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America - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants American (Traditional) American (Traditional) [Edit]
50 Massachusetts Ave(at N Capitol St)
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 682-9555
- Nearest Transit:
-
Union Station Metro Station (Red)
Judiciary Square Metro Station (Red)
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
50 reviews for America
Review Highlights
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"Some of the seating areas have great views of Union station." In 19 reviews -
"I ended up getting the Boston clam chowAH which is one of..." In 2 reviews -
"Reasonably priced and extensive menu." In 3 reviews
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50 reviews in English
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Review from Denis O.
Great Falls, VA
1/4/2012
I know its a tourist trap, and the food is a bit overpriced. But you really can get specialty dishes from around the country, available nowhere else in town. I simply can't find the time to make it back to Iowa for a pork tenderloin sandwich, but found it here, and it was as authentic as it was delicious.
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Review from Mark W.
MIDDLE VLG, NY
9/17/2011
I was waiting for the Amtrak Acela Express back to New York City and not wanting to pony up for the expensive food on the train, I wanted to have a good meal before getting on board. The menu at America is varied - they have burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizza, pasta, etc. I went with a bowl of the Bay Shrimp Gumbo. It did not disappoint. The shrimp and sausage was indeed a tasty complement to the rice and it did have a kick. In fact, I had to rush to the men's room due to teary eyes and a runny nose.
If you want to avoid overpriced Amtrak food, you could do much worse than America. Give it a try. -
Review from Rina C.
Burbank, CA
7/3/2011
came here for a quick lunch.
I was told that I am supposed to get a good view from the window but we didn't get to sit at the upper level becuase they closed the section.
so we sat at the bar tables.
service and the food is ok.
come here only if you are taking a train somewhere and need a "quick lunch". -
Review from Les D.
5/29/2011
Second time I've eaten here. The first time was several years ago and I wasn't impressed. Thought I'd give it another try. I do love the location. Near the Capitol, and a breathtaking view of the Union Station lobby. But, that also raises expectations, which America just can't meet. All is right, except the food. It just isn't flavorful. I remember the same experience last time I ate here. I understand appealing to a large audience in a train station, but more must be done.
I had the chicken piccata. No flavor on the chicken. There were even slices of lemon on the chicken and the lemon slices tasted like water. I'm not sure how that can be done. Friend had penne pasta alfredo. That was it. Just penne. Just the most industrial looking plate of food. I honestly think a lot better food can be had just downstairs in the food court. No windows but better taste. -
Review from Kaylen K.
Stafford, VA
5/31/2011
My husband and I ate here after arriving at Union Station because we wanted a sit down restaurant, not fast food. We liked that the menu literally represented America with well-known, regional dishes from areas across the country. For example: Memphis Ribs, Maine Lobster Roll, San Diego Fish Tacos, etc...when you think of a dish a region in the U.S. is known for, they have it.
My husband ordered the Lobster Roll and I ordered the Prime Rib Sandwich. We ordered Vodka Redbulls, but they were out of vodka. My husband's Lobster Roll was delicious with real chunks of lobster. My Prime Rib sandwich was really good, but my fries were stale, so I requested new ones (which were awesome).
I gave this place 4 stars and not 5 because the service was a little slow (although friendly). I had to ask for refills on my coffee and had to ask for the check. The prices were a little high, but doable. I would still come back though because the food was good. -
Review from Daniella H.
Baltimore, MD
9/20/2011
Nothing special here...wide variety of options on the menu, but do not expect stellar service. If you know how to cook, chances are you can make a dish as good, if not better than you'll eat here.
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Review from Carol C.
10/26/2010
This place is a safe bet to take family - it's got a big menu and the portions are big. It's also an easy place to meet people - it's right off the Union Street metro, in Union Station.
I love their salads. Tonight, I had the grecian ($14), with chopped chicken, feta, veggies, olives and orzo. I love to eat a lot, and left this place full and happy. I also shared a side of fries - they kind of tasted like McDonald's fries. -
Review from Lesley G.
Winston-Salem, NC
8/12/2011
Yet again, Union Stations restaurants are eerily similar to airport restaurants, with very little character or anything else to offer. The food was average, the tables were too small (particularly because the menus are larger than a suitcase), and they lost our reservation. Its humming with noise because of the echos in Union, so I wouldn't suggest it
Listed in: DC Visits
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Review from Miriam W.
9/27/2008 1 photo
I ended up at America to watch the first U.S. presidential debate last night. At just after 9:00 on a Friday evening the place was almost cleared out except for folks, like me, crowded near the TV.
Last call came early, so I only had time for one drink. Though the bartender seemed annoyed to have to pour it (so close to quittin' time), my Jack and Coke was anything but weak.
I only came to America because it was 9:06 when I got off my train from New York and it was the closest place I could think of with a TV. And likely only under this same circumstance would I return. -
Review from Tina H.
Falls Church, VA
7/25/2008
Karen and I were attracted to this Union Station establishment because of the name: AMERICA. Short, simple, to the point. We saw it as an unspoken challenge -- "Anyone who doesn't eat here is un-American." Plus, the place was empty, and the host looked sad and lonely. Not only are Karen and I super duper Americans, we are also good and kind-hearted.
I was intrigued by the "American Hub Cap Burger," which apparently was the size of a hub cap. But, I didn't feel like blowing $16+ (extras like cheese and onions are $.95 each!) on a burger I'd never finish and wouldn't want the next day. Plus, you know, a girl's gotta watch her figure. So instead Karen and I both got the Three Cheese Quesidilla (Mexican = American? I guess we did steal some of their land...) and an order of Tater Tots to split.
While we were waiting for our food, the waitress brought us each a piece of delicious, unidentifiable bread + butter. It was like cornbread, but a little spongier, and tasted more like foccacia. Whatever it was, it was good and I wanted more of it. America, get with the program and give bread BASKETS, ok?
I was less impressed with quesidilla, which came with guacamole, sour cream, and strange, spicy tomato-sauce-like salsa. The tortilla was too crispy, the cheese a little too thick, and I couldn't really taste anything other than the spicy tomato stuff. Luckily the tater tots were good -- crispy, salty, greasy, mmmmmmmmmmmmm. Saved the whole meal.
If I ever come back, I'm bringing the BF and we are getting the hub cap burger -- not because I love burgers so much; really, I just want to see what this thing looks like...Listed in: In the Land of Mediocrity
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Review from Jerry F.
Arlington, VA
11/11/2009
I certainly got my bad food fix in at this place. I can make tastier food on my own. I had the loco moco and a lemonade here, and both of them were really bland. The meat in the loco moco was too chewy. I cannot believed they messed up lemonade. it tasted like water with too little lemon and sugar in it. None of the other dishes that my colleagues ordered seemed particularly good either.
The service was decent, the staff was pretty attentive, but I don't think I will go back to this place again. -
Review from Kim S.
Temple Hills, MD
12/16/2008
We hosted our company holiday party here this year. We had the entire restaurant to ourselves!
The food was ok - could have been warmer. The staff was nice. I had one issue...
sure our party was supposed to be over at 10pm - but did they have to flash the lights for us to go as if we were at a house party in someones basement - especially when the committee members who organized the party were already walking around telling folks to wrap it up and get their coats. -
Review from Kayc S.
Washington, DC
9/23/2011
America Restaurant must make most of its $ from all the tourists unaware of what they are getting into. It has a great location in Washington D.C.'s Union Station but the food is simply bad. It prides itself off its American burgers, which come served as huge patties bigger than the buns, but the meat is so bland! Sometimes I have to go there for a work event and I stick to the safe salads. The Waldorf Sadlad is a safe salad. Definately be careful with what you order at America and don't expect too much in food quality.
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Review from Sarah G.
McLean, VA
8/4/2008
I'm going to have to agree with other yelpers- don't go out of you way for this one. However, working LITERALLY right next door a co worker an I decided to hit this place up for lunch. Well i can HONESTLY say i had the BEST salad of my life here. It was Mediterranean theme salad with lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, sprouts, HUMMUS, Roasted RED PEPPERS, EGGPLANT "Caviar" Really just an eggplant spread (which is basically Baba Ghannooji), Feta (didn't eat),. Avocado and Pita CHIPS!!! i AM IN LOVE!!!! it was awesome! i WILL absolutely make my own version of this salad-based on this on experience alone!
Amazing. Loved it. Cant say enough
My co workers fish and chips looked gross, but i hate grease so go fugue! -
Review from Douglas O.
Atlanta, GA
11/10/2009 2 photos
Went here for a work dinner, 11 of us, table was okay, though the boss had hoped for something with a little better view since it was empty. I arrived before my party, and inquired if they checked in. I had the Open Table information, which I was sure was the right place. Without checking the reservation, or anything, they said that they were not there. Luckily they were not, so I patiently waited.
Seated upstairs, waiter showed up 15 minutes later to ask for a drink order. I stopped and ask the manager if we could get some more service, with 11 of us, since after taking the drink order, it took another 10 minutes for him to return with half the order. No food ordered, or asked to be ordered yet by the waiter. The manager had another person take our food order, and things seemed to speed up a little.
Appetizers were brought out, calamari, corn dogs, artichoke dip, but no plates with them, forced to reside to just those that had a bread plate.
Main Course - Strawberry salad, different dressing then described on menu, but decent presentation, will post a picture.
Wine - Riesling was a Chardonnay, but no one could get that right. Water glasses were never filled, dinner started at 7:30 and ended at 9:30, most of the time was spent idly waiting.
Would I go back, absolutely not, would I recommend? Absolutely not. Mediocre would be an overstatement of the food at this restaurant, combined with the worst service I have experienced in many of my travels. -
Review from Candace H.
Washington, DC
8/31/2007
Just like Stef said, not fantastic but not horrible either. I didn't see food from each state listed on the menu (nothing from my home state Minnesota), but the menu was definitely regional.
The food is, in my opinion, a bit overpriced. The interior is nice, the service is friendly and attentive.
Not a place to bring a date or go to lunch with friends- it's really only a good option if for any reason you find yourself in need of dining or an hour to waste while you're in Union Station. -
Review from reuben j.
Burlington, VT
9/2/2007
I too agree with my fellow Yelpers on this one. Not the epitome of dining, mind you-but it's also a notch or two above the usual bland and/or overpriced fare one finds in train stations or airports.
And yes, it is a bit pricy. But I assume that they have to pay (as my Mom was fond of saying) "that high rent." -
Review from Jonathan S.
Washington, DC
4/26/2007
Love you 'Merica!
Stopped in last night because the lady had never been and figured with the extensive menu we could find something that fit our opposite hungers at the moment.
We were greeted by a guy with great hair (he did have great hair and I know because I have none) and we informed him we would prefer inside to avoid the noise of the main hall. We walked upstairs and were sent to the next level for a better view but this section was actually closed (we were informed by a fairly rude waiter) and we headed back down stairs. We finally sat at a cute little table and waited for the "wait"er.
Nice guy really. We found out that his favorite soda was Dr. Pepper just like me but of course they didn't have any at America - how unAmerican. We needed some time to wade through the novel of a menu so the waiter ran off to get the drinks (I settled with Coke).
Once we came to a decision (for the record I made up my mind long before the woman friend) the waited slowly found or table again and after asking for clarification on what exactly we wanted he wondered off to give the kitchen some direction.
Not a bad meal. She had the Salmon I had the Chicken Fried Steak. Each was around $13 and came with two sides.
Again like most Union Station (or DC for that matter) eating establishments service sucks but who came blame them? They are just kids trying to make some cash.
We were satisfied because we have come to expect the norm from most restaurants and that is exaclty what America provides. -
Review from Adrienne P.
Chino, CA
3/27/2009
America is just okay. I live on the West Coast, but I travel to DC once a year for a conference that's just a few blocks from Union Station. So I have eaten at American 3-4 times. I'm not crazy about it, but it's convenient. You definitely get the feeling that not a lot of locals frequent the place... mainly tourists or business travelers in town for a conference. The prices are okay because the portions are huge. The food is a little hit-or-miss. Some of it has been quite adequate, while other items I've not particularly enjoyed.
I honestly can't pick anything memorable off the menu to describe, so take from that what you will.
One really great thing I can say about them is that they are able to accommodate large groups pretty efficiently and at the last minute, unlike most other restaurants in the area. -
Review from Mohammad R.
New York, NY
1/24/2010 5 photos
Yes Eeek! Methinks not. Fersure.
Bland, oh HUGEly bland. -
Review from R W.
Boston, MA
7/24/2009
America, located in Union Station in Washington D.C. used to be a favorite restaurant of mine and was so for several years. I traveled to D.C. for work quite frequently and always took lunch or dinner here and asked to be seated in their upstairs section so I could get a great view of Union Station.
I hadn't dined at America since 2006 or 2007 and called upon them to have lunch on July 13th - it was the worst experience I've had in a restaurant for quite some time.
Our waiter couldn't understand the English language nor could he get our drink orders correct. The table we were placed at was plagued with flies - not just fruit flies - but flies the size of a 747, which constantly interrupted our dining experience. My group of three ordered appetizers for a quick lunch and all were disgusting, cold and bland.
You wouldn't catch me dining at this place again - it's a disgusting place. It's dirty, it's gross...if you're at Union Station, venture over to Pizzeria Uno or eat downstairs at the food court and save yourself some cash. Eat here at your own risk... -
Review from Tom N.
2/22/2011
I was hoping I'd find Hawaiian dishes here tonight, but they must have been on some special seasonal menu. Louisiana po'boy and Navajo fry bread sounded interesting, but I decided on the pot roast beef brisket. Brisket was tender and heavily seasoned, steamed veggies were soft yet not soggy, mashed potatoes were great... but it was all mixed together on my plate. The chicken Caesar salad looked really good in comparison. The salad came with a creamy dressing, but the waiter happily offered oil & balsamic vinegar upon request. I heard a waiter trip in the back and some some muffled laughter ensue; it must not be a stressful workplace. The restaurant was otherwise quiet inside on a Tuesday night, but it's a nice place to enjoy relaxing conversations while having a ordinary meal using cloth napkins in Union Station.
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Review from Edwin C.
San Francisco, CA
7/21/2011
When you show up at a restaurant late during the lunch hour, it's empty, and about four waiters walk past you before you have to hail one as you would a taxicab, it means one of two things: they're so extraordinarily busy they didn't notice you, or they just don't care. Given that this place (highly recommended in the guidebook for its stupendous-sized menu) was virtually empty, the latter was clearly the case. The apathy extended to the cuise -- simple American fare that clearly no one had been too bothered about. We ended up getting served by the bartender (who was attentive); I just hope the tip went to him and not to the wait staff.
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Review from Jake S.
Arlington, VA
4/21/2009
This place isn't awful. It just isn't that good. I'm a huge fan of Union Station because of the architecture and the shopping (not to mention the whole train station thing), but I'm growing weary of most of their restaurant selections.
The menu is very extensive, but it seems like this place is more like a jack of all trades than a king of one or two particular cuisines. It kind of reminds of of an overpriced Applebees: tons of options, none great, none awful, most mediocre. Not to mention, it's usually overrun by tourists, which if you're a tourist is fine, but if you're a local, can get annoying.
After looking at the menu, nothing really jumped out at me, so I ordered chicken fingers. They were dry. How you mess up chicken fingers is beyond me, but they were dry. In their defense though, whatever they seasoned the batter with was quite tasty. The saving grace was the drink menu, as the specialty martini I had was quite tasty.
Final verdict, I'd drop in here for cocktail if I were in the neighborhood, but I'd avoid it as a dinner choice. If you're between trains or something, you'll have better luck at Pizzeria Uno upstairs. -
Review from Chris Y.
Washington, DC
10/6/2010
I'm giving two stars instead of just one because I'm the only person in our group (that I'm aware of) who actually felt sick after the meal. (Definitely do not order the fish tacos!) I felt it in my gut before I finished paying the bill. After two unpleasant bathroom trips and some candy to put a different taste in my mouth, I felt better.
Others agreed the food was not great, so don't go there just to eat.
Sitting in the nicest part of Union Station is the reason. -
Review from Ellen O.
New York, NY
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
My sister and I had 2 lunches at America (the day of arrival and the day of departure at Union Station). Food was good. Of the "sit down" restaurants, we thought America had the best menu. Service was good too. Wish we had a restaurant this nice in the NYC train stations. Clam chowder was good. My sister had a portabello mushroom wrap that was excellent.
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Review from Ian K.
Waipahu, HI
9/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
A very nice well known place to eat within Union Station. Good service and food. Ordered the rueben sandwich (very good) before a friend emailed me that they serve Loco Moco (a well known dish served in the 50th State of Hawaii). A must stop when visiting our Nation's Capitol.
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Review from Andrew S.
The menu here is just insanely eclectic. I had a hard time deciding what to try. I wound up ordering the seared Ahi tuna salad, which wasn't that bad. My friend had the crabcake sliders. Both of us like the food, the waiters were attentive, and the scenery was nice. If I'm back in Union Station for a meal, I'd eat there again.
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Review from M P.
Woodbridge, VA
4/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I went here with a few coworkers for lunch. I really liked the open atomosphere. I had the turkey dinner....very good. LOL reminded me of Thanksgiving. I really enjoyed it. If the service was better and more attentive I would have rated the experience a 5.
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Review from loren l a.
Seattle, WA
11/7/2008
Wow. We went over to the Capitol Hill Brewery, only to find out that it's closed off to a private party.... So we ended up at America for a quick dinner before heading down to busy buzzing Chinatown for a concert. As my girlfriend and I scanned through the so-called "American" menu on the second floor of the restaurant, I decided on an ahi-tuna salad and she ordered a steak salad. The waiter was very polite and gracious. He asked how I would like the ahi tuna cooked, and I asked medium-rare-- thinking of the deeelicious pinkish color on ahi-tuna steaks. The waiter took our orders and whisked away for a while. Then he returned with both our plates. I was stunned to see ahi tuna looking as if it were a bleak greenish-brownish colored slab of tuna. I wondered if the chef possibly tossed the ahi tuna into the microwave and zapped all the poor nutrients out. The ahi-tuna tasted exactly like rubber. There was EVEN noodles under the ahi tuna along with itty bitty sad-looking vegetables. My girlfriend's steak salad was very medicore. The meat had very odd slithering texture. The salad was not fresh at all-- all soggy along with extremely salty dressing. All this for 35 BUCKS! It was AWFUL. We took the salads to go give them to someone who is homeless, but I tossed the ahi-tuna salad because we didn't want the homeless guy to eat it-- it was THAT DISGUSTING.
The service was awful. The waiter didn't bring us bread but were bringing other customers bread! I asked for the check right away, and there were not even that many other customers dining there, and the waiter delayed on the check for additional twenty minutes. I gave him the credit card without him giving me the check. I was expecting him to return immediately with both the credit card and the reciept, but nope, he hurried back to FILL my water glass which was still full! He said "I know, I know, I'm getting your bill now." I was just appalled. We were pratically the only one of the three tables that all 5 waiters were waiting on!
Needless to say-- the w-o-r-s-t dining experience ever. EVER. -
Review from Derek M.
Centre, PA
1/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
The place is tucked inside Union Station. Nice atmosphere, friendly and quick service. Reasonably priced and extensive menu. They have several vegetarian dishes. I went there with a friend for dinner, and we both enjoyed our meal.
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Review from Yu-Jie T.
Hyattsville, MD
4/29/2010
Service is so-so. When we got there they have already prepare and setup for us. That was the highlight of the visit. The bench seat was hard and back was too far They didn't have ice for our water and the water has a metallicky taste to it. They only had it for soda's. I requested many times ice and it never came.
The food was not so good. I order the fish and chips. The french fries was cold and hard. It was the frozen kind. The fish was hard, thin and not so meaty. Even McDonald's Fries and Fish taste better, fresher, and came out quicker. They brought everyones food out at different times.
Go to the food court and the other restaurants at Union Station before you go here. -
Review from Wendy B.
Arlington, VA
1/8/2011
The two times I've been here have been great! I ordered the Pot Roast and both times it was tender and delicious!! The service was good, everyone was very pleasant! The portions are a good size, not too big or small. After both trips, I left full and content! I enjoyed it!
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Review from Jodi G.
8/30/2010
America is OK. It wasn't at all bad food-wise. Service is not the best, but ok. What I liked about the menu was it portrays the melting pot of american cultures from crab cakes to fish and chips to cuban sandwiches to Waldorf salad to American favorites. I ordered the fish and chips, which was tasty. The chips were just fries, not unlike any other, but cooked just right. Authentic chips are typically bigger/thicker. Anyhow, not bad. It was nice to sit outside the restaurant (still inside union station) & people-watch.
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Review from Mark C.
Upper Marlboro, MD
2/3/2011
The Thanksgiving On A Roll sandwich is awesome. It's worth the trip just for that.
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Review from Karin M.
Alexandria, VA
7/11/2008
Just like anyone else says, it's not really someplace that you would go out of your way to dine at. It's great if you're taking tourist friends around, waiting for a train, etc. My fiance and I ate lunch there, and not going to lie, the food was really, really good. If you love spicy food, I highly suggest their N'awlins Cue'd Wild Gulf Shrimp as a starter. It was honestly amazing. Staff was extremely friendly as well, always a plus!
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Review from Sean B.
4/3/2009
What a waste of a meal! I've had worse comfort food, but this was mediocre at best. The special salmon was anything but that (was overcooked and tasted fishy). The pizza was blah (someone I was with tried to dump red pepper flakes on it to save it...but gave up). The salads were made of old iceberg lettuce and other not so fresh ingredients. And they serve their wine in small cheap glasses that my grandma might have. Need I continue???
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Review from Chris J.
Washington, DC
8/17/2010
I had good service, decent food and a nice view. I knew not to expect the world from this place but left happy.
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Review from Alvin B.
Burke, VA
7/17/2010 4 Check-ins Here
The food is average at best. Service is dependent on how busy they are. Still, I like to eat here on occasion because of the building and for the people watching from ground floor level.
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Review from Marc K.
Oakland, CA
6/22/2009 1 photo
Good place for kids, food isn't bad. Friendly staff. My son (who is 9) got the two foot long hot dog and loved it. Some of the seating areas have great views of Union station. I wouldn't rave about the food, but it was a nice place to eat. I'll have to try it again if I get out to DC and see if I can get the 'hit' part of hit or miss.
