Washington D.C. Restaurant Tips by leafmcgowan

Sushi Go Round and Tapas: Sushi Go Round

Sushi Go-Round and Tapas
705 7th St. NW, Washington DC 20001 * 202-393-2825 *
www.sushigoroundatmci.com

Located in the heart of Chinatown in Gallery Place, home to the only sushi bar belt in DC. Excellent food and quick and fast service. Delicious sushi. Must visit for any on-the-go sushi connaisseur. Rating 4 stars out of 5. Visited 1/8/2007. Re-visited 2/20/2008; 2/22/2008 - and the Sake is excellent.

Address: 705 7th St. NW, Washington DC 20001

Comparison: about average

Phone: 202-393-2825

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim

Ollie's Trolley: Ollie's Trolley

A little historic Burger and sandwich joint right off 12th near the National Mall is a burger shack/diner called "Ollie's Trolley" which is a DC Landmark institution for the last 30 years. Family owned and operated, voted best for its burgers and seasoned fries as well as its shakes. Brightly lit and vivrant, not hard to miss. I had the Crab Cake burger which was fabulous, but wasn't that impressed by the infamous seasoned fries. Cheap and affordable. Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5. Visited 2/21/09.

Favorite Dish: Crab cake sandwich

Address: 425 12th St NW

Comparison: about average

Phone: (202) 347-6119

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Fast Food

Website: http://www.olliestrolleydc.com

McCormick and Schmick's Seafood Restaurants: McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants

Much fancier than the Legal Seafoods competitor down the road on 7th, McCormick's & Schmick's was recommended to me by a conference attendee at the 2009 ESRI Federal User's Conference as the best seafood restaurant in town. So I had to go check it out. Plus I owed myself a birthday dinner so why not? The prices were comparably better than other seafood restaurants I found in town - though still high priced. They say you pay for quality. However, I paid almost the same amount at McCormick's as I did at Legal, and got better food, better portions, at a better price. A younger company than Legal, and lacking some of the historical charm that Legal Seafoods seems to express; this is yet another chain - much larger than Legal scaling about 80 restaurants since early 1970s when Bill McCormick and Doug Schmick teamed together. They claims to networks only with local reputable seafood purveyors to obtain only the freshest seafood from local waters and beyond. They were running a Lunch (2 course) and Dinner (3 course) special the week I was there. I got the Dinner combo - Shrimp with Mango appetizer, 1.25 lb. Steamed Lobster with corn on the cob, new potatoes, and asparagus; and a mixed berry dish for $30. It was most excellent. The service was good, but the server was less friendly and to the point than I experienced at Legal. Overall I had a great dining experience and would recommend them to any seafood lover. Rating: 5 stars out of 5. Visited 2/21/09.

Favorite Dish: Lobster, coconut shrimp

Address: 1652 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: (202) 861-2233

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 5

Theme: Seafood

Website: http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/

Legal Seafoods: Legal Seafoods

Enter in the historic fishmarket turned restaurant that still proudly boasts to be first and foremost a seafood market with restaurant services. What was once a market is now an eastern chain all with fine dining, personable staff, and great food. They boast the freshest seafood straight from the local fishing ships. While it does somewhat have a modern look of a fish restaurant, it does have fine dining at the tables. My waiter was extremely friendly and helpful with my menu choices and was a top server. Appetizers were overly encouraged. I understand why, because even with the higher priced combination plate of exquisite Crab Cake, a couple of shrimp, and scallops; the portions were meager on the seafood side, except the salad which was at good portions. I had a great experience. Top restaurant, but lacking with the portion size when you compare the higher than average price for the good. Rating: 4 stars out of 5. Visited 2/20/09.

Address: 704-708 7th st, Washington, D.C. 20001

Comparison: most expensive

Phone: 202-347-0007

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 4

Theme: Seafood

Website: http://www.legalseafoods.com

Tony Cheng's Seafood Restaurant: Tony Cheng's Seafood Restaurant Tony Cheng's Review

Tony Cheng Seafood Restaurant
Right in the heart of China Town, near the Verizon Center not far from the National Mall, is this large Chinese Seafood Restaurant with Asian delight. A Blue Ribbon Winner restaurant rated Axxes Top 50 Restaurant has great food that this reviewer can stamp satisfaction on. However, on my visit, while friendly, the waittress was pushy and wanting to move customers in/out quickly even though the place was empty and didn't have too many patrons at the moment which soured some of the experience. The food however was fabulous. I had the Shrimp Kung Pao which hit the spot and was sensational. A side of spring rolls added extra delight. The cost of the dishes were higher than they should have been and that was a dampener as well. Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5. Visited 2/18/09.

Favorite Dish: Shrimp Kung Pao, spring rolls

Address: 619 H Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Across from the Metro station.

Phone: 202.371.8669

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Seafood

Thai Chili: Thai Chili

A great little artsy Thai place in Chinatown in Central Washington, D.C. Average priced and good food. The pad thai is to die for. Each dish comes out with a unique style I haven't seen at other Thai restaurants. Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

Address: 701 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Comparison: about average

Phone: (202) 393-2905

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim

New Big Wong Chinese Restaurant: New Big Wong

New Big Wong Chinese Restaurant and Carry out
610 H Street, NW; Washington, DC 20001 *202.628.0491*

A little hole-in-the-wall, below the sidewalk level in the heart of China town, chinese restaurant - with tanks holding fresh live seafood, and a clan of cooks in the back preparing fresh vegetables. Food is affordable and business thriving. Food was ok on my visit late night 1/8/07, but can't say it was my favorite. Rating 2 stars out of 5.

Address: 610 H Street, NW; Washington, DC 20001

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: 202.628.0491

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Chinese/Dim Sum