Restaurants near John F Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts

Great food and a professional staff. Pricey but worth it.

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!

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!

The whole experience was fabulous. We made a reservation for nine and were seated promptly upon arrival by the wonderful hostesses. Our server was excellent, the drinks were amazing, and the FOOD. I literally cannot gush enough about the food. I got the ribeye and it was cooked flawlessly. Never understood what “melt in your mouth” was supposed to mean with steak until I bit into the most perfect bite of meat in the world. Juicy, flavorful, and paired with perfectly cooked kale and potatoes. I could have eaten three of them and wouldn’t have regretted a thing. There was no room for dessert on this visit, but I will DEFINITELY be back.

This restaurant is a gem. Excellent service, friendly staff and the food was wonderful. Looking forward to returning. Not loud.