Now how’d that happen? I don’t usually repeat myself, sorry. I also fogot that Necro already has hotel reservations.
Since I don’t see Asian food on Jeff’s list, I thought I’d chime in with a recommendation for TenPenh Restaurant. I’ve never been there, myself, but the bossman visits DC regularly and it’s one of his favorite restaurants in town (and he always stays at The Willard, too, so you know he has discerning taste, so it’s got to be good. Though, don’t let that scare you - it’s not all that expensive - check out the menu on their website).
Enjoy your trip!
I really appreciate your consideration in avoiding stepping on my penis - Spiny Norman
Jeg elsker dig, Thomas
GAH! I screwed up that link (and I usually check my links in preview - phooey!)
While I generally agree with Jeff Olsen’s choice of restaurants, I should note that, for certain chain restaurants, he is only listing the branches which happen to be close to his place in Virginia. There are other Chevy’s, Red Hot & Blues, Memphis BBQ’s, Bertucci’s, Armand’s, and Silver Diners in the D.C. area (in some cases half a dozen restaurants in the chain just in this area).
Not exactly. With the exception of Metro 29, I was listing ones that would be easy to get to via public transportation. Also, I dont get into DC much so I relied on switchboard.com for listings there; if I missed any it’s because switchboard dosn’t have 'em.
I’ve been to TenPenh, and it is, indeed, awesome. I also recommend Raku, Sala Thai, and Cafe Japone (Dupont Circle) and Taqueria Poblano (Braddock Road).
The Tabard Inn on N Street (near St. Matthew’s Cathedral, a few blocks from Dupont Circle) was relatively cheap (under $100) and had a lot more character than the chain hotels – at least when my wife and I stayed there a few years ago. We’ve more recently stayed at the Crystal City Marriott – recommended only when you have small children in tow who need a swimming pool and food court. In the absence of same, we would have gone back to the Tabard.
As for restaurants, I really liked a French bistro on Pennsylvania Avenue called Le Gaulois when I lived in DC many years ago as a student. As of two years ago, I found it had moved to Old Town Alexandria. Worth tracking down for good, reasonably priced, classic French food (of the Boeuf Bourguignon/ Coq au Vin sort).
We’ll definitely be doing everything by Metro. Or cab. Or walking. I have to drive enough here in Denver, where there’s basically no mass transit. I’ll take advantage of it where there is.
Thanks for all the great suggestions. We did give our congressman a call, and his office said that there is a possibility that things may be reopening when we are there, so we’ll cross our fingers.
But I’m mainly interested in the Smithsonian stuff, so it’s good news that it should be less-than-full.
The restaurant ideas are great. As far as TenPenh goes, we are so there. It sounds very yummy. And the consensus seems to be that Vidalia is a good place to go for a birthday, so we’ll have to see what’s available reservations-wise.
Most of the time when I go places, I have to cruise all over and check out the food. It seems that I definitely won’t be disappointed by DC. I only hope I have time to eat at all these cool places. 
Just wanted to drop in with an update, and some thanks.
We just returned (well, Tuesday night), and had a great time.
You guys have way good food there. We checked out Vidalia, TenPenh, Sushi-ko and Martin’s for dinners. We ate breakfast at Old Ebbitt Grill a couple of times. We had lunch once in the food court at the Old Post Office building (tours of the tower have been stopped there; they still make you run through a metal detector. Go figure).
And all the running aroundw e did just makes me wish we had our own subway system here in Denver. 
I must say, though, that everyone we met was unfailingly pleasant and friendly. Y’all definitely made a good impression on me.
Oh come on! We want DETAILS. How was the Watergate? Whadja eat at them restaurants? What Smithsonian did you like the best? TELL US!