Down On Mainstreet combines small town USA with waterside dining. The large main dining area makes this a great place to catch up with friends and family. The only thing that would make this place more American is a slice of apple pie on the menu.
Downtown Washington
Down on Mainstreet is on West Mainstreet of “little” Washington along with many other cute shops in the area. There is an entrance from Mainstreet as well as the main parking area to the rear. I find this really convenient since you would otherwise have to walk around the whole block to get into the restaurant if you park in the main parking lot.
The parking lot I recommend is to the rear of the building near the waterfront. This is shared by all the businesses in the area so it can fill up. There is some additional parking across the street from the Waterfront park if you need it. I do not recommend trying to park on Mainstreet unless you are very confident of your parallel parking abilities.
Small Town America Never Left
If you find yourself window shopping on main street, you will get to come in the charming store front. Otherwise, you will be greeted by their outdoor seating area. You will need to walk all the way to the front of the restaurant to be seated if you come this way. There is ample seating in the waiting area if you find yourself coming during a busy day.
A large part of the appeal to Down on Mainstreet is the location. This is a classic downtown restaurant with small town America vibes. This feel is the perfect place to stop in for lunch during a little sight seeing as much as it is to go out on a date night. The interior echo’s the past uses of the space with the various different levels, exposed architecture and full length windows. The patterned ceiling from the early 1900’s really caught my attention personally.
The main seating area is completely open and fairly large. This can result in noising dining during busy days. This also allows them to accommodate larger groups by just repositioning tables easily. The outdoor seating is smaller and less flexible. On a day with good breeze, I highly recommend the outdoor seating.
Simple Comforts
The menu is a general assortment of standard American fair. They have a decent variety of food but nothing jumped out as a real winner. No real complaints about the food but not particularly memorable. Our limited sample of the food on the menu appeared to be average.
This restaurant has a clear strength as a meeting point for friends/family to meet. No the menu is not going to earn any Michelin stars but any picky eater will likely find something they like. The space is large enough that big groups would be okay. There are plenty of other activities near by that can precede and/or follow lunch here. The River Front Park, the Estuarium, and countless cute shops on main street are just few. They even have a handful of arcade games in the back. This is the type of establishment that is likely flooded on Sundays.
Overall
Down on Mainstreet a great mid-day intermission or meeting place for large groups. The crowd pleaser of a menu ensures that most people will be able to find something to eat. Close proximity to the waterfront and down town mean you will likely find yourself strolling around before or after your meal. Stop in if you’re in the area.
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Please don’t call this area “little” Washington! It’s not a pleasant label to locals, many who were born, raised, and are still active residents of this unique and community. Just Washington will do.
Some of us here have a “bee in their bonnet” when it comes to using the adjective ‘little’ to describe the town. “The Original” is the preferred adjective for them. There are definite sides to this decades old debate. I am just glad people enjoy our lovely town that I’ve called home for 57 years.
Don’t mind these good ole gals who have their feathers in a ruffle over the term “Little Washington!” I’ve lived here my whole life (a wonderful 74 years) and adore the name. You will always find those who dislike it and those who love it. We are little and that’s what makes our quaint town unique.