Myer

We expect to be at the National Portrait Gallery early in the evening. Possibly until 7PM closing.

We are not foodies so gourmet food isn't necessary.

I noticed that Chinatown is in the area. Is this a place to walk around and eat?

vjpblovesitaly

Yes, it is. There are tons of restaurants in the area.

Myer

Would H street around 7th or so be a reasonable area?

Dukey1

You have to remember that also nearby is the Verizon Center where numerous sports and other events a re routinely held. As a result there are, as was mentioned above, all KINDS of restaurants in that vicinity and yes, the area around H and 7th would be fine.

Look into the possibility of eating somewhere like Clydes...just one of many possibilities.

tchoiniere

There are many different restaurants in that area. I have been to the District Chophouse a few times (good beer and decent food). Also have been to RFD as well. But you can find any kind of restaurant that you would want.

LouisaH

There are many options, it really depends on what you want. I love Proof, but it's a little pricey. You're also near Penn Quarter with everything from Jaleo (tapas) to Hill Country Barbeque.

Dukey1

And yes some of the offerings are chains but so what?

Myer

Thank you very much.

Originally I thought of a few restaurants near Dupont Circle. One metro ride and not that far back down to our hotel. The choices and area for the evening didn't excite me but it still stayed as a possibility.

Then I thought of Georgetown but it's a bit of a pain getting there. Still a possibility.

Then I looked at the map again and thought, why not eat in that area since we're already there. And then if we wanted it's about 10-15 minute walk back to The Mall.

I have no problem with chains. The ones we like we go to and the ones we don't like we don't go to.

Any more recommendations?

maitaitom

Zaytinya

china_cat

we had a nice lunch at Gordon Biersch Brewery, just a couple blocks from the Portrait Gallery. Yes, I guess it is a chain

http://www.gordonbiersch.com/locatio...dc?action=view

They had good food and nice craft beers.

LouisaH

Myer, there really isn't any reason to go to Dupont Circle or Georgetown with all the really good options near the Portrait Gallery.

Tom, I agree, Zaytinya is great. I also like Graffiato. Mike Isabella, the owner, was a chef at Zaytinya and former Top Chef contestant.

Oyamel is good if you like Mexican. Rasika is fabulous if you Indian and it was just named one of the 50 best restaurants in the US (only DC restaurant to make the list). You will need to make reservations far in advance. There's also the old NY Italian restaurant, Carmine's if you want Italian (wouldn't be my first choice). The restaurant at The Monaco hotel is quite good but service is very hit or miss.

Myer

Thanks to all so far.

LouisaH, Part of the reason for Dupont Circle and/or Georgetown would be to wander an area we hadn't been to.

However, eating in the area of the National Portrait Gallery would give us a chance to wander back to the Mall and walk around in the evening.

This area is looking better and better. I just looked at the corner where Clyde's is located on Google Earth and there's a very good selection right there. A also quite a few more within a block or two.

Thanks again.

obxgirl

Myer the neighborhood you're talking about is called Penn Quarter and it's a destination for dining, among other things, in DC. I'm sure you'll find something you like including those mentioned here. Lots of chains, mostly the higher end ones, as well as excellent one off.'s.

Myer

Originally my wife liked the idea of seeing Kramerbooks & Afterwards but she's ok with it if we don't go there.

It's looking more and more like we'll stay in the NPG area for dinner.

= = = = =
On a related question. Is there anything special about the inside of Union Station? We arrive there but late.

longhorn55

There are more restaurants in Penn Quarter than you can shake a stick at. I like quick and easy dining AND good food, so I tend to go to Hill Country (BBQ) and Vapianos (Italian). Both places are self-seating and modified self-serve so you don't waste a lot of time with waiters (or money with tipping.) For a more traditional restaurant, I enjoy Matchbox.

kja

Another vote (belated) for Zaytinya. Or Jaleo (Spanish). Or Rasika (Indian). I think all of them have web-sites; check them out!

gardendiva

The rotunda of Union Station is beautiful to look at. Other than that, Union Station is a Shopping Mall/food court with a train/Metro station.

tomarkot

We've enjoyed dinner at Clyde's a couple of times. Atmosphere is nice, food is good. No special cuisine, but extensive menu of tasty selections to please most anyone. You can't go wrong there. From the posts above, we learned of a few other restaurants in the area which will now be on our list. Enjoy DC!

kevdoggie

Hi, this comment actually has nothing to do with the OP, but I wanted to ask Myer some questions about photos in europe. my wife and i are going to be heading there soon and i was hoping that i could pick your brain about some nice places you've been to for photos. my email is kevin johnson acct at gmail dot com. its all one word. actually anyone who has some ideas is welcome to email me. thanks in advance.

Christina

Clydes is good, I like it. And I really like Jaleo, but I wouldn't go to Georgetown if you are around the Portrait Gallery, that's for sure.

Kramerbooks and Afterwards is just a small bookshop, I can't imagine why a tourist would want to go there. Unless you've never seen a bookstore, but I don't get it.