Moonlit Munchies...Late-Night Dining in Washington
Apr 10 '05 (Updated Nov 06 '05)
The Bottom Line Washington is just beginning to come into its own after hours. Trendspots may be annoying, but they bring better hours.
It's a sad truth that Washington isn't yet a 24 hour town. We count ourselves lucky to have a handful of places which are open until 1:00 or 2:00 AM. For the handful that are open even later, we are most grateful. This list is by no means exhaustive, but may serve as a guidepost.
Bistrot du Coin, Dupont Circle
Only open late on weekends, this busy French bistro is bustling, friendly and fun. Michel Verdon, the owner and omnipresent host, has a special knack for remembering guests and their preferences.
http://www.epinions.com/content_73830469252
http://www.epinions.com/content_166940937860
Sette Osteria, Dupont Circle
Open until 3:00 AM on weekend nights, this is a bit nicer than the average pizza place. The owners of Cafe Milano in Georgetown wisely decided to open in Dupont Circle. Fortunately, they have left most of the attitude behind.
http://www.epinions.com/content_130814873220
Cafe Milano, Georgetown
Wildly popular restaurant in Georgetown known for celebrity sightings. The food is better than you might expect, but the atmosphere is far more agreeable when there isn't a line out the door.
http://www.epinions.com/content_76671454852
Five Guys Hamburgers, Georgetown
The site of the late and lamentable Au Pied de Cochon has become a branch of Five Guys Hamburgers, a regional chain from across the Potomac. I haven't yet visited enough for a complete review. They are open until 4:00 AM on weekends.
Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe, Dupont Circle
An institution in Dupont Circle, this lost-in-the-70's bookstore/cafe combo is still going strong, even if the food and service aren't. Expect to find a student waitstaff who really don't care. The bar scene on weekends is lively. It even ranks up there with the "Social Safeway" in Georgetown as a place for young singles. The food, always a hit-or-miss proposition, has been missing lately.
http://www.epinions.com/content_56711679620
Bistro Francais, Georgetown
An old standby, the Bistro Francais is where you will find the chefs from more serious restaurants dining on their own nickels. The food is good, if not studied.
http://www.epinions.com/content_65136922244
http://www.epinions.com/rest-review-E74-107E7A79-39C59F91-prod2
American City Diner, Chevy Chase
I haven't darkened their doors in years. It's prominently located near Chevy Chase Circle, but the menu is nothing exciting. They are, however, open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday nights. That must be wroth something.
Moby Dick, Georgetown
Another late-night haunt for lamb kabobs and the like. Note that the downtown branch on Connecticut Avenue does not keep late hours.
D.C. Cafe, Dupont Circle
Included here only for its hours, this restaurant is not recommended. Bad food in dirty surroundings. What else do you need to know? Even if you were so drunk you couldn't possibly taste anything, a late-night visit here is not advised.
http://www.epinions.com/content_172618190468
http://www.epinions.com/content_172632608388
Chi Cha Lounge, Adams Morgan
Sitting on the cusp of Adams Morgan, Chi Cha is a quirky, but fun place. The name is taken from the eponymous Peruvian grain drink. It's worth the bother of waiting in line to get in here on weekends just to try this (rather mild) drink. The setting is more like a disorganized living room with a bar than the usual club.
There are others in or near Adams Morgan, including the Left Bank and Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street. The latter is an institution, but I haven't been there just yet, even if I have seen it from the taxi window countless times. The "New U" area promises to offer more complete options in the future. Right now, it's still a dicey proposition at night.
There are places in Chinatown as well, not to mention the suburbs. As I discover them, I'll add them here.
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 443 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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