We have lots of embassies here in the district yet this is the only one called 'The Embassy of Rock n' Roll.' Sure, you can find this restaurant chain in major cities throughout the world but the cool part is that each one has different memorabilia in it. If you have a child or even an adult that is really into music, this is the spot to take them. The kids menu has cute names for each entry including the 'Ain't Nothin' But A Hot Dog' and 'The Mac-Daddy Mac & Cheese.' METRO: Gallery Place, Metro Center, or Archives/Navy Memorial.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Since everyone loves music, your group is sure to enjoy this Embassy of Rock n Roll.
Gina's expert tip: Located right beside Ford's Theatre, you can take in more history before or after your meal.
Founded in 1994, the pub feature more than 100 televisions for your game day viewing pleasure. Not sure if even Best Buy has that many on display to sell. Chose from one of three levels with the top tier hosting 2 to 8 foot projection screen televisions. The venue serves as a home to multiple college team alumni like Virginia Tech, University of Maryland and Alabama. While watching your favorites try to win, order from their enticing menu of finger foods such as creamy crab dip, stadium pretzel, wings and popcorn shrimp. Salads, soups, pizza and burgers are also waiting to be scarfed down during commercials. Metro: Crystal City
Recommended for Group Friendly because: No matter what sport each member of your group likes, one of the televisions will be playing it. The food alone will have you cheering.
Gina's expert tip: Not only is the pub the place to watch games but they also offer trips to see Washington's professional baseball and football teams in person.
What better place in the district to enjoy seafood than a restaurant with gorgeous views of the Potomac River? This Georgetown waterfront dining option serves lunch and dinner to those in need of a seafood fix. Some of the lunch offerings include blackened mahi mahi, broiled Atlantic salmon and crispy fried clam basket. Dinner selections like grilled swordfish, broiled red trout and whole Maine lobster will have you wishing for a bigger stomach. You may also want to try the raw bar which features freshly shucked oysters, an iced seafood tower and chilled seafood platter.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: With beautiful views of the Potomac and large portions, this restaurant is great for groups.
Gina's expert tip: Be sure to check out the wine menu which features sparkling, rose, white and red selections.
With multiple locations throughout the D.C. Metro area, this business is a favorite among locals. With a goal of 'connecting a taste of the future with a feel for the familiar,' & Pizza offers a unique menu of signature pizza dishes including gnarlic, farmer's daughter, Grecian market, backyard garden and maverick. Chose from different doughs, sauces, spreads and cheeses for a fabulous meal. Be sure to check out their housemade soda selection including pear and fig elixir, ginger berry lemonade, and dark cherry cola. Save some room for their pizzelles – Italian waffle cookies in vanilla and chocolate.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Who doesn't love pizza? It's a food everyone adores so head to one of D.C.'s finest pie shops.
Gina's expert tip: Several of the D.C. locations are open after the bars close on weekends so head in to refuel after a night out.
The product of celebrity chef/owner Art Smith and executive chef Wes Morton, Art and Soul serves up Southern comfort dishes with style. Nosh on buttermilk lemon pancakes or a three egg omelet off the breakfast menu. Lunch favorites include free range friend chicken and the 12 hour smoked pork sandwich. Dinner offerings will have you wishing for a bigger stomach with selections such as beef, cheese and sweet potato fritters, shrimp and grits, pork belly confit and sausage and braised lamb shank. The restaurant partners with regional farmers to bring fresh ingredients straight to the table. METRO: Judiciary Square
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Aiming for Southern warmth and hospitality, this venue succeeds with a winning menu.
Gina's expert tip: When the weather is warm, grab a table on the front patio for an al fresco dining option with a fire pit and grill.
Sitting and eating in a restaurant can be boring. Thankfully, the district has Comet Ping Pong – an eatery dedicated to making sure adults have great food and an amazing time as well. This laid back restaurant may remind you of your college days. Play a game of ping pong while you wait for your pie to be done. Grab a drink at the bar or watch a live music show. You can make your own pizza or chose from one of their favorite pizzas including The Yalie featuring clams and Stanley showcasing house-made Italian fennel sausage.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Pizza and ping pong are brought together for a winning combination at this fun eatery.
Gina's expert tip: Hit the tables while you are waiting for your meal or after you're finished.
This community gathering place, which provides an artistic outlet for poetry, art and books, is also a great spot to grab a meal. Breakfast is served daily until 11 a.m. so chow down on some oatmeal, a bagel with lox, organic granola or a western omelet. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available. Brunch is quite popular here and is served from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Beef chili, Neptune Benedict and sweet potato pancakes are ones to sample. Their lunch and dinner menus are not to be missed including paninis, burgers and sandwiches. Be sure to check out the food events menu to find out what meal packages are being offered at the time.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: Serving great food and a place for you and your group to hang out during live events, this eatery with multiple locations is a winner.
Gina's expert tip: The venue's name comes from Langston Hughes who worked as a hotel busboy before becoming a poet.
With two locations in this district, this restaurant puts a modern twist on Indian cuisine featuring small plates yet big taste. Start off with a dish made off a tawa (griddle) like scallops rasem or ragda patties or head straight to their sigri (open barbeque) menu including selections of mango shrimp and spicy reshmi kebab. The entrees list will have you wishing for a bigger stomach with choices like tandoori chicken tikka and grouper kerala curry. Be sure to make time to check out the artwork throughout the restaurant. Each piece was created by an Indian artist. METRO: Archives/Navy Memorial or China Town/Gallery Place
Recommended for Group Friendly because: A private dining room can seat up to 16 persons so grab some friends and family and head on over!
Gina's expert tip: Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Friday. They are only open for dinner on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
You know how some restaurant kid menus only have a few items? That's not the case here. Kids have more than a dozen entrees to chose from and the list is great for foodies or pick eaters. Care for some salmon teriyaki? How about grass-fed cheeseburger sliders or a cheese pizza? Adults also get a bountiful selection as well including salads, burgers, sandwiches pasta, and seafood. Check out their daily afternoon delights menu which gives patrons of the bar deals on meals. Don't leave without sampling the cr� brulee off the dessert menu! METRO: Gallery Place-Chinatown or Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: With a large menu for both adults and kids, everyone is sure to be happy with this dining choice.
Gina's expert tip: Try the finger food platter for a number of yummy choices including pita bread and carrots.
Be prepared for your jaw to drop a bit when your server brings your entrée. The plates and portions are huge so bring a healthy appetite to this family style Italian restaurant. You can't come to this restaurant without trying something off their huge pasta menu including lasagna, ravioli with cheese and manicotti. Be sure to order house specialties like the rack of lamb, prime rib chop or the four pasta special. If you have allergies, be sure to check their dining recommendations on their website. METRO: Gallery Place-Chinatown or Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter.
Recommended for Group Friendly because: With generous, jaw-dropping portions, this eatery is perfect for hungry groups.
Gina's expert tip: Group dining and special event menus are available upon request for private parties.