Food Nation: Nearby Inauguration Eateries

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IF WASHINGTON, D.C., had a Statue of Liberty just for inauguration season, her plaque would read, "Give me your hungry, your footsore, your crowded masses yearning to warm up ...."

While it's great to be a part of history, particularly on an occasion as momentous as the inauguration of Barack Obama, America's 44th president and its first half-black one, witnessing the Jan. 20 event is also going to be chock-full of inconvenience. Transportation? Oy. Bathrooms? Ha! Sight lines? Fuggedaboutit. And should the celebrating citizen get peckish — actually, we can help you there.

Below is a list of our top 15 restaurants within walking distance from your hotel/friend's house/sleeping bag or the Mall itself. In the spirit of change, hope and other vaguely delicious promises, we vow that if we can help fill one American's belly on Jan. 20, we will have done our part.

UPSCALE
1. Poste
Earth-conscious visitors to the nation's capital will be blown away by Poste's uber-sustainable approach to contemporary American fare. Outside is an organic garden from which the chef plucks ingredients. Even the wine list is filled with excellent sustainable varietals.
» 555 8th St. NW; 202-783-6060. (Gallery Place-Chinatown)

2. Oya
Fantastic Asian-fusion food is served up by a friendly and attentive (but not too attentive) waitstaff. Arrive for happy hour to feast on reasonably priced, delectable sushi and cocktails on special. If you're there for dinner, ask about its three-course fixed price specials.
» 777 9th St. NW; 202-393-1400. (Gallery Place-Chinatown)

3. Rasika
This upscale Indian restaurant offers inventive takes on everything from tandoori chicken to street food such as papri chaat. At the bar, you'll find creative cocktails, and a nice beer and wine selection. Try the bright green French beer--La Verte from Brasserie Du Mont Blanc.
» 633 D St. NW; 202-637-1222. (Archives-Navy Memorial)

4. Cafe Atlantico
Renowned Spanish chef José Andrés shows off tasty Nuevo Latino cuisine with fusion highlights. Delicious guacamole is made table-side in a molcajete as spicy or mild as you desire. Pisco sours and a "magic mojito," crafted with housemade cotton candy, nicely complement the food. Go on Sunday for a reasonably priced Latino-inspired dim sum brunch.
» 405 8th St. NW; 202-393-0812. (Archives-Navy Memorial)

5. Indebleu
The Indian-French fusion cuisine is a tip of the hat to the Pondicherry region of India, a former French colony with lingering French influences. This place turns into a crazy club at night with its Tantra Lounge featuring a DJ, bottle service, and overpriced cocktails.
» 707 G St. NW; 202-333-2538. (Gallery Place-Chinatown)

6. Fogo de Chao
It's a chain, but it's a Brazilian steakhouse chain — and a hop, skip and a jump away from the National Mall. So if you want meat, meat and more meat, go to Fogo. Fixed price is $32.50 for lunch, $49.50 for dinner; kids 6-10 get half price meals; kids under 6 eat free.
» 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 202-347-4668. (Federal Triangle)

MID-RANGE
7. Asia Nine
Whether you're in the mood for lo mein, Thai curry, raw fish or dumplings, Asia Nine has got you covered. The Pan-Asian restaurant's array of tapas and sushi make it possible to try a little bit of everything.
» 915 E St. NW; 202-629-4355. (Archives-Navy Memorial)

8. Kanlaya Thai Restaurant
Kanlaya offers tasty Thai food at a nice price. The menu features pictures of many entrees, so you know what you're getting. It also features a ton of vegetarian options — and almost any meat dish can be converted to veg.
» 740 6th St. NW; 202-393-0088. (Gallery Place-Chinatown)

9. Oyamel
Another creation of chef José Andrés, Oyamel offers a huge variety of Mexican cuisine, mixing traditional with contemporary Mexican flavors. This is also an awesome place to drink--coctails are made with fresh squized juices and a nice assortment of tequilas.
» 401 7th St. NW; 202-629-1005. (Archives-Navy Memorial)

10. Matchbox DC
Matchbox calls itself a "vintage pizza bistro," but the restaurant's mini-burgers are what have made it locally famous. That said, the pizzas are quite good and feature such ingredients as cremini mushrooms and gruyere cream.
» 713 H St. NW; 202-289-4441.

CHEAP EATS
11. Chinatown Express
You can see the cooks working quickly to craft homemade noodles as you approach the window of this Chinese noodle shop, a Washington institution. With your meal, try the garlicky-scallion green sauce. It makes all good things a little better.
» 746 6th St NW; 202-638-0424. (Gallery Place-Chinatown)

12. Teaism
In addition to a huge variety of loose-leaf teas, has a nice, cheap breakfast and a decent lunch. Try the cilantro scrambled eggs to get your day started right.
» 400 8th St. NW; 202-638-6010. (Archives-Navy Memorial)

14. Ella's Wood-Fired Pizza
Ella's is only really cheap during happy hour (and low-to-mid-range prices all other times), but its happy hour is truly a deal. Seven-inch pizzas are just $5; sangria is $3 by the glass, $16 by the carafe; and all domestic beers are a dollar off. HH lasts from 4 to 7p.m.
» 901 F St. NW; 202-638-3434. (Gallery Place-Chinatown)

15. Full Kee
Full Kee is THE place in D.C. for real Chinese food. The menu boasts everything from stir-fried chive flower to deep-fried spicy frog to noodle and dumpling soups to die for. If you just want General Tso's chicken, that's cool, too. All the expected Chinese dishes are far better than your average takeout food.
» 509 H St. NW; 202-371-2233.

Written by Express contributor Suemedha Sood