City: Washington, DC

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (202) 737-6200

Address: 601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Description: Yes, Capital Grille is part of a chain, but we’ve decided to include it. Why? In a very short time it has become one of the trendiest places around Capitol Hill, the kind of establishment where you’re likely to run into the town’s top lobbyists, along with the legislators they’re trying to influence. Nowadays some of Washington’s most important powerbrokers are women, and you’ll find them here, too, but this place has the atmosphere of a men’s club—dark wood, dark green, and, yes, even hunting trophies. From the street you’re greeted with a view of the meat-aging room, complete with moldy rinds that will be expertly cut away to provide you with flavorful—and humongous—cuts of beef. Even vegetarians will find something to like here if they are able to overlook the carnivorous atmosphere. The baked potatoes weigh a pound, and salads are a meal in themselves. Similar fare is served at the Tysons Corner location, 1861 International Drive, McLean, Virginia (703) 448-3900. Capital Grille is open for lunch weekdays and dinner nightly.