D.C. Denizens:

I'm traveling with two teenage boys. We're staying at Embassy Suites on 22nd St NW--it's near DuPont Circle. We need places for dinners. There's no point in giving me the good restaurants--they won't eat anything not resembling junk. Good burger places, restaurants serving pizza, sports bars, TGIF-like restaurants, etc. Thanks.

i think the best pizza in dc is at luigi's, and it is walking distance from the embassy suites. it is on either 18th or 19th street, between L and M streets. it is more of a restaurant than pizza joint, but it is great!

Thanks, rw.

Any more? Anyone?

Thanks

I've stayed in DuPont Circle before and the best food that you describe is a California Pizza place near the Metro stop. There's also a great Indian place across the street.

But I have found that the BEST rest in DC is the Red Sage. It a fusion Mex/American place near the Capitol. The kids will love it (some junk) and you'll find something to interest you too.

Red Sage (at least the only I know) is not near the Capitol but on 14th St. not far from the White House. Would only recommend it for what you need, Gary, if you stick to the chili bar upstairs. The main restaurant part is expensive.

Around DuPont Circle, there are lots of restaurants meeting your needs. The places already mentioned, like Luigi's and California pizza kitchen. Al Tiramisu is an Italian restaurant which might suit. There are places like Childe Harold on 20th, the Front Page on 19th and the Brickskellar on 22nd that are bar/restaurants where you can get a decent burger and are local spots. Check out the Washington Post website, washingtonpost.com, and go to restaurants (toward the bottom of the page). It has a feature where you can search for restaurants in a specific area. Put in Dupont Circle and you'll get a variety of suggestions and some reviews.

From what you've said, I don't think your kids will like Red Sage. Also, I went to Luigi's for lunch the other day, on a friend's recommendation, and I will never go back. Really slow service and the food wasn't very good. No one in my party had pizza, though, so can't comment on that.

For your kids, also try Timberlake on Connecticut Avenue (on the right hand side as you walk north). Typical bar-type menu (burgers, sandwiches, etc.) and the food's pretty decent. But if you go too late for dinner, it will be more of a bar scene. There's a TGI Fridays at 21st and I Streets (a bit of a walk for you, but not too bad). Right near there (2001 Pennsylvania Avenue) is Bertucci's (an Italian chain that I really don't like, but may be just what your kids are looking for). And the best take-out place on the planet is next to Bertucci's. Bon Appetit (or known as "The Bone" to GW students) has really good burgers and such. Used to love the Brickskellar as a student, but haven't been there in years.

The best pizza in DC by far is at Pizzeria Paradiso on P St. just west of Dupont Circle near 21st. It may be different than they are used to, but it is delicious! (They use tomatoes rather than tomato sauce, real buffalo mozzarella rather than the typical processed stuff, etc.) I don't know if they'll appreciate it, but it's great.

There is a wonderful place that may please everyone called Lauriol Plaza -- it is Mexican and Latin American food. They have everything from the usual enchiladas and fajitas to more exotic fare (they also have the best homemade chips & salsa, and excellent margaritas). My favorite thing there are the seafood enchiladas. It's on 18th St. near S St.

A good place for burgers is the Childe Harold on Conn. Ave near 20th & R -- sandwiches, salads, etc.

DC topper here!