2300 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA  22201
703.841.7297


I guess I've never bought into the great American steakhouse obsession.  The only two steakhouses that have truly blown me away were the Peter Luger Steak House in Brooklyn and The Strip House in the West Village.  Part of the reason is that most steakhouses don't offer very much variety and I've always enjoyed preparing steak at home and due to home field bias, I think my steaks tend to taste better also.  But, it's always good to have a steak restaurant in your back pocket in case you have friends who share the great American obsession.  Ray's the Steaks is always talked about and the reviews looked great so how could you possibly miss?

1739 N Street NW

Washington, DC 20036

202.331.8528

http://www.tabardinn.com/restaurant

You can find the Tabard Inn on a secluded side street near Dupont Circle which is surprisingly hard to find by car (one way streets and me do not get along).  The street is typically scenic and tree-lined with brownstones all along it.  As I got closer, I started to get a little worried as the front of the Tabard Inn looked pretty run down and there was a really tacky sign for valet parking on the sidewalk.  When you walk inside, the check-in area and the waiting area for the restaurant are musty and the furniture was run down.  However, walking into the restaurant, you're transformed into a whole new world.  The front dining room is lined with windows and full of sunshine.  The outside patio looked like a wonderful garden setting but unfortunately there were intermittent showers on the day I ate brunch there.