City showcases a variety of cuisines, not just American

March 15, 2005

As a world-class city, Washington, DC, is home to a wonderful selection of dining establishments featuring a wide array of international and regional American cuisines. Meals run the gamut from the sumptuous and sublime to down-to-earth and down-home. And you can generally choose an ambiance that suits either your lifestyle or current mood. Bon appetit!

Afterwords Cafe1517 Connecticut Ave., NW * Dupont Circle * 202/387-1462

Unique cuisine served in back of a bookstore. Open late every night, all night Friday and Saturday.

Set inside historic Union Station, this double-decker restaurant has a large and reasonably priced menu. If you like the hustle and bustle of the station, concourse seating is available.

Amma Vegetarian Kitchen 3291 M St., NW * Georgetown * 202/625-6625

Everything for the vegan. South Indian cuisines.

Andale Restaurant 401 7th St., NW * Downtown Washington * 202/783-3133

Mexican. Closed Sunday.

Annie's Paramount Steakhouse 1609 17th St., NW * Dupont Circle * 202/232-0395

An easy-going steakhouse. Serves a midnight brunch on Friday and Saturday. An institution among the District's alternative lifestyle residents.

Au Pied de Cochon1335 Wisconsin Ave., NW * Georgetown * 202/333-5440

A casual bistro offering 24-hour dining.

Bistro du Coin 1738 Connecticut Ave., NW * Dupont Circle * 202/234-6969

Great French food served in a bistro atmosphere. Closed Monday.

The Breadline 1751 Pennsylvania Ave., NW * Downtown Washington * 202/822-8900

Great sandwiches. Closed on the weekend.

Bukom Cafe2442 18th St., NW * Adams-Morgan * 202/265-4600

West African cuisine and ambiance.

Cafe Asia 1134 19th St., NW * Downtown Washington * 202/659-2696

Asian fare, including Thai delicacies, noodles, lemongrass grilled specialties, and sashimi for the brave of heart.

Cafe Citron 1343 Connecticut Ave., NW * Dupont Circle * 202/530-8844

Caribbean and Latin influences dominate this tasty menu. Good bar.

Cafe la Ruche1039 31st St., NW * Georgetown * 202/965-2684

Relaxing and inexpensive, lighter fare. Open until 10 p.m. weekdays, midnight on the weekend.

Cashion's Eat Place 1819 Columbia Rd., NW * Adams-Morgan * 202/797-1819

Upscale new American and fusion cuisines. Dinner only. Closed Monday.

Coco Loco 810 7th St., NW * Downtown Washington * 202/289-2626

Brazilian grills, Mexican appetizers. Very trendy.

Cyberstop Cafe1513 17th St., NW * Dupont Circle * 202/234-2470

Cybercafe with good coffee, bagels, and the usual artsy snacks.