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The days of the three-martini lunch may be gone, but some restaurants still buzz with the sound of wheels and deals in motion. Discreet alcoves hide the quiet rendezvous, suitably imposing menus impress VIP clients, and exquisite waterfront views set the scene for a celebratory toast. These power playgrounds attract all breeds of movers and shakers—from high-profile politicians and finance execs to media moguls and entertainment royalty.
Best Power Lunches in....
Best Power Lunches
D.C.
Tosca 1112 F St. NW, Penn Quarter, 202-367-1990 toscadc.com
The Draw: The capital’s smoothest operators dine here to lobby each other and hammer out the details of political, media, and corporate contracts. To help seal their deals, powerbrokers rely on owner Paolo Sacco’s famed hospitality and discretion, as well as Tosca’s exquisite décor and northern Italian cuisine. The Scene: Lawyers, lobbyists, and politicians stake out their territories, with regulars (such as former Democratic Senator John Breaux) assured their special tables—from those in the attention-getting center of the room (look for Breaux at table 26), to those in the rear, which offer a full view of who’s coming and going. Mon–Thu 11:30am–2:30pm and 5:30–10:30pm, Fri 11:30am–2:30pm and 5:30–11pm, Sat 5:30–11pm. $$$ Hot Tip: A peek inside Tosca’s only alcove, table 50, could easily reveal the subjects of DC’s next scandal to break or cabinet seat to be announced.
The Oval Room 800 Connecticut Ave. NW, White House, 202-463-8700 ovalroom.com
The Draw: With an evocative name, a proximity to the White House and to K Street’s law and lobbying firms, and New American cuisine that continues to wow, the tables are consistently filled at lunchtime, when seasoned servers expertly feed the (power) hungry. The Scene: Aiming for a congenial atmosphere and gracious service, the Oval Room hews more toward the classic and reliable, rather than to the splashy sparkle of hipster newcomers. A central bar separates the two lovely dining rooms, whose walls are hung with contemporary art. This is a place for the quiet rendezvous, rather than the grand entrance. Mon–Fri 11:30am–2:30pm and 6–10:30pm, Sat 6–10:30pm. $$ Hot Tip: Ask for tables eight, nine, or ten (all in the corner) for private conversation and keeping watch over the crowd.
The Palm 1225 19th St. NW, Dupont Circle, 202-293-9091 thepalm.com
The Draw: Politicos enjoy the clubby atmosphere as much as the prime aged New York strip steak at this nearly-four-decades-old bipartisan steakhouse, located a few blocks north of the White House. Longtime waiters know when to banter with patrons and when to disappear. The Scene: Weekdays when Congress is in session, The Palm hums with the sounds of wheels and deals in motion. The restaurant’s signature decorative element—walls covered in sketched caricatures of patrons—hint at the eatery’s history, as well as who might be spotted coming through the door any second. Mon–Fri 11:45am–10:30pm, Sat 5:30–10:30pm, Sun 5:30–9:30pm. $$$ Hot Tip: For the best views of big-name arrivals and departures, book a table in the glass-enclosed salon at the front of the restaurant.
