E.

Nope, 1789 is dressy. I wouldn't go in casual clothes. Plus it would require a fairly long cab ride from L'Enfant to get there. Sorry, I can't think of a suggestion at the moment, but I'll keep trying.

A fun place in Dupont is Raku--close to the metro, inexpensive, casual, and offers a vast array of Asian dishes, from sushi to salads to grilled things, soups, etc. Hit Firehook Bakery, across the street, for dessert.

Essvie

Oxford Tavern is fine for kids during the day, especially since it's across the street from the zoo. Typical burger/fries kind of stuff. At night it's a loud neighborhood pub, not really appropriate for children.

I think the food at Cactus Cantina is terrible, yet it's always packed so maybe it's just me. Red Sage upstairs is much better, and it's downtown. (It's not part of Cactus Cantina, it's the upstairs "cafe" part of the restaurant Red Sage.)

Plus CC is not near a metro or any tourist spots (except the Cathedral). If you find yourself at the Cathedral, try Cafe Deluxe instead.

sonya

Ok Essvie
Let's hear some more mexican suggestions then. And you're right, they need to be accessable by metro or walkable from L'enfant Plaza.

I'll look into the Red Sage thing.

BIg Red

www.redsage.com

pete

Mexican Suggestions:
Austin Grill, Bethesda (within walking distance of metro stop)
South Austin Grill, Alexandria (on King Street)
Chevy's (Pentagon City metro stop)
Rio Grande (Bethesda & Ballston--near both metro stops)
Cactus Cantina (I like it)

These are all loud, casual places. I like the crab quesadilla at Austin/South Austin Grill, the soft tacos at Rio Grande and Cactus Cantina, and the fajitas and Salsa at Chevys. For fast-food type mexican food, I really like Baja Fresh (outlets all over the place).

pete

just me -- if you have gift certificates to the Front Page, you might want to try using them at lunchtime. The bar scene starts at happy hour.

Just Me

Thanks Pete, you are just full of information! Thanks again. I will just keep the certificates and pop in during the day. Thanks for all the info on Crystal City.

Ann

Actually, Baja Fresh's food is as good if not better than what you get at South Austin Grill and Rio Grande. And it's anything but fast. If it's crowded, it can take up to 20 minutes to get your food, but it's worth it.

As for the Front Page, I see families in there for lunch all of the time.

Jeremy

Rio grande Rules all the mexican places in Dc
For the best meal in Dc, go to Gailieo on L.
Also, Kinkeads is the best.

sonya

Thanks to everybody!

I think we have our plans all set and are ready to go!