Ciudad

"Among the dives and breweries dotting Georgetown’s industrial landscape is Ciudad, a boisterous Middle Eastern-influenced spot that’s good for large groups starting out the night. Nab a seat outside where the atmosphere feels like someone’s cool cookout as a charcoal grill sears tasty hanger steaks and seafood (you order by the weight to share). Inside, the look is more “modern art gallery” with concrete floors and a mural depicting some sort of demonic parade. Beyond those grilled meats, get the hummus and smoky yogurt dips for the table (with flatbreads), plus a round of spicy carrot margaritas, and everyone will be happy. " - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley, gabe guarente

"Capacity: 20 You probably know about Ciudad, the fun Middle Eastern spot in Georgetown that serves grilled marinated meats and delicious hummus. But what you might not know that they have a hidden room in the back that you can book for 20 people. This place works really well for people with dietary restrictions, too, since there are so many gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian/vegan options." - aimee rizzo

"Some things are best kept in your back pocket for the right time to shine—like a lighthearted icebreaker for awkward conversations, or a playlist of baby animal videos to console you through a messy breakup. This principle applies to restaurants, too. You need some regular-occasion spots that are versatile and easy to get into, just in case. Places that may not be mind-blowingly good, but also aren’t bad, by any stretch of the imagination. Places like Ciudad in Georgetown, a casual-but-not-too-casual Middle Eastern spot where you can eat some great grilled meat and flatbreads with just about anyone, on just about any occasion. The first thing you see before walking into Ciudad is the charcoal grill right outside the front door, and that lets you know what you’re in for food-wise. The Mediterranean/Middle Eastern menu is heavy on different types of grilled meats, which you order by weight, making this a great place for sharing. Start with some bar snacks like fried almonds, and definitely get some hummus and flatbread, as well as the spicy/sweet/salty snap peas with tomato sambal and burnt honey. Then, pick your meat(s). The herb-marinated hanger steak is the best, and even just the smallest available portion is very substantial, not to mention inexpensive. Finally, choose some sauces, like smoky yogurt, chimichurri (our favorite), or black garlic aioli. A round of mezcal lemonades is also a very good choice. For the most part, everything—other than the too-dry kofta—is well-executed. The warehouse-style space is pretty spare, besides the mural that looks like a graphic novelist’s take on something you’d find at a pediatrician’s office. As long as you don’t mind the paintings of hippos cut in half, the grim reaper, and a skull shaman casually taking a phone call, you’ll enjoy your meal. Does Ciudad have the best Middle Eastern food in the city? No. But will its quality mezze and grilled meats make you happy with your decision every time? Absolutely. Keep it in your back pocket. Food Rundown Hummus & Flatbread Flavorful flatbread with hummus that will ruin the store-bought kind for you forever. Fried garbanzo beans on top add some nice crunch. Fava Bean Falafel Kind of an interesting spin on falafel, these crispy fava balls come with a green tahini (which we didn’t love) and a smoky yogurt (delicious). The falafel mixture itself lacks flavor, though. Skip this. Snap Peas & Crispy Carrot These charred snap peas topped with tomato sambal, a drizzle of burnt honey, and a pile of well-seasoned fried carrot chips are the best vegetables on the menu. Charred Kale & Ricotta Salata Grilled kale tossed in a lemon vinaigrette and topped with crumbled ricotta salata, crunchy almonds, and a Calabrian chile relish that you should stir up with the greens. Very good. Herb Marinated Hanger Steak The steak here is fantastic, especially with their bright, herby chimichurri. Not only does it have a delicious marinade, but you get an enormous quantity of it for only $7.50. This is a very good deal. Harissa Marinated Chicken The spice on this chicken is awesome. It’s pretty juicy, too, and well-charred on top. Beef & Lamb Kofta We’ve had these little grilled meatballs twice - one time they were semi-dry, and one time they were completely dry. Go for something else." - Aimee Rizzo

"Loading up a table with mezze and charcoal-cooked meats by the pound is always a good idea for acknowledging your birth, and one of the best places you can do that is Ciudad in Georgetown. The space is an icebreaker at the very least, complete with an industrial warehouse feel and a slightly unsettling mural depicting characters like a skull shaman taking a phone call and a jovial hippo sawed in half. Of the many menu options, we’re fans in particular of the hanger steak, but you should round things out with plenty of flatbread, hummus, and spicy carrot margaritas for optimal results." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley

"Ciudad is an affordable spot for charcoal-grilled meats like tahini chicken, marinated hanger steak, and cider-brined pork. Come with your group and split some of those along with hummus, charred vegetables, and tasty flatbreads. Then, have some fun matching your friends’ personalities to the characters in the creepy cartoon wall mural." - aimee rizzo