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    The Red Hen

    4.2 (1.2k reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    The Red Hen Photos

    Business Info

    THE RED HEN ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - The Red Hen

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    Reviews With Photos

    Kelsii D.

    Truly I would give it a 4.25 but since that isn't possible, I am rounding. I enjoyed most of the evening. Sarah was a lovely bartender and while I wasn't sure how on top of it Sarah was at first, I felt well taken care of by her and the rest of her team. Given it was just me, I definitely didn't want to take a full table- it was quite busy, but what was not expected that I was lucky enough to get a spot at the bar within a few minutes. I wish there was a larger wine by the glass list. And also that my rigatoni was slightly more al dente, but I will be back. I heard the gnocchi was yummy and the apple dessert absolutely was!

    Bridget G.

    Outstanding casual upscale rustic dining experience. Apps were the highlight. Party of 7 we split one of the salads, whipped ricotta, burstta, carpaccio, squash app, and broccolini. All was fantastic. Whipped ricotta was not a favorite with our group, it's whipped smooth. Drinks were interesting, wine list is expansive and covers a variety. It's not a big space but it feels roomy, and when full it's not too loud. Staff was wonderful. Food was paced to come out well. Overall it's a place I would come back to visit.

    scallop
    Iris P.

    immaculate vibes, like your neighborhood date night spot. i love the usage of wood in the interior we got lucky sitting right where we could see all the orders come out of the kitchen, but secluded from the rest of the diners. the rigatoni and the mafalde were both so good; as was the arancini (per josies request) and the whipped ricotta toast. the octopus was good but standard IMO. also it was so affordable too at around 50pp

    Grilled Broccolini
    Michaela N.

    Honestly, I have to lead this review with remarking the service. Sat at the bar and I typically don't like doing this, but at Red Hen I would do it every time. The bartenders were so lovely. You could feel the rapport building that just comes with great hospitality. The dim lighting, the rustic feel, open kitchen, the community vibes. No notes! I have been meaning to come for years and I am disappointed in myself that this was my first time making it in. On a Wednesday night, this place was packed approaching 9 o'clock. There was still a wait to have a seat at a table, which is why we took the bar, again, no regrets. I don't think there's a bad seat in the place. The food came out and record timing like it was already predicted what we were going to order. I loved the anchovies on top of the broccolini. We were told the whipped ricotta was a starter dish that you have to have on your first time. I did enjoy it, for me by the time I got a quarter away and I had to lessen the ricotta. But the Crostini was perfectly crisp. The rigatoni was perfect, a moderate portion. I will definitely be returning.

    Half chicken.  PERFECTLY cooked!
    Mona K.

    I don't usually go to restaurants just to eat; I go for the full vibe -- the food, the atmosphere, the crowd, the staff... the overall mood. I found this place after hours of scrolling and calling to score a last-minute Valentine's dinner reservation because, of course, someone here forgot to book ahead. First off, shoutout to the amazing hostess who literally saved the night.. And my husband! She did her best to find us two seats so we could enjoy some of the best food I've had in a while at a restaurant. There is nothing fancy about the dishes, it's just cooked right. The dessert is pretty light on sugar, which I really appreciate. It probably would've been better if it was a little warmer, though. Keep doing what you are doing, hold on to your awesome staff and keep cooking with passion. Love the simple, rustic interior!

    Mezzi Rigatoni Pasta
    Devon K.

    Red Hen is a coveted DC restaurant you have to make a reservation for weeks in advance, so I snagged a Friday night on. Started off with the bread and ricotta. While it was good, this was nothing special. The pasta was delicious and cooked al dente. Drinks were refilled meticulously. I had their special - a gingerbread sticky pudding for dessert. It was fine, not the best. This is a cute date night if you love Italian food, but not a place I will besting to go back to you.

    Squid Ink Linguini Pasta
    Maiah F.

    The Red Hen was delicious. We had been wanting to eat there for weeks and finally got a reservation for a Saturday night. The line was out the door, so I definitely recommend getting a reservation especially if you're going around prime time. Even though it was so busy, we never felt rushed. The food came out quickly too and it's an open facing kitchen so you can see everything being made. The food is delicious - I have nothing bad to say. The pastas were amazing, the bread with butter and radishes were great, and the desserts were also delicious. The tiramisu was my favorite. They also have great wine options. I absolutely recommend trying this restaurant if you're in DC!

    Scott M.

    The Red Hen absolutely delivered on every level. The pasta was incredible -- perfectly cooked and full of rich, balanced flavor that shows real technique and knowledge of the right combinations. The short rib special was equally impressive -- tender, deeply savory, and beautifully plated (it was their special that night) And whatever you do, don't skip the bread service. The butter alone is worth the visit -- smooth, decadent, and downright addictive. A cozy atmosphere, great service, and food that overdelivers. The Red Hen easily ranks as one of the best dining experiences I've had in D.C.

    Whipped Ricotta Crostini
    Katie D.

    This was literally the best place I've ever eaten in DC. Everything was great but the whipped ricotta was to die for and the squid ink and short rib pasta were stand outs. I really want to try the campanaelle next time, after we've already ordered, it kept going by us and it looked incredible.

    squid ink linguini: calamari, Fresno chili, garlic, ginger, white wine, lemon, basil, pecorino romano = $28
    Trung N.

    I think about the Green Circle Chicken Parmigiana every time I eat another chicken parm. The chicken parm ($38) here is insane. They serve you three pieces of chicken parm dressed up in mozzarella, marinated tomato, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and topped with basil. It goes without saying that the chicken cutlet is moist with the crispiest exterior. But, instead of a marinara sauce, marinated tomatoes are used instead. A sauce doesn't weigh the chicken down and you still get that acidity from the marinated tomato. Absolute perfection. We also loved the caramelized scallops ($42). They're served with farro verde, roasted fennel, carrots, 'nduja sausage + celery root cremosa. I can't recall the farro or fennel, but let me tell you, the scallops were fire. They're substantial in size and great with all the accompaniments. The internet has very polarizing views about the mezzo rigatoni ($26). I ordered it and yes, it is mid compared to everything else we tried. For such a highly touted dish, it was very plain Jane. It comes dressed with tomato, garlic fennel sausage ragu, fennel pollen + perorino. Ours was less than al dente and the medley of flavors didn't really do it for me. Our waiter also recommended the spring pea hummus ($26), though I wish we chose a different toast instead. The pea hummus was very muted on a spectacularly delicious piece of bread. I really enjoyed my meal at The Red Hen. It was homey and the food tasted comforting.

    Amy C.

    The ricotta toast was absolutely divine, no notes for that! The olives on the side were delicious as well. As for the rest of the dishes, the squid ink pasta was extremely light, there was not much flavor to it at all. The mezzi pasta was fine, but felt like it was missing something. The octopus was tender, but a bit salty in flavor. I would say the ricotta toast is a definite must get! Perhaps we went on an off day, but it was nice to try once while we were in the area!

    Apple cake
    Emma M.

    Came for my fiances birthday and we loved it. Fantastic experience at the Red Hen last night. Service was incredible, staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. Ambiance was great and the food was fantastic. Some of the best we've had in the DMV area. Highly recommend booking a reservation a few weeks in advance as they fill up Quickly.

    Grilled Broccolini
    Mark O.

    My wife and I recently went to red hen for date night. I've been recommended this place multiple times by multiple people so it's only right. I enjoyed the fact that you can see the kitchen from your seat and everything was open. Our server was great and the head chef was awesome as well. Everyone was so welcoming, friendly and conversational. The Whipped Ricotta Crostini was delicious. The bread to Ricotta ratio was a bit off so we ordered some more bread to balance the ratio. The Rigatoni definitely stole the show. We loved it. They have a pretty extensive non-alcoholic menu which my wife was happy about. The menu is very simple and they do it very well. I look forward to going back. Parking wasn't too bad but it's street parking.

    Whipped Ricotta Crostini

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    Page 1 of 29

    Ask the Community - The Red Hen

    What's the noise-level, in decibels?

    It's loud on weekends. Definitely recommending going Monday-Wednesday or right at open or later in the evening, if you want it to be quiet. It's possible to request a quieter table though as there are some that are more private.

    Does anyone know if they offer vegan adjustments?

    yes

    Do they sell wine by the glass?

    They absolutely do!

    View All 7 Questions

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    Chadol Korean BBQ

    Chadol Korean BBQ

    4.5(134 reviews)
    0.7 miNoMa
    $$$
    All you can eat
    Full bar

    Chadol Korean BBQ was such a fun pick for our monthly dinner series! My friends and I had a great…read moretime and honestly left fullllll. For $45 per person, the all-you-can-eat experience feels like a really solid deal considering how many protein options and side dishes you get. They start you off with a variety of banchan (side dishes), including a salad with this super tasty dressing that had the perfect little spicy kick. For the BBQ, we kicked things off with the spicy bulgogi and butter garlic shrimp, while the others tried the pork belly (I don't eat pork). Later we ordered the steak, spicy brisket, and grilled squid, which were all delicious. The spicy brisket especially was a standout for me. The guys also ordered two rounds of fried dumplings that looked amazing, but since they contain pork, I had to sit those out. I'd love to see Chadol add a veggie dumpling option to the menu! As for the sides, the kimchi and cold glass noodles were both hits at our table, and of course we all added white rice. The "mashed potatoes" though? Definitely more like potato salad and unfortunately very bland. On the other hand, the cheese corn costs extra but is 1000% worth adding. For drinks, the guys enjoyed the Woody Old Fashioned while I had a mezcal margarita-style cocktail that was smoky and refreshing. We also ordered one of the chicken options but never received it and eventually just gave up on it. One of the coolest parts of the experience is the ordering system. Most meats are ordered directly from a machine at your table, and the food comes out quickly on this conveyor belt-style setup which was honestly so fun. Drinks and side dishes are ordered through the servers. The atmosphere was lively and energetic without feeling overwhelming. The restaurant is actually much larger inside than I expected, with a modern setup that works well for smaller groups. That said, I didn't really notice tables for larger parties, so I'm not sure how they accommodate groups bigger than 6 people. Service started off a little rough because our server wasn't very attentive, but after I called it out, he definitely stepped it up and things improved. Overall, Chadol was a really good experience and absolutely worth the price. The 1.5-hour seating limit makes sense too, both to keep things moving and give others a chance to enjoy the experience. I'd definitely go back!

    I ate here around a year ago and reviewed them on google. The food is not good, service is slow,…read morefor some reason you can't order certain things with the tablet, and it's really easy to miss the little automated train thing that brings out your food. This place has negative reviews deleted on Google. Spend your money elsewhere, there's better Korean food in DC.

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    Chadol Korean BBQ
    Chadol Korean BBQ
    Chadol Korean BBQ

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    Ciel Capitol Hill

    Ciel Capitol Hill

    4.3(8 reviews)
    0.9 miNoMa

    Omg!! The food was delicious. This was my first time patronizing this restaurant and I was blown…read moreaway. Interestingly enough they have two locations which I did not know. The food at this location was great. The red snapper with the rice and tomatoes was very flavorful. The red snapper could have been cooked a little harder. However, other than that it was great. My friend order the same dish except with salmon. She enjoyed the dish as well but also mentioned that the fish could be cooked harder. We sat at the bar so we didn't get service from the waiter. However, the service from the bartender as great. He was very knowledgeable on the drinks and the food. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of the drinks. But I ordered a smoked margarita which had a great taste. The ambiance was wonderful. It was very aesthetically please. From the flowers on the ceiling to the rooftop overlooking the Capitol it was great. The roof top provided a chill vibe with low music. It could be a great place for a date night or just a place to go to meet up with friends. I 100% recommend.

    My first visit to Ciel Social Club was such a good experience! I went during happy hour with…read morefriends and the entire vibe of the rooftop was amazing from start to finish. The views alone make you want to stay all night, especially as the sun starts to set over the city. We also got to enjoy live music from the band, which made the atmosphere feel even more fun and elevated. It was the perfect mix of great energy, good music, and a beautiful rooftop setting. For drinks, we tried the Blushing Orchard Martini, Capitol Blossom Fizz, and the Lavender Ginger Bloom -- all refreshing and well-crafted. For food, we ordered the East Coast Oysters on the Half Shell, Beef Sliders, and Mediterranean Tacos. Everything came out fresh and flavorful.

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    Ciel Capitol Hill
    Ciel Capitol Hill
    Ciel Capitol Hill

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    Bar Betsie - Back area

    Bar Betsie

    4.3(67 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    A trendy, NYC like vibe this spot was a lot smaller than I expected so I see why they often have a…read morewait. On a nice day, they do have a small outdoor patio as well. I think they take reservations but we were able to grab a bar spot. Are drinks pricey? What do you think? It's a cocktail bar in DC. The drinks we tried were pretty tasty, even the mezcal one which I thought was a refreshing take. The wall shows some of the drinks on the menu and the ingredients/glass it comes in which I thought was a nice touch. Bartenders were friendly but not too chatty as they were super busy but you never waited long for a drink. The bourbon drink with the whipped honey was our favorite but the gin drink that was pink was also fantastic. For food I did try the buffalo chicken dip, pretty large and tasty (not too spicy) and loved the super crisp celery and the fritos. Clean, trendy bathrooms, nice vibes throughout the whole spot for pictures, great for a night cap or pre-dinner drink.

    What a fun cocktail bar. My friend and I popped in for happy hour and it was a cool vibe from the…read morestart. I encourage you to get there early if you plan to go after work. They don't take revelations and the place fills up fast. It's a very cute spot and feels so comfortable and fun. Our bartender was Gaylan and he was great--had great reccs, laughed with us a bit, all around great guy. The 'let me just say this' was so soo good! It tasted like a rainbow--just bright and with a really delicious after taste. I should have stopped at the rose but after my trying my friend's, i had to have one! We initially came for happy hour, but moved to the cocktail menu. The hh was a bit limited, but the drinks were priced overall pretty reasonably for the area. My one complaint is the wine glasses were so teeny. Overall though, I would recommend this bar. Bonus: cheese balls when you sit down! I believe there is also a limited food menu (think nachos) for the after work or late night crowd.

    Photos
    Bar Betsie - Quick view of options

    Quick view of options

    Bar Betsie - Frozen hibiscus pina colada

    Frozen hibiscus pina colada

    Bar Betsie - A well balanced Old Fashioned

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    A well balanced Old Fashioned

    Death & Co DC - Fool's Gold

    Death & Co DC

    4.2(112 reviews)
    0.9 miShaw, 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.

    Photos
    Death & Co DC - Please and Thank You

    Please and Thank You

    Death & Co DC - Mutineer

    Mutineer

    Death & Co DC

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    The Red Hen - italian - Updated May 2026

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