1789 RestaurantFriendly and discreetBecause the Smithsonian symposium at the French Embassy that we attended got out early, we arrived at 1789 a full hour before our reservation at the 6 PM opening time. One of the staff took pity on us -- or didn't want us sitting on the wall outside the restaurant -- and invited us into the bar ahead of opening.
Perhaps affected by the double tequila she got at the bar, my girlfriend revealed that we were there celebrating her 63rd birthday -- although over the years she's threatened me with various dire punishments if I disclosed such facts. Fortunately, 1789 merely provided her with a small complimentary dessert, a card, and a copy of the day's menu as a souvenir. No chorus of servers singing "Happy Birthday".6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMI and a friend were celebratingI and a friend were celebrating mutual birthdays and were so pleasantly surprised when we received birthday cards from the staff, in addition to the candles on our desserts. We were there for the summer promotion dinner which is an excellent option.
My only suggestion re the food is, to simplify. So many restaurants feel that multiple ingredients have to be combined to be stylish; this takes away from the essence of the basic excellence of the fish, meat, whatever. And often the ingredients are really not compatible.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMThe staff was outstandingThe staff was outstanding as a result of service, courtesy and general conversation.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AM1789 never fails to live up1789 never fails to live up to it's reputation as one of DC's finest restaurants. From the moment we arrived until we walked out the door, we were treated like royalty. The service was first class, all our needs and requests were meet promptly. And of course, the food was second to none. Regardless of the occasion, 1789 is a fantastic choice.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMFor twenty years, each timeFor twenty years, each time we have been to Washington, (six or seven times, the last one with our eldest grandson) we have had dinner at 1789 and every time we have enjoyed very much the occasion.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMA beautiful night outWe recently celebrated my fiancé's birthday at 1789 and had a fantastic evening. The restaurant is situated in an old stone house with small dining rooms on different levels, creating a lovely private feeling. Decorated with antiques and paintings, the dining rooms are beautiful. The food was great (we both had the Halibut) and the service was friendly and efficient. It was expensive, but worth it for a special occasion.6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGood until desertThe service in this restaurant is superb. Our party had the gulf snapper, ribeye and lamb shoulder - all good but the steak which we shared a bit because of its large size, was judged best. The cheese plate made for an excellent starter but the disappointment came at the end of the meal. We all had small scoops of ice cream that seemed like it was old and perhaps re-frozen with ice in the mix.
The last impression took some of the glow off an otherwise fine meal.6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMA lovely eveningThis was one of the finest dining experiences I've had in quite some time. From the moment we set foot in the restaurant until we left, the staff was professional, welcoming and extremely polite, but not the least bit stuffy. Our meal, from start to finish, was outlandishly delicious. The atmosphere was quiet and charming-even though our table was in the middle of a full room, we felt we were the only ones there. All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening!6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent ExperienceWe went to the restaurant for a special occasion - and 1789 made it even more special!6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellentThe very best food and service. The staff worked together as a team to make our diner experience superb. They make every person feel like a VIP.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMA beautiful tradition in D.C.A very special place...not inexpensive, but lovely presentation and wonderful food. The server was very well informed and attentive. Worth a trip!6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic Anniversary DinnerMy wife and I had our wedding reception at the 1789, and every year we return on our anniversary. Each year the restaurant delivers a fantastic dining experience with outstanding dishes and uncompromising service. We can't speak highly enough about the 1789; if you're in the Washington, DC area, it's a must.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMVery ClassyWent for my boy friend's birthday. They printed his name and a happy birthday on his menu. Got a special card, free appetizer and some chocolate with candle. Food was a bit salty for my palette, but my boy friend was fine Overall great experience.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful EveningBeautiful setting, good food, excellent service. We celebrated a birthday with friends who had never been to 1789 even though they are long time residents of the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. It was a wonderful evening.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMhigh quality all-around1789 is almost a throwback to quietness, discretion,and the highest standards for food and service. This is a relatively short, "American" menu. But the food preparation and the service excel. These people don't bother you; they pay attention to you. All of this makes for a very exceptional evening. It comes at a price, but it is worth it all.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding from start to finish!The setting was lovely. Quiet dining room, nicely decorated with pretty flowers. The food was outstanding - fresh, full of flavor, interesting and creative combination of ingredients. The presentation of food was lovely as well. The service was helpful and attentive but, not hovering.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently AwesomeI love 1789 for date nights and special occasions. The service is always spectacular and the food is always perfect. My favorite entree is the halibut from Alaska, topped with a lobster sauce. Amazing!5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went there to celebrateWe went there to celebrate our 30th anniversary. Food was excellent (the lamb is fabulous!). The staff was very friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back again.5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMsuperlative service; wonderful foodThe food was great; perfectly cooked steak and seafood! The entire staff was extremely attentive; yet, it did not take away from the intimate/romantic experience. The staff replaced silverware with every course, the chef and pastry chef offered complimentary starters and sweets, and the table was crumbed. Beautiful meal!5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat for a romantic dinnerClassic Restaurant, Old School. Next to georgetown. Very Romantic. Great food.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMA Special Kind of EveningThere were seven of us celebrating a special event and the evening became more special that we expected with the great food and service!5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMStill one of the very Best!We always enjoy dining here. The menu changes regularly and is always a treat - very difficult not to tell the waiter one of everyhting! We have our favorite table and they were able to seat us there - having taken note of the special request.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial occasion placeMost selections are quite inspired, but some ingredients are too much of a melange, that is, not always complimentary. The scallop entrée (first course) was wonderful, perfectly cooked. The snapper arrived absolutely steaming, and continued to steam - not ideal for fish, unless you like it overcooked; accompaniments were interesting, but not great; sauce could have been more ample. The main course lamb leg was exceptional. Ice cream and sorbets were wonderful, but did not try the (again) odd pairing of chocolate mousse with banana & lime. Splurged on some celebratory champagne by the glass ($19 per) which contributed to our bill for 3 at $290. Considering the name, would like just a touch more French influence.5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent dinner. UpstairsExcellent dinner. Upstairs less desirable than down.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat dinner at 1789!We had a wonderful dinner at 1789. Even though it was a Monday night, the restaurant was completely filled - and with good reason. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was exceptional, and the service was impeccable. Business acquaintances were in from Missouri and they were especially impressed.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMVery lovely historic restaurantVery lovely historic restaurant with impeccable service and traditional menu. A great place to go for mothers day. We all had meat and it was great. The prime rib and the lamb were outstanding.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AM1789 RestaurantMy wife and I made a reservation for Mothers Day and I was happy we chose 1789. The restaurant is dressy and very nice inside. The gas lights, quiet atmosphere and excellent staff made the moment relaxing. I would return in a minute and in fact when back next year we plan to return.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous service and ambianceFabulous ambience and service. The food was good but not amazing and somewhat overpriced.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic dining experienceDelicious food, wonderful service, fantastic dining experience5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding ServiceI enjoy this restaurant very much,great service and great food.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMA wonderful eveningI took two friends out that I have known for forty years. We were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary
Everything was perfect
Thank you 17895/9/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial occassionWe went to 1789 whilst visiting the USA for my wifes birthday and they made a huge effort to make the evening special for her, even going to the trouble of producing a special menu for her with happy birthday message on it.
The food aqnd ambiance were both superb and it is situated in such a lovely part of DC.
A must go to for any true foodie5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have dined at 1789 forWe have dined at 1789 for years and always take our guests there. It is a special treat for any occasion and we diners are made to feel very welcome and special beginning with the valet service, hostess, the many waiters, to when we depart. It is unequaled in every respect to any place else in DC. The food is unique, delicious and always interesting.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMRegenia's BirthdayI did not attend this dinner but everyone said it was fabulous and the Birthday girl had a great time. She was very impressed with her personalized menu. I am unsure about noise level but survey would not let me continue without choosing something. I did not hear any complaints.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food and serviceOutstanding restaurant. Everything was great to include service, food, wine, dessert, and ambiance. I highly recommend it.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial occasion spectacularGreat for out of town guests. My family came to visit and even though it put about a $600 dent in my dad's pocket it was well worth for our family of four foodies :)5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMMemorable eveningA very cozy and delightful restaurant in a historic neighborhood. The welcome was sincere, our table was ready and as requested in a quiet corner of the Manassas room. Excellent food and wine pairings. Attentive and knowledgable, but never intrusive wait staff. Never felt rushed. A wonderful evening. Thank you.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMThe surrounding grounds areThe surrounding grounds are beautiful, the food was excellent (I highly recommend the swordfish if they have it), and our waiter, and the rest of the staff, was attentive and helpful. A truly lovely evening.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AM5 stars says it all!It was our first visit and we were not disappointed. It was a wonderful experience. We had very good service and a delicious meal. It is pricey, but it is worth it. Thank you, Trudy5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMSome of the best scallopsSome of the best scallops I have ever had. This is, as you will note from my ratings, a first class operation. Recommended for special occasions or whenever you want to be treated to superlative cuisine and an overall excellent dining experience. Highly recommended!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AM5 th Anniversary DinnerOur 5h Anniversary celebration was highlighted with a cozy dinner @1789. Our waiters were exceptionally polite and attentive. The food was well cooked and delicious. We were most delighted to get a Happy Anniversary card from 1789 which we will keep to remind us of the event.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous evening! OurFabulous evening!
Our reservation requested a table in the John Carroll Room & that we were celebrating our 22nd Anniversary. As we were seated at private table near the fireplace in the John Carrol Room, the Maitra de wished us a Happy Anniversary. The menu was presented with "Happy 22nd Anniversary" printed inscription above the date.
The staff were wonderful: attentive but not overbearing, suggestive but not pushy, very professional but friendly. The food was delicious!! The evening far exceeded our expectations!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb restaurant with niceSuperb restaurant with nice atmosphere, service, and food4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic food and service.....willFantastic food and service.....will definitely return again!!!! This restaurant is truly a gem! The service from the moment we walked thru the door was impeccable and the food was perfection. Dan, Eve, Anthony are all wonderful!!!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMBest restaurant experienceBest restaurant experience I have eve had. From the host to the waiter to the bartender they were all very professional and courteous.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMA top quality, all aroundA top quality, all around excellent restaurant with impeccable service and food. I would highly recommend it and will return!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our second trip toThis was our second trip to 1789 - just had to do it again. The ambience, service and food was excellent. Our food took awhile to prepare, but we were pleasantly distracted by the complimentary charcuterie board. I had the black bass - outstanding - and my dining partner had duck. I don't care for duck, but even it was good! We always try new restaurants while traveling, but 1789 will stay in the DC rotation!4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMGREAT EXPERIENCEAside from a Swedish woman talking much too loud at the table next to us our experience at 1789 Restaurant was great. Swedish is definitely not an attractive language and when it comes over my shoulder loud and rapid fire it detracts from the ambiance of the restaurant. Fortunately the woman left after a while. Just one of those unfortunate occurrences when you dine out.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely excellent! A greatAbsolutely excellent! A great favorite of all my family. No trip to Washington complete without eating there!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMexcellent experienceExcellent experience, prompt service, highly recommended.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AM