My dad is coming to town for a visit and I'd like to take him out to dinner somewhere in the district. I usually eat in the burbs where we live so I'm not terribly familiar with dining options in the city. The type of food isn't important but I don't want anything ultra-trendy or too stuffy/pretentious. A price range of $15-$20 an entree would be ideal and it would be great to find someplace on a Metro line. Any recommendations?

TIA

Does "family" include children?

How about the Old Ebbitt Grill (check on Net for metro and price info)? Lots of history and a certain cachet? There is (or was?) an historic grill in Old Town Alexandria. Not that I'm saying your dad's an antique or anything!

No kids--sorry I should have specified that. Just my husband and I and my dad, who's in his early 60's (but reasonably adventuresome when it comes to cuisine).

I'm curious--how fancy is Old Ebbitt Grill? I always thought it was more of a lunchtime, upscale burger place, or is that incorrect (I can't believe I live in DC and I've never been there)? Although we'd prefer a more casual atmosphere I do want to take him someplace "nice".

McCormick and Schmick's at 17th and K. If your family will eat Chinese, maybe Tony Cheng's Mongolian Grill.

Ooh, that's a good idea--I forgot about McCormick & Schmicks. Was also thinking about Georgia Brown's but I've never been there so I'm not sure what the atmosphere there is like?? Would that be a good choice?

Georgia Brown's is ok. Some people rave about it but I wasn't terribly impressed. I like Old Ebbitt Grill, food is decent and I love the atmosphere.

Another place I went to recently that had good seafood and a nice atmosphere is Manhattan's in Georgetown....not near a Metro stop though.

I actually like Georgia Brown, though it's been a few years since I've been there.

If you like seafood, I would recommend DC Coast. If you like M&S, no reason to go all the way into DC from the burbs -- there are locations in MD and VA.

Have you checked out the reviews (for Georgia Brown and others) on Washingtonian?

Or washingtonpost.com? Features detailed reviews and dining info.
I'd go with Old Ebbitt myself--great history, nice place.

Hi again Julie304, I'd describe Old Ebbitt as stylishly informal. Its history, that it's not a chain and its charming "clubby" decor made it first in my thoughts. Good luck and please let us know which you finally chose!

Sorry, this just occurred. Is there a restaurant at the top of the Washington Hotel? It might be pricey but views would be wonderul.

which hotel washington are you referring to?

For Asian-inspired seafood (that does not mean real spicy, but Asian flavored), Ten Pehn. Close to Metro Center metro stop. Went there last Sat. night for pre-theater dinner on way to see Leading Ladies at Ford's Theater which was very funny and wonderful, with John Astin (remember Gomez from the Adam's Family?) playing a small part.

Not ultra trendy, but nice decor and good service. Not pretentious either. We went back there for dessert after the show (and the dessert was great too).

John Astin is dead, isn't he?
Perhaps emd attended a very special pre-Halloween performance at Ford's...

I happen to love Georgia Browns (esp fried green tomatoes), but I will say while I've enjoyed it with my family, and w/ friends, when I once took my mother there (in her late 60's then) I made my rezzies earlier in evening for conversation since I find it can get louder when full -something to think if your father prefers quieter. My mother loved trying new things and liked the different choices for accompaniments, etc and had a hard time choosing. and she did comment by dessert that "my my, this is a hopping little place," as she got a kick out of people watching.

I don't know where you are outside of DC, but last summer we ate at a fun place in Olney, MD -
Pis Mannequin - unfortunately I was oblivious to cost as I was a guest of someone, but everyone at table was raving about the mussels and they had some unusual menu fare. Small and in a tiny strip of stores w/ a little parking lot (we were going to Olney Theater) so all I remember was it was a stones throw from there.

What about Jaleo's? Corner of 7th St. and E St. NW
Near the MCI Center.

Phone: 202-628-7949
Website: www.jaleo.com

It is "tapas" but they also serve some entrees. We have totally enjoyed going there for dinner as you can sample all kinds of goodies and then order more if there's something you REALLY like.

Sorry, E, John Astin is alive and well and treading the boards at Ford's Theatre. Gomez lives!

I'll second the motion for Georgia Browns. Great food, not trendy, not pretentious.

Thanks for all the great suggestions! Dad is here on business and he's staying in the district, so that's why we figured it would make the most sense to eat there (better choices than in Fairfax anyway). He's supposed to call later tonight so I'll see which option sounds best to him.

Thanks again for all the help!

Hi Julie, Sorry just getting back to this. Maybe it's the Hotel Washington. It's actually near Old Ebbitt Grill. I don't know address but check Net-it should say something about the rooftop bar or grill. Please let everyone know where you end up!