Hours for Pubs/ Liquor Store Purchases in MD, DC, and VA

Posted on January 6, 2012 by lrosan

Whether you are out on the town, or looking for a quick place to grab your favorite drink, DC is the place help make that difficult. With hours varying for types of alcohol you may purchase at certain times, and depending on which of the state you may be at in the DMV area, it can get confusing.

District of Columbia: Bars/Restaurants – Can serve alcohol Mon-Thur (8am-2am) Fri-Sat (8am-3am) and Sun (10am-2am). Liquor Stores/Supermarkets may sell from 9am-10pm 7 days a week but Liquor Stores are closed on Sundays.

Virginia: Bars/Restaurants- 7 days a week from 6am-2am Liquor Stores/Supermarkets Every day from 6-12am.

Note: in both Virginia and Washington DC, Distilled Liquor is only sold at “Liquor stores” and not supermarkets.

Maryland: Maryland is a complicated state where as each county has their own set of laws which vary greatly. If you are in Maryland, I would recommend to contact a location in the area you plan to visit to get the most updated information.

Joseph, Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Amazing Bed and Breakfast in the heart of Washington DC. We are located within a short walk from the Washington Hilton Hotel, 10 minutes walk to Dupont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile NW of the White House

Have you tried the food at Eatonville in DC?

Posted on December 7, 2011 by lrosan

The U st Corridor is historically famous for their local eatery spots. I came across one restaurant that reminded me of my southern roots. Eatonville is located at 2121 14th st NW, Washington, DC 20010. The atmosphere is low-key, eclectic and inviting where tea comes served in mason jars. The menu is a modern twist on southern classics like “fried green tomatoes”. I recommend the duck salad and a house favorite for all, baked macaroni and cheese. To my delight the duck was perfectly cooked, seasoned well and sliced thick enough to complement the fresh wild lettuce. The mac and cheese was a great addition to the duck. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a good bite to eat on U st.

Tamara, Innkeeper

The Hill Country Barbecue Restaurant

Posted on November 14, 2011 by lrosan

Finally some a good Texan BBQ in Washington DC! Located in Penn Quarter, the Hill Country serves a wide selection of “authentic” Texas barbecue, ranging from sausages, to beef ribs, and, of course, brisket (amazing by the way).

The all concept is something new in the Nation Capital: you go to a counter, order meat by weight, and then get your sides cafeteria style at another counter. Waiters buzz around the long picnic tables in the main dining room, re-filling your water and bringing your beers.

The must try it’s their barbecued brisket, which is tender and smoky and I find the Kreuz sausages to be fairly good and flavorful ( with the barbecue sauce it’s even better!) The ribs were the weakest part of meat selection: the taste was okay but nothing to write home about. There sides are wonderful, the chili, pinto beans, coleslaw, and cornbread are my favorites.

The service was friendly, but certainly not attentive… its a serve yourself place, so I didn’t expect much, it took our waiter quite a while to come clear away our paper (they wrap the meat in huge pieces of brown paper before they give it to you).

In sum, if you are craving smoked meats, this is where you need to go!

Jonathan, Innkeeper

DC Coffee Houses

Posted on November 4, 2011 by lrosan

Washingtonians have discriminating taste concerning all matters of the palate, and a cup of coffee is no exception. Amongst the Starbuck’s located at every corner are some independent coffee houses that keep some of Washington’s most discriminating coffee drinkers happy!

Tryst
Tryst is an Adams Morgans neighborhood favorite, a coffee house/bar and neighborhood hangout. This coffee house boasts comfy sofa seating, and some large communal tables to enjoy. They offer a selection of fair trade roasts from around the globe, as well as a nice selection of teas. Besides their caffeinated offerings, the have a menu of snack-ables and small plates. They are open late, have live music and the occasional comedy show, and serve alcoholic beverages as well.

Big Bear Cafe
Big Bear Cafe is located in the Bloomingdale neighborhood of Washington, DC. There serve Counter Culture Roasts and offer individual French Presses. They have communal seating, coaches and large tables and offer pastries and small plates. They also serve bear and wine. Their is outdoor seating as well as a garden to enjoy during the summer months.

Sova
Sova is an Espresso and Wine Bar located in the bustling H Street corridor in the NE quadrant of Washington, DC. There is communal seating, but mostly nestled and quiet areas perfect for reading or a private conversations. In the evenings the bar opens and up, and they offer half-price wine during happy hour.

So there you have it. Some of the most popular coffee houses in Washington.

Enjoy!
Alexis, Innkeeper

Restaurant Review: Bus Boys & Poets

Posted on November 2, 2011 by lrosan

Bus Boys and Poets is a local institution. Whether you choose to have a cup of good coffee alone, lunch or brunch with friends, dinner, a late night snack or expertly mixed cocktail, Bus Boys & Poets has it all covered. There are two locations for this local favorite. There is one locatio at 5th and K Streets, but the flag ship location is located at the corner of 14th and V Streets. The chairs are comfy, the decor warm and inviting, and the food is friendly to the carnivore or vegetarian alike. The prices for meals and beverages varies, but a dinner with a drinks averages $35. Please see the menu for details. There also performances and events that take place through out the week. They are known for being the venue for spoken word poetry in the district.

The flag ship and most popular location of Bus Boys & Poets is located just off of the bustling U Street corridor, accessible by U Street/Cardozo metro station serviced by the green and yellow line, as well as several metro bus lines. Please visit wmata for additional travel information.

Enjoy!
Alexis, Innkeeper

Restaurant Review: Dino

Posted on September 21, 2011 by lrosan

Dino is a rustic style Italian restaurant, located in the bustling Cleveland Park neighborhood of Washington, DC. The restaurant prides themselves on using locally, ethical and hormone free produce and meats. The offer great specials and prix fixe menus. My experience at Dino was during restaurant week. Their offerings were by far the best deal during restaurant week. They offer half and full size portions, and sharing is absolutely allowed. To start with I had a mixed greens salad with a lovely shallot and citrus dressing. For the main course I had their ”Cinghiale“, homemade pappardelle pasta tossed with a ragu of wild boar, pork belly, currants, golden raisins, tomato, red wine and grana cheese. It was complex, savory and slightly sweet, and the pasta was cooked perfectly. To finish up the meal I ordered from their ”Dolci” menu, I had the Sorbetti Fatti in Casa. Fresh Sorbets infused with spirits and fresh seasonal fruit. A refreshing way to finish the meal!

Dino is located at 3435 Connecticut Avenue NW, at the SE corner of Ordway and Connecticut Streets. Dino is accessible by the Cleveland Park metro station serviced by the red line. You should expect to spend $39+ for dinner. This is the starting price for their prix fixe 3 course menu.

Enjoy!
Alexis , Innkeeper

American Guest House Bed and Breakfast
Washington DC’s friendliest Bed and Breakfast accommodations. We are located across from the Washington Hilton Hotel, 10 minutes walk to Dupont Circle metro/subway, 1 mile north west of the White House

Restaurant Review: The Diner

Posted on September 17, 2011 by lrosan

Are you in the mood for breakfast in the afternoon? Perhaps afternoon is breakfast time for you. Well if this is the case, or you want an all American style burger with a side of tater-tots, The Diner is the place for you. They offer filling fare for even the frugal man’s budget! The menu includes ”adult milkshakes” in flavors inspired by favorites like Good Humor’s“creamsicle” bar, with a grown-up twist. If you enjoy a Croque Madame, then you’ll love the “Croque and Dagger”. A decadent interpretation of the original. Two eggs over easy on french bread, with your choice of bacon or ham drowned in creamy bechamel sauce and gruyere cheese. The “Black and Blue Burger” is a personal favorite. An all beef burger blackened with cajun seasonings, topped with blue cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion on a toasted potato bun. The coffee is also great, and they have a full bar!

The Diner is located in the heart of Adams Morgan at 2453 18th Street NW, just past the intersection of Columbia Road and 18th Street. You should expect to spend $10+ for a meal here. This restaurant is a local hot spot, and they stay open late!

Enjoy!
Alexis, Innkeeper

Restaurant Review:The Regent Thai

Posted on September 16, 2011 by lrosan

The Regent Thai in my humble opinion is on of the best Thai restaurant in Washington, DC, and I have been to many. The Regent Thai offers fresh authentic traditional Thai dishes. If you would like to enjoy a truly spicy dinner ask for it to be prepared “Thai Hot”! It will surely heat up your taste buds as well as your body temperature.

I have eaten at Regent Thai several times. My favorites include the Green Curry, with your choice of protein served with a medley of Thai vegetable including small “oriental” green eggplant. I rarely order pad Thai, but the regent’s sauce is a lovely blend of slightly sweet and savory. The sizzling beef platter is delicious, and served on a sizzling platter, another spicy dish. My favorite items are the Thai basil fried rice with shrimp, the curry puffs very similar to an empanada, but filled with potatoes, herbs and spices, the crust has the subtle flavor of coconut milk. I have tried every noodle dish on the menu, the panangs, salads and enjoyed them all! One thing I have not tried is dessert, I am usually too stuffed. Many of our guests have enjoyed dinner or lunch at our favorite Thai restaurant and have reported that their homemade ice creams and the Baked Rice Pudding-Thai Style are divine! They also offer very nice wine list to pair with your meal. The service is excellent, and the Asian inspired decor is both beautiful and soothing. Perfect for casual dining.

The Regent Thai is located at 1910 18th Street on the border of the Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle neighborhoods. This a great place to get your Friday or Saturday evening started. After dinner you can head up the hill on 18th Street and check out the night life in Adams Morgan! You should expect to spend $35+ if you are having a dinner with all the trimmings and wine/cocktail. They also offer a lunch menu during the weekdays. Please try this neighborhood favorite when visiting DC!

Enjoy!
Alexis, Innkeeper

Restaurant Review: Cashion’s Eat Place

Posted on September 15, 2011 by lrosan

The Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle neighborhoods are filled with a variety of restaurants from casual to fine dining and any sort of ethnic cuisine you can think of. Cashion’s Eat Place offers a menu of American Fusion food . They offer dinner, brunch and an “after dark” menu. The latter menu consists of old pub favorites with a bit of a twist. The menu changes seasonally, so the ingredients comprising your meal are at their peak for the season.

My personal experience at Cashion’s was during their weekend brunch. The make classic breakfast items and put a special Cashion’s spin on them. I enjoyed the “Sammy’s Scrapple” with biscuits a poached egg(my request, typically served with scrambled eggs) with white gravy and country potatoes. This was not your typical factory processed scrapple. The ingredients tasted fresh, and the combination of herbs was superior. The biscuit was flaky and buttery and the classic white gravy had just the right amount of richness and texture as opposed to the heaviness of it’s southern prototype. My friend enjoyed the “Sarah’s Cornmeal Waffle” with pecan butter and berries, and of course I had to try a bit. The texture of the cornmeal waffle was light and not dense as you would think with such a heavy flour, and the nuttiness of the pecan butter was the perfect compliment to the natural sweetness of the corn waffle. Paired with mimosas, this meal was the ideal way to spend an early Sunday afternoon. The decor is sleek and contemporary yet warm. I would feel comfortable wearing a cocktail dress or a pair of jeans to this restaurant.

Cashion’s Eat Place is located at 1819 Columbia Rd, just past the intersection of 18th Street and Columbia Road in the heart of Adam’s Morgan. You should expect to spend $75+ per person for dinner, dessert and a cocktail if you wish. If you are having brunch expect to spend $20+. The atmosphere is great and so is the food. I highly suggest you dine here!

Enjoy!
Alexis, Innkeeper

Heritage India

Posted on September 14, 2011 by lrosan

If you are looking for a good Indian restaurant in Dupont Circle while you stay with us at the Guest House, you should try Heritage India located at 1337 Connecticut Ave NW (after the circle). The restaurant was selected by the Washingtonian as one of the “100 Very Best Restaurants”.

For lunch, the restaurant proposes a Buffet which is reasonable and has a lot of selection for meat eaters and vegetarians. Majority of the top Indian dishes are on the buffet: chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, saag paneer, lamb… The meat was very tender and the sauces were just perfect in flavor and not that spicy. The naan (flat bread) warm and fresh was definitely a plus! For vegetarians, the buffet as a good variety of salad and dessert with fresh fruit.

The best time is during the Happy Hours: the drinks and food are pretty cheap. If you want to just go somewhere after work with some colleagues (for example) and enjoy without paying a ton of money this is the place to go!

For sure I will go back to Heritage India and next time I may go for dinner…

Jonathan, Innkeeper