Just like Nick Naylor and the Merchants of Death in Thank You For Smoking, lobbyists, top staffers, and other DC deal bots have their go-to spots for power lunches. I got some help from my favorite lobbyist, my dad Nick Pyle. He has been a lobbyist for decades, largely repping food clients, which makes him a double expert:

Art & Soul - 415 New Jersey Avenue NW

This restaurant is right on Capitol Hill, and the food is served up by the legendary Art Smith. He recently collaborated with Lady Gaga on her Thanksgiving special.

BLT Steak - 1625 I Street NW

BLT Steak is a skip away from K Street, aka, near a lot of lobbyists. The food is also ridiculously good.

Cafe Milano - 3251 Prospect Street NW

This famous Italian eatery is located in the heart of Georgetown, and is probably the most social spot on this list. Sure, there are a lot of power lunches here, but there are more see-and-be-seen-types dining here for lunch.

Capital Grill - 601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Lots of people consider this a power lunch spot, but Pyle doesn't think so. "It's better for dinner," he said.

Capitol Hill Club - 301 S Street SE

"I like going here when I want to get work done, but don't have time to chat with other tables," said Pyle. This club is behind the Longworth and Cannon House Office Buildings, making it convenient for people with meetings on the hill.

Charlie Palmer's Steak House - 101 Constitution Avenue NW

This power lunch spot is on Capitol Hill and boasts amazing views of the Capital building and monuments.

Dirksen North Servery - Dirksen Senate Office Building

This is the cafeteria in the Dirksen building. It's not exactly glamorous, but it is Pyle's favorite cafeteria on the hill.

Johnny's Half Shell - 400 N Capital Street

This delicious seafood restaurant is on Capitol Hill, and is frequented by the political elites all the time.

Kafe Leopold - 3315 M Street NW

This place is more of an insider lunch spot, since it's hard to find in the depths of Georgetown's Cady's Alley. Pyle likes having clients meet him in his Georgetown office before lunching here so no one gets lost along the way.

The Monocle - 107 D Street NE

This restaurant is on Capitol Hill, but Pyle thinks this place is on the out. "Monocle's heyday was when then-senators Dodd and Kennedy shared some woman upstairs in the private room." Typical Washington.

The Palm - 1225 19th Street NW

DC's Palm is just two blocks from Dupont Circle, making it a must-dine spot for Dupont deal-slingers.

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