Founding Farmers problem

I visit DC once a year, and always arrange to meet friends at FF. Last year the service and food were abominable, to the point that, when they offered to comp one of the four meals, I had to say "that is not enough". So they comped two.

Was it just an off day? Should I go back? Is there another place very nearby that I should try instead? I need a place where I can make reliable reservations for a party of six.