Ask a restaurateur opening a cozy corner restaurant and he'll tell you his aspirations are to be a neighborhood place. But these are often just buzzwords. To experience a textbook example, visit Sal's Italian Kitchen in Cabin John where keeping things neighborly comes easily.

It's easy for guests to push tables together when neighbors and friends discover they're dining at the same locale. It's easy to understand the classic Italian menu that doesn't break new ground. And, during our visit, an American University student sporting denim shorts provides easy service, free from upsells or speeches.

Read more

Source: http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/