DC Metro Dining (aka The Weekly Dinner)

4.7•5385 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.

Upcoming events

See all

9 seats left
Bottomless Mediterranean Brunch at Agora (Dupont)
Sat, Jul 25 · 12:55 PM EDT
AGORA, 1527 17th Street Northwest, 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 FRIDAY 8p, 6/24. (Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership)

Let’s explore one of DC’s popular brunch destinations. We are heading to Agora in Dupont Circle, a longtime neighborhood favorite known for Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, shareable small plates, and one of the area’s better-known bottomless brunch experiences.

→ Plan to arrive early. The restaurant requires the full party before seating. Once seated, the table begins a two-hour dining window. If you expect to run late, plan accordingly.

FOOD: Agora’s bottomless brunch is built around unlimited Mediterranean small plates rather than a traditional buffet. Recent diners consistently highlight dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, labneh, htipiti, shakshuka, börek, smoked salmon, Turkish sausage, flatbreads, and a variety of egg dishes. The small plate format allows guests to sample a wide range of dishes throughout the meal, including plenty of vegetarian-friendly options.

The brunch package also includes bottomless brunch beverages, with guests enjoying options such as Mimosas and Bloody Marys. Coffee and tea are also typically available at the table based on restaurant guidance, though they are not listed as part of the published package details.

-> SPENDING EXPECTATIONS <-
Most members should expect to spend approximately $70 for the bottomless brunch after DC tax, Agora’s current 3.5% operational surcharge, and the restaurant’s automatic 20% gratuity for larger parties. Premium beverage upgrades or additional purchases beyond the brunch package will increase the total.

→ Explore Agora (DC)'s menu:
https://www.agorarestaurants.net/agora-dc-menus/

SPACE: Agora offers a warm Mediterranean atmosphere with exposed brick, wood accents, and a lively Dupont Circle energy. The restaurant includes indoor dining and patio seating. Expect a social brunch environment with moderate noise levels and a busy weekend crowd.

→ Visit the restaurant site: https://www.agorarestaurants.net/agora-dc/
- Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details)
- Limited to 10 slots
See you there
Joe

CLOSEST METRO
- Dupont Circle (Red) is the closest stop. Both the 19th Street NW and Q Street NW exits provide convenient access. The walk is approximately 8 to 10 minutes using the surrounding Dupont Circle street layout and pedestrian paths.
  For guests arriving on Blue, Orange, or Silver lines, Farragut West is also an option. From Farragut West, the walk is approximately 15 minutes. Depending on starting location, this may be more convenient than transferring through Metro Center.
- 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 is limited in Dupont Circle, especially on weekends. Several paid garages are available nearby. Members may also check parking apps such as SpotHero and Parking Panda for garage reservations and possible discounts.

*** 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 on the morning 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
Joe
1 attendee
7 seats left
Under the Radar Series: Authentic Mexican at Le Chicatana (Colombia Heights DC)
Fri, Aug 7 · 7:20 PM EDT
Chicatana DC, 3903 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 Friday 10a, 8/7. (Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership)

'Under the Radar' (noun): A restaurant that may not dominate DC's "best of" lists or social media feeds, yet has earned a loyal following through consistently great food, hospitality, or a concept worth discovering.

This edition of our Under the Radar series takes us to La Chicatana in Columbia Heights, created by three childhood friends from Guerrero, Mexico. Chef Marcelino Zamudio and Chef Jose Abrego spent years honing their craft in respected DC kitchens, including Oyamel and Boqueria, before opening a restaurant dedicated to showcasing the regional cuisine they grew up with. Alongside beverage director Hector Flora, whose passion for mezcal began with his family's traditions in Guerrero, they've created one of the city's most authentic and distinctive Mexican dining experiences. Food critic Tom Sietsema in 2024: 'Chicatana is my favorite D.C. restaurant this year'

FOOD: Recent diners consistently praise the tacos al pastor, pescado zarandeado, pollo con mole, enchiladas suizas, passion fruit ceviche, queso fundido, and house-made guacamole.

Guests looking for something more adventurous will also find specialties featuring chicatana ants or chapulines (grasshopper), though there are plenty of familiar options for those who prefer a more traditional Mexican dinner.

The cocktail program is also well regarded, particularly the margaritas and mezcal-based drinks. The menu accommodates a variety of dining styles, whether you're looking for tacos and appetizers or a full entrée with drinks.

-> SPENDING EXPECTATIONS <-
Most members should expect to spend between 45 and 80 dollars for dinner and drinks after tax and tip, depending on ordering style and alcohol. Members focusing on sushi and shared plates may spend somewhat less, while multiple courses, cocktails, or premium seafood selections can increase the total.

→ Explore La Chicatana's menu: https://chicatanadc.com/menu

SPACE: La Chicatana offers a colorful, contemporary dining room that blends modern finishes with traditional Mexican artwork and décor. Expect a lively neighborhood atmosphere, moderate noise levels, and an energetic Friday evening crowd that complements the restaurant's vibrant style.

→ Visit the restaurant site: https://chicatanadc.com
- Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details)
- Limited to 10 slots
See you there
JoeN

CLOSEST METRO
- Columbia Heights (Green, Yellow) is the closest stop. Exit toward Irving Street NW and 14th Street NW, then walk north along 14th Street before turning onto Meridian Place NW. The walk is approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (Red) station is another option for Red Line travelers. The walk is approximately 18 to 20 minutes, though transferring to the Green or Yellow Line is generally the more convenient choice.
- 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 can be limited on Friday evenings. Several public garages are located within a short walk of the restaurant. 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 on the morning 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
Joe
1 attendee