Where To Go For Sunday Girl's Night?

[Free Wilma]

We're a bunch of late-30s married moms who are dying to dine out without our precious children. We're gathering for a post-childbirth celebration honoring our dear friend. One friend is pushing for Lauriol Plaza and I'm trying desperately to find a suitable alternative. We want lively, but not loud. Good food that won't break the grocery budget....and all on a Sunday evening. We're in Alexandria but are very happy to travel into DC.

What are the atmosphere and prices like at Colvin Run Tavern (website is pretty vague)? And what's the atmosphere at Mendocino Grill? I'm definitely keeping Firefly and Cafe Atlantico in mind by was sorta hoping to go somewhere I hadn't been before. It may be a little cool on Sunday evening but outdoor seating is always a big bonus.

TIA.

[DCatty]

I applaud you for trying to find an alternative to L.P. Unfortunately, for Mexican, I wouldn't know where to recommend in DC -- but I love Guajillo (mmm...ceviche). Places like Zaytinya and Jaleo (tapas) were made for lively groups, and present a good value. The former has some nice outdoor seating.

[JennyUptown]

Click here for a previous discussion of what's open on Sunday. Maybe something in there will strike your fancy.

[bilrus]

Colvin Run is nice, but not the fun, celebratory kind of place you are looking for - more clubby atmosphere.

[Free Wilma]

We ended up at Zaytinya, which was perfect. Only one of our group had ever been before and everyone loved it. We ended up having the six-week-old along for girls night and the staff was very accomodating in giving us a roomy corner table where he could just sleep the evening away. The only (very slight) downside is it's a little loud when you want to just chat and laugh with the your dining partners. But had the baby been fussy at all (which he wasn't), it wouldn't have been awkward. Thanks for the input and ideas!

Edited October 11, 2004 by Free Wilma (log)

[DCatty]

Excellent! Another convert to Penn Quarter, hopefully. I forgot to mention that Zaytinya gets loud, which you wanted to avoid, but am glad to hear that it wasn't an issue.