Restaurants near Charles E Smith Athletic Center

Christmas time is truly the best time to go bc its beautifully decorated! Portions are huge so recommended splitting entrees or prepare to have take home box. Service is outstanding and all pasta homemade except penne and rigatoni. Only con - F&B is overpriced but understandable due to location and popularity. Highly recommend though!

It was my groups first time there and they treated us with such care! It was for my birthday and they pulled out all the stops for me! Food was DELICIOUS and very FLAVORFUL! Atmosphere was PHENOMENAL! Julie and Gaël were AMAZING! Thank you for a wonderful experience. We will be back very soon!!!

Founding Fathers DC is a fantastic spot for those craving Southern-inspired cuisine. The menu offers hearty options for lunch and dinner, showcasing classic dishes with bold flavors. For breakfast enthusiasts, the selection is just as impressive, featuring fluffy biscuits, indulgent beignets, waffles, and decadent French toast. We visited during brunch and decided to explore the heavier lunch menu. Every dish was perfectly executed, balancing rich Southern flavors with refined presentation. A standout moment of our meal was dessert — the vanilla bean cheesecake was divine, with a creamy texture and just the right hint of sweetness. It’s a must-try! A word of advice: make a reservation. The restaurant’s popularity means long lines, especially during peak hours. Founding Fathers DC is a delightful blend of Southern charm and culinary excellence, and it’s well worth the visit!

Really lovely meal! Nice holiday decor! Great service and we were lucky to have seats that viewed the kitchen! The noise level was excellent and we didn’t have to shout to have a conversation. I tried the Meatball ragu over the vegetable noodles—honestly one of my favorite Italian dishes of all time!

Great meal--the short rib melts in your mouth, the trout crust was wonderfully crispy, and the shrimp appetizer was packed with flavor.