Wife and I will be in town for 2 nights. We get in on a Thursday at about 8 and leave on a saturday after my conference.

Need a place to grab a beer and some food after we get in Thursday as well as a nice place for dinner Friday night (less than $150). We would prefer local fare rather than a chain like Ruth Chris (which we do love by the way). We will be at the Fairmont.

These places are all fantastic. Much better than Ruth Chris but not more expensive. They will all likely need a reservation.

Johnny's Half Shell - 2002 P St., NW 202-296-2021 (better for Thursday - a little more casual)
http://www.johnnyshalfshell.net


Obelisk - 2029 P Street, NW 202-872-1180
Italian, exquisite, romantic - reserve far ahead.

Pesce Trattoria - 2016 P Street NW 202-466-3474

Gabriel - 2121 P Street, NW 202-956-6690

Bistro du Coin - 1738 Connecticut Ave., NW 202-234-6969 (French)

Cafe Odeon 1714 Conn. Ave., NW 202- 328-6228

Tabard Inn - 1739 N St., NW 202-785-1277

Iron Gate Inn - 1734 N St., NW 202-737-1370

Firefly - 1310 New Hampshire Ave., NW 202-296-7600

Komi 1509 17th St NW 202-332-9200

Vidalia - 1990 M Street, NW 202-659-1990 (Southern Fine Dining)

Look here for detailed deescriptions of all the above:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp...nt&option=4000

Let me add that Kinkead's, near George Washington University, has remodeled and retooled it's excellent menu. It received a very good review from the Post's Tom Sietsema. For something different, let me also suggest Cashon's in Adams-Morgan and Corduroy at 12th and K Street, NW.

When I was in Washington last month I had a terrific meal at Le Lavandou, out in the N.W. area. It's known as one of the best French restaurants, and the food I had certainly confirmed that rating. The chicken breast in a lemony red-wine sauce was quite extraordinary, certainly the equal of anything I've had in France.

You have been given some fantastic suggestions, but I'd like to add my favorite restaurant in DC - Restaurant Nora - 2132 Florida Ave, NW; 202-462-5143 (www.noras.com). It's in the Dupont Circle area and is a lovely restaurant with great food and great service. Make sure you try the molten chocolate cake for dessert.

As for beers on Thursday, you may want to try John Harvard's (1299 Pennsylvania Ave, NW) or Old Ebbitt Grill (675 15th St., NW), although both will be crowded on a Thurs. night.

Try 1789 in Georgetown...I've never had a bad meal there. www.1789restaurant.com

The grilled macadamia crusted shrimp (or any permutation thereof) are unbelievable.

Also check out www.americacuisine.com and check out the DC section...lots of online menus from some top restaurants.

I would definitely second the 1789 but the gentleman will need a coat to get into the dining room.

Vidalia I have been disappointed with; Georgia Brown's might offer something akin to "local fare" not that there really is anything "local" here.

Kinkead's has gotten a lot of mixed reviews of late.

Restaurant Nora is great, particularly if you like organic food.

I would second any of the recommendations made here. Definitely book ahead for Friday night and I would strongly advise for Thurs as well. Almost all of them are on the high end price wise and a couple (Firefly and Vidalia come to mind) will push your $150 budget.

Happy dining!