With 2 to 5 million people expected to descend on the DC metro area in a couple weeks for President-elect Obama’s Inauguration festivities, there remains one big question. Where will they eat?

I’m sure OpenTable has been booked for months, but if you can manage a reservation (or long wait time) at one of the following restaurants, you won’t be disappointed. Many are featuring special hours and/or menus in anticipation. If you can’t get in (or out) of the city, make plans to stop at some of the VA and MD spots ahead of time.

I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite restaurants, places where I recommend out-of-towners dine.

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Kinkead’s | http://www.kinkead.com/ | DC (Foggy Bottom)

I’m not a seafood person, but this was one of the best meals I’ve had in DC. The crispy Ipswich clams with tartar sauce and fried lemons is a treat. The steak medallions I had had a delicious crust with melt-in-your-mouth meat. Save room for dessert, the lemon dessert sampler (Lemon Pudding Cake, Vanilla and Citrus Parfait with Lemon and Mandarin Granitas and a Lemon Meringue Tart) I had is still one of my favorite desserts…ever.

BLT Steak | http://www.bltsteak.com/ | DC (Downtown/Farragut)

Popovers and bacon can’t be beat. The pate is a lovely addition as well (so I hear). I’ve been disappointed by the side dishes (except hen of the woods mushrooms that my bf loves), but the baked potatoes are massive enough to share. A pleasantly masculine atmosphere and delicious sizzling steak is enough to make anyone feel Presidential.

Brasserie Beck | http://www.beckdc.com/ | DC (Downtown)

The frites alone are worth it. Mussels are meaty and aromatic, and other dishes like the spinach salad (a large side salad), short ribs and “ham and cheese” sandwich are excellent as well. Beer list, as expected, is superb. I’m a fan of Kriek beers.

Ray’s the Steaks | No website | Courthouse (Arlington, VA)

Take the time to stop by promptly at 4 pm (in person) to put your name on the waiting list. It’s worth it. I’m usually a filet mignon kind of girl, but at Ray’s I order a NY Strip steak au poivre (sauce on the side). With its charred exterior and juicy tender meat, the strip is pretty flavorful. A bargain with sides of creamed spinach and mashed potatoes included in the price. Forget Morton’s, The Palm, and all the other steakhouses. Ray’s is where it’s at.

Oyamel | http://www.oyamel.com/ | DC (Penn Quarter)

Oyamel has little plates of Mexican goodness. Tamales, short ribs, skirt steak, shrimp and more are creatively plated and presented in mouthwatering morsels. Make sure to try the mole and the huitlacoche (Mexican corn truffles). There is also a stuffed pepper dish that my bf swears by.

Zaytinya | http://www.zaytinya.com/ | DC (Chinatown)

You can order a ton of plates for not a ton of price. Featuring Greek and Mediterranean fare, Zaytinya can complement most any palate. Zaytinya has a gorgeous atmosphere with calming decor and open glass windows, but the best thing about it is the bread. Pillowy pita bread is served hot with olive oil, completely addictive. Tapas are best when they’re shared, so make sure to sample and spread the love.

Woodmont Grill | http://www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/woodmontGrill/ | Bethesda, MD

I reviewed Woodmont a couple months ago. My top dishes are the french dip, the house salad, and the Hawaiian steak.

Hudson’s | http://www.hudson-dc.com/ | DC (Downtown/Dupont)

Always innovative, I like Hudson’s trendy yet comforting menu. The matzo ball soup is delicious, and any place with fried chicken is high on my list.

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2 Amy’s | http://www.2amyspizza.com/ | DC (Cleveland Park)

One of my top weekend destinations. If you can handle the wait (they don’t take reservations), it’s well worth it. I’m a fan of the traditional 2 Amy’s pizza, with just tomato and mozzarella and a dash of olive oil. Take note of the daily specials and appetizers. I can never turn down the potato and prosciutto croquettes, or the polpettine (tiny meatball), sizzling with slices of thick bread. The eggplant parmesan is also wonderful. Kids drinks are also a weakness of mine, especially the kids pink lemonade with a scoop of sorbet. A special treat on Sunday is the cinnamon-sugar donut, complete with the donut hole. I’ve never had anything I didn’t like at 2 Amy’s.

Cactus Cantina | http://www.cactuscantina.com/ | DC (Cleveland Park)

If you want to avoid the crowds at Lauriol Plaza, stop by Cactus Cantina (right next to 2 Amy’s) for the exact same menu. The place is huge, and can accomodate a crowd minus the ridiculous wait. Swirl margaritas come in pitchers, and the salsa is pleasantly smoky. Fresh chips and tortillas make the food that much better. My favorites are the beef fajitas and the BBQ chicken salad. I love the house salad dressing there. Wings are not bad either, and traditional Mexican dishes are hearty and satisfying.

Liberty Tavern | http://www.thelibertytavern.com/home.php | Clarendon (Arlington, VA)

If you can only go once, go for the brunch. It’s my favorite brunch place, mostly because of the old-fashioned candy bar (pic featured here). My favorite pizza there (which rivals 2 Amy’s) is the Vermont, featuring white cheddar, proscuitto, Granny Smith apples, caramelized onions and sage. It sounds odd, but is simply divine.

Palena | http://www.palenarestaurant.com/ | DC (Cleveland Park)

If you eat in the front of the restaurant (Palena Cafe), then you can dine like a king on their mouth-watering cheeseburger and crispy fried potatoes, onions and lemons. The roast chicken has to be ordered ahead of time, but it’s worth the wait with crispy skin and juicy chicken.

Peking Gourmet | http://www.pekinggourmet.com/ | Falls Church, VA

Best Peking duck in town. Just ask President Bush. The duck is perfectly crisped and expertly carved tableside. Meat is both flavorful and not fatty. In addition to the duck, I like the egg rolls, Szechuan beef proper, fried rice, moo shu pork and dumplings.

Papa Razzi’s | http://www.paparazzitrattoria.com/ | DC (Georgetown)

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Georgetown. The food is consistently good, and I really like the atmosphere. Try the mozzarella fritta, roasted lemon garlic chicken (gallo al forno) or the lasagna. You won’t be disappointed.

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Surfside | http://www.surfsidedc.com/ | DC (Glover Park)

What’s better than a fresh tortilla, slightly grilled, corn shaved off the cob, marinated beef, and lime sour cream? Nothing. That’s my favorite “create your own” taco combination. Feel free to get creative on your own, or sample some of Surfside’s delectable tacos, burritos, salads, and entrees.

Urban BBQ | http://www.urbanbbqco.com/ | Rockville, MD

The wings are stellar, BBQ chicken succulent, and brisket and ribs excellent. Don’t discount the sides, the cole slaw is nicely chopped and slightly vinegary, and the cornbread is sweet with pieces of corn.

Eamonn’s | http://www.eamonnsdublinchipper.com/ | Alexandria, VA

The best fish and chips in town, hands down. Stop by Old Town Alexandria. Crispy and freshly fried, the cod and chips is my favorite. Tartar sauce is creamy and tangy, and all the sauces are homemade. Don’t forget to save room for the fried Snickers bars. Pick up a piece of European nostalgia with imported candies and treats from the UK and beyond.

Aladdin’s Eatery | http://www.aladdinseatery.com/ | Various VA Locations (Shirlington, Ballston and Burke)

This is one of my favorite Lebanese/Middle Eastern restaurants. The Shirlington location makes a great first-date spot, and both have free wi-fi. I’m partial to the chicken salad rolled wrap and salad pita, the fattoush salad, and the hummus. I also love the raspberry sunshine smoothies. You can easily dine here for under $10 per person. They also have a wonderful wine list.