Diners' Choice: American restaurants in District of Columbia

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in District of Columbia? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Prime Rib

4.8

4.8 (3449)

$50 and over

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

D.C's premier steakhouse with tuxedoed waiters and a 1940s Manhattan supper-club setting since 1976. Top five romantic restaurant in America (Food and Wine magazine). Live piano nightly. Valet parking. business casual for gentlemen.

Top review

ConradVIP

Dined 2 days ago

like eating in an old New Yorker cartoon. great atmosphere, drinks food. Prices are out of control.

Lafayette Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1611)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Washington’s destination for power dining, the Lafayette Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With large windows opening onto Lafayette Park and the White House, this sun-lit dining room is one of the most elegant settings in the capital and is certain to complement any dining experience.

Top review

Debra

Dined 1 day ago

We had a fabulous meal in a wonderful atmosphere. Jose took wonderful care of us. We highly recommend it if you are looking for a quiet elegant atmosphere!

1789 Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (6299)

$31 to $50

American

Georgetown

About the restaurant

1789 is a historic fine dining restaurant and bar located in the heart of Georgetown with a charming and elegant atmosphere. Known for its elevated American cuisine, 1789 offers a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and innovative flavors. The restaurant's culinary team is dedicated to creating dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious. In addition to an exceptional menu, 1789 also boasts an extensive wine list featuring a wide selection of domestic and international wines. With its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and warm ambiance, 1789 Restaurant & Bar is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable experience in the nation's capital.

Top review

Lynda

Dined 4 days ago

Fabulous evening in the 'fireplace room.' Lots of Christmas ambiance including an excellent roaming carolling group. Very good food and professional service.

The Monocle

4.8

4.8 (1438)

$31 to $50

American

Capitol Hill

About the restaurant

NOW OFFERING
OUTDOOR DINING
CURBSIDE TAKEOUT

For Group Reservations of seven or more call 202-546-4488 or email monocleinfo@aol.com

The Monocle is the closest restaurant to the Capitol building, United States Senate and Union Station. Established in 1960, The Monocle is not only known as a Washington institution, but also for its fine American cuisine-served by a professional and friendly team of servers. You can always count on being served great crab-cakes, grilled fresh fish, prime steaks and chops, while enjoying the powerful political scenery. The private Federal Room is a Washington classic for private parties and political fundraisers. The Wine Room is a cozy room for your intimate private birthday dinner of six to ten. Cheers!

Top review

FeliciaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent- food and service par excellence Wonderful.

Discover more

4.8

4.8 (29674)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington, DC's oldest saloon and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Situated in the heart of the city, just steps from The White House, this historic landmark offers a timeless blend of classic American cuisine and unparalleled hospitality. Old Ebbitt Grill promises a memorable visit filled with a warm ambiance and a seasonal menu spanning from freshly shucked oysters to house-made pastas and perfectly prepared steaks & chops. From the Rooftop Terrace to the Atrium or Cabinet Room, Ebbitt's private dining spaces are ideal for celebrations ranging from small and intimate to grand and stylish.

Top review

Elaine

Dined 4 days ago

Our favorite place to eat when in DC. Fantastic! Our terrific waiter, (ask for John S) , was very helpful with Gluten Free options. The Salmon entree I was no longer GF, but waiter suggested I could switch out protein on another GF entree and replace it with salmon. It was delicious. The peanut butter pie is GF and out of this world!!

Discover more

4.7

4.7 (261)

$50 and over

American

Shaw

About the restaurant

Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood since 2015, The Dabney continues to pay tribute to the wonderful farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the mid-Atlantic region whom provide some of the best and most unique products in the country. We celebrate these ingredients by preparing them in a large wood burning hearth which is the centerpiece of our open kitchen. The current dining room experience is an 8-course tasting menu honoring the Mid-Atlantic's bounty. We offer an additional 3-course experience at our bar and bar area tables. Walk-in guests are welcome to enjoy the bar area as well.

The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017, James Beard Foundation Best Chef Mid-Atlantic for Chef Jeremiah Langhorne in 2018, and Washingtonian Magazine's #1 restaurant in 2023.

At this time we are unable to accommodate severe allium and dairy allergies as well as vegan and vegetarian diets.

Top review

LaurenVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful experience overall! Perfectly prepared seasonal ingredients.

Discover more

Experience

8 Course Tasting Menu in the Dining Room

Experience

3 Courses Prix Fixe in The Bar Area

Ted's Bulletin - Noma

4.8

4.8 (96)

$30 and under

American

NoMa

About the restaurant

Now Open!! Welcome to Ted’s. Your go-to place to savor The Every Day. We are your neighborhood eatery, taking a creative and contemporary approach to classic American dishes and cocktails in NoMa. Open daily for all-day breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. Voted “Best Hangover Breakfast” and “Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant” by readers of Washington City Paper (in the same year), Ted’s Bulletin is truly a restaurant for all seasons.

In addition to street parking, we offer valet, validate parking for the Marriot Hotel Retail Lot adjacent to our restaurant for up to 90 minutes. There is also a paid, private lot across the street.

We limited reservations for weekend brunch service. If they are all booked, WE DO ACCEPT WALK INS.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined 2 days ago

Love the quality of the food!!! Everything from the cheese steak sandwich and loaded tots to the corn bread with the chili and the chili!

Discover more

Experience

Warm Winter Favorites at Ted’s Bulletin

Avenue Grill

4.8

4.8 (314)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Avenue Grill is located at the corner of 14th St. & Pennsylvania Avenue inside the JW Marriott. Its design celebrates the history of America’s Main Street and its cuisine features classic American fare, showcasing locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. Currently offering both a Full Breakfast Buffet, with made to order omelets, as well as a la carte breakfast menu options. The perfect place to start your day, join us in Avenue Grill.

*Menus subject to change based on seasonality and availability

Top review

Clayton

Dined on Nov 29, 2024

I ate here before going to the theater, so I did not want to eat heavily. The restaurant is very convenient to the National Theater on the same block, but only for matinees since they only serve breakfast and lunch. I had the potato leek soup and an upgraded grilled cheese sandwich with bacon, and both were excellent. I only ate half of the sandwich-not that I didn't want to eat the other half, but the sandwich was large, and I knew I would be sitting for a couple of hours. I would definitely eat here again.

CIRCA at Navy Yard

4.7

4.7 (1218)

$30 and under

American

Navy Yard

About the restaurant

All of our CIRCA restaurants are neighborhood bistros serving delicious food and drinks. Each CIRCA is warm, inviting, and offers an energized social scene.

Whether dropping in for brunch, lunch, dinner — every meal is accompanied by an extensive wine list, including over 20 wine offerings by the glass and a seasonal cocktail list. Our patios are located on the best city corners for a vibrant dining experience. Join us and dine well!

Top review

JaneVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had a business luncheon at the restaurant. Everyone enjoyed the fresh food, friendly service and variety of the menu. We will definitely come back.

Discover more

Popular dish

Tuna Poke Nachos

Popular dish

Brioche Bread Pudding

Morrison-Clark Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (556)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

The Main Dining Room is highlighted by gilded mirrors, Italian marble fireplaces, and crystal chandeliers. The tantalizing cuisine is innovative and fresh, its style is regional American. The Morrison Clark Restaurant is consistently rated among Washington's finest. Experience the storied legacy of a 19th Century Victorian mansion, now a full-service hotel and restaurant, proud to be on the National Register of Historic Places.

Top review

Steve

Dined on Nov 28, 2024

The Thanksgiving menu was great. It had something for everyone’s taste. We stuck to a traditional turkey course which was outstanding. The portions were generous and the service was very good.

Discover more

Explore Diners' Choice best of District of Columbia

Explore more Diners' Choice lists