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hi all - my mother in law will be visiting via train from NYC on MLK Day weekend and will be getting in at around 6:00 PM on Saturday. We'd like to grab dinner before we trek back out to our home in NoVA. Is there anywhere around Union Station that would be a good place for a family and somewhat good food? My mother in law is a great cook and rarely goes out because she prefers to cook, so it would have to be someplace good, but also ok with young kids (7 yrs).
Also, if we did this, I'd have to park, is there a parking garage or something in the area?
There are plenty of restaurants inside Union Station itself, but if your MIL is a real foodie not much there will be better than she could make at home.
There are, however, two really nice restaurants within walking distance from Union Station: Johnny's Halfshell, which is a great seafood place that should also be kid-friendly, and Bistro Bis, which is the restaurant inside the Hotel George and may be somewhat less kid-friendly and definitely more expensive.
Links to both are below. Check out Chowhound.com for reviews.
There are plenty of restaurants inside Union Station itself, but if your MIL is a real foodie not much there will be better than she could make at home.
There are, however, two really nice restaurants within walking distance from Union Station: Johnny's Halfshell, which is a great seafood place that should also be kid-friendly, and Bistro Bis, which is the restaurant inside the Hotel George and may be somewhat less kid-friendly and definitely more expensive.
While I agree with the above poster that Johnny's & Bistro Bis are two very good choices, I disagree with the assertion that there is nothing worthwhile in Union Station itself. B. Smith's has very good food and I think that your MIL would enjoy it very much. Also, being located within Union Station makes it much more convenient than traipsing across N. Capitol St to either of the other two restaurants (especially in possibly inclement January weather). Here is a link to some reviews of the restaurant posted on Open Table:
The Union Station parking garage can be accessed off of the Hopscotch Bridge (H st NE between 3rd st NE and North Capitol Street). As far as nice sit down restaurants... there are a few down H closer to 12th and H NE like Sticky Rice, Granville Moore's and the Argonaut (all excellent choices btw) but next to Union there isn't a ton. There are a few restaurants around 3rd and Mass NE which is only like two blocks from Union. There's also an italian restaurant (i believe) at 2nd and F NE which is also very close to Union. Other than that I can't think of much.
also, street parking is probably an option if you choose any of the restaurant areas that I mentioned. You'll probably have to search through side streets and if its during the week before 5pm you'll only have 2 hours. after 5 and on the weekends tho it is unlimited.
thanks guys, B. Smith's is interesting and a possibility. It will be on a Saturday night, so are you saying street parking around Union Station is possible?
thanks guys, B. Smith's is interesting and a possibility. It will be on a Saturday night, so are you saying street parking around Union Station is possible?
There's no reason to look for street parking. I believe that you can still get a couple hours of parking in the Union Station garage for $1 with validation. Check to be sure when you make your reservation with the restaurant.
And speaking of the restaurant.....D.C.'s Restaurant Week will still be in effect on that Saturday night, so you can take advantage of the 3-course prix fixe menu at B.Smith's (or another participating restaurtant) if you'd like. Here's the link to B.Smith's offerings:
also, street parking is probably an option if you choose any of the restaurant areas that I mentioned. You'll probably have to search through side streets and if its during the week before 5pm you'll only have 2 hours. after 5 and on the weekends tho it is unlimited.
I think that DC parking regulations are changing so that you need to feed meters until or 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM beginning in 2010.
just bumping, going to be doing this next Saturday night. Any more restaurant suggestions? also any hints on the best way into DC from Leesburg area on a Saturday afternoon, to Union Station? I think we're going to park somewhere around Union Station and go eat in the vicinity.
Capital City Brewery is right there. I've always liked that place. Nothing fancy, but the food isn't bad at all.
The Dubliner is a nice Irish Pub. It's a block away right next to another place called Irish Times. I've never been to The Dubliner, but heard it was really nice. I've been to Irish Times several times since it's a firefighter bar and located a block from my fire house. However, I've never had the food there and I'm not sure how good it is. Definitely not as fancy as The Dubliner though.
Thanks - my mother in law is a bit of a food snob, she prefers to cook herself than eat out, so it has to be a really good place so she can try some new dishes. Any regional food would be great too.
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