It's sad that I had to give this place a 3 star, as I referred my friends/family here for great steaks and seafood. I came here for my wife's birthday dinner and it was not so great: 1) The server never asked how my wife wanted her steak cooked and just brought the entree out 2) We felt the server was somewhat inconsiderate and did not give off a warm vibe 3) The reservation was made with a note that it was my wife's birthday and the host noted it, however, the server never mentioned anything at all throughout the meal The server realized he forgot when he came running out to chase us when walking to the car and asking if we could wait outside while he gets a slice of cake for the birthday; seriously...? All-in-all, the customer service aspect can definitely be improved. Minus the main course, the steak, the lobster mac and cheese, oysters, and crabcake were pretty good. Unfortunately, I may have to look elsewhere for special dinner events. read more

J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood - Oysters - Steakhouses Near Me - McLean, Virginia

The atmosphere was clean, food was delicious, and service by J.M was tremendous. I would highly recommend this restaurant and will be returning in the future. read more

My wife and I went on a three-day Restaurant Week run for this years's DC Spring event. For starters we had the Wedge Salad and Potato Soup, Flat Iron Steak and Salmon for entrees, and Chocolate Cake and Creme Brûlée for desserts! While all of the food were excellent (a special shoutout to the Creme Brûlée, Salmon, and Steak), the best food was the Cheddar Peppercorn Biscuit! The pre-meal biscuit was heavenly!!! Best yet, they give out a little instruction for self-baking! Obviously I went and tried it and failed. Since the food was 5/5, what about the others? Well we went at 1:00pm and the service was a bit slow. We didn't mind it, but it was a bit slow at the beginning. The wait time between the courses were short, and we liked that. The environment and the mood of the restaurant was pleasant. It was decorative enough and has a balance between sophisticated and relaxing. So it wasn't intimidating and surprisingly warm (physically and psychologically). Overall, we felt the restaurant was exactly what a 5/5 restaurant should be. Everything was great! The food was better than everything else, and that's what matters the most. So how do you rate a restaurant that has excellent food, reasonable price, and a nice enrichment that exudes a relaxing mood? Well you 5 it on Yelp! read more

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Love j Gilbert's!! Had a work dinner here awhile ago. Dark and cozy, and always filled with tons of Tyson's area employees during the week. Lots of private rooms are good for groups. I had the filet with the risotto and Mac and cheese. Everything was delicious and the steak was perfect! Cocktails are good too. read more

Had an absolutely delicious brunch with a friend this past Sunday. So many hot and cold options! I especially enjoyed this slightly spicy penne pasta and the salmon. My friend had a custom omelet prepared that was also very good. Great presentation. Definitely a very high quality brunch buffet. read more

Wish I could give 10 stars because we would give 10 stars to KEITH! Great food, fantastic service

This is our to go place for brunch and steak. It has plenty of parking space and the service is always good! We love the brunch here, with many meat and seafood options! The chicken is always so tender and the prime bbeefis also very good. ThMac and Cheese is amazing here! I am normally not into Mac and cheese, and I still enjoy them here. They are not greasy or overwhelming, just the right amount of cheese and flavor. We came for steak once and we were not disappointed. My husband had the filet mignon and I had the sirion. Both were very good. I really like the truffoe mushroom side! Delicious! We will be back for the seafood dishes as well! read more

J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood - Steakhouses Near Me - McLean, Virginia

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The food was excellent. Our waitress Joan was very attentive to our needs. Will definitely be visiting again.

Food and service was excellent! The atmosphere is always nice. Our server, Mikail, was top notch! He was knowledgeable with the wine and made sure we were well taken care of! read more

The food and service/people (in this case by JM) are what makes this a go to place. While not enough to detract from the wonderful experience, the booth fabric was torn and needs attention. read more

Dinner last night was not good. Our server was nice enough but he wasn't really present (no refills of drinks, no checking on us.). Most importantly he didn't keep tabs on the kitchen which forgot to make our entrees- it took over an hour (after the wait to order etc). for them to arrive. There wasn't more than a claw (and I mean the pincer portion) of a lobster in the lobster Cobb, which was missing the avocado, the bacon, and the cheddar promised on the menu but it did have an incredible amount of red onions. An espresso was never delivered but it was charged. The steaks were ok. The seating needs to be updated-the booth seats are too low and saggy. read more

I was lured in with a $25 off coupon! Now we plan on going back again this weekend! We were told by a friend that Russian spies frequent there alot since it's near the CIA down the street; And a lot of rich old folks since it's in the heart of McLean. Not sure what to expect with this info. When you walk in, you can smell a hint of cigars which kind of scared me because now I'm thinking we are going to have to smell this all through dinner with our young child...not the case. You walk into a lobby area and you can see that the place is split, restaurant to the left and bar/parlor area to the right. I would recommend reservations because some ladies in front of us did not have reservations and they were told that there were only seating in the parlor area. It was only 5:30 and even though we saw many empty tables as we were walking to our seats, they were probably all reserved and by the time we left, the restaurant was pretty full. Our server was great. She was helpful in describing some of the menu items and was attentive throughout. She brought out a half loaf of sourdough bread with two types of butter...regular and their homemade pastrami butter. Let me just say that all three of us thought the pastrami butter was gross. Not even sure why they even call it that when there's no pastrami in it. Maybe they should revamp that...I cant imagine anyone liking it. Calamari appetizer was delicious. Good portion with fried jalapenos and carrot strips mixed in gave it a good flavor together. Calamari was tender, both rings and tentacles (my fav) and fried perfectly. I ordered the aussie lamb rack (4 chops) and asked to sub for different sides. They had a list of sides that sounded so good I wished I could try all of them minus the asparagus (only vegetable I hate). I went with the mushroom risotto and the creamed corn. The chops were grilled perfectly to medium well and seasoned just right! My husband at one point said I should stop gnawing on the bones...whatever! I need to get every bit of deliciousness off those bones! The risotto had big yummy chunks of mushrooms...impressive! I'm always used to tiny bits of mushroom so this I loved! I opted for the creamed corn which had chunks of smoked meat(bacon of some sort) which was delicious but was expecting a thicker consistency. I ate all of it so obviously I wasn't too phased by it. Hubby ordered the porterhouse steak with mashed potatoes and the green beans with pecans. He said everything was good. I tried a piece of his steak and it tasted pretty yummy. He is not very verbal when it comes to food, it either good, ok, and he didnt like it lol. So when he says it's good, I would say that's his high rating hahaha. Our son just ordered a caesar salad since he likes to share off our plates. He said he didnt like it but I took a bite of it and thought it tasted like a normal caesar salad. He wasn't feeling too good so that may have affected his palette. I'm thinking it wasn't heavy on the dressing which he prefers. Sadly we did not have any extra room for dessert. There's always next time! Will drive from Woodbridge for good food! read more

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Do you know that good feeling you get when you are looking forward to visiting an old friend? That's how we felt when we were headed for J Gilbert's tonight! A mainstay in the McLean area; consistently delicious, understated leather and walnut elegance, the delightful woodsmoke ambience always pleasing. And now, tonight...the experience taken to a new high by a waiter named Peter. He might be a regular there but my friends, my wife, and I had not encountered him before. Here is an individual who has found his game and is in "the Zone" for sure! Now, everyone who has ever waited tables knows that this is long hours and hard work. But tonight, Peter transcended the grind and showed us joy, bonhomie, and a genuine interest in providing our group a superlative dining experience. Great recommendations, total mastery of the offerings of J Gilbert's fabulous kitchen, helpful suggestions for cocktails, all were in his repertoire! And delivery? Gracious, funny, genteel, and responsive. What a pro! He was having fun and that was absolutely contagious! J Gilbert's offers delicious dining each and every visit - hence the parking lot is always packed! (Note to self - they have arranged for copious free parking in the adjoining parking garage across the sidestreet...don't fight for spots in the lot!) Peter! Thanks for a great evening! J Gilbert's - well done! read more

I've been here twice, and honestly, it's a bit over-rated. It's a fancy place in McLean and has a nice fancy atmosphere. The food is decent. It's acceptable. But it is not anything to write home about. Basically it's the location that really contributes to their success. Again, the food isn't *bad* but it isn't good either. So if you want to feel like the money you spent was worth it, I might suggest trying elsewhere. read more

I went with the group about 12 people last night. We had dinner in the garden room Josiah was our server. He did a great job.

Definitely recommend the Sunday brunch here. Wide variety of food and tastes very good. Our waiter John Michael was excellent - great service and kept up with all of our drink orders! read more

Brunch was delicious and our waiter, John Michael was great. He took great care of us!

Me and my family went to this restaurant expecting a great experience. contrary to my beliefs our food we greatly delayed by an HOUR and it left me starving half of the time. and a customer that ordered the same thing that I did and two appetizers got their food much sooner than I did. weather this is the result of waiter or other staff it should be addressed. read more

Our server Deon was very attentive and made our visit to J Gilberts top notch and we want to give a special shout out to the manager, Mitsy, who visited our table and provided us with some special consideration. Our meal was delicious as always and our cocktails were perfection. J Gilbert's has been our favorite restaurant for almost 20 years and we are never disappointed. Thank you Deon and Mitsy for a lovely Saturday evening read more

Waiter must have been new. Meal did not come out the way we ordered our steaks at all. Side entree was not correct. It was supposed to be a fun birthday dinner but it turned into a very awkward, poor steak experience. We could have cooked the steaks much better at home! Disappointed as we traveled at least an hour to dine here. Not worth it in my opinion. Go to a better steak place! read more

This has been our waterhole for decades. What a shame to see it today. The tables are chipped and old. The bathroom is filthy. The kitchen can't cook a steak (ordered medium and it came out raw). The scallops are slightly larger than the size of quarters (my go too). It just feels and looks shabby - even the front door looks worn. But our server, Joan, saved the evening. read more

Had a surprisingly bad experience last night, especially for the higher prices we now pay there. First, the table's bench seat was broken so we had to move - seating is definitely dated now. Second, items on the menu were already sold out at 7:30: tuna tartare, baked potatoes (really, at a steak place?) then next choice scalloped potatoes too, so had to settle for mashed or roasted potatoes. Third, while the steak was good, all four plates had food thrown on with no regard to presentation. One plate was filthy underneath with caked on remnants- I just hope it was clean on the other side! Fourth, we were celebrating a birthday and there was no offer of complimentary dessert, expected at fine dining restaurants. Lastly, service was just ok but at least the bartender was better than a previous visit. read more

I have enjoyed J. Gilberts for years, and in particular their Steaks. Tonight my husband and I decided to order the Cowboy Ribeye steak, which was 18 oz. What a disappointment!!! We split the steak thinking that it would be more than we could eat. The steak was about 1/2 inch thick and dry. I had, at best, 3oz. of meat on my plate. I was expecting a thick, juicy steak with loads of flavor and plenty to eat. Clearly the quality of this steak was mediocre and certainly not a piece of Prime beef as I remember. What a shame. All of my sides were wonderful, as was the service. To serve this steak to anyone must have been an embarassment for our server and especially since we had to complain about its inferior quality. Not at all what we remembered, and we'll think twice before ever ordering a steak again from J. Gilberts. Note: The Cowboy steak was $63.00 read more

Good food good service good place. On Dolly Madison McLean VA. Steaks and sides are good

We came here as a group of 8 for my birthday dinner and had a great time. Across our group, we had multiple filet steaks, salmon, house and Caesar salads, chicken penne...all of which everyone said was great. We only had one steak that was very over done, but the staff apologized and quickly brought out a new one along with a fresh side dish. Our server was very nice, although noticeably overwhelmed. We were a large group on a Saturday night so it makes sense, but when we said we were ready to order she left the table and didn't return for a long time. She also never asked about how we were handling checks so at the end of the night there was a lot of confusion. Again, she was extremely nice and knowledgeable about the menu, I have just worked as a waitress myself so these are things I notice! Our group also all had dessert including the chocolate velvet cake, crem brûlée, and coconut cake. The chocolate cake was very decadent and the raspberry sorbet with it was AMAZING. The coconut cake was too dense (almost like cheesecake) for those who ordered it when they expected it to be the traditional light and airy style. My espresso martini was very good but after a little while it was a bit too strong for my taste, but I also don't usually order fancy drinks ;) The inside was also very classy and elegant and a great setting for a special occasion. We will certainly be back! read more

J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood - Espresso martini - Steakhouses Near Me - McLean, Virginia

Every time, fine food and friendly service with easy reservation invites to return. Thank you.

Mikail was awesome! Very friendly and attentive to all our needs. Came here for a birthday and had a great experience. Thank you as always! read more

Very disappointing prime burger delivery. I wanted a "good burger". I usually order my "good burger" from Flemings, but it is later on a Sunday night and J.Gilbert's is closer. And let me say, I have never had a bad meal at J.Gilbert's or delivery for that matter, but the burger tasted like a frozen Bubba Burger. And, I only know that because I have in laws in the south. read more

I went here a couple days ago and the atmosphere was amazing. I was greeted very pleasantly by the host and after getting sat was quickly addressed by the waiter. The food was excellent and the server, Mikail if I remember correctly, was spectacular. He was very attentive and always made sure we had everything we needed, but also cracked the table up throughout the night. All of us had a blast and would highly recommend the restaurant and this server in particular. read more

Once again we had a perfect meal at J. Gilbert's. Keith was a wonderful server and the food was delicious. My daughter and I particularly enjoyed the red pepper pesto on our Blackened Chicken Penne. Parking was effortless and the ambience was relaxing. 5 stars! read more

Went there nov 1. Sat in the bar area. The steaks were good. Cream corn side and bit odd. Wife ordered a Belvedere martini. We got charged for a Belvedere martini. The vodka tasted very harsh and not at all like the martinis we have at home and at other places. Take home lesson. Cocktails at home then walk over for steak and a glass of wine. read more

Too. Much. Salt. As someone who loves crab bisque and grilled salmon, I was pretty disappointed by my visit here. Felt the food was over salted to the point that I didn't want to finish. The flavor was fine--it was just too salty. On top of that, the waiters seemed like they didn't want to be there. Not the biggest fan. read more

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I am sad to say that I am very very disappointed in j.gilberts. It used to be a favorite of mine. Twice now I have sat at the bar and have had HORRIBLE service. Twice it has been a bartender and she has had absolutely NO REGARD for my presence. She seems to prefer chumming up with her favorites (regulars). I would be curious to know if it is JUST ME. Not to be omitted from this scenario I am a PERSON OF COLOR, so I'd be extra interested in learning if that has something to do with it. It took me sitting at the bar for nearly 20 minutes and it was only because another bartender happened to pull in and HE was not excited to take care of me. WHAT IS GOING ON? Service industry has dropped like a rock since the onslaught of the pandemic. I won't make excuses for people- this is ridiculous. read more

Expensive....but Worth it! Service was excellent, food was ammmmazzzing! Plated all very well, cooked to perfection and my whole family was happy! I had the cedar plank salmon highly recommend! Definitely worth the pricepoint. read more

Great atmosphere, great service, quality foods and meats, steaks cooked spot on and flavor was great., shrimp a bit over cooked but flavor was great. Great service from a lady that has been there 19-years. A bit pricy but no higher than expected. Thank you for a great evening. read more

Food and service are always wonderful. One problem: the seats are way too low in the booths. The table top almost reaches to our necks and we are not short people. read more

We had a fantastic time at J Gilbert's for dinner! Our server JM was very excellent and attentive in his service. He was also very careful about my daughter's food allergy, and made sure the food was good for her! We will be coming back soon read more

I hate to be writing this, but hope it will spur them to get their act together again. Have been going there for years to excellent meals and service through many lunches. Over the last two weeks, on two separate takeout orders, each had major flaws with food and/or sides being left out. The first, after an awkward ordering discussion where the young gal refused any substitution, an entire crab cake left out. I drive back to get it, its sitting in a little container on the table - no bag, bread, or any accommodation. Second time items specifically asked for missing. Third waitress I spoke with "go it" and tried to smooth things to her credit. Food is usually very tasty and fresh, shame the experience ruined by sloppy execution, I hope this improves. read more

What an abomination. I'm a member/regular who orders for carryout often. Tonight the rudely told my wife they aren't doing carryout because they are "Slammed." Well screw them. I'll go to Patsy's or Capitol Grill from now on. read more

This review is for their Sunday brunch. This is one of the better brunch buffets you will dine at. They have a good selection that includes potatoes, pastas, chicken, fish, vegetables, salad, smoked fish, chilled shrimp, oysters, yogurt, fruit, danishes and different pastries, omelette station and prime rib. For dessert they have different cakes, cookies and mousse cups. Everything is tasty. You can also order waffles and donuts that they bring to your table. The syrup is infused with cinnamon. We always enjoy our experience and leave very full. The brunch buffet cost $30 and includes unlimited juice and coffee. The service is always good. The seating is mostly booths that are pretty comfortable. It's also worth mentioning that the restroom facilities are always clean. read more

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