Fodor's Expert Review Johnny's Half Shell

On the Senate side of the Capitol, this eatery's Southern-tinged mid-Atlantic fare—pristine Kumamoto oysters, flavorful seafood stews, fried oyster po'boys, and a stellar pickled-onion-and-blue-cheese-topped "Baltimore" hot dog, only available at lunch—takes the cake for fine and speedy dining. Not surprisingly, the crowd is heavy on politicos drawn as much by the buzz as by the healthy-yet-savory grilled calamari salad. Members of Congress can often be found here on weekdays, downing a quick Gruyère-cheese omelet during breakfast in the company of top campaign contributors.