(Yes, I already did a search and did not find anything!) We will be staying on fringe of Georgetown (DC) in August. Will have car. Any special recommendations for restaurants for family travelling with 3 teenagers who are somewhat adventuresome in what they eat but do not want to get dressed up. One kid is confirmed carnivore, but all will eat Asian and Italian.

Filomena's is a funky italian restaurant in Georgetown. Good food, fun atmosphere; I don't think you can go wrong there!

Bistro Francais on M St.

Ruth,
There are several restaurants down on the river that have American fare- hamburgers, sandwiches, etc without breaking the bank. The view is great!

You can't beat McDonald's for fast food in the area!

In Georgetown:
Papparazi - Italian
Old Glory - BBQ
Houston's - American
J. Paul's - American
Clyde's - American
Paolo's - Italian
Also serveral seafood and thai rest. in the area. Go to zagats.com for extensive search.

Not to start the whole chain thread going again but most of Irene's suggestions are chains and while some of them are fine, the first couple of posts provide better options for independent, original restaurants that you won't find outside of G'town.

I like Vietnam Georgetown very much. It's casual, reasonably priced, and delicious, and it may be exotic (and therefore extra fun) to someone who can't find Vietnamese food in their area. Try Booeymonger's for sandwiches and speedy breakfasts--it's on a residential block at the corner of 32nd and Prospect Streets and is a big GU hangout. Also for authentic GU atmosphere, try the Tombs, at 36th and Prospect, a block from the university itself. It's a sit-down place drenched in rowing and other GU memorabilia. Lastly, check out washingtonpost.com--they have a handy search-by-neighborhood-and-cuisine restaurant feature. Enjoy!

Definitely recommend the Tombs. I went there for the first time when I was 16, and just thought it was the coolest place.

Also, Mr. Smith's on M Street would probably suit you.

For Italian, you could try Paper Moon (1 block off of M toward the river, can't remember the street). I've had varying experience with it, but the prices aren't outrageous, and you could go fairly casual.

Try Zed, an Ethiopian place on M street. Have you checked www.washingtonpost.com and www.washingtonian.com ?

Another vote for the Tombs downstairs at the 1789 (which is a quite posh restaurant). Great burgers and traditional Georgetown University college atmosphere. Clyde's is a little more sophisticated and the Bistro Francais is wonderful. There used to be a place called Au Pied Du Cochon which was a little French bistro open at all hours....favorite haunt of the students and young residents of the Georgetown area. Have a great time.

Try Martin's Tavern on Wisconsin just up from M Street. Old tavern with a hint of Irish background--kids love it. Especially good brunch/lunches.

I second the recommendation for Filomena's. HUGE portions and AMAZING desserts. Its pricey, however, for a whole family, I believe about $20-25 per entree. THere is also a great Thai restaurant in Georgetown, down a side street. Of course I don't remember the street or the name, so that doesn't help at all!