V-day for non-lovers

[nashman1975]

Quandry,

Have friend coming in from out of town and the only day we can do is V-day ( ). We like to eat at nice places (just ate at Poste this week), and were thinking the following, why not go to a nicer restaurant in town but eat at the bar...figuring it would be declasse for most couples to eat at the bar, we shouldn't have any problems. And since this friend already has an SO who is out of town ( ) and I'm not looking to impress (she knows me too well --and yet I remain single--it's all a mystery), we figure the bar at a nicer place might be more doable...we would prefer a place that does NOT have a special V-day menu (if one exists)

Couple of questions--

1. Are we insane--will people still be at the restaurant bars either waiting or eating?

2. Assuming #1 is anywhere from a no to a marginal yes, what are good places that wouldn't have a v-day menu, has nice bar where it won't be a zoo, and obviously good food (DC is preferable for distance splitting).

Thx in advance

Nashman

[John W.]

Bistrot du Coin.

[JennyUptown]

The cafe at Palena. You'll only be able to order from the bar menu, I believe, because the back room restaurant is closed on Mondays.

[morela]

Actually, I bet a lot of people have their own pretend or observed V-Day, which means maybe it won't be as bad as you think. Like when everyone thinks the traffic will be really bad so they pick some alternative route, but then it turns out that a lot of people are picking the alternative route as well...

Bistro du Coin is for non-lovers, but it may be for lovers if they open a Clarendon store.

[Alex]

Yes, Palena.

Nashman, is there any significance to your joining eGullet on Valentine's Day a year ago?

[Joe H]

Kinkead's which remarkably, never receives any mention on this board. Dinner at their bar, even at the tables around it, would be perfect.

[JPW]

Kinkead's which remarkably, never receives any mention on this board.  Dinner at their bar, even at the tables around it, would be perfect.

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Not to go too far off-topic, but...

The last time that I went for a full meal was before the renovation and was a disappointment. The food, while good, didn't wow me in any way. The service was very slipshod. Our waitor was earnest, but not very good. A disappointment for the price. There are too many other places for me to spend my limited entertainment budget that have been more enjoyable, and too many places that I have not yet visited, for me to give the place a return engagement.

Just my 2 cents.

[Nadya]

The bar at Bis last night was moderately full and getting a seat was definitely not out of the realm of possibility. I suppose tonight would be no different, because last night was really a warm-up act for V-day. Showing up early (like 5.30 to 6.30) would definitely maximize your chances. Latish would work too (9 pm onwards.)

[mnebergall]

Consider also the bar at Restaurant Eve. I would try to get there early (6:00-6:30) to be on the safe side. Full bistro menu is avalable at the bar. If you get there later, you might have to wait for some seats to open up. People with reservations who are meeting others typically wait at the bar for the rest of their party to show up. Once their party is there, they leave the bar for the restaurant.