Best American Restaurants in Washington

266 restaurants available nearby

1. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(29560)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 288 times today

Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic gem nestled in the heart of Downtown Washington, DC, is celebrated not only for its rich history but also for its exceptional Steakhouse cuisine. As the city's oldest saloon, it offers a culinary experience that features "the best steak frites in DC" and steaks that are "cooked to perfection," according to glowing guest reviews. Patrons rave about the quality of the steaks and the classic ambiance that enhances every meal. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with a guest mentioning, "Everything we had was hands down the best version I’ve ever had." Old Ebbitt Grill stands out as a must-visit destination for both steak aficionados and those seeking a taste of Washington's historic dining scene.

2. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11750)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 205 times today

The Hamilton, nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, stands out for its exceptional sushi offerings amid its diverse American menu. Patrons rave about the quality and variety of sushi available, with one guest exclaiming, "Even the sushi was way better than expected!" The restaurant's dedication to culinary excellence is evident in its daily Sushi Happy Hour, attracting sushi enthusiasts from all over. The ambiance, combined with top-notch service, makes The Hamilton a go-to spot for both casual diners and sushi aficionados. Whether you're enjoying a vibrant dinner or a quiet brunch, The Hamilton's sushi is a highlight not to be missed in downtown Washington.

A photo of Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC restaurant

3. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC

4.8

Exceptional(10011)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 127 times today

At Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in downtown Washington DC, seafood lovers are in for a treat. The restaurant, renowned for its partnership with the legendary Joe's Stone Crab of Miami Beach, promises an unparalleled seafood experience. Fresh seafood is flown in daily, ensuring only the finest quality reaches your plate. The Florida Stone Crab claws are a must-try, celebrated for their freshness and flavor. Reviewers rave about the authenticity and quality, with one guest exclaiming the Stone Crab was "10/10" and another celebrating the "best scallops I have ever had." Joe’s consistently impresses with its "spectacular" food and "exceptional" service, making it a beloved seafood destination in DC. Whether it's for a special occasion or a delightful dinner, Joe’s offers a seafood experience that’s both luxurious and satisfying.

A photo of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC restaurant

4. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC

4.2

Awesome(1576)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 91 times today

Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley in Downtown Washington DC is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a top-notch experience. This vibrant establishment not only excels in delivering creatively twisted southern classics but also shines with its cocktail offerings. Patrons rave about the "delicious and cute presentations" of drinks, underscoring the bar's commitment to quality and flair. The ambiance, described as having "good vibes" and being a "great spot for brunch or dinner," complements the expertly crafted cocktails, making it a must-visit destination. The glowing testimonials, such as drinks being "good food was good music was bomb," highlight the exceptional cocktail bar experience that awaits at Kitchen + Kocktails.

5. Cafe Du Parc

4.5

Awesome(2533)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 40 times today

Café du Parc, a Parisian-inspired gem in the heart of Washington, D.C., offers an authentic café experience reminiscent of a sidewalk café in Europe. Nestled steps from the National Mall, this café provides not only a prime location but also serves top-notch coffee and pastries that transport you straight to France. Patrons rave about the "perfectly flaky delicious almond croissant and ham and cheese croissant," which are both splendid highlights of their dining experience. The café's atmosphere is praised as "welcoming and cozy," making it a preferred spot for both locals and visitors. It's the attention to traditional French culinary details and the bustling, yet inviting ambiance that makes Café du Parc a standout destination for café cuisine lovers looking for quality and authenticity in the capital city.

A photo of VUE Rooftop at Hotel Washington restaurant

6. VUE Rooftop at Hotel Washington

4.4

Awesome(229)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Washington

Booked 44 times today

Perched above the Hotel Washington, experience VUE Rooftop, an artfully designed destination that brings the outside world in. Offering unparalleled views of the White House and Washington Monument, VUE pairs the effervescent energy of D.C.'s skyline with seasonal cocktails, elegant plates, and a stylish ambiance like no other.

7. The Park at 14th

4.7

Exceptional(2894)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 44 times today

At The Park at 14th in Downtown Washington D.C., seafood enthusiasts are treated to an exquisite dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds with its high-quality and authentic seafood dishes. Nestled with a stunning view of Franklin Square, this venue is consistently praised for its culinary delights. Guests rave about the "amazing" seafood options, with particular shout-outs to the "blackened salmon that was worth every penny" and the "exceptionally delicious grits." The atmosphere is matched by the vibrant and attentive service, ensuring every seafood dish is a hit. As one reviewer put it, the food is "outstanding," making The Park at 14th a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier seafood experience in the heart of the capital.

A photo of Proper 21 - F Street restaurant

8. Proper 21 - F Street

4.1

Excellent(904)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 13 times today

Proper 21, brought to DC from the New York City restaurateurs Rob Zahn and Will Strozier that own Manhattan Proper and Proper West, opened in early October 2016. Located at 1319 F Street NW, Proper 21 is a high end sports bar serving All American classics with a gourmet twist. Proper 21 is the third location of NIEUW Group Inc. Like its predecessors, located in New York City, Proper 21 serves contemporary American cuisine. The space maintains the modern aesthetic and New York style of the Manhattan locations, which have best been described as Tom Ford meets Thomas Edison. The restaurant provides the best audio & visual for sports, corporate functions, nightlife and other events. Proper 21 requests reservations be made 45 minutes in advance.

A photo of Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave. restaurant

9. Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave.

4.6

Exceptional(2410)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

Bobby Van's Grill on New York Avenue stands out as a premier destination for authentic American cuisine in Downtown Washington, DC. Renowned for its top-notch, dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood, this restaurant draws both locals and visitors who seek a sublime dining experience. The glowing reviews emphasize not only the exceptional quality of the food but also the outstanding service, with one patron noting, "BEST dining experience I ever had in DC." The restaurant's long-tenured professional staff adds to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring every meal is a memorable event. Whether it's for the "delicious and perfectly cooked" filet diablo or the "magnificent" seafood tower, Bobby Van's Grill promises an unparalleled American dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone in the capital.

A photo of Elephant & Castle - DC Pennsylvania Ave. restaurant

10. Elephant & Castle - DC Pennsylvania Ave.

4.1

Excellent(695)

Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 29 times today

Located just two blocks from the National Mall and steps from the White House, Washington Monument, and Smithsonian Museums, Elephant & Castle on Pennsylvania Avenue is your go-to British pub in D.C. Enjoy British classics like fish and chips or bangers and mash, paired with a great selection of beers. Relax on the largest patio in downtown D.C. with scenic views of Pennsylvania Avenue. Whether you're here for lunch, dinner, or a late-night spot to unwind, we've got you covered. Catch live football and soccer matches or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. Elephant & Castle Restaurant and Pub delivers the best British hospitality right in the heart of Washington, D.C.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MARILYNvip
Los Angeles •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The service and food were amazing. Our server, Oscar was particularly the best! Perfect birthday dinner celebration with my family visiting from Los Angeles and NYC.
More info
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DCPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.8
R
Rachel
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Delicious meal, great atmosphere and a great way to end a day full of touring DC! Highly recommend the pistachio halibut and Brussels sprouts 🤤
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The HamiltonPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.7
A
Amanda
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We were very pleasantly surprised with what a gem of a dining experience this was. We selected mostly on location which was very convenient to our hotel. The staff were all very attentive. We had a gluten allergy diner and they not only suggested already gluten free meals but modified a meal (mussels) to be gluten free. They even carry GF bread. All of our meals were quite good from the grilled octopus starter to the Vanilla Napoleon dessert.
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Cafe Du ParcPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French• Downtown
•
4.5
O
Omarvip
Hawaii •43 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Wow, as advertised, great host, server, manager!!!! The food we ordered was all superb!!! Crab cake to start, wife ordered the meatloaf, I had the short rib stroganoff. We had reservations and thankful we thought ahead, the 1330 lunch rush was visible on the weekend. I ordered a bloody mary, only portion of the meal which I thought lacked attention. Manager passed by the table and was very nice!!! Thank you for the Carrot cake, it was phenomenal. Highly would recommend and glad we came!!!
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Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.8
D
Delanovip
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
First time going to K+K and it was amazing. I went with my fiancee and we most certainly enjoyed ourselves. The lamb chops were amazing and so was the fried okra. I wish the mac and cheese was baked but it was still great. Definitely would go again! -Delano
More info
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DCPrice: Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown
•
4.2

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266 restaurants available nearby

1. Old Ebbitt Grill

2. The Hamilton

3. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC

4. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC

5. Cafe Du Parc

6. VUE Rooftop at Hotel Washington

7. The Park at 14th

8. Proper 21 - F Street

9. Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave.

10. Elephant & Castle - DC Pennsylvania Ave.

See what locals rave about

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