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    The Occidental

    4.3 (113 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

    The Occidental Photos

    The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia
    The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia
    The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia
    The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia
    The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia
    The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia
    The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia
    The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia
    The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia
    The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia
    The Occidental - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

    +352

    The Occidental - Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes as a side. Very good and filling. - Seafood Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

    Business Info

    THE OCCIDENTAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - The Occidental

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    Jumbo Lump Crab Cake
    Maggie A.

    Classic DC steakhouse, exactly what I was looking for. We made a reservation for Sunday night at 6pm, and the main dining room two floors up was almost full, along with a lively bar on the floor just below, so reservations are a must, and well in advance. I was all ready to order, having excitedly studied the menu ahead of time: the signature 50/50 martini to start, the crab cake appetizer - not just any crab cake, this had huge pieces of crab and a more subtle Maryland Old Bay taste - and the massive, succulent prime rib, which came with au jus, horseradish cream, and fresh horseradish shaved on top. For dessert, the pink champagne cake was soft and irresistible - frankly, it was difficult to say no to any of the desserts on the list (I'm coming back for that Baked Alaska)! Service was very good - not intrusive, not neglectful. No doubt, this was a $$$$ pricey meal, but it was well worth it. I needed a celebratory treat, and The Occidental delivered.

    Lobster bisque
    Cady P.

    Best biscuits I've ever had. Wonderful service. Great cocktail and mocktail/NA list. Loved the vibe. Pretty good steak. Incredible heavy lobster bisque.

    Coconut cake
    Dona P.

    Back for the fifth or sixth visit - second mother's day in a row... had a slightly surly hostess who struggled with eye contact and was rather dismissive of us, and my mother mentioned it to the waiter... Guillermo was incredible and ON IT despite being on his second shift. He just was exceptional with his attention and disposition. The ny strip was fabulous, yet he Chinese chicken salad a treat, the biscuits apparently the best in the dmv, and my dirty martini perfection. The coconut cake is light as air and just needs a tad less sugar. The old world ambiance with white table clothes and super smartly dressed staff plus an impeccable interior design scheme keeps us coming back.

    Patio views
    Aurore A.

    Whether you choose to sit at the bar, a table inside, or the patio the Occidental delivers 5-star service every time... but I do recommend the patio. Everything I've tried has been delicious and they have some standout sides! Don't skip the biscuits, mac and cheese, and green beans. I'm not a big fan of the princess cake, but I do like the cupcake variation. They have great cocktails and an excellent wine selection.

    Rickhouse Old Fashioned Drink
    Trish M.

    I would travel across the globe to savor this meal once more, as it offered exceptional service and a culinary experience unparalleled in my dining history, warranting a 5+ star rating. #CulinaryCompass #forkandglobe #tastytourist #washingtonDC The Rockwell's

    DeMario M.

    The Occidental is a great date-night option in downtown DC. The food is fire, but honestly, the customer service is what wins me over every time. Let's start with the ribeye-- melt-in-your-mouth like butter. Our steaks initially came out overcooked, but the manager immediately came over, corrected the order without hesitation, and sent out a complimentary glass of Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon, which was excellent and elevated the entire meal. That's how you handle service recovery. Highly recommend adding the creamed spinach and loaded potato. Parking is terrible (DC doing DC things), though there are garages nearby (street parking is a lucky find). It's also walking distance to the monuments and the White House (if you are so inclined to visit that place these days). The outdoor patio at night is a vibe. Make a reservation -- we only got in because someone canceled their resy.

    Chinese chicken salad. Not great but the best for price
    Leah C.

    I've been here a few times mostly for drinks which was always fine. The bar seating isn't much so lucky to get. I have come here for dinner once and will not again. The sommelier was fast to take our drink order and bring us a bottle of wine which ended up being the only reason we didn't leave, cause we now had a bottle of wine to drink. It was literally 29 minutes before a waiter came to take our order. I know that because I was going to complain at the 30 minute mark. It was also not busy. So no excuse. Food was fine. Nothing special. My partner commented on how weird it was to have breaded scallops. We weren't expecting that, but probably on us. Their biscuits are the bomb. Only thing I'm giving two stars for. Get those. I also got the Chinese chicken salad, it's a pass. Don't get it. We also got the French dip. Also for the price and amount of meat to bread. Solid pass. The salmon was dry and whatever. For the price point and the poor service and mediocre food this is absolutely not a place I would come back to. I do acknowledge and appreciate management reached out to me about my experience but I have no interest in returning for more than a cocktail. PS the bomb biscuits I mentioned.... When we took to go what was left, they provided no butter which is the magic sauce and ultimately what really made me mad about being here. At this price point every customer deserves a great experience with great food. Not mediocre to poor everything

    Sarah H.

    Cannot get over this absolutely stunning restaurant and dining experience! The moment you step inside you feel transported to another age, with jazz music and dim lighting, velvet seats, and waiters clad in white tuxedos. The service is absolutely charming, from the caviar amuse-bouche to the complimentary fries our server gave us "because you can't do surf and turf without good fries", to the champagne cupcakes for a sweet treat. The food was excellent and the martini... probably one of the best I've had. Nothing beats a perfect martini. Absolute perfection from start to finish.

    Victoria B.

    The food is good, but the service is bad. I've been here twice and I had a bad experience both times. Both times, I sat on the patio, which is very nice, and the service was very slow. It took a long time for someone to come to my table with water. It took a long time for someone to bring me a menu. It took a long time to take my order. It took an extremely long time to bring out my drink (I'm talking 30 minutes). My server would disappear for long periods of time. This happened on both occasions. The last visit was the icing on the cake, however. A friend or relative of one of the managers was seated behind me shortly after I arrived, and the manager proceeded to stop by their table every few minutes and bumped into my chair, elbow, and head (yes, he hit me in the head) EVERY SINGLE TIME. No lie, he did this at least 10 times before I finally asked to move. And to make matters worse, he never apologized. Not even once. Instead, he acted like he was annoyed that I was sitting in his way. Then, other staff members came over to greet the table behind me and they proceeded to keep bumping into me too. When I finally asked the server if I could move because I kept getting bumped and was unable to enjoy myself, the manager came over and just stared at me as he was talking to the server, but he still did not say a word to me. At this point, I was annoyed, so I hurried up to finish my food (the breakfast sandwich, which was actually very good and filling) and ordered a slice of coconut cake to go. The cake was good. I also ordered a non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz and a Daiquiri, which were both very good. For such an upscale ambiance and high price tag, I would expect much better service and at least an acknowledgement for continuously bumping into me. Guest comfort doesn't seem to be a priority.

    Yaz R.

    Wowowow! This place is incredible! Absolutely packed on a Saturday, huge inside and so beautiful. Service was the only downfall, it was soooo slow we were waiting to order forever. The food was AMAZING. Everything was perfect! I loved the tuna tartare app, dare I say the best I've had. My filet was cooked perfectly and the mashed potatoes were indulgent, creamy and perfectly whipped. I loved the au poivre sauce with the steak! So flavorful! The biscuits were flaky, buttery and were made fresh that very day. We finished with a decadent cup of chocolate mousse - more dense than I expected but totally delicious. I can't wait to come back and try more!

    Prime rib mac n chz and asparagus

    Prime rib was fire. Asparagus so good. Seevice was great!! Great wine, martini was soo good.

    Avocado Toast, Occidental Breakfast Plate, Breakfast Sandwich
    Leslie S.

    Any Tim my family comes in town we always come here. The food is amazing, but the ambiance is truly unmatched in the city. The service is out of this world. It is steps from the White House, has so much rich history on its walls, and has the perfect view of Capitol Hill. 10/10 for sure!!

    Maria-Elena T.

    Five of us came here for dinner after an event on a week night. A perfect five star evening! Our server, Carolin, was so efficient and professional. I started with the Caesar salad which was delicious. My friend had the crab stuffed avocado. I tasted it. OMG. Getting that next time!! I got the ribeye for my main. Sides included the Mac and cheese, potato and asparagus. Mac and cheese was delicious. Steak cooked exactly as ordered and huge! One friend got the beef stroganoff and she said it was the best she ever had. Desserts were also big and satisfying. Can't wait to return

    Bacon

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    9 months ago

    Pretty great food it was a friends recommendation who is local. Definitely worth a try but a bit pricey. Probably good for a date night.

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

    Indexable service and wonderful ambiance. Great sitting outside on the terrace on a sunny day. How America used to be!

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    10 months ago

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    11 months ago

    Great service! We had a larger group and went for brunch. Menu has something for everyone, including picky little ones.

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    1 year ago

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    5 months ago

    The service was excellent. The ambiance was luxurious. The food was delicious. This place is a must! I will be back!

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    6 months ago

    We came for a holiday brunch. The eggs Benedict were cold. Our service was scattered and slow. The rooms were nice though.

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Top shelf... speak easy vibe... great ambience and character. Service was excellent. Food and drinks were fabulous. Highly recommend!

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    7 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Business owner information

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    Manager S.

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    9 months ago

    Accuracy of orders, customer service, response to incorrect delivery and order mistakes.

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    1 year ago

    We had very wonderful service, enjoyed great food and love the clubby atmosphere inside the Occidental!

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    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Occidental

    Where can we park when we go to the Occidental for dinner? Thanks!

    Jw Marriott hotel has parking. Across the street.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Free State - Hazy IPA

    Free State

    4.3(149 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    Not to be confused with Free State Distillery in Upper Marlboro (though many also call it Arthur…read moreWheeler Spirits haha), this place is located just off of the main street in chinatown, and it's surprisingly lowkey. It's a basement bar with a bit of a dive vibe, but it's hard to ignore the nautical, blue crab theme throughout. Turns out that one of the owners is a Marylander, which is cool to see reflected in the decor in a place in dc, even though it is next door. They have a happy hour and they have a great variety of drinks in general. It's bring-your-own-food (BYOF) and there are a bunch of delicious looking Asian spots nearby, including upstairs. It didn't start getting crowded until closer to 10, which, as I said, is surprising for this part of town to me. Everywhere in Chinatown is not going to be packed and busy, and this place is here to remind you of that. Stop by if you're looking for a more chill vibe. Staff are pretty cool.

    Free State is perfect for a chill bar in the Downtown area. It's exactly the kind of place you want…read moreto share a few drinks and be able to hear the person in front of you. I had a delicious orange crush drink and my friend had a sangria. The bartenders are extremely chill and nice; they only come up when you need it which is nice for good conversation. I'll easily be back when I want to catch up with friends without a speaker blaring in our ears. Great place to introduce to more people!

    Photos
    Free State - Spiked chocolate

    Spiked chocolate

    Free State - Bar

    Bar

    Free State - Small glasses

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    Small glasses

    Chadol Korean BBQ

    Chadol Korean BBQ

    4.5(134 reviews)
    1.6 miNoMa
    $$$
    All you can eat
    Full bar

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

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

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    Chadol Korean BBQ
    Chadol Korean BBQ
    Chadol Korean BBQ

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    Ciel Capitol Hill

    Ciel Capitol Hill

    4.2(10 reviews)
    1.6 miNoMa

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

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

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    Ciel Capitol Hill
    Ciel Capitol Hill
    Ciel Capitol Hill

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    Bar Betsie - Back area

    Bar Betsie

    4.3(67 reviews)
    2.0 mi

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

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

    Photos
    Bar Betsie - Quick view of options

    Quick view of options

    Bar Betsie - Frozen hibiscus pina colada

    Frozen hibiscus pina colada

    Bar Betsie - A well balanced Old Fashioned

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    A well balanced Old Fashioned

    Death & Co DC - Fool's Gold

    Death & Co DC

    4.2(113 reviews)
    0.8 miShaw, Downtown
    $$$

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

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

    Photos
    Death & Co DC - Please and Thank You

    Please and Thank You

    Death & Co DC - Mutineer

    Mutineer

    Death & Co DC

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    The Occidental - seafood - Updated June 2026

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