Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Red Hen

    4.2 (1.2k reviews)
    Closed 5:30 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    The Red Hen Photos

    Business Info

    THE RED HEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Classy
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Red Hen

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Whipped Ricotta Crostini Arancini Cacio e Pepe Squid Ink Linguini Pasta
    Haleigh K.

    Went here for a birthday dinner. Ambiance was great, they definitely know how to set that fancy but hip vibe. Service was meh - our server wasn't particularly warm/friendly, seemed like he'd rather be anywhere else haha; and they took plates/utensils away while we were still eating. We asked about how many dishes to share between 4 people and he told us 6-9 - we split 5 dishes and were perfectly full. Also no one acknowledged the birthday even though it was included in the reservation. Food was good not great. I think there are better options in DC.

    Mezzi Rigatoni Pasta
    Jacqueline K.

    Had a good time here but because the seating is so limited, we were sat by the back of the bar. It was kind of an overflow section with many folks who were waiting for tables/a bar seat crowded around us. Honestly detracted from the experience as it was hard to focus on our conversation (and great food) when so many folks were crowding in on our space. The mocktail I ordered was delicious and I loved the rigatoni pasta. Would come back but only if I was able to snag a proper reservation.

    Mezzi Rigatoni Pasta
    Jada N.

    Loved everything about my experience at Red Hen. I'm still thinking about their olives! The service was excellent and the ambiance is very intimate. I'm not a huge Italian cuisine lover but all of the good was amazing. Worth a try for sure!

    Gnocchetti
    Alexus H.

    The restaurant is nestled within the community. We walked in without a reservation and the wait for a table was really long, so we had dinner at the bar. Despite eating at the bar, the service was amazing and I enjoyed it even more than eating at a table. The bartender was so friendly and I enjoyed talking with him. He gave great recommendations on places to have drink after dinner. He was very knowledgeable about the neighborhood. We order the butterleaf salad and pea hummus for appetizers. The salad was so soft and the dressing was delicious, I love that it wasn't too salty. The pea hummus had a peppery/smoky smell and was very creamy. For the main dishes, we order the gnocchetti and rigatoni. The pea flavoring of the gnocchetti was too overpowering, I did not enjoy it. The rigatoni tasted way better. For dessert, we order the coconut lemon cake. The coconut flavor was very faint, but the lemon taste was strong. Delicious taste and the frosting was yummy.

    Squid Ink Linguini Pasta
    Nams S.

    Returned after eight years and so glad to find the same top notch service, quality of food, portion size, wines, neighborhood vibe. And they still have the squid ink linguine on the menu, squid ink pasta lover says no one in the area makes it as good as they do. We tried the coconut lemon cake for dessert, flavors hit the spot and the toasted coconut brings out coconut in various depths beyond the usual. The in house marinated Castelvetrano olives are delicious. While I love good bread, bread baskets before carb heavy italian meals kill the appetite. Olives are so much better, especially with some of the great red wines Red Hen has.

    Perry B.

    Nice cozy neighborhood gem with fresh pasta and delicious food across the board. We were able to walk in on a weeknight and snag seats at the bar. We started with the burrata, a delicious first bite. We then had the octopus and the flavor in that was beyond! Smoky, well balanced and the crispy gnocchi made for the perfect pairing. We had the squid ink linguini and the Campanelle. While opposite ends of the spectrum the pasta was perfectly cooked and the items were flavorful filling portions. While I always have room for a dessert stomach, we had to skip out this time because we were so full. Overall great vibes, service and food. What more can you ask for?

    Kelsii D.

    Truly I would give it a 4.25 but since that isn't possible, I am rounding. I enjoyed most of the evening. Sarah was a lovely bartender and while I wasn't sure how on top of it Sarah was at first, I felt well taken care of by her and the rest of her team. Given it was just me, I definitely didn't want to take a full table- it was quite busy, but what was not expected that I was lucky enough to get a spot at the bar within a few minutes. I wish there was a larger wine by the glass list. And also that my rigatoni was slightly more al dente, but I will be back. I heard the gnocchi was yummy and the apple dessert absolutely was!

    Bridget G.

    Outstanding casual upscale rustic dining experience. Apps were the highlight. Party of 7 we split one of the salads, whipped ricotta, burstta, carpaccio, squash app, and broccolini. All was fantastic. Whipped ricotta was not a favorite with our group, it's whipped smooth. Drinks were interesting, wine list is expansive and covers a variety. It's not a big space but it feels roomy, and when full it's not too loud. Staff was wonderful. Food was paced to come out well. Overall it's a place I would come back to visit.

    First night in DC, and we felt so lucky to stumble upon The Ted Hen for dinner. Every single dish we ordered was absolutely amazing--one of those meals that just makes you happy. The only thing I wouldn't get again is the strawberry guava sour. It wasn't bad, just not quite my taste.

    scallop
    Iris P.

    immaculate vibes, like your neighborhood date night spot. i love the usage of wood in the interior we got lucky sitting right where we could see all the orders come out of the kitchen, but secluded from the rest of the diners. the rigatoni and the mafalde were both so good; as was the arancini (per josies request) and the whipped ricotta toast. the octopus was good but standard IMO. also it was so affordable too at around 50pp

    Grilled Broccolini
    Michaela N.

    Honestly, I have to lead this review with remarking the service. Sat at the bar and I typically don't like doing this, but at Red Hen I would do it every time. The bartenders were so lovely. You could feel the rapport building that just comes with great hospitality. The dim lighting, the rustic feel, open kitchen, the community vibes. No notes! I have been meaning to come for years and I am disappointed in myself that this was my first time making it in. On a Wednesday night, this place was packed approaching 9 o'clock. There was still a wait to have a seat at a table, which is why we took the bar, again, no regrets. I don't think there's a bad seat in the place. The food came out and record timing like it was already predicted what we were going to order. I loved the anchovies on top of the broccolini. We were told the whipped ricotta was a starter dish that you have to have on your first time. I did enjoy it, for me by the time I got a quarter away and I had to lessen the ricotta. But the Crostini was perfectly crisp. The rigatoni was perfect, a moderate portion. I will definitely be returning.

    Squid Ink Linguini Pasta
    Maiah F.

    The Red Hen was delicious. We had been wanting to eat there for weeks and finally got a reservation for a Saturday night. The line was out the door, so I definitely recommend getting a reservation especially if you're going around prime time. Even though it was so busy, we never felt rushed. The food came out quickly too and it's an open facing kitchen so you can see everything being made. The food is delicious - I have nothing bad to say. The pastas were amazing, the bread with butter and radishes were great, and the desserts were also delicious. The tiramisu was my favorite. They also have great wine options. I absolutely recommend trying this restaurant if you're in DC!

    Mezzi Rigatoni Pasta
    Devon K.

    Red Hen is a coveted DC restaurant you have to make a reservation for weeks in advance, so I snagged a Friday night on. Started off with the bread and ricotta. While it was good, this was nothing special. The pasta was delicious and cooked al dente. Drinks were refilled meticulously. I had their special - a gingerbread sticky pudding for dessert. It was fine, not the best. This is a cute date night if you love Italian food, but not a place I will besting to go back to you.

    Half chicken.  PERFECTLY cooked!

    See all

    7 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    29 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Amy Y.
    123
    48
    170

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    23 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mona K.
    83
    57
    19

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jackie L.
    290
    15
    3

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eugenie C.
    136
    12
    13

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 30

    Ask the Community - The Red Hen

    What's the noise-level, in decibels?

    It's loud on weekends. Definitely recommending going Monday-Wednesday or right at open or later in the evening, if you want it to be quiet. It's possible to request a quieter table though as there are some that are more private.

    Does anyone know if they offer vegan adjustments?

    yes

    Do they sell wine by the glass?

    They absolutely do!

    View All 7 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Italian 24,948 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    CR NoMa - Swordfish Nicoise Salad

    CR NoMa

    4.4(216 reviews)
    0.7 miNoMa
    $$

    This was one of the best meals we have had!! We will return before our vacation is over with!…read more We had the chicken kabobs, lamb shawarma wrap, and kids burger. Everyone was pleased. Editing to add: we ended up eating here 3 times on vacation. Can you tell we loved it here! Highly recommend!

    A Wonderful Sunday Brunch at CR NoMa!…read more I visited CR NoMa for Sunday brunch and really enjoyed my experience! CR NoMa is a Moroccan-Israeli scratch kitchen featuring Middle Eastern and North African flavors. I love that it feels like a relaxed neighborhood spot while still being stylish and sophisticated. FOOD: I ordered the Traffic Jam Breakfast, which comes with scrambled cheesy eggs, a hash brown, and cornmeal-crusted French toast with maple syrup and raspberry glaze. Since I don't eat pork, I swapped the bacon for crispy lamb, and everything was delicious! The French toast was definitely a highlight, especially with that raspberry glaze. I do wish they offered another traditional breakfast meat that isn't pork, like chicken or turkey sausage. The crispy lamb was a great substitute, but having another non-pork breakfast option would be nice. DRINKS: I did the $24 Bottomless "Make Your Own Mimosas," which I thought was a great deal! Instead of constantly waiting for someone to refill your mimosa, they bring bottomless bottles of sparkling wine with a selection of juices, so you can make your mimosa exactly how you like it. They also offer a $45 Deluxe Bottomless option that includes the make-your-own mimosas plus CR Bloody Marys, Micheladas, draft cocktails, and Old Time Lager. An entrée is required for either bottomless option, and food is purchased separately. SERVICE: Our server was wonderful! She was attentive, kind, and accommodating. I explained my dietary needs, and she had no problem allowing me to substitute the bacon for crispy lamb. I really appreciated how easy she made it. ATMOSPHERE: The restaurant is surprisingly spacious! You really can't tell how big it is from the outside. I loved the modern rustic décor, beautiful natural lighting, and relaxed but sophisticated feel. It works perfectly as a casual neighborhood brunch spot but also feels like somewhere that could easily transition into a lively dinner and drinks destination. The broader menu features Middle Eastern and North African flavors, including fresh brick-oven pita and house-made hummus, plus craft cocktails. They also offer happy hour and weekend brunch, so there's plenty for me to come back and try! PRICE: The prices are very reasonable, especially for the portion sizes. You get a good amount of food without brunch feeling unnecessarily expensive. And $24 for bottomless sparkling wine and juices in DC? I'll take it! Overall, CR NoMa delivered a wonderful Sunday brunch experience. Delicious food, attentive service, a beautiful space, good portions, and reasonable prices. I'll definitely be back to explore more of the menu!

    Photos
    CR NoMa - Seating area near the front of the restaurant

    Seating area near the front of the restaurant

    CR NoMa - Chicken Kebab

    Chicken Kebab

    CR NoMa - Tea

    See all

    Tea

    Flight Club D.C - At Flight Club Social Darts, cutting-edge tech meets an elevated menu of shareable snacks, cocktails, and curated beers.

    Flight Club D.C

    4.4(59 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$
    Free WiFi
    Vegetarian friendly

    I booked reservations on line for two people Saturday 1:30 which was $15pp. the time slots after…read morethat were $17pp. We took a little longer then expected to find a parking spot so we arrived 10 mins late to our booking time. The staff was so nice they slid our time slot by 15 mins so we could keep to the 90min total duration. We were quickly taken to our bay and was provided instructions on logging in to the system and selecting the games etc. the games were sooo fun! It really showed our competitive spirit! There were lines on the ground denoting your level of expertise so it's customizable to your skill level. We order a few drinks which were delivered quickly and tasted fantastic! The decor and vibe was so awesome!! There was so much to see and surprises at every turn. No spoilers but check it out! Of course we will be back!!

    We only popped in for a quick drink. I had the snapdragon and it was very good, a little on the…read moresweet side (I think due to the lychee) if you prefer sweeter tasting drinks. Really cute ambiance as well. Everyone was so nice and accommodating whilst in the middle of prepping for a private event.

    Photos
    Flight Club D.C - Flight Club is a high-energy, upscale spot where tech-powered, fast-paced darts meet elevated small plates, craft beer, and a...

    Flight Club is a high-energy, upscale spot where tech-powered, fast-paced darts meet elevated small plates, craft beer, and a...

    Flight Club D.C - Flight Club Social Darts is a chic hangout offering immersive, technology-driven dart games alongside upgraded pub bites and ...

    Flight Club Social Darts is a chic hangout offering immersive, technology-driven dart games alongside upgraded pub bites and ...

    Flight Club D.C - Flight Club Social Darts is a nightlife destination.

    See all

    Flight Club Social Darts is a nightlife destination.

    Free State - Hazy IPA

    Free State

    4.3(150 reviews)
    1.2 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

    See all

    Small glasses

    Chadol Korean BBQ

    Chadol Korean BBQ

    4.5(137 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$$
    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.

    Photos
    Chadol Korean BBQ
    Chadol Korean BBQ
    Chadol Korean BBQ

    See all

    Bar Betsie - Back area

    Bar Betsie

    4.3(72 reviews)
    0.8 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

    See all

    A well balanced Old Fashioned

    Death & Co DC - Fool's Gold

    Death & Co DC

    4.1(117 reviews)
    0.9 miShaw, Downtown
    $$$

    Came in for my birthday and had an amazing time. Quality drinks made with precision and delicacy…read morethat packed both flavor and wow factor. Chef James personally brought out so many amazing things for me and my best friend to try out. Definitely a memorable experience we will be back. Those chicken wings were phenomenal. Keep doing all the amazing things you have been.

    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.

    Photos
    Death & Co DC - Please and Thank You

    Please and Thank You

    Death & Co DC - Mutineer

    Mutineer

    Death & Co DC - Beautiful mosaic from when it was Columbia Room before

    See all

    Beautiful mosaic from when it was Columbia Room before

    The Red Hen - italian - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...