100 Best Restaurants 2012: Food Wine & Co.

From soulful bistros to high-gloss steakhouses, there's lots of good eating in DC, Maryland, and Virginia

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Chef Michael Harr has bounced around since making a name at the now-closed Butterfield 9. And this casual American bistro has had its share of chefs who bolted. But Harr is a good match, and we hope he sticks around. His cooking is eclectic (coconutty tuna ceviche shares space on the menu with hushpuppies with honey butter), usually expertly prepared and a great value. The dining room hints at a 1920s train station, complete with a large clock, an opulent bar, and glowing lamps. We loved the raspberry-rhubarb shortcake and the blueberry-lemon crostada on our first visit, but desserts weren't as good at a subsequent meal.

What to get: Creamy gazpacho; roasted-beet salad with whipped goat cheese and pistachios; mussels in spicy lemongrass-coconut broth; fried calamari; hushpuppies; fried artichokes; lamb burger with harissa; Thai-inspired barbecue-chicken pizza.

Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner. Moderate.