The Monocle Restaurant

"A steakhouse is as much a DC institution as traffic cameras, questionable politicians, and Fannie Mae. The Monocle on Capitol Hill is not only one of the city’s oldest, it’s undeniably one of its best. Sit at the small wooden bar if you want to hear Hill staffers spilling congressional secrets after one too many ginger Manhattans." - omnia saed, tristiana hinton

"The highly civil, enduring Monocle has been slinging steaks and providing top-notch hospitality on the Hill since it opened in 1960 just a campaign button’s throw from the Senate office buildings. The walls inside the tidy, yellow circa-1885 townhouse display autographed of famous folks, mostly politicians. Reportedly, the original owner once discovered Richard Nixon’s photo in the ladies restroom, tore it from the frame, and ripped it to shreds. Drink ice-cold martinis there along with all the steakhouse standards. Weekday lunch is available, too." - Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff

"A lot of places try to replicate DC’s once-ubiquitous steakhouses, and many pull it off. But The Monocle doesn’t need to copy what once was—it’s the real deal, and has been since it opened in 1960. Located in a 19th-century home that’s walking distance from the Capitol Building, The Monocle is the kind of old-school establishment where a worked-here-for-decades maître d’ greets you at the door and escorts you to your white tablecloth-covered banquette. Photos of politicians line the walls, and although the tables and booths are usually full, there’s a relative hush over the dining room. Deals are being made quietly over martinis at the banquettes, so if you want something a bit livelier, grab a beer with the Hill staffers at the bar. The steak and salmon are excellent, and the fact that servers walk around with open bottles of wine means your glass will never go empty. " - madeline weinfield

"The Monocle, which has been serving the city since the ’60s, lets you eavesdrop on lobbyists and various elected officials while eating some of the best steaks you’ll get in DC. Despite the congressional folks, you can usually just walk in and grab a seat, whether you’re hanging solo at the old-school bar or having a friend date in the dining room. And while you don’t need to dress to the nines, skip the sweats if you want to blend in with the Hill crowd." - tristiana hinton

"Like crafting a piece of legislation, making great steak is an art. And while we don’t speak legalese, we do know that The Monocle deserves unanimous approval. The menu at this old-school chophouse in Capitol Hill is short and sweet. That’s probably because with over 60 years under their belt, it's safe to say experience is the secret sauce. Their sirloin steaks are lightly salted, flawlessly seared, and the best in the city." - omnia saed