WASHINGTON, D.C. 701 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, 202-393-0701. For a “swanky night out” in the Penn Quarter, replete with caviar, champagne and “quiet jazz,” it’s hard to beat this “perennial” New American known for its splendid terrace overlooking the Navy Memorial. FOOD:23 DECOR:23 SERVICE:23 COST:$45
LOS ANGELES THE LOBSTER 1602 Ocean Avenue, 310-458-9294. Even the staff “stops to watch the sunset” at this Santa Monica Pier seafooder that boasts such a “beautiful ocean” vista that it’s the “best place in L.A. to leave work early for”–and the cooking’s “fabulous,” too. FOOD:23 DECOR:24 SERVICE:21 COST:$47
CHICAGO ATHENA 212 S. Halsted Street, 312-655-0000. “In the heart of Greektown,” this Athenian “favorite” is renowned for “solid” cooking, but the “main attraction” is “fun outdoor dining in the summer” on its “lovely patio” with “great city views.” FOOD:20 DECOR:20 SERVICE:18 COST:$24
SAN FRANCISCO FOREIGN CINEMA 2534 Mission Street, 415-648-7600. The Mission’s answer to Tinseltown is this “cinema buff’s paradiso” featuring an “arty film du jour” accompanied by a Cal-Med menu served “drive-in style” on a patio or beside a “showstopping fireplace.” FOOD:20 DECOR:24 SERVICE:17 COST:$40
NEW YORK BARBETTA 321 West 46th Street, 212-246-9171. “Approaching 100” years old, this “lovely” Theater District Italian “has only improved with age,” offering “satisfying,” authentic fare and “doting” service that’s best savored in its “glorious,” statuary-filled garden. FOOD:20 DECOR:23 SERVICE:20 COST:$56
