Reality Vs. Expectations 😊 These pictures I posted are reality . The place is crowded with tourists or locals , just people all over the place . It was fun , a lot of walking going around all the tourists spots In Washington . Going to Lincoln Memorial is quite a challenge for your feet. Make sure you have a good pair of sneakers 😊 or rent a scooter or bicycle . It was fun going around on scooter . Just need your phone and credit card. Different scooter has different price. Goodluck 😊 Lincoln Memorial reminds me of the movie “ Night at the Museum” . Lots of tourist taking pictures . Nice to sit down after a long walk and pictures taken . Breathe in and breathe out and enjoy .

Extraordinary experience! The Lincoln Memorial gets proportionately larger the closer you get, and when you think what it symbolizes, it's larger than life. It's also the best spot on the National Mall to catch the most patriotic 4th of July fireworks with stunning views. The giant memorial starts casting a protective shade for the crowds around 3pm, which also makes it one of the most comfortable spots to wait in. This is an impressive place to visit all year around, day or night.

It was great and the atmosphere there and around it was awesome. There is a shop inside i did not expect and a random room to the right. The stairs are pretty cool. There are a lot of stairs. There are street vendors outside of it and there is parking like a mile away. If you go here any time of day you will be happy and will definitely not regret your decision. If your in the District of Colombia, this is a must see spot.

We went to DC for our 1-year anniversary to do a complete walk-around of the city. The Lincoln Memorial was absolutely breathtaking. There's so much history in this beautiful building. Truly amazing

My favorite attraction/memorial of the trip. It's beautiful. The reflecting pool leading up to the memorial is breathtaking. We visited in the afternoon riding scooters from the Washington monument area. Such a fun afternoon.

This is my favorite building in all of Washington, DC. You can feel the power of history from the steps, imaging events like Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech. The building is a classic and perfect form. The views of the Washington monument and Capitol building are incredible. A short walk from the building you can check out the WWII memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial. It is also a nice walk from here to the Washington Monument. Love this monument!

The last (or the first) monument on The Mall - and quite a spectacular one! It’s a statement monument rising above the reflecting pool and housing a statue of a sitting Abraham Lincoln made of white marble. There are some stunning views from the monument towards the reflecting pool and Washington monument. The Capitol can be seen as well, just not from the middle as it’s hidden behind the Washington monument. The steps are steep but safe, as the surface is not smooth, so even during the rain it’s perfectly safe to walk on them. The only problem with this place is how incredibly crowded it gets, be prepared to be pushed over by others, unless you visit early in the morning or late at night, and even then you won’t be alone. I visited at 6:30 AM (it was still dark) during the cherry blossom festival in March and several people were already wandering around. I also preferred the marvelous neoclassical memorial during low light conditions, it added another dimension to my experience. There is nothing inside apart from the statue of Lincoln and inscriptions of two of his speeches, nevertheless it is an amazing place to visit! Plenty of parking in the proximity and surrounding streets, you just have to come early enough to secure a spot. Visited in March 2023. PS: While walking on the stairs to the memorial, lift your eyes up to the frieze (top part of the building) and look at the inscription of the names of 36 states that were part of the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death.

Very cool place to see. Beautiful and free! There even a little gift shop as you walk in to the right with a lot of neat Lincoln related books, photos, and tons of other memorabilia. I highly recommend checking it out.

All of this incredible aeronautical history for free! The Smithsonian museums are such a gift. We went with our 4 kids aged 6 to 12 and they all had a great time. There’s something for everyone whether you’re a total science enthusiast or someone who doesn’t normally have much interest in this kind of thing. This is just a great family friendly activity. And did I mention that like all the Smithsonian museums at the National Mall, the museum is free?!

One of my son’s favorite museums! We had timed tickets for 2 and arrived at 215. It was only a 10 min casual walk from the Hilton at L’Enfant Plaza. About half of the museum is closed for renovations so I didn’t expect to need much time. I was so wrong. We saw two 25 min films in the planetarium (arrive early and sit in the back, you’ll be looking straight up) and for 2 adults and a jr ticket with military discount it was a little over $40. That ended at 325, leaving us with 2 hours and we were rushing to try to get glimpses of each room and the biggest attractions. The cafe closed at 5 so I didn’t see that, but we went to the gift shop 15 min before closing and lemme tell you, and 530- they are pushing you out the door. Politely, but no exceptions. I definitely feel like we left with no regrets. But I’d probably skip the movie, or plan for at least 4 hours.

I'm an aerospace engineer so I'm biased but my non aerospace friends say that this is the best Smithsonian (better than the natural history museum). I definitely agree. Seeing the selection was awesome. It is still under renovation so half of the museum is closed. Would definitely go back when it is fully open. I just have to do the museum in VA

What a great museum in the city to enjoy. If you love history and space, you should definitely check out the museum. A lot of exhibits were closed, however there was still plenty to do including watching the Discovery launch, touching a piece of the moon, reading about what happens to your body when you go to space, seeing space toilets, and different countries astronaut gear. There is an interactive exhibit where you can choose to ride in a space ship and complete a VR( virtual reality) experience, fly your own craft or ride a roller coaster… the prices for this ranged from $8.00 to $12.00 per person. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop and get your very own space suit, hat or mission patches for your backpack!! No tickets are required, however we waited an hour and a half in line to get into the museum.

Possibly the most extraordinary museum in the world, I would think this museum alone a worthy destination of the transatlantic trip but the entire experience is brought low by the way in which it is currently managed. The refurbishment that’s currently underway limits the awe factor but it’s still there. About 8 rooms, four of these are above-average quality of content but the space related rooms and Moon exploration are quite simply extraordinary. The objects are wonderfully exhibited and you often sense that you are in a world-class, premiere museum. Despite that, I couldn’t quite rise above the experience of passing through the Smithsonian facility on a busy, rainy day. Access to seating is very limited given the size of the crowd; it was very difficult to get overpriced food and a struggle to find the space to eat it (I gave up). The museum store/shop is very large but very expensive. Entry to the museum is currently allotted by the hour and we joined a block-long line in the rain with tickets that required being booked two months in advance. Attendant staff seemed passive and tired or just grumpy, while the few curatorial staff we encountered seemed somewhat overwhelmed by the crowd. The collection here is unique and inspirational , containing touchstones of the most inspirational moments in human history, but limited by the exhibition space and feels cramped. Sharing that space with such a crowd is tiring. I brought my children for my first return since I was a child in 1982 and I often struggled to maintain enthusiasm. We enjoyed the Udvar-Hazy facility much more.

I give this 5 stars for being free but it would get 4 if I had to pay to enter due to the fact that you cannot enter even a minute before your scheduled time and it took 7 minutes in a queue before we could enter the building. Standing in line in the brutal sun is no joke. I highly recommend coming 20 or more minutes after your entrance time (you can come up to an hour later). The other issue is that there are very few places to sit. Saw lots of people sitting on the floor. Aside from these negatives, it's a great little museum. 1-2 hours is plenty of time to see everything and read tons and tons. I enjoyed reading the brief period of the Wright brothers' success and their home life. Large gift store inside and even a place to get personalized dog tags. A few interactive exhibits but not a ton for younger kids. One last thing, make sure to reserve in advance! Our whole weekend here in DC was during a very unbusy weekend but this place was packed and sold out.

Great museum to stroll around for a few hours. As others mentioned, there are some exhibits that are closed so I wouldn't treat this place as a main attraction to visit, museum wise. However, it is a great learning experience if your unfamiliar with USA space history and the early history of flight. Great crash course here. Definitely recommend if your in the Greater DC area. This museum is free admission as it's your federal tax dollars hard at work. They do have donation bins throughout the museum as well if you feel inclined to contribute.

What an awesome incredible museum. So interactive and just tons to do! We spent 2 hours just walking around and seeing all the planes. Some of the coolest things are the two planes that you can walk inside and also the whole exhibit showcasing the Apollo missions. Seriously can’t wait for the whole museum to open. It’s an absolute must do even with half open. 10 out of 10 Ill be back.

The best things I can say are. It was great that the security staff monitor the line of people waiting to get in. Air quality was awful and it was just miserable out. Thankfully they let the 2pm folks in line inside early. The planetarium was great. Like the other recent reviews say. Half or more of the museum is under construction. The upstairs exhibits for space were nice but the rest was dull and not worth it. I think the only reason they have advanced tickets is because they have so little seating for crowds wanting to avoid the heat vs the other museums

This museum is one of the best I’ve been to. There is so much history and detail in the air and space industry, but the museum does a great job of capturing a ton of it. The planes on display are a stunning work of building masterpiece. My grandfather flew the DC-3 hanging up front and center, so it was really cool to see in person and quite inspiring.

The entrance is free but it requires a reservation for a timed pass. It does not allow for an early entry. On a hot summer day, it was no fun standing in a line outside the museum for almost 20 minutes until been letting in. Some of the exhibitions were cool. We enjoyed the early planes and inventions, flying cars, Nation of speed. Unfortunately the iMax theater was not open. And large spaces were closed due to renovations. The displaying planes were much less than I expected. We visited on Saturday which was a packed day for the museum. There were not enough sitting area. Overall it’s a nice place to visit. But I would wait for a couple more years before visiting again to have a more interesting and enhanced experience. On its website, it says the full building is expected to be open in 2026.

I had never been in a museum as amazing as this one; it's amazing, they have so many things to see; dinosaur fossils are the best, my three year old daughter enjoyed it very much, she has not stopped talking about it in the last two days. We went on a Sunday and it was quite long but it is not overwhelming because it is very big place, there was enough space to see and do things. the museum is very interactive, it has so many things to learn, a single day is not enough to learn about so many things. It has easy access for strollers and wheelchairs, there are multiple elevators, several shops for souvenirs and gifts, it has a very nice cafe area. you won't get bored here. In addition, everything is super clean and it is totally free. When you enter the museum you go through a lot of security but the process is fast.

It is an amazing museum for kids who are eager to learn new things. This museum is a full day visit there is lots of knowledge to grasp and one can learn about a lot of things here. I had a limited time, but would love to visit this place again and spend enough time in each section by going through all the information one by one. I personally liked the fossil lab , where you could actually see individuals cleaning the Fossils, drawing images of fossils. It was a really amazing experience overall. I wish I had more time.

Once you’ve been to a couple of Natural History museums you’ve pretty much seen them all. This has the usual fossil and animal collections, but I’d say they’re very well organized and the exhibits seem designed with intent. They have some really nice fossils although it’s hard to determine how many replicas they have instead of the real thing. Their animal collection is also pretty good and the exhibits include plenty of useful information. Definitely a good option if you have kids or you like nature. Safe to skip if you’ve been to more than one similar museums elsewhere.

We had a great time! There was no wait to get in, even with security screenings at the door. It was quite crowded both days we visited, but we were still able to see every exhibit in a reasonable amount of time. Masks are required throughout the building, but that was no issue for us. My 7 and 10yo LOVED all the exhibits and were blown away every time we rounded a corner. I highly recommend it if you're in DC!

An amazing (free) experience that was tons of fun for all of us and we all left smarter. Plan to spend at least 2 hours if you want to see most of the exhibits. If you want to read and learn about the exhibits it, allot at least 3 hours. They do have restaurants inside, ample restrooms and a nice gift shop. Our favorite exhibits were neanderthals exhibits and ancient animals, especially the dinosaur skeletons. They have many real looking animal exhibits, and detailed scientific background on them which was fun to learn.

I've been to this museum on numerous trips to DC and it is always a highlight of our trip. This time we went back in order to avoid some rain. They thankfully are no longer doing times ticket entry, so it was a smooth entrance. Be forewarned there will probably always be a school group or five visiting, but the 3 floors of exhibits allow for you to mostly avoid crowds. I obviously wouldn't recommend going on the weekend if you don't like kids, but the weekday not on a school break is doable. The exhibits are well done and will have something for everyone. From bodies and bones to fish and other animals, you will dive into the world of nature. Over time, taxidermy does start to show it's age so in the near future some of the animals may need to be redone or repaired, but in the grand scheme of things they are still holding strong. The bathrooms are mostly clean. It depends on what time you go of course, but with school groups they can quickly get dirty. The staff is very pleasant upon entry and are used to big crowds. They still run everything smoothly with such a large turnout. I'll continue to go when I am in downtown DC as I feel like you learn something new every time.

I love this museum. Everything is quality, everything is clean. And the entry lines are fast - so (Pro Tip) if you need to use the restroom but are wary of Port-O-Potties, you can get in and out quick, despite a bag check. There is also a cafe with pretty much everything you could want to eat and it's not too expensive for the area. Plus, the ice cream trucks outside are so nice on a hot day. Beware: the live Butterfly exhibit is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

It was just incredible. Hope diamond was a highlight. Our kids FAVORITE was the butterflies. It is an extra ticket but totally worth it. The room is relatively small so almost everyone has a butterfly land on them. It was pure magic. The other exhibits were fun as well. Loved the ones about gems and minerals as well as night sky. Just a big beautiful museum

Great museum for kids and adults. We went on the weekend and it was packed with people but we were able to move around with moderate congestion. The gift store was reasonable and there was some unique items available. For the little ones, I would bring a stroller if you’re up to pushing it because their legs will get tired. There were places to sit but they weren’t plentiful. The food court was open but we didn’t purchase anything. You can bring your own goods and water inside the museum. There is plenty to see and read for everyone. Highly recommend for families with small kids (probably 2 and up)

An amazing museum to visit. So much to discover and learn. We planned only 2-3 hours which was reasonable but not sufficient really. Kids loved various sections in the museum and so did we. A must visit if you happen to be in the Washington DC especially with kids and family. People of all ages will have things to learn and be amazed at. And entrance was free and parking was easily available 💕

You can skim a majority of the museum and get lost in a single branch for a long time. Well worth the price (free)! Gift shop is a bit smelly, but I usually don't go to them anyway. Overall, the exhibits are top-notch and there are a lot that offer to touch the exhibit. Great time with the family and time well spent.

The Smithsonian Natural History Museum undoubtedly ranks among the finest museums I've ever visited. A treasure trove of exhibits awaits, catering to diverse interests, from dinosaurs and early hominids to safari animals, aquatic life, minerals, meteors, and even the famed Hope Diamond. Plan on dedicating a minimum of 4 hours to thoroughly explore the majority of exhibits, even at a brisk pace. It's important to note that reading every single detail may be a tall order within this time frame. Approach your visit with a clear plan, focusing on the topics that resonate most with you and your companions. Don't miss the chance to engage with the educational videos on offer and take occasional breaks to rest your feet. The museum's security process is seamless, and unlike my experience at the Air and Space Museum, personal water bottles were permitted here, a welcome relief. All in all, the Smithsonian Natural History Museum guarantees an enriching and immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression.

This family-friendly museum is open and free to the public. No tickets or timed entry required. You can easily spend hours here. It's very informative, fun, and educational. Everything from rocks, minerals, gemstones, bones, birds, bees, mummies, to butterflies. There's plenty of food options in the museum, and vendor food trucks right outside. This is a great option for a rainy day or to beat the heat on a hot day.

Google doesn’t have enough star ratings for this review. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a must come see. Go find the catalogue books, find the names and locate the walls. If you need a ladder, they have some available for all to use. Diamond symbol next to the names = death in action. Cross symbols, missing in action. There is so much information online. Come and see, it is very eye opening, informative and educational.

One of the best designed approaches to a memorial that I have ever experienced. Walking below the ground level, sinking into the names listed by year, is so powerful. Seeing the names and being able to feel them carved into the highly polished stone is very effective to humanizing the losses of the Vietnam War. Seeing yourself reflected in the stone while looking upon the names is a stark reality that all of these people listed were humans; they were alive and breathing in the face of war. Whether your feelings and beliefs about our involvement, you can’t deny how solemn and respectful this memorial is and was designed to be. It’s an honor to experience this memorial and live in a country that values this type of solution for how to humanize and memorialize those lost.

The Vietnam War Memorial is a beautiful and poignant tribute to the men and women who served their country during the Vietnam War. Located in Washington D.C., it is a long, black granite wall that lists the names of the more than 58,000 Americans who lost their lives during the war. The memorial is designed to be simple yet powerful, with the names listed in chronological order, rather than by rank or other factors. This creates a sense of unity among those who served and died in the conflict. The black granite surface of the wall allows visitors to see their own reflection alongside the names of the fallen, symbolizing the impact of the war on all who were touched by it. The Vietnam War Memorial is also unique in that it is interactive, allowing visitors to leave flowers, letters, and other mementos in honor of those who died. This creates a sense of community and connection among visitors, even those who may have never met the individuals whose names are listed on the wall. Overall, the Vietnam War Memorial is a moving tribute to the sacrifices made by those who served in the war, and a powerful reminder of the cost of war. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Washington D.C. and a place of reflection and remembrance for all Americans.

I find this the most poignant of the war memorials around The Mall. Its simplicity makes it an eloquent tribute to the loss of all those whose names are inscribed on the walls, highlighting the loss of so many (primarily young) lives rather than entering into the debate over the war itself. This is a place of contemplation, moving and beautiful, which should certainly be visited by anyone who can.

This monument has all the names of warriors who sacrificed their life for the nation. You can walkthrough the wall and see the names written Also there is statue with soldiers around 100 feet distance, do have look one of the nice spot with relaxing spot A water body after this spot with benches to sooth your mind and heart

A powerful and beautiful wall to commemorate the lives of those that fight that awful war. So many people mistreated so poorly. Sent off to fight a war for an ungrateful nation. But these men and women served their country with honor. And we should not forget. It is a must see and great memorial.

We have been looking forward to visiting this museum for years, so our expectations were quite high. (History teacher.) The museum itself is quite well done, however, the crowds inside were almost unbearable, so it was extremely difficult to read much of the information. I love that the museum is so popular, as I believe everyone needs the lessons that it teaches, but it seems that the crowds could be better managed considering you have to book a timed entry. The crowd should have been at least halved from what it was. We had to skip large sections of the exhibition simply because the crowds were so deep. Still, even with the stress of the large crowd, the museum is hugely impactful and we appreciated the level of respect that most guests displayed and the atmosphere that the museum successfully cultivates. We recommend viewing the additional exhibit, Americans and the Holocaust, which is on the bottom floor.

Beautifully moving display with enormous amounts of education. Definitely worth the visit. Shoe display was removed when we visited. Timed tickets required upon visit. $1 processing fee for each ticket.

This museum is so important to see. It’s a time to sit and reflect and think about how our actions change the world and how we need to never forget important events so we can learn. This museum is well staffed and thoughtfully put together. Happy I could see it and learn more for myself. A for sure must see in DC.

As I'm Polish this was must to see museum. I was very pleased with the layout and information. You don't feel good once leaving this place but that's what you should feel... Holocaust is a fact that should make us thinking!

What an amazing and moving memorial and museum. I thought I knew a lot about the Holocaust prior but I learned so much more and the photos and names and preserved items were such incredibly respectful tributes to those people lost. I felt it was very very in depth, but depends on how much you process Ave available. Many school groups were just filing through rather rapidly. Especially important was how quickly(LESS than 6 months and Hilter had complete control) the Nazis took over everything. We actually could have stayed longer than the 5-6 hours we were there but had reservations to be elsewhere. I tend to look, watch and read as much as is offered since this may be my first and only visit to DC. I wish we had planned at least a full day here. It's bigger than it looks. We found a very good selection on books for purchase in the store. Helpful staff.

Throughly enjoyed my visit. It was pretty busy when we came but the crowds thin out a little depending on how fast or slow you read everything. Make sure to read only one page from the identification card for each floor in the main exhibit. The pages have dates on the top that correspond with the floor.

It was a pretty good exhibition. The design it's like a concentration camp and you can go walk for the hall seeing how it started everything. I loved so much the design of the lifts because it was like the gates of horns. I loved the thematic. I recommend you to choose morning hours because in the afternoon there are A LOT of people.

Depending on the day you go, they give out ticks at the door after security. So you don’t have to pay the $1 fee for getting tickets on line. However if you are planning you trip and limited time book your tickets in advance. This is a very well put together build. One of the better layouts for museums in the DC area. A great memorial for the events that happened. The stories that live on the walls can hit you hard if you are not expecting it, as they are all real.

Truly an experience that cannot be put into words. The museum offers various displays, artifacts, and media that offer a mere glimpse into what went on during the Holocaust. The layout is easy to follow and I'd expect to spend at least 3 hours there. I would like to say that the museum is great for all ages, but I feel that it's really something that you need to truly appreciate and it's difficult to do if you're young. Something important to note: with COVID you'll need to reserve a timed entry pass online ahead of time. I recommend booking at least one month in advance, but if you're lucky you can snag one of the passes that they make available at 7am each day. I highly highly recommend visiting!

One of the very few museums in DC that requires a ticket. Tickets are not easily acquired. I was lucky and was able to obtain one of the few made available 'on the day of'. E tickets can be shown on your phone a few minutes before the scheduled time. The tour experience begins by choosing 'papers' and then a group is taken by elevator to the top floor to begin a chronological history of the Holocaust. Again I felt lucky. One of our "group" was 97 year old WW II veteran who was there when the Allies liberated camps. He was happy to talk about his experience and give additional thoughts on what was in the museum. This is not just about concentration camps. There are maps and newspaper displays. There are videos of this ugly time in history. The hall of photos (shown) the railcar, the German language iron sign "work shall set you free". POWERFUL. The final stops of the museum were Daniel's story and The Hall of Remembrance.

It was busy! Get your timed-entry passes early. As in before you leave for your trip. They do open up a limited amount of tickets at 7am on day of. We got lucky and made it into the cue and got tickets before they were gone. It’s only $1 per ticket processing fee. It is just a timed ticket to keep down the crowds and you will be glad for it! We moved slowly through reading and looking at everything. We needed a minute to process it all after leaving. This is NOT a place for young children. However, they do have sensitive material displayed behind walls that small children cannot see over.

I have always been drawn to the Holocaust. I read any book I can get my hand on about it and the same with documentaries. Coming here brought all I read into life. To see everything they have is moving and so terribly tragic. The images, the sounds, the stories. However, this museum is a necessity as we can never forget what happened to millions of innocent people during this time period. Everyone should come here at least once in their life. We brought our kids, 8 and 11, and they were moved by it and educated about it. The only downside here were the crowds. It was so packed, even with timed entry tickets, it was hard to see and read some of the displays, which seems to defeat the purpose of having timed entry tickets. BUT, it is still a must go place in DC.

One of the best museums in the country. Very moving and informative. If you really want the full experience plan on about 3 hours. Watch the videos. READ EVERYTHING! Go through "Daniel's" child friendly walk through exhibit. You will see pure evil and wonder how this ever could have happened. The Jewish people that endured this incomprehensible wrong stand as witnesses of fortitude and faith. May their families be blessed forever.

Headed to Old Ebbitt during the spring for the second time in my life and boy was excited to be back. Sat at the bar this time for a late lunch and some drinks. Bartender was super friendly to us as tourists, helpful with the drink and food menu suggestions, and very attentive. Made everyone at the bar feel like regulars striking up conversations with everyone. The drinks were well made and the food was delicious. The overall atmosphere makes you think of all the people who have visited the bar since its existence. Really close to several attractions and easy to walk or bike to. I look forward to visiting for dinner next time I’m in town.

I am one who loves to visit restaurants that have longevity in their cities, and Old Ebbitt Grill is definitely one that has stood the test of time since opening in 1856. I recently dined here over the extended 4th of July holiday, and as soon as I walked in, I immediately loved the overall vibe of this restaurant. The host was warm and welcoming, and my server Scott was friendly and attentive throughout my meal. I ordered the Maryland Crab Soup and the Trout Parmesan, and both were delicious. The soup was flavorful, and the Trout had a nice crunchy breading. Cocktails here are great as well. I definitely recommend checking this place out, and I will most certainly come back in the future.

Everything was absolutely delicious! The fried zucchini had tons of flavor, crispy but not a thick heavy batter. The Parmesan crusted fish was perfect. Everything with seasoned well and cooked to perfection. Customer service was great. Atmosphere was amazing. We will definitely be back.

Had an awesome time here as a late night/ early next day stop. The food was quite nice and fairly refined, especially at such a late hour! The atmosphere was popping as well which made it more enjoyable. Service was very friendly and they had great oysters. Fresh complimentary bread never hurts either…

There are straightforward American-style food. This restaurant is best known for its huge old-school oyster bar—think lots of dark wood, brass fixtures, and big mirrors. That oysters was fantastic and fresh. We’ve enjoyed also cheese sampler, fried calamari and baked oysters. Everything they do is absolutely delicious. The service was very fast and friendly. We were happy to choose this great restaurant to end our busy day in Washington, D.C.

Oh Old Ebbitt, how I love thee and can't believe I have not reviewed you until now. So I have lived in the DC area for almost 7 years and am a fairly regular patron of Old Ebbitt. This is where I take my friends and family from out of town when they want to visit downtown DC. It is also a place my husband and I enjoy for brunch. The crab cakes and oysters at Old Ebbitt are really worth the trip and the heritage of this building just places the restaurant over the top for reasons to go. Definitely make a reservation; so you are not waiting for 45 minutes to an hour plus for a table. The restaurant is really large for typical DC dining, but I still highly recommend a reservation. There is a main dining room and a corner bar...also atrium seating for overflow. I have dined in both the main dining room and the corner bar multiple times. The staff are always super friendly and make sure you have everything you need. Brunch is probably my favorite, but the menu is extensive; so you really can't go wrong with almost anything your heart desires. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys good solid American cuisine and wants to dine near the White House. Thanks for always giving us a great experience! :-)

Probably one of our favorite spots to eat in DC for American fare. Always great table service and amazing food. You need to make reservations, as the pace gets packed pretty much anytime or day, between locals and tourists. Our wait yesterday was 0, because we made reservations on Open Table App. The seafood is always a table favorite, as are the salads, steaks and sandwiches. Really there isn’t any bad or mediocre dish to be found. The wings are so good as well. Alcoholic drinks are really good as well from the bar. You won’t be disappointed.

This was my favorite place the Well fleet oysters were the best and so delicious !!! I ended up going there three days in a row to get them my bartender Tod was amazing He was very professional, and a great guy. The they were generous with the muscles and the pasta was freshly made. The clam chowder and Maryland crab soup were also very satisfying. I love this place and would definitely come back again.

The food was really good. It took a little while to get our food but we enjoyed the rest from our adventures. We had to sit in the middle area so we didn't get to enjoy the atmosphere of the original interior, but we were able to be seated immediately! Definitely a cool place to eat.

What a DC institution. I've been here numerous times taking "out of town" guests but always failed to write a review... This place is busy and crowded... so make a reservation. Service is attentive and friendly. Try to get a seat in the atrium, much nicer and brighter. *turkey club-generous portions of turkey. It was good and the fries were nice and hot. *salad greens- tasty, I wanted something light. *calamari-nice and crispy. They have a good selection on their menu, we just weren't that hungry. It's kinda the place to go when you visit DC.

Can’t rave enough about this place, though it look crowded, we still managed to grab a table. Came in for lunch before we started our little sightseeing trek around DC. Staff is so friendly, the scallops were amazing, so beautiful! The decor was beautiful and gave off quite a comfortable vibe even though it was definitely something a bit more upscale than your average restaurant. Our waitress I believe was called Gabby, and she was just lovely. Very patient even with my sister who dared to try Summerside oyster for the first time! Will make this place my go-to whenever I’m back in DC!

A lovely staple of DC, came for the oyster happy hour along for a nice mid day lunch. A lovely time, our waiter was fantastic. I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant. Our food was delicious, the dozen oysters were unbelievable tasty. Our entrees were delicious and plentiful. The chilli is a must ! Our drinks were refreshing. This is a must stop !

I had the pleasure of dining at Old Ebbitt Grill in DC, and I must say, it's a true gem! The upscale and inviting atmosphere sets the perfect tone for a memorable dining experience. The food is outstanding, with their oysters being an absolute highlight. The attentive and friendly service only adds to the enjoyment. What's even better is their late-night happy hour, a fantastic way to unwind after a day exploring the city. Old Ebbitt Grill has quickly become one of my favorite spots for both its delectable cuisine and its wonderful ambiance.

The fried chicken waffles are incredibly delicious and the fluffiest waffles I've ever had. Paired with their cinnamon syrup, it feels like the world becomes a better place. The other dishes are also fantastic, making it worth the half-hour wait in line. It was a joyful dining experience, and I'll definitely come back next time.

Solid 5 stars across the board. Server was great, small but varied beer selection. A friend said that the bloody Mary was delicious. Big menu and it was hard to narrow down but we started with the bread and spread sampler that didn't have a bad combo to it. For dinner we got the Prime Rib, French Dip, and Grilled cheese. They seemed to be able to make anything a side, or modify the dish anyway you wanted. Nothing I would have changed and would love to go back.

Quality food and drinks! Stopped by while out and about visiting DC with the family. Short walk from several metro stations. Reserved a table during lunchtime the morning we went and was seated minutes after we showed up. Staff was attentive and my drink was never empty. Reasonable prices for the quality food you get considering the location and love the bar menu. Was recommended this place by several people and it was quickly apparent why. Will definitely visit again next time we are in DC!

I was having breakfast with my friends at this restaurant, and it was amazing. But what I have to praise the most is the French toast. It's definitely worth ordering. The service was incredibly friendly, the atmosphere was great, and the lemonades were also delicious.

Customer service was awesome! The popcorn was great. There was a ton of it! The pot roast was absolutely amazing! The gravy for the pot roast had layers of flavor. I liked the ravioli, but I do think that it just needs the butternut squash not the browned praline butter too. It made it a little too sweet. The mac & cheese and chicken tenders were good. We loved the atmosphere. If we’re ever in DC again, we will definitely be back.

We were seated promptly at our reservation time. The hosts and servers were polite and effective, albeit the food and drinks took a while to come out. Everything was very very tasty. The meat in particular. Try the prime rib, and the pork chops - but you may want to ask that they cook less than you usually like because ours were slightly over cooked.

Really fresh, delicious breakfast! We tried the waffle, pancake, and egg scramble. Obviously made in house - really delicious. Pancakes and waffles were exceptional. Egg scramble was very savory. The coffee is way better than your average breakfast place. Service was quick and friendly. Recommended!

We were traveling from out of town and told it was a must have. Menu was impressive, our food was okay, we had the pastrami Ruben and the turkey BLT. Our son had the mini burgers, they were phenomenal. We were seated right away with our reservation. Took 13 minutes to have the server first come to the table, our drinks didn’t make it to the table until right before our food. Server also never came back to check on us. Hoping to try to other location to see how the staff is.

Now I know why on a Sunday morning the streets of Washington are completely empty - everyone sits here. And it is hardly surprising, because the local breakfasts are absolutely delicious. Excellent quality ingredients; the best hash brown in my life; fluffy, soft pancakes - all worth visiting and enjoying a lazy morning.

Excellent all the way around. Runs like a well oiled machine. Every item we had was cooked to perfection, fresh and flavorful. The sweet Tea sweetened with agave and fresh lemonade were so delicious and refreshing. Definitely recommend the Garlic Black Pepper Wings, the sauce was so good! I had the Pot roast and my guy, who couldn’t decide, went with the farmers platter. We also had at the table the ribeye and the chili burger. Both temps were spot on. We were sat quickly tho they seemed busy and were greeted in a timely manner. The manager made a stop at our table and got us refills and answered some questions. Both she and the server were super helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. We also loved the decor and vibe. It was a great experience all the way around. Was the best place we tried on our trip.

Great food and vibrant atmosphere! We got the tasting menu and I loved almost everything. I also had a delicious new-to-me wine. I really loved the constant refills of the crisp, fragrant, light & puffy pita bread. Even as it got really busy, service never lagged. I was so impressed!

We went to Zaytinya for restaurant week and it did not disappoint! So many fun dishes to try (we shared everything we got, which seems like the best way to do it) and everything was fresh and delicious. Hard to tell if the criticisms I had were just because I got too full to really enjoy it (restaurant week is way more courses than I’m used to), so I think I’ll just share the positives. The watermelon salad was CRAZY refreshing and such a fun combination of flavors. The brussel sprouts for me were hall of fame good. The hummus was delicious and the fresh pitas made them all the better. Will definitely be going back to Zaytinya!

Wow! 🎶 Everything was fantastic. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed such a wonderful meal. We had a reservation for an afternoon lunch. Upon arrival, we were greeted and seated immediately. The wait staff was courteous and efficient. We let our daughter, Julia, order for our table; everything she suggested was delicious and cooked to perfection. The pacing of the dishes was nice as well; a few dishes were brought out at a time. We weren’t rushed and plates were cleared away between courses. We were there just over an hour and even had dessert. I can’t wait to go again. ✨

Great food and service! I’ve been here many times with family, colleagues, and on dates. My favorite thing is the complimentary bread!! I wish the food was a little hotter but I understand it’s not always possible to have it come out piping hot. Our waitress surprised with us an item not on the menu- lamb kleftiko! Would recommend! The eggplant badiyam was our favorite, and the drinks were good but a little syrupy, too sweet. Would come back again and again!

The hostess was so kind; immediately walking in, the atmosphere was amiable. A good place for dinner and to get drinks after work. The octopus is a winner. Of the lamb chops, one was overcooked, and the other was not. Even though the plates are tapa style, all portions were quite shareable.

A great experience but front desk staff needs work. Had reservations, made us wait 20 minutes, and then rolled their eyes after we declined sitting outdoors when our reservation was for indoor seating. Food was amazing. Recommend doing the weekly restaurant menu. $40 for a five course meal. Say less.

Food was underwhelming. Textures were off, flavors were off, vegetables didn't seem fresh, dishes were unbalanced. Service was sloppy, kept turning away as I was speaking, and rushed us in an empty restaurant. Atmosphere was cool, but definitely not worth the low quality food and service. DC is a great food city, go somewhere else.

Food is really fresh and the portions are decent. But it’s a crowded and loud restaurant and when we got to the table for four, which we had reserved, I couldn’t even fit into my seat and I’m not overweight. They had to shift the table for me. Then the food just didn’t fit onto the table top. Since it’s small plates, I would expect there to be more space for all the small plates to fit. The vibe and decor is pretty cool, but I just expected a more polished experience for the price. That said, the food is really well flavored and fresh and I would go back if I were looking for a convenient happy hour place or just needed to meet up with someone. But not for a special occasion.

I get the hype! The chef’s tasting menu ($70 PP) was delish and very filling. The appetizers were all top notch. The hummus was especially smooth (I don’t think I’ve had any hummus has smooth as this before). The beef strips resembled cured meat and was also delicious when paired with the grapes and pine nuts. Feta salad with mandarin slices and beets was also very good. We requested for the octopus to be included and it was hands down the best cooked octopus I’ve eaten. It’s not rubbery at all and has a perfect char on it. Of all the things we got, the only dish I would not eat again are the zucchini Patties. They had an odd flavor to them that reminded me of how ammonia or sulfur smells. The two desserts were a molten coffee cake and apricot green yogurt. The top of the apricot dessert was extremely tart but you can take off the sorbet if you don’t like tart items. The lava cake was slightly molten in the center but had excellent flavor — slightly bitter, deep coffee depth, but not too sweet.

Zaytinya is definitely a 5 star quality restaurant. Walking into the front door you’re welcomed by a beautiful, well decorated interior with a Mediterranean vibe. The hostesses and servers are kind and accommodating. Each dish is plated nicely and tastes even better. Everything was fresh and flavorful. Our favorite items were the Brussels, the shrimp dish, the fries, the cauliflower and the chicken kibabs. The food is served Mezze style so you will definitely need to order multiple plates.

A Mediterranean restaurant that really makes you feel like you have left the country. Food is pretty good, the wine menu is superb- the written description of the each wines is the best I've ever seen! As you read you can actually imagine the taste. We had the four-course chef's menu and we weren't disappointed!

It's our third time eating at Zaytinya. We love this restaurant but i got to say this last visit was disappointing. The service was not good. The hostesses were not friendly and our server was very rushed but that's not the worst part. The restroom was disgusting it smelled like urine so bad I couldn't even stand the smell. Even the sinks were disgusting with dirt and pubic hair. I hope a manager sees this and gets someone in there and deep cleaning from top to bottom. If the bathroom is this disgusting who knows about the kitchen. I have a lot of respect for Jose Andres but this wasn't it.

Everything in this place is top-notch!! Beautiful venue, great staff, awesome service, good choice of music, beautiful crowd, and tasty Mediterranean dishes!! Portions are small but you do not feel that you leave the restaurant hungry since they start your service with fresh bread and olive oil. For a full experience, I would offer the kabob platter + a salad!! Staff are great and know how to keep the crowed happy although it is almost very crowded. Reservation is definitely recommended and note that finding parking space is not easy!! It’s DC, after all!! Overall, one of the best places in DC area✨

We tried the set menu and so worth it. The food is great, and the chefs present Indian food with a modern take but still keep the amazing authentic flavors in the dishes. But the service is hands down the best in town. The staff are very professional, friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming, especially Gustavo who we had a pleasure to met with during our first dinner experience in Rasika a couple of days ago. It’s always a bit competitive to get a table there but a must go to restaurant in DC, especially if you love food with a lot of flavors

Stunning, beautiful restaurant. The food is incredible. Each dish was a new cinary adventure. I was blown away by the flavor. The only issue we ran into was that we asked to be seated outside and it took 20 minutes to order and I felt like they kept forgetting us. The amazing food made up for it. The Palak Chaat was one of the most unique, delicious dishes I've ever tried. Fried spinach. I know, right? But this reading that was so crisp and just perfect. Then the delicious sauce and garnish. It was incredible. It doesn't sound fancy. It doesn't look fancy but the textures and flavors are phenomenal. I got the 3 meat platter. The salmon had a light almost nutty savory flavor that reminded me of pumpkin. The salmon 2as perfectly cooked. The chicken was amazing. I am used to chicken Tikka masala with a lot of sauce but this one was dry but very delicious. Finally the lamb kebab was spicy but insanely delicious and flavorful. Naan of course was light and perfect. Rice was divine This was one of the best meals I've ever had.

The star dish here is the palak chaat appetizer. Also had the chicken pista korma which was an interesting novelty but not amazing and the lamb curry which tasted like your normal well prepared lamb vindaloo. The truffle naan was good though the truffle flavor is very subtle. The apple jalebi with cardamom ice cream was very good and I'd choose it over the date and toffee pudding.

LOVE this place! The food is great, the staff is great, ambiance is great. The dishes are a modern twist in terms of flavors, textures and appearance. Yet still heavily connected to the inspiration, so you will know what you are eating. Our favorite was the palak (spinach) dish. Could not take a photo as we were hungry and just dug into the food. The Naan (bread) was like a buttery cloud you would want to sleep on. If you dine-in, you can get multiple small portions of the entree to try out different menu options, which is what we did. We loved the food so much that we ate here 4 times out of our 3 day stay in the area!

I came alone, set on the bar, received excellent service. The atmosphere in the restaurant is very eclectic, good combination lights and jazz music. The dishes were delicious!! Yes to some traditional Indian dishes they have their interpretation, but to my opinion it was fantastic, hope I'll have a chance to come back :)

I never visit DC without a trip to Rasika. The food is exquisite, the ambiance delightful, and the service impeccable. Palak Chaat is a must! Ask for Amanda at the West End location. She’s amazing, and makes great recommendations. Top tier experience.

Went here for my birthday. The meal was incredible and the service was even better. Plus the restaurant is beautifully decorated! Our server was Bhaskar. He was amazing! We will definitely be back!!

What a great experience we had! We ordered the 6 item taster menu and they customized my husband's to be seafood-less while I was able to enjoy the seafood items. Almost everything was delicious and filling. Absolutely a fun experience! Totally recommend.

Very clean restaurant and looks very pretty; nice design and ambiance. Clean restrooms. Pleasant staff who attended to our table a good amount of times. The paneer achari was good but a little grainy aftertaste. The garlic naan was too dry. The lamb was good but slightly overcooked, the chicken tikka masala was good but I have had better. And the palak chaat was delicious!

Excellent Indian restaurant. Whenever I come to Washington DC, Rasika is on my stop list. Last 5 years, I have not had any bad dishes. You can order anything from the menu and it will taste delicious.

Hands down the best Indian restaurant I've gone to. Service was great, and the food was spot on. We came for lunch and the only complaint would be that the portion sizes were too large for the hour, but at least we have take out. Great presentation.

I liked the indoor atmosphere. The service is very good, fast as well. The drinks are okay. I ordered a ginger Bellini, but I couldn’t taste the ginger, it was more like a regular Prosecco. The appetizers were good, as well as the entrees. They are big, I would say it serves two if you order individual appetizers. The only con on the red snapper dish I ordered was that the skin came on the bottom covered with sauce, so it was a bit unpleasant and difficult to take it out. I think you either don’t server a fish with skin (when it’s not crispy) or you don’t cover with sauce. Also, the portion of Naan bread is very small. I was surprised to see that they don’t give it as complimentary when you order entrees. I think it’s a nice place to go with a group of friends to try different dishes. Another suggestion would be to sign the level of spicy in the menu. It’s not that the staff cannot advise on that, but it would be easier to see it in the menu. I’ll definitely go back to try more dishes.

wow I mean wow! this is the spot impeccable service excellent food! flavors in this deeply textured delicious food that I recall from growing up with my Italian grandmother's cooking. a little bit pricey but you feel a good value exchange in terms of quality food and service for the price. leave room for the cheesecake / my wife it is the best cheesecake she has experienced EVER!

Make your reservations far in advance! This place is an Italian staple in Georgetown and DC for a reason. The decor was so fun and over the top with red lighting for ambiance. The food honestly felt like it was made by a generous and loving Italian grandma. I would recommend not eating all day to have room for a dinner here. The portions are very generous to the point that I would even suggest splitting a main course if you plan on ordering appetizers. Nothing you can order here will be anything short of amazing, but the calamari in particular was fantastic. I'm looking forward to coming back soon!

We've been here twice this month and loved it. The first time we didn't make reservations but they let us eat at the bar which was quite nice and the bartenders were awesome. Today is my birthday so we made reservations. It was quite busy but the service was still amazing. I'm quite picky as a New Yorker and someone who lived in Italy but I give this place 5 stars for the food, atmosphere, and service. A must see!

This restaurant is def worth the hype! The vibes is right. The service is amazing. Super friendly and fun. But most importantly the food is amazing!!! It’s kinda expensive but the portions are massive! We were two people and ordered an app and 2 pastas and took home so much food. Ate the leftovers for breakfast the next day and it was still amazing. This restaurant feels a bit like a tourist trap mixed with a long time establishment and it’s done in a way were it doesn’t feel tacky. It’s fun and lively and good for so many occasions. Date night, big group dinners, just visiting town for a moment. 10/10 recommend and can’t wait to go back!

Love love love! We dined in after making a reservation a few weeks ago. Totally love the atmosphere and that you can also do takeout! Food was wonderful, service was wonderful. We already made another reservation for next month. People complain the prices are high but the dishes are quality, from scratch, and enormous portions. I’m looking forward to reheating it for lunch 🎉

The restaurant goes all out with seasonal decorations, this time around Easter time. It was a bit strange seeing so many bunnies but at the same time the over decorating is what many Italian grandmas do! Service was decent, not the best. Portions are huge so definitely recommend sharing especially because of the prices. The bread service with the olive oil and spices was delicious, raviolis were great and the eclair was so delicious and creamy, it tasted like profiteroles actually. Definitely recommend coming back.

This place no doubt one of the best dining experiences in DMV. The service is top notch, the Italian wine options are great, pricey but nice selection. Amazing food menu to select from, all scratch everything. The veal is always my go to, can't get a bad meal here. Don't even bother trying save room for dessert just order it anyways and hate yourself in the morning.

I ordered the eggplant pizza for delivery unfortunately I was not impressed considering the high reviews. The delivery came on time and the pizza was warm so no issues there but there was just no flavor. Now, my standards are high considering I used to live in New Haven/New York areas but I also had better at high rated Italian restaurants in Florida. Next time I will stick to pasta dishes.

We had to try Filomena during our stay in DC! We knew the portion were supposed to be huge, and since we could take it back to our hotel, we decided to share a meal. They served us some complementary bread with some olive oil (which was basically a pizza bread). It was really tasty. Then we e got the meat gnocchi. It was absolutely amazing. The gnocchi were so soft and melty. The sauce and meat had so much flavor. We were glad to have shared the meal because we had trouble finishing the plate even though we were 2. The place is pretty crowded and noisy but despite that, the service is really quick.

The food was pretty good, and you get a lot of it. But it is incredibly heavy with tons of butter. The flavors are not very intricate or delicate. And while you get a lot of food, the quality doesn’t seem to justify the price. That said this is an establishment, and an experience that is a lot of fun. We will definitely go back. But at this price point, there are much better Italian restaurants in the DC area.