We just visited Washington & the Capital in October. After our tour, we had lunch in the Visitors cafeteria & were amazed at the variety & quality of the food. There was everything from salads, burgers, sandwiches, pastas, multiple hot entrees, the famous Capital bean soup to many tempting desserts. Everything we had was very good. It’s a cafeteria, but a very good cafeteria. If I was in the area, I would go there for lunch even if I wasn’t touring the Capital.
We also went to Old Ebbitt Grill that the PP suggested. It was great too. The food was delicious & the atmosphere certainly memorable, although it is very busy & hectic. However, it’s right near the White House & not close to the Capital. You would have to trek from the Capital to the Grill, then right back where you came from to the Supreme Court. Unless you have time to kill, it doesn’t seem very practical to me. If you need a meal when you’re near the WH, or when you’re done tourimg for the day, it would be great option. Definitely make reservations tho. We were lucky to get a same day late lunch reservation.