Washington, D.C. is the place to be and be seen next week as President Barack Obama is sworn in for his second term. An estimated 800,000 people are supposed to attend the ceremony where they will watch artists like Usher perform and Beyonce sing the national anthem. After the ceremony what will all those Democrats do? LOL, find some place to eat! This Travel Tuesday we are here to help provide some suggestions with our top 5 places to eat during inauguration week!
1. Eatonville
Our top 5 restaurants are all famous D.C. landmarks in their own right.The first is somewhat young, it opened in 2009 and was inspired by Zora Neale Hurston. Eatonville is named after her hometown and the focal point of her most famous work “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” If you’re a fan of the author and love great food, Eatonville is a must visit while in town. Fan favorites include: catfish and grits with collard greens, the honey cornbread muffins,and the Eatonville Po Boy. The classic mac and cheese side dish is absolutely delicious! Vegetarian and vegan menu options are also available. Don’t forget to have a fabulous sweet tea or flavored lemonade with your catfish and grits. Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling 202-332-ZORA. Visit them online to view the complete menu.
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2. Busboys and Poets
Eatonville is directly across from another popular D.C. night spot and is owned by the same restauranteur, Andy Shallal. Busboys and Poets was named after famed poet Langston Hughes who worked as a busboy before becoming a famous poet. It is the place for author readings, book signings, and poetry readings. Celebs like Melanie Fiona, Alice Walker, Sonia Sanchez, and Anthony Bourdain are fans of ‘Busboys and Poets. While listening to your favorite author, dine on popular dishes like the shrimp and crab fritters, their famous fried chicken, and for dessert you must try the white chocolate bread pudding with coconut ice cream. There are four locations. Visit their website for the complete menu, hours, location, and event information.
3. B. Smith’s
If you happen to be staying at the George Hotel for inauguration week, head over to Union Station and enjoy a little Cajun, Creole, and southern cuisine at the fabulous B. Smith’s! You’ll be dining in what has been called one of the country’s most beautiful dining rooms. Your only dilemma will be choosing between the grilled lamb chops with mint flavored au jus, the spicy Cajun jambalaya or the ‘Swamp Thang.’ The ‘Swamp Thang’ is a wonderful plate of sautéed shrimp, scallops, and crawfish in Dijon cream sauce with collard greens. Don’t be surprised if B. Smith herself stops by your table just to say hello. Reservations are strongly suggested. Visit their website or call 202-289-6188 to make your reservations.
4. Georgia Brown’s
The next restaurant in our top 5 just happens to be President Bill Clinton’s favorite soul food restaurant. Georgia (In my best Ray Charles voice…LOL)! Georgia Brown’s is the restaurant that D.C. power brokers flock to for traditional low country soul food. They are famous for their fried green tomatoes, crab cake appetizer, deviled egg appetizer, homemade ice cream, and the Charleston She Crab Soup. People mainly visit Georgia Brown’s for their buttermilk fried chicken! Reservations are strongly recommended. To make your reservations please call 202-393-4499 or use the Open Table app. Parking is at a premium so take advantage of the $8 valet parking.
5. Ben’s Chili Bowl
We couldn’t recommend places to eat in D.C. without mentioning one of D.C.’s most famous eateries. Ben’s Chili Bowl is a D.C. icon with everyone from Bill Cosby to President Obama stopping by for lunch. President Obama visited Ben’s before his first inauguration and enjoyed one of their famous chili dogs with shredded cheddar cheese on top and a side of fabulous fries. Other fan favorites include: the chili half smoke, bowl of chili con carne, and the famous chili fries. For more information, please visit their website.
BMWK, do you have any favorite D.C. restaurants?