Annapolis is a bit too far to go just for dinner. Also been to Bobby Van's since it was near my old firm, but nothing special.

I know there are a number of steakhouses downtown, but I associate most with lobbyists. Thoughts on Bourbon Steak?

Bourbon Steak is a great restaurant (and not just a great steakhouse). I have no idea how they do filet because I'm kind of anti-filet mignon in premium steakhouses. I can say that Bourbon Steak's premium ribeyes are ridiculous. And if you care, the cocktails are among the best in the city.

Among "premium" steakhouses, Ruth's Chris is somewhat unique in having the filet be their signature cut. It's not my thing, but I know lots of people who like nothing more than their butter drenched filets.

Thanks. Good to hear on Bourbon Steak. My wife prefers the less-fatty cut of the filet. If ribeyes are that good at Bourbon, then I'd assume filets are pretty stellar too.

Ruth's Chris could be a good alternative. Never been. Crystal City might be easier to do from Alexandria too.

 

[dgreen]

Sounds like DC is considering another Summer Olympics bid. They missed out on 2012 and will try again for 2024.

 

[nittanylion]

What's the FFA pick for the best restaurant for a good filet mignon? Trying to find a place to take my wife for her birthday. Still a couple of months away, but researching now in case I need to make reservations far in advance.

We've done Ray's the Steaks a number of times, but would like to do something different. Love Lewnes, but Annapolis is a bit too far to go just for dinner. Also been to Bobby Van's since it was near my old firm, but nothing special.

I know there are a number of steakhouses downtown, but I associate most with lobbyists. Thoughts on Bourbon Steak?

Bourbon Steak is a great restaurant (and not just a great steakhouse). I have no idea how they do filet because I'm kind of anti-filet mignon in premium steakhouses. I can say that Bourbon Steak's premium ribeyes are ridiculous. And if you care, the cocktails are among the best in the city.

Among "premium" steakhouses, Ruth's Chris is somewhat unique in having the filet be their signature cut. It's not my thing, but I know lots of people who like nothing more than their butter drenched filets.

Thanks. Good to hear on Bourbon Steak. My wife prefers the less-fatty cut of the filet. If ribeyes are that good at Bourbon, then I'd assume filets are pretty stellar too.

Ruth's Chris could be a good alternative. Never been. Crystal City might be easier to do from Alexandria too.

I wish I had something more to offer in this regard, but it sounds like RHE and I are of the same mind. I, too am an 'anti-filet' guy, so I'll go ahead and ask the question - does it have to be filet mignon? Totally cool if it does, I'm just asking because for me, it's all about the quality of the meat itself, and if it doesn't have to be filet, I can recommend several places where my peers and mentors and friends are sourcing properly grass-fed beef and serving ribeyes, sirloins, strip loins, hanger steaks, onglet (hanging tender), flatirons, etc. Most of them don't buy filet mignon because when you're paying the premium for grass-fed, you want to maximize flavor, and most of the ranchers raising that beef, in order to make a living doing so, have deals with the Chefs/Restauranteurs to buy less popular and more flavorful cuts in conjunction with the more popular ones, because ranchers only make back the money it costs to raise an animal like that (longer and slower, but better, process) if you sell the whole animal...tenderloins are easy to sell, the rest of the cow, not so much. So most of my crowd buys everything except the tenderloins, in order to support the rancher staying in business.

If it must be filet (and that's perfectly fine), and it's a special occasion, and you've already been to Ray's, then I'd recommend Bourbon Steak, absolutely. Since you mentioned Ray's the Steaks, if you don't mind schlepping over to downtown Silver Spring, Michael Landrum, the principle, has an more upscale spot called Ray's the Classics...and as a matter of fact, I JUST REMEMBERED!!! - - - he recently sold it to two longtime star employees, and it's now called just 'The Classics' and apparently, they are doing a bang-up job in his stead, so there's that...

In line with Bourbon Steak (Michael Mina) is J&G (Jean-Georges Vongeritchen) - you can't go wrong at either, and you get a great restaurant experience along with a great steak, might find many things on those menus that you'd both enjoy.

Ruth's Chris is a corporate chain, so, not my thing, and when it comes to chain steak houses, it's pretty far down the list. The only reason it even enters the conversation is because they 'specialize' in filet, and maybe because they're in Virginia...

...if you want, I'd be happy to discuss the other alternatives in the near future. If not, I'll do it anyway for the Thread, but it will probably have to wait until all my drafts are out of the way...

 

[njherdfan]

What's the FFA pick for the best restaurant for a good filet mignon? Trying to find a place to take my wife for her birthday. Still a couple of months away, but researching now in case I need to make reservations far in advance.

We've done Ray's the Steaks a number of times, but would like to do something different. Love Lewnes, but Annapolis is a bit too far to go just for dinner. Also been to Bobby Van's since it was near my old firm, but nothing special.

I know there are a number of steakhouses downtown, but I associate most with lobbyists. Thoughts on Bourbon Steak?

Bourbon Steak is a great restaurant (and not just a great steakhouse). I have no idea how they do filet because I'm kind of anti-filet mignon in premium steakhouses. I can say that Bourbon Steak's premium ribeyes are ridiculous. And if you care, the cocktails are among the best in the city.

Among "premium" steakhouses, Ruth's Chris is somewhat unique in having the filet be their signature cut. It's not my thing, but I know lots of people who like nothing more than their butter drenched filets.

Thanks. Good to hear on Bourbon Steak. My wife prefers the less-fatty cut of the filet. If ribeyes are that good at Bourbon, then I'd assume filets are pretty stellar too.

Ruth's Chris could be a good alternative. Never been. Crystal City might be easier to do from Alexandria too.

I wish I had something more to offer in this regard, but it sounds like RHE and I are of the same mind. I, too am an 'anti-filet' guy, so I'll go ahead and ask the question - does it have to be filet mignon? Totally cool if it does, I'm just asking because for me, it's all about the quality of the meat itself, and if it doesn't have to be filet, I can recommend several places where my peers and mentors and friends are sourcing properly grass-fed beef and serving ribeyes, sirloins, strip loins, hanger steaks, onglet (hanging tender), flatirons, etc. Most of them don't buy filet mignon because when you're paying the premium for grass-fed, you want to maximize flavor, and most of the ranchers raising that beef, in order to make a living doing so, have deals with the Chefs/Restauranteurs to buy less popular and more flavorful cuts in conjunction with the more popular ones, because ranchers only make back the money it costs to raise an animal like that (longer and slower, but better, process) if you sell the whole animal...tenderloins are easy to sell, the rest of the cow, not so much. So most of my crowd buys everything except the tenderloins, in order to support the rancher staying in business.

If it must be filet (and that's perfectly fine), and it's a special occasion, and you've already been to Ray's, then I'd recommend Bourbon Steak, absolutely. Since you mentioned Ray's the Steaks, if you don't mind schlepping over to downtown Silver Spring, Michael Landrum, the principle, has an more upscale spot called Ray's the Classics...and as a matter of fact, I JUST REMEMBERED!!! - - - he recently sold it to two longtime star employees, and it's now called just 'The Classics' and apparently, they are doing a bang-up job in his stead, so there's that...

In line with Bourbon Steak (Michael Mina) is J&G (Jean-Georges Vongeritchen) - you can't go wrong at either, and you get a great restaurant experience along with a great steak, might find many things on those menus that you'd both enjoy.

Ruth's Chris is a corporate chain, so, not my thing, and when it comes to chain steak houses, it's pretty far down the list. The only reason it even enters the conversation is because they 'specialize' in filet, and maybe because they're in Virginia...

...if you want, I'd be happy to discuss the other alternatives in the near future. If not, I'll do it anyway for the Thread, but it will probably have to wait until all my drafts are out of the way...

I'd love to hear some of these when you get a chance.

 

[Don Quixote]

Thanks Nittany. I saw Bourbon Steak was filling up on reservations that night, so just booked it. Looking forward to this one.

My wife is definitely more into filets than ribeyes. She likes and eats ribeyes and other cuts, but filet is her favorite, so would like to treat her to that for her birthday.

I'd love to hear some of others when you have a chance to share.

 

[Don Quixote]

If you went back, I think you'd find that things in Clarendon have really escalated down hill in the past 5 years or so. Places like those are an endangered species in Clarendon now. Most of the "dive bars" are being torn down for condos. Dremo's was torn down, and Jay's is reportedly next. As someone who grew up in Jersey, Clarendon reminds me a bit of the Jersey shore now.

And there goes Jay's

 

[njherdfan]

I guess this would be the thread to ask... Does anyone have any recommendations for bars or restaurants in the Capitol Hill area? I just moved and I'm a block away from Union Station and right by the SEC. Any recommendations for places in the H Street corridor are also welcome, since with the Streetcar theoretically on its way, it should be an easy trek.

 

[dgreen]

I don't know anything about the bar scene, but I'd guess H Street is your best bet. I think it is probably your best best for restaurants, too. The western end of H Street should be very accessible to you without the streetcar.

Around Union Station has a couple good higher-end places, but not much else worth mentioning that I know of. I've never been to Johnny's Half Shell, but it tends to get pretty mixed reviews. Johnny's used to operate a good taqueria (Taqueria Nacional) next door during lunch, but it looks like they closed. It moved up to T Street and now sucks (from what I read online).

Obviously you have Metro right next to you and it looks like there are some good, frequent bus options in the area to take you to other neighborhoods.

 

[Swing 51]

Anyone hit the Maryland Live poker room yesterday? I plan on going this weekend - read they had 1,000 on the list yesterday around 1pm (grand opening was at Noon).

 

[TobiasFunke]

I agree, H Street is probably your best bet on the north side of the Hill. It's a weird little spot- lots within 15 blocks or so, but not much within 5 blocks or so. There's also those two Irish places on Mass, Dubliner and Irish Times I think. The former is classy (for an Irish pub), the latter is fratty. Although they may be gone- I didn't know Taqueria Nacional had closed, that sucks.

Don Q mentioned the bus routes- one great one for you from there is the Circulator that goes to Union Station to Navy Yard. Takes you over to the other side of the Hill, down those few blocks on Pennsylvania SE that have a bunch of bars and restaurants, then heads down 8th St to all the Barracks Row bars and restaurants before heading over to Navy Yard, and then turns and goes back where it came from. Runs all the time and takes you to a ton of great spots- not just bars and restaurants but also Eastern Market and Nats Park. If I lived by Union Station (and still went to bars and restaurants) I'd be on that thing all the time.

 

[Don Quixote]

I was going to suggest Dubliner for a bar. I agree with the others that H Street, Eastern Market, and Barracks Row are your best bets for restaurants. While I have not been, I've heard good things about Union Market too.

There's a few restaurants on Massachussetts not far from you, but the only one I've been to there closed down.

 

[dgreen]

I like Union Market. Probably about a mile walk from Union Station. Or, obviously, a one stop ride on Metro to NoMa and then a shorter walk. Or, looks like WMATA runs a 90/92 bus frequently through Capitol Hill and up Florida Avenue, which would be good for Union Market.

Does the Union Station-Navy Yard Circulator run later at night? If not, might not be a great option for a night out.