The ***OFFICIAL*** Washington, DC thread (3 Viewers)

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Pretty hot outside.

Great day to be in a suit for a job interview. I packed a hand towel in my suitcase.

Days like this make me wish I could pull off seersucker.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Maybe Assateague? (Though I've never been, so I could be wrong on all counts.)

Internet called this a 4 hour drive from Vienna where I stayed. The map suggested that was BS but no one would take the trip with me. Sounded exactly like what I wanted, btw. Regret not making it.

Assateague wasn't going to be secluded on July Fourth. It would probably have done for you at other times in the summer. Of course, I haven't been to Chincoteague / Assateague in close to 30 years, so what do I know?

I was a little unclear. I arrived on the 4th at 5:30 from LA. I was looking for a sup spot any day over the next week or so. Nice fireworks, btw.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Little seafood restaurant in Old Town Arlington near the end of King called the Wharf was awesome. Ask for Gilbert. What a server. Soft shell crab finally off the bucket list. Went back a second time to explore the menu.

 

[Swing 51]

Little seafood restaurant in Old Town Arlington near the end of King called the Wharf was awesome. Ask for Gilbert. What a server. Soft shell crab finally off the bucket list. Went back a second time to explore the menu.

I think you mean Old Town Alexandria. Haven't ventured down there in years but in the past been to some good restaurants with niceish views of the water.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Little seafood restaurant in Old Town Arlington near the end of King called the Wharf was awesome. Ask for Gilbert. What a server. Soft shell crab finally off the bucket list. Went back a second time to explore the menu.

I think you mean Old Town Alexandria. Haven't ventured down there in years but in the past been to some good restaurants with niceish views of the water.

Correct. Like I said, still recuperating. We shoved too much driving into this vacation, and the traffic downtown was literally absurd a couple times.

 

[dgreen]

Any DC lawyers familiar with Neal R. Gross and Company? They are apparently a court reporter and transcriber company. My wife responded to a craigslist job ad for doing transcription work from home. Now the contact is emailing her with instructions on how to download the software on our computer so she can do a transcription test as part of the interview/hiring process. Basically, she sent a resume and cover letter to them, they exchanged a couple emails about what kind of hours she could work, and they now want her to download the software to take a test.

As far as I can tell, Neal R Gross is a legit company. I told my wife to call up their main phone line from their web site/yellow pages as a way to confirm this is legit. If they are legit, I was maybe assuming DC lawyers would know about them and could verify that? Or do you generally have no knowledge of what company is doing the reporting and transcribing?

Any help would be appreciated.

I haven't used them, but a lot of transcription / court reporting companies seem to use that type of arrangement as far as I can tell. You're often dealing with firms that have no brick and mortar presence.

Thanks. Just after posting that, I actually remembered my wife and I know someone who is a court reporter, so we'll check with her for more info.

 

[dgreen]

Nice fireworks, btw.

For the first time in a long time, they actually had some new stuff. I love being down there amongst the crowds, but the fireworks show had become old recently. This year's was good and there was a lively crowd at the Lincoln Memorial.

 

[Don Quixote]

Little seafood restaurant in Old Town Arlington near the end of King called the Wharf was awesome. Ask for Gilbert. What a server. Soft shell crab finally off the bucket list. Went back a second time to explore the menu.

I think you mean Old Town Alexandria. Haven't ventured down there in years but in the past been to some good restaurants with niceish views of the water.

Correct. Like I said, still recuperating. We shoved too much driving into this vacation, and the traffic downtown was literally absurd a couple times.

I live in Alexandria. Love Old Town. Some great restaurants. Hard to beat a great meal with a nice bottle of wine, and a cheap cab ride home. Restaurant Eve and Vermilion are the tops. I'm also a fan of La Bergerie.

 

[VA703]

Little seafood restaurant in Old Town Arlington near the end of King called the Wharf was awesome. Ask for Gilbert. What a server. Soft shell crab finally off the bucket list. Went back a second time to explore the menu.

I think you mean Old Town Alexandria. Haven't ventured down there in years but in the past been to some good restaurants with niceish views of the water.

Correct. Like I said, still recuperating. We shoved too much driving into this vacation, and the traffic downtown was literally absurd a couple times.

the traffic down there is a reason i dont even go.. from there you could have taken the ferry over to national harbor

 

[Chaos Commish]

Little seafood restaurant in Old Town Arlington near the end of King called the Wharf was awesome. Ask for Gilbert. What a server. Soft shell crab finally off the bucket list. Went back a second time to explore the menu.

I think you mean Old Town Alexandria. Haven't ventured down there in years but in the past been to some good restaurants with niceish views of the water.

Correct. Like I said, still recuperating. We shoved too much driving into this vacation, and the traffic downtown was literally absurd a couple times.

the traffic down there is a reason i dont even go.. from there you could have taken the ferry over to national harbor

We followed the riverfront from Mt. Vernon to Old Town. Pretty drive someone in this thread biked. I didn't love or hate Mt. Vernon. The grounds and house tour were underwhelming but the story told in the museum kept us around for a couple hours. That part at least is very well done.

The day I wanted pics of my kid with the White House in the background traffic was angry. One light turned green 6 times before we got through it. Thankfully this place had valet parking and we just chilled there until things settled down. Another excellent restaurant that made everyone very happy. Clouds rolled in, sprinkle cooled the air, could have been a sidewalk cafe in Paris, afaic. Waiting got us to the monuments at night with lights. I've seen them before but night was more impressive.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Little seafood restaurant in Old Town Arlington near the end of King called the Wharf was awesome. Ask for Gilbert. What a server. Soft shell crab finally off the bucket list. Went back a second time to explore the menu.

I think you mean Old Town Alexandria. Haven't ventured down there in years but in the past been to some good restaurants with niceish views of the water.

Correct. Like I said, still recuperating. We shoved too much driving into this vacation, and the traffic downtown was literally absurd a couple times.

I live in Alexandria. Love Old Town. Some great restaurants. Hard to beat a great meal with a nice bottle of wine, and a cheap cab ride home. Restaurant Eve and Vermilion are the tops. I'm also a fan of La Bergerie.

Nice. If I moved out there, I'd strongly consider your area.

 

[dgreen]

Interesting

One of the world’s rarest and stinkiest giant flowers is blooming now at the US Botanical Gardens. But if you want to to see it, you have to act fast. It will likely wilt in just a few days.

 

[RUSF18]

Anyone have recommendations for Arlington? Next week I'll be staying at the Hilton right near the Ballston Metro stop and am looking for good places to grab some food. I'll be riding solo and don't have a problem sitting at the bar. I've spent a ton of time in DC but Arlington is new to me.

 

[dgreen]

Oddly enough, I just posted about Pupatella in the pizza thread. Great Neopolitan pizza.

There's Ray's The Steaks and Ray's To The Third (formerly Ray's Hell Burger) in the Courthouse section of Arlington.

 

[Don Quixote]

Anyone have recommendations for Arlington? Next week I'll be staying at the Hilton right near the Ballston Metro stop and am looking for good places to grab some food. I'll be riding solo and don't have a problem sitting at the bar. I've spent a ton of time in DC but Arlington is new to me.

In Ballston, there's a lot of average stuff, but nothing great. Rustico has a pretty good beer selection and has decent food. I haven't been to the Ballston location, but I've been to their Alexandria location. There's a bunch of pub-type places with standard burgers, etc., that are okay, such as Rock Bottom and Bailey's in the mall. I've also been to Ted's Montana Grill and the Greene Turtle just outside the mall too. Nothing special, but they are there. Vapiano has decent pizza/pasta too. Pupatella is not far, but you probably will need to cab it if you don't have a car.

Clarendon and Courthouse have a better late night scene for bars. Ray's to the Third is an excellent place to grab a burger.

 

[RUSF18]

Oddly enough, I just posted about Pupatella in the pizza thread. Great Neopolitan pizza.

There's Ray's The Steaks and Ray's To The Third (formerly Ray's Hell Burger) in the Courthouse section of Arlington.

Checked out the Pupatella website...I'll be checking that out. Might be tough to decide between the margherita with buffalo mozz or a white pie.

Rustico is a short walk so I'll grab a couple drinks there too. Keep the recs coming, I appreciate it.

 

[Swing 51]

Mussel Bar and Grille (800 N. Glebe Rd) is opening Thursday right in Ballston; Belgian focused place with18 beers on tap. Obviously Mussels galore. They also have locations in Atlantic City and Bethesda, Md.

BIG EDIT: Just read management is limiting the amount of people allowed in the place at one time so they don't get overwhelmed. Would be best to call ahead.

 

[thecatch]

El pollo Rico and rocklands (both mentioned earlier in the thread) in Va square are both good and pretty close. Between the bars/restaurants in the ballston mall and the new places near the Fairfax/Glebe intersection, there are actually a ton of places to eat and drink in Ballston, though I'd agree with the assessment that none of them are necessarily amazing.

Edit: earl's sandwich shop across from the metro there is pretty good eats. World of beer is a good place to have a couple.

 

[Apple Jack]

I live In the neighborhood. You're a coue blocks from metro, just go over to the city. Ballston/Clarendon is lame. Though there is some very good cheap food nearby.

 

[nittanylion]

Oddly enough, I just posted about Pupatella in the pizza thread. Great Neopolitan pizza.

There's Ray's The Steaks and Ray's To The Third (formerly Ray's Hell Burger) in the Courthouse section of Arlington.

Checked out the Pupatella website...I'll be checking that out. Might be tough to decide between the margherita with buffalo mozz or a white pie.

Rustico is a short walk so I'll grab a couple drinks there too. Keep the recs coming, I appreciate it.

Pupatella is absolutely a hands-down must-do. Quite possibly the best Pizza Napolitana in the DC Metro area, with nods to 2 Amy's, Menomale, Pizzeria Orso and Pizza CS (Rockville, MD - the best pizza napolitana that no one knows about)...

I'm a Chef in the DC Metro Area, and I'm very involved in the food scene down here, FWIW. I've been meaning to contribute to this Thread for a while now, I just always have my hands so damn full. Soon, though, I promise. In the meantime...

If you're going to be anywhere near Pupatella, you absolutely have to check out Talulla and EatBar. One of my peers, Nate Waugaman is the Chef there, and believe me when I tell you he is doing the Lord's Work itself in that kitchen. Nate's a good buddy. I'll send you a PM, if I don't forget.

http://www.tallularestaurant.com/index.html

DO NOT waste your time with National Chains here. There is an absolute TON of quality chef-driven restaurants in your general vicinity, you'd be doing yourself a dis-service eating the same Sysco crap you can get in any major city. I've lived on the Maryland side of the Potomac all my life, and I'm very proud of what I and some of my peers are doing over here, but I have no shame acknowledging Northern VA as the better side when it comes to quality chefs, food and cooking. Most of this has to do with Montgomery County, MD being one of the least small-business friendly environments on the East Coast...and that's not hyperbole.

If the Front Desk/Concierge at your hotel doesn't know about Willow, they ought to be fired. Great restaurant top to bottom, and widely considered to serve the best burger in Northern Virginia. Sit at the bar and ask for Chris Cunningham, tell him you were sent by a friend in the industry.

http://www.willowva.com/

Leek American Bistro should be right near you, too. I don't know anyone there, but the folks I trust all say pretty good things.

http://www.leekbistro.com/index.html

There's plenty more. I should have some time tonight to post more later.

 

[dgreen]

Good info, nittany. I was about to suggest Willow even though I've never been. Heard good things.

 

[RUSF18]

Thanks nittany, those are great suggestions. I'm a NYC guy so chains are out, don't worry.

And Apple Jack, I spend a lot of time in DC (will be back in Oct) so I'm cool with staying locally for the week. I'm probably going to be in DC one night for a Nats game anyway.

 

[thecatch]

Good info, nittany. I was about to suggest Willow even though I've never been. Heard good things.

Had a great dinner there once but it was spendy.

 

[dgreen]

If you are just looking for stuff that's not in DC, a cab ride to Eden Center might be a good idea if you're a fan of Vietnamese. But, if you just want to walk, then that's out.

 

[Don Quixote]

Never been to Willow myself. I'll have to check that one out.

 

[Apple Jack]

If you're up for a cab ride for fantasic Thai/Laotian food, check out bangkok golden at seven corners. Maybe a five minute ride. It's caddy corner from Eden center. It's always good.

 

[Todd Andrews]

Oddly enough, I just posted about Pupatella in the pizza thread. Great Neopolitan pizza.

There's Ray's The Steaks and Ray's To The Third (formerly Ray's Hell Burger) in the Courthouse section of Arlington.

Checked out the Pupatella website...I'll be checking that out. Might be tough to decide between the margherita with buffalo mozz or a white pie.

Rustico is a short walk so I'll grab a couple drinks there too. Keep the recs coming, I appreciate it.

Pupatella is absolutely a hands-down must-do. Quite possibly the best Pizza Napolitana in the DC Metro area, with nods to 2 Amy's, Menomale, Pizzeria Orso and Pizza CS (Rockville, MD - the best pizza napolitana that no one knows about)...

I'm a Chef in the DC Metro Area, and I'm very involved in the food scene down here, FWIW. I've been meaning to contribute to this Thread for a while now, I just always have my hands so damn full. Soon, though, I promise. In the meantime...

If you're going to be anywhere near Pupatella, you absolutely have to check out Talulla and EatBar. One of my peers, Nate Waugaman is the Chef there, and believe me when I tell you he is doing the Lord's Work itself in that kitchen. Nate's a good buddy. I'll send you a PM, if I don't forget.

http://www.tallularestaurant.com/index.html

DO NOT waste your time with National Chains here. There is an absolute TON of quality chef-driven restaurants in your general vicinity, you'd be doing yourself a dis-service eating the same Sysco crap you can get in any major city. I've lived on the Maryland side of the Potomac all my life, and I'm very proud of what I and some of my peers are doing over here, but I have no shame acknowledging Northern VA as the better side when it comes to quality chefs, food and cooking. Most of this has to do with Montgomery County, MD being one of the least small-business friendly environments on the East Coast...and that's not hyperbole.

If the Front Desk/Concierge at your hotel doesn't know about Willow, they ought to be fired. Great restaurant top to bottom, and widely considered to serve the best burger in Northern Virginia. Sit at the bar and ask for Chris Cunningham, tell him you were sent by a friend in the industry.

http://www.willowva.com/

Leek American Bistro should be right near you, too. I don't know anyone there, but the folks I trust all say pretty good things.

http://www.leekbistro.com/index.html

There's plenty more. I should have some time tonight to post more later.

Real good stuff here. Nittany, what do you recommend for us who are up in MoCo?

 

[Swing 51]

Nittany I'm guessing you don't want to say where you work/chef?

I've also heard Talulla/Eat Bar is out of this world.

 

[Shockizzle]

Moving to the Ballston area for work next month (Will be working in Tyson's). I'm 23 and single so I've heard being around the orange line is where I should be. Any ideas for a 1-bedroom/studio condo/apartment for rent around the area for $1500 max?

 

[dgreen]

The Orange Line between Rosslyn and Ballston is the hot area for young singles. Just glancing at some rental listings on Zillow, you are looking at an older studio under 500 sq ft for that price. Sharing a two bedroom might be the way to go. That's what a lot of young people are doing. Or, Tysons probably has some 1 BRs in the $1500 range and Metro will open there by early next year providing direct access to the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.

Are you planning on having a car?

 

[TobiasFunke]

The Orange Line between Rosslyn and Ballston is the hot area for young singles. Just glancing at some rental listings on Zillow, you are looking at an older studio under 500 sq ft for that price. Sharing a two bedroom might be the way to go. That's what a lot of young people are doing. Or, Tysons probably has some 1 BRs in the $1500 range and Metro will open there by early next year providing direct access to the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.

Are you planning on having a car?

I'm not a NoVa expert, but I was 23 and single in this city once upon a time, and based on what I do know about NoVa I would have much preferred to live in Clarendon over Ballston back then, even if it meant a crappier apartment. Just my 2 cents.

 

[dgreen]

The Orange Line between Rosslyn and Ballston is the hot area for young singles. Just glancing at some rental listings on Zillow, you are looking at an older studio under 500 sq ft for that price. Sharing a two bedroom might be the way to go. That's what a lot of young people are doing. Or, Tysons probably has some 1 BRs in the $1500 range and Metro will open there by early next year providing direct access to the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.

Are you planning on having a car?

I'm not a NoVa expert, but I was 23 and single in this city once upon a time, and based on what I do know about NoVa I would have much preferred to live in Clarendon over Ballston back then, even if it meant a crappier apartment. Just my 2 cents.

All I know is that I see all the young, good looking women get off Metro during the evening rush between Rosslyn and Ballston. Based on these observational data, Ballston seems to hold its own to Clarendon and Courthouse. But, yeah, I'm guessing Clarendon and Ballston offer two different nightlife scenes.

 

[TobiasFunke]

The Orange Line between Rosslyn and Ballston is the hot area for young singles. Just glancing at some rental listings on Zillow, you are looking at an older studio under 500 sq ft for that price. Sharing a two bedroom might be the way to go. That's what a lot of young people are doing. Or, Tysons probably has some 1 BRs in the $1500 range and Metro will open there by early next year providing direct access to the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.

Are you planning on having a car?

I'm not a NoVa expert, but I was 23 and single in this city once upon a time, and based on what I do know about NoVa I would have much preferred to live in Clarendon over Ballston back then, even if it meant a crappier apartment. Just my 2 cents.

All I know is that I see all the young, good looking women get off Metro during the evening rush between Rosslyn and Ballston. Based on these observational data, Ballston seems to hold its own to Clarendon and Courthouse. But, yeah, I'm guessing Clarendon and Ballston offer two different nightlife scenes.

My thinking was that Clarendon has far more bars and clubs and restaurants in easy walking distance of the metro and the big apartments, Ballston maybe less so. Always easier and cheaper when that's the case. And based on personal experience it always seemed easier to convince a young lady to walk around the block for a nightcap than to get in a car or cab.

 

[Shockizzle]

The Orange Line between Rosslyn and Ballston is the hot area for young singles. Just glancing at some rental listings on Zillow, you are looking at an older studio under 500 sq ft for that price. Sharing a two bedroom might be the way to go. That's what a lot of young people are doing. Or, Tysons probably has some 1 BRs in the $1500 range and Metro will open there by early next year providing direct access to the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.

Are you planning on having a car?

Yes, the plan is to have a car... At least until the SIlver line opens. I'm really open to anywhere between Courthouse and Ballston, I just thought Ballston might be a little easier for the commute back and forth to Tyson's and maybe a little cheaper. Clarendon seems to be walking distance from Ballston so does it really make that much of a difference?

I've been searching Craigslist hoping to find someone renting out their condo for less than what some of these apartments are charging for rent. No dice yet.

 

[Swing 51]

I agree with Tobias - the Clarendon/Courthouse scene seems to be better than Ballston. Rent is obviously cheaper the further you get from the District.

Yeah you can walk Ballston to Clarendon; a pretty good walk but doable.

 

[dgreen]

The Orange Line between Rosslyn and Ballston is the hot area for young singles. Just glancing at some rental listings on Zillow, you are looking at an older studio under 500 sq ft for that price. Sharing a two bedroom might be the way to go. That's what a lot of young people are doing. Or, Tysons probably has some 1 BRs in the $1500 range and Metro will open there by early next year providing direct access to the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.

Are you planning on having a car?

Yes, the plan is to have a car... At least until the SIlver line opens. I'm really open to anywhere between Courthouse and Ballston, I just thought Ballston might be a little easier for the commute back and forth to Tyson's and maybe a little cheaper. Clarendon seems to be walking distance from Ballston so does it really make that much of a difference?

I've been searching Craigslist hoping to find someone renting out their condo for less than what some of these apartments are charging for rent. No dice yet.

Driving, Ballston will be a little bit of an easier commute. But, once Metro opens, Ballston is only about 5 minutes closer than Courthouse so it won't make much of a difference.

 

[Don Quixote]

Yeah, my wife shared a 2BR in Clarendon when she was single. I think that's the best way to afford it.

Anything right on the Metro is going to be a lot more expensive. If you don't mind driving (or taking bus to Metro), you could try a neighborhood in Arlington not on the Metro, such as Columbia Pike. ETA: Or Fairlington/Shirlington.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

From my DC-centric perspective, one Orange Line stop is pretty much the same as any other. I mean, I wouldn't go out to Vienna or anything, but I'm not sure I see much difference between Courthouse and Ballston.

 

[TobiasFunke]

From my DC-centric perspective, one Orange Line stop is pretty much the same as any other. I mean, I wouldn't go out to Vienna or anything, but I'm not sure I see much difference between Courthouse and Ballston.

I'm not the world's foremost expert on Ballston, but in my limited experience the area near the metro doesn't offer much more than sports bars and a handful of restaurants, whereas in Clarendon you get stuff like Galaxy Hut and Iota, plus it just seems like a lot more bars and restaurants per block. When my wife and I met she was living in Ballston, and we had a hard time coming up with places to go on dates near her place. To me Clarendon feels like the city, and Ballston feels like the suburbs. Ballstonites are totally welcome to chime in and correct me, though. Maybe I just didn't know enough about it to find the good spots.

 

[dgreen]

Ballston has a newer feel. Clarendon has a more established feel. Clarendon has those few blocks of older buildings with bars/restaurants. Ballston has its restaurants on the ground floor of newer 15-story office and apartment buildings. Ballston has more than it used to, but probably still isn't as alive as Clarendon at night.

 

[thecatch]

I agree with Tobias - the Clarendon/Courthouse scene seems to be better than Ballston. Rent is obviously cheaper the further you get from the District.

Yeah you can walk Ballston to Clarendon; a pretty good walk but doable.

Clarendon is definitely the bigger spot for bars and singles, but Ballston has been growing exponentially in that regard the last few years. No prayer of renting anything right in Clarendon for 1500 without roommates. Ballston still runs a few hundred cheaper but you are still looking at 1800-2200 for a one BR per month. Ballston - Clarendon can be walked but its a hike. Cab/metro is really easy between the two.

I would also add that the driving commute from Clarendon/Ballston to Tyson's still kind of sucks. You can get a ton more housing for your buck in Tyson's with a very short commute, with the downside of being in the suburbs.

 

[Don Quixote]

Ballston has a newer feel. Clarendon has a more established feel. Clarendon has those few blocks of older buildings with bars/restaurants. Ballston has its restaurants on the ground floor of newer 15-story office and apartment buildings. Ballston has more than it used to, but probably still isn't as alive as Clarendon at night.

That's my take as well. Ballston is a lot of concrete without character. Clarendon is a bit better in that regard, but it is starting to go that way too, as they keep tearing down and rebuilding.

 

[JZilla]

Clarendon kicks butt, or at least it did ~10 years ago. Lots of pretty casual drinking spots, fun enough drunk people, similar to some of the better Baltimore 'hoods.

 

[Apple Jack]

If you are young and were a frat party guy in college, Clarendon is for you.

 

[Swing 51]

If you are young and were a frat party guy in college, Clarendon is for you.

A lot of popped collars and "bros" in Clarendon. I'm too old for the cool kids scene.

 

[dgreen]

Clarendon is better for easily walkable grocery stores, with a Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.

 

[JZilla]

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

 

[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.

 

[dgreen]

For Shockizzle, here's a Youtube video that was very popular in the DC area a few years ago. It helps to explain the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.

 

[Don Quixote]

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.