50 Best American Restaurants near Franconia

“Had a work event their in the morning and I had the Gluten Free pancakes with Dulce De Leche and bananas added to it and the Willy Wonka strawberry hot chocolate. Everything was delicious. Service was decent.Dietary restrictions: Gluten Free options“

“Delicious! Very busy during workday lunch, but staff was very kind despite it being hectic.Chill and nice atmosphere.Gender neutral restrooms.Ordered the brussel sprouts with egg, such a filling dish! The tikka sauce took it to the next level.Drink is the Hawaiian Punch, very tasty and non-alcoholic.Ordered a side of Naan, it was topped with garlic and very well cooked.I can see why this is on the 100 top DC restaurants list!“

“Exceptional dinner in a fabulous setting! Visiting from Chicago and we're completely impressed. We are foodie people and used to top-notch restaurants and this was perfection! Staff was very friendly yet professional. We ordered the family style menu and it was worth the price.“

“Had dinner before the Oh He Dead concert on Saturday December 17, 2022. We arrived a little before our seating and immediately were greeted and taken to our spots. Ian was outstanding! He was attentive, descriptive and helped create a good experience. Dan, our bartender, was magnificent. He created delectable cocktails and we also chatted along the way (we had bar seats which I highly recommend). This was very reasonably priced, we left very filled and happy. I want to give the highest possible compliments to Ian and Dan. The entire experience was perfect, largely because of the great food, but they took the experience well beyond a 1 star evening!“

“Friendly and knowledgeable staff, in a unique atmosphere. Residents has a chill vibe and a Menu that changes with the seasons. Love the small bites. Highly recommend the baby artichokes on the Summer menu! Visited in Summer and Fall of 2022… Residents never disappoints! Highly recommend.“

“We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at New Heights, as always. Great kids menu! Highly recommend tuna poke tacos, pork belly buns as appetizers and steak medallions are absolutely amazing! Cherry whiskey sour if you want something sweet, it's almost like a liquid desert. Perfect! Thank you!“

“I went without a reservation and waited for over an hour before eating. There are a lot of people. It's delicious, but not that great, but I think it's okay to eat it because it has historical significance. The raw oysters were delicious and not fishy.“

“Lovely spot in the Dupont Circle Hotel. I don't usually choose hotel restaurants but this was a perfect spot for a quiet lunch with a friend. Our server, Miguel, was fantastic - very helpful, thoughtful, and just the right amount of time spent at our table. The GM (don't have his name) was also very nice - funny and attentive from start to finish. The food was very good, I had a salad with salmon on it, and my friend had the crispy salmon lunch. Highly recommend if you need a classy, quiet spot in downtown DC.“

“Me and my husband came to the bar for a la carte dining, had an amazing time with a very personalized beverage pairing (s/o to Chris our bartender!) We'll DEFINITELY be back to do the entire tasting menu. Lovely atmosphere, not stuffy, great music, GOOD LIGHTING (hard to come by in DC) and overall stellar food. Come here for your next date night or special occasion dinner, you won't regret it!“

“The food was amazing, definitely worth visiting! Brisket, pulled chicken, Brussels sprouts, baked beans… 5/5!But why the hell you add service charge? Why don’t you just write all your business expenses in a bill?! Like, here’s $29 for the meal, 20% service, 30% rent, …I’m totally fine with leaving tips, but it should be for me to decide!“

“Came for dinner with some of my foodie friends who were in town. We got a bunch of appetizers to share. The Greek wings and the miso salad was out favorite!!The wings were crispy, hot and the dip was a great addition. The salad was super fresh and the crispy wontons on top was perfect.The queso taquitos and garlic olives were really good too. The ceviche was decent and the pork belly was really good. Everything was good and the items came out pretty quickly. We got there around 6:45 and it began to fill up after that.“

“We were celebrating a birthday, and asked for a quiet table, and we were seated in the Wine Room, and it was perfect. We shared a calamari appetizer, and had halibut and crab cakes for the entrees. We shared key lime pie for dessert, and the restaurant provided a special birthday dessert. Service was excellent, and the food was delicious.“

“You can't go wrong with Mike's American - great food - attentive service - attention to detail - friendly staff. From the moment I walk in, 'til I make my way out the door, I've never had anything less than a five-star experience on every level. It's a local treasure.“

“As a somewhat regular at the Tombs and having dined at a few of the many Clyde's Restaurants, I can honestly say that my expectations were nowhere near as high as to the level of quality that my friends and I enjoyed tonight at the 1789. In a word it was simply "AMAZING". The service was flawless, there were there when we needed them and mysteriously disappeared when we were set. Sometimes in fine dining the service staff can be hovering over us like Seagulls on the prowl at the Jersey Shore. We took our time to consume three courses and an enjoy a few libations. The dining room is intimate and inviting the fireplace was lit aglow, warm and comforting to sit by. The menu is adventurous but not contrived or so esoteric that we needed to google explanations so that we might navigate our choices. Presentations were elegant and simple with the emphasis on execution. Unlike so many trendy new places around DC seem to be awash in multiple concoctions that involve far too many syllables. The flavors were on point and the kitchen showed a prowess that must only come as a notice that it's all about the taste, the freshness and the seasonality that we find ourselves in. The New Bedford Seared Sea Scallops were delicious, plump and sweet. And the accompanying sauce just perfectly paired with the Scallops. The Escargot garlicky and salty. The only ever so slight misstep was with the Grilled Octopus, a wee tad rubbery possibly didn't poach long or slow enough to tenderize the tentacles before they were finished on the Grill. Our Entrees were all eagerly passed around the table and there was unanimous agreement that all four were perfect. We sampled the Lamb, the Halibut, Duck and the Wagu Short-ribs, whose taste and tenderness took me back to a similar experience 30 years ago at a small French Cafe in Newport. In my Humble opinion this entire experience was undoubtedly the finest meal I've ever been served in our Nations Capital. Reservations are almost always a must but trust me it is indeed worth the wait. Everyone got dessert because we were all part of the Clean Plate Club. Of particular note was the 1789 Pastry Chef's interpretation of Classic Carrot Cake. Reservations are highly recommended and be assured that you will leave with a delicious taste in your mouth and an overwhelming urge to plan your return to the "1789".“

“The food was amazing, the service was amazing, the drinks were amazing. We did the 3 course dinning option and it was worth every penny. I will def be back to try more food options and enjoy the balcony when the weather is warmer. The space is very mature and sexy.“

“EJ was incredibly nice and helpful, all the drinks were fantastic, and the atmosphere was fun and welcoming. Dan was exceptionally polite and crafted excellent drinks. Despite our large group, we were served in a timely manner and with great attention, had an amazing night!“

“We had an amazing dinning experience, especial thank you to Mohamed who was exceptionally dedicated to ensuring that our expectations were all met. Actually, everything was beyond our expectation. Everyone that we came across was very pleasant and caring. They highly value of their customers as demonstrated by their superior customer service from start to finish--a great team! Food was great as well and we even were provided small treats to take home! Anyone in the hospitality wishing to improve their customer satisfaction should learn from this great place--no one would want to go to a restaurant to eventually leave disappointed!“

“What an incredible collection of brown- 65+ pages of incredible whiskeys, bourbons and more. Multiple bottles of pappy if you're into that. I had a blast selecting (at random, but nothing disappointed!) and my friend got the flight to help guide him, which he loved.Food was fine, acceptable, but for the cool environment I would have figured higher grade in the cuisine. Admittedly the snacks/small plates were far higher quality than the main dishes so maybe the intention was to drink and small plate.Service was good, they made sure we had what we needed but I would have loved a bit more enthusiasm for such an amazing collection.Overall great experience and would go again!“

“It was our first time trying Oak in this location and overall it was good. I always have an issue with places that charge for bread, but we gave it a whirl and it was not worth the money, it was dry and unimpressive as was the crudo appetizer, which also lacked flavor but was fresh. The entree part of the meal was the shining moment with a NY strip steak cooked to perfection and accompanied by mashed potato puree and roasted carrots that were all superb. Great hand-crafted cocktails and wine also were a hit!!“

“Loved dining at Nina May’s for Easter Brunch! Made the reservation quite last minute but we were still able to snag a table for two at one of D.C’s best restaurants! We were also late on our res. due to easter traffic and finding parking around the place but the host was very accommodating and nice. We got the chef’s choice and everything was amazing! Super fresh and the flavors all worked really well together. I also got the cucumber mocktail which was really good! Our server was attentive and really went the extra mile to fix a small mishap (we got to try the amazing carrot cake, on the house!!! it was splendid!!!!). Will definitely be back since they have a seasonal menuParking: Parking is quite limited as most of the streets surrounding this restaurant are restricted/limited to zone/permit holders which seems to be a theme in D.C. Be aware and plan to arrive 15-20 minutes earlier so you have time to look without getting late. Though a host did mention there is a grocery store nearby that you could park at though!“

“I did a take out of their delicious Aloo and piyaz pakoras for our Iftari a week or so ago. The packaging was great which included a generous amount of their tasty green chutney. I glanced at their menu main items and their prices seemed high. Manager/owner and helper were polite and friendly. Great efficient service. Good restaurant atmosphere. I wish them success with their new desi restaurant.“

“This restaurant, located just below Capitol Hill, exudes a sense of being part of Washington's political history. True to its tradition, it meticulously preserves the essence of its basic menu and steak offerings, resulting in a taste devoid of any excess. It was just perfect, delivering flavors and service that uphold its true essence with the utmost dedication.“

“My husband made a reservation for my birthday dinner and the food, service and atmosphere was exceptional. Our server Francisco was top notched and very professional in detailing the menu and offering suggestions on drinks and food. A must go to when in DC, you won’t be disappointed.“

“Service was excellent, even a special attention on the menu for the Anniversary we were coming from and also a complimentary dessert with a candle. Very touching attention. Foods were great and very well presented. We just removed one start because on one of our main dishes the lamb kebab was really too salty for us but all the rest was perfect. Our alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks were excellent too. Great overall experience and we definitely recommend.“

“I really enjoyed my experiences at the The Walrus. They have fresh shucked oysters, the Wally's are the house oyster and they were very good. I think I tried every fresh oyster and there were some excellent options that I thoroughly enjoyed. I also had the lobster roll togo and it was loaded with lobsta. They crab cakes were ok, but they are not using fresh local crab meat. The service was fantastic, it's what had me return, a great experience! The great fresh oysters were also a draw for me.“

“Our party went there this evening to celebrate a couple of birthdays, and we were absolutely blown away by the fantastic service we received! Ron and Casey went so far above and beyond to make sure our experience was amazing! The food was superb, the portions were big, and the drinks were perfect! Thank you so much!! We will definitely be back!!“

“This was my first visit, a suggestion from my sister. I started with the crab hush puppies (delicious!). As an entree, I chose the creole shrimp fettuccini (very good). My server (Amy-excellent!) was attentive and engaging, which enhanced my overall experience. The whole atmosphere had a vibe that was very inclusive and fun. I will definitely return.“

“I love Great American Restaurants and can always count on Patsy's American for a perfect casual dining experience. The comfortable seating and airy space with high ceilings give us a unique experience that other restaurants don't provide. The food, drinks, and desserts are always perfect; even a simple hot fudge sundae is delicious at this restaurant. Nothing can go wrong when we dine at Patsy's American.Parking: Although the restaurant has a parking space in front of the premises, it fills up quickly. An adjacent free parking garage is available.“

“Went for dinner after visiting Smithsonians. Had an excellent meal with family. Some had breakfast, and others had burgers. Everyone said their selected meals were excellent.Pics are from baseball game at nationals Park, which was across the diner. A game was being played.“

“The extra attention br the wait staff and in-house management team was Michelin 3 Star level. Timing of food and beverage service was impeccable. One off-note was an overcooked swordfish on the "club sandwich" The skin on the fried chicken wasn't 'crisped' properly.“

“My hubby and I have been to Carlyle twice. Both times we shared the Judith Point calamari with the corn salsa. Calamari preparation can range from horribly rubbery and tasteless, to just “meh,” or to what Carlyle has done with it - fried to perfection, with complementary flavors in the sauces and corn salsa- for the win!I ordered the smoked salmon on my first visit two years ago, and because it was so tastefully prepared, I couldn’t bring myself to try another dish. It is just delicious.Hubby ordered crab cakes, along with coleslaw and shoestring fries. Crab cakes were meaty and flavorful. Sides were good.Atmosphere and service are good. I love that it’s in a walkable area, just a few blocks from the Shirlington Hilton. Give Carlyle a try!“

“Absolutely delicious cocktails and the seasonal drinks were so fun to try out! The tater tots were a tasty snack and would definitely recommend. What impressed me most was the customer service from the time we entered til we left - had a small hiccup with our reservation and the staff did everything they could to go above and beyond to make it right and I really appreciated their efforts. We had such a great time and can't wait to be back!“

“Eggs & Sushi is a hidden gem!! I've driven down Fullerton a bunch of times and just never noticed it until today. We went ahead and checked it out for breakfast since it wasn't quite lunchtime - the food taste and quality was amazing! We had a egg and cheese on a bagel, a breakfast burrito, and a smoothie.The service is fantastic, everyone working behind the counter is so friendly.The food was prepared quickly and was hot and fresh. They also offer smoothies, assorted beverages, coffee, espresso drinks, and even have beers and sake. The atmosphere is like a really cute little deli with a few tables and a sushi bar.The prices are very reasonable for the quality and portions, we're definitely planning to come back for breakfast sometime and want to try their Japanese lunch options. I'd definitely recommend checking it out!“

“We live in DelRay, Alexandria and love the food at Matt & Tony’s. The food is fabulous, the ambience is fantastic, and the staff is very accommodating.Dietary restrictions: Matt and Tony’s have a large section of vegetarian and gluten-free foods even GF bread!“

“Our waiter Julien really went above and beyond to make our dinner something truly special. The food was great, the atmosphere was enjoyable, but pretty standard for an upscale chain such as this. It's people like Julien that make the difference, he made my daughter feel like she was President of the United States. The smile he gave her, I will never forget. Julien if you read this, I wish you all the best in life, you are a treasure.“

“Sister and husband down with rehab and covid...ordered a meal delivered to them. Enough food for two meals, even the cheesecake pieces were large enough for 2 meals. More than pleased. I live in Oklahoma, appreciate being able to do this from afar“

“Eubin took excellent care of my husband and I on our visit to barmini. It was our first visit (of many more to come) and every single cocktail was mind blowing. I had originally booked a flight, only to have to change it to a la carte in order to make dinner reservations. I wish we had cancelled dinner and stayed at barmini! I cannot find enough positive words to describe this experience. Worth every single cent and more. A must visit! We will be back! (And sit at the bar. The show of every cocktail being prepared truly adds to the experience!) the cake for my birthday was a spectacular gesture as well!“

“My husband and I visit last week while we were in DC for our two year anniversary. We decided to celebrate our actual wedding date by going to The Dabney.Our first michelin star restaurant experience set the bar high. From the start, the team was quick to answer our questions and was open to having us bring in a stroller since we had a newborn with us.Our server Ryan was absolutely exceptional and phenomenal. He did all he could to make the night special for us. All of the staff shared personal stories and tidbits of information throughout the night.Everything was meticulously crafted, plated, and presented to us with pride, joy, and love. The tiniest details made the largest impact on creating an overall completeness to each dish.It was breathtaking, palate pleasing, borderline overfilling, and will be a lasting memory and true highlight of our trip.If you are debating visiting this location, do it. Book that reservation. Try something new. Create a memory. And spread the word. A place like this deserves to be experienced.“

“The Park, hands down is the place to be! Food, vibes, music, was all great! The Dj played great songs. My waitress Jess was beautiful and sweet! The food and mimosa’s did their job! Thank you for an amazing first experience, I will be back.“

“My family of four had a great time after a day working in Alexandria. Our kids really enjoyed the kids menu (pasta, grilled cheese, or chicken strips with veggies) and we loved our old fashioned and French 75s. Food was fast, waiter was very attentive. We'll definitely be back.“

“Came here for dinner with my wife. It was better than I expected. I like the variety of cuisine options. We ate the Filipino fried chicken. It was delicious, three meaty pieces. However, you may still be hungry, so may want some sides. The belgian fries with garlic aioli and truffle were nice and crispy. My wife had the Madam VP heritage bowl. That was great too. Definitely recommend and want to come back.“

“PK was excellent please recognize his extrem attention to detail and hos kind manor. He was very aware of my food likes my comfort my drink level and he didnt interupt me at all he was very positive and should be rewarded with recognition and more opportunity to train other servers and also be rewarded with monitary recognition.“

“This was my second time going but my mother's first time. I was taking her as an early Mother's Day gift and boy can I say she was very pleased with the experience. The servers are very attentive and polite. Food is constantly flowing. The food quality is top tier. It's always hot and delicious. This has easily become one of my new favorite places for brunch. We will be back.“

“Great simple food. We had the mussels, chicken wings and potstickers. The staff is friendly and manager is attentive. My daughter ordered Ceasar salad with grilled salmon but they made a mistake and served it with chicken. They apologized and asked her if she wants to eat the chicken while they cooked her salmon. Overall, great service, food and ambiance.“

“My wife and I went for Easter brunch. Food as always along with service was top notch. I like Arti's. The restaurant gives me that when I was a child (many moons ago LOL) and my Mom would take me to a cool restaurant for dinner after church type of feeling. Again food selections were great only thing was, they discontinued Chicken and Waffles on the menu. This was sort of a let down because that was the dish we had many times for Easter Brunch. When I asked the manager he explained that upper management revamped the menus throughout the Great American restaurants after the fire. I look forward to the next time my wife and I have dinner here. I hope that maybe upper management can find it in their heart to bring back the Chicken and waffles. Thanks for the good times.“

“Definitely juicy burger, the meat inside grilled to perfection and the chips soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside.Best burger I've eaten in the US so far.Very friendly and fast service and excellent value for money.The place is also really nice.Compliments!“

“My wife and I went here for a first date anniversary recently, and it was fantastic! We've been to several Michelin star restaurants around the world, and this was one of the best. The food was just amazing course after another amazing course. The level of innovation and flavor was just off the charts. The service was also impeccable, with super friendly chefs and staff. The interactive experience is something truly memorable. Special shout-out to Sean, who was super helpful to me when I was trying to figure out which cocktails to order!“

“We had 10:30 brunch reservation. The meal consists of several amazing courses. Delicious and beautiful presentations. Vegan and non-vegan members of my party enjoyed it very much. I liked how the servers paused between courses so that we didn't feel rushed. They gave us a menu in case we wanted to refer to what was being served. The servers were professional: attentive without hovering.“

“They were amazing with my milk allergy and super friendly. We never had to ask for a refill or anything; someone was there quickly to help us with whatever before we had to ask. We visited from 9.5 hours away, but will be recommending to everyone we know that’s coming this way for vacation! It was a nice little hidden gem!“

“Cute spot located very close to union station. Came in for dinner on a week night and the place was decently busy. The server was kind and attentive. For food, I had the lamb shawarma which was very tasty and actually the perfect amount of food, although the pita bread that came with was pretty dry. My friend got the lamb sliders which also looked pretty good!“