DC Metro Dining (aka The Weekly Dinner)

4.7•5375 ratings

About us

DC Metro Dining (formerly The Weekly Dinner)

We host organized, seated dining experiences across the DC metro area for people who enjoy good food and real conversation. Our events are designed to be social, relaxed, and thoughtfully run.
Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members.

→ Learn how DC Metro Dining works
→ Notifications are Key to Attending & for Awareness of New Events

What we do
Most of our events are dinners, with occasional brunches or happy hours. Group sizes typically range from 6 to 12, depending on the venue. We focus on well-regarded restaurants and test many places ourselves before hosting events there.

Who joins
Members range from their mid-20s through early 60s. Some attend solo, some with friends, some as couples. What people tend to share is an interest in social dining, good conversation, and being present at the table.

What to expect
This is not a drop-in happy hour group. Our events involve reservations and fixed seating. Because of that, we ask members to RSVP thoughtfully and communicate if plans change. Doing so helps keep events fair, enjoyable, and sustainable for everyone.

Is this a singles group
No. Definitely not. People come for the food and the company. Connections happen naturally sometimes, but the goal is a respectful, comfortable dining experience for all. Keep things friendly, social, and considerate.

If this sounds like a fit, we’d love to have you join us!

For full details on how our events run and member expectations, please review our Overview about who we are, how we approach events, and what are member expectations.

Featured event

Modern West African Cuisine at Elmina (U Street Corridor)

Sun, May 24 · 6:20 PM EDT

Elmina DC, 2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC, US

NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS
Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members.
→ Learn how DC Metro Dining works
→ Ensure Group Notifications are Setup (Announcements + In on Waitlist/Attending List)

RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)
→ RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Sunday 10a, 5/24. (Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership)

Let’s explore an upscale dining experience that blends West African tradition with modern culinary innovation. We are heading to Elmina in Shaw, from Top Chef finalist and Food Network personality Eric Adjepong, known for bringing modern Ghanaian cuisine into a refined dining setting.

FOOD: Elmina blends traditional West African flavors with modern technique, with a menu that highlights depth, spice, and layered composition. Dishes frequently called out include the jollof duck pot and egusi stew dumplings, both reworking classic Ghanaian staples into more refined presentations. You will also find grilled meats with suya-style seasoning, seafood dishes with balanced heat and acidity, and rotating plates that reflect regional influences.

The menu leans bold and savory, with options across meat, seafood, and some vegetarian-friendly selections. Cocktails often incorporate tropical and spice-forward elements that align closely with the cuisine.

Most members should expect total spend to land roughly in the 55 to 85 dollar range, depending on beverage participation.

→ Explore Elmina's menu:
https://www.elminarestaurant.com/menu

SPACE: Stylish, modern dining room with a warm, intimate layout. Expect a lively but controlled atmosphere with moderate noise levels, especially on a Sunday evening.

→ Visit the restaurant site (scroll half way down to la carte menu): https://www.elminarestaurant.com/

Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details).
Limited to 8 slots.

See you there!
JoeN

CLOSEST METRO:

*U Street–African-Amer Civil War Memorial–Cardozo station (Green, Yellow) is the closest stop. Walk east along Florida Ave NW. The walk is about 12–15 minutes
*For directions using the Metro, try using the Plan a Trip feature at the WMATA website (click on your preferred Metro station then at the Station page level click "Plan a Trip".

PARKING: Street parking in this area can be difficult on weekend evenings. Several paid garages are located within a few blocks along 14th Street and nearby side streets. Plan accordingly.

Attendance Notes:

-* If you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing up. With 5,400+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant.*
-** New Members / 1st Timers: Trying to get a slot? Join the Waitlist and check back frequently: spots (often open up before Noon on the day of the event. You may also receive midweek confirmation emails to reconfirm your RSVP, so please check your Meetup DMs inbox).
-* Billing Reminder - Add 30% for tax and tip to your food and drink total.*** This is part of our group’s expectations and helps smooth out service with the restaurant.

Looking forward to dining with you!
JoeN

8 attendees

Upcoming events

See all

Modern West African Cuisine at Elmina (U Street Corridor)
Sun, May 24 · 6:20 PM EDT
Elmina DC, 2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC, US
NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS
Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members.
→ Learn how DC Metro Dining works
→ Ensure Group Notifications are Setup (Announcements + In on Waitlist/Attending List)

RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)
→ RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Sunday 10a, 5/24. (Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership)

Let’s explore an upscale dining experience that blends West African tradition with modern culinary innovation. We are heading to Elmina in Shaw, from Top Chef finalist and Food Network personality Eric Adjepong, known for bringing modern Ghanaian cuisine into a refined dining setting.

FOOD: Elmina blends traditional West African flavors with modern technique, with a menu that highlights depth, spice, and layered composition. Dishes frequently called out include the jollof duck pot and egusi stew dumplings, both reworking classic Ghanaian staples into more refined presentations. You will also find grilled meats with suya-style seasoning, seafood dishes with balanced heat and acidity, and rotating plates that reflect regional influences.

The menu leans bold and savory, with options across meat, seafood, and some vegetarian-friendly selections. Cocktails often incorporate tropical and spice-forward elements that align closely with the cuisine.

Most members should expect total spend to land roughly in the 55 to 85 dollar range, depending on beverage participation.

→ Explore Elmina's menu:
https://www.elminarestaurant.com/menu

SPACE: Stylish, modern dining room with a warm, intimate layout. Expect a lively but controlled atmosphere with moderate noise levels, especially on a Sunday evening.

→ Visit the restaurant site (scroll half way down to la carte menu): https://www.elminarestaurant.com/
- Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details).
- Limited to 8 slots.
See you there!
JoeN

CLOSEST METRO:

*U Street–African-Amer Civil War Memorial–Cardozo station (Green, Yellow) is the closest stop. Walk east along Florida Ave NW. The walk is about 12–15 minutes
*For directions using the Metro, try using the Plan a Trip feature at the WMATA website (click on your preferred Metro station then at the Station page level click "Plan a Trip".

PARKING: Street parking in this area can be difficult on weekend evenings. Several paid garages are located within a few blocks along 14th Street and nearby side streets. Plan accordingly.

Attendance Notes:

-* If you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing up. With 5,400+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant.*
-** New Members / 1st Timers: Trying to get a slot? Join the Waitlist and check back frequently: spots (often open up before Noon on the day of the event. You may also receive midweek confirmation emails to reconfirm your RSVP, so please check your Meetup DMs inbox).
-* Billing Reminder - Add 30% for tax and tip to your food and drink total.*** This is part of our group’s expectations and helps smooth out service with the restaurant.

Looking forward to dining with you!
JoeN
8 attendees
7 seats left
Neighborhood Indian at Masala Art (Tenleytown)
Sat, Jun 6 · 6:40 PM EDT
Masala Art DC, 4441 B-Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington,, Washington, DC, US
NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS
Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members.
→ Learn how DC Metro Dining works
→ Ensure Group Notifications are Setup (Announcements + In on Waitlist/Attending List)

RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)
→ RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Sunday 10a, 6/6. (Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership)

Let’s head to upper Northwest DC for an Indian dinner at Masala Art in Tenleytown, a long-running neighborhood favorite known for refined North Indian cuisine and regional specialties. The restaurant was founded by chef Surinder Singh, formerly of Heritage India, and continues to maintain a strong reputation for consistent execution and depth of flavor.

FOOD: Masala Art focuses on North Indian cuisine with a mix of classic curries, tandoori dishes, and harder-to-find regional specialties. Recent diners frequently highlight the Railway Lamb Curry, lamb korma dishes, garlic naan, and vegetarian items such as baingan bharta and okra preparations. Tandoori items and biryanis are also consistently well reviewed, with many diners noting balanced spice levels and strong flavor without excessive heaviness.

The menu supports a wide range of preferences, including vegetarian-friendly selections and several richer meat-based dishes. Expect traditional Indian desserts and a full bar with wine, cocktails, and beer available.

Most members should expect total spend to land roughly in the 40 to 70 dollar range, depending on ordering style & beverage participation.

→ Explore Masala Art's menu:
https://masalaartdc.com/washington-dc-tenleytown-american-university-park-masala-art-food-menu

SPACE: Comfortable and intimate dining room with warm décor and a quieter neighborhood feel compared to downtown DC dining corridors. Expect moderate noise levels and a more relaxed pace on a Saturday evening.

→ Visit the restaurant site: https://masalaartdc.com
- Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details).
- Limited to 8 slots.
See you there!
JoeN

CLOSEST METRO:
- Tenleytown–AU station (Red) is the closest stop. Quick walk (exit on Tenleytown EAST (same side as Whole Foods) walk south along Wisconsin Ave & cross over Albermarle St NW). The walk is a quick 3–5 minutes based on routed walking directions and traffic signals.
- For directions using the Metro, try using the Plan a Trip feature at the WMATA website (click on your preferred Metro station then at the Station page level click "Plan a Trip".
PARKING: Street parking and several public parking garages are available throughout Tenleytown. Weekend evening parking is generally easier here than in central DC neighborhoods, though nearby retail activity can still affect availability. Members may also want to check parking apps such as SpotHero and Parking Panda for discounted garage reservations and advance booking options nearby. Plan accordingly.

Attendance Notes:
- If you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing up. With 5,400+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant.
- New Members / 1st Timers: Trying to get a slot? Join the Waitlist and check back frequently: spots (often open up before Noon on the day of the event. You may also receive midweek confirmation emails to reconfirm your RSVP, so please check your Meetup DMs inbox).
- Billing Reminder - Add 30% for tax and tip to your food and drink total. This is part of our group’s expectations and helps smooth out service with the restaurant.
Looking forward to dining with you!
JoeN
1 attendee