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    Isla

    3.9 (81 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Services - Isla

    Venue rental

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    Tomahawk Pork Chop@ Isla!
    Spencer H.

    Isla is dope dope dope! Ambience is super slick, upbeat and contemporary. Beautifully designed, we were impressed as soon as we entered. We started off at the bar and decided to try the giant prawn appetizer. They were so freakin good, I messed around and ordered the giant prawn entrée! The grilled octopus and oysters were awesome and her tomahawk pork chop not only looked impressive it tasted just as impressive! The one hiccup was the service. Our reservation was right at opening time and they did NOT have their stuff together, even though we pushed our time back to enjoy the bar for thirty or so minutes. Once they finally waited on us the manager did stop by and explained their lack of manpower this particular evening.. A complementary drink would have been nice for the lack of service, but oh well.. Lol Isla is now one of my favorites and I can't wait to return. I'lll make sure not to make reservations so early next time :)!

    Prawns
    Nessa R.

    On a mission to prove there are a LOT of new places in DC I haven't been, my friend picked Isla! I love to dress up and be fancy so yes to this restaurant, you can definitely be glam! But you can also fit in regular too. Very very beautiful restaurant! Isla DC has a warm, modern island‑inspired ambiance that feels instantly inviting, soft lighting, natural textures, and a sleek, stylish design that gives the space an elevated but easy vibe. The open kitchen and wood‑fired hearth add a cozy, energetic touch, making it the kind of spot that feels both refined and relaxed at the same time. Let's start off with service! Great! Even on a very busy night our waiter did not miss a beat! The menu it's really good but I'll be honest we pre gamed at Good Love and I ate way too many patties so when we finally made it to dinner I was full. To be polite I picked a meal that I knew he'd eat if I didn't, he would, so it all worked out! Let's get into it! Prawns - Delicious - I wouldn't say they were the best I've had but they were good. Also wasn't hungry so can't knock them for it. Fried Rock Shrimp - Great! Oxtail - He said it was delicious! I'm not a big fan of Caribbean food so probably wouldn't return if I had to make the choice! But as a plus one, it's always fun trying new places!

    Dominique B.

    I visited Isla for a very special occasion--bidding farewell to the President & CEO of the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce--and it couldn't have been a more fitting setting. After a networking event, we settled at the bar to share drinks, appetizers, and reflect on such an impactful tenure. It was an emotional and meaningful evening, celebrating a leader whose work has been paramount to Black businesses across DC and whose influence has left a lasting impression on so many. The ambiance at Isla is absolutely beautiful--elevated, warm, and perfect for both intimate moments and celebrations. I focused on capturing the vibe (and got some stunning photos), but honestly, I was so caught up in the laughter and conversation that I barely remembered to take pictures of the food. That said, the tempura okra and wagyu oxtail patties were standouts--flavorful, well-executed, and memorable. I also had a mocktail that was incredibly refreshing and thoughtfully crafted. Even though we arrived about an hour before closing, the bar staff looked amazing and took exceptional care of us--attentive, gracious, and never rushing the experience. Cheers to celebrating leaders who pour into our communities and to spaces like Isla that help create moments we won't forget. I'll absolutely be back for dinner.

    Interior
    Tracy A.

    My friends and I had a large party of 6 and it was perfect. The restaurant is beautiful. The vibe is amazing. Music playing in the background but not too loud added a nice touch. Our waiter was kind and attentive and handled a party of our size very well. Our food and drinks flowed at a good pace for a large. We decided to eat family style and ordered a bunch of appetizers, entrees and sides to share. I highly recommend this as a chance to try a bunch of things. The crab meat pies were our fav but the oxtail ones were good too. For entrees we tried their branzino fish, fried whole snapper, jerk chicken and the lobster rice dish. Amongst these, the fried snapper and the chicken were the favs but all were good. For sides we got the crispy Brussels sprouts and the Mac Pie. The Brussels sprouts by far were our favorite. The cocktails were also good though their version of rum punch isn't a true one if you like the thicker sweeter versions. Their rum version of an old fashioned was my favorite. I would absolutely make a night of this with friends or on a date.

    Fritter
    JD W.

    Tuesday, March 31, 2026 - 5:00pm Reservation; While the front was slightly difficult to find [not on the main sidewalk; near corner of L and 15th], the decor, food, and service were outstanding. Cesar [sp?] was informative, helpful, patient, kind, and provides top tier service. The teamwork of the floor and bartending team members was nice to experience. The open kitchen was a good way to experience the restaurant. There's a semi private space upstairs. Parking can be difficult. I recommend ridesharing for reservations before 6:00pm during the week. This was my first time while in DC for Work. With ALL my friend and I ordered, we split the bill with less than $150 each (inclusive of tax and gratuity). I'm returning for sure!

    TaNeisha J.

    Yes to everything! The food, the ambiance, the service -- everything! We started at the bar. I was doing Dry January, so no libations for me. We ordered the oysters, shrimp cocktail, charred octopus, grilled prawns and the bone-in ribeye. The oysters were nothing short of amazing. There was a nice spiciness to it, which paired well with the salty/slightly sweet hibiscus granita sauce. I would definitely get it again. While I will eat shrimp cocktail, I've never been a true fan. Take what you will from that. It's shrimp cocktail. The octopus and the grilled prawns were goooood! Octopus has got to be one of my favorite seafood dishes. This was executed to perfection. It was tender, the sauce was amazing -- no complaints. The grilled prawns were huge and also a hit. Lastly, and so underwhelming was the pork chop. Insert a crying emoji *here.* I love, love, love, pork chops and I did not like Isla's rendition. Absolutely, positively would not get again. I think it may have been the sauce that turned me off to it; it was thick, and just had a weird taste to me. Besides the pork chop, everything else was delightful. I can't wait to visit again as there are so many other options on the menu I'd like to try! Try it out -- cheers!

    Crab patties and Fried Rock Shrimp
    Rukaiyah T.

    Instantly when you walk in you feel the vibes and you know this will be a great experience. The server was knowledgeable of the menu and offered great suggestions. I enjoyed the crab patties and rock fish to start. Accompanied by the Chargrilled Octopus that had an amazing black garlic glaze. Lastly, I enjoyed the perfectly grilled octopus with the Mac pie. That Mac pie was the unexpected star of the night. I wanted to order more.

    Damilola J.

    Isla is truly the perfect spot for a date night or birthday dinner. The ambiance sets the tone immediately... upscale, intimate, and just the right vibe for a special evening. Let's talk about the food... absolutely impeccable. Every bite delivered an amazing burst of flavor that had me fully locked in. The waiter was also incredibly friendly and attentive, which made the experience even smoother. Now listen...y'all need to be careful with the drinks because they are GOOD and STRONG. They do not play around! Dessert was the perfect finish. The carrot cake and the chocolate bomb were both phenomenal and worth every single bite. And I have to take a special moment to thank the chef for the creation of the Wagyu oxtail patties... paired with that sauce? 1000/10. No notes. I will definitely be back, and next time, I'm bringing my girls.

    Plantain chips
    Shawn T.

    A little hard to find the door, go down the diagonal walkway lol. Love the entrance. It makes you think you're being transferred to another world. It was lively for a Wednesday night. Tables full, wine sips were in progress, and food. The center light installation sets the tone. Very nice ambiance. Our server Carlyle was top notch. Quick, efficient, funny, and unnoticeable. He did a great job with the six of us. Overall the food is good. Seasoned with good presentation. The menu has a lot to choose from. Large and small plates. The fried snapper was good, greens, rice, plantain chips, etc. I'd prefer the mains come with sides. Everyone was pleased. I ordered the Capital Oasis drink. More ice than anything. I don't care for the huge ice block taking up precious drink space especially at $20. I'd rethink that. Excellent establishment for a special occasion.

    Ashlee A.

    Hm. Food I would give a 4.5 but unfortunately, the overall experience was a 3.5. We visited for the Valentine Experience, as we heard so much about the restaurant and this was the only type of reservation we could make through OpenTable. I do wish they had the menu available before booking, though the accommodations made for my restrictions were great! The experience took place from 9pm-1230am and it was just so much longer than expected. The wait time between courses was a bit much to include our live music was only booked for 2 hours anyways. I think my favorite courses were the curry pumpkin lobster soup and the beet salad. We were all surprised to have to share the short rib entree, which many around us questioned as well. A bit dry. The macaroon was okay and we didn't make it to the final round as it was just too late in the night to stay any longer. As excited I was to visit, I'm not sure I'll be rushing to go back here. Food, yes, but the price and experience has me weary of returning anytime soon.

    Oxtail curry patty
    Janelle T.

    5 stars for ambiance and decor. We went and I was surprised to not see a packed restaurant. Food overall was ok. The oxtail dish was amazing though

    Signage lighting
    Cheyann H.

    Tastefully designed Caribbean inspired restaurant in downtown DC, blocks away from the white house and directly next to other hot spots. Food: Isla Patties: 10/10 Oxtail Bara: 10/10 Fried Snapper: 7/10 Side of Cookup rice: 6/10 Drinks: one was made incorrectly but fixed very quickly, the other was great. Service was friendly but food was not as good as it could have been.

    BBQ Collard Greens
    Sharday J.

    This could have easily been a 5-star rating; however, they charged my and my friend's credit card an additional $20 each after we left the restaurant... which we didn't sign off on so now we'll have to dispute this matter. KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS! Beyond that, the ambiance is intimate, seductive... the customer service is amazing! They take a multi-team approach to ensuring you're enjoying your dining experience. Even with it being super busy, three team members noticed when I dropped my knife. One picked it up, the other came to bring me a new one on a beautiful presentation within moments without me asking! Yay! The food was uniquely inspired. While we LOVED the BBQ greens, oysters, and red snapper, the mac pie was not my vibe... and the chicken was drowning in sauce, so my friend had to send it back as we're not big sauce people (see picture). It has a speakeasy vibe and is a bit challenging to locate but definitely a gem

    Crab croquettes

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    Ask the Community - Isla

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    Chadol Korean BBQ

    Chadol Korean BBQ

    4.5(134 reviews)
    1.6 miNoMa
    $$$
    All you can eat
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    Chadol Korean BBQ was such a fun pick for our monthly dinner series! My friends and I had a great…read moretime and honestly left fullllll. For $45 per person, the all-you-can-eat experience feels like a really solid deal considering how many protein options and side dishes you get. They start you off with a variety of banchan (side dishes), including a salad with this super tasty dressing that had the perfect little spicy kick. For the BBQ, we kicked things off with the spicy bulgogi and butter garlic shrimp, while the others tried the pork belly (I don't eat pork). Later we ordered the steak, spicy brisket, and grilled squid, which were all delicious. The spicy brisket especially was a standout for me. The guys also ordered two rounds of fried dumplings that looked amazing, but since they contain pork, I had to sit those out. I'd love to see Chadol add a veggie dumpling option to the menu! As for the sides, the kimchi and cold glass noodles were both hits at our table, and of course we all added white rice. The "mashed potatoes" though? Definitely more like potato salad and unfortunately very bland. On the other hand, the cheese corn costs extra but is 1000% worth adding. For drinks, the guys enjoyed the Woody Old Fashioned while I had a mezcal margarita-style cocktail that was smoky and refreshing. We also ordered one of the chicken options but never received it and eventually just gave up on it. One of the coolest parts of the experience is the ordering system. Most meats are ordered directly from a machine at your table, and the food comes out quickly on this conveyor belt-style setup which was honestly so fun. Drinks and side dishes are ordered through the servers. The atmosphere was lively and energetic without feeling overwhelming. The restaurant is actually much larger inside than I expected, with a modern setup that works well for smaller groups. That said, I didn't really notice tables for larger parties, so I'm not sure how they accommodate groups bigger than 6 people. Service started off a little rough because our server wasn't very attentive, but after I called it out, he definitely stepped it up and things improved. Overall, Chadol was a really good experience and absolutely worth the price. The 1.5-hour seating limit makes sense too, both to keep things moving and give others a chance to enjoy the experience. I'd definitely go back!

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

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    Chadol Korean BBQ
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    Ciel Capitol Hill

    Ciel Capitol Hill

    4.3(8 reviews)
    1.6 miNoMa

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

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

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    Bar Betsie - Back area

    Bar Betsie

    4.3(67 reviews)
    2.0 mi

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

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

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    Death & Co DC - Fool's Gold

    Death & Co DC

    4.2(113 reviews)
    0.6 miShaw, Downtown
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    I've been eyeing this bar for several weeks now, and the other day, I finally decided it was time…read moreto give them a try. I know reservations are probably highly recommended, but we were fortunate to walk in at just the right moment and snag a seat. The seating is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed evening. The atmosphere is just my style, an elegant, dark, grown and sexy vibe that really sets the mood. The decor is striking, with thoughtful touches that create an inviting space to unwind. While it leans a bit on the pricier side, the exceptional service more than justifies the cost. Jordan and the team were incredibly knowledgeable about both the drinks and food menu, offering suggestions that perfectly matched our tastes. We tried two standout drinks that I can't recommend enough: the Attractive Nuisance and El Tiburon, (which is an Old Fashioned made with gin). The bartenders here clearly know what they're doing, each drink was crafted with care and precision. The good music in the background added to the overall ambiance, making it a delightful spot to spend an evening.

    We were here to get drinks and apps to kickstart our friend's birthday celebration. Unfortunately,…read morewe didn't have a reservation for that evening. Because the last time we were here, we could find a seat easily. So never thought about making a reservation. As we walked in, the place was packed. Lucky we got a table in the corner for an hour. One of us had to stand unfortunately. Drinks were great but felt overpriced. Food was delicious too. Fried potatoes and tartar is a must have. The service was great. Ambiance is amazing as well. Slightly on the darker side in the inside. They also have outdoor seating.

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    Isla - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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