Gramercy Tavern-esque in DC

[MJP]

My girlfriend and I will be in DC for our anniversary next weekend. Does anyone know if a good recommendation for a really unique experience? I'm talking Gramercy Tavern-esque in terms of service, food, etc. Really, what I'm looking for is something above the normal, a dress decent but no jacket required place. Type of food is way open; we're all over the place and like anything, more or less. I'd prefer something that can't be found anywhere else (and would be able to take a reservation for this weekend).

Any thoughts?

[Gastro888]

Palena or Courdory. I've never been to Komi but I've been told it's good.

[JennyUptown]

Those are three great suggestions (although you're unlikely to get a table at Komi at this late date - it's muy popular). Corduroy is light on atmosphere in my opinion, but really tops in terms of food and service.

I would add Central, new from Michel Richard. You can book via opentable.com or call and speak to a human.

[MJP]

Thanks for the responses; right now it looks like Corduroy. Central is all booked up every day we'll be in DC. O_O

Palena is jacket and tie... I'll pass. Jacket is OK, but I don't wear a tie to work and I won't wear one to eat, no matter how good the food is. This neck will run wild and free! :-P

[rmillman]

1) Blue duck tavern: new, great chef, wonderful menu, some new age style cooking.

2) obelisk: great Italian pre-fix-hard to get into due to limited seating (other Italian to note: Galaleo and Oesteria Goldoni-both have top notch chef tables)

3) New Heights or butterfield 9 (same owners)-I really like NH but chef has changed since I lived in DC

4) CityZen (at Mandarin Oriental)-What a room, power oozes but food is steller

5) Mini-bar-you will never get in (six seats reserved one month ion advance) but this is the best in DC

[dinwiddie]

Thanks for the responses; right now it looks like Corduroy.  Central is all booked up every day we'll be in DC.  O_O

Palena is jacket and tie... I'll pass.  Jacket is OK, but I don't wear a tie to work and I won't wear one to eat, no matter how good the food is.  This neck will run wild and free!  :-P

←

I've eaten at Palena many, many times and I've only worn a tie once. There is no requirement to do so, and in fact, we've eaten there with folks who wore Hawaiian shirts. I can only think of a couple of restaurants in DC that require jacket and tie. This is a fairly business casual dining type of town.

You might also try CityZen (though it will be a tough reservation to get this late), Taberna del Alabardero (Spanish and excellent) or Marcel's.

[JennyUptown]

If you're really into the idea of dining at Central, keep calling. Don't rely strictly on OpenTable.com. Cancellations happen.

[Gastro888]

Ditto on Palena's jacket and tie requirement. You can get away with a nice button down and slacks. I've seen it.

[JennyUptown]

Especially in the cafe. I typically wear nice jeans and a blazer or some sort of top. I wouldn't go there sloppy, but I wouldn't really go to many restaurants dressed any more casually than that.