I bought a dinner for 2 deal for this place at a great price. It was for 1 appetizer or dessert, two entrees and 1 bottle of wine. We don't drink, so they were gracious enough to let us have an 2 appetizers, 2 entrees and 2 desserts instead. The place is small and quiet, so you can enjoy your conversation; the size of the space also allows for the staff to be very attentive to your needs. We were very well taken care of while we were there. I can't say enough great things about the staff here...impeccable service! The coconut chicken skewer appetizer with mango sauce was nice and crispy on the outside, but quite tender inside. The wedge salad was awesome. Order the scallops for dinner; they were buttery and browned perfectly, and the lemon couscous was the ideal side. The crab cakes were made with huge chunks of lump crab meat and they melted in your mouth. the fried green tomatoes were delicious. The only complaint would be that there was a bit too much remoulade sauce on both entree; the proteins were seasoned so well that you didn't need all that sauce. We will happily come back here again, and will happily pay full price. read more

The Fourth Estate - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I would considered this restaurant fine dining. Food - Shrimp Risotto was good. They give you jumbo shrimps. Service - Not excellent but, above average. Atmosphere - Quiet, older (40-90 years old) crowd. Decor is also dated. No view. read more

This place has good food, good decor, and good service. While they are not perfect, we were very happy. I'd give them 4.5 stars. We had a table of 8 people for Saturday night dinner. We found them on open table, then found a deal on travel zoo. The restaurant was only 25% full. They had a mixup with our reservation and gave our requested table to a different party. However, they apologized and made it up to us. We had crab cakes, steak, cod, and chicken. There were also salads, bottles of wine, and desserts (flan, mouse, ice cream, rhubarb tart). The only mediocre food was the 2 steaks that were overcooked. We sent one steak back and received an excellent replacement. The service was great, the food was delicious, and the experience did not disappoint. read more

I decided to try Saturday Brunch at the Fourth Estate using a deal that I purchased on Travelzoo. After stepping off the elevator it is easy to see why the Press Club is a popular venue. The pictures around the walls are a true walk in history. I'm not certain if there is an executive chef cooking brunch as the meal was satisfactory. I had a custom omelet which lacked seasoning along with the chicken and waffles. It's the first time I've ever had a dry overcooked waffle at a restaurant. The service provided was good. If the Fourth Estate improves the quality of food this would be a great restaurant. read more

My brother invited us there for lunch today due to the snowstorm it was a very light day for the restaurant, we ordered couple of fish dishes a crab cake, scallops and a duck. The chef greeted us before the meals were prepared and they did not disappoint. The wait staffs were attentive. The dishes were delicious. My family do not flavor our dishes ( we do not add salt or pepper) and all the dishes were perfectly seasoned. Willdefinitely come back again. read more

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Best secret in town! Superb service, first class faire and nice and quiet. This place features a new menu every month, so they are constantly honing their skills. The place is so quiet all the time, I never have any issue getting a reservation. And the servers seem to outnumber the patrons, always watching and ready at your slightest need. We have tried out a lot of places around town, but this is easily our new favorite. Price-wise, it compares favorably with most nice restaurants around town. Not cheap, but not too expensive either. We had all their best entrees and dessert for under $80. read more

Service is horrible and the food that we couldn't eat. The waiter brought our wine out after he pour the wine he slam the wine bottle on the table. It was not polite or friendly service at all. The food we had to send back twice and still not able to eat. The veal is like they just thaw it out and put in the oven where there is no flavor. When we left the restaurant we said good night to the manager he just ignored or us and didn't respond. What kind of service is this? Waste of money and time at this place. read more

We loved our experience here! The staff was incredibly kind and toured our 14 year old media junkie son all over the floor. He learned a ton! Service was impeccable. The food was good and portions large. One note - the Travelzoo voucher for lunch is accepted on the weekends but the meal served midday is actually brunch. We were expecting lunch as that isn't super clear on TZ, but weren't disappointed. Crab cake delish and desserts excellent! read more

This is the National Press Club's restaurant, located on the 13th floor of the building. Unlucky number 13, as it applies here, as far as I'm concerned. The Fourth Estate's regular menu offers both higher end entrees and more bistro-like fare (lunch and diner), with ingredients purchased from organic and small farmers nearby. However, I was here for NYE, a night when you EXPECT everything to be at its prime, and it wasn't. The service was very attentive in a quiet way and the ambiance was what you would expect - very nicely done. My salad was good, with maybe a tad too much oil. My risotto was supposed to be mushroom-free and was not. My lobster had this quality that made it look translucent - it's called undercooked, and I couldn't choke it down. Normally, I am not one to suffer through a meal that is sub par without attempting to at least fix the situation. This night however, we were with several couples, the girlfriend of one actually worked in the building and set up this special section for all of us to enjoy. None of us could/would complain in her presence, but all of us disliked our food. Every last one of us. Given that, I cannot imagine going back, not even for dessert (which was actually quite good). read more

We had dinner here recently and were so disappointed. We have lived in DC for many years and had always wanted to eat at this iconic place! The vibe is great and the pictures are interesting. We had the Travelzoo deal which others have described. Bottle of house wine, split an appetizer, 2 entrees. On the waiter recommendations we split the crab, artichoke cheese dip. The cheese on top was hard and the dip was chunky rather than creamy and had a strong fish taste. We barely touched it. The host was recommending the red snapper to everyone that sat down which was suspect but my husband ordered it and I had the scallops. The snapper was whole and had a little sauce on it. More like what is served at a Chinese restaurant than Continental fare. Generic sides. The 4 large scallops were OK but the couscous with chick peas was uninteresting and the tomatoes with parmesan were so 1970s and the zucchini fritters were salty due to too much feta. A nice fresh seasonal vegetable on both plates would have been nice. We complained about the crab dip and they did comp us 2 desserts which was nice. The chocolate/ raspberry mousse dessert was the best thing we had that night. Blueberry crisp was made with frozen blueberries and had a granola topping - not restaurant quality. read more

I can't say this place is a must-see if you're just in town for the weekend. However, it's not bad if you want a decent meal and to see some of the famous asses that have sat in the chairs before you did (pun obviously intended). The food was standard and nothing to write yelp about. We had a Prix Fixe as we went on a dat between Thur-Sat when it's available. I got the feeling that's all they wanted to serve as we didn't get a regular menu, just the PFixe one. Which to us was fine. The wine selection was good and not overpriced and they had a full bar somewhere which procured us a decent gimlet. The service was a little spotty which was odd...only 3 tables occupied and more than 3 servers on the floor. If you're friends with a National Press member, get their membership number so you can get 10% off your meal. read more

Great way to start the weekend. Historical atmosphere located near Warner Theater. Service great and the food was fantastic. Had a great deal that included bottle of Merlot, appetizer, and two entrees for $50. We had a similar package at a restaurant in the Willis Tower in Chicago and this by far surpassed that experience. We had lamb kebab for appetizer- very tasty and perfectly cooked. The Veal Porterhouse was great. For dessert, we had raspberry chocolate mousse and french press coffee. Absolutely loved it! read more

My girlfriend and I had dinner at the fourth estate last night. My meal, a filet, was fantastic. Service was good. However...my girlfriend ordered scallops, some of which were undercooked. Since some of them were fine, she ended up taking a couple bites of the undercooked scallops. She has food poisoning now, and we will never return to this restaurant. read more

The food was great! The service was spot on and the Executive Chef, Susan Delbert came out to meet her guests. The prefix menu is great and is seasonal. The desserts are a combination of local vendors and the bread is so yummy. The salmon mousse is great! Go eat there now! read more

Purchased a deal for $49 for this place on Travel Zoo and I'm so glad I did. The deal came with 1 appetizer to share (or dessert if you opt for that instead), 2 entrees and a bottle of wine to share. I order the Certified Angus NY Strip and my BF ordered the Seared Atlantic Rockfish. Everything tasted so good. It was definitely worth what we paid andmore. Will definitely come back. read more

There is not one bad thing I can say about the Fourth Estate at the National Press Club. I don't give out five star reviews frequently, but this place definitely deserves it. We had a small group here during restaurant week, which included two big birthdays. The staff here cannot be beat. They were honestly the nicest, well-trained group of waiters and hosts I've ever experienced. They were looking to go above and behind for us. We wanted an appetizer for the table and even though it's not traditionally offered as an appetizer, the chef made us a plate of mini-crabcakes, which were delicious. For my first course, I had the creamy tomato soup. It was a good sized portion and really tasty. I couldn't stop eating it! For dinner, I had the pork tenderloin. It was incredibly tender and the flavors were perfect. They even let me sub out a different vegetable. Sorbet was the dessert offered for restaurant week, and it was creamy and great. But, because we also had two birthdays, they brought out two different kinds of apple cakes for us to celebrate. Even the manager came over to the table at the end to let us know about all the special events they offer. This is not a restaurant that one would normally easily be able to find because its like a private dining experience on an upper floor of a building. It was also very quiet and we were all able to talk with each, because the dining room is small. Trust me, seek this place out. Not one person in my party had a bad meal. Everything was delicious and the service was extraordinary. read more

Hit up the travelzoo deal here if it is still around. You will get a bottle of wine. Thank me later. :) my wife found this place and it has the making of a nostalgic, university club type place, but you don't need a membership to enjoy the food and all the pictures of famous journalists and broadcasters all along the walls here. Only issue is getting through the building. It's a bit of a maze. Don't just walk in through any entrance as there are multiple for the building. Make sure you find the main entrance. Place is not far from the metro and the White House. Also, we went early Saturday evening and found it quite empty, which is nice if you want to have a quite evening with your loved ones. read more

We attended a wine dinner. The food was 4-5 stars; the service 1-2. All middle aged men, obviously professional waiters, who were strangely indifferent. There was silverware for each course, and still the used utensils were unceremoniously tossed behind on the tablecloth. Lots of reaching and grabbing. Sorry we were a bother to them by eating there read more

We were in D.C. for five nights and ate here three times. Great place for a quiet business lunch, or for a relaxing dinner with friends. The food was outstanding and the service was excellent. Everyone was very friendly and we were not made to feel like we were outsiders because we were not members. If you are staying at the J.W. Marriott, the Willard or the W, this restaurant is easy walking distance, and the great press photos on the walls are a real plus. read more

Quiet and intimate setting. Food was very reasonably priced for such an elegant place. Fantastic breakfast/brunch menu. We're going back as soon as we can read more

we had no expectations, hadn't done any research on the restaurant - it just happened to be close to the theater we went to for a matinee. we had reservations, were seated on time, and the excellent service began immediately. the service throughout be meal was first rate. the atmosphere was very pleasant; the tables are covered w linen tablecloths and the staff dressed sharply. the food was a good value. we had friend oysters, a salmon salad and the rockfish - all was excellent. we finished the meal with fresh and tasty tiramisu. we were pleased, we had never eaten here - but we would recommend it. read more

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The food is a little bit better than ok, our server couldn't make wine recommendations, the tables are too close together for an intimate night out, and the lighting is kind of harsh. Also, whoever answers the phone does not know the kitchen's hours. The only really positive thing was the chef coming out to greet people in the dining room. But that alone would not make me recommend this restaurant to anyone else I know. read more

We love coming here! The food is always tasty but it's really the service and ambience that sets this destination apart from a typical dc restaurant. Everyone is helpful but not intrusive and the setting is great for any occasion. read more

A little while back Groupon was offering a deal to The Fourth Estate that I thought would be a good opportunity for a date night. Being the people who run late, my girlfriend at the time and I made reservations for 8:30pm. When we showed up, it we felt like we were walking into a ghost town. We walked past vacant desks and took an eerie elevator ride up to the restaurant. We disembarked the elevator and walked down a dark, empty hallway that was straight out of a horror movie. Our Groupon offered us a the opportunity to try an two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts. We walked out not loving anything we tried. The service was poor, with the wait staff seeming more interested in leaving for the night than making the experience enjoyable. read more

I'm giving four stars on the strength of Fourth Estate's service and value. I used a meal deal that was $39 for an appetizer, two entrees, and a bottle of house wine. We had the lamb and ginger meatballs, the strip steak, the veal chop, and a bottle of cabernet sauvignon. That's a lot of food and drink for $39, so kudos to Fourth Estate for offering such a deal. Our servers were friendly, proud to work at the National Press Club, and efficient with service. A couple minor issues kept me from giving five stars: two of the four meatballs were raw on the inside, despite having a delicious crispy crust on the outside; and the strip steak was very tough around the ends, hopefully just a one-off issue with that particular piece of meat. I'd definitely come back to Fourth Estate for that same deal in the future. Even after leaving a generous tip for the full, un-discounted price of the meal, we still were looking at under $70 for an above-average meal in a place that I found to be akin to a speakeasy in its secretive ambiance and rich history. read more

We had no idea that this place existed, or was even open to the public, until we took advantage of a TravelZoo offer. We decided to have dinner here on a Thursday night, with a 5:30pm seating. This restaurant, located on the 13th floor of the National Press Building, has a very nice atmosphere and décor. Very friendly and excellent service staff - Since we are both vegetarians, our server made some suggestions from the menu on some of the wonderful starters they have to offer. We both chose the mixed green salad, which we liked a lot. Since their vegetarian offering on the dinner menu is limited to one item, we had the Roasted Acorn Squash - It was "super-yummy". During our dinner, we received a visit from the manager (who indicate special that they have) as well as the chef (who we complemented on the excellent Acorn Squash dish). For this area of town, the prices are very reasonable, so you get a good value for what you pay. We enjoyed our dining experience here so much, that we are thinking about returning whenever we want to have dinner downtown before a show at the Warner or National Theatre. read more

Got a voucher from TravelZoo for brunch for 2 with 2 drinks each for $35. Beyond a steal by DC standards. I got the crab cake sandwich and was very happy. I'm not sure it's worth paying full price, but if you can get your hands on a deal it's a great spot! read more

Terrific Prix Fixe menu! A real deal; wonderful service, terrific food, quiet atmosphere. The chef made rounds in the dining room to greet guests. A true hidden gem! read more

The Fourth Estate - Delectable desserts! - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Food was very tasty and good quality. Service was on-point and very attentive. I had the Veal Porterhouse which was cooked perfect Med-Rare. The side dishes were cooked and seasoned very well. The Filet and Scallops looked delicious and my family enjoyed them also. The house Cab-Sav wine was also tasty. I would give it 5-stars but the atmosphere needs updating. Kind of felt like eating in a hallway. read more

Great place! The service was flawless, even the chef introduced herself to the patrons. The menu had something for everyone and all of our plates were delicious. Can't wait to go back. read more

Visited with a well-priced TravelZoo voucher for two courses plus wine/bubbly. Overall, we thought the meal was very good and the atmosphere was cool...but very quiet. Not romantic-quiet, but sort of dead-quiet. Nonetheless, the service and food were good. Maybe at lunchtime, the restaurant is more lively. We enjoyed the scallops and halibut very much. read more

Rum marinated chicken & butternut squash/mushroom wellington; walnut goat cheese arugula salad! Delightful food! Sweet waitress :) It sounds like they change their menu every couple of weeks, which is kind of cool. Absolutely delicious! read more

The food was awesome but the atmosphere.... Not so much. Mind you our reservation was early but it was so quiet in there I was afraid to speak. We eventually asked them to turn on the music which helped a bit but between the over lit and catering hall atmosphere, I am not likely to go here again. But the food was four star for sure! read more

The plaques on the walls coming into the restaurant are the best (and only worthwhile) feature of this restaurant. It is sub-par food with terrible service at self-agrandizing prices. There were 2 servers for the entire room when we came here, and one of the servers was throwing stuff on our table. Like, the butter... "here is your butter"... *throw*. He removed our plates by hitting them (accidentally) against our glasses. He brought tea and practically threw it on the table. I am not a softie, but it was a sight to be seen. I will not be back here, and would recommend anyone to do the same. Can't believe the high reviews, to be honest, although I'm glad someone enjoyed their experience at this place. read more

Had dinner before the National Theatre. House wine was good. Artichoke and crab dip was bland but the crab cakes were good. The duck entree was tasty but had a layer of gristle. read more

Something changed. I was here about half a year ago and I remember the food being the best I've ever tasted in DC. The fish, the crabcakes and steak were amazing. I went back recently and all I can say is what happened? The fish and crabcakes were not the same. And the crab legs? First, I couldn't get it out of the shell, and second, I felt like i was eating a salt stick! Just bad. So disappointing. The one restaurant I used to rave about and rely on for good food in DC is no more. read more

Fourth Estate was excellent. Many DC restaurants limit you to some of their less exciting choices for their Restaurant Week prix fixe menus, but Fourth Estate allows you to order from the full menu. This makes it one of the better Restaurant week deals - normally my crabcake entree (with sweet potato fries and diced fruit) or my friend's lobster risotto entree alone would be more than the $20.12 Restaurant Week lunch price. The restaurant was somewhat small and rather quiet, the decor was nice and the service was excellent. The head chef greeted my friend and me when we arrived and stopped by our table later to see how we liked our lunch, to tell us about some of the other events going on at the National Press Club, and to encourage us to look around at some of the photos on the walls outside of the restaurant area when we were finished. Portions were sized just right - you could either have a meal on the large-ish side or take home leftovers and make it a smaller meal. My mixed greens salad with avocado and blue cheese, the crab cakes with sweet potato fries and diced fruit, and the mousse duo (chocolate and raspberry) were all wonderful. My friend was very pleased with her gazpacho, lobster risotto, and sorbet trio. In my experience, Fourth Estate is one of the best Restaurant Week deals in town. Make sure to look around at the photos before or after your meal! read more

I needed a last minute venue for 10 following a conference cocktail reception at the Reagan Building. I was able to make a reservation at the very conveniently located Fourth Estate (located nearby in the Press Club building). It was a Tuesday night and my business colleagues and I appreciated the historical references in the photos lining the walls and the ambiance, the quiet setting where we could have actual conversations, and the food and wine selections. The service was attentive and professional. I ordered the lump meat crab cakes which were so good, I ate both of them (even though I wasn't really hungry after my spinach salad and the first crab cake). read more

The best place in the world to enjoy world class cuisine while news literally happens all around you.

Umm, so I'm a bit confused about why this place thinks they can charge as much as they do when the food tastes precooked and reheated. Are you kidding me? I had the fritters to start, the beef tenderloin and risotto as an entree, and the rice pudding to finish off. The only thing that seemed like it was cooked that day was the beef. It was also the only item served warm, and not at room temperature. The quality of the food was two thumbs down. Their saving grace was the very nice, accommodating, and professional staff. read more