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
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
DC Winter RW '26 (EXTENDED) - Modern Southern at Mallard (Logan Circle)
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
RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)
→ RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Friday 10a, 1/30. (Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership)
***
Winter Restaurant Week [RW] is back in DC!:
Learn more about DC's Restaurant Week (http://www.ramw.org/restaurantweek/)
- Officially runs Jan 19 - 25 [some places like Mallard will extend the deal beyond these dates]
- 3-course fixed-price dinner special for $40 / $55 / $65 price tiers [not including drinks, and our required 30% tax / tip]
→ For this RW event Mallard will be at the $55 tier, so the minimum cost for the deal is ~$72 [drinks, wine/beer, and any extras items are additional and still factors our 30% tax/tip]
→ By attending the event, each member agrees to participate using the Restaurant Week menu, and agree this $ minimum. CASH PREFERRED PLEASE!
***
SPECIAL RULE for RSVPing to ANY RESTAURANT WEEK EVENT:
Lol, rule waived for this Restaurant Week period. ;)
***
***
I'm in the mood for Southern dishes. Let's revisit one of the best in the area at Mallard—a Logan Circle standout blending Southern lowcountry ingredients with refined technique. We went here during Summer 2025 RW and it was very highly rated. It's a deep menu for RW, which is great to see.
FOOD: Refined Southern. Led by Executive Chef Hamilton Johnson (“Chef Ham”), Mallard riffs on his South Carolina roots with smart sourcing and whole-animal creativity, duck is often used in many dishes. Johnson cooked under Charleston legend Frank Lee and later at DC icon Vidalia under Jeffrey Buben (8 years as lead Chef de Cuisine), so expect comfort flavors elevated with polish. Ah I miss you, Vidalia.
→ Checkout the RW menu on page 3 (PDF). Reminder: All must opt into the RW menu and pricepoints. A couple of the items are have upcharges if selected (mostly duck dishes).
Curated beer program that sources from upstairs neighbor, Churchkey. Cocktails are excellent as are the wines. For Restaurant Week expect an optional Wine Pairing list will be offered with this menu.
SPACE: Warm, convivial bistro energy—perfect for sharing plates and conversation. Mallard sits on 14th Street near Logan Circle. Beloved beer mecca Churchkey is above, for context.
→ Checkout Mallard's website to learn more
+++++++++
==> Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (this is NOT optional. it's a requirement to attend any of our events).
==> Limited to 8 slots
See you there!
JoeN
***
CLOSEST METRO: McPherson Square (Blue/Orange/Silver). Exit to 14th & I St NW. Walk north on 14th St NW ~0.6 mi (10–12 min) to 1337 14th St NW (between N St and Rhode Island Ave). Easy straight shot up 14th.
Alternatives: Farragut North (Red) or Dupont Circle (Red) are ~15 minutes’ walk.
For directions using the Metro, try using the Trip Planner at the WMATA website.
PARKING: No Valet parking. Multiple Parking Garages or ground level paid parking lots nearby though. Else, street parking within 4 blocks is not impossible but come early to hunt. Rideshare or use Spothero.
***
- Limited to 8 slots.
- If you RSVP "YES" please make sure you can definitely make it. With 5,000+ members and limited seating, we cannot afford no-shows. It's unfair to the other members who would like to attend and also to the organizers who have to explain to the restaurant why the reserved # of guests didn't show (can damage our reputation and ability to do larger reservations in the future). No-Show / Late Cancel rules apply (repeat No-Show or Late Cancel can impact membership).
- Join the WAIT-LIST if you don't get an initial spot! Use the Waitlist option. Also, check back regularly as attendees have been known to cancel up to Noon the day of the event. We may use emails during the week to confirm continued interest, so check!
- Billing (add 30% tax/tip to your bill). Remember, include the required 30% for tip/tax in addition to the food/beverages you order as defined in our FAQs (http://diningout.meetup.com/149/messages/boards/view/viewthread?thread=1650845#2991513).
- NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS, if you have questions about the group, RSVPs, or the overall dining event process, visit our FAQs (http://diningout.meetup.com/149/messages/boards/view/viewthread?thread=1650845) and our No-Show Policy (http://tinyurl.com/5byotq).
Upcoming events
2
DC Winter RW '26 (EXTENDED) - Modern Southern at Mallard (Logan Circle)
Mallard, 1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC, DC, USNEW 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 worksRSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)
→ RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Friday 10a, 1/30. (Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership)***
Winter Restaurant Week [RW] is back in DC!:
Learn more about DC's Restaurant Week (http://www.ramw.org/restaurantweek/)- Officially runs Jan 19 - 25 [some places like Mallard will extend the deal beyond these dates]
- 3-course fixed-price dinner special for $40 / $55 / $65 price tiers [not including drinks, and our required 30% tax / tip]
→ For this RW event Mallard will be at the $55 tier, so the minimum cost for the deal is ~$72 [drinks, wine/beer, and any extras items are additional and still factors our 30% tax/tip]
→ By attending the event, each member agrees to participate using the Restaurant Week menu, and agree this $ minimum. CASH PREFERRED PLEASE!***
SPECIAL RULE for RSVPing to ANY RESTAURANT WEEK EVENT:
Lol, rule waived for this Restaurant Week period. ;)
******
I'm in the mood for Southern dishes. Let's revisit one of the best in the area at Mallard—a Logan Circle standout blending Southern lowcountry ingredients with refined technique. We went here during Summer 2025 RW and it was very highly rated. It's a deep menu for RW, which is great to see.
FOOD: Refined Southern. Led by Executive Chef Hamilton Johnson (“Chef Ham”), Mallard riffs on his South Carolina roots with smart sourcing and whole-animal creativity, duck is often used in many dishes. Johnson cooked under Charleston legend Frank Lee and later at DC icon Vidalia under Jeffrey Buben (8 years as lead Chef de Cuisine), so expect comfort flavors elevated with polish. Ah I miss you, Vidalia.
→ Checkout the RW menu on page 3 (PDF). Reminder: All must opt into the RW menu and pricepoints. A couple of the items are have upcharges if selected (mostly duck dishes).
Curated beer program that sources from upstairs neighbor, Churchkey. Cocktails are excellent as are the wines. For Restaurant Week expect an optional Wine Pairing list will be offered with this menu.
SPACE: Warm, convivial bistro energy—perfect for sharing plates and conversation. Mallard sits on 14th Street near Logan Circle. Beloved beer mecca Churchkey is above, for context.
→ Checkout Mallard's website to learn more
+++++++++
==> Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (this is NOT optional. it's a requirement to attend any of our events).
==> Limited to 8 slotsSee you there!
JoeN***
CLOSEST METRO: McPherson Square (Blue/Orange/Silver). Exit to 14th & I St NW. Walk north on 14th St NW ~0.6 mi (10–12 min) to 1337 14th St NW (between N St and Rhode Island Ave). Easy straight shot up 14th.
Alternatives: Farragut North (Red) or Dupont Circle (Red) are ~15 minutes’ walk.
For directions using the Metro, try using the Trip Planner at the WMATA website.
PARKING: No Valet parking. Multiple Parking Garages or ground level paid parking lots nearby though. Else, street parking within 4 blocks is not impossible but come early to hunt. Rideshare or use Spothero.
***
- Limited to 8 slots.
- If you RSVP "YES" please make sure you can definitely make it. With 5,000+ members and limited seating, we cannot afford no-shows. It's unfair to the other members who would like to attend and also to the organizers who have to explain to the restaurant why the reserved # of guests didn't show (can damage our reputation and ability to do larger reservations in the future). No-Show / Late Cancel rules apply (repeat No-Show or Late Cancel can impact membership).
- Join the WAIT-LIST if you don't get an initial spot! Use the Waitlist option. Also, check back regularly as attendees have been known to cancel up to Noon the day of the event. We may use emails during the week to confirm continued interest, so check!
- Billing (add 30% tax/tip to your bill). Remember, include the required 30% for tip/tax in addition to the food/beverages you order as defined in our FAQs (http://diningout.meetup.com/149/messages/boards/view/viewthread?thread=1650845#2991513).
- NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS, if you have questions about the group, RSVPs, or the overall dining event process, visit our FAQs (http://diningout.meetup.com/149/messages/boards/view/viewthread?thread=1650845) and our No-Show Policy (http://tinyurl.com/5byotq).
8 attendees
DC Winter RW '26 (EXTENDED) - Modern Seafood at Cordelia Fishbar (Union Market)
Cordelia Fishbar, 550 Morse St NE, Washington, DC, USNEW 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 worksRSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)
→ RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Saturday 10a, 1/31. (Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership)***
Winter Restaurant Week [RW] is back in DC!:
Learn more about DC's Restaurant Week (http://www.ramw.org/restaurantweek/)- Officially runs Jan 19 - 25 [some places like Cordelia Fishbar will extend the deal beyond these dates]
- 3-course fixed-price dinner special for $40 / $55 / $65 price tiers [not including drinks, and our required 30% tax / tip]
→ For this RW event Cordelia Fishbar will be at the $65 tier, so the minimum cost for the deal is $85 [drinks, wine/beer, and any extras items are additional and still factors our 30% tax/tip]
→ By attending the event, each member agrees to participate using the Restaurant Week menu, and agree this $ minimum. CASH PREFERRED PLEASE!***
SPECIAL RULE for RSVPing to ANY RESTAURANT WEEK EVENT:
Lol, rule waived for this Restaurant Week period. ;)
***
We’re heading to Cordelia Fishbar for a Restaurant Week dinner in the Union Market neighborhood. This seafood-centric restaurant blends coastal influences with globally inspired preparations, making it a standout choice for a flavorful winter night out.FOOD: Cordelia Fishbar focuses on fresh seafood, crudo, conserva, and charcoal-grilled specialties, drawing inspiration from Spain, Portugal, Asia, and the Americas. Reviewers highlight dishes like coal-roasted oysters, crudo-style seafood, and jumbo lump crab toast, along with beautifully prepared grilled calamari and whole branzino. The raw bar selections and char-grilled items are consistently praised for their freshness and distinctive flavor, and guests also appreciate thoughtful wine pairings and creative cocktails designed to complement the seafood.
This is a great choice for seafood lovers, especially if you enjoy a mix of small plates and shareable entrées that highlight seasonal fish and shellfish.→ Explore Cordelia Fishbar’s RW menu (PDF, focus on the areas of 'Choice of One'): https://www.ramw.org/sites/default/files/restaurant-week/menus/CFB_RW_Dinner_2026.pdf. All must opt into the RW menu and priceponts. Note any upcharged items or additional item are extra and have their own 20% gratuity.
SPACE: Cordelia’s space in Union Market feels warm and vibrant with rustic-meets-coastal design and an intimate yet lively atmosphere. The expansive bar and oyster selections make it fun to start with drinks and small plates before dinner, and the dining room works well for conversation and tasting a range of seafood dishes.
→ Visit the restaurant site: https://www.cordeliadc.com/
+++++++++
==> Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details).
==> Limited to 6 slots
See you there!
JoeN***
CLOSEST METRO:- NoMa-Gallaudet U (Red Line) is the closest major stop. Exit toward Morse Street NE, walk northeast on Morse Street NE to 550 Morse St NE, just inside Union Market. The walk is about 6–8 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: Parking options include Union Market valet on 5th & Neal Streets NE and nearby garages. Street parking can be limited, especially on weekend evenings—Metro or rideshare is recommended.
***
Attendance Notes:
- If you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing up. With 5,800+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant.
- No-Show / Late Cancel rules apply (see links below).
- Can’t 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 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.
- New Members / 1st Timers: Visit our FAQs and No-Show Policy if you're unfamiliar with how we run things.
Looking forward to dining with you!
– JoeN
6 attendees
Past events
1006
