LIA&#x27;S

Easy counter service, delicious food, lots of great options. I had the sesame kale salad which was…read moreboth delicious and healthy. My mom had the salmon BLT which looked incredible too. We sat outside on the patio which was lovely even though it was sprinkling (thanks to the umbrella coverage!). Great ambiance inside as well.

We've been here a few times for brunch after church. The first time, about a year ago, was so good…read moreand we were excited to come back again. Since then we have been a few more times and the quality has gone significantly downhill while the prices have stayed high. Today we went in around 1 PM and the kitchen was out of a few things so we decided to play it safe with huevos rancheros, and we got three orders. They all came with the eggs over hard, a tomato slice and sliced red onion instead of pico de gallo, and Kraft parmesan cheese from the shaker. That's just really not cool when they're $18 a plate. We also got a dirty napkin wrapped around a set of clean utensils. I'm giving two stars because the coffee and the brioche french toast are still good. But I won't be going back anytime soon...

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The Hunter's Hound

4.0(109 reviews)

0.1 mi

I dropped in kind of late on a Sunday night. wasn't very busy, no real vibe. I was chatting with…read morethe bar tender about whats good or popular for food. he basically read me the menu...ok...i went with the fish and chips. The fish pieces were huge and pretty tasty. Im not sure how to explain it, but their tartar sauce kind of a hint of smokey chipotle or some chili powder in it. really good. the beer selection is whack. I was told that mid-week or thurs-Saturday, they either have live music or a dj and it becomes a pretty crowded scene.

I visited here on a Saturday for brunch and was met with a warm greeting. We might've been some of…read morethe first customers there, so we were seated right away and our server came by to grab a drink order. The menu isn't extensive but there's something for everyone. I opted for the fried chicken sandwich and wasn't too impressed, as it wasn't a chicken breast but a thigh. I was a bit disappointed, to be honest, but the fries and chipotle mayo were great. (In all fairness I went back and read the menu afterwards and it did say it was a chicken thigh, so user error on my part. That said, the chicken was still dry and the tasted a bit oily.) As far as ambiance, it was welcoming. Perfect for a group brunch, as they also have outdoor seating. The biggest plus is that they also validate garage parking!

0.3 mi•Friendship Heights

Inside

The soft serve ice cream was beyond tasty.

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Rum old fashioned with cherry, super tasty and strong

Aura Bar & Lounge

4.4(9 reviews)

Late night stop due to our travels. Everyone very polite, food and drinks were great. Cute little…read morespot very close to our hotel.

Came for dinner. Waiter was very accommodating and patient for our large party. I got the buffalo…read morechicken dip and the jerk pasta. The jerk pasta was very spicy but so good! Definitely recommend this place.

Inside bar area

Shrimp Wrap

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BT’s Bethesda

4.2(34 reviews)

2.0 mi

Food is great. Brian the owner is great. Prices are very reasonable for downtown Bethesda…read more Grilled salmon with rice and broccoli is way better than what you'd expect at most gastropubs.

My group and I didn't realize their kitchen closed at 10 so when we got there 15 minutes before…read morethey closed ; we were surprised they seated us . I got a burger w fries and their Buffalo wings and two other ppl in my group got the steak. They thought I was perfectly cooked ! I also thought my burger was delicious and fries as well. The wings were good but could have been sauceir IMO. On another note , I think the sever was high ir drunk so that's why the 4 star. I'll be down to come back to try their creamsicle crush !

Tenders were over cooked but still good 6/10

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Dig Inn

4.6(110 reviews)

1.5 mi

This was some yummy well-priced food! The establishment functions similarly to a Chipotle, but…read moreeating "for here" is DEFINITELY the way to go, given all the pretty dishes and outdoor seating they've got, there's lots of people and trees and it's pretty great. I got the hot honey chicken bowl, and the chicken was so yummy with this special sauce they've got, and the broccoli and carrots were well-steamed and very fun to eat! The portions were also huge, so that made me happy too!

Great flavors and seasoning. Serving size are great and employees are welcoming…read more Their everyday value meals are great for light lunch.

Locally sourced ingredients

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Store front

Silver New American Brasserie

Consistently a great option for lunch/brunch. Bikas always provides excellent service!read more

Haven't been here for a while and decided to write about my experience. It was great! Our server…read morewas really nice, we sat outside bc it was so beautiful and we loved it. We ordered hanger steak, rib eye , and the scallop entree and all were delicious. For drinks, we also got the tiki drink to share and it was strong and DELICIOUS!!! I would totally come back :-)

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Tavira Restaurant

Don't be fooled by the strange location (and be patient attempting to find the parking lot!!) This…read moreplace is worth it! Wonderful food and friendly service. Definitely makea reservation, it can get crowded. Love the warm bread, we inhaled it. I went with seafood everything and it was fresh and delicious. Prices are very reasonable considering the quality of the food. Highly recommend.

Tavira is a very pretty restaurant with a main room and a secondary room that is quieter. It served…read morehands down one of the most delicious bacalhau I have ever tasted. It is the version with salted cod, cream, cheese, onions and olives. But the night we went, there was a problem with either the staffing or the kitchen because we had to wait forty-five minutes for our appetizers and another thirty minutes for our entrees. Note: Make sure you drive towards the back of the building on Chevy Chase Lake Circle and turn left into the covered parking lot. That lot gets you directly into the restaurant.

Tavira's Chocolate Cake

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Opal

4.1(151 reviews)

0.6 mi•Chevy Chase

•$$$

Some of these reviews are written by irate, impatient people, and it shows. And some people do not…read morehave taste buds to save their lives. My husband and I had a wonderful time at Opal twice: the first time by ourselves and the second time with my brother-in-law and his wife. The squash blossoms (if they still have them) were the crowd favorite, as was the tostada tartare. I will try out their sister restaurants!

We had a lovely brunch…read more Food- we did the prefix and it did not disappoint. Dishes were well thought out, flavorful, and good portion sizes. Nice mix of salads, soups, burgers, fish, Benedict, we got it all! Drinks- love the bottomless drink option for brunch. Mimosa sangria or margarita, yes please. Space- good lighting, open layout, nice wood and simple decor. Patio is nice too, yet no shade. Service- Juliana was attentive and friendly. Parking was also pretty easy and neighborhood nice to walk around after.

Mushroom Risotto

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Margaritas

The Capital Grille

4.2(467 reviews)

0.1 mi

•$$$

Still one of my favorite steakhouses in Bethesda/Chevy Chase area. My favorite appetizers are the…read moreclam chowder, lobster crab cakes, Wedge Salad and the Cold shellfish platter. For the Cold shellfish platter, they serve you shrimp cocktail, oysters, lobster claws and lobster tails. For steaks, my go to is the Kona crusted NY Strip and the Porcini-Rubbed Bone-In Ribeye. They are so good. Order them medium-rare. It's so tender and flavorful. You honestly can't go wrong with any of their steaks. You can also add the Kona crust or porcini rub to any of their steaks as well. I actually had their Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Miso Butter last night for dinner (4/24/2026). Let me tell you, this was one of the best fish I've had. The fish was so good - melt in your mouth goodness. The miso sauce complements this dish so well. For sides, the creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and Au Gratin Potatoes are my favorites. For dessert, the Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake is the one to get. They do have a kid's menu and for larger parties they do require a private dining room. They validate up to three hours in the parking garage, so parking is free. Service has always been top-notch. They make a great Old Fashioned.

Beautifully designed restaurant space with dark wood tones, warm lighting and oil paintings…read more Evokes a traditional American and steakhouse vibe. We were seated right away in a booth near the bar area. We were there to take advantage of a promotion, wagyu and wines event. One could order a Wagyu burger platter (3 different varieties) that came with sea salt fries. Cost would be $35 with the wine, $10 less without the wine. The burger would be paired with Orin Swift red wines (4 different kinds). The waitstaff also provided a happy hour as well as regular dinner menu for those who want options. We got the Wagyu. I ordered the bleu cheese and truffle burger with the Cabernet Sauvignon. We also added the mushroom truffle arancini appetizer from the happy hour menu. Minutes after ordering we got the complimentary bread basket. It was warm and covered by a white napkin. It included crisp flatbread, 2 pieces of onion focaccia, 2 poppyseed rolls and 2 pieces of brown bread with raisins. Bread was tender on the inside and slightly chewy on the outside, very fresh. Every type was delicious. The arancini were gold ball sized (5) and topped with Parmesan sitting on a thick rich sauce. The interior had creamy risotto and black mushroom. A great starter and not too heavy. The burgers were thick patties (cooked medium) with a perfect outside char. Inside was lightly pink and very juicy. It was topped by blue cheese, truffle, Bibb lettuce, tomato and pickles, topped by a poppyseed brioche bun. Was rich and yummy, everything went well together. Fries were crisp. My companion had the mushroom Swiss burger and enjoyed. Wine was smooth, fruity and had great depth, with no bitterness. It shone almost as much as the Wagyu. Service was excellent and gracious. Though the dining area got full it never got noisy. A great place for a romantic dinner or drinks with colleagues.

Lobster Mac 'N' Cheese – Made with freshly poached lobster and topped with a Grana Padano crust.

Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail served with housemade mustard sauce.

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14 oz Dry Aged NY Strip au Poivre finished with our housemade Courvoisier Cream for a decadent finish.

Hawkers Asian Street Food

This place was absolutely fantastic…read more Reminiscent of an Asian hawker/ Buffalo wild wings but with significantly better food. I couldn't say enough about the service, bartender / guide really helped us get through the extensive menu and drinks. The place seemed pretty lively for a Monday with lots of hustle and bustle. The entrees are a good size. I would say if you order a couple appetizers and split an entree that would be your best bet. The bar seem to be the best spot to sit for some people watching and to enjoy your meal although they were decent enough amount of high tops and booths. The lamb udon was probably the best I've had in a while.

OMG MADDI was such a wonderful server she made my first date such a wonderful experience. She was…read moreso great at offering suggestions and making my dining experience personable. The food was SO GOOD and the vibe is great. The happy hour does go from 3pm - 6pm. Great options great vibe and lots to choose from! The cocktails and mocktails are superb! Thank you so much MADDI & Hawkers staff.

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56 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Nigel M.

Elite 25

255

2089

2 years ago

This charming spot has been my go-to for years, known for its specialty cocktails and mouthwatering burgers and pizzas. So, this past weekend, I decided to treat my parents to a meal here, and I was excited to share this gem with them. We chose to dine inside the main restaurant this time, and I must say, the ambiance is lovely. The decor is tasteful, and the space is vibrant yet cozy, making it perfect for a family gathering. Plus, their extensive wine selection is impressive, catering to every palate. While the food was as delicious as l remembered-those mimosas and rich coffee were standout choices--the service was a bit slower than usual. It took some time for our orders to be taken and for my mom's meal to arrive, which was surprising since l've typically enjoyed prompt service here. Despite the slight delay, the quality of the food truly shone through. Each bite was a reminder of why I keep coming back. All in all, our experience at Lia's was very enjoyable. The delicious food and inviting atmosphere more than made up for the slower service. I'll definitely be returning to Lia's in the future, as it remains a favorite spot for both a casual meal and a special outing. read more

Kathleen K.

4 years ago

Just back from the most delightful lunch at Lia's. Scrumptious Lia's chopped salad with so many tasty really fresh ingredients (11?). The grape tomatoes were at their ripened best, the Parmesan cheese was ample and aged showing care and someone's part Italian heritage and Oh the separate dressingBoth got the same salad--one with pesto chicken and one with grilled shrimp. We happily exchanged bites. Although we were fully satisfied given the many flavors and salad size, broke down and split a Tiramisu. Each half beautifully presented with the two plates individually finished with chocolate swirls and medallions of whipped cream. My mom always said the last thing you have in a restaurant, whether a simple cup of coffee, dessert or your entree, is what characterizes ... WW what a memory! That delicate mocha flavor, velvety texture... NO sharing next time Thanks Ella and Sebastian for such professional, accommodating service. read more

Erica H.

13 years ago

We went because we are fans of Cesare Lanfranconi's cooking. The food did not disappoint, however as good as it was we won't be returning because of the service, which was nonexistent. As one of 3 tables having an early dinner, we were ignored by the 2 servers in the dining room and had to literally get up and go into their service station to place orders. Given that, they still got things wrong, and since all food and drinks were delivered by runners and we never saw either server again until we requested the check, they were never fixed. No sign of a manager either, or we would have said something. I've had similar service issues at Chef Geoff's, but this is a restaurant where entree prices to up to $30 plus and an average check has to be somewhere around $60/person. So clueless and inattentive service is a deal breaker here. Lots of luck with this, Cesare; we'll miss you but will not go to Lia's again. read more

Luis G.

2 years ago

Lia's is a fantastic choice for a great happy hour experience! I highly recommend trying their delicious risotto balls and hot crab dip - both are absolute must-tries. Additionally, the lobster roll from their lunch menu is simply fabulous and definitely worth indulging in. During my visit, the waiter was attentive and provided helpful suggestions, enhancing my overall dining experience. The combination of delectable food options and excellent service at Lia's made it a memorable late lunch that felt like an early dinner. If you're looking for a place to unwind and enjoy fantastic food in a welcoming atmosphere, Lia's is the perfect spot to visit. With a diverse menu and top-notch service, Lia's truly stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a delightful dining experience. read more

Grube E.

15 years ago

I wanted to send you a personal note to thank you and your colleagues for a job well done. The private dinner on April 20th was a total success! "A home run" as mentioned by the guests. The room looked marvelous, the food was terrific (the Rockfish a big hit) and the superb service was greatly remarked on. Everything was done extremely well and I wanted to convey my thanks to everyone who helped make this occasion a special one. Please convey to the chef on duty that the food was delicious and very well received. Your attention to detail, suggestions and hands-on presence helped to ensure a smooth effortless-seeming event. The only complaint is that you made me look too good, a hard act to follow. Thanks again and I know we would be delighted to work with Chef Geoff's again read more

Dowding J.

15 years ago

They manage a high-wire balancing act of very good quality food and wine with the inviting ambience of a more casual environment, and do it quite well. Some of the dishes really border on outstanding, but the key here is the attention to strength throughout the menu, from the small dishes to the more intricate entrees. They manage to be ambitious with the dishes while not overreaching. I checked 'kid-friendly' for the restaurant not because it is a typical family restaurant but because it is a good place for parents to have a grown-ups' meal out, to dine with some measure of sophistication, while not making it any more awkward or uncomfortable than it has to be to be eating out with small children. read more

Diaz R.

15 years ago

I live near Lia's & eat frequently at both Lia's bar & restaurant. (I delight in both.) Friends treated me for my birthday dinner on a Sunday night. The staff knew I was celebrating my birthday & treated us like royalty. The service was friendly & attentive. My fisherman's stew had lots of shrimp, fish, mussels, etc. in a yummy broth with great textured bread for sopping. My friends enjoyed their chicken and salmon dinners. For dessert I was presented with a fantastic chocolate dessert the waiter said was new on their menu. I still can't get over how scrumptious the dessert was. That dessert surprise matched the surprise of how splendidly Lia acknowledged my birthday celebration. read more

Jose S.

15 years ago

If Lia's is a real woman, I would marry her. The food here is superbly delicious. It really knows the way to my stomach, so to speak. They feature several dishes and specials. One of my favorites is the Twilight Delight at 19.95. It's a 3-course meal that fits everyone's budget. What I like about Lia's is they offer food for everyone - those who like to splurge and those who are on a budget. Either way, food is always guaranteed delicious. And you can't get an ambiance this good anywhere for low-budget meal. Along with the awesome food is also a great customer service. Everyone should try Lia's. It's classy, reasonably priced, food is delicious and service at its best always. read more

Esteban A.

15 years ago

We recently attended my aunt's birthday party at Lia's. It was worth the drive from Virginia to Chevy Chase. Food has exquisite taste. Love the saffron risotto. It has a unique taste that lingers in my mouth. My daughters went crazy on the mascarpone ice cream with strawberry whipped cream. They kept exclaiming, "This is to die for" several times. I wonder if they have these same desserts at Chef Geoff's Tysons Corner. I sure hope they have. I can't imagine driving all the way back to Chevy Chase to give in to my daughters' pleas. But then again, it will also give me the chance to eat the saffron risotto which I can't seem to get it out of my mind. read more

Joe A.

17 years ago

I have been to Lia's many times and the food is always great. The service is above average to great. The gnochii are out of this world! Also, the meatball appetizers are delicious. I have also been able to find some good wines at Lia's. The restaurant has a decent bar for watching sporting events. Also, the bar has some pretty sweet happy hour specials (food and drink) and late night bar specials. The icing on the cake is that the bar has Wifi so you can enjoy a beer, catch your team's game, and surf the web while you are there. Bottom line is that I have never had anything less than a great meal at Lia's! read more

Sandra F.

15 years ago

The lunch was wonderful! The food was outstanding--everyone said so. The staff made everyone relaxed. There was a truck accident on I-495 and we had to get off and creep along local roads for over an hour making us, as well as a few other guests, over half an hour late. (actually, an hour late, as we left NJ in plenty of time to be to the restaurant by 11:30). Despite the late start, everything went smoothly. We especially appreciate the staff's patience with the delayed start as well as our late finish time. The menu cards are beautiful. Thank you and everyone at Lia's for the perfect day! read more

Kim M.

15 years ago

Recently, my friends and I had a fantastic dinner at Lia's all for the price of $19.95. Yes, for that price you get to eat a 3 course dinner. Unbelievers can go to Lia's from 4pm to 6:30 pm daily to become believers. I was an unbeliever myself until I had dinner there with some friends. Not only that, you have 4 different set meals to choose from. For myself I had the zuppa del giorno, pasta and for dessert a yummy sorbetto. After dinner, we enjoyed happy hour drink specials at the bar. Definitely, Lia's made a believer out of me. And for sure, I'll be back and bring some more friends over. read more

Melissa B.

407

11 years ago

The 3 stars here must be for service because the food is amazing! My experience here has been that the food is consistently good and servers are always friendly and get orders correct, service just tends to be a bit on the slow side. Tonight, however, we sat in the bar area for the first time and had our food (burgers, pizza, salad..) within 10 minutes of ordering! It was around 8pm. I've had pasta dishes here, steak, burgers, fish, and several of the salads.. I've never been disappointed. Great place for family dinner or date night. Awesome outdoor seating when weather is nice read more

Vic V.

2 years ago

I had a terrible experience at this establishment, Lia's Chevy Chase. Bad experience two times in a role! The service was poor, and I would not recommend anyone going there. Unfortunately, the owners are unaware of the behavior of their bartenders/workers and the negative impact it has on their business. I predict that this establishment will not last for more than three years. Thankfully, there is competition in the area, and I can happily spend my hard-earned money at places where I feel appreciated and respected rather than being treated poorly by unprofessional staff. read more

Will M.

5 years ago

Love the atmosphere! The customer service is great and the staff was very attentive to our family. Our server, Bryonna, was top notch, very nice, detailed with our order and our needs, made excellent recommendations, and was very professional. Not to mention, the food was amazing! It was my wife's 40th birthday and we truly enjoyed our experience. I would definitely come back again and would recommend this establishment any day! Thank you Bryonna and the other Lia's staff for making my wife's birthday memorable. I thank you so much for all that you do! Will M. read more

Jenna F.

15 years ago

My kids love the spaghetti and meatballs and 8oz NY strip steak. They want the spaghetti and meatballs I cook for them at home to taste as good as the one at Lia's. Admittedly, I'm not a good cook. As a treat to my kids whenever they did something good -- like they have good grades or they cleaned their rooms - the reward is always a treat at Lia's. Just like me, my kids love Italian food. Before my mom would always cook Italian food for us, then she got sick and can't cook much anymore. Eating at Lia's is a treat for every member of the family. read more

Brown C.

15 years ago

Our group originally planned to sit inside, but because it was so nice outside, we decided to sit outside. We got great service as well as good portion sizes for the price we paid. Lia's had a wide selection of food and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to choose from; it actually took me longer than normal to make a choice because everything sounded so tempting. It was my first time there, and I'm planning to come back. Another great Chef Geoff masterpiece!! You will not be disappointed! read more

AJ H.

13 years ago

My partner and I ate there the other night. Having been to Lia's several times, we were very surprised. Stale bread, awful minestrone (sent it back), and a lot of shells in the crab cake sliders -- we gave up after appetizers. I sent the management an email afterwards and was somewhat dismayed when they said that the minestrone lacked the "depth of flavor" we might expect as it was vegan (we cook vegan often and do not lack for "depth"). I don't think we'll be going back. read more

Gail C.

2 years ago

We had a fabulous time at Lia's. Our server, Jorge was excellent - he even brought us a few samples of the beers so we would know what to order. The food was delicious. We loved the sea bass, caesar salad, and calamari - everything was outstanding. The ambiance is cozy yet elegant, and every staff member went out of their way to make sure we were happy. A+ for this restaurant - highly recommend! read more

Ramirez B.

15 years ago

Thank you again for everything you all did to make my husband's, Pauls, 50th the best!! Everything was perfect and ran so smoothly. Please thank the Chef for the delicious food, I heard nothing but rave reviews. In addition to the chef and the delicious food, please thank everyone who helped us through the evening to ensure we had the perfect party. With sincere gratitude, read more

LIA'S - italian - Updated September 2026

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Elena James

(41 reviews)

The ambiance was beautiful! I arrived a bit early and decided to wait for my girlfriend at the bar…read more I ordered a Passionfruit Sour, but unfortunately they were out of passionfruit. I think the bartender could see my disappointment and he said "how about I make you a strawberry sour, I promise it will be good." When I tell you the drink was SO yummy! Once my gf arrived she tried mine and ordered the same. Our server was great, attentive, but not overly so. The food was delicious! If I had to say one negative, it would just be the portion size. I did leave feeling a bit hungry. I will definitely be back and will try some other dishes, but I'll probably order the same drink lol

Elena James was a wonderful dining experience. The garage parking offers plenty of available spots…read morefor retail customers. Elena James happens to validate parking, so do not forget to get your ticket validated when you pay your bill. The menu is unique here. The dishes include homemade Parker house rolls, arancini, and what I believe is homemade pasta based on how good my entree was. Service is spectacular. I really think this is an unknown place that deserves lots of praise.

Seventh State Restaurant and Lounge

4.0

(80 reviews)

•$$$

Fun little cocktail/lounge bar & restaurant in Bethesda. It's located at the base of the Marriott…read morehotel giving it an elevated experience. On a weekend, I did wish that this venue had a little more activity. The charcuterie board and wine was wonderful. The rooftop by located as at the top of this building is a great stop for a drink!

My friend brought me here for a happy hour cocktail. We grabbed a seat at the bar. The cocktail…read moreoptions were limited and we ended up just going off their regular menu. I had trouble deciding and the bartender gave me a good push in the right direction. I got the lavender heart. It was beyond excellent. Would love to come back and try more drinks and food.

Silver New American Brasserie

(899 reviews)

Consistently a great option for lunch/brunch. Bikas always provides excellent service!read more

Silver

4.0

(471 reviews)

Amazing food! The wagyu sliders are my favorite. The atmosphere is cozy but elegant. Ana was an…read moreamazing server and she gave amazing suggestions. Always worth coming back!

Came in a few days ago and had a great experience. Molly was a super attentive server and made sure…read moreall our needs were met. Tasty food.

Barrel & Crow

4.0

(605 reviews)

We had brunch here recently. It was a pleasant experience. The best thing was that we could talk…read moreto each other at normal volume! So often these days places are so loud! The service was so so considering the size of the restaurant. There seemed to be plenty of servers but we had to flag them down to order, get coffee refills and get the check. We liked the food. They had an interesting shukshuka that 2 people got and finished every bit. They also got a side of potato "hash" but they were really just diced roasted potatoes. Not worth the $6 price but worked for soaking up the shukshuka gravy. We had one beet salad that was very nice. We ordered the beignets at the end and they were just fair. We would still go back to try other things!

The food was absolutely incredible! We started out with the crab beignets, fried green tomatoes and…read moreduck fat fries. Then for dinner we had the 14oz pork chop with grits. Both were phenomenal! Looking forward to our next trip here. Waiter was also wonderful and very knowledgeable. Chef's kiss!!!

Beth's

(45 reviews)

I finally made it to Beth's and honestly had mixed feelings about the experience. The food was…read moregood enough that I really wanted to love the restaurant overall. The egg rolls were perfectly fried and delicious with the homemade sauce, and the fries were crispy on the outside while still moist inside. Trey was also a great server and definitely one of the highlights of the visit. The restaurant itself is beautiful, especially the outdoor seating area. The patio is bright, inviting, and honestly a much better atmosphere than the inside dining space. Unfortunately, the music inside completely took away from the experience for me. The restaurant has a dark/lounge-style vibe indoors, so the music really matters. Something more universal and upbeat like Motown, 80's pop, or feel-good music would match the space so much better. Instead, the playlist was loud, distracting, and honestly made me ready to eat and leave. I was also surprised that there was no happy hour offered, especially with such a great outdoor setup that seems perfect for after-work drinks and appetizers. Overall, the food and service (thank you Trey) were solid, but the atmosphere inside and lack of happy hour would probably keep me from returning regularly.

I've had this review in DRAFT for a while, to allow time for rumination as to the final rating…read more.. On the one hand, there are some very positive aspects to Beth's, situated in downtown about a 10 min walk from the Bethesda Metro Station. Turn off Old Georgetown Road onto Fairmont Ave, and the first thing you encounter is a beautiful outdoor patio for al fresco dining and a large bar. The colors are vibrant with a focus on Southwestern earth tones; very reminiscent of a cafe you'd find in Sedona. It was still on the chilly side when my dinner group gathered, so we opted to sit indoors. There is a small waiting area in the foyer, and then a moderately sized bar, which leads into the main dining room. TBH, the design asthetic of the space is a bit of a "mishmash." Is it supposed to be European inspired? A continuation of the Southwestern motif? It's all a bit odd... We had about eight in the party, so staff pushed together two tables for us. We were greeted promptly and were told that the restaurant could accomodate individual checks, as ordering is done with handheld devices. My other observation about Beth's is, I'm not quite sure what "story," the place is trying to tell. The menu focuses on "Bites," which could be interpreted as "appetizers" and only has four "plates," aka "entrees." Our server mentioned while awaiting our orders that Beth's wants diners to share the "Bites" with a spotlight on their cocktail selections. So is Beth's trying to be a tapas bar then? I opted for the recommended Purple Rain which consists of Gin, lavender, lime; mostly because I LOVE a nice herbal Gin. The distinctive flavor of juniper berries from the gin was present, while the floral notes from the lavendar and citrus of the lime balanced out the drink. I was pleasantly surprised. Food started arriving after about 20 min, and visually the barley risotto was quite appealing. Instead of short or medium grain rice, Beth's uses the ancient cereal grain barley. It is slow cooked in stock to produce that slightly chewy, yet not undercooked mouth feel. USDA choice braised beef short ribs was stewed until fork tender, and the dish was finished off with Parmigiano Reggiano, and butter. For $24, the plate was a good portion size and very tasty. I dunno. I sampled some of the small plates such as the Brussel Sprouts, crunchy ravioli, crispy spring roll...and everything was fine. Not outstanding...not terrible...but just fine. The kitchen seems to be competent, so it would be interesting to see a menu where more main dishes were offered for diners who want a more substantial meal. The other thing I'll note is, due to the extremely high ceilings, the main dining space is a deafening echo chamber. I was hoarse by evening's end, since I was literally yelling over not just the background music, but the other nearby diners. Just keep this in mind that if you're seeking a quiet and cozy spot, either dine outdoors or come early. After some reflection, I settle on 4 stars. Service was good with water glasses constantly refilled, dirty dishes removed, to-go boxes offered, and the ability for separate billing. Price wise, for one alcoholic beverage, and one entree my tab with tax and tip came to a bit over $50. Automatic gratuity was added for the table since we had over 5 people. I appreciate the server informing us so we didn't "double tip."

Chef Geoff's

3.8

(689 reviews)

A small circle of friends usually go to Chef Geoff's, New Mexico Avenue, on Friday evenings for…read moredinner. We have found the food to be excellent, a great value for the money, and the staff has always been attentive to our needs. For the past several months, we have had the pleasure of having Jorge as our server, and he is excellent, prompt, remembers any special requirements that we have voiced in the past when ordering, and has made our visits especially enjoyable. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating which makes it a good choice year round. Adequate complimentary parking after 5 p.m. adjacent to the restaurant entrance is definitely a plus.

Food was great. The kitchen was very flexible and Ricardo was amazing! Good atmosphere as wellread more

Wheelhouse

(17 reviews)

Hands down the BEST steak salad I have ever had. Seasoned perfectly, paired amazing with the…read morehorseradish ranch. Everybody at my table took a bite and loved it. The whole group was happy, definitely be sure to check out the hushpuppies that come with an apricot butter that melts perfectly. As a Chevy Chase native it is so refreshing to have a place so close with amazing food and drink options - I will be back for a frozen spritz soon.

3 visits before I put in a review: Weekend Brunch; Dinner and now bar. On balance, 3 *s for food;…read more4*s drink; 3.5*s for service and 5*s for casual ambience. This resto group knows how to set the mood - place is beautiful and sorely needed option in NW DC. But....just like Millie's, the food concept and execution is hit/miss. So pumped that the best Marg in town (you read that right, all authentic Mex/TexMex places...lo siento). They've just NAILED a recipe. Not too sweet, perfectly balanced without trying to prove anything. 10/10. First bloody mary I had at the table service there was disappointing (no rim flavoring or garni) but second I had at the bar was very good. Food - hush puppies and oyster Casino legit! Pass on the crab soup which was fine, but nothing special. Pancakes okay, samesies with side of bacon. Very good portion and tasty french dip which I have ordered twice. Not crazy about the soft roll which makes the dip fall apart, but very good roast beef, jus, horseradish cream and fries. Brunch features good biscuits. Small gripe, kid's menu could be a little more robust, but splitting hairs because my wain just eats grilled cheese sandwiches and plain things. I blame the parents. Good having ice cream on demand, though. Service is almost entirely kids/YA and that is a mixed bag. Bar service was great but tables inconsistent. Hostesses have been super nice. All in all, sum better than its parts this early after opening. Space is a knockout and again a sorely needed upscale casual option in the 'hood. Still, food just okay-good, excellent drinks and ambience bumps up everything a half star. We're mos def coming back

ON St Elmo

3.8

(25 reviews)

I have my DC bartender and I think I have my MD one now too. After the unexpected closing of…read moreanother local venue, my bartender friend had announced he was going to start working here, and it had already been on my radar. From the pictures and videos I've seen, the place looked quite stunning and I wondered how it fit into the very busy downtown Bethesda. When I finally had a chance to show up, it all made sense. Everything is in a giant basement and of course lovely. The bar really is the centerpiece of the floor, being able to seat dozens of patrons. And from what I was told, the other rooms are used for special events. Hilariously enough, I have not had their food yet, but their drinks have been excellent. Whenever I swing by I happen to already be full from dinner, haha. They have a happy hour that goes until 7:00 on the weekdays they're open, which includes both food & drink. Sooner than later, I plan to return to try out some food. Shout out to Doug!

Popped in for a happy drink and grabbed the chicken skewers w fries and the happy hour menu and…read morethey were DELICIOUS. Def makes me want to go back and try brunch or dinner. Bartender was awesome and super friendly. Great spot--would love to see it in action w a band or a lovely night.

MoCo's Founding Farmers

3.8

(3.6k reviews)