Restaurants abound in the area surrounding Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Not only will you find many high-quality restaurants with good food, you'll also get to experience the heart of where America is governed. Many of the best restaurants in the area are located in historic neighborhoods and buildings. And some of these restaurants are frequented by the powerful people we elect to Congress.
This popular Capitol Hill restaurant is located on the same street as the White House: Pennsylvania Avenue. Only, it's located at 601 rather than near 1600, more precisely on the corner of 6th and Pennsylvania. The Capital Grille rightfully serves American food and their fortes are large steaks, seafood and one of the best and most extensive wine lists in the city at 800 labels. They also have renown for their desserts. Surroundings are extremely elegant and perfect for a power meeting. If you dine here, chances are good you may see a few familiar faces in the world of politics sitting around. It is expensive, so expect to pay more for lunch or dinner.
The Capital Grille
601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
202-737-6200
thecapitalgrille.com
One of the best Irish-theme restaurants on Capitol Hill, The Dubliner is located in the Phoenix Park Hotel on F Street. You'll frequently find heavy crowds here due to its popularity and variety of foods inspired from Ireland. Along with the usual beers and ales in the pub section, you can find a variety of Irish-inspired foods through a vast menu. The Dubliner serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, as well a late-night menu. Some of the Irish foods you can get throughout the day include an Irish omelet for breakfast, Irish beef stew any part of the day, corned beef and cabbage for lunch, an Irish country garden pizza for dinner or potato skins as a late-night dish. Live music is played here seven nights a week and the food prices are moderate to high.
The Dubliner Restaurant & Pub
Number 4 "F" Street
Washington, D.C. 20001
202-737-3773
dublinerdc.com
Located at 223 Pennsylvania Avenue, this restaurant focuses on foods made with local ingredients grown in the Mid-Atlantic and frequently organic. In that regard, it's become a highly popular place since its 2002 opening where you can eat healthy, yet tasty food. It's also an environmentally-conscious environment with their use of renewable resources throughout the restaurant. Be aware that the menu changes depending on seasonal ingredients available. The menu focuses on wood-grilled meat, seafood, handmade pasta, cheese dishes as well as organic salads. You'll have to go to the second floor to get to the dining area. Its first floor contains a little bistro and wine bar where you can find moderately-priced cuisine and high-quality wines.
Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar
223 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
Washington, D.C.
202-544-8088
sonomadc.com
Located on D Street, about a block from the U.S. Capitol Building, this restaurant is frequented by members of Congress more than any other in the area. Opened in the 1960s, you definitely need a reservation to get in here since tables fill up fast every night. The restaurant's specialties are steaks with premium Angus beef and a variety of quality seafood dishes. It's open for both lunch and dinner along with a full-service bar and very upscale in price. Congressional receptions are sometimes held here in various private dining areas that can hold anywhere from six to 200 people.
The Monocle Restaurant
On Capitol Hill, Senate Side
107 D Street NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
202-546-4488
themonocle.com
