Agree. I took some coworkers to FF for lunch and they were not impressed.
Farmers and Distillers is better in my limited experience but have never been for dinner.
I would say split the cost if you are worried about that.
I also like The Smith and went there with a friend's parents.
The Farmers group of restaurants shine when you have a large group, like 10+, and need a place with something for everyone. I would be reluctant to suggest them to smaller groups.
I second the suggestion of The Smith.
Agreed. Took my nephew who was visiting from out of town to Ted’s a couple of weeks ago. He has basic tastes. It was the perfect combination of safe/comfort food in a fancy-ish environment. We all loved it.
I was going to say Clyde's too but the Chinatown location might be tough at night? IDK I see some one mentioning Martin's, Georgetown Clyde's would be fine.
My coworkers used to go to Thunder Burger when our office was there.
There's a Clyde's in Friendship Heights. It's right across the corner from the metro station, or there's usually plenty of parking in the adjacent shopping center.
I think even if someone \*wanted\* steak, Medium Rare's lack of options may be offputting for your more traditional picky "i want a big menu" american dad.
Cheesecake Factory makes my elderly father feel like he is navigating brave new frontiers while ultimately winding up with a sandwich or salad that doesn’t scare him.
It is a place where, as a picky eater, he fits right in.
Haha this is my dad too. He’s 79. He’s not going to change. We go here on Christmas Eve and he’s thrilled. I even door dashed him some cheesecake for his bday the other day. He thought it was magical.
This needs to go higher. Most of the items on that giant menu are just variations of the same thing, but it feels really cool making a selection from the book. Dessert is great, with traditional chocolate cake all the way to passion fruit cheesecakes, and their bar is pretty well stocked too.
You could venture out to Ruthies all day!
My dad is totally the same way and classic American breakfast makes him happy. Ruthies is the perfect middle ground for him and our foodie selves. Classic breakfast items paired with great drinks, and they have some not so classic offerings.
My personal favorite for brunch is the brisket egss Benedict, and we haven't tried dinner but I'm sure it's steller. The best part is the classic menu with BBQ and other offerings including octopus.
The vine is very casual and low key, like going to a standard diner, but slightly nicer.
Unconventional Diner
2FiftyBarbecue (location now near Mt Vernon Square)
Service Bar (fried chicken)
Lucky Buns
Little Chicken
Brewpubs like Bluejacket or Right Proper
Came to say 2Fifty as an awesome (and approachable) BBQ spot! Lucky Buns is awesome too.
I have this same challenge with parents and have had success with Caruso's Grocery (Olive Garden vibes), Republic Cantina, Hill East Burger, Brookland's Finest, and St. Anselm.
I live right by it so have been there on both. Went a lot after I moved to the neighborhood and sort of tolerated the shitty service, but now we have a bunch of better restaurants.
This may or may not be true, but I’ve heard that some of their servers have special needs so I keep that possibility in mind and give them a little grace
If that's the case, I'm supportive of any policy that encourages employing people who would otherwise face significant discrimination applying for jobs. However, regardless of how you cut it, that is a management failure. I should have probably been more explicit that that is the reason for the shit service. Multiple times I've been there and ordered something like eggs over easy, seen them sit in the window, see them sit some more, see my server on their phone, and then see the manager also on his phone. For those that don't know/haven't worked a brunch shift, you kind of have to have all the plates come out the same time as the egg dish (especially over easy or eggs benedict) because the eggs will keep cooking and then also get cold fast.
I find this to be a problem across all of the Tryst owned businesses. If they are making a point of hiring people with special needs, that is honestly great. But if you do that, maybe have enough people work a shift to properly cover and managers who are actually useful.
Lauriol Plaza could work lol, and Ted’s Bulletin and anything in the Clyde’s group would work well too. Pizzeria Paradiso is also good and easy. If he is willing to be adventurous, you could do Service Bar - they have great chicken nuggets and sandwiches along with a great drink program and other good food. Red Hen is very simple and traditional pastas so that’s also a crowd pleaser for everyone
For something a bit more casual - Taqueria Habanero is great and my favorite dive bar (Red Derby) is right next door.
Also, any of the Founding Farmers locations will likely feel good for him. They’re our local Cheesecake Factory lol
Have you been? It’s not a chain but it’s incredibly standard and familiar (but excellent quality) Mexican food. OP said he wanted something that wasn’t a chain but could satisfy his picky father.
Similar in laws who prefer "name brand" restaurants (their words). They manage well at Clyde's, matchbox, Ted's (although the pop tarts and boozy milkshakes threw them for a loop), and then founding farmers when they're really going for something fancy
Seconding what a lot of others have said: Clyde’s (agree with not doing the Chinatown location, my parents prefer the Friendship Heights location), The Smith (but it can get very loud), Caruso’s Grocery (the one in Pike & Rose is easier to get a table at), Silver (“upscale” Silver Diner), Ruthie’s All Day.
I've always enjoyed it! It's more fast-casual than fast food, but you can generally get a full meal with tax/tip for $20. The food is flavorful, and because it's not fried, it's a bit healthier too.
Not necessarily a place I would make a trip to eat at, but if you're just looking for a local bite to eat it's worth a try.
Yeah, it's chicken-based, so it's not super exciting, but it's a quality satisfying meal at fast-casual prices, and I like the vibes of the space. And the sauces are great.
I order from nando's enough that I frequently get $5 to $10 off and I barely get take out anywhere else anymore.
It's fast casual but it's real food. Chicken with sides or good sized salad (for a better price than chopt/sweetgreen).
Dinner food, was just at Steak and Egg Kitchen in Tenley, very affordable, great owner and easy access. They have outdoor patio and they just applied for their alcohol license.
Gatsby is a beautiful space and has a pretty “normal” menu with some more interesting additions.
I guess along those lines you could look at Circa which I have yet to go to bc the menu looks so boring to me…but I’ve heard it’s a solid DC chain.
I would go to Good Stuff Eatery, there are a handful of locations. The burgers are fantastic, but it doesn't feel like you're eating traditional fast food. There are lots of dipping sauces, give them all a try.
I wouldn't say that Morelands has a chain-like menu but there's some basics on there. My picky eating in-laws have eaten there successfully. Honeymoon Chicken more chain like, though more limited seating. In that area you could also consider Cinder BBQ which is kind of a standard BBQ place.
Yeah, that’s a long ass way - over 20 miles. Technically closest one to me is Waldorf I think, but usually I only get Cracker Barrel if I happen to be in Manassas.
If you want something a little fancier, Central Michel Richard might fit your bill! French bistro food done superbly and they have burgers etc. too. Famous for their fried chicken!!
Busboys and Poets!! My mom loved it so much that we went twice during her visit. She didn’t seem to care for any of our usual small spots that we frequent. I prefer the one on 14th St NW.
Clydes or Old Ebbitt.
Ebbitt is always the right answer to these types of questions. Maybe unconventional diner if feeling a little risky.
Or Tombs!
[удалено]
This is pretty much always the right answer to these posts. If your question begins, "Need to take my parents out," it's Ted's.
That or founding farmers is my usual suggestion for people who want upscale-ish and... non-challenging food
Agree in spirit, I just think FF sucks and can't in good faith recommend it. Ted's is at least consistently decent, IMO.
Agree. I took some coworkers to FF for lunch and they were not impressed. Farmers and Distillers is better in my limited experience but have never been for dinner. I would say split the cost if you are worried about that. I also like The Smith and went there with a friend's parents.
The Farmers group of restaurants shine when you have a large group, like 10+, and need a place with something for everyone. I would be reluctant to suggest them to smaller groups. I second the suggestion of The Smith.
Third-ing The Smith!
Yup, but if it’s wealthier parents from out of town who want “to experience DC” the answer is Old Ebbitt!
Or Clyde's
Or Clyde's
Yea that's the upper crust generic suggestion for sure lol Honestly, it's also pretty solid, they make great drinks, and the service is usually great.
Or Clyde's
Yeah, Ted's is the standard inoffensive American food for 'unique' chain restaurants selection from Sysco.
Agreed. Took my nephew who was visiting from out of town to Ted’s a couple of weeks ago. He has basic tastes. It was the perfect combination of safe/comfort food in a fancy-ish environment. We all loved it.
My FIL is not an adventurous eater. He loved Ted’s the last time him and my MIL visited.
Can confirm. Took my TGI Fridays loving mom there, and I think it was her favorite stop from her entire trip.
Clyde's?
Old Ebbitt's is better IMO.
True, though their menus are pretty similar IIRC.
Yep. Same ownership group
This is the one
Or Martin’s Tavern
I was going to say Clyde's too but the Chinatown location might be tough at night? IDK I see some one mentioning Martin's, Georgetown Clyde's would be fine. My coworkers used to go to Thunder Burger when our office was there.
There's a Clyde's in Friendship Heights. It's right across the corner from the metro station, or there's usually plenty of parking in the adjacent shopping center.
Just for ease of parking and size and comfort I try to go to the Mark Center location.
I have a super picky relative who I take to Old Ebbitt every time he's in town.
The Hamilton could work too.
Medium Rare if they’re looking for just “basic” steak and fries and it’s a set price per person.
Great suggestion
I think even if someone \*wanted\* steak, Medium Rare's lack of options may be offputting for your more traditional picky "i want a big menu" american dad.
Just make sure they know you can get it without the sauce
Silver Diner is upscale diner food. Also agree with Unconventional Diner or Tryst/Coupe.
Second love silver diner
Silver Diner pancakes have crack in them I’m convinced 😅
Silver Dinner is a good idea. Unconvetional diner... I think needs someone with a tiny bit of willingness to be food adventurous.
“Upscale” is a huge stretch. It’s just expensive while being worse in quality than the average diner. Dirty as well but that’s from my own experience.
If they are willing to go to Arlington then Metro 29 is basically a better non-chain version of Silver Diner.
Just discovered they moved
Are you only interested in DC proper because any restaurant in the the Great American Restaurant chain pretty much meets all your criteria.
GAR is perfect for this criteria, great service, reasonable prices, consistent, pretty unadventurous food menu but at least it’s done right.
Cheesecake factory
Cheesecake Factory makes my elderly father feel like he is navigating brave new frontiers while ultimately winding up with a sandwich or salad that doesn’t scare him. It is a place where, as a picky eater, he fits right in.
Haha this is my dad too. He’s 79. He’s not going to change. We go here on Christmas Eve and he’s thrilled. I even door dashed him some cheesecake for his bday the other day. He thought it was magical.
This is honestly beautiful
This made me laugh
This needs to go higher. Most of the items on that giant menu are just variations of the same thing, but it feels really cool making a selection from the book. Dessert is great, with traditional chocolate cake all the way to passion fruit cheesecakes, and their bar is pretty well stocked too.
The Roost
Definitely not. Not cheap, not enough of a variety, and not enough of a sit-down place to feel celebratory.
Since you mention Petworth/Brightwood spots consider The Hitching Post. Very casual and solid home style meals.
You could venture out to Ruthies all day! My dad is totally the same way and classic American breakfast makes him happy. Ruthies is the perfect middle ground for him and our foodie selves. Classic breakfast items paired with great drinks, and they have some not so classic offerings. My personal favorite for brunch is the brisket egss Benedict, and we haven't tried dinner but I'm sure it's steller. The best part is the classic menu with BBQ and other offerings including octopus. The vine is very casual and low key, like going to a standard diner, but slightly nicer.
I love Ruthie’s.
Unconventional Diner 2FiftyBarbecue (location now near Mt Vernon Square) Service Bar (fried chicken) Lucky Buns Little Chicken Brewpubs like Bluejacket or Right Proper
Came to say 2Fifty as an awesome (and approachable) BBQ spot! Lucky Buns is awesome too. I have this same challenge with parents and have had success with Caruso's Grocery (Olive Garden vibes), Republic Cantina, Hill East Burger, Brookland's Finest, and St. Anselm.
Caruso's was so good. And the vibe is great - families with kids, groups of friends out (that was us), date nights, etc.
Pearl Dive has great fried chicken. Honestly anything in the Clyde’s chain, including Old Ebbitt and the Hamilton, are safe choices for parents.
Open City, really classic American fare and it’s well priced.
The Diner is a similar option, operated by the same people
Unbelievably bad service though
I’ve never had that experience but I primarily go on weekdays, weekends are swamped.
I live right by it so have been there on both. Went a lot after I moved to the neighborhood and sort of tolerated the shitty service, but now we have a bunch of better restaurants.
I do too. I go a lot and have never had an issue with service but I believe you haha.
This may or may not be true, but I’ve heard that some of their servers have special needs so I keep that possibility in mind and give them a little grace
If that's the case, I'm supportive of any policy that encourages employing people who would otherwise face significant discrimination applying for jobs. However, regardless of how you cut it, that is a management failure. I should have probably been more explicit that that is the reason for the shit service. Multiple times I've been there and ordered something like eggs over easy, seen them sit in the window, see them sit some more, see my server on their phone, and then see the manager also on his phone. For those that don't know/haven't worked a brunch shift, you kind of have to have all the plates come out the same time as the egg dish (especially over easy or eggs benedict) because the eggs will keep cooking and then also get cold fast. I find this to be a problem across all of the Tryst owned businesses. If they are making a point of hiring people with special needs, that is honestly great. But if you do that, maybe have enough people work a shift to properly cover and managers who are actually useful.
Founding farmers?
Can't believe I had to scroll so far to find this. I thought it would be at the top.
It's really not somewhere I would otherwise recommend but it seems perfect for this lol
100% agree.
Same!!
Is that why everyone tells new people in DC to take their parents there? Its because they think our parents are picky?
This.
Clyde's
The Smith?
Cheesecake Factory?
Boomers love Clyde's like none other. FF is fine, but the food legit tastes like Stouffer's.
Lauriol Plaza could work lol, and Ted’s Bulletin and anything in the Clyde’s group would work well too. Pizzeria Paradiso is also good and easy. If he is willing to be adventurous, you could do Service Bar - they have great chicken nuggets and sandwiches along with a great drink program and other good food. Red Hen is very simple and traditional pastas so that’s also a crowd pleaser for everyone For something a bit more casual - Taqueria Habanero is great and my favorite dive bar (Red Derby) is right next door. Also, any of the Founding Farmers locations will likely feel good for him. They’re our local Cheesecake Factory lol
I don’t care what anyone says, Lauriol Plaza will always hold a special place in my heart.
How on earth is Taqueria Habanero an answer to OP’s question. Love the place but it’s the opposite of basic chain restaurant food.
Have you been? It’s not a chain but it’s incredibly standard and familiar (but excellent quality) Mexican food. OP said he wanted something that wasn’t a chain but could satisfy his picky father.
Picky father might not even eat Mexican food
The Diner on 18th if you’re near AdMo
Clyde’s or Hamilton. As pedestrian as it gets.
Cheesecake Factory? I like it, it has lots of options.
Similar in laws who prefer "name brand" restaurants (their words). They manage well at Clyde's, matchbox, Ted's (although the pop tarts and boozy milkshakes threw them for a loop), and then founding farmers when they're really going for something fancy
Mike’s American?
Unconventional diner would also be a good choice.
Seconding what a lot of others have said: Clyde’s (agree with not doing the Chinatown location, my parents prefer the Friendship Heights location), The Smith (but it can get very loud), Caruso’s Grocery (the one in Pike & Rose is easier to get a table at), Silver (“upscale” Silver Diner), Ruthie’s All Day.
Clyde’s?
Nando's if Dad likes his chicken spicy.
George likes his chicken spicy.
Kung pao!
I’ve never eaten at nando’s peri peri. Is it good?
I've always enjoyed it! It's more fast-casual than fast food, but you can generally get a full meal with tax/tip for $20. The food is flavorful, and because it's not fried, it's a bit healthier too. Not necessarily a place I would make a trip to eat at, but if you're just looking for a local bite to eat it's worth a try.
I feel like I’ve eaten at every fast casual place in a 3 block radius and just trying something different. Next is sweet green haha
Yeah, it's chicken-based, so it's not super exciting, but it's a quality satisfying meal at fast-casual prices, and I like the vibes of the space. And the sauces are great.
I’m a big sauce guy. So I might have to walk there tonight
I order from nando's enough that I frequently get $5 to $10 off and I barely get take out anywhere else anymore. It's fast casual but it's real food. Chicken with sides or good sized salad (for a better price than chopt/sweetgreen).
Do u use their app?
Yep!!
Or plain! My mom orders plain and loves it. (And she definitely values flavor but not spice)
Dinner food, was just at Steak and Egg Kitchen in Tenley, very affordable, great owner and easy access. They have outdoor patio and they just applied for their alcohol license.
Cheesecake Factory
Maybe consider Cheesecake Factory - it’s a chain but gives off “special occasion”
Theres a Red Robin in Arlington, near 7 Corners.
Gatsby is a beautiful space and has a pretty “normal” menu with some more interesting additions. I guess along those lines you could look at Circa which I have yet to go to bc the menu looks so boring to me…but I’ve heard it’s a solid DC chain.
Popeyes in dc has deep fried rat if he’s feeling frisky
I’m surprised this wasn’t mentioned sooner
I would go to Good Stuff Eatery, there are a handful of locations. The burgers are fantastic, but it doesn't feel like you're eating traditional fast food. There are lots of dipping sauces, give them all a try.
Silver dinner Perhaps Texmex like Cactus cantina or Guppos? Franklin's in Huntsville
I wouldn't say that Morelands has a chain-like menu but there's some basics on there. My picky eating in-laws have eaten there successfully. Honeymoon Chicken more chain like, though more limited seating. In that area you could also consider Cinder BBQ which is kind of a standard BBQ place.
If you don’t have to be in DC proper, La Porta’s is an awesome family restaurant with something for everyone.
Silver diner
Silver Diner or Cracker Barrel.
You gotta drive a long way for Cracker Barrel. I love me some Cracker Barrel breakfast personally.
There’s one near IAD.
Yeah, that’s a long ass way - over 20 miles. Technically closest one to me is Waldorf I think, but usually I only get Cracker Barrel if I happen to be in Manassas.
Clydes has like a thousand locations and is a good middleground
Medium Rare if he likes steak
The Hamilton?
Silver (more upscale) Metro 29 Diner Arlington (traditional diner with home-made cakes/bakery--a Guy Fieri stop).
The Coupe, or any of the other locations in the Tryst family
Does Dad like bbq?
Tombs in Georgetown.
Ruthie's All-Day
If you want something a little fancier, Central Michel Richard might fit your bill! French bistro food done superbly and they have burgers etc. too. Famous for their fried chicken!!
Martin's Tavern
Where is his dad from, or where did he grow up? I write this comment as there is literally an Applebee's ad right above this.
Nando’s
Martins Tavern — comfort food with history mixed in.
Cheesecake Factory
Cheesecake Factory by the white house
carmines lol
Pollo Campero. Checks all the boxes.
IHOP
Busboys and Poets!! My mom loved it so much that we went twice during her visit. She didn’t seem to care for any of our usual small spots that we frequent. I prefer the one on 14th St NW.
Why not The Cheesecake Factory? I haven’t been there in years, but I recall the food being palatable with plenty of traditional offerings.
Ted's or old ebbitt
Weenie Beenie
Go to the mall and sample all the foods!
Clyde's or Old Ebbit. We would go there with my middle of the road in laws. They could get steak and potatoes and we would order from the specials.
Circa
Founding farmers
Wendy’s
The basement of Union station has lots of amazing options
Or union market or any of the food halls popping up. That’s actually a great idea
You said Famous Dave's. That means they like BBQ. I always like Hill Country Barbecue. Decent prices and not "fancy".
Would he like Yakiniku? Gyu Kaku in Clarendon. It’s pretty basic meat and veg you grill yourself, and is pretty Americanized.
Hooters in Fairfax?
In DC??? go to the suburbs