DC Eats

Dating in Washington, like in any large city, can be an expensive endeavor. It's easy to blow a few hundred bucks a night here and still go home hungry and sober. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are some great places in DC that are both affordable and have a fun atmosphere for a date.

My theory on the DC food scene is that this that the city has a relative lack of mass of quality restaurants. In my opinion, DC is still in the early phases of a metropolitian renaissance. Neighborhoods are emerging, apartment towers are rising, and the infrastructure to support this influx of people naturally lags by several years. Dry cleaners, grocery stores, bank branches, pharmacies, the basics needed to support a working life, take time to backfill in neighborhoods during and after gentrification. Restaurants usually are in the third wave of development (with the exception of "planned communities") because they are generally smaller investors and less likely to gamble on emerging areas than, say, a national bank branch.

There are a few things I keep in mind when dining out: expensive doesn't always equate to good, I shouldn't leave a restaurant and want a burger two hours later, and if I can make it better at home it's not worth going out for. Below are some places that meet the above criteria and are good venues for dates.

Matchbox
You can't go wrong with either Matchbox location, it's perfect for a relaxed dinner or to grab a bite before a movie. The food is consistent, they have an awesome beer and wine selection, and the service is friendly and spot on. The lines are almost always long, but it's a good excuse to have a drink and chat with a date at the bar. Try the pizzas, and don't leave without ordering at least three sliders, they come covered in string-cut onion rings that I'd like to make a nest out of and live in.

Bistro du Coin
Bistro is a little more expensive and is usually my choice for a third or fourth date. The food is fucking fantastic, I've had most of the items on the menu and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend the foie gras, even if you think it's cruel for the goose. The restaurant is super-vibrant bordering on noisy, but this adds to the energy and thus makes it a fun place for a date. Expect at short wait most week nights and always on the weekends, it's worth it.

Granville Moore.s
This is literally a hole in the wall on H Street that serves some of the best Moules and Frites around (that's mussels and fries to you dopes like me). Try any of them. Screw it, try them all, but finish them, you can't take them home as leftovers. The prices are really affordable so long as you don't go bananas on the extensive Belgium beer list. The place is gritty, though, and isn't for everyone. If your chick spends more than ten minutes on her makeup or says "fabulous" a lot she probably won't be amused by Moore's "character".

Taqueria Nacional
This is more a taco stand not a restuarant, and is only open M-F from 9-3pm, so it's only good for weekday lunch dates. Oh, and there are only a few outdoor seats. Yeah, forgot to mention that you're going to wait in line for a while to order, then a little longer to actually get your food, and when it comes it's in cardboard containers. But they are the best goddamn tacos in the city, period. You have to get at least one fish taco. Actually, I suggest you get one of each kind of taco, they aren't that big. I've literally eaten them (many times) sitting on the curb in front of the building and been totally content. If I dropped one on the street I would pick it up and eat it, even if I was on a date and she saw me drop it. They are that good. Just go there.

Lola's
If you're on the Hill and looking for a chill place to get drinks and some good pub grub Lola's is terrific. It's especially good in the summer before a Nat's game because you can walk or grab a shuttle to the stadium. The bartenders are fun, the place has a cool vibe, and it's reasonably priced. I often see statesman and bikers enjoying cocktails shoulder to shoulder. I also recommend the fish tacos here. They aren't the same style as TN above, but they are still tasty in their own way.

RAKU
This is one of the best places in the city for a casual date. I once heard Raku described as "an Asian diner", and I think that's really accurate. It's great food, good portions, but 100% unpretentious. The sushi, Thai food, and noodle bowls are all top notch. This place probably won't get you laid but you will leave full and happy.

Cafe Belga
I had a buddy whose wife worked with the Belgian embassy, and she said this is the restaurant of choice for all the Begian diplomats, so I gave it a shot one night. I have to say that was the best restaurant reocmmendation I've received to date in DC. Belga is the cat's pajamas. It's slightly more expensive than the other places I've mentioned, so this is a good restaurant if you're looking to seal the deal. It's refined without coming off as stuffy. I suggest leaving your order up to the very knowledgeable wait staff. Let them select their favorite dish and pair it with a beer, I've never had them break the bank on me. Oh, and don't be surprised to see a few tables of giant dudes in black suits with ear pieces, it's not uncommon for dignitaries to eat here with their detail.

Sonoma
Sonoma is a stalwart to policy makers and Hill staffers alike, and in my estimation, has the best eats on Pennsylvania Ave. They also have an extensive wine list that has lots of reasonably priced options. I really like Sonoma for "drinks and apps" at the bar. Try a Charcuterie platter, which is an assortment of cured meats and cheeses, they are really unusual. I also like the "Lardo" appetizer. Like most good things, you don't want to know what it is, and you shouldn't eat it very often, but it tastes fucking fantastic.

Try a few and let me know what you think.