[Slantwire]

I'll second the recommendation for El Pollo Rico, and any of the Ray's spots. Haven't tried the other spots recommended.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Ben's Chili Bowl. Sure, TotUS made a scene about going there, but it is good. Another good place downtown is Tony Leung's, right next to the Chinatown gate. (Upstairs is a seafood restaurant, which you've already nixed, but downstairs is a Mongolian grill.)

The food is nothing special, but the Brickskeller sure has plenty of beers to choose from. Over a thousand on the list, and a Guinness entry to show for it (the book, not the beer, which I'm sure they have).

Will you be in DC proper, or the DC metro area? I've got all sorts of recommendations for northern Virginia, which may be inconvenient for a three-day in the middle of the city.