Washington DC/crabs

Someone wrote:

       I will be in the nation's capitol this weekend Sept. 22-4
       on a little sightseeing and eating journey.

       Could someone recommend a place where we can get
       the hard shell crabs, hopefully jumbos.

       We used to go to Baltimore for them years ago so I
       assume there's a few good crab houses in Washington
       area.

       Of Course, this place should put newspaper on the table
       and have pitchers of cold beer.

       I prefer to stay in the city limits as we may not have a car.
       -----------------------------

Phillips on Maine Avenue near Washington Harbour is quite good for crabs and other seafood stuff.

There's a place in Northern VA about 15mins drive from the city (I know that kind of doesn't work for you) called Captain Pels on Lee Hwy in Vienna.

       While I'd like to have crabs one night, the other night I'd like
       to devote to one of Washington's better restaurants.

       Could you list a few of the more "eclectic" or nouvelle
       spots with good wine list.   The more creative the cuisine,
       the better.

Try Jaleo on 7th and E for tapas; Tom-tom club or Chureria Madrid in Adams Morgan for more Spanish selections; Filomena's in Georgetown (M / Wisc Avenue) for Italian (reservations required) .

Anna Maria's or La Tomate on Dupont Circle for Italian; there's a great Cuban place (I think not to be missed) in Dupont Circle on 18th and S.

       many thanks.  John Gallagher/Boston
       [email removed]

I know of a great place, Bethesda Crabhouse.  It's in Bethesda, MD, (obviously) but you can take the metro (Red Line) to get there.  You may have to take a cab to the restaurant from the metro station but trust me, it's worth it.  It's exactly how you described....newspapers lining the tables and great big, cold pitchers of beer, bits of crab shell flying all over the place from people eagerly pounding their jumbo crabs with little mallets.  God, I miss that place!

Good luck!

Sarah