A creation of chef Jeremiah Langhorne, The Dabney is located in Blagden Alley, Washington D.C. It has been our top pick on many occasions. Getting a reservation, unfortunately, is as tough as getting an iPhone on the first day of launch.

After walking down the Blagden Alley and stepping into this beautiful, Streetsense-designed restaurant, you instantly feel welcomed by this comforting vibe. Outstanding hosting and service provide you with a pleasant experience even before you get your food.

Chef Jeremiah uses only regional ingredients to create his Mid-Atlantic cuisines. When we went, we tried a few small plates to experience the flavor of his cooking. Starting with the Smoked Catfish Dip, we were immediately transported above cloud nine. The spicy, inhouse seasoning of the corn chips was to die for, but it was still only the beginning. Next arrived the Crispy Farm Egg, something that anyone who loves eggs as much as us would appreciate. What surprised us the most, however, was the Braised Salsify Root. While vegetable salads can be tricky for any restaurant, this menu item deserves a special shout out for its remarkable taste. The Chicken and Dumpling, Grilled Flank Steak, Chocolate Chess Pie and even the ginger beer were also remarkably satisfying. Group dining is highly recommended at The Dabney, as it allows friends or couples to maximize the number of small plates and share a few of the main dishes. 

The Dabney
122 Blagden Alley NW. Washington DC
202-450-1015. 
thedabney.com