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    Kingbird

    3.6 (355 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Kingbird Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant Photos

    KINGBIRD ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Upscale
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Kingbird

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    Reviews With Photos

    Two Hennessy sidecars
    Dee A.

    We came around 4pm on a Friday. Kingbird restaurant doesn't open up officially until 5pm so we sat at the bar. The bartender Teddy was very efficient with creating masterpieces at the bar!! Please ask for Teddy! It's so cute in here! It's very modern and artsy. There are igloos outside that are likely very nice, but I didn't partake due to to freezing weather. We did not stay for dinner. It was my bf's birthday so Teddy surprised him with a birthday song and dessert!

    Artisan Cheese Plate.
    Emma G.

    ***3 1/2 stars*** What a bucket list afternoon. Kingbird was the first stop on an epic Washington DC inauguration weekend adventure, entirely because of where it was located - without getting too far into the political weeds, I'm a big Nixon fan so the Watergate had to be visited at some point, even given that it began a two-year descent into executive privilege madness. Anyway. The historic context was really all I knew about Watergate, so it was a pleasant surprise to find out that it's also a legit bougie 5-star hotel; my top-tier chum who literally went to the school of hospitality was in her element. We were warmly greeted by roughly five or six staffers before making our way to Kingbird, which wasn't too far from the main entrance. Aside from the gorgeous logo featuring a bird wearing a top hat, Kingbird's interior looks like a lot of other hotel bar/restaurants (not a negative). Since it's a higher-end lodging, the decorative scheme reflects that. We weren't sure where the day was going to take us so we opted to sit at the bar for a light bite and drinks. I will say this - I don't think it would matter who was getting inaugurated, but on a weekend like this, it was PRIMO people watching. I had to remind my chum not to make eye contact with the guy two seats down nervously cradling seven spiral notebooks. Wild times. We both ended up getting Arancia Viales, which featured bourbon and an emphasis on orange. Very well made. The drinks came with a strip of bacon as part of the garnish, which I think they should have made reference to on the menu since my chum doesn't eat pork (no matter - I took one for the team). I didn't really see a reason to have it on there, honestly - it came off as gimmicky and didn't add anything to either the taste or presentation. On the other hand, the second garnish (a flower) DID; the floral scent complemented the drink perfectly, making the bacon inclusion all the more mystifying. I was SUPER tepid on the cheese plate we got, which is usually a safe, go-to for me. On a personal palate level, I wasn't crazy about the dark bread having nuts and/or berries in it, especially when you have so much other activity happening on the plate - you don't need to add to it with the bread. The bread should balance everything, not create the drama. I'm always thrilled to see honeycomb on these plates, which is in my opinion the most underrated charcuterie/cheese board item. Every place should have it. The cheeses themselves though were good, and represented a variety of flavors. Unsurprisingly, the star of the show was the service. Hospitality was in abundance (I'm sure it helped we were sitting in the metaphorical catbird seat aka the bar), and there was never a moment where we weren't able to be immediately assisted if the need presented itself. Top-level all the way around. As hotel bars go, this honestly wasn't that memorable - the Watergate itself was really the selling point. I'd come back for a drink or two, but with so many other options in the area I'm more likely to just sneak back into the building for a "I Stole This From the Watergate Hotel" pen next time I'm in town.

    Kenneth W.

    It has been almost a year since we dined at the Kingbird. We were delighted to reconnect. The menu changes seasonally and is always an exploration. Our server was Omar who we had met a few years ago. He is very knowledgeable, helpful, without being obtrusive. We were also greeted by Kate, Miguel, and Henry. It is reassuring and impressive that the Kingbird maintains consistent staff. It always feels like family when we dine with them. A unique combination of flavors and textures Tuscan Garmugia Soup peas, fava beans, pancetta, beef Beautiful presentation and flavors Black Angus Beef Carpaccio garlic aioli, arugula, parmigiano reggiano, grissini A favorite worth having again and again Cioppino saffron tomato broth, sea bass, prawns, mussels, fennel Beautiful delicious dessert Tropical Coconut pineapple passion fruit and mango compote, coconut almond sponge Amazingly different cocktail Arancia Viale wagyu fat washed bourbon, amaro noino infused orange, rhinomato, freshly squeezed lime juice, orange bitters

    Menu cover
    Amanda T.

    Update 31 March 2025: Attended an event with a michelin star rated chef at Kingbird and it was awesome. The meal was omakase style with wine pairing and so delicious. The small intimate setting was fun. We were able to talk to other guests, servers and the chef as well. The experience was well worth the cost and the partnership brought another level to Kingbird. I would definitely come back to Kingbird for dinner. Maybe even try out a snow globe rental in the winter. Thanks for a great experience!

    Pork belly appetizer
    Rebecca H.

    This restaurant is in the Watergate hotel. I came here to eat before an event and the food was great. I enjoyed the pork belly appetizer and the fish was delicious. The truffle fries were tasty too. The old fashioned cocktail was good and I liked how the ice cube was stamped. The restaurant had a futuristic vibe and the service was great.

    Amber G.

    We had the absolutely best experience. The food was amazing. The service from Brian was phenomenal. The Prosecco was great. Overall it was an amazing high tea. I cannot recommend it enough.

    Afternoon tea
    Clara S.

    We came here to celebrate a friend's birthday. We all ordered the afternoon tea (high tea, as we also had champagne), and it was definitely a great experience overall! First off, the vibe was great-- everything was modern and airy, and the view of the river was a great touch. Service was good too-- we just wished the champagne turnover speed was a bit faster, but we really liked how everyone was super knowledgeable about the different tea options! As for the afternoon tea set, it was super filling. Be ready to ask for a take out box, as we were too full by the time we were eating the scones! I really enjoyed the salmon sandwich, scones, and dessert options. The tea, however, was so so. I got the l'oriental green tea, which was light and nice, but nothing too special. I've seen better tea options at the other afternoon tea places I've been (Ritz London, TWG Singapore), but that could just be a personal preference. Overall, I'd definitely come back for a nice date or a special occasion!

    Honey, Peaches & Cream
    John B.

    Kingbird is a nice restaurant inside the Watergate. It's a good option if you want higher-end dining (with a price to go with that...) before a show at the Kennedy Center. They had a three-course prix fixe menu the night we went and I'd recommend that if you go. We started with Quilt, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley that was worth it. For our three courses, we had Grilled Kale Caesar, Pasta Carbonara and Black Forest Tart, and Shrimp Cocktail, Salmon, and Honey, Peaches & Cream. These can be had as individual items off the regular menu but is more reasonable when offered as a prix fixe.

    Stephaney S.

    First I will say the esthetic was super pleasing, great for pictures, date night, low key birthdays. The service was good in the sense that food and drinks came out super fast but the server was not super friendly and it felt like he was rushing us out. The food was beautifully plated but very underwhelming. The food was not seasoned at all and I had to add my own. Overall an okay experience but I expected better because the hotel name attached to it.

    Jb H.

    Great food. Amazing service. Elegant Atmosphere. The steaks were the best in town!! Would absolutely recommend! The food/drink presentation TOP NOTCH! ***BEST Shirley Temple's in town!!! According to my teenage experts!***

    Cornflake Crusted French Toast
    Dan M.

    This was a restaurant that was part of the Watergate hotel. It was a decent size spot with a bar present as well. The staff was very accommodating as they gave us complimentary fruit and pastries to go along with what we ordered. The prices are a little much but expected at a place like this. I had the cornflake crusted French toast ($21). It was brioche bread with a bananas foster sauce and Chantilly. This was not too bad. There was not enough sauce present as it just seemed to be a bunch of bananas. It was a little dry overall, but I liked the way it was cooked. The Chantilly enhanced the dish regardless. I also tried the chicken and waffles, which was something I would order again. The waffle was fluffy, and the chicken was cooked to perfection. There was also a little hint of hot sauce in the chicken which was a nice touch. The fruit platter was fresh and tasted good too. I did not have any pastries. Will I go back? Probably.

    Braised Rabbit Cavatelli 4/10 Pommes Purée 8/10
    Rose H.

    Food was bland. Service was exceptional. Ambiance was warm, exclusive, and chic. Giving 3 starts because the food was subpar.

    Nice anesthetics

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    Fantastic salmon. Three delicious oak barrel aged cocktails. The squash soup served in a squash was delish and unique.

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    Page 1 of 9

    Kingbird Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Kingbird

    Is there a dress code?

    No there is not. I would say it's more than casual though.

    I'm in DC next week and want to meet a friend for drinks before heading to the Kennedy Center for an event. Would Kingbird be a great drink spot? Is there plenty of bar seating or do I need a reservation?

    Yes, King bar is a good option. No need for reservations if you plan to sit at the bar. If you want drinks and light bites, you can make a reservation just so you don't have to wait for a table if its a busy night. But definitely not necessary.

    Is this restaurant located on the lobby level? I've been to the bar on that level, but not sure where the restaurant is?

    The restaurant is downstairs from the lobby level. There are stairs you take down past the lobby.

    What is the current Summer $52 Pre Fixe Pre-Theater Dinner ?? No menus online

    How do I make a reservation?

    I used OpenTable!

    Hi! I will be bringing my husband for dinner to celebrate his Bday, any advice on how to make his…

    Go somewhere else. This place is sadly a disappointment when it comes to special occasions. We've given them two opportunities to handle our family's special events. Last year, our Christmas Eve dinner in the (now closed) Backroom was ruined by the… Read more

    View All 7 Questions

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    Had a delicious birthday dinner here last night. I highly recommend the mussels as an appetizer…read more The lamb Bolognese was delicious and they were very accommodating for food allergies. Service by Natalie made the whole experience a perfect night! I'll be back next time I'm in DC.

    Fantastic New American / European restaurant in a gorgeous space. I visited the Pembroke as part of…read morea work team dinner during Restaurant Week, and we were thoroughly impressed by the quality of the food, super friendly service, and great ambiance. The space is gorgeous; I love all the plants, and the light brown, light blue, and white color combination for their furniture makes the space look classy and modern. The light brown leather couches are comfortable, and I love the way they circle around the tables to create a natural, cozy booth. Our food was just as beautiful as the space. The Restaurant Week menu comes with an appetizer, main, and dessert. Given how indecisive I can be (and how expansive the normal menu is), I was grateful to have my choices narrowed down a bit. I started off my meal with the octopus. The octopus was remarkably tender and not overly chewy, and had a delightful char that gave it a slightly smoky flavor. They double downed on the smokiness with their burnt chili oil, which, alongside the lemon and salsa verde, gave the dish a wonderfully balanced smoky, savory, and slightly acidic flavor. The crushed potatoes had a lovely crispy shell on the outside and served as a great base for the tender octopus. The main course was probably the easiest choice of the evening -- I'm absolutely obsessed with branzino, so the second I saw it on the Restaurant Week menu, I knew that was what I had to get. The fish is beautifully broiled, with a nice, crispy skin and super tender, flaky flesh. It's topped with a few pieces of roasted garlic and a wedge of lemon. The fresh lemon juice, as well as the lovely side salad, offered a great pop of freshness to bring the whole dish together. And finally, for our dessert, I chose the chocolate torta. This wonderful dessert is remarkably rich and decadent, with a strong dark chocolate flavor. It's topped with a lovely marsala date sauce and scoop of sheep's yogurt ice cream, but still doesn't feel overly sweet. The sheep's yogurt in the ice cream offers a bit of tanginess, and I loved the addition of the candied walnuts for a bit of crunch.

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    Nice ambiance but disappointingly fake plants

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    Short rib entree special. This thing was massive!

    The Pembroke - The Pembroke: they have a coffee shop too!

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    Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Farragut Square - Dark Chocolate Muffin (GF)

    Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Farragut Square

    4.2(146 reviews)
    0.9 miDowntown
    $$

    Great place to get lunch! They have so many different food options--sandwiches, salads, soups,…read moreShakshuka, bowls, pastries, etc. The place is spacious inside with tons of seating--during weekday lunch it can get busy so you might need to wait a few minutes for a table or high top. You order your food first, then find seating. Food comes out fairly quick. Dishes I've tried and would recommend: Chicken Pita, Turkey BLAT, Spiced Shrimp & Avocado Mousse Salad, Chickpea & Fava Plate, Lamb Meatball & Labneh Shakshuka, and Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich--there's so much I want to try but haven't yet! Their cookies are delicious too, my favorite is the Halva Chocolate Chunk Cookie.

    My favorite bakery and coffee shop while visiting the D.C. area during the cherry blossoms…read morefestival. A five-minute walk towards downtown from the Mayflower hotel made Tatte Bakery an ideal spot for breakfast. It also has nice views of Farragut Square. I went with the House Full breakfast that included Applewood bacon, eggs, potato fritters with tomato jam and mint parmasean, and house made sourdough. I was curious to try one of their best sellers - monkey bread, and it didn't disapoint. A solid breakfast with on point service before catching the metro to Virginia. I really enjoyed my visit here and would return in a heartbeat.

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    Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Farragut Square - Monday a.m .

    Monday a.m .

    Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Farragut Square - Biscuit cheddar and egg

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    Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Farragut Square - Iced Honey Halva Latte - 12 oz

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    Iced Honey Halva Latte - 12 oz

    Kingbird - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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