Where to eat during ALA

ALA Annual is upon us, and if you're like me, you're in DC (or will be soon) and trying to plan the next few days, including where you'll be eating. As SCALA's resident DC expert (sort of), I thought I'd offer up some restaurant ideas for the conference. What follows is by no means a complete list, but they're all places near the convention center that I've either been to or had recommended to me. Keep in mind that DC prices are far more expensive than those in Philly (or most of the rest of the country, for that matter), so you'll spend more for a comparable meal.

For quick lunch or dinner:

• Five Guys (808 H St. NW) - Five Guys does great burgers and fries. It's fast food, but it's better quality than something like McDonald's. Everything's fried in peanut oil and they serve peanuts in the restaurant though, so if you're allergic, avoid going here.
• Chop't (730 7th St. NW) - Chop't is all salads, all the time. They have a bunch of signature dishes, or you can create your own.
• California Tortilla (728 7th St. NW) - Burritos, tacos, salads, etc.
• Potbelly (726 7th St. NW) - Sandwiches and salads.

For a sit down meal:

• Capitol City Brewing Company (1100 New York Ave NW)
• Matchbox (713 H St. NW)
• Ella's Pizza (9th St. NW between F and G) - Really good pizza, plus fantastic happy hour specials from 4-7 Monday through Friday
  
• Gordon Biersch (900 F St. NW)
• Chinatown Express (746 6th St. NW) - Great Chinese food, and inexpensive by DC standards.
• Full Kee (509 H St. NW)
• Ping Pong Dim Sum (900 7th St. NW) - Really good food, and since it's dim sum, you can try lots of different options and share for a slightly less expensive meal.

Do you have a favorite place in the convention center/Chinatown/Penn Quarter area of DC? Comment and let other conference-goers know!