fdea

My dog goes with me everywhere I can take her because I hate to leave her alone. As long as dogs are well behaved, they are generally accepted at most outdoor dining spots. The ones I like the most because they are convenient or most dog-friendly are: Barrack's Row - almost all the restaurants are OK with dogs and many you don't need to eat a meal (can just order drinks). Among the best for dogs are: --Molly Malones - picnic bench patio out front (always has water for dogs) --Lola's - tables in front and covered patio in back (always has water for dogs) --Senart's - can tie them up outside the fence (the fence is sturdy enough they won't pull it away) --Banana Cafe - outside the fence --Fusion Grill --Belga Eastern Market/Penn Ave --Tunnicliffs (allowed on the patio and heated in the winter) --18th Amendment patio --Capitol Lounge patio --Mr. Henry's patio Union Pub near Union Station has a doggie happy hour on the weekends Shirlington allows dogs on all the patios I believe. Del Ray has a Mexican place that is good about dogs and Cheesetique is OK with them outside the rope Cantina Marina is great for dogs Hope this helps a bit.

My boyfriend and I were there for one of the soft opening nights. We sat at the bar with several of our friends and acquaintances and had the chance to hear feedback from the bigger group. There was 100% consensus that the food was excellent, the menu interesting and the service was very good. It's a big accomplishment for a new restaurant to put out consistent and perfectly cooked food during their first days/weeks. Among the favorites were the bison ravioli (homemade, tender and flavorful), the smoked pork chop (very smoky and tender that melt in your mouth), the chicken (a typically boring dish made exciting) and the ginger cheesecake. We also heard great feedback about the smoked oysters, the rockfish and the bison tartar. All the food was cooked spot on, the presentation was attractive and the ingredients fresh. One comment was that the seasoning on many dishes could be a tad stronger but could easily be rectified and make the dishes even better. One other comment was that the prices are a higher price point than other restaurants in the area so it's not likely to be an everyday place but definitely worthwhile when possible. I'd recommend getting out to try the best new place on Barrack's Row.

Just an FYI, there is one other place you can get food late night that is inexpensive and pretty good. Tunnicliff's on 7th across from Eastern Market keeps its kitchen open until 1:00am and they have options other than pizza.

I've been lurking on DR for several months and just got my push to finally post. I've been in DC for 17 years and eaten in a majority of the restaurants as they've come and gone. I love food and a great meal and like reading your opinions about places so I can pick new places intelligently. Once we unbury from the snow and I can venture beyond my Capitol Hill haunts, I'll post about new places. In the mean time let's all sit back, have some good food and wine and watch the snow melt - until May.