Anniversary Dinner Recommendation in DC or Annapolis area?

[ohyouknow]

My husband and I hit our 10-year anniversary in a couple weeks. It's on a Thursday night. We've lived in DC for a few years and have tried quite a few restaurants - Komi, Founding Farmers, Cedar, Boundary Road, Zaytinya, Oyamel, Little Serow, and a few more that are more "known" in the community.

Does anyone have a recommendation for someplace that might be interesting, perhaps a view or patio, good cocktails, delicious food? We aren't looking for something ahmazing - just something that will be good conversation, and not a lot of hassle in regards to reservations, etc. We value something low-stress over something that I need to make reservations a month in advance, or park 6 blocks away, if that makes any sense. Alexandria and DC are both convenient. We would be willing to drive to Annapolis or Baltimore for something awesome on a patio/water.

Anybody have an experience at a restaurant around here that really stands out?

[mmp]

I'm loving the Point Grille in Arnold, lately. Not sure if it's worth the haul to Annapolis. Maybe Carroll's Creek?

[chickens987]

litasail is kind of a DC restaurant expert chia too!

[rubytue]

Downtown Annapolis doesn't have much overlooking the water. For my birthday, we usually go to Pussers, which does have dockside dining, then walk over to Sofi's Crepes for dessert. But that's not on the scale of Komi, etc. just decent food (yummy mussels!) and a great view along ego alley. There are a few other waterfront places along spa creek, like Carrol's Creek.

Baltimore's Inner Harbor doesn't really have much unique on the water either. McCormick and Schmicks has great view and outdoor seating in nice weather. Phillips, Hard Rock, and Dicks have dock bars on the water, but... yeah. I can't in good conscious suggest even Phillips lol A lot of the places in Harbor East have water views. Canton or Fells Point is a better bet, but we don't ever go there.

[winnied]

I second Le Diplomate. It can't hurt to make a reservation, or try to at least. I loved the atmosphere and and I didn't think it was hard to get to.

[VillainV]

I was going to suggest the Inn at Little Washington. but that's probably a little further than you want to travel. But I've heard it's to die for. Might be worth considering for a different occasion though.

[beachygal]

We've fallen in love with Bourbon Steaks in Georgetown. I'm not sure if it's the perfect fit given your criteria (you'd have to valet your car, and there isn't outdoor seating), but you could walk over to the Georgetown Waterfront before or after dinner and enjoy the view there.

[Deleted]

Jul 13, 2014 14:44:27 GMT -5 beachygal said:

We've fallen in love with Bourbon Steaks in Georgetown. I'm not sure if it's the perfect fit given your criteria (you'd have to valet your car, and there isn't outdoor seating), but you could walk over to the Georgetown Waterfront before or after dinner and enjoy the view there.

I was just going to recommend this.  It is one of my favorites for a special occasion.

Another good option is 1789, though it has a very different vibe.  Have fun!

[ohyouknow]

Thank you for all the recommendations! I just made a reservation at Le Diplomate!
I've added a few more to my list of to-do's also!

[tacokick]

Thames St Oyster House in Baltimore is fabulous and on the water

[lasagnasshole]

I just ate at Le Diplomate last night. Delicious. Do not get the fois gras. It's good but an INSANE amount of fois gras. The corn soup is on the menu.

Bernaise in Capitol Hill is steak and frites and is supposed to be excellent.

We did the tasting menu at Rasika for out anniversary and it was in the top three meals I've ever eaten.

[katb]

Our newest little gem is called Lures. It may actually be in Crownsville, which is very close to Annapolis. They have about 1934334535234x different craft beers. Amazing scallops, amazing shrimp and grits, and an awesome burger. You will have to make a reservation but as long as you call the night before, you should be good. They have a new bar side but also a wonderful patio with twinkling lights and sometimes live music if you get there later (I think 9 on the weekends)

[litasail]

Jul 13, 2014 12:36:17 GMT -5 chickens987 said:

litasail is kind of a DC restaurant expert chia too!

Aww, thanks!

Sorry I didn't make it to the post in time to give a recc, but Le Dip is a great choice. I'm also a huge fan of Fiola and Rogue 24 (sounds like that may be more than you want). And Barmini is a really fun place to start your night. Have fun!

[WhatYouSee]

Jul 13, 2014 13:52:05 GMT -5 VillainV said:

I was going to suggest the Inn at Little Washington. but that's probably a little further than you want to travel. But I've heard it's to die for. Might be worth considering for a different occasion though.

I second this suggestion.  We just went for our 10th last month and it was wonderful!

[chia]

Jul 13, 2014 21:33:50 GMT -5 litasail said:

Jul 13, 2014 12:36:17 GMT -5 chickens987 said:

litasail is kind of a DC restaurant expert chia too!

Aww, thanks!

Sorry I didn't make it to the post in time to give a recc, but Le Dip is a great choice. I'm also a huge fan of Fiola and Rogue 24 (sounds like that may be more than you want). And Barmini is a really fun place to start your night. Have fun!

We went to Le Dip for our anniversary a few weeks ago, and it was really, really yummy.
We didn't have a reservation, even though it was a Monday night it was still very busy.  But, we got there early enough to get a spot at the bar (and it was pretty much like a table, because we were able to sit across from each other).

We got street parking on Kingman Pl. (parallel to 14th, but a block East), right across the street from the Boys & Girls Club.  I think we hit it at a good time, because the restricted parking ends at 6 or 6:30 on weekdays.  There were several spots on that street, and it was only a block or two away.

Even though @angryharpy said no foie gras - I loved it.  The escargot was good, too.
My beef bourginoun was really good - but, it was a little too heavy for me on a summer night (especially when eating all of the other stuff).  

I really wanted to go to Rogue 24, but they're closed on Mondays.  OVerall, I was really happy we went to LD, though!  AFterwards, we went up the street a bit to buy a bottle of sparkling wine at Batch 13.  They had SO MUCH more choice of yummy liqours than the MoCo run stores!

[chia]

And, goddamn, I can't spell! sorry. LOL

[lasagnasshole]

Oh, I really liked the foie gras, chia. It was just a comical amount. I felt guilty sending 90 percent of it back, but we'd already ordered a cheese plate and still had entrees coming. I would have exploded if I'd eaten more of it.

[chia]

Jul 14, 2014 11:18:26 GMT -5 lasagnasshole said:

Oh, I really liked the foie gras, chia. It was just a comical amount. I felt guilty sending 90 percent of it back, but we'd already ordered a cheese plate and still had entrees coming. I would have exploded if I'd eaten more of it.

I took it home.  LOL.
I have no shame in asking for a take out box.  Even for foie gras.  
I took home some of my beef, too.
I guess that's why I got like 40% when I took the "Are you a redneck?" quiz on FB.  LOLOLOL!

[lasagnasshole]

Jul 14, 2014 11:20:22 GMT -5 chia said:

Jul 14, 2014 11:18:26 GMT -5 lasagnasshole said:

Oh, I really liked the foie gras, chia. It was just a comical amount. I felt guilty sending 90 percent of it back, but we'd already ordered a cheese plate and still had entrees coming. I would have exploded if I'd eaten more of it.

I took it home.  LOL.
I have no shame in asking for a take out box.  Even for foie gras.  
I took home some of my beef, too.
I guess that's why I got like 40% when I took the "Are you a redneck?" quiz on FB.  LOLOLOL!

Oh, I brought home half my entree to leave room for dessert. I am not opposed to to-go boxes - Rasika boxed up our leftovers, which I ate for breakfast the next day (including literally licking my plate).

But the foie gras was so rich that I couldn't see myself eating it the next day. As it was, my stomach was a little rough Sunday morning from the richness. I guess I wouldn't tell someone not to get it but would just warn that it's REALLY rich and to be prepared for that.