Good grill or bar / restaurant near the DC Mall?
 

I'm in DC on business this week, and am looking for a good place for a very casual dinner near the mall. I'd prefer to have a place with a bit of character. I love going to the Old Ebbitt Grill when I'm in town, but could use a change of pace.

Any recommendations from locals? I enjoy a tasty, thoughtful sandwich or hearty salad, and a nice beer. Walking distance from the 11th / Pennsylvania area is preferred.

Archibald's.

Elephant & Castle Pub. Decent pub food, nice atmosphere and great beer. 12th and Pennsylvania. Also would suggest Tehn Penn. A little fancier than Old Ebbitt, and you would have to eat something a little more exotic than a sandwich, but the food is great. You can eat at the Bar in the back of the restaurant for a more relaxed feel.

While I recognize it's a chain, there is a Gordon Biersch at 9th and F. It's a beautiful space--in an old bank.

Les Halles, Ellas Pizza, Poste, Jaleo and Matchbox would all work.

Central Michel Richard is a new restaurant right at 11th and Penn., opened by the chef of Citronelle, one of the very top restaurants in the region. It also has a nice bar you can eat at, which might be a good choice if you're on your own (or don't have a reservation). Here's the Post's review, which also contains a link to opentable (to make a reservation):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp...amp;id=1134036