Cancel

Open app

Search

Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant

3.6 (473 reviews)
Closed • Closed

Services - Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant

Venue rental

Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant Photos

Business Info

GADSBY'S TAVERN RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Touristy
Classy
Moderate noise
Good for kids

You might also consider

More like Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant

Recommended Reviews - Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Prime rib
Shanan F.

Service was amazing with Gloria. The French onion soup was the best I have ever had. The mashed potatoes were amazing.

Filet Mignon
Rich S.

Timeless Treasure Food The food here is superb. We had the clam bisque, peanut soup, ham biscuits, Filet Mignon, Washington's favorite Duck, Lamb Chops, and chocolate cake. The peanut soup was unique and something distinctly colonial period. I would order it again except the other appetizers were so much better I would probably get those first. The Claim Bisque was one of the best soups I've had at a restaurant. All the flavors melded together so well. The Ham Biscuits with raspberry drizzle just melted in your mouth. The combination of flavors and textures was amazing you really have to try this. The whole my mother enjoyed the Lamb it was my least favorite of the three. It had a strong flavor (liquorice maybe) that I didn't care for but ymmv. The duck was very good and the corn pudding that came with it was very unique. While everyone enjoyed their meal the table agreed the Filet was the best entree we ordered. The sauce in top added a nice flavor, it was perfectly cooked and tender. As a steak snob it definitely passed the test. The flowerless chocolate cake doesn't normally come with the raspberry sauce but it was so good on the ham biscuits we asked them to add it and it was fantastic with the chocolate. Service We were seated timely, food arrived in a good amount of time and everyone was friendly. Overall very good service. Ambiance Some restaurants are mainly ambiance and others mainly good food. This is both. When you walk in, you can feel the history surrounding you in the walls. A Gentleman came to our table, dressed in themed attire and in character as the original owner. We had a fun conversation which ended in me singing and him playing Dixieland on his lute. Value This is not an inexpensive place to eat so know that going in. My appetizer steak and dessert with no alcohol was $60. Regardless, whenever I come in town, I'm going to go back.

Diego S.

I wanted to give 3.5 stars, but I don't have that option. I wanted to experience a little bit of history with my meal and Gadsby's Tavern fit the bill. We had reservations 4 on a Thursday. I was a little concerned when we arrived and the restaurant was virtually empty. The decor was consistent with the period theme of the restaurant. I am not sure if the peeling paint in various areas was intentional or the result of neglect. Our server was attentive and efficient but I think could have made the experience so much better had she explained anything about the history of the building and the figures that had patronized the building. I would have also enjoyed an explanation (even if made up) about the menu items representing authentic menu items from the Revolutionary era. We ordered the biscuits with Virginia ham and the calamari as appetizers. The biscuits were perfectly bite sized and delicious with a berry drizzle, reminiscent of a Monte Cristo. The calamari was good, but not noteworthy. For entrees we had the filet and the prime rib. They were both cooked as requested (medium rare & medium) and delicious. The accompanying vegetables were also fresh and well prepared - not overcooked or mushy. Deserts was the créme brûlée like Colonial Burnt Cream and the Tipsy English Trifle. Both were very good, though my wife was startled that the burnt cream was warm throughout and not chilled like créme brûlée. Overall, the food was very good and reasonably priced considering this is likely frequented by tourists like myself. I just think the experience would be much better if they presented more of the history. I don't expect period costumes or reenactments, but some explanation of the historic significance of the building and area would make it more meaningful.

Richard H.

My wife and I were there for the history of this restaurant. The background stories are attractive since George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other historic figures had dining in the restaurant. As a national historic preservation building, the space is unique and did preserve the time and history of the era. However, despite the historical importance of this restaurant, the maintenance is a bit disappointing. I understand it is an old building, but the ceiling paint of our dining room is peeling, the restroom door is lack of maintenance. The price of the food is somewhat reasonable as a fine dining restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. However, the food is just ok to my expectation. Compare to the tavern in the Colonial Williamsburg, which also provides colonial style dining experience, there is room for improvement. I was expecting to sink into the colonial time era, but this restaurant just didn't deliver the experience. Overall, I think this restaurant is generally above average, but it has some many potentials to be great!

I had the prime rib!!
Fr. William S.

What a fun place to come for Mother's Day dinner with the family. The servers were kind and extremely attentive. The nephews were amazed that five presidents had eaten in this very restaurant!! Martha Washington's pate was delicious. Crab and salmon and ham. What a combo!! Our table had the vegetable Neapolitan, the prime rib, the duck, the salmon, and the chicken fingers. We were all pleased and thankful for a delightful and delicious dinner.

Donny A.

So...you need to understand what this place is historically. Then you can appreciate a few things that you may not look past in other restaurants. It has historical significance in Old town Alexandria. Our first 4 Presidents ate here. I had the oyster Po boy and a Samuel Adams. It was good. We tried the peanut soup and the onion soup. I will come back here to drink in the tavern for sure. I love the history. You can smell the fireplace and see the walls darkened by hundreds of years of candles burning. I love it.

The best painting of Geo. Washington - ever! Lol!!!
Patrick L.

Ahh, the great Gadsby's... Well, maybe not so great but kinda fun. While headed to Mount Vernon from DC, I happened to stop in at Gadsby's because I had heard George Washington and friends frequented the establishment for happy hour back in the day. The place has a historic vibe to it, that's fun. I think I would have been disappointed had I invested a dinner at Gad's, but lunch was serviceable. I shared some dishes with my wife (spellings are off the menu, not typos): We had a cup of Surrey Co. Peanut Soop cup $4/bowl $6 roasted peanuts simmered in fresh chicken stock with garlic and ginger A Walnut Gorgonzola Sallad $9 field greens topped with walnuts, gorgonzola, red onion and tomato with balsamic vinaigrette Shared a Grilled Chicken Sandwich $12 topped swiss cheese, baby spinach and bacon on a brioche roll with chutney mayonnaise and it came with a huge pile of fries! I LOVED the peanut "soop" but I LOVE peanut butter, you've been warned. The salad and sandwich were both good. Was it amazing? Not really, but it was good (and I was hungry!) Service was fine (the woman who waited on our table did an okay job, however she seemed awkward/nervous - maybe she was new?) In all, Gadsby's was a fun stop during a day of history-themed activities. I'd recommend it to anyone having a touristy day in the area or someone wanting to try peanut "soop" - it was otherworldly, lol! 3.5 stars P.S. If you head downstairs to use the washroom, the photo of George in the stairwell is a classic! Hahaha...

Tracy L.

Overdue review from last year- It was a nice experience, and the historical value was appreciated. The chairs may have even been from back then; they were so wobbly! Haha The service was attentive, and the restaurant was purposefully outdated and dimly lit. I really enjoyed the George Washington's Favorite- the duck fell right off the bone, but the glaze sauce was just a bit too sweet for me. My bf really enjoyed his prime rib steak. The Cab was our pick for wine.

Tavern salad with shrimp
Scott W.

Parking here is street only so keep that in mind. This is a fun place to try if nothing else other than the historical value. The food is good and it's a comfortable setting. Service was ok, although I felt we could have been checked on a little more. The time of day wasn't during peak hours (2:00 pm) so I'm not sure of the "why". I've tried this place one other time and it was good then too, so consistency is something you can count on. My wife had the Tavern salad with shrimp and I had the roast beef and brie dip (although I don't think it had any horseradish).

Grilled Salmon Filet

See all

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

29 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Donny A.
517
46
86

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

George Washington's favorite is a must. The food was great and so was the friendly service. The place coulddd use a little TLC though.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Kevin T.
28
84
136

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ed S.
17
84
85

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of C. B.
0
57
21

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 1
Love this 5
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Nan Z.
1
105
122

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Nick G.
0
204
13

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kate M.
0
51
11

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ava T.
0
24
9

1 year ago

Eat delicious food, fairly priced, in an actual historical location with a warm staff. My absolute favorite!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 12

Ask the Community - Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant

Any gluten free menu items?

Where's the door?

Located to the right of the museum door.

Taking the museum tour, we saw an outdoor courtyard. Is the courtyard part of the restaurant? Is it open for meals, and if so, when?

I am having lunch there now (May 9, at 2:50 PM). So, yes, it is part of the restaurant, and you can--at least--eat lunch out here.… Read more

View All 5 Questions

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for New American 57,634 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

The Majestic - Dinner at The Majestic by Chef Santiago Lopez

The Majestic

4.3(1.1k reviews)
0.3 mi•Old Town Alexandria
•$$
Full bar
Large group friendly

Saturday was my first time back at Majestic since the new management took over, and I have to…read moresay--it was a great experience. Even though it was quite crowded, everything felt very well organized. The wait time to be seated was reasonable, and the staff were warm and welcoming from the start. Our waiter, Lorena, truly stood out. She was incredibly patient and accommodating while we took our time deciding what to order, and she was very helpful in guiding us through the menu. On top of that, she had such a pleasant and positive attitude that made the whole experience even better. As for the food--it did not disappoint. I had the salmon, which I would absolutely recommend. My daughter ordered the steak frites with French fries, which was excellent, and my other daughter had the same dish with mashed potatoes. Everything was so good that we left our plates embarrassingly clean. We'll definitely be coming back. And if you happen to get Lorena as your server, you're in for a genuinely great dining experience.

Such a wonderful mother's day experience for my mom. This placed was wonderful and would 100% go…read moreback again! This place was in fact very "majestic" inside. Great vibes and fancy decorating. The food was all phenomenal. My mom loved her salad and ate every bite. The salmon benedict was incredible. Great flavors with the garnishing on top and the potatoes were perfectly cooked and great service, our waitress was very attentive as well as the other staff.

Photos
The Majestic - Girl Dinner served during Majestic Hour. Mon - Fri | 3pm - 7pm at the bar

Girl Dinner served during Majestic Hour. Mon - Fri | 3pm - 7pm at the bar

The Majestic - BEEF CARPACCIO
aged balsamic dressing, black garlic aioli, toasted almonds, capers, arugula, crostini

BEEF CARPACCIO aged balsamic dressing, black garlic aioli, toasted almonds, capers, arugula, crostini

The Majestic - Cocktails at The Majestic by Chef Santiago Lopez

See all

Cocktails at The Majestic by Chef Santiago Lopez

Jula’s on the Potomac

Jula’s on the Potomac

4.1(243 reviews)
0.7 mi•Old Town Alexandria
Outdoor seating
Private events

Bottom line front - you won't find a more beautiful view with exquisite menu options in the area…read more Service is sunburn and they know how to present! The food, flavor, and service are what you'd expect from a 5*. The food are cooked to order. The Drink menu is superb. With refreshing options and great flavors. And yes for your simpler folk the have bud light in frosty glasses. So for a bit of the elephant the prices, they are not cheep but the perception of value is there. I'm not a fan that if you decide you don't like vodka in a bloody marry they up charge you for whiskey. In this posters option whiskey is much better option for Bloody Mary. Recommend you allowing an option for vodka, tequila, and whiskey. The bloody marry is also not house made. I passed but your server and I had a good laugh about it. Drinks are very expensive!!! When we sat down before we opened the menus he offered to bring us hot biscuits...no they were not complimentary 6 biscuits at $5 a biscuit was a nice treat on the bill. Our server Quintin was awesome! Recommend him for sure. Polite professional and factual but more than willing to upsell so make sure you ASK What charges will be made for offers.

Food/price:…read more Charcuterie Service $35.00 rosemary focaccia, prosciutto, genoa salami, manchego, greek olives, artisan olive oil & balsamic vinegar, grated parmesan (presented tableside)

Photos
Jula’s on the Potomac
Jula’s on the Potomac
Jula’s on the Potomac

See all

Vermilion - Crispy fried oysters

Vermilion

4.0(987 reviews)
0.5 mi•Old Town Alexandria
•$$$

We've been coming to Vermilion for almost 13 years now and it STILL doesn't disappoint!! It's one…read moreof the most beautiful restaurants in Old Town with its exposed brick and dim lighting. Especially in the winter time with the white lights lining King St outside. Tonight, we had an amazing meal prepared by Chef Tony. We started with their fried oysters on top of apple slaw and their potato and leek soup. The soup was piping hot with small hush puppy style croutons inside served in a beautiful bowl. It was delicious too! I don't even like oysters, but I liked these. Next came the Betty's buns and beet salad. The beet salad is such an interesting preparation with ricotta, raw and cooked beets, some herbs, orange segments and pistachios. I really enjoyed the brightness of the dish. And who doesn't love a good warm bun with butter? The entrees were really beautifully plated and delicious too. The catfish was our favorite with a delicious broth, poured table-side. I've never had a bison steak before - but this one was perfectly cooked with cippolini onions, chimichurri and sweet potatoes. The plating on everything was absolutely gorgeous. And for dessert - a spongy apple cider cake and creamy chocolate cremeux. I don't even like apples, but this cake was amazing. It had beautiful accompaniments as well. And the chocolate cremeux was served with beautifully poached pears and cranberries. We loved both. Our waiter kept our water glasses full, knew all the details about the menu and was so pleasant and prompt. Absolutely love it here!!!

I was unhappily surprised at the experience at Vermillion during restaurant week. I brought my…read morehusband here on his birthday because we had an amazing experience two years ago with a thoughtful menu, delicious bites and cocktails that were well explained. It seemed like the server was very busy tonight (which I understand because it's restaurant week) but we got no explanation of anything on the menu, getting a drink order took about 15 minutes for my husband, and worst of all when I ordered the wine pairing none of the wines came out before or with the courses and nothing was explained at all about what I was drinking. Not even a quick, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon. I was shocked! How do you have a wine pairing where you just fling down a glass of wine and run away? So I had a little blind taste testing with no answers. The food didn't even compare to the last time we came. Everything was fine, but nothing I would return for. We had the beet salad, the acorn squash salad, the short ribs, the bison steak, and some sort of chocolate dessert with pears in it. I had explained some food allergies and although the final receipt had those allergies marked, the dessert came out covered with one of my allergens and I had to notice, chase them down to tell them then wait and get it replaced, which they were very nice about but made me concerned that everything else I've been eating might've not have been safe. Again, last time I was here I felt completely fine afterwards and they were very on top of avoiding cross contamination for my celiac disease. Ultimately, I wouldn't come back here -- I was so disappointed at the experience when I really wanted a special night for my husband's birthday. I was shocked that this was recently named one of the top 50 restaurants in NOVA and had so many positive recent reviews. What am I missing? Majestic café, Josephine, Thompson's Italian are all tastier options a short walk away.

Photos
Vermilion
Vermilion - Root vegetable curry with sauce poured tableside

Root vegetable curry with sauce poured tableside

Vermilion - VA Cabernet

See all

VA Cabernet

Union Street Public House - Braised Short Rib

Union Street Public House

3.5(685 reviews)
0.2 mi•Old Town Alexandria
•$$

Was in town for a work conference, and headed to USPH for dinner with a few vendors one night!…read more Parking is a bit tough in the area, but we were able to find garage parking with not too far of a walk! The space itself is historic and fun, which matches the overall vibes of the neighborhood. Our server was on top of things throughout the meal, even with a large group and many special requests! The menu is a mix of fun takes on classics, with everything that we had tasting great! I had the Shrimp Po Boy, which was a sizeable serving and tasted great! I loved the thick, crispy fries on the side! Finished the meal with the lemon cake, which was a refreshingly sweet finisher! Overall, a really solid spot for casual, comfortable food in the area!

Union Street Public House has quickly become one of our go to spots in Old Town. The place has this…read moregreat mix of historic charm and relaxed comfort, and the overall vibe just feels right for a night out. It's lively, warm, and easy to settle into. Both times we've gone, we've ended up in the whiskey bar section. It's cozy, a little tucked away, and honestly the perfect setting for good drinks and good conversation. We also got lucky on both visits because Jessica took care of us each time. She's fantastic. She's witty, sharp, and knows the menu and the whiskey list inside and out. She makes choosing drinks or food feel effortless and fun, and she brings a ton of personality without ever overdoing it... she reads the group pretty well. The cocktails are excellent, but the whiskey selection is where they really stand out. You can tell the bartenders know what they're doing. The pours, the recommendations, the way they talk about the bottles on the shelf, it all shows real skill and pride. The food has been consistently great. We've tried the burgers, the chicken sandwich, the braised short rib, and the crab dip, and every single one has been a hit. Flavorful, well made, and worth coming back for. The only thing I probably wouldn't order again is the pulled pork. It wasn't bad, just not the style or flavor profile I look for in a place like this. Do it.

Photos
Union Street Public House - Wide shot of the bar

Wide shot of the bar

Union Street Public House - Crab cake sandwich

Crab cake sandwich

Union Street Public House - Chicken blt

See all

Chicken blt

Oak Steakhouse

Oak Steakhouse

4.1(362 reviews)
0.6 mi•Old Town Alexandria
•$$$$

Visiting Oaks Steakhiuse from out of state, we had such a wonderful experience from start to…read morefinish. I called ahead and spoke with Todd, who was incredibly kind and accommodating for our party of five. When we arrived, Todd greeted us and seated us right away. He truly radiates light and joy, setting the tone for the entire evening. Our server, Alison, was an absolute gem--attentive, personable, and on top of everything. The food was outstanding. We ordered the ribeye, New York steak, and filet mignon, all cooked to perfection. The Oysters Rockefeller were superb! I had asked for my daughter's meal to come out as soon as possible, and they made it happen without hesitation, which we really appreciated. For sides, we had the Brussels sprouts--perfectly balanced, sweet but not overly so--and the creamed corn, which was absolutely on point. We didn't end up ordering dessert, but the options looked amazing and tempting! Todd came by our table to check in, which added such a personal touch. The ambiance was lovely, and as we were leaving, Todd walked us outside and spent a few moments chatting with us--it truly meant a lot. Todd and Alison made our experience at The Oaks unforgettable, along with the incredible food. Thank you both--we hope to see you again soon! --SoCal Visitors

Located in North Old Town. They offer free parking nearby. We had no problem finding street…read moreparking across the street. Fun, quiet atmosphere that definitely said "steakhouse!" Lots of wood and dark colors. Great service from Shawn. We tried the Ribeye and NY Strip. Both were ok. Not much seasoning. Lots of marbling. Both had significant sections of fat. For me, wasn't the best cut for either. Both were ok steaks. We had the fries and cream corn. The fries are made with a beef fat. Tasty. The cream corn has a lot of cheese on top and throughout (see pic). That wasn't a favorite for me. Was more like a mac and cheese. Pricing was for a Ruth Chris experience but fell flat on delivery. As an example, went to The Wharf a few days later and had their NY strip, with crab cake, and sides all for the same price. It was a much superior cut of steak and the flavors were fantastic.

Photos
Oak Steakhouse
Oak Steakhouse - Mushrooms and Brussel sprouts

Mushrooms and Brussel sprouts

Oak Steakhouse - Spinach next to Brussel Sprouts

See all

Spinach next to Brussel Sprouts

Hummingbird Bar & Kitchen - Grille Cheese and Fries

Hummingbird Bar & Kitchen

3.4(381 reviews)
0.3 mi•Old Town Alexandria
•$$

We had an amazing dining experience from start to finish! The food was delicious, the atmosphere…read morewas warm and inviting, and the location was perfect for a nice night out. The bar area is beautifully designed with a great selection of drinks and a fun, relaxing vibe. A special shoutout to our bartender, Tony, who truly made the evening memorable. He was incredibly friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the menu and cocktails. He took the time to recommend drinks based on our preferences, and every recommendation was excellent. His outstanding customer service and attention to detail made us feel very welcomed and taken care of throughout the night. Overall, this was a fantastic experience, and we will definitely be returning soon. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food, drinks, and exceptional service!

I enjoyed the food, the service from my waitress, and the atmosphere. However, I noticed that the…read moreprinted receipt reflected the mathematically correct total, while the bill presented for signature increased the amount by two cents. When I asked about the discrepancy, I was told the systems sometimes differ by a few cents. The adjustment was made when I requested to pay the correct total, but the response suggested that questioning "only two cents" was unreasonable. My concern was never the amount; it was the principle. When a customer is shown one accurate total and then asked to authorize a higher one without explanation, it creates the appearance of taking money that was not part of the stated charge. If I may add my two cents as a former patron and frequent restaurant guest: trust matters in a dining experience. Even a few unexplained pennies raise a reasonable question--if this occurs repeatedly throughout the day, where do those extra cents go? A couple of cents from one guest, a few more from another, eventually add up. Transparency in billing prevents that concern. When a discrepancy is presented without a clear explanation and a patron is made to feel foolish for asking about it, it leaves a bad taste, regardless of how enjoyable the meal may have been.

Photos
Hummingbird Bar & Kitchen - Inside the restaurant at closing hours

Inside the restaurant at closing hours

Hummingbird Bar & Kitchen - French Toast

French Toast

Hummingbird Bar & Kitchen - Tequila

See all

Tequila

Carlyle - Crispy Two Noodle Shrimp Salad at Carlyle

Carlyle

4.1(1.9k reviews)
3.4 mi•Shirlington
•$$$

Great food! We loved the food and the atmosphere. We will definitely be back. Try the French dip,…read moretrust me.

After a very disappointing dining experience the night before at Planta Queen, the restaurant Gods…read morerebounded and handed me one of the very best nights I could imagine. We were celebrating an old friend's birthday, so I wanted a special evening. We went to the Signature to see "Safety Not Guaranteed" which was so good and so much fun. Then on to dinner at Carlyle in Shirlington. Carlyle always pumps out some of the most satisfying meals. You are almost guaranteed to love what the kitchen presents you with. This event was no different. I started with the crab & corn chowder. Thick, luxurious, savory perfection! My main course was Jambalaya Pasta which was outstanding. The chicken was moist, the shrimp was perfectly prepared and the andouille sausage added a perfect piquant note. The creamy sauce finished a great dish. There was so much that I could not eat it all (and I usually eat everything that is placed in front of me). But the best - the ABSOLUTE BEST - part of the evening was our perfect server Sebastian. He was professional, friendly, fast, funny, helpful and everything you want in a server. Plus, he did it all with one of the best personalities that I have ever come across in a server. At one point, we were all laughing so hard, that he had to sit down because he was ready to fall over. He served us, yes! But more than that - he ENTERTAINED US!!!! How often has that ever happened to you??? It is a night that I will not soon forget! Sebastian is a smart guy who will no doubt go far in his life. But, for now, for right now, he is at the top of his game at Carlyle! If you love Carlyle, you will absolutely LOVE Sebastian. Please ask to be placed in his station. I promise he will not disappoint you. Thank you, Sebastian, for making my evening wonderful and for making my BFF's birthday dinner a stunning success, thanks to you!!!! I highly recommend Carlyle - and especially Sebastian - to one and all!

Photos
Carlyle - Raw Oysters at Carlyle

Raw Oysters at Carlyle

Carlyle - Grilled Chicken at Carlyle

Grilled Chicken at Carlyle

Carlyle - Lobster Roll at Carlyle

See all

Lobster Roll at Carlyle

Mulberry Lane - Downstairs seating near the play area

Mulberry Lane

5.0(4 reviews)
1.5 mi•Del Ray

As a working parent of a toddler, I really wish more places like this existed! I was able to bring…read moremy daughter here to play, with supervision, while I got some work done and had a coffee on a day my nanny was not available. My daughter had so much fun with the employees and other kiddos! I opted to sit downstairs which is louder, but there is a quiet work/study space upstairs for additional cost. Before we left I also ordered food to go from Shorty's Deluxe. Childcare and food all in one Highly recommend Mulberry Lane for all the parents!

My fam travels a lot and we noticed play cafes in many other areas but not the DMV. It's clearly…read moremuch needed but we get why they aren't really here. But Mulberry Lane is a notch above bc not only is it a play cafe but there is staff there to watch your lils while you get to go elsewhere within the building whether that's in the lil tables visibly nearby or in one of their neighboring and partnering restaurants. I'd toootally get my kids memberships if we lived nearby. Since we probably would only go weekends for an hour or two, I'm glad there are the options for one time pay or multi hour passes for future use. Since we weren't sure if we'd be back, we gave it a try for one hour. Prices may change but our first time was $18 per child per hour. This may seem high for only one hour, but my kids had fun and my hour without worrying about them or being interrupted was very productive so it was worth it. Staff are friendly. I only wished they had gluten free options for the kiddos to enjoy after their play. Guess we can bring our own next time! :)

Photos
Mulberry Lane - Play time

Play time

Mulberry Lane - Decor

Decor

Mulberry Lane - Entrance

See all

Entrance

Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant - newamerican - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...