Hungry and Wonky: Where to Eat in Washington, D.C. During the Inauguration

To my mind, D.C. is bar none the prettiest major city in America and one of my absolute favorite places to visit. But the dining scene is so bad, Obama should consider appointing a Gourmet Czar to investigate the problem.

Cough, sputter, fists shaking…

Look, don’t blame me. You know I’d never besmirch the sterling reputation of a Southern city without just cause. The crumminess of the D.C. food scene is a matter of well-documented fact and certainly something I have experienced first hand. I’d elaborate on some of my more hair-raising dining adventures in D.C., which include my waiter throwing things at another waiter, but I don’t want to be sued. (Businesses are now suing people who write negative reviews on the popular website Yelp.com. So much for freedom of speech?)

BUT that doesn't mean you're going to starve. There are some awesome places in the District to tuck into a little chow. Here are my top five recommendations, suitable for stacked Republican wallets and shoestring Democrat budgets.

Best place to commemorate M.L.K. Day: Ben’s Chili Bowl
Dine where African American luminaries like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and even Martin Luther King Jr., hung out and get misty-eyed at this favorite lunch counter that survived against all odds. Order Bill Cosby’s Original Chili Half-Smoke for less than five bucks and taste history.

Best break-the-bank indulgence: Michel Richard’s Citronelle
Arguably the crown jewel of Washington’s fine-dining scene, Citronelle dishes up trompe l'oeil French morsels. Don’t miss Richard's signature dish, "the virtual egg.” This starter looks like a hard-boiled egg but is actually comprised of mozzarella and yellow tomato.

Best burger on a budget: Ray’s Hell Burger
This newcomer is making waves in the official stomping grounds of the over-hyped Five Guys Burgers with its purist approach to an all-American classic. The mantra is: no fries, no ambiance, just great burgers made of steak-quality beef. Carnivores can adorn their selections with inventive toppings like epoisse, foie gras, and cognac-sauteed mushrooms, in addition to the old standbys.

Best Southern/Belgian food: Marvin
The Washington Post has reviewed a whopping 44 restaurants that serve Southern/Soul food but this upstart, named after D.C. native Marvin Gaye, is quickly rising to the top of the heap. Though Marvin also offers Belgian food and brews, the Southern fare is mighty satisfying. Get the chicken and waffles, take in the view from the rooftop deck, and remember there ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby.

Best bar food: Dr. Granville Moore’s
This relatively new gastropub is located in the up-and-coming H Street Corridor and has the feel of a Manhattan speakeasy. Don’t miss the Moules Mariniere, voted the best mussels in the District by CityPaper, and be sure to dive headfirst into their exhaustive Belgian beer selection.


Want more advice?
Download a foodie Washington, D.C. iPhone App
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Wish you were heading to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration? Well, technically it’s not too late, thanks to the modern miracle of last-minute packages. In fact if you’re willing to leave in just a few hours, a Flight + Hotel package from Dallas will only set you back approximately $450. I guess procrastination actually does pay--sorry, Mom!