The Caucus Room

Description:

• Washington's powerful people like steakhouses. Since the Caucus Room is owned by a bipartisan bunch of heavy-hitting politicos and entrepreneurs (Democratic lobbyist Tommy Boggs and former Republican National Committee chairman Haley Barbour, to name but 2 of the 70 investors), the Caucus Room was almost a guaranteed success even before it opened in August 2000. At lunch and dinner, it's a true Washington scene, with all that this entails: a sprinkling of congressmen and -women, television newscasters, and corporate VIPs throughout the main dining room; lots of backslapping and shaking of hands; and private meetings taking place behind closed doors (the restaurant has a number of private dining rooms).

  But they wouldn't keep coming back if the food weren't so good. Enduring favorites are the steaks and certain nonmeat entrees, such as the crab cakes (the pass/fail test for a D.C. restaurant) and seared fish. A recent preparation was seared rockfish, sesame crusted and served with Asian vegetables. Even side dishes, like the creamed spinach and the horseradish-spiked mashed potatoes, are winners.

  After you finish your main course, lean back against the leather banquette and discreetly search for famous faces as you enjoy dessert, maybe a chocolate mousse or pecan pie. Tip: Make sure you sit in the main dining room when Congress is in session; otherwise, you'll find the Caucus Room fairly deserted.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2009