Restaurants Around MCI Center

[mhberk]

Are there any restaurants that you guys can recommend for a nice dinner before or after a game or show? We usually go to either Jaleo or District Chop House but I am looking for other suggestions. Thanks!

[JennyUptown]

There's Zaytinya

And Matchbox. More casual.

And Cafe Atlantico

Zola and Rosa Mexicano too.

Do any of these strike your fancy?

[JPW]

Rosa Mexicano BAD

Andale GOOD

[liamdc]

I haven't tried the ventworm nut at Rosa Mexicano, but I'll second the Andale recommendation. And if you like Jaleo and haven't been to Zaytinya, definitely try it.

Also, Legal Seafoods (albeit a chain) is good for seafood. They have an excellent beer and wine selection as well.

Haven't been to Matchbox or Ella's for pizza, but I've heard good things.

[frogprince]

i second all the above postings; all are delicious. poste in the hotel monaco may be good still but the chef just left so... anyone sampled recently? austin grill is just next to jaleo for satisfying "tex mex," though you would fare much better at andale i feel. gordon biersch has nice beer and the best garlic fries. i wouldnt order anything else though. zola is also down there but ive never been so cant comment. there are also some gems in chinatown, so ive heard, but i go to nova for chinease so again, i'm not very helpful on that account. i believe there's a bbq place down there too, on g st. maybe? anyone? bistro d'oc is also delicious, if you like the cuisine de terroir of southwest france. its on 10th street so not real close like most of the others but still obviously walkable.

ps: one futher block down, on 11th and f, is the immensely pleasurable tosca. classy italian food in somewhat baffling (airport lounge? doctors office?) surroundings. eating at the bar reaffirms one's faith in eating into an actual restaurant.

[JennyUptown]

Austin Grill is a good option if you're budget-conscious.

I also like the ham sandwich at Gordon Biersch, but they always (always) overcook the burgers and good lord, avoid the pastas.

[mhberk]

Austin Grill is a good option if you're budget-conscious.

Thanks Jenny! I'm not big on Tex-Mex. I've been to the one in Bethesda a few times and liked it, but I usually go to Cactus Cantina for Tex-Mex. I'll give the other restaurants you mentioned a try next time I'm in the area.