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    Kingbird

    3.6 (358 reviews)
    Closed 7:30 am - 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    Kingbird 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 - Kingbird

    Brittany W.

    We went for afternoon tea to celebrate my birthday and it was absolutely perfect! Everything was amazing, including the service. The only thing we didn't eat was the chicken liver cannoli - personally it wasn't for me. We had bourbon chai tea and the jardin bleu, which was amazing. Thank you Kingbird for making my special day one of a kind.

    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.

    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!

    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.

    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

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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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    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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    Bar Betsie

    4.3(69 reviews)
    3.1 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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    Quick view of options

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    Press Club Bar Of Record - Nights over Egypt

    Press Club Bar Of Record

    4.7(51 reviews)
    1.0 miDupont Circle
    $$

    I have lived in the city for years and I can easily say that this is the best bar I have EVER been…read moreto in DC. When my group's reserved table wasn't ready upon our arrival, we were given free glasses of sparkling rose to sip on while we waited. Then once we got inside, the place has a super cozy yet upscale atmosphere that we loved. It is the perfect date night spot. And most important, the service was INCREDIBLE. Thank you to Troy and Ash whose infectious positive energy made our experience truly special and memorable. I will absolutely be coming back again and again.

    Walking up to Press Club Bar of Record, we were immediately drawn in--it had that cool, funky,…read moreeffortlessly hip vibe that makes you feel like you've stumbled onto something special. As tourists, we had no idea how intimate the space was (or that reservations are recommended even just for drinks!), so we felt incredibly lucky when a staff member took pity on us and offered an outside table. I wish I could remember his name--he truly made the experience. He brought so much energy and personality, setting the tone for the whole night. After scanning the QR codes on the "records" for the menu, we each ordered something different. I went with the Take Me Out--a mix of mezcal, pineapple, amontillado, tamarind, mango, coconut, and lime--and I was not prepared for just how delicious it would be. It was layered, refreshing, and completely memorable. The presentation and attention to detail were next-level. My drink arrived with a perfectly round ice sphere and was paired with a sugared, vegan mango gummy that added a fun, unexpected twist. Our host also elevated several of the drinks tableside--adding custom tinctures and even creating a smiley face with drops of oil and basil in one cocktail nearby. It felt thoughtful, creative, and a little theatrical in the best way. We spent the evening outside, enjoying incredible drinks, easy conversation, and a warm night under the stars. It was one of those experiences that just sticks with you. I'm already looking forward to my next trip to D.C.--and Press Club Bar of Record will absolutely be on my list to revisit. Highly recommend, and maybe make a reservation!

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    Off The Record

    Off The Record

    4.2(453 reviews)
    1.0 miDowntown
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    Attentive service, superlative cocktails, with pub grub to match. We were there for lunch and two…read moreappetizers were plenty. Note this venue is in the basement of the Hays-Adams hotel. Due to its proximity to the White House and VIP guests it is often under guard, and the external staircase directly down to the bar is closed. Simply enter the main entrance to the hotel and ask the doorman to direct you to the interior stairwell down.

    This is a really fun, iconic basement speakeasy spot located right underneath a hotel, just steps…read moreaway from the White House. The food and drink here are both excellent and absolutely worth coming for. They serve up great, high-quality cocktails, and I also ordered the cheeseburger, which was really juicy and beautifully cooked. The space itself is famous for having political caricature artwork all over the restaurant, and they even give you fun caricature coasters that you can take home with you as a souvenir. Because it's a popular underground spot, it can definitely get incredibly busy and cramped in there. I've been multiple times, and almost every single time it is tough to find a spot to sit. However, I did come once during an off-peak time, right in the middle of the week around 1:00 PM for lunch--and it wasn't to busy, so we were easily able to just sit right at the bar.  I would definitely recommend checking this place out! While the tight crowds can make it a bit tough on a busy week day or weekend night, it is completely worth experiencing at least once for the great drinks, good food, and unique atmosphere.

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    Making of Smoking Mirrors cocktail

    Off The Record - Onion rings. Huge and delicious

    Onion rings. Huge and delicious

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    Astoria DC - Fried chicken wing flats

    Astoria DC

    4.3(631 reviews)
    1.2 miDupont Circle
    $$$

    Astoria completely lived up to the hype. It's one of those coveted DC reservations that's…read morenotoriously hard to get, and after having it on my list forever, I can confidently say it's 100% worth the wait. Tucked into the heart of Dupont Circle with its unmistakable bright blue awning, the restaurant is intimate, moody, and always buzzing. Inside, you'll find dim lighting, a handful of cozy wooden bar booths, seats along the bar, and a few outdoor tables. It's not a huge space, which only adds to its charm and makes every reservation feel like a win. The atmosphere is perfect for sharing dishes and lingering over dinner with friends. The food was incredible...I genuinely loved every single bite. Just be prepared: the Sichuan spice is no joke! If you aren't expecting it, it'll definitely sneak up on you (in the best way). My must-orders? The chili wontons, Dan Dan noodles, and beef noodles. Every dish was packed with bold flavor and left me wanting to come back for more. If you've been trying to score a reservation, keep at it. Astoria is one of those places that's absolutely deserving of its reputation, and I'll be thinking about those noodles until my next visit.

    There was a line waiting to go in before opening and I think it's still be easy to get a seat if…read moreyou arrive right at opening time but it definitely got filled by the time we left! Inside had small tables and a kinda casual cocktail bar vibe Beef Noodles - the highlight and actually very good! The noodles are long and handmade and chewy. They hold onto the sauce very well! The sauce has a slight kick and is very savory. The beef is soft and also flavorful! I feel the price for the portion is kinda expensive though 8/10 Chili wontons - skin is silky and soft, sauce is savory with a small kick as well! Even though the sauces look similar to beef noodle they taste very different. The fillings had good flavor and overall were good but were a bit tougher and dryer than I would prefer. 6/10 Crab fried rice - crab is slightly overcooked but naturally sweet. It has a light curry taste throughout and was pretty good but didn't really stand out 5.5/10 Mapo tofu - slight kick and nice savory taste in the sauce! However I think they cut the tofu pieces way too large or the tofu they chose had way too much tofu flavor that overpowers the sauce. I'd prefer a very light silky tofu but this was a soft tofu. 6/10 Vpod - at first it just tasted like orange juice but then the other flavors peek through on the after taste and when I mixed it more. Even though it was good, it still felt very basic 5/10 Philadelphia Scotsman - it's pretty ginger forward. Technically the level of ginger spice is fine but strong but then the rest of the drink got completely overpowered and so this just wasn't that great 2.5/10

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    Astoria DC - Interior dining space. Narrow but really nice on the inside.

    Interior dining space. Narrow but really nice on the inside.

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