NOT a cheap place to eat, but the food is always great.

This 42-seat grill features quite a few cuts of beef, but be sure to keep an eye out for their tasty black bean soup (dinner menu), creative and tasty sides, eye-candy desserts and ample wine list. Note, you will definitely need a reservation and the Grille is closed on Mondays.

Decor is upscale casual lodge style with light wood paneling warming the dining room without being stuffy. Seating is flexible to accommodate parties of 2 - 12 (comfortably), lighting is tasteful and the night we visited, background music was cajun blues. Portions are average in size, prices are in line with mid-range Washington DC restaurants (about $50 for 2 meals, no wine, no dessert) and quality is good.

We asked them to modify their evening special for us and were accommodated with no problems, much to our delight. Kudos to the kitchen for making accommodations and for preparing meals so tasty we were left wishing for more. Service was pleasant and prompt and we left rather satisfied with the experience.

Hoping for a take out lunch of black bean soup and curried quinoa, we returned again Sunday but no luck. Sunday brings a lovely brunch menu, however, and we will certainly stop back next time we're in town.