Dinners near White House, Historic Locations Preferred

[ScotteeM]

My BIL and adult nieces are visiting from Denver next week (5/9-5/11) and they're staying at the Hay-Adams. They're looking for dinners nearby, preferably with a nice view of major landmarks and historical atmosphere. BIL said, "Something like Elway's" (in Denver). I checked the Elway's menu here: http://www.elways.com/Menu/Dinner

I think they tried and failed to get a reservation at Old Ebbitt Grill.

Anyone know how Lafayette--the restaurant in the Hay-Adams--is?

I'm thinking about Oval Room or Equinox as an option for one night.

Any and all suggestions welcome!

[Pat]

What about J & G Steakhouse, with drinks before or after on the rooftop terrace? I haven't been there since the W Hotel took over the space, but that view from the rooftop was always one of my favorites. I don't know what kind of reservations that requires, though.

[frogprince]

Not necessarily in the right neighborhood but Johnny's Half Shell has great views of the Capitol from both the edge of the patio and the booths up front in the bar area

[ktmoomau]

To add to the list, what about Cafe Du Parc? Without a view, except a view of tasty food would be Bombay Club. The Source kind of has a view? Charlie Palmer also kind of has a view but isn't like right next door.

[Tweaked]

The Oval Room also comes to mind (minus a view). Central is also close by.

I wouldn't normally recommend these places for eating but Elephant and Castle and Del Frisco's Grill have nice front patios for people watching along Penn Ave. and views of the Old Post Office...and of course they are close to all Mall activities. Might be a good spot for them to get afternoon drinks. Further along, Paul Bakery also has a nice patio area by the U.S. Navy Memorial.

And speaking of the Old Post Office, a tower tour is always a good bet for panoramic sight seeing.

[DonRocks]

And speaking of the Old Post Office, a tower tour is always a good bet for panoramic sight seeing.

Do they still offer tower tours? I thought I'd heard a few years ago that they discontinued them.

[dcs]

Do they still offer tower tours? I thought I'd heard a few years ago that they discontinued them.

The National Park Service website indicates the tower tours continue.

[mr food]

Bombay Club was excellent recently and kind of retro with the piano player playing the great American songbook. Attentive service and a well chosen, fairly priced wine list.