Downtown D.C.
The Bread Line
This market and lunch place is a fave of Washingtonians, so it gets a bit hectic midday. But the fresh and tasty fare is worth it because there is something here to please all of the clan at low prices. The menu changes daily, but you can count on an array of gourmet sandwiches, comfortable standbys (BLTs), falafel, pizza, soups, and salads from $4.90to $9.95 for combos with soup. Sandwiches are $6.90. Closed Saturday.
Fadó Irish Pub
If you're touring Chinatown or Verizon Center, this is a good bet. The menu features such Irish staples as corned beef and cabbage, and there are some interesting deviations such as salmon, plus a wide selection of Irish beer and whiskey. Entrees are very reasonably priced, with most under $20. Major credit cards are accepted.
Full Kee
This is one of the best little Chinese restaurants in town (named as one of the top 100 in the country), with a daily menu of specialties (featuring a lot of fish and shellfish in the summer) that includes everything from short ribs to frog to jellyfish if your taste runs that way. Lunch specials start at $4.50, but they can whip up an exotic abalone with black mushrooms for $38.50. The restaurant accepts cash only.
National Museum of Natural History
The Atrium Café, located on the ground floor, is a food court with signs that point you to the hamburgers, pizza, homemade soups, hot food, salads, and personally prepared sandwiches, desserts, coffee, and tea. Meals can run up to $10 with a drink. The Fossil Café on the first floor corner of Dinosaur Hall serves salads, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages amid tabletop exhibits. Major credit cards are accepted.
The National Museum of American History
As this is being written, the museum was about to close for an extensive renovation, scheduled for completion in 2008. The original, old-fashioned ice cream parlor and three other restaurants in the museum were popular because you didn't have to leave the premises for lunch or dinner. Major credit cards are accepted.
The National Museum of the American Indian
Here's something different. In line with its mission of exposing people to the cultures of Native Americans, the Mitsitam Café features native-inspired sandwiches, soups, entrées, desserts, and beverages from five regions of the Western Hemisphere.
Ollie's Trolley
A neighborhood institution and a real kid-pleaser, Ollie's Trolley is a restaurant shaped like an old trolley. Everyone comes for the ten-ounce burger with unique herbs and spices on a sesame bun, as well as Ollie's fries with special spices and the excellent milk shakes; other sandwiches are available. Most sandwiches and combo meals are under $10. The restaurant accepts cash only.
TGI Friday's
The Washington location of this popular and often very crowded restaurant reflects the chain's effort to “kick it up a notch.” Basic lunch items of the Tex-Mex variety have been regally supplemented by such specialties as Bruschetta Chicken Parmesan and Tortilla-Crusted Tilapia. There's something for everyone — vegetable grill, salads, a low fat and low carb menu, and a new $10 menu. It is kidfriendly with a good and inexpensive kids' menu. Entrees run $7 to $15, less for lunch and appetizers, from which you can easily make a meal. There is a Sunday brunch as well. Most major credit cards are accepted.
Tony Cheng's Mongolian Barbecue
Tony Cheng's Seafood Restaurant
Two floors, two restaurants, one owner. Downstairs is the Mongolian Barbecue for an all-you-can-eat feast running $10.50 for lunch and $16.95 for dinner. Upstairs, the menu features traditional Chinese seafood specialties. Lunch runs from $10.50 for chicken dishes to $11.50 for seafood, more for lobster; dinner is $13 to $16, again, more for lobster. Chef and owner Tony Cheng is usually on the premises, and you can see pictures of him with presidents of the past thirty years, from Carter to Bush. American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted.
Waffle Shop
A neighborhood institution for more than fifty years, this counter-service, cash-only, all-day breakfast spot is a real find. Steak and eggs, huge pancakes, and eggs with sausage and bacon are all about $10, and meals can be served with delicious grits. Lunch is served as well, also at extremely reasonable prices. Be prepared to wait a bit on weekends, but it's worth it. This is a great location for breakfast and/or lunch while you're visiting Ford's Theatre and the Petersen House, which are on the same block.
The Wright Place Food Court
When you tour the National Air and Space Museum, stop at the Wright Place Cafeteria. Recently remodeled and taking up a large space on the first floor of the museum, this cafeteria offers McDonald's, Boston Market, and Donato's Pizza. The McDonald's Happy Meal has a little space shuttle in it. Credit cards are accepted.
Because it's a tourist town, there are many kid-friendly Washington eateries, even in unexpected places. Some that come to mind are: Legal Seafoods, TGI Friday's, the Austin Grill, ESPN Zone, and the Old Ebbitt Grill.
Bombay Club
The Clintons often dined at this very popular upscale Indian restaurant. The setting is very British colonial, with ceiling fans and wicker chairs. The food is often very hot and spicy, but it's well done, and many of the seafood entrees are unique to this restaurant. Entrees run $19.95 to $24. There's a pretheater prix fixe meal at $25, as well as a Sunday brunch for $20. Major credit cards are accepted.
Café Atlantico
A popular Latin three-level restaurant and nightclub, this place is usually packed, so make a reservation. The décor is colorful with artwork on the walls. The restaurant has a number of signature drinks to choose from, and your server will make guacamole at your table right in front of you. There are many great appetizers on the menu, and many people make a meal out of them. You can also choose the tasting menu. Desserts are rich and creative.
Entrees run $15 to $28; lunch is less expensive, and the appetizers start at $9. Most major credit cards are accepted.
Jaleo
This popular tapas bar is named after a John Singer Sargent painting of a Spanish dancer, El Jaleo, which is re-created on the back wall. The sangria is refreshing, and the tapas (a small plate of food) selection is wide — Spanish cheeses, sausages, gazpacho, the traditional torta omelet, and lots more. There is also paella for two (really for four). Tapas are $3.95 to $9.95, entrées $14.95 to $16.95. A meal for one (two tapas with a half carafe of sangria) should run about $20. Homemade bread, Spanish olive oil, and a dish of olives are served with your meal. Major credit cards are accepted. Call for reservations — this place is popular with the locals (also right next door to the National Shakespeare theater), and you might have to wait up to an hour without a reservation in the summer months. It's a great restaurant for kids who like to eat, because they can choose from the various tapas for a main meal.
Zaytinya
A marvelous and skillful Greek restaurant that is surprisingly affordable, with a crisply contemporary blue-and-white interior. This is a great restaurant for children with an adventurous palate.
Make a meal of the mezza (small plates of different foods) and desserts; they are all delicious, and prices run between $4.95 and $10.95. The main course is a kebab platter for $24.95. Order the platter and maybe two mezza to feed the family. Have the dessert wine from Samos — it's surprisingly sweet and strong. Warning: it's very popular and there are no reservations. Major credit cards are accepted.
