Best Restaurants with a Happy Hour in Foggy Bottom

We brought out of town guests and Dauphine’s did not disappoint. From the legendary bread plate to the perfectly cooked ribeye to the bananas foster baked Alaska, the entire experience was exactly as we expected…superb.

I don’t write many reviews, but every now and then, a place completely earns it and Balos Estiatorio in DC absolutely did. From the moment we walked in, the vibe was just right. The hostess team was not only strikingly elegant but genuinely warm and welcoming setting the tone for what would become one of my top five first-time dining experiences, right up there with Le Bernardin in NYC and Lewis Barbecue in Charleston. (Anyone who has been to both will know what i mean) Our waiter, Nico, was a gem. Friendly without being pushy, knowledgeable without pretension, and clearly passionate about the food and the Greek culinary tradition. It felt like we were in expert hands from the start. Now for the food: this was not your average Greek fare, it was elevated, thoughtful, and full of soul. Im just gonna say Pita.....and wow! I’ve had babaganoush before, but this was the first time I genuinely loved it, it was smoky, silky, and addictive. The filo pastry was perfection, light and buttery with just the right crunch. Then came the stuffed peppers (a recommendation by Nico...because his mom used to make them when he was a kid, theyre great! Best selling point for a dish ive ever heard, had to order them.) They were, I mean beautifully done, I had to pause mid-bite just to take it in. And the filet? Impeccable. Seasoned with care, seared with precision, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. By the end, we couldn’t fit dessert if we tried, but the coffees (Americanos) were rich, bold, and the perfect close to an unforgettable meal. Tbh it feels like they're doing all the right things to be a Michelen star restaurant but they genuinely seem to care about your experience rather than any awards that come from it. Balos is a must-visit if you’re in DC and take your food seriously. I’ll be back, probably sooner than I should. Bravo to the whole team.

The vibe was electric. The food was delicious! The service was terrific! Always a favorite.

Eddie was great. Food and atmosphere was equally great.

It was really nice and fun I enjoyed myself, definitely will come back