I enjoyed the experience here. Had reservation; though it was for outside seating, we changed our…read moreminds because it was a little hot. We were lucky to be accommodated at the bar. The place is relatively huge with outside seating. Interiors are clean and well lit. I was so hungry. Ruthie's Big Plate was great. It had bacon that was perfectly cooked, beef sausage that was huge, two eggs (any style), biscuits, and home fries (or hash browns). The apple donuts were nothing special; they come with raspberry jam. Though our server Dannielle forgot a lot of things, including the coffee refill, she was super nice. She remembered the apple donuts after our other food was served and she was very nice to have not charged us the doughnuts.

Very chic aesthetics, bright and airy. Loud interior, open concept layout. Patio is nice, but…read moredoesn't have enough umbrellas to cover each table. Server was quick, knowledgeable and helpful. Restrooms were clean. ADA spacing is tough, but doable, if fellow patrons accommodate. Hash browns are where it's at! Blackberry Bramble was tasty. Bacon was good. Potatoes and eggs were nothing special. Visitor parking in front of apartment building is available, but uses mobile app for payment. Reservations highly recommended, due to long wait times.

I always seek out seafood when eating out. The Salt Line did not disappoint…read more It was restaurant week, which I am not a fan. So, I ordered the regular Arctic char from the regular menu and my friend ordered the special menu for restaurant week. His gazpacho was the best I ever tasted! I believe it even had chunks of shrimp in it with scallions on top that added a nice crunch. Sadly, it's not on the regular menu. He too got the Arctic Char for his entree. The Arctic Char was delicious and the grains underneath with vegetables was yummy. There were small dollops of a wonderful mayonnaise type sauce that was perfect! I would definitely order that again. (The Arctic chart that came with the restaurant week menu was clearly smaller than my regular menu item. This is why I don't care for restaurant week. This is not a slight against the restaurant, all restaurants do this.) I asked for bread and they brought out some yummy Parker rolls baked in a little skillet with old bay butter. They were piping hot and just perfectly fluffy on the inside. They charge six dollars for it. This is a minor issue-- I probably wouldn't charge more than five dollars. Most restaurants don't offer bread at all anymore and if they do--they charge. They really should mention that they charge for the bread when customers asked for it. My friend chose strawberry ice cream for his dessert included in the restaurant week menu. It was just okay, but what can you expect? It was just ice cream. I ordered a wonderful special bourbon old-fashioned--it was delicious. He got a beer which was quite pricey at $13 for a beer. That seems a bit high. We had a wonderful waitress. Her name is Chante. She was delightful and added to our great experience. We sat outside under the cover because it was such a beautiful night we wanted to eat outside. The bar was really hopping and loud. The restaurant decor is very cute with a French bistro style. This restaurant is close to the Ballston Mall. If you can't find street parking, which is usually tight, just go into the mall garage. I will definitely be going back.

Cute place with outdoor seating. Located in Balston. Service was ok. And the reason I'm saying…read morethis is because I was server gave us what I thought was complementary bloody bloody Mary shooters. That is a bloody Mary shot with an oyster on top normally it's eight dollars each. We did not order it yet. He added it to my bill and made me pay an extra $16.!!! Other than that, my steak salad was not appetizing. But everything else was good. Update: owner replied and did a refund to my card. I didn't bring it up at the restaurant because I didn't want to cause a scene. I appreciate your reply and the refund was a surprise. I would definitely go back.

Let's start with the Sunday Brunch…read more I defy anyone to find fault with that value. First round of mimosas is expensive but the next six rounds is cheeeeap. And the selection?!?! For under $70 two people can have crab cakes benedict, fried brussels, crispy French toast... I don't even remember. Like ten different things! I didn't have to eat again until 9pm. The food was great! Vinny, who was our handler (clearly he has training in special education or something because we that table. Or maybe the TIPS trainings have advanced to include messy brunch people) was fun, patient, and knowledgeable. This is THE SPOT for brunch on Sunday.

Maker's Union is a perfectly serviceable restaurant... and I mean that in the most complimentary…read morethree-star-ish way possible. Let's start with the unexpected hero of this story... the chicken sandwich. This thing had absolutely no business being as good as it was. The breaded chicken slapped, the pickle had that perfect crisp snap, and the brioche bun came strolling in like it knew it was the prettiest person at the party. Seriously, that bun deserves recognition for its supporting role. Even the fries were really good, and I'm not a fries guy. Usually fries are just the edible packing material keeping my sandwich from sliding around the plate, but I actually found myself eating these voluntarily. Unfortunately, my margarita was aggressively mid. It wasn't bad. It wasn't good. It was technically a margarita and successfully completed all contractual obligations associated with being one. The atmosphere was... a restaurant. There were tables. There were chairs. People ate food at them. No particular vibe or energy jumped out at me. Service was similarly pure, uncut service. We ordered things. Those things arrived. Transactions occurred. Mission accomplished. Would I go back? Absolutely if someone suggested it. Would I cross state lines and embark on a pilgrimage? Probably not. But I'd order that chicken sandwich again without hesitation... and maybe ask if they'll put my margarita on a brioche bun too.

Everything here is stellar. Beef ribs were massive and falling off the bone. Pork ribs had perfect…read moresmoke and tender meat. The jalapeño sausages had great snap and flavor with a nice touch that stands out. The brisket is the real deal though. Perfectly smoked, juicy, incredible bark. Both the straight brisket and the brisket sandwich are winners and the sandwich is loaded and satisfying. The mac and cheese is creamy and a perfect side. Generous portions, authentic BBQ technique, and everything tastes like they actually care. This is quality smoke and meat done right. Highly recommend.

Amazing food, amazing servers, and amazing atmosphere would've given 20 stars. If possible. Very…read morefriendly staff would highly recommend. --12 year old boy with a big appetite. :)

The new(-ish) location is great -- roomy and airy, if a bit acoustically challenging. Food was…read moregreat last night -- favorites at the table were the deviled eggs, pork chop, pork belly gnocchi and ricotta ravioli. Problem? It was a Friday evening-- and they were NOT crazy busy, but the service was SLOW! Like crazy slow. I swear our waiter was avoiding us. A couple of our dishes were warm at best when they were presented -- clearly prepped and sitting in the kitchen for too long before they were brought out. So come for the food -- but don't expect it to be a quick meal.

Thanks to yelp, I found this place for brunch. It is chic, vibrant, and located in a small…read morerestaurant location. I was on my way to a different restaurant in the area that was closed. I am so glad I located this place from the app. I ordered from their classy little menu chicken, eggs, & waffle; and there was nothing small about this plate. It was delicious. The service was just as great and very fast. I recommend this place to small groups of likeminded individuals.

Who doesn't love a $2 bellini?! This is what I came here for. I could have been a gatekeeper but I…read moredecided to share. Saturdays and Sundays, 11 - 4, $2 bellinis are a thing! Woot! I enjoyed the peach and raspberry flavors but they also have blueberry. I guess I'll have to come back! I browsed the menu and it looked good.

"Tavern" is probably a misnomer. Bar/Restaurant is probably a better categorization. A new(er)…read moreaddition to the Clarendon area. We didn't try any food, but the happy hour deals and weekly deals seem really good. (I popped in on a Monday to the place being PACKED for the World Cup game and wing night.) Seasoned popcorn is complimentary. The drinks were delicious. The service was speedy--staff noticed when drinks were running low and asked if we wanted a refill before we were completely empty. This is a spot that I would go back for games and wing night, as well as the other food options!

I found this place thanks to Open Table. We made a reservation and were seated right on time…read more The service is great! My waitress was so nice and funny. I really enjoyed her service. I had the lunch burger and fries because the table next to me had ordered it and the smell was delicious. The burger did not disappoint!! Such good food! I finished lunch with the Silk Road cocktail. Think espresso martini meets a chai. Creamy and well balanced. Overall, great experience. We will be back!

This was not what I expected to write after looking forward to lunch at Matt and Tony's for quite…read moresome time. But someone has to say it: the king isn't wearing any clothes. My wife and I arrived around 1:20 p.m. on a Thursday. The lunch crowd was still going strong, which only reinforced that we had picked a popular spot. Unfortunately, the experience went downhill almost immediately. When we walked in, there was no hostess to be found. After waiting about four minutes, she finally appeared and offered us a choice between a small table in the corner or one by the bar. Given how busy the restaurant was, we took the table by the bar. About seven minutes later, someone finally came by to offer us water and explained that our server was busy, but she would help us in the meantime. No problem. We ordered the Avo Goddess Salad and asked that it be split so we could share it. A few minutes later, our server arrived, introduced herself, and we let her know we had already ordered the salad and were ready to place our lunch orders. She was very helpful in guiding my wife toward the Old Bay Shrimp Burger. I was excited to order the Shrimp and Grits until I learned it contained Andouille sausage and, according to our server, couldn't be prepared without it. Since the restaurant highlights that everything is made from scratch, that surprised me. I ended up ordering the Ahi Tuna Salad instead. So far, so good. Then came the frustration. We spent the next 20 minutes slowly picking at our salad, growing increasingly hungry and confused. You know something is wrong when guests who were seated after you begin receiving their meals before you. Finally, at 2:10 p.m., our food arrived: my Ahi Tuna Salad and a Pulled Lamb Sandwich for my wife. Except my wife had ordered the Shrimp Burger. When we pointed out the mistake to what was now our third server, she quickly assured us it would be corrected. A few minutes later, our original server returned and took full responsibility. She explained that the lamb and shrimp items are next to each other in the POS system and she accidentally selected the wrong item. She assured us the Shrimp Burger would be out in two minutes and suggested we enjoy the fries that came with the lamb sandwich while we waited. Unfortunately, another ten minutes passed before the burger finally arrived. Here's where things became truly disappointing: the top bun was still cold--almost frozen. My wife ended up removing it entirely and eating the sandwich with just the bottom bun. At best, the Shrimp Burger was decent, but certainly not worth the wait and frustration. As for my Ahi Tuna Salad, it felt like something I could easily make at home, especially considering the $25 price tag. I'm also not entirely convinced the tuna was particularly fresh. I can't bring myself to give Matt and Tony's one star because the atmosphere is genuinely cool and inviting. So I settled on two stars--mostly for how I felt before the experience unraveled. And listen, I get it. Mistakes happen. We're all human. But as someone who eats out frequently, here's one piece of advice: when a restaurant makes a significant mistake with a customer's order, consider taking that item off the bill. Sometimes that gesture is the only reason a guest decides to come back.

After getting off a plane from a week-long trip, I ordered takeout from Carlisle for my mom and me…read more I dropped her food off in D.C. and continued on to Catonsville, and somewhere between the drive, stopping at the store, and unpacking from my trip, I realized I hadn't even taken any pictures because I was too busy enjoying the food along the way and when i arrived home. I ordered the steak (sliced steak with mushrooms) , and it was excellent ....well-seasoned, flavorful, and cooked just right. The mashed potatoes were creamy and delicious. We also got the crab and corn chowder, which is always outstanding. Rich, comforting, and packed with flavor every time. Key lime pie .... on point .... oh and a salad. i got the chopped salad and added the ever so good goats cheese. Everything was EXCELLENT. What I appreciate most about Carlisle is the consistency. Whether I'm dining in or picking up takeout, the food is always good. Not just okay BUT actually flavorful, well-prepared, and satisfying. That's harder to find than it should be these days. I've been here many MANY times over the years and the experience is consistently excellent. The service is great when dining in, pickup is always smooth and efficient, and the food never disappoints. Carlyle continues to be one of those reliable places that simply gets it right. And whenever I pick up my to go order the bar is always crowded with folks looking like they are having a great time. That should tell you something. Highly recommended.

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

What a gem of a place to go to on a really hot July 3rd. The A/C was working fabulous I came as…read morepart of a party of 10. We made our reservation a day or two in advance and when we got there the hostess led us to the second floor. The brunch menu has a myriad of pizza and salad and classic breakfast menu items to choose from. I remember when I was there there was a lunch special offer where you could have a half order of a salad with a side of your choice for a discounted rate so that was cool. I ordered the Tavern salad with a side of creamy potato salad and liked it.

TLDR happy hour is only at the bar and the food is good but service isn't…read more Came on mother's day and came early, before they were busy. When we made the reservation in advance, we called to ask if happy hour was everywhere or just at the bar; they said everywhere, so we booked a table. Plot twist, it's only at the bar / downstairs :))) We arrived 15 minutes early, so while they got our table ready, we ordered at the bar. 5 stars for the bartender. If I could review her, the host, and the happy hour prices in isolation, I would! They moved us upstairs, we sat down, and immediately saw the menus were different. We asked the gentleman bringing waters about happy hour and he sent the waiter over. The waiter, with about 2% helpfulness, shared that happy hour is only downstairs. I mentioned that we had called in advance to ask. We asked if it would be possible to have that menu or perhaps move. The conversation felt like pulling teeth. He said, with much dismissiveness, it was up to the host downstairs to move and if they had availability and left. (Fair, we move, he doesn't get his tip. An alternative? Give us the happy hour menu, still get your tip. Better yet, just be slightly helpful?) The host downstairs found us a table but shared it was booked at 6:15 so we needed to be in and out. It was no problem because we had arrived before 5 (early, remember?). Although, it took 15 minutes (I timed it!) for anyone to come bring waters or address us as their table. A little hard to operate with urgency when no one takes your order!! I got up, told the host stand, and they sent a server over, and he proceeded to come back all of three times. We also had to flag him down to get our check, while we sat with empty waters that were never once refilled. We had pizza, cod sliders, and half orders of aglio e olio pasta. The cod sliders were more breadding than fish, but the flavor was decent. The pasta was delicious. No five star Italian meal, but it hit the spot and the portion was plentiful. I didn't try the pizza but it was 12 inches, piping hot, and the two eating it couldn't finish it. The food came out quickly and hot. I think we spent under or just about $100 for four folks to have dinner + drinks, so the prices are really solid. Perhaps you get what you pay for though? Both of our male servers seemed annoyed to be dealing with us and mostly unhelpful. Noteworthy mention: there was a female server who was kind enough to bring us a brown paper bag for our to go box. She was running around and her tables seemed well cared for. Disappointed in my experience and the customer service.

One of my favorite restaurants in Clarendon! I highly recommend the Market Plate. They have an…read moreoutstanding selection of vegetables that rotate regularly. The brussel sprouts and mushrooms were my favorite. The honey roasted carrots were great too! Just sweet enough! My friend got the chicken tenders and said they would definitely order them again! The staff is very nice and they are great about allergens. Plenty of options available for gluten free and vegan folks. I'd be sure to make a reservation, the restaurant tends to be crowded past 6:30 on a weekend or week night!

Fresh ingredients and quality food! The service was quick, and the outdoor seating is great for a…read morecasual dinner. I got the chicken breast with two veggies (sweet potato fries and corn esquites). Everything was amazing!! The chicken was juicy and flavorful which is hard for a grilled breast! Peach iced tea was balanced with sweetness. A bit expensive, but I did feel that the ingredients were whole and healthy.