Alexandria, VA area suggestions needed

[honeychile]

I'm chairing a convention to be held there this summer, and am looking for some restaurant ideas. One in particular would be for the last people to leave, on a Sunday night, for about 15-20 people, reasonably priced. I was thinking about the Silver Diner (mostly because of the atmosphere), but am open for suggestions.

If there's any other place that you feel is really special for the rest of the week, I'd love to hear them. I always end up going to the same places each time I'm there, and I'd love to hear other peoples' favorites! If it makes a difference, the convention is very loosely bound - the only thing that everyone does together are the Hospitality Rooms!

[alum]

Where are you in Alexandria? Do you want Old Town, a Metro-accessible place, etc?

[BLUPERFECTION03]

Is there a food preference?

[honeychile]

This is just outside of Old Town (S. Reynolds & Duke), but the bus goes through Old Town. I want to say it's the Franconia stop. There will be enough cars to go outside of the immediate area.

As for food preference, we usually go pretty neutral on this, since so and so won't eat Thai and so and so won't eat fish.

I've been through Murphy's Irish Pub on King Street several times, but have never eaten there. It's been there for ages, so I'm assuming it's good?

[neosoul]

TGIF is right by the Franconia/Springfield metro stop
Macaroni Grill in Kingstowne, about 5-7 mins from Franconia
Chili's is nearby too

there's TONS of places to eat at

[honeychile]

I was trying to stay away from the chains...

[shinerbock]

I've been to a handful of places on King Street that I liked, but the most recent one I remember enjoying is Warehouse Bar and Grill. Not sure what the local consensus is, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[alum]

The Franconia-Springfield station is the end of the Blue Line in the Mixing Bowl area of Central Springfield. The King Street stop is closer to Old Town which has tons of fabulous non-chain restaurants of all specialties: seafood, Italian. Personally, I would go to Tysons to eat. It's not around the corner but it is worth the trip.

There is a Silver Diner relatively close to the F-S station on Old Keene Mill/Franconia near the Springfield Mall. Central Springfield/Franconia is somewhat of a blighted area that needs a complete rehab. There is violent crime and gang activity in that immediate vicinity.

I think Silver Diner is a local chain as I can think of several of them in the area. Murphy's IS good.

[lilzetakitten]

Originally Posted by alum

The Franconia-Springfield station is the end of the Blue Line in the Mixing Bowl area of Central Springfield. The King Street stop is closer to Old Town which has tons of fabulous non-chain restaurants of all specialties: seafood, Italian. Personally, I would go to Tysons to eat. It's not around the corner but it is worth the trip.

There is a Silver Diner relatively close to the F-S station on Old Keene Mill/Franconia near the Springfield Mall. Central Springfield/Franconia is somewhat of a blighted area that needs a complete rehab. There is violent crime and gang activity in that immediate vicinity.

I think Silver Diner is a local chain as I can think of several of them in the area. Murphy's IS good.

Noooo kidding. My FI once witnessed a full gang standoff in the parking garage of Springfield Mall.

Anyway, I also like Silver Diner. Chipotle for lunch.

[honeychile]

LOL - The Warehouse is one of the places I try to visit. Thanks for the reinforcement! Thanks also for the tip about Murphy's.

I didn't know that Springfield Mall had gotten iffy. The Silver Diner (it's a local chain, at least they all seem to be around greater DC) that I go to is the Tyson's one. Getting killed for a farewell dinner is NOT on the menu! Personally, while most of the people are out at the monuments etc, I'll be at the Galleria, Mt. Vernon (got to have their jam for Christmas cookies!), or at the Spy Museum - I haven't seen it yet.

I'm also game for places to recommend around DC. I'm a sucker for Bullfeathers, now that my favorites went out of business. Any place else that's fun/good?

Keep 'em coming!

[shinerbock]

I'm sure you've been/thought about it, but I want to go to the Newseum. I hear it is fantastic.

[honeychile]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

I'm sure you've been/thought about it, but I want to go to the Newseum. I hear it is fantastic.

Absolutely! My problem is even though I get to DC a few times a year (but stay in McLean), I'm usually at the DAR or National Archives. If all goes well, the Newseum is definitely on the schedule!

[alum]

Shirlington has decent restaurants and easy parking. It is just off of 395 on the Arlington-Alexandria line.

If your coworkers like Irish pub atmosphere: Sine Irish Pub in Pentagon City is very popular with the Notre Dame alums in our area. Pentagon City has also many other restaurants and is Metro-accessible. Parking is not impossible.

[ADqtPiMel]

In Old Town I'd recommend Hank's Oyster Bar, Majestic, Rustico, or Vermilion. All are really good - but I don't know how low you want to keep the costs either. I think they're all around $10-15/entree on average. Rustico is the closest to a "pub" atmosphere and the food is really good.

Go to the Newseum. I got a little press sneak preview and it was awesome. Now I just need to pony up the $20 to see it all...

Also, when you go to the Spy Museum - eat at Matchbox and order the mini burgers. Seriously, you'll thank me later. I've taken many, many visitors there and they have all raved about it. It's always crowded but more sane at lunchtime - and you'll notice that every single table orders the mini burgers!

[BLUPERFECTION03]

I second the comment about Shirlington..I love Bistro Bistro (highly recommend making a reservation) and T.H.A.I. Shirlington, the Carlye is nice but a little pricey In Old Town I like Villa De Este (Italian Food) over on Wythe and Madison, then Potomac Landing ( I think they changed their name) it's on the water along the GW Parkway going toward DC or the Wharf on 800 block of King Street (have fabulous lobster risoto). In Crystal City I love Cantina Mexicana (I've known they owner's since I was a kid). In Springfield Mike's American Grill near Brandon Avenue is tastey ( recommend a reservation because it's always busy). In DC I like Georgia Brown's (Southern Cuisine). Or the Cheesecake Factory in Mclean or Arlington (good luck finding a parking space in Arlington). The Spy Museum is a must fun and informative .