Dining on Capitol Hill

1200 BISTRO is an upscale restaurant with a very large gay clientele. Dining is available from 5 pm until 11 pm on weekends (till 10:30 pm on weekdays/10 pm Sunday). 1200 Bistro is no closed.

ROSEBUD is yet another upscale gay restaurant on Pike Street. It has both upscale food and prices. “Contemporary American cuisine served in a casual atmosphere.” Food beats places like Broadway Grill and Julia’s hands down. Check out their menu online.

CAFE PRESSE serves simple yet satisfying and relatively inexpensive French cuisine. French wine by the glass for $3.50 to $4.00, however, pours are small. Some highlights include the Grilled Sardine Sandwich – $5, Pan Sautéed White Fish – $12, or Roasted Half Chicken served cold with Mayonnaise and Watercress Salad – $13. Bright, casual and lots of good reviews in the short time it has been open.

OSTERIA LA SPIGA is probably the most upscale restaurant on Capital Hill and draws a wide crowd from throughout the city for its Northern Italian cuisine. The gnocchi is famous. Check out our posting talking about Italian restaurants on Capitol Hill.

CAFE STELLINA is located right next to Osteria La Spiga and is slightly upscale with its white linens. The food is uniquely prepared American cuisine. One wall completely opens towards the street giving it a bright airy feeling on nice days. Being just a few feet from 1200 Bistro (and right next to Osteria La Spiga) lets you compare the very different interiors and choose an atmosphere to match your mood. Open for lunch Mon – Fri only 11 am to 3 pm and for dinner Weds – Sat 5 pm till 10 pm.

TANGO TAPAS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE takes Spanish food and wine to a whole new level. You must view their menu to appreciate it. During happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. their bar serves handmade Mojito’s and Pomegranate Martinis for $5 along with quality tapas for $5 – $7.50. Not the 50% deal that it use to be but still worth a trip.
I got the following comment to me from a reader.

I have been to numerous Tappa Restaurants around the World (several in Spain) and I must say Tango was by far one of the Best! Truly Exceptional!
Desert!!! The El Diablo; “a Bittersweet cube of sinfully rich dark chocolate graced with cayenne, spicy almonds, cocoa nibs and burnt meringue finished with a tequila caramel sauce” is my second favorite chocolate on the Planet – second only to a chili chocolate truffle from the Blue Mountains of Australia!
Oh I told them I am GAY and Yes they were Friendly…
Thank You for the Tip!