tuscanlifeedit

We have been to DC several times and on our last trip, we spent a day at the National Arboretum, and had previously spent a day at Mt Veron. We've basically done all the big sites and more.

This trip, we are going to a concert at Kennedy Center (been there before, too) on a Saturday night. I am posting my loose itinerary for this trip, and hoping for feedback and suggestions. We will be in the city from Thursday night until Sunday. We are staying at the Westin Embassy Row (75$ per night through Priceline.com). Here is what I need help with:

Arrive Thursday late evening. Where can we eat a casual dinner, rather late? In the Dupont Circle area, I guess.

Friday: Phillips Collection and probably the Mall. Looking for a good, fun dinner, not too pricey. How about Jaleo? They don't take reservations...

Saturday: Hillside (there is a painting I want to see and I read that since Mrs Post spent the autumn there, the gardens are good for late September)
Early dinner at Notti Bianche, and walk to 8 pm concert at Kennedy Center. Would like something handy to Dupont Circle Metro for late dessert after the show.

Sunday: Go to Eastern Market, drive back to PA after lunch

So how does this sound? Any restaurant recs for our time slots? Thanks so much.

tuscanlifeedit

anyone?

bardo1

Thursday evening casual dinner in Westin Embassy Row area:

http://www.latomatebistro.com/

http://www.mimisdc.com/

http://www.eatyourpizza.com/ (Dupont location)

http://www.21prestaurant.com/

http://markandorlandos.com/

http://www.firefly-dc.com/

Al Tiramisu (no websitre but worth seeking out)
2014 P St. NW
202-467-4466

Etrusco (no websitre but worth seeking out)
1606 20th St. NW
202-667-0047

Friday
Jaleo will be no problem for a late lunch - just walk right up and you'll get a table (especially Friday or other weekdays). Even at dinner you can walk-up and get seated if you show by 6:30pm. Friday and Saturday nights have horrendous waits - especially after 7:30 pm.

Saturday evening dessert
http://www.kramers.com/menu.cfm
(right across Dupont Metro - Q st. exit)

Sunday
Montmartre right by Eastern Market is awsome. There are many other great spots nearby on 8th St. south of Penn Ave.

bardo1

Doh! Montmartre info:

http://www.washingtonian.com/dining/...ontmartre.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp...ile&id=1065967

obxgirl

My choices for Dupont Circle would be Johnny's Halfshell, Sala Thai, Pizza Paradiso, and City Lights (chinese). Actually though, I'd give Jaleo a go on Thursday night. As noted by bardo, Friday will be insane.

Sounds like you're garden fans. Hillwood's gardens will be worth a visit but it won't take up your entire Saturday. You might consider adding the gardens at Dunbarton Oaks to your itinerary.

The Afterwards Cafe (at Kramer Books) is open until at least midnight. Good for dessert or drinks. It's always hopping.

bardo1

obx,

Good catch on Jaleo - Friday night will be insane. I was thinking Friday LUNCH instead since they will be doing the Mall that day. I consider it a "don't miss" but for someone just visiting I hate to suggest a place with a long wait. www.Jaleo.com

Is the Johnny's Half Shell dupont location still open? I know they are moving to Capitol Hill in the old La Colline space late August/early Spetember.


tuscanlife,

As you may be aware, you'll be staying near the epicenter for great DC restaurants. Good job w/ Priceline!

kayd

Have you reserved your Hillwood tickets? You might want to take care of that this month.

GeorgeW

Just don't eat at that restaurant on 17th Street Tom Sietsema flamed with zero stars a couple of Sundays ago. First zero in three years.

obxgirl

>>Is the Johnny's Half Shell dupont location still open?<<

bardo, I didn't know about this! Haven't been since the holidays. Love that place tho. I'd cross town for it but tuscanlifeedit has so many other great options closer to Dupont Circle.

Agreed, Jaleo is a don't miss.

tuscanlifeedit

Wow, this is really helpful. I had no idea that we should reserve Hillside, and I've been on there website. Thank you all so much for the great tips. The Jaleo tips help a lot.

Thanks again, Debbie

kayd

HillWOOD, not Hillside. There's a website, where you can get the tollfree phone number.
hillwoodmuseum.org