Where are some good, sit-down, mid-priced weekday lunch options on the hill? Ethnic is okay, although preferably nothing overly exotic as I'm not sure of my dining companion's tastes.
cookiegirl
Jul 17, 2008 06:26PM
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CHOW Pick, posted October 10, 2008
Media (including Grinder), posted October 10, 2008
Wine and Drinks, posted October 09, 2008
diner? Tune Inn! support your local dive! or Jimmy T's.
not exactly "sit-down" (you can sit, just self-serve at the counter) but Tortilla does serve good pupusa.
which side of the Hill - House or Senate?
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My favorite lunch spot on the Hill is Le Bon Cafe. It's a cute little French-inspired cafe that serves great sandwiches, salads, paninis, coffee, and pastries. My personal favorite is the Provencal tuna sandwich (they also have it in a great salad with a herb dressing) and the lavender lemonade. If I really feel like spoiling myself, I get their yummy Pain au Chocolat.
Closer to Eastern Market is a good thai place called Old Siam (on 8th St). Also on 8th St. is the Belgian restaurant Belgan Cafe. Both restaurants have outdoor seating, which is nice in the summer time.
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Elyssa - dummy up, you're gonna price us out unless the whole thing tanks.
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Huh? Cookiegirl said mid-priced...aren't the places I mentioned above mid-priced? I would have recommended Market Lunch but she seemed to want a legitimate sit down.
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I'm guessing hill food is funning on you! In other words, if you tell everyone about the hidden gems (Le Bon), they'll become too popular, prices will go up and they won't be hidden gems any more. Keep the good stuff for the local working stiffs!
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Ohhhh gotcha. I'm pretty sure Le Bon will remain affordable and hidden with Spike doing his thing around the block :)
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yeah dcandoh is on to my BS.
sorry I threw you E.
hey Matchbox's doors were open the other day - rough shell looks finished, but floors wait final pour (much less HVAC and other mech work).
(edit) for proper sit-down on the SE side of the Hill, Belga, Montmartre and Locanda are prob. the nicest. Mid-range? dunno.
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No problem :) I thought you were kidding but mostly was confused with the phrasing lol.
There's been a lot of action at Matchbox over the past 2 months. But not sure how far along it is because the place currently looks like a hole, has a ton of work to go. But they are in there every day which is exciting. It will be a nice addition to the neighborhood (hopefully they will be open for lunch when I am there).
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yeah I think the "anticipated" August opening is just a tad optimistic.
my money is on October.
but who knows, maybe they have contractors that actually show up when they say they will.
(edit) you moving jobs E? you've had a good take on the neighborhood places.
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I've worked in that neighborhood for 4 years (and have seen a lot of 8th St change before my eyes) so I certainly have tried most of the more affordable spots for lunch. (Have yet to go to Montarmarte or Locanda, but those aren't really affordable for lunch for me).
I would love to try a new neighborhood for lunch (and therefore a new job. lol) but not sure if that will be happening soon.
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been living in the 'hood since 2000. many changes.
oddly more interesting than outsiders would consider.
just how does one react to "yeah I hear it's more white than Virginia now" (an actual statement at a job interview about a year ago)
hmmm.
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Sorry the Belgian restaurant is actually called BELGA Cafe.
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is bistro bis in the price range? http://www.bistrobis.com/index1.html
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Thanks for the suggestions! Bistro Bis is a little high, but might be okay. I think I may end up going with Le Bon Cafe.
I love Market Lunch and dive bars, but they're not what I'm looking for for this particular occasion.
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I usually go to Aatish on PA Avenue to meet friends, as they have a reasonably priced buffet at lunchtime. It's Indian/Pakistani food. Nothing fancy, but pretty good and most importantly, not expensive!
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Aatish ain't bad at all, just sadly chromatically challenged.
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Just wanted to report back. Thanks for the great suggestion of Le Bon Cafe. My lunch companion and I enjoyed it very much. The lavender lemonade is fantastic! I had the roasted chicken and he had the ham, both of which were very good and we both really enjoyed the potato salad. I'll definitely be back, but I won't spread the word too far!
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I'm glad you liked it. I eat there almost every Monday before a meeting on the Hill and I always look forward to it. Such a cute little place with good sandwiches.
Next time you go try their pain au chocolat.
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