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    The Strand DC

    4.3 (39 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

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    Recommended Reviews - The Strand DC

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    Margarita
    Michaele S.

    The outside of this restaurant is very unassuming but the inside is very nice and warm and cozy. There is a bar area and then upstairs and downstairs seating and I believe they even have a private conference room. Staff was pleasant. I came here for an event but of course had to try some of the menu items. The margarita was ok. I did get the bar burger which came with decent bit of fries and was very well cooked. My friend got the cornbread and now that is a highlight item. We ended up ordering it twice because it was so good.

    Catfish nuggets
    Tia M.

    We went on a Wednesday evening, and while there were only a few guests inside, the atmosphere was calm and inviting. The first thing I noticed was how relatable and down-to-earth the servers were--it felt like catching up with old friends. The inside of the restaurant is spotless, and the aesthetic is warm and pleasing, perfect for a mid-week wind-down. I started with the Division Drop, but it tasted a bit like a margarita, so I swapped it out for the Rum Punch--and after two sips, I knew I had made the right move because that thang was strong! For food, I went with the Happy Hour Catfish Nuggets, and let me tell you, it was a whole meal. The food came out hot, fresh, and plentiful, and every bite was seasoned to perfection. The collard greens were absolutely amazing--tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked--and that cornbread alone has me planning to come back for brunch on Sunday. If you have not tried The Strand yet, you are missing out. Add it to your list--you will not be disappointed!

    Fried chicken wontons
    Torya M.

    I thought I'd make my way back here before giving an official review and exploring more of the menu, but here we are. My good sis and I had heard great things about this place and decided to give it a try. Finding the entrance was a little confusing since you can't see inside the restaurant, but once inside, it's surprisingly large with two levels and a decent-sized bar. Happy hour is offered, which is always a plus. The menu had me wanting everything, even the Detroit-style pizza, and I'm not a pizza person. What intrigued me most on the happy hour menu were the fried chicken wontons, so of course I ordered them. I also got the cornbread, crab dip, jerk-glazed salmon with lemon rice and garlic spinach, and the pepper steak with mashed potatoes and garlic spinach. Everything was a hit.The fried chicken wontons and their dipping sauce were a chef's kiss. The jerk-glazed salmon didn't give me much "jerk" flavor, but it was still very good. The pepper steak was flavorful, tender, seasoned perfectly, but I do wish it came with white rice instead of mashed potatoes. Just my suggestion. I didn't try the spinach (texture issue, I have a love/hate relationship with spinach), but my friend said it was good. Now... the chili. I'm a chili lover, so I wanted to take some to go. You'd think packing chili would take 3 to 4 minutes, but it took forever. When I got home and tasted it, I understood why. That was not chili. Don't advertise it as chili. It was meat sauce with cheese, literally a big blob of cheese mixed in. Hard no. As a pasta dish? Sure. As chili? Absolutely not. And chili isn't something you make on the fly, which this clearly was. When we arrived the place was empty, which was fine, but it picked up over time. I would return to try more dishes, just please don't hand me that chili again. I've also heard brunch is good, so maybe that'll be my next visit. For now, dinner service is what's on my mind. Enjoy!

    Nicole O.

    I had no idea this place was here, but it's great to see this type of offering in the neighborhood. I met up with some friends here to watch the game. This place is extremely big, and has both upstairs and downstairs seating, as well as bar seats. There are plenty of TVs throughout, so it seemed like a good spot to check out for football. Once seated, it took awhile to get my order taken. On top of that, our items came out either very late or not at all. We had to ask for water 5 times before it was refilled. Our server was nice, but definitely seemed overwhelmed. I started with the crab dip and it was okay, but tasted just a little off. I also ordered lamb chops and it was pretty tasty, but I was missing a side. The cocktails I ordered were abysmal. Stick to the rail drinks. Overall, it was a poor experience, and I'm not sure I would recommend it to anyone.

    Wasn't even busy. We waited ten minutes and no server came to us.
    Capri L.

    We waited for 10 minutes. No server came over to us. No menus on the table. Terrible service. If you're looking for hospitality I don't recommend The Strand DC.

    Fried Branzino, lemon rice and mixed veggies
    Sabrina G.

    We attended an all-black party for my wife's friend, and the event was catered from the kitchen. Since I don't eat meat, I ordered directly from the menu. My wife and others raved about the lamb chops, chicken, and dip, saying everything was delicious. The service throughout the evening was also excellent. The private room we were in was nicely decorated and had a really cute vibe. As for my meal--I'll admit I was judging the veggies at first, but they turned out to be absolutely delicious! The rice was full of flavor, and the fish was fried to perfection. Overall, I really enjoyed my experience here and would definitely come back.

    Buffalo wings and Burger King
    Robyn D.

    Wow! Let's start with our Server DJ, his Customer Service was Amazing! Now on tho the ambiance...It's so refreshing to have this lovely restaurant in Ward 7. The inside is spacious and well set up. The food was just as good as the Customer Service! Can't wait to go back!

    Tenders & Tots
    Larry M.

    When I saw the address to this spot I did a double take!! When I looked up this restaurant online, & saw what it looked like...I hopped in the V-8, & pulled up!! Let's GO!! . Where I am: @dc_strand . Location Reviewed: 5131 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave., N.E. Washington D.C. . Items Reviewed: LIKE THAT! Their Crab Dip ($19 lump crab, & a cheddar jack cheese dip with tortilla chips). Cheesy, thick with crab meat, tasty! LIKE THAT! Their Cheddar Jack Baked Mac n Cheese ($12 topped with cornbread crumbs). A blend of cheeses, caramelized top, & creamy on the inside!! STAMP!! Their Fried Brussel Sprouts ($12 soy glazed with pickled ginger, crispy rice, & red onions). Well seasoned, & crisp!! STAMP!! Their Tenders & Tots ($14 pickled brined peanut oil fried chicken tenders, potato tots, & aioli). Quality thick tenders, with perfect tots, & dip!! STAMP!! Their Fried Chicken Wings ($22 four peanut oil fried wings with smoked turkey collards, Yukon mashed potatoes, & hot jalapeno honey). Classic meal, GET THIS!! STAMP!! Their Shawn-Ginger ale, mint, & lemon $7, Shirley Temple $7 mocktails, AND their sweet ice tea). Get all of them!! STAMP!! Garlic Chili Shrimp ($21 baked in a cazuela, with garlic butter lemon juice, & a toasted baguette). Spicy hot & tasty!! STAMP!! Their House Made Cornbread ($8 with honey butter). Soft war, & sweet!! STAMP!! Their Crispy Fried Shrimp ($21 with house cut fries, slaw ketchup & cocktail sauce). Plentiful, crispy, a whole meal!! STAMP!! Their Detroit Style Pizza ($16 with beef n pork pepperoni, Parmesan, provolone, & mozzarella cheeses). Thick, cheesy goodness!! STAMP!! Their Warm Cherry Croissant Bread Pudding ($11 with bourbon caramel, cherries, & whipped cream). Warm, sweet goodness!! . Customer Service: On Point . Parking: Decent, but it can be Rough. . Recommendations: Everything I STAMPED!! . Accessibility: It's wheelchair friendly, & it's differently abled persons friendly. 5 Stars=STAMP 4 1/2 Stars=LIKE THAT 4 Stars=DELICIOUS 3 Stars=DECENT 2 Stars=PASS 1 Star=NAH #Bigschlimsreviews

    Cornbread and apple butter
    Brittney S.

    I had a great experience at The Strand! Service from Samantha and Gator was 10/10 from start to finish. I ordered the wings (fried) and the jerk sauce that comes on them was so good! The wings were seasoned and fried perfectly. The cornbread and apple butter was also a hit for me. The pepperoni pizza was delicious with the right amount of crunch in the crust. The Playlist was also very good! The music wasn't too loud, but loud enough for you to enjoy while also being able to hold a conversation.

    Oxtail and rice and stone shrimp & grits
    DurShawn R.

    DC. Native And someone who travels for food, this was my first visit to The Strand DC, and it did not disappoint. The variety of choices was impressive--if one dish wasn't for you, there were plenty of others to enjoy. What I loved: Shrimp & Stone Grits: Excellent--large, flavorful shrimp cooked perfectly. Sweet & Spicy Salmon: Great balance of flavor. Fried Chicken: Even better when dipped in the BBQ sauce provided. Waffle Station: Fun with lots of topping options. Omelet Station: On point--fresh and well-seasoned. The showstopper: The collard greens with turkey and jerk salmon stole the show. I couldn't stop going back for more! The fresh pineapples tasted like they came straight from Hawaii. What could improve: The oxtail and rice were a bit chewy--not the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture I was hoping for. Heads-up: $45 per person ( included sweet tea ) plus ... A 20% gratuity, service fee, and taxes are automatically added, so plan accordingly. Final thoughts: The service, food, and ambiance were all great. Don't judge this spot by its exterior or the neighborhood--step inside and discover this hidden gem.

    Crab dip
    Kaneisha W.

    Went here for a birthday party last night and Karaoke night. The food was great... well seasoned and very flavorful. Next time I'll be trying the fried shrimp.

    Crab dip and margarita
    Arie T.

    First time visiting The Strand and I'll definitely be back. The crab dip was delicious and the margarita was perfect. The slice of mint leaf was a nice touch. Shoutout to the bartender!

    Bar Menu- during Brunch
    Yaya G.

    Great experience! I had time to spare and wanted a quick bite. Found this place and automatically knew I wanted Mac and Cheese. Parked on a side street, walked in and was greeted with a smile by the host who was very pleasant and helpful (didn't catch her name, but she had a short cut). She advised that Bruch Buffet was until 4pm, but there was a menu at the bar. Bartender service was mediocre- nothing memorable. Bar menu was a few items, but not Mac and Cheese! Haha. I thanked her and left. On my way out I was stopped by Trey who I assumed was a manager. Trey was smiling and personable and explained the Buffet Again- he was accommodating and convinced me to stay. Checked in on me during my meal and thanked me before I left. Food: Mac and cheese was baked and a large portion. Jerk wings were good- I wouldn't call it jerk sauce- but they were delicious none the less! And the corn bread was everything I expected! Haha.

    Brussel sprouts

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    1 year ago

    Jerk wings are , cornbread is a must!! Service is great and great place to watch game

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

    The food, service and ambience were great!!Great place to fellowship with friends! Love the catfish, Brussels sprouts and crab dip!

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    10 months ago

    Awesome place to grab a good meal and still feel "like home". The cornbread should not be skipped.

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    1 year ago

    Customer Service, Ambiance and the Food, They Aim To Please, Make The Customer Feel Like They Have A Private Chef

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    1 year ago

    The food and service are top tier. I cannot wait for my next visit......and I am bringing friends. BEST BRUNCH!!!!!

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    Ask the Community - The Strand DC

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    Topolino An Italian Bistro - Visit here on my birthday food was delicious

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    My son Ray turned 22 years old today and he wanted a seafood pizza from Topolinos. He's been coming…read morehere all of his life, so when he chose this for his birthday dinner, I was happy to oblige. We were greeted by Keisha one of the managers when we arrived. She was light-hearted and pleasant! She told us our server would be Leroy & he would take real good care of us....and that he did! Leon catered to our every need! He gave suggestions and he also made my delicious sunset Topolinos libation (10/10). We ordered large twin seafood pizzas. Leroy suggested that so that we could save a few coins. My son was able to take his large pizza leftovers home and I was able to take mine! Before we left, the wait staff came over and sang their traditional birthday song. My son was greeted with a piece of lemon cake with a candle on top. We had such a great time, singing and laughing with the staff. Thank you, Leroy & the Topolino's staff for making my son Ray's birthday dinner, a fun and memorable one!!!

    We went to Andrew's joint base and walked around some of the areas we asked someone that worked…read morethere. What was a good local place nearby for dinner? They recommended Topolino.. Giselle was our server and we chose the large seafood pizza, with white sauce and thin crust it had lump crab meat on it and grilled shrimp... wood fired pizza came out hot and fresh.. they make their dough fresh daily and it shows.. This pizza was one of the best we've had in a while.. A family run restaurant the staff was super friendly and treated everyone like family.. Inside you feel like you are at your Italian grandmother's home with old photos and old world decor thank you so much Giselle Y'all need to come in and have some of the best pizza there is...

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    Nonna Angela's - Cannoli

    Nonna Angela's

    4.4(592 reviews)
    13.7 mi
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    Nestled in an unassuming plaza is Nonna Angela's. Upon arrival, we were greeted and they were ready…read morefor our reservation. We had more than 10 so we had to sit in 2 groups but it was no issue to split checks and order. Our server, not Guiseppe or Gallagher was great and attentive. He shared the specials, was organized and on top of water refills. The orders ranged from the special to the crab bruschetta, Fettuccine Alfredo to Carbonara. Not one complaint the entire time. We joined our group a day late but the restaurant was good enough that we visited two days in a row. If you are in the area, make the trip and head to Nonna Angela's. Even this Jersey girl enjoyed it!

    Yesterday, I had the absolute pleasure of treating my son, mother, and myself to one of the best…read moreValentine's Day dinners I have had. I have to share our experience from the beginning. So we drove a good 30mins to get here, with anticipation from seeing this restaurant on a travel channel, but the original location is in NY. We get there, and its plenty of free parking. We ask for seating for 3 and we are told they are only seating individuals who booked a reservation. Totally understandable considering its Valentine's day. I dropped the ball folks. I didn't make a reservation. So I noticed a bar lounge which we were told we could wait for a seat to open up. As we were waiting a coupled jumped in front us and took a seat. The manager Claudia came to the rescue like the dark knight but with more grace. She mentioned she was willing to put us on the list for a table in the main dining area. I accepted her kind gesture and continued to wait for bar lounge seating to open up. A couple was kind enough to come over to us and ask if we were waiting for bar lounge seating. They offered their table to us as they were ending their night. There was a 2 man band playing in the lounge area that was very soothing to the ear. As I tried to help my mother get comfortable at the hightop table, I noticed she was having a difficult time getting seated in such a high chair. Guess who came to the rescue, you guessed, Claudia! She's the best, 100 grand, made me a real fan. So she came over and said our table was ready if we wanted a booth seating and we all know that's the best seats in the house. All I could think is look at God. The wait wasn't even long either. 10 out of 10 for saving the day. In addition our waitress was such a sweetheart. I mentioned a white malbec I saw on the menu that I was astonish to see b/c I never knew of such a thing. She bought me a small glass to taste and my God, I am a true believer Jesus turned water into wine. Its so clear like water but the taste is amazing. The food is so delicious. The restaurant is very clean. The staff is very personalable. Everyone cartered to us. You would have thought we were the Obamas or something. As we were stuffing our faces, Claudia comes around handing out roses to the men/boys to give to their dates. Complimenting my son and his daper outfit she hands him a rose and tells him to give it your mommy. At the moment he lights up with a big smile as if he paid for the rose himself. I can tell he felt like a gentleman and good that he could give his mother a red rose on Valentine's day. That small gesture was very thoughtful and appreciated. I apologize for my essay, but they desired it. I love the service, the ambiance, the food, and service. I haven't seen my mother smile so much in a while. So it bought me great joy to give my mother this experience on Valentine's day. I thank Nonna Angela's staff for such a wonderful experience.

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    Pacci’s - Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini

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    4.5(105 reviews)
    3.4 miCapitol Hill

    Ok so you're a guy from Jersey and of course you love Italian food so your keep your eyes peeled…read moreall over the city for new places to try. Paccis looks like a small family owned Jersey Italian spot tucked inside a classic Capitol Hill brick home so of course you gotta try it. You and your girlfriend sit down and immediately the couple in the corner seated next to you pipes up about good timing because you just missed the sunset glaring through the window. This fella keeps flapping his jaw the whole time. Even to the elderly couple cross the room. Ok so maybe I was part of the problem but whatever. Anyway it feels like home. They eat there all the time, so that's a good sign. Good people. Which is good because the food is good too and You don't want bad ambiance to detract from a great meal. Oh and did I mention the couple who sat next to us after that were speaking Italian and sharing pizza and pasta? Paccis is certified FOOD: So oh yeah they serve food here too right. Let's talk about it. Me and the girlfriend love to share everything because why come to a delicious restaurant and only try one dish? Fuggedaboutit! We're sampling over here. She starts with a Hugo spritz that apparently is a "girliepop fave" which I might deserve jail time for typing those words but whatever sue me she liked the drink ok? Antipasti: We tried the eggplant fritti which was delicious. Also shared the beet salad. Also delicious. But I will say that we eat a lot of arugula salads and dry arugula even with all the toppings can be a little rough and I'd love if it was lubed up with a tiny bit of olive oil. Anyway don't hesitate to try either of these. Entrees: Buccatini alla carbonara was awesome. Creamy/cheesy, nice bite through the pasta, and that cured meat or whatever it was. We also had the chicken Marsala which was delicious but if you don't already know, don't ask how it's made so delicious because it's basically all butter and cream. Anyway pasta and sauce and chicken we're all delicious. Desert: Especially in an Italian restaurant this is almost always an automatic tiramisu for me but this time we decided to go with something different. The girlfriend loves a lemony dessert so we tried the limoncello cake. She loved it and I liked it. I would say get it if you're a lemon fan. And bada boom bada bing that's your review. Highly recommend!

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    L'Ardente - 40-Layer Lasagna.

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    4.5(1.6k reviews)
    4.7 mi
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    I came into the DC area two weeks ago and will be here for the next 11 months. This restaurant…read morewas recommended to me by a colleague so I decided to make the walk from where I am currently staying. Let me start by saying that the atmosphere in this restaurant is one that is so welcoming the minute you arrive. I approached the hostess stand to inquire if there was bar seating available to which the polite hostesses provided a gentle hand gesture and oral direction to the bar. While walking to the bar area, I encountered what I presume to have been a server who was likely standing watch from a distance over his service area, who apologized as our paths met. (There was no reason to apologize, very polite nonetheless) I found a seat at the bar and was greeted by Paul. Paul was an exceptionally pleasant and answered all my immediate questions while preparing my initial cocktail during happy hour. We discussed the menu and he provided great insight which helped finalize my decision for the evening . In the meantime, bar manager Laura stopped by to ensure that I was taken care of to which I informed her that Paul and I spoke and he is making a beverage for me. For the food...the Caesar Salad is #1. I am a food snob and this salad HITS!! While enjoying my salad I inquired about their cast bourbon selection. The staff was very knowledgeable and provided a price list to coincide with their higher end selections. My 40 layer lasagna arrived some time in the midst of the conversation where Paul extended a courtesy sampling of a wine that he recommended that pairs nicely with my meal. It was perfect. I closed out my meal with an espresso type martini, at which time Paul and Laura further extended and offered me a sampling of one of the bourbons I was looking at. I cannot say enough about this establishment. I can't wait to go back and have already recommended via phone conversations to three people and I just left. The evening and encounter was more than just pleasantries with a customer, rather I felt as if I was the only one. If the owner or manager is reading this, Paul and Laura are 10+ and I will be back. Thank you so much for the best meal I have had in DC over the last 2 weeks. Can't wait to do it again!!!

    L'Ardente was incredible! The 40-layer lasagna was unforgettable, and every dish we tried was…read morebeautifully prepared. A must-visit in DC.

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    4.7(241 reviews)
    5.5 mi
    $$

    If Chipotle had a soulful, culturally rich cousin... it would be Spice Black. Period…read more I've been seeing this place all over social media, so when I found myself in the area, I had to see what the hype was about. First off, parking is easy. It's in a shopping center, so nothing stressful there, and the restaurant itself is easy to spot. Walking in, the first thing I noticed was how clean, polished, and classy everything looked. Even though it was busy, it didn't feel chaotic. The staff immediately greeted me and asked if it was my first time which I appreciated. They didn't just rush me through the line; they actually took time to explain the menu, how the bowls are built, and offered samples. That alone made the experience feel welcoming and intentional. Now let's get into the FOOD. Everything looked fresh. They have about four rice options (which is already a win), and I went with the pineapple coconut rice. For my protein, I chose grilled chicken, but they also offer shrimp, salmon, and even a mushroom option for vegetarians and honestly, the mushrooms looked so good I almost switched. For my added sides, I kept it simple because I really wanted to taste everything. Collard greens and sweet potatoes. But they also had plantains, and okra....real deal soul food options. Then you get into the fresh toppings. Slaws, carrots, pickled veggies. I kept it light. I finished my bowl with collard green pesto (which intrigued me, and I'm glad I tried it) and added an étouffée sauce over my rice... and listen!!!!! That combo? Chef's kiss. I grabbed a tropical punch juice, and just like everything else, it tasted fresh and well-made. Let me say this clearly: the food is a 10/10. If you're someone who will give Chipotle chance after chance, then you absolutely owe it to yourself to try Spice Black. 10/10. Worth your money. Worth the hype. Worth the experience.

    This is a small restaurant that has minimal seating. But its cozy and allows you to pop in and…read moreenjoy your meal by yourself or with a few friends. The restaurant is nicely decorated with vibrant colors and very clean. The service is friendly and welcoming. The food was okay. Not bad and just good in my opinion. Its not rave worthy but its still good. I would come back and try other options. This is still a good healthier option oppose to the many of terrible choices we have to choose from, this beats most unhealthy fast foods restaurants. For that reason I would return to try other food options. If you like chickpeas then this is your meal, Im not so it threw off the salad to me. I would have preferred chicken. Honestly, everything came together nicely as one salad, nothing was over powering. I'm just not a fan of chickpeas. They do have an option for shrimp but dont eat bottom feeders so that wasn't an option for me. My tastebuds are much different from yours so I would still give it a try. You might like it a little more than me. Its still a fairly good meal.

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    The Strand DC - desserts - Updated July 2026

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