Café Berlin

Serving traditional German cuisine on Capitol Hill since 1986, Café Berlin occupies the ground floor of three joined townhouses whose front yards serve as patios for outdoor dining in warm weather. The interior features a small bar and two prettily decorated dining rooms. The chefs at Café Berlin are German, as are the owners, so the traditional dishes are authentically prepared but with a lighter touch. Changing seasonal menus feature fresh asparagus in the spring, Bavarian dishes during Oktoberfest, and wild game in the winter. Desserts are made in-house, and the extensive repertoire includes apple strudel, black forest cake, and luscious cream tortes. The bar offers a selection of imported German beers and wines as well as cocktails. Closest Metro is Union Station.

Toscana Café

Since opening in August of 2009, Toscana Café has quickly distinguished itself as one of the most friendly and affordable restaurants on Capitol Hill.  A cozy space that can only be described as “charming”, Toscana Café offers Italian food with wonderfully friendly service.  The cuisine at Toscana Café under Chef Catalani offers fresh pasta and breads, which are made daily, to lush greens and vegetables.  Take out and catering is also available.  The outdoor seating, generous portions, and decent Italian food makes Toscana Café a gathering place and an asset for Capitol Hill, serving everyone from its neighbors to the nation’s congressmen. Closest Metro is Union Station.

B. Smith's

Last date I was here: 12/14/2010

Restaurant: B. Smith’s (http://www.bsmith.com/restaurant_dc_home.php/)

Location: Union Station

Total Rating: 4
Food: 4, Price: 3, Service: 5, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 4


Summary: B. Smith's features a combination of Cajun, Creole and Southern cuisine. Located in Washington, DC's Historic Union Station, B. Smith's grand Beaux Arts style dining room with its 30-foot ceilings, period chandeliers and turn of the century elegance, has been called one of the most beautiful dining rooms in America. Specialties of the house include Swamp Thing - a mixed seafood dish over southern style greens in a mustard based seafood sauce; Grilled Lamb Chops with mint-flavored au jus; Fried Green Tomatoes and Spicy Cajun Jambalaya. In it's own separate space, the bar at B. Smith's serves as a gathering place for Washington's political movers and shakers, celebrities and people who just want to have a good time. Closest Metro Station is Union Station.

August 2007: Another trial for Restaurant Week, and the southern charm and hospitality thicken the air of B. Smith’s despite its location within the bustling train station. My entire meal was great and I would love to try this spot for brunch someday.


UPDATE: I finally went back to B. Smith's for an office luncheon. The service was pretty good for our large party of 8 and they accommodated the special requests for a black napkin for those that wanted to avoid any white lint on their pants. We enjoyed the complimentary mini corn muffins and biscuits while waiting for our orders to be taken. The lunch menu had a nice selection for everyone to choose from. We ordered a few appetizers for the table to share and they were pretty good. I enjoyed my main entree very much, although there was a mix of feelings amongst my colleagues. The portions were generous and those that ordered catfish or the famous Swamp Thang raved and devoured their meals, while others that ordered soup or the meatloaf were unsatisfied. To quote Julio, "the meat was very thready" and lacked flavor. Due to these notes, I lowered my rating overall. Regardless, the atmosphere of the restaurant within the historic train station lends to a pleasurable dining experience and there are some unique flavor profiles that B.Smith's nails on the head.

What I ate:

Fried Green Tomatoes

with goat cheese and red pepper sauce

Catfish Fingers

served with a lemon pepper tartar sauce

♥Shrimp and Crawfish Ettoufee♥

a spicy and delicious Cajun stew served over saffron rice

Smothered Fried Chicken

with corn bread dressing, baby vegetables, kale, and pearl onion gravy


♥Bourbon St. Bread Pudding♥

brioche with cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins, warm caramel crème sauce,
sugar dust, fresh crème and mint

Bistro Italiano

Last date I was here: 09/09/2010

Restaurant: Bistro Italiano

Location: Capitol Hill

Total Rating: 3.25
Food: 3, Price: 4, Service: 3, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 4

Summary: Located near Union Station in a row-house, Bistro Italiano offers the neighborhood classic Italian dishes such as lasagna and linguine with clams as well as fresh pizzas and sub sandwiches. Closest Metro is Union Station.

Keith and I went to dinner here after hearing many raves about it's food and low prices. We were seated by the window in the almost empty dining room. Most of the business came from people stopping by to either place an order to pick up or pick up one they had already called ahead for. And what were they all picking up? Pizza! Every single customer that came in to pick up, had ordered pizza. Should have been the red flag to us, but we opted for a more traditional meal. We ordered an odd appetizer to share - with a French flair, the baked brie with roasted garlic was gooey and creamy. Our server was quiet but attentive. Our entrees were the perfect size, not too big nor too small. Although I did not care for mine as much - the flavors were just a little off - Keith seemed to enjoy his. We should have gotten something with their red sauce. The overall verdict - we appreciate the attempt and the low prices but would only come back to try the lasagna and pizza.

What I ate:

Baked Brie with Roasted Garlic Bulb

served with fresh sliced warm Italian bread

Clams Vongole

served in a garlic white wine sauce over linguine

Plus Keith ate:

Fettuccine Florentine with Chicken Picata

boneless breast of chicken in an Alfredo sauce with spinach

Taqueria Nacionale

Last date I was here: 06/06/2008

Restaurant: Taqueria Nacionale

Location: Union Station

Total Rating: 3.5
Food: 3, Price: 5, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 3

Summary: Lunch is where the tacos shine. The taqueria offers beef, pork, chicken, bean and a classic Baja fish taco, each served in an individual box made of recyclable material. The chicken was underwhelming on our visit, but the pork and fish were both juicy and flavorful. They have other items on their menu and daily specials. The homemade traditional drinks are refreshing – I had the Pineapple Agua Fresca. Closest Metro is Union Station.

I expected this place to be a hole in the wall or actual taco stand, however was pleasantly surprised to find an actual eatery with fast service, colorful Mexican décor, and a few tables outside. This spot is only open Monday – Friday from 11-3pm, so it gets crowded. I walked across the street to the fountains outside the Capitol where there are benches to sit in the shade and eat my fish tacos. Although good and cheap, I would stop by if in the area, but would not go out of my way to come again.

What I ate:

Baja Fish Taco
Hunks of Alaskan Pollock with crunchy cabbage and traditional white sauce

Yucca Fries
Served with a delicious sauce

Plus Keith ate:

Chicken Taco, Beef Taco, Pork Taco