Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Penn Quarter

We chose to eat at this restaurant because it was close to the Christmas markets that occurs in downtown. Washington DC seasonally. The restaurant is located inside of the Monaco hotel. we read a lot of things online about how great the food was, and it did not disappoint! The salmon, the butternut squash, and the rack of lamb were very impressive, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The bartender makes a pretty good old-fashioned as well.

Founding Farmers & Distillery - A Must-Visit Gem in D.C. If you’re in Washington, D.C., and looking for a dining experience that hits all the marks, Founding Farmers & Distillery is it. From the moment you step in, the ambience sets the perfect tone—warm, inviting, and effortlessly chic. The food is absolutely phenomenal! Every dish is crafted with care, bursting with fresh flavors that make it clear why this place is a local favorite. Their in-house drinks are next-level—whether you’re into cocktails, spirits, or mocktails, every sip is a testament to their craft. The fact that they distill their own spirits adds an authentic and unforgettable touch. What truly elevated our visit was the service. Christian, our server, was exceptional. Friendly, professional, and incredibly attentive, he went above and beyond to ensure our meal was flawless. His enthusiasm and genuine care made us feel like VIPs. Whether it’s a casual outing, date night, or celebration, Founding Farmers & Distillery offers an unparalleled experience. It’s the kind of place you’ll rave about long after your visit—and start planning your next trip back before you even leave! 10/10 recommend.

We loved that the special Thanksgiving menu offered a variety of options (turkey 3 ways, salmon, gnocchi…) and the starters were substantial & had great variety. The service was attentive & “cool”. No big upsell, but we had a wide scope of options. The noise level was comfortable on a holiday. A nice balance of family-friendly & adult dining. Huge fan. We had 3 college-aged guests & 2 adults over 50. High priority was dessert (10/10) and menu variety of options. Win win. Easy on-street parking. Courteous service.

Delicious food. Great service. Only complaint was the seating. Even though there were many open tables we were seated right next to another table that was very close. We had to move our tables over a bit to give some place next to the couple next to us. Felt very cramped

Food was so amazingly good, from the roasted cauliflower to the tender and flavorful steak. The service was friendly and helpful, modifying the chef's menu for our vegetarian with shellfish allergy guest. And the overall enviroment was warm, welcoming, and cozy. My only complaint is that the experience is so good that no one wants to leave their tables! Like a great family dinner. Thank you