Where to dine and drink: birthday dinner in DC
From a local getaway to a casual bar, here are places to celebrate in Washington.
Celebrating a birthday can be an excuse to really indulge and treat yourself, but you can also enjoy a fantastic meal and jovial experience for less of a price tag. Here are some options in all categories.
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The Inn at Little Washington will always be my go-to recommendation when searching for total luxury. We have celebrated two occasions there: a mutual Christmas present & my 30th birthday. It is very expensive, but it stays at the top of our list for the best meal, service, and experience we have ever had. Located just over an hour from DC, you can drive out just for dinner, or really ball out and spend the night (it’s worth it!). Nothing says celebration like treating yourself to a stay at a five star inn and indulging in a three Michelin star meal.
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It wouldn’t be a proper DC dining list without a mention of Jose Andres; and it wouldn’t be a celebratory occasion list without a mention of minbar. We celebrated a friend’s 20th wedding anniversary here and were absolutely blown away. It is both formal and intimate, but so dang fun (we drank more than I’d like to admit and had a blast watching all of the Chefs dance while they plated).
Yet another Christmas dinner was spent at Pineapple and Pearls, and though this was more than three years ago, I still think about each dish. It feels so DC and very festive just to be in Capitol Hill. Rose’s Luxury introduced me to the world of fine dining and I’ll always have a soft spot for their endeavors.
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If you’re looking for white glove service, check out the new L’avante Garde. I haven’t been able to stop talking about it since we went in January and my only critique is that they don’t do a full menu at the bar. The food was next level and the service was so attentive. I beg you, please get the chicken. We never, ever order chicken out but this really blew our minds.
Nothing says birthday like a champagne and caviar bar. Apero is high up on the pricey list because it’s specialties are naturally things that are not a lot of bang for your buck (think: caviar, foie gras, etc.). If you can justify the high spend for the low ROI, you will be rewarded by a beautifully sexy restaurant and perfect ambiance.
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I won’t torture my readers by droning on about Astoria yet again, but if you’re searching for a total vibe & baller meal, look no further. My only add: reservations are hard to come by and the walk-in line starts forming 20 minutes before opening. Just something to keep in mind to help avoid a disappointing birthday. Put your name in and grab a drink somewhere on the block!
Tail Up Goat is the first place I recommend to anyone looking for an amazing dinner in DC. One Michelin start, zero pretension. World class sommelier, no intimidation. Perfectly creative dishes, leave with a full stomach. It’s the perfect restaurant. If you love caviar but skipped Apero, get the caviar plate here. I dream about those potatoes.
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For something indulgent that isn’t too over the top, Salt Line is my go-to. One of my most favorite meals is a cocktail, some wine, raw oysters and a burger and fries. Maybe even a seafood tower, but definitely some oyster shooters. Plus, being on the water is always a fun treat for a special day.
I’m torn between my next two recs, so I’ll offer both. Iron Gate (where we got married!) has one of the best venues in the city and offers the choice of a la carte or prix fixe. Red Hen is, by now, a DC staple and would be a fun place to hit for a birthday since the Bidens just ate there.