Dining near the Kennedy Center
 

We came across a nice place for dinner before attending a Kennedy Center performance. Last night we went to see the Marinsky Ballet's Swan Lake and were seeking a place within convenient walking distance to the KC for a pre-theater dinner. We found the "Dish + Drinks"restaurant. It is located in the Rivers Inn Hotel on 25th St NW, just about 3 blocks from the KC or just over a 5 minute walk depending on the street crossing lights. I write this because being in the hotel, it is a place that is easily overlooked if one does not know about it.

The restaurant has a $35 three course pre-theater dinner - a good price for the area - witihin a somewhat larger menu. We both chose to start with an excellent butternut squash - pumpkin seed/oil soup, followed by a perfectly done salmon on a bed of lentils and bacon with spinach. To finish DW had a luscious poached pear with vanilla ice cream while I had pistachio creme brule that obviously was made in-house and very, very nice. Portions are substantial. A person at the table next to us ordered a steak (not on the pre-theater menu) and it looked ample and beautifully done. The restaurant has valet parking at $10 which is good for the time of dinner and the show. Over all, it is a good find.

Good to know - thanks!

I've mentioned this hotel a few times along with its sister properties in the immediate neighborhood (Avenue Suites and One Washington Circle). I agree it's a bit of an unheralded gem.

I have a condo very close to the Rivers Inn so I am partial Foggy Bottom. It's more residential than some of the other neighborhoods that get recommended for visitors but it is very well placed for dining, Georgetown, and transportation on the blue line.

obxgirl - Foggy Bottom certainly is a beautiful area and as you say, very convenient to the things people come to DC to see. I particularly like the hidden mews such as those behind the Inn. I have always wondered how much those homes must cost - guessing that it is plenty.

Yep, that sure ain't the low rent district!
I stayed in that hotel for a week or so and it was great - an apartment more so than a hotel room. Don't think it had a washer/dryer but did have full kitchen. Restaurant was excellent.