I'm planning on seeing a show at the Improv in DC next month. I know the Mayflower hotel is nearby, but I was wondering if there were any other places anyone could recommend? Also, I've heard about a small restaurant nearby called the Daily Grille and was wondering if that would be a decent place to get dinner before the show? Anybody have any feedback on the hotels or restaurants in the area? Thanks.

Stella,

There are innumerable fantastic restaurants in DC. If you can narrow down things by giving your price range ambiance and cuisine desires that would help. Do you require an extensive wine list? Casual or formal? Jacket req?

The Mayflower is by far the closest hotel, it is actually across the street from the Improv. But the Improv in only three blocks south of Dupont Circle, which has lots of hotels nearby such as the Hilton and the Marriott. There are also a lot of smaller hotels in the Dupont Circle area as well. As for the Daily Grille...it is a decent place to eat. I associate it more with lunch and drinks for the after work crowd, but the food is fine. If I were only going to eat one meal in this area of DC though, I would eat at Vidalia. While Vidalia is much more expensive than the Daily Grille, it is one of the best restaurants in the city. Fantastic.

Daily Grille is two minutes from Improv. Close by are the highly regarded Vidalia, Taberna del Alabadero, McCormick's and Schmick's and Olives. If you have major bucks you might want to try Galileo's. A business associate of mine went to Galileo's with his wife this spring for $450, wine inclusive. His wife got so drunk off the wine she forgot the dinner experience. Since it was his birthday, one wonders whether she forgot other things as well.

Thanks for all the info. While I'm not looking for a $450 dinner, I don't mind spending money either. Are Vidalia and Galileo as or more expensive as McCormick and Schmicks? How about Olives? We'll be going dressy casual, but not to the jacket level. As far as the smaller hotels near DuPont Circle, are they B&Bs? Names? Thanks all.

B*tch set me up!

Try the Dupont at the Circle B&B
http://www.dupontatthecircle.com
It's recommended by Karen Brow, which we found very reliable.
Also, the latest Washington Post weekend section has a review of restaurants according to different criteria, e.g. romantic, late night, true Washington, comfort food, etc.

What time is the show you're going to? I think the Improv has a minimum order for the 8:30 (or is it 8?) shows.

The Daily Grille is okay, but not much better than that. It's very much a chain restaurant that does fairly well simply because of it's location, and so doesn't bother to worry about the food. Haven't been to Olives, which is another chain that actually has good food, but I've heard good things about it.

I like McCormick & Schmicks. It's not outrageously expensive, and dress casual is perfect for there.

My favorite is DC Coast. It's a little further away (12th & G, I think), but it's a wonderful restaurant. Great food, service and atmosphere.

To all, thanks for all the info. Ingrid thanks for the reference to the Dupont. That looks like a great little B&B. I may decide to splurge. Ann, I'll be going to a 10:30 show on Friday night. I too like McCormick and Schmicks. I've been to the one in Baltimore. What is the wait time for tables in that area on a Friday night. I'm guessing I should make reservations? Although since I don't really have to be at the show until around 10pm I'll have plenty of time. Leone, any suggestions? BTW, welcome back.

Hello, Stella, and many thanks for the welcome back. The other suggestions you received seem great to me ... I cannot think of anything to add. I've not tried DC Coast but have heard good things. The others are all good. I'm really not dining out very much right now ... paying my Africa bills!!! My AmEx is still smoking, and the ATM is practically dog-eared. May I give you a related tip ... S. African wines are quite nice, and the prices should be reasonable ... we consumed a lot in SA, and I know they are making their way onto US shelves, deservedly so. Take care, and have a nice trip to DC ... and bring your positive vibes with you ... we need all we can get right now. Have a nice day, and ciao. Leone

Leone, Oh I know all about S.African wines. I had a friend who was a Merchant Marine captain and he used to bring back S.African wines all the time. This was at least 20 years ago. Then of course you could no longer get them in stores in the States because of S.Africa's policies. Now they're making a comeback. I would recommend them. I'll bring my positive vibes to DC, but really you might just be feeling them now. I'm up the road from you in Baltimore, trying to cope at my Government job as well.
Ciao!

I'm not sure about the wait times on Friday night. I've usually just gone there for lunch when I'm at a client in that area. But you can't go wrong by making reservations.