Mie N Yu
A classy restaurant, Mie N Yu offers visitors a chance to pretend they're all the way across the globe, in the Middle East or the plains of Africa. The restaurant is divided into different sections, each of them appropriate depending on the number of people in your group. The Turkish Tent, for example, features embroidered floor pillows, glowing lanterns and a sheer tent roof. The Moroccan Bazaar offers small and tent-like areas but with traditional tables and chairs. The most fun choice, however, is the Bird Cage, where you're sitting inside a giant iron cage suspended in the middle of the dining room. The cage sits up to seven people (one table only) and costs a fixed price of $95 per person. Dishes include exotic meals like Banana Pest Hummus, Grilled Mie N Yu Cobb and Wild Mushrooms and Tofu Fried Rice. Live music and bellydancers take the floor every night.
Mie N Yu
3125 M St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 333-6122
www.mienyu.com
Carpool
Decorated to mimic a 1950s-style gas station to the last detail, Carpool is a delight to visit, even if you just have a quick bite. Popular with sports fans and car enthusiasts, the all-American fare restaurant also offers pool tables, dartboards and shuffleboards, all located in a room that resembles a garage. Expect to find gas pumps, giant signs and old dinette tables inside. The menu offers numerous vegetarian options, including Red Pepper Potato Bisque, Carpool Chili Cheese Fries and Spinach and Artichoke Dip.
Carpool
4000 Fairfax Drive
Arlington Virginia 22203
(703) 532-7665
www.gocarpool.com
Zola
Zola hasn't let a theme ruin its style. Modern and sophisticated, this restaurant plays up the spy theme in a very subtle way. The kitchen windows let you spy on the cooks, and "top secret documents" decorate the walls and lie under the tables' glass. Trick mirrors, fake kitchen doors and other details are subtle enough to keep this a classy place you can take your date or your boss to. For early dinners (before 7 p.m.), the restaurant has a $30 pre-fixed menu, where you can choose one item from each page. If not, try Tuna Mignon, Butter Lettuce or Salmon BLT.
Zola
800 F St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004-1505
(202) 654-0999
www.zoladc.com
