porcupine Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 On an upcoming Wednesday, need about 2 hours in a not-too-loud venue with decent, not challenging, inexpensive food in Bethesda or Silver Spring, starting about 7:30 or 8 pm. Usual disclaimer: not my constraints. I don't want to be a rude table camper, but my buds are bent on doing this at a restaurant. I'm thinking a red-checked tablecloth Italian place would be perfect, knowing their tastes. (Clue: took one of them to Dino a few months back - think the food was too challenging for him, and price beyond his comfort level.) Am stumped. Help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpschust Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 On an upcoming Wednesday, need about 2 hours in a not-too-loud venue with decent, not challenging, inexpensive food in Bethesda or Silver Spring, starting about 7:30 or 8 pm.Usual disclaimer: not my constraints. I don't want to be a rude table camper, but my buds are bent on doing this at a restaurant. I'm thinking a red-checked tablecloth Italian place would be perfect, knowing their tastes. (Clue: took one of them to Dino a few months back - think the food was too challenging for him, and price beyond his comfort level.) Am stumped. Help? Does Ray's The Classics have a private room? Haven't been there yet so I don't know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 Does Ray's The Classics have a private room? Haven't been there yet so I don't know. (Clue: took one of them to Dino a few months back - think the food was too challenging for him, and price beyond his comfort level.) If Dino was not price comfortable for him, then RtC will probably not work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookluvingbabe Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 What about Mon Ami Gabi in Bethesda? It's pretty simplified French from what I remember of my one lunch there... How many people will it be? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 How large is the space at Mia's Pizzas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DameEdna Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 Maggiano's Little Italy, in Friendship Heights? Dessert at Cheesecake Factory? We won't laugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted February 20, 2007 Author Share Posted February 20, 2007 How many people will it be? Four. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deangold Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 Sergio in Silver Spring has a private alcove. Good food and usually is pretty reasonable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 I'm not sure about the noise levels in some of these places, but what about: Bethesda: Pines of Rome Daily Grill Houston's Tragara Silver Spring: Sergio's Jackie's Crisfield Vicino Mrs. K's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meaghan Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 Get a snug at McCormick and Smuck's over by Bethesda Metro Center. Tell 'em Rockwell sent ya. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokey Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 Probably too far west for the locations you mentioned, but Tower Oaks Lodge is pretty unchallenging. I like to think of it as lowest common denominator food (not to be the snob that I am) and it's priced fairly. I don't think they would push you out fast, but I've only been a couple of times. I think Maggiano's is a good recommendation, as long as Friendship Heights isn't too far into the district for your crowd. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meaghan Posted February 20, 2007 Share Posted February 20, 2007 Lia's in Chevy Chase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsky Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 On an upcoming Wednesday, need about 2 hours in a not-too-loud venue with decent, not challenging, inexpensive food in Bethesda or Silver Spring, starting about 7:30 or 8 pm.Usual disclaimer: not my constraints. I don't want to be a rude table camper, but my buds are bent on doing this at a restaurant. I'm thinking a red-checked tablecloth Italian place would be perfect, knowing their tastes. (Clue: took one of them to Dino a few months back - think the food was too challenging for him, and price beyond his comfort level.) Am stumped. Help? How about DeCarlo's (I am one of only three, but here's my thoughts...) http://www.donrockwell.com/index.php?showt...l=Spring+Valley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakegwinn Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Olazzo? I would say Cafe Deluxe but if you are going to be camping I can't in good conscience send you to my cousins at CD Bethesda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPW Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 I think Dean's suggestion of Sergio's is the best one. Both Mon Ami Gabi and Jackie's have prices at around the level of RTC, if not greater. Never been to Vicino, but it too would probably fit the bill. Heather wrote it up a while ago. Take a look at what she had to say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 I would go to Sergio's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizH Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 I also say Sergios. They have a nice bruchetta ap that is something like $2 and most entrees are not too expensive. Stick with the classic Italian dishes and you should be fine. You can make a reservation too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmg2266 Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 On an upcoming Wednesday, need about 2 hours in a not-too-loud venue with decent, not challenging, inexpensive food in Bethesda or Silver Spring, starting about 7:30 or 8 pm.Usual disclaimer: not my constraints. I don't want to be a rude table camper, but my buds are bent on doing this at a restaurant. I'm thinking a red-checked tablecloth Italian place would be perfect, knowing their tastes. (Clue: took one of them to Dino a few months back - think the food was too challenging for him, and price beyond his comfort level.) Am stumped. Help? Have you thought about / tried Louisiana Express in Bethesda. Small, a half block off Arlington Rd @ EuroMotors. Great food and very casual / inexpensive. They are not pushy on turning tables. Also, if you would go up to Rockville, I've always enjoyed Amalfi a bit more than Pines of Rome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillvalley Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 There is a new grilled pizza place called Pizza Zero next door to Lousiana Express that might also work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Dente Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Isn't there a Ruby Tuesday's in that godawful mall in downtown Silver Spring? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wahoooob Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Not sure if it's any busier (ie louder) now, but I would second Pizza Zero. I personally wasn't super-impressed, but my two companions enjoyed their meal. Not the best value, but certainly cheaper than say Dino. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hm212 Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 How large is the space at Mia's Pizzas?Mia's is probably too small to camp out for two hours. They are going to be looking to turn their tables. I took my daughter for pizza and it was very good, but they definitely get crowded. We went on a Thursday night and at 7:00 had a couple of people waiting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted February 26, 2007 Author Share Posted February 26, 2007 Thanks for all the suggestions, folks. In the end I decided to invite everyone and their wives to my place for a home-cooked meal, since 1. I enjoy entertaining, and 2. we can camp as long as it takes to get the business done. BTW, I originally decided on Sergios. Did anyone see the little blurb about them in the most recent Washingtonian? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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