The Childe Harold is really two places in one; upstairs is a comfortable, relaxing dining room that harkens to a European bistro experience. We accidentally stumbled onto the downstairs bar in search of the restroom since that part of the establishment has its own entrance to the sidewalk (just take the stairs going down instead of those going up). The downstairs is more casual and pub-like.

The place has some history, since for a time it hosted performances by up-and-coming musicians including such notables as Bruce Springsteen and Emmy Lou Harris. The upstairs stage area was later reverted back to a dining space. The Childe Harold originally opened in 1967, but it has much more character to it than one might expect for its relatively young 35 years of age.

While you can order off the same menu either upstairs or down, some of the offerings seem better suited to the more dedicated dining experience offered on the high side, while others would fit in just fine in the lower level. You'll find everything from hearty pub-style sandwiches and hamburgers to veal Oscar and seafood; appetizers from Buffalo wings to escagot stuffed in mushroom caps. Truly, this is a place to go if you have a group where everyone seems to want something different because the menu is so extensive. Salads, pastas, omelettes - there really is a great deal to choose from.

There is a very nice ambiance between the candles on the bar, the lighting, and the well-presented offerings. We give it a good grade for just about any occasion, and it's a great place to linger awhile. It's just to the northwest of Dupont Circle, and if you are walking south on Connecticut Avenue on the west side of the street, it will "magically" become 20th Street just before you arrive at Dupont Circle in the midst of several neighboring Greek restaurants.