We dropped off our bags at The Virginian Suites, freshened up a bit and headed back down to the front desk.  Since we were new in town, and we we were hungry, we asked for a dinner recommendation.  Edward, the awesome front desk guy that I mentioned in my review of the hotel, suggested Quarterdeck Restaurant.  He said it was “just up the road” so we decided to try it out.

We didn’t know anything about the restaurant so of course I googled it.  According to the Quarterdeck Restaurant’s website, the Quarterdeck is a fixture of the Fort Meyer Heights neighborhood for over 30 years providing a relaxed atmosphere perfect for family dining or just catching up with old friends.  Most notably known for their seasonal Maryland Blue Crab feast and cold beer, they also serve a wide variety of classic American and Seafood fare year round.  I’m not a big seafood fan but I am a big fan of trying something new so off we went. 

We headed that way not knowing that when Edward said, “just up the road”, he meant literally up the road because it was up a steep hill.  The fact that I am out-of-shape was immediately evident.  😉  We arrived and now we were not only hungry but hot and tired too. 

Quarterdeck was crazy busy.  As in beyond crazy busy.  It was so crowded, (how crowded was it??), that they were pulling extra tables from a store room in the back and setting up a makeshift dining area next to the patio to seat additional customers.  Now all that really did was strain the wait staff who were already overwhelmed but we were hot, tired and hungry so we stayed. 

Of course our decision to stay would presumably add to the overcrowding, but considering we were out-of-towners we were not sure exactly what and where our other options were.  They asked if we minded sharing a table with strangers and having limited options, we agreed.

We sat with Rob, Jackie and Kyle and even though it seemed a little weird to share a table with strangers, it ended up being really fun!  They gave us pointers on what to see and do, filled us in on some local gossip and made the whole evening very enjoyable.  

The whole vibe of the restaurant is indeed what it says on their website.  The atmosphere was very casual and relaxed.  It is perfect for family dining or just catching up with old friends.  We saw several large groups of folks really having a great time. 

I didn’t take any pics of our food but our new trio of friends ordered the crabs and despite the fact that I am not a seafood fan, the crabs are seasoned with Old Bay Seasoning and they smelled absolutely yummy!  Pardon my poor phone pic but I was truly very tempted to try the crabs…they smelled that good.

I ordered steak and it was delish and Marvin ordered salmon and he said it was quite tasty too.  We had a really good time sharing a meal with some new friends. 

I would say our first evening and first meal in DC was a success! 

• Are you a seafood fan? 
• What new restaurants have you tried lately?

(((hugs))) ~lisa