I recently visited Balos Estiatorio during DC Restaurant Week to celebrate a friend's birthday, and while the experience had its highlights, the billing practices left a sour note. The Good: The evening began on a positive note with our reservation honored promptly. Our waiter was attentive and managed to keep up with our large party of seven efficiently. The drinks, including the standout Banana Espresso Martini, were timely and well-crafted, striking a good balance of flavors. We opted for a prefixed menu curated with the help of the event coordinator. The dishes arrived on time and included two servings of each item for our group. The Greek Salad was a standout, fresh and vibrant, and the calamari with green sauce was quite enjoyable. The lamb, while good, varied in doneness, which was a bit disappointing. The other items, such as the Tuna Tartare and Crab Cake, were less impressive--salty and mushy, respectively. The grilled salmon and roasted chicken were also underwhelming, with the chicken being notably dry. Desserts, chosen by the chef, were a letdown and failed to match the quality of the earlier courses. However, the gesture of bringing out candles for the birthday song was a nice touch. The Bad: The billing process was where the experience fell short. The total bill of $1500 was shockingly inflated due to various fees that were not communicated upfront. There was a 3% administrative fee for booking through their service, which was only revealed when we received the bill. Additionally, an automatic gratuity of 20% was added, which, combined with a service charge and a 4% operations fee, made up about one-third of the total bill. To our surprise, tax was also charged on the gratuity, which is quite unusual. The cumulative effect of these charges left a bad taste, making the evening feel more like a costly affair than a celebratory occasion. The lack of transparency and excessive fees overshadowed the enjoyable aspects of the meal. Final Thoughts: While Balos Estiatorio offers a pleasant dining experience with some good dishes and attentive service, the billing practices warrant caution. If you decide to dine here, be sure to review your bill carefully and inquire about all potential charges beforehand to avoid any unexpected surprises. And to not have the full experience, DJ and paper being thrown is ridiculous. read more

Balos Restaurant in Washington, D.C., is nothing short of a culinary gem. If you're looking for a place that checks every box--amazing food, outstanding service, and an atmosphere that will make you want to stay all day--look no further. This is, hands down, the best spot for lunch, dinner, and brunch in the city. The owners are absolute class acts. You can feel their passion for the business in every dish they serve, and their genuine warmth makes the dining experience even better. They've truly set the bar high for hospitality, treating every guest like family and making sure you're taken care of from start to finish. It's not just a meal at Balos, it's an experience. Now, let's talk food. The fish here is to die for, with the Branzino being out of this world. It's perfectly cooked, tender, and full of flavor. You absolutely have to try it. And if you're into fresh, top-tier seafood, the Tuna Tartare is stupid good--perfectly balanced, fresh, and just bursting with flavor. The Baklava? Hands down the best in DC. It's sweet, flaky, and incredibly satisfying. But let's not forget the Baklava French Toast--it's nothing short of delightful. A delicious twist on a classic, this dish is a must-have for brunch. But it's not just about the food. The service at Balos is unmatched. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with genuine smiles and top-notch attention. The vibes are incredible--the perfect place to relax and enjoy an unforgettable meal with friends or family. The ambiance creates the ideal setting for anything from a casual lunch to an elegant dinner. I seriously recommend Balos to everyone. It's rare to find a restaurant that nails every single aspect--flawless food, impeccable service, and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. If you're in D.C., do yourself a favor and experience it for yourself. You won't regret it! read more

Ambiance: Vibrant, Yet Cramped (3/5) The allure of Balos was undeniable. The promise of a lively DJ every weekend night was enough to spark my curiosity, and the energy on our Friday visit certainly delivered. However, the bustling atmosphere came at a cost. Tightly packed tables made maneuvering a challenge. While ideal for a celebratory gathering, a more intimate conversation might be better served elsewhere. Food: Solid, But Unexceptional (3/5) The menu offered a variety of enticing choices. The octopus was delectable, and the lobster pasta had a generous portion of lobster, but the pasta itself lacked any wow factor. The tuna tartare and filet mignon, while decent, didn't leave a lasting impression. Service: Bad (1/5) Our arrival at 9:30 pm, the earliest possible for a pre-napkin toss seating, placed us in the heart of the busiest part of the evening. When our server inquired about dessert, a menu request was met with a less-than-enthusiastic response. The decibel level made things even worse, making deciphering the "verbal menu" nearly impossible. The final straw came when our server attempted to turn our table after a mere 1.5 hours because they "have other 2 tops to seat" contradicting the confirmed 2-hour limit in my confirmation email. Dismissive responses and rolled eyes fell far short of the hospitality one expects. Balos offers a vibrant atmosphere, however, the tightly packed tables and rushed service might detract from a more intimate dining experience. The food, while decent, doesn't quite reach the level to justify the overall experience. read more

Very Disappointing Experience at Balos I had high expectations for Balos after hearing so many positive things, especially since I was celebrating my best friend's birthday with a dinner for three. The meal, vibes, and drinks were all great, and we were having a wonderful time. Unfortunately, our experience was ruined by the treatment we received towards the end of the night. Balos closes at 1 am, but we were still finishing our drinks at around 1:10 am. Out of nowhere, security approached us aggressively and told us we had to leave immediately. Tensions escalated, with name-calling from the security staff, which was completely unprofessional. To make matters worse, a waiter who wasn't even serving us came over and snatched our drinks off the table as we were being forced out. As we were leaving, I noticed there were only a few other people left in the restaurant, and they mentioned they were waiting for an Uber. This made me question why we were treated so differently. To be kicked out after spending about $700 on our bill was beyond disrespectful, especially as a guest from out of town (Chicago). I have never experienced anything like this, and I will never recommend Balos to anyone. What should have been a special evening ended in complete frustration and embarrassment. read more

I recently visited Balos Estiatorio with a friend, and we had such a great experience. From the moment we walked in, I was impressed by the beautiful decor and overall ambiance. The restaurant has a chic, upscale Mediterranean feel, but it still feels warm and inviting. The music, energy, and atmosphere made it a really fun place to spend the evening. The service was outstanding. Our waiter was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, attentive without being overbearing, and made some great recommendations throughout the meal. It's always refreshing to have a server who genuinely knows the food and helps enhance the dining experience. The food was absolutely delicious. The beet salad was hands down the best item we tired. I would come back just for that alone. I also had the sea bass, which was cooked well and full of flavor. I tried the Butterfly pea margarita as well. It was a little sweeter than I typically prefer, but it was still enjoyable and complemented the meal nicely. Overall, Balos delivered on every level: great food, excellent service, beautiful decor, and a lively atmosphere. I left already looking forward to my next visit and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in D.C. read more

My friends and I, visiting from Dubai, were excited to experience this establishment. Unfortunately, our visit was overshadowed by an unacceptable experience at the door. When we arrived, we were denied entry by the doorman without any reasonable explanation. After a few moments, he stated that if we wanted to enter, we'd need to Zelle $30 each to his personal account. Shockingly, while we were deciding what to do, two guests approached, shook his hand, and were let in immediately without any payment or reservation. This unprofessional behavior felt like an attempt to take advantage of us as out-of-town visitors. After speaking with others, it seems this is not an isolated incident--guests without reservations are frequently asked for cash or personal payments, which is both unethical and damaging to the establishment's reputation. We've had far more positive experiences at other Greek restaurants like OPA, where hospitality and professionalism come first. I've also learned that the owner runs Five Cafe in the DMV area, and I urge them to hold their staff accountable to preserve their reputation. Without serious changes, this approach will only harm their business in the long run, which would be a shame. read more

We had such a fantastic time at Balos that we didn't even make it to the entrées -- the appetizers were that good! We started with the tuna tartare, Greek salad, and fried cheese, all of which were delicious and generously portioned. While the appetizers were on the pricier side ($30+), they were more than enough to satisfy and perfect for sharing. The drinks were well-crafted, though they ranged from $21 to $25 -- definitely something to keep in mind, but worth it for a fun night out. And the crème brûlée? Hands down some of the best I've ever had -- creamy, perfectly torched, and the ideal ending to our meal. The atmosphere was vibrant and energetic, with music blasting loud enough that it was tough to hear each other at times, but that was part of the fun. The midnight celebration, where staff parades through with the Greek flag and guests join in a festive napkin toss, added a unique and memorable touch to the night. If you're looking for a high-energy spot with great food, strong drinks, and a little Greek flair, Balos delivers. We'll definitely be back -- next time, maybe we'll even make it to the entrées! read more

I've never been more appalled and disgusted in my life before going to Balos Esiatorio. Not only was the hostess very rude, but the manager, Mike, is an unhinged person. Not only did her verbally assault several patrons of my party but he stood and hid behind his security to have them "escorted" out. By escorted out, his security physically assaulted a woman of the party by physically grabbing and hurting their arm and then Mike continued to verbally abuse these women all while standing behind four security guards. What a great manager! Must feel tough and strong to stand cowardly behind security and berate your customers. Word for word he said "Go F*** Yourself." Mike Valerio you should not be working in this business and Balos Estiatorio should consider your termination for their own good. So if you are looking for an abominable experience, ask for Mike at the front when you walk in. P.S. Balos will pay to have this comment removed! Like they have been doing with others who witnessed and experienced Mike Valerios power trip. It is dangerous to have someone of that nature as the Manager of your restaurant. read more

I've never been more appalled and disgusted in my life before going to Balos Estiatorio. Not only was the hostess very rude, but the manager, Mike, is an unhinged person. Not only did he verbally assault several patrons of my party but he stood and hid behind his security to have them "escorted" out. By escorted out, his security physically assaulted a woman of the party by physically grabbing and hurting their arm and then Mike continued to verbally abuse these women all while standing behind four security guards. What a great manager! Must feel tough and strong to stand cowardly behind security and berate your customers. Word for word he said "Go F*** Yourself." Mike Valerio you should not be working in this business and Balos Estiatorio should consider your termination for their own good. So if you are looking for an abominable experience, ask for Mike at the front when you walk in. P.S. Balos will pay to have this comment removed! Like they have been doing with others who witnessed and experienced Mike Valerios power trip. read more

Balos Estiatorio proved to be a delightful dining destination that transported me to a charming Mediterranean escape. The warm welcome from the hostesses and the convenience of a coat check set a positive tone. The interior's inviting decor, from traditional tables to cozy seating, created an ambiance that felt like a true getaway. The standout dishes included perfectly cooked octopus and a surprising saganaki with a crunchy texture and pungent flavor. The staff's friendliness and genuine hospitality added an extra layer of warmth to the experience, making me feel like a welcomed guest. Ending on a sweet note, the baklava and decaf espresso were exceptional, leaving a lasting impression. Despite minor hiccups, Balos Estiatorio has the potential to offer a consistently delightful dining experience with its enchanting ambiance and standout dishes. read more

I recently dined at Balos restaurant in Washington DC, and it was truly a memorable experience. The food was excellent, especially the dishes from the $35 prix fixe menu, including the octopus, lamb chops, salad, and chicken souvlaki. Each dish was prepared to perfection, bursting with flavor. Moreover, the ambience of the restaurant was delightful, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The service was outstanding; the staff went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful dining experience. They even helped entertain our two-year-old daughter, which we greatly appreciated.Overall, I highly recommend Balos restaurant for anyone looking to enjoy delicious Greek cuisine in a warm and inviting setting with exceptional service. It's definitely a dining destination worth visiting in Washington DC. read more

Hey there! Just wanted to share my experience at this restaurant I tried last night. The ambiance was amazing, with a great vibe and the place looked beautiful aesthetically. The service at the bar was satisfactory, although a little slow. But here's the dealbreaker for me - the food. ‍ Every dish I tried was unbalanced. The soup I had (to go) was good, but it had too much lemon . The crab cakes were okay, but there was way too much celery . Lastly, the Greek chicken was disappointing - too much lemon and it was dry. Honestly, it's such a shame that this restaurant continues to miss the mark. The dishes should be flavorful, but not unbalanced and overpowered with lemon or celery . It just doesn't taste very good, to be honest. Alright, thanks for letting me vent. Hope you have a better dining experience! read more

This restaurant has to be the worst service I've ever seen. There hostess was not only rude, but also Mike the manager who rudely spoke to the whole family and the lady who had her 50th birthday party at Balos. The manager was hiding behind his security guards and escorted everyone from that family out. For what? For no reason at all. Mike the deranged manager assaulted these women. Some examples are, grabbing a lady's arm hardly, saying " get the f*** out", and saying "If you don't get out I'll drag you out". Absolutely speechless. Over my years of restaurant experience I have never seen something so bad and disrespectful. (PS: they are paying to delete these comments. Just how they have been doing that to other people's comments.) (Had to repost this again because they took it down) read more

Balos has such a great ambiance -- beautiful atmosphere, lively but not too loud, and the food was amazing. The lobster pasta was so good -- rich, flavorful, and worth every bite. Everything we ordered came out fresh and well-prepared. The only downside was the service. Our server seemed short and rushed with us. At one point, when my niece asked for ketchup, he actually said he couldn't "run back and forth," which made the interaction feel a bit off. While it didn't ruin the meal, it did take away from what could've been a perfect dining experience. Overall, I'd still recommend Balos for the food and ambiance -- just hoping the service matches the quality next time. read more

First time in Balos and a time was had. Service was friendly and very efficient. We started with the hummus and pita bread (it was delicious) the pita bread was super fresh and we couldn't have enough of it. The cocktails are very well balanced with the right amount of liquor, bartenders definitely know their craft. The Greek salad was very fulfilling with a nice presentation. I had the lamb as a main course and I was not disappointed with the flavors. Portions are very reasonable for the price point. Overall an awesome experience and I'll be back for sure. Thank you Balos Team read more

I am extremely disappointed with our experience at Balos in DC. We were celebrating my friend's mom's 50th birthday, and the night was ruined by the unbelievably rude behavior of the manager, Mike Valerio. He treated us with blatant racism and even had the audacity to escort us out of the restaurant. Such disrespectful and discriminatory behavior is unacceptable. I will never return to this establishment and would advise others to avoid it as well. What should have been a joyous occasion was turned into a distressing and humiliating experience. Absolutely disgraceful. read more

manager was completely unprofessional and rude. Do not recommend going due to the fact of how unprofessional the manager is and the staff is full of petty little girls!!! managers name is michael valerio. such a horrible miserable abusive person! he's a drugged up and i highly recommend balos starts drug testing theirs staff members. we've spent so much money and time and they ruined my moms 50th birthday. how disgusting. also balos stop paying to remove our review and admit to your fault! read more

My time at this "clubbing" restaurant was a complete letdown. Despite booking a month in advance, the place was disgustingly crowded, resulting in abysmal service. Tables were crammed awkwardly, some ridiculously close to the door, and others absurdly placed right next to the chaotic bar. The entire experience was a mess, making it impossible to enjoy any aspect of the supposed clubbing atmosphere. A total disappointment. And the line to the bathroom was a mile long!!!! read more

Wow! What a memorable experience and literally the BEST crab cakes I've ever had. The ambiance was filled with elegance and glamour, setting the perfect tone for our celebration. Attending a birthday party with a pre-set menu, every dish served was amazing! The highlight was at the end of dinner, where everyone tossed napkins into the air to celebrate the night. Looking forward to returning for more drinks and food soon! read more