Dupont Italian Kitchen (DIK)

It’s not the food that keeps this place in business, but rather the prime vantage point it offers for viewing the 17th Street flora and fauna. The meals are modestly priced and the mood is casual. It’s a great place to spend a lazy afternoon outside, or to socialize on a warm summer night. But note that when patrons get a seat here, they’re not likely to give it up in a hurry, and table turnovers can be few and far between. Upstairs is a favorite hang of those of a certain age who don’t fancy the loud, late club scene.