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RIS

3.7 (536 reviews)
Open • 12:00 pm - 9:00 PM
Updated over 3 months ago

Order RIS Takeout or Delivery

RIS Photos

RIS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - RIS

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Nice dining area. Stylish and sophisticated.
Jeff N.

This restaurant was chosen for dinner during my recent trip to DC due to its location to where the conference I was attending took place and for serving solid new-American-styled cuisine. Considering we had a few people in our party, RIS was a good experience without being incredibly remarkable. The service was attentive. The cocktails were decent; the sidecar was a tasty selection from the menu, made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice and rimmed with sugar. The interior design was warm and inviting, borderline intimate with the lighting that works well for dates. Food-wise wasn't as mind blowing as I anticipated. The Scallop Margarita was my favorite dish of the evening. Made with chilies, avocado and oranges, the scallops were yummy served with the with sour cream, tequila ice and tortilla chips. Overall, the RIS cheeseburger was solid but I found the meat used to be a little underwhelming especially with the onion jam. However, the presentation was lovely with the house-made potato roll. I can't say there was anything disappointing about the experience but compared to other restaurants in the area, there isn't a lot that stands out RIS from the rest.

Gina A.

Had a fantastic dinner at Ris. We were in a small room and had apps, dinners and dessert. It was a great meal and we were able to really talk because the atmosphere was pretty quiet. The pasta I had was amazing. The only bad part was my foot falling asleep while I was sitting. I tried to stand up and literally fell on my butt. The staff was super helpful. Great great dinner

Peach pie and blackberry ice cream
karen k.

Went for restaurant week . The best deal in town. Had the fries green tomatoes ( ok), the lamb kabobs (wonderful) and the lime and blueberry cheese cake ( wonderful). Service was top notch, and the space is lovely and relaxing.

Elo S.

During our visit to DC, we went to this restaurant. I highly recommend this place. Service was outstanding. Our server kept checking on us and food was so yummy. Fried green tomato is a must try. It was so delicious. I highly recommend it, if you visit this restaurant. Restaurant has a nice view and it is walking to hotels. If I am back in DC, I will for sure go back to this restaurant.

Fried chicken special
Kai M.

Winter Restaurant Week review First, it is always a pleasure to support local restaurants during restaurant week, especially those offering special prices for delicious selections. Service: Upon entry, the host was very friendly and accommodating but our server, not so much. I dare to say that he was a bit snappy and that is why I removed a star. Best practice, if a customer doesn't understand a dish, take a moment to explain it and not openly show frustration. Beverages: the red wine I selected was a perfect pair to my dish and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My friend ordered a cocktail and from the picture, you can see that her drink finished after 2 sips. Appetizers: It was a few of us dining so I'll run through reviews: My dish: The salmon tartar was DIVINE! I can see myself returning to enjoy this again. French Onion Soup: My friend did not enjoy her soup and mentioned that it lacked flavor. Soup of the day: My other friend thoroughly enjoyed her vegetable soup and said that it was a perfect compliment to the cold weather. Main Entree: My dish: I ordered the clam linguini and opted out of the original cheese base because of dietary restrictions. I have to say that I dreaded this decision because the wine sauce which was added was not suffice and my dish was dry and tasteless. I didn't enjoy it nor did I enjoy the leftovers, even after asking for more wine sauce to be added. Friend 1: My friend was raving about how delicious her fried chicken dish was and that the sides complimented it all. Friend 2: I did not get a picture of her dish but note that because of her dissatisfaction with the French onion soup, she did take her meal home and did not try it there. Dessert: Chocolate crème brûlée: My selection and the BEST I've ever had. Might I add that the slice of pear on top was simply sweet and delicious. Warm Apple Crostata: both of my friends had the warm apple crostata, each with different ice cream flavors. Both raved about how delicious it was and I was happy to hear because it added a sweet silver lining to my dislike for my entree. Overall, I would make dinner reservations again and probably try their lunch as well. I of course would run far from any dry pasta option lol

Salmon
Allie H.

This place is delish! Perfect for a dinner with parents/date night/fancier night out. We started with the margarita scallops with tequila ice which was definitely unique! And also the friend green tomatoes which tasted like comfort! For mains we had the beef tenderloin which was great!! Perfectly cooked and super juicy in every bite. Also has the salmon which was good with a lot of flavor and a nice selection of veggie sides. For dessert had the chocolate semifreddo which was kind of like a mix between mousse and ice cream. It was very creamy and the chocolate raspberry combo was a 10/10

Salmon - A white plate holds a cooked fish fillet topped with herbs and vegetables, including leafy greens and possibly beets or radishes. The dish is garnished with a sprig of parsley and served with a sauce or puree underneath. A glass of white wine and a fork are visible on a wooden table in a dimly lit setting.
Mary T.

Just visiting from LA and caught up with friends here. Location is great just outside Georgetown. The fried green tomatoes were excellent as were the meatballs and spaghetti (Wednesday's special). Got the peach tart and vanilla ice cream for dessert. The crostini with the meatballs was primo. Good service

Soup of the Day: Gazpacho (Cold Soup)
Haniyyah B.

Everything was very good! I came here for lunch during restaurant week (3 courses for $25) with a coworker. Food 4/5 A steal for all that we ordered! Certain items like the steak were an up charge but it's totally worth it! Portions were excellent, and each course was flavorful. The clam linguine in the garlic white wine sauce, Parmesan cheese, chili flakes, and croutons was the star of the show. It taste like it needed a little salt and fresh ground pepper though. The butterscotch pudding was incredibly creamy and I enjoyed every bite. Service 4/5 Our waiter was very nice and sweet. The food just took a little long to come out, and I noticed other tables complained about that too. Ambiance 5/5 Very upscale vibes!

Ris restaurant
Rachel T.

During our visit to Washington, DC, the Ritz Carlton gives recommendations on nearby restaurants so we choose Ris since it was a 3 minute walk from hotel. Upon arrival the hostess was soo nice and gracious. Great table with good service. Burger & fries $26. The salmon was very good. Overall a wonderful relaxing experience.

Chicken Milanese, modified to accommodate a gluten-free diet (i.e., the chicken was prepared without breading).
Colli M.

This review reflects my experience dining out with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that requires me to maintain a diet free of gluten (including cross contact). SERVICE: 5/5 stars DRINKS: 5/5 stars FOOD: 3.5/5 stars AMBIANCE: 4/5 stars VALUE: 3/5 stars OVERALL RATING: 3.5/5 stars (rounded up for Yelp rating) I was not familiar with RIS prior to dining there tonight. For dinner, I joined nine members of my volunteer group for a networking session at RIS. As someone with a severe food allergy, I found RIS's menu lacking--there are no allergy markings, no one posted a photo of an alternate menu for dinners with sensitivities or intolerances, and few reviews noted how the restaurant would handle modifications for those with a food allergy. However, when I went to order, the waitress indicated that most of their menu could be made gluten-free. As a habitual chicken consumer, I asked about the chicken Milanese; the waitress indicated that the kitchen could cook the chicken using a simple preparation, leaving off the breading. She confirmed the sides--arugula and capicola salad and garlic potatoes--were safe for those avoiding gluten to consume. My dish was very good--moist, flavorful, and varied in taste (tomato vinaigrette topping the chicken, plus the sides). I did not experience symptoms of gluten exposure in the 24 hours following dining at RIS. To accompany my dinner, I had three Madras cocktails, which were very well made. I am picky about drinks, and these did not leave me lacking. Our networking session host coordinated with the restaurant owner to get us separate checks. Amazingly, RIS did not add a service fee or automatic gratuity (despite our party size). I would visit RIS again, though primarily for the drinks. In the future, I would request the kitchen mark up the menu to note which items were wholly gluten-free and those that could be gluten-free with modification. I was very nervous about this dining experience, but thankfully it turned out fine.

the entrance to the building

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Great experience. Can handle large groups in private rooms. Recommend the seafood, steaks and great desserts.

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Press Club Bar Of Record - Nights over Egypt

Press Club Bar Of Record

(48 reviews)

$$

Dupont Circle

One of the best new spots I've tried this year. On weekends, a reservation will be a must, as they…read moreare small and get packed, but for good reason. It's a sexy basement vinyl den with additional outdoor seating, 10/10 unique cocktails, and incredible Japanese inspired small plates. Between two visits, we have tried 6 different drinks. They are named after songs and listed on the back of a fake vinyl cover. Each costs around $20, but with the mandatory tip and tax, it comes to around $26-28 per drink. The since I left you, though, is worth every penny. It is similar to an old fashioned but a little sweeter, with bourbon (makers mark), and while the menu says it also has miso, blackberry, cardamom, and cacao, I wouldn't say those flavors come through. But it is one of the best cocktails being served in DC right now. It is so good. They serve it with a cardamom tuile that is delicious as well. There is a lot of variety on here, but my number 2 is the Roses, a bright red gin based drink with a hint of fruitiness and a spicy kick in the back end. If you want something a little sweeter, the Takeover is a cognac based drink with coffee notes served with a mini donut. The food is exceptionally well seasoned and so flavorful. The fried chicken cannot be missed, and I love that you can get it in half or full size portions. The shrimp tempura might be even better. You get four large pieces that are super crisp and have a little orange sauce on them. Amazing. Our second visit we tried their chips and dip, and these potato chips alone are worth a visit. Large, crunchy, and served with a tasty ranch dip. I think 2 dishes is good for two people to fill you up, but add a third if hungry. The place is quite expensive, but they are worth it. For a date night, they are a great choice. Four drinks and three dishes shared between two people came to around $195, but as of this review, they are offering a $30 off deal if you pay through the app In Kind. Bonus points because the first time we came, they seated us maybe 5 minutes after our reservation time, and they gave us a free glass of cava. Top notch customer service right there

TL;DR Drinks are unique and tasty, atmosphere is groovy, and prices are high. Would recommend a…read morevisit for a treat or celebration! This bar is sweet -- awesome music, a neat menu, truly craft cocktails, and a unique menu. We tried several cocktails and each was delicious - from spicy to sweet, they don't miss. We also tried the cheese burger egg rolls and the tuna hand roll. The food is expensive for what you get but it's advertised to be small bites, not a meal. The egg rolls felt like remixed in n out, and as a Californian, I was grateful. Why not 5 stars? With the premium pricetag, I do expect premium service. The bartender was more interested in chatting with some folks he knew who came to sit at the bar. He also spent a lot of time chatting up the couple next to us, so do sit at the bar if you're feeling social. However, for the spare attention he did provide us, he was a bit condescending when we asked for a different glass for a drink that came in a bowl. It was slow until the very end of our stay and yet there were several times where I had an empty glass for a long period (and wanted to order more) or needed water. FYI for 6 drinks and a few bar bites it was $165... we went for a cheap burger dinner afterwards!

The Alchemist DC - Bubble machine!

The Alchemist DC

(117 reviews)

U Street Corridor

Just stepped into The Alchemist DC -- crowned Best Bar in DC in both 2024 & 2025 -- and now I see…read moreexactly why it holds the title. The space feels part-speakeasy, part-laboratory, where every cocktail is crafted with intention, story, and a little bit of magic. Their mixology roots run deep, drawing on technique + creativity to deliver flavors that feel familiar yet completely new. Here's what I tried (and loved): Lavender Killer Sally -- light + floral with a hint of citrus, beautifully balanced and so easy to sip Banana Bread Rum Old Fashioned -- warm + cozy, with notes of brown sugar + ripe banana; it tastes like a dessert you can drink Shared Secrets -- a gin-based peach sangria poured straight from a French press, releasing more fruit + aromatics right at the table -- interactive and delicious Latte Martini -- smooth, creamy, and bold with espresso; a perfect pick for coffee-cocktail lovers Butterscotch Russo -- sweet + silky with rich butterscotch notes; comforting without being too heavy If you're hunting for a cocktail bar that's equal parts craft + creativity, The Alchemist NEEDS to be on your list. 1334 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Save this post for your next night out + follow @daithefoodie for more food + drink gems across the DMV! #dmv #datenightdc #dcdatenight #speakeasybar #speakeasydc #dccocktailbars #dcbars #dcbarscene

We visited The Alchemist in DC and ordered the Banana Bread Rum Old Fashioned and a Fireplace…read morethemed cocktail with chocolate and cherry notes. Both were disappointing. The drinks tasted watered down and unbalanced. The banana flavor in mine was dull and overripe rather than fresh and vibrant. The smoke and fire presentation was nice, but the actual cocktails did not justify the $25 price point. The restroom was unacceptable. There was urine on the floor, a strong foul odor, and the surface was slippery. For a speakeasy positioning itself as upscale, this was a major miss. The space is very small and service was just okay. Overall, the concept has potential, but the execution did not meet expectations. I will not be returning.

Reynold's - Femme Fatale (back)

Reynold's

(22 reviews)

Dupont Circle, Downtown

The service was slightly slower than one would want, but Yousef was a standout. He was attentive,…read moreoffered solutions, and made me want to stay waiting. An awesome contribution to the organization in my opinion! It was my first time visiting and I brought friends from out of town for my bday and they shared the same sentiments... Love the place

Would have love to patron this space but found front of house staff really rude. I sent my husband…read morehere to grab one drink on a Friday early evening. I am aware this is a small space, I did research on it and did notice their website makes mention that while they prefer reservations, they do have a limited spot for walk ins. Knowing this, I sent my husband here, hoping for a spot at the bar as he was alone. When he arrived around 6pm, he saw 2 open bar spots and a bunch of tables with reserved signs. The head of house asked about a reservation and my husband said he was hoping to get 1-2 drinks, bar spots were fine. He noticed a group of 4 girls waiting as well- he was then told the bar was full and the 2 open spots were not to be filled at the group of 4 had first dibs on them. This makes 0 sense because one person could have easily filled them but I digress. On top of that, when my husband asked what time they could potentially get him in, as he did not mind waiting, they told him 11:30PM. Then the host scoffed and said "You do know it's Friday, right?" insinuating my husband must be an idiot who can't read a weekly calendar. Look - I get it, small exclusive spot obviously trying to replicate the swanky NYC speakeasies vibe, those that are impossible to get into- however, do not be flat out rude. Remove the verbiage on your reservation booking spot about walk in's if you cant accommodate ONE walk in spot. Don't waste your time- Press Club DC has better staff and are way more accommodating than this spot.

Death & Co DC - Fool's Gold

Death & Co DC

(112 reviews)

$$$

Shaw, Downtown

I've been eyeing this bar for several weeks now, and the other day, I finally decided it was time…read moreto give them a try. I know reservations are probably highly recommended, but we were fortunate to walk in at just the right moment and snag a seat. The seating is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed evening. The atmosphere is just my style, an elegant, dark, grown and sexy vibe that really sets the mood. The decor is striking, with thoughtful touches that create an inviting space to unwind. While it leans a bit on the pricier side, the exceptional service more than justifies the cost. Jordan and the team were incredibly knowledgeable about both the drinks and food menu, offering suggestions that perfectly matched our tastes. We tried two standout drinks that I can't recommend enough: the Attractive Nuisance and El Tiburon, (which is an Old Fashioned made with gin). The bartenders here clearly know what they're doing, each drink was crafted with care and precision. The good music in the background added to the overall ambiance, making it a delightful spot to spend an evening.

Bar scene so sexy, you decided to add it permanently on your date night list! Come along as I…read morereview Death & Co DC!!!! Ambiance: from the outside you'd have no idea that a hidden treasure awaits you up a flight of stairs. The decor was very mysterious, perfectly dimmed, and sexy. They added greenery near the hostess station to create what I would describe as an exotic/jungle vibe. This area also contained a beautiful small bar and a few cozy seatings. Next, the hostess led us to a table inside where the magic of candles, cozy tables, and intimate booths immediately meets your eyes. Did I mention that we sat in most comfy green velvet chairs in our cozy booth? How sexy! Service: our waiter, Jordan, was the best! He provided great service and recommendations. However, shoutout to the rest of the staff because it was truly all hands on deck. Drinks: the bartender is indeed a mixologist! There is no question of the magic he created in a glass. Her drink- I ordered the Attractive Nuisance, an elevated spritz. The drink was perfectly balanced with flavors to include G.H. Mumm Champagne, Avua Prata Cachaca, Cocchi Americano, Saffron, Vanilla. I literally tasted all the flavors in the drink and the liquor ratio was just right. Of course I went with another round, you simply have to try it understand why I did. His drink: El Tiburón-Let's just say that he said that this is now one of his favorite cocktails because it was smooth! Small bites: the kitchen was out of mussels and their famous donuts so we decided to try the Franks en Crute, the sexy adult version of pigs in a blanket lol. Such a delicious treat, well balanced flavors giving both sweet (flaky puff pastry) and savory (well grilled wagyu beef). Definitely recommend. The music was perfect for the evening! The bar was filled with all matured folks enjoying their group meets or dates, the atmosphere welcomed all. As I stated earlier, this has now become a regular on the list and I'm excited to visit again.

RIS - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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