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Best Southern American Restaurants in Downtown

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A photo of Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC restaurant
1. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab - Washington DC
4.8
Exceptional(10468)
Price: Very Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown
Booked 129 times today
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in Washington DC offers an unparalleled American dining experience that is both authentic and exquisite. Known for its legendary "fresh and succulent" Florida Stone Crab and "tender and flavorful" Prime steaks, Joe's consistently delivers dishes that are "cooked to perfection." The restaurant, set in the vibrant Downtown neighborhood, has been praised for its "impeccable service," where the staff's "attentive and friendly" nature creates a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're indulging in a classic American steak or savoring the renowned key lime pie, Joe's ensures a dining experience that's "truly memorable" for any occasion.
A photo of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC restaurant
2. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC
4.3
Awesome(2003)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown
Booked 121 times today
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - DC is a must-visit destination for authentic American cuisine in the heart of Washington, DC. This vibrant restaurant brilliantly reimagines classic comfort foods with a flavorful twist, offering delights like shrimp and grits, and creative waffles that leave diners raving about the "extraordinary food." Patrons praise the "amazing" atmosphere and the "friendly and attentive staff" who make every visit feel special. As a culinary mecca for southern food, Kitchen + Kocktails ensures a ten out of ten dining experience, capturing the essence of American cuisine with its seasoned-to-perfection dishes and unique kocktails.
A photo of The Park at 14th restaurant
3. The Park at 14th
4.8
Exceptional(3132)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown
Booked 120 times today
The Park at 14th in Downtown D.C. is a top-notch destination for seafood enthusiasts, offering an exquisite dining experience that showcases the freshest catches with flair and authenticity. Reviewers rave about the "jumbo shrimp with cilantro goodness" and claim it's "amazing," while the "calamari better than it should have been" highlights the skillful preparation of each dish. With a lively atmosphere and attentive service, diners are consistently impressed with the quality and presentation of their meals. "The food was surprisingly good," one patron exclaimed, making The Park at 14th a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking both flavor and finesse.
A photo of Georgia Brown's restaurant
4. Georgia Brown's
4.5
Awesome(8889)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown
Booked 59 times today
Georgia Brown's in Downtown Washington is a beacon of authentic Southern cuisine, offering a delightful interpretation of South Carolina Low-Country fare. The restaurant's ambiance, designed by Adam Tihany, is as captivating as its dishes, with "golden woods and bronze sculptures" creating a sensory feast. Guests rave about the "outstanding" Shrimp and Grits and the flavorful Carolina Gumbo, claiming it "exceeded all expectations." The lively jazz brunch is a must-try, described as a "feast for all the senses." With an atmosphere that celebrates the South and service that is "professional and friendly," Georgia Brown's stands out as a Southern culinary gem.
A photo of Dauphine’s restaurant
5. Dauphine’s
4.5
Awesome(1483)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown
Booked 14 times today
Dauphine’s in downtown Washington DC brings the vibrant essence of New Orleans to life, brilliantly showcasing the rich flavors of Creole, Cajun, and Southern cuisine. This modern culinary haven dazzles diners with its creative menu, seamlessly blending classic New Orleans fare with contemporary twists using Mid-Atlantic ingredients. "Every bite bursts with flavor," raves one satisfied guest, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to both tradition and innovation. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, complemented by an exquisite bar that serves delightfully crafted cocktails. With a fantastic raw bar and live jazz brunches, Dauphine’s promises an authentic, unforgettable dining experience that's "a must-visit" for Creole cuisine lovers.
A photo of Lincoln - DC restaurant
6. Lincoln - DC
4.0
Excellent(3431)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • McPherson Square
Booked 7 times today
Lincoln - DC is a gem in McPherson Square, Washington, offering exceptional Contemporary American cuisine. With a menu that pays homage to President Lincoln's favorite dishes, such as the signature chicken pot pie and kale salad, every meal is a journey through authentic American flavors with a modern twist. Diners rave about the "fantastic grilled Caesar salad" and "perfect steak and frites," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. The atmosphere, enhanced by original artwork and a vibrant bar scene, adds to the experience. As one happy patron exclaimed, "You can't go wrong here," making Lincoln - DC a must-visit for any food enthusiast seeking a true taste of Contemporary American cuisine.
A photo of Mazi restaurant
7. Mazi
4.7
Exceptional(769)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown
Booked 10 times today
Mazi, located in the heart of Downtown Washington, offers a truly remarkable Mediterranean dining experience, skillfully blending Greek influences with creative New American cuisine. This neighborhood gem is renowned for its exceptional food and warm, family-like service. Diners rave about the "outstanding" sea bass and lamb chops, which are often cited as some of the best in the area. The ambiance perfectly complements the culinary delights, providing an ideal setting for both intimate dinners and lively celebrations. With its consistently high-quality dishes and attentive staff, Mazi stands out as a "must-visit" for anyone craving authentic Mediterranean flavors.
A photo of Lafayette Restaurant restaurant
8. Lafayette Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1661)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown
Booked 15 times today
Lafayette Restaurant in Downtown Washington is a beacon of exquisite Continental cuisine, offering a dining experience that perfectly marries elegance and authenticity. Nestled with views of Lafayette Park and the White House, this restaurant is praised for its "imaginatively prepared and nicely presented" dishes that captivate both the eyes and the palate. Diners consistently rave about the "fabulous meal" and "delicious food" that make it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. The impeccable service and soothing piano accompaniment add to the ambiance, ensuring that every meal at Lafayette is a "memorable experience" worth revisiting.
A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant
9. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC
4.8
Exceptional(1132)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown
Booked 4 times today
Located in downtown DC, just four blocks from the White House, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served under The Jefferson’s historic skylight in The Greenhouse. Natural light streams from above, creating an airy atmosphere that complements the light, fresh and energizing fare on our seasonal menus.
A photo of Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave. restaurant
10. Bobby Van's Grill - New York Ave.
4.6
Exceptional(2449)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
Bobby Van's Grill on New York Ave is a beacon of authentic American cuisine in downtown Washington, DC. Known for its "first-rate, dry-aged steaks" and exceptional seafood, this restaurant has earned a loyal following who rave about its "quality food and service." The experience is elevated by an "exceptional professional wait staff," many of whom have been part of the team for over 15 years, ensuring a consistently memorable dining experience. With the largest private dining space in DC, including the stunning Atrium for events, Bobby Van's Grill is a "must-visit" for anyone seeking genuine American hospitality and flavors.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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