Birch and BarleyGreat!I went on a Sunday evening with a girlfriend. We really enjoyed the food and service a lot! Our server was Jennaway (according to the receipt) and she was wonderful. She was very knowledgable about the menu and always available when we needed something but unobtrusive. I had the chicken and waffles and my friend had the halibut. Both were terrific. Definitely plan to go back here again in the future!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat 14th Street Spot..as the 14th Street corridor continues to groan under the weight of its own trendiness, Birch & Barley remains -- consistently -- a great spot for fine food and excellent service. Food is innovative and beautifully presented. A favorite for dinner, and wonderful for burnch.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMBeen there/done thatand very happy I have, the food is always great, the staff terrific -- I love this place!!5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved it!Was excited to try a new brunch place recommended by a coworker. It did not disappoint! We had duck eggs, the fresh donuts, flatbread, and the spring quiche.. everything was delicious. The surprise favorite was the hash browns! I would definitely recommend this restaurant.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMBirch & Barley a mustBirch & Barley was the best decision I made during my short weekend trip to DC. After doing some research about DC's beer scene, i knew that i had to eat at Birch & Barley. They have, possibly the best beer bottle selection i have ever seen, and with 50 drafts and 5 casks there is something from the biggest beer geek to the person who doesn't drink beer. We joined them for brunch, and had pretty much the whole menu. By far the fried chicken and waffles was the stand out to me, as well as the cheddar grits. Make sure you go to this restaurant for great food, beer and service with a smile that is so welcoming and wants to make you happy.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMBirch and Barley was an amazingBirch and Barley was an amazing experience. We initially chose this restaurant due to the amazing beer list. They have 50 on tap, including a couple that they carry exclusively within the U.S. They also have countless bottles as well, but we didn't even get to that list. The entire staff was very friendly, including our waiter Garret. He was also very knowledgeable about both the beer and dining menu. My husband chose the duck and I had the halibut. Both of us were very happy with our meal. Both were cooked perfectly and were just absolutely delicious. My only teeny tiny complaint is that it is a little noisy, but well worth dealing with for all of the other good things about this restaurant.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat DC experienceHUGE beer selection! My friend and I waited upstairs at the bar (HUGE) for a few minutes while the hostess was getting our table ready. Great afterwork crowd and what seems to be locals.
I highly recommend the Butcher's board ($16), the charcuterie selection was delicious but didn't care too much for the whole grain mustard. A definite plus about this restaurant is the homemade bread board (complimentary). The biscuits were divine! So buttery and still warm when it arrived at our table. We also got pretzels and pumpernickel which were notable.
I ordered the soft shell crab from the starter menu and requested an entree size for it instead which they happily accommodated me with. Our server was wonderful, very knowledgable about the menu.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMMore than once!I would definitely return to the Birch & Barley for it's interesting menu, wonderful wine list, extraordinary beer list and great service. The environment is modern yet quite warm. It's a combination of upscale and neighborhood feel all in one. The bar upstairs is relaxed, trendy and classy. I had a super time with my date. So...go!5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved itThe food was delicious, great beers (and fun that you can get a bunch of small glasses to try different ones) and loved the decor and atmosphere. Romantic and intimate but relaxed and not too fancy. The fig and prosciutto flatbread was delicious and great for an appetizer between two people.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWent for a friend's parents'Went for a friend's parents' 40th anniversary, and they were blown away. Native Italians ordering pasta always makes me nervous, but they loved it. They called the desserts a revelation, and when Chefs Kyle Bailey and Tiff MacIsaac came over to say hello, it made their night. I've eaten many times at Birch and Barely, and they seem to find ways to make it better with each visit.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is by far my favoriteThis is by far my favorite restaurant in DC. The service here is fantastic, and the food and beer selection is better than any other place in DC. I would come here (including Churchkey, the bar upstairs, where you can get a beer at the bar very quickly, even when it's crowded) over other places any day. If you haven't tried Birch and Barley yet, then please make a reservation ASAP!4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMAMAZING BEER LIST and theyAMAZING BEER LIST and they do little 4oz pours if you want so you can make the rounds and try a bunch!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWe loved Sunday brunch atWe loved Sunday brunch at Birch and Barley. Our favorite dish was the sausage, egg, and cheese on a biscuit and the hash browns that go with it. We also recommend the cheddar grits and the donuts/ donut holes. But every dish was excellent and we will certainly return. We appreciated that the waiter knew the beer list well and was able to make recommendations for 4oz samplers that we would (and did!) enjoy. The only difficult thing about this restaurant is the low lighting which creates strange shadows, and the high noise level.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food as always andExcellent food as always and great, upbeat atmosphere. We had been several times for dinner but had not been to brunch. The the food was delicious and we will be returning!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMBeer selection is awesome!Beer selection is awesome! I liked that you could order "tasting" sizes from the draught beer menu, so you could sample many different beers. Food was delicious, from the risotto balls and fresh breads brought out before our meals, to the parpardelle pasta with goat and the butcher's block meat selection. The server we had was friendly and very knowledgeable. We also had our 8 and 11 year-old with us and the staff was very accomodating. Would highly recommend Birch and Barely!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding ExperienceBirch and Barley was a wonderful dining experience! The food was even better than expected and it's hard to go wrong with 555 beer choices. I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be going back.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMI live in the neighborhoodI live in the neighborhood and have been several times for brunch and dinner. The beer list cannot be beat (hundreds of options) but more importantly, the food, service, and ambiance are excellent! The pastry chef is a James Beard Award semifinalist and the breads and desserts are AMAZING as well. I've lived in D.C. for over ten years and Birch and Barley remains one of my all-time favorites!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMBest balanced craft beer listBest balanced craft beer list that I have seen in DC, and one of the best in the country4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food keeps getting even betterBest tasting menu with beer pairings experience I've had at Birch and Barley. Our server was a nice guy, but so casual that he neglected to give explain the pairings in the detail that's made the experience so memorable on other occasions. The manager that night did come out and discuss the beers paired with our cheese course in the way that I remember from past tasting menus, which was great. And the food was fantastic - best it's ever been.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food, service, beer selection,The food, service, beer selection, and atmosphere were awesome. I'll definitely be back.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMBoozy BrunchWas very happy with brunch here, something on the menu for everyone - each item is unique and interesting accommodating the very picky to the very adventurous. I had a white asparagus omelet with fontina cheese and my boyfriend had the chicken and waffles. I look forward to returning and stress the importance of trying the donuts!4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMthe dessert cookies & confectionsthe dessert cookies & confections were the best dessert I can recall.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGo with the tasting menuThe eclectic eatery for beer snobs. We went with the tasting menu and beer pairings. It was well worth it. The food was scrumptious and the beer synergized the flavor experience.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMYou gotta try this placeI think some people are writing negative reviews about the noise at this place based on the bar upstairs. The restaurant part downstairs is not too loud. The food was great, our waiter was knowledgable, and we had a fantastic time. I really liked that they had the option to pick a small or large portion size for many of the meals. That allowed me to try several things on the menu without breaking the bank.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMThis place is all about theThis place is all about the beer menu. 50 draft beers and another 500 bottled beers. The draft beers are available in 4 oz pours which makes it easy to taste a number of diverse beers with your dinner. They take pride in serving your beer in the correct glassware and at the appropriate temperature. They trying to elevate beer to the level of wine, which is really nice to see. Food is very good but ultimately sounds better on paper than it tastes. Sadly we were too full to try anything from the dessert menu which looked really good (and I've heard great things about)4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMperfect!Had an AMAZING time for my boyfriend's birthday. The tasting menu was definitely the way to go - delicious food and wonderful beer pairings. Will definitely be back.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat foodMy husband and I came here sunday night for dinner. We loved everything we ordered. The truffeled mac and cheese was amazing, as was the chicken wings with waffles and the duck. We sat near the open kitchen, which was nice. The atmosphere here is more trendy than romantic.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMget the chicken and waffles!Took my parents to brunch there on Sunday for Easter and we had a fantastic meal. The chicken and waffles were to die for! The brunch portions are huge and the service was great. They brought out the wrong side of eggs and then had to be reminded to bring out the right order. A minor mistake, but then the waitress gave us the side of eggs and two drinks for free. We didn't even ask to have anything taken off the bill. A nice little surprise at the end.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMComfort food and candle lightWe went on a Sunday night, which means an abbreviated menu featuring some of the brunch items. The food was really good, cocktails were fun and the service was great. The restaurant is a relatively small space with warm candlelit decor, and it was so nice to be able to have a comfortable conversation without having to yell. We are looking forward to trying it again when the full menu is available.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing service and trendyAmazing service and trendy atmosphere. The tasting menu is worth the money and so much fun! We dined on a Saturday night at around 7pm and the restaurant was full but didn't feel crowded. Before dinner we had a drink at the upstairs bar Churchkey and even though there was nowhere to sit since it was crowded, the bar was attentive and quick and we could easily stand off to the side without feeling uncomfortable. The beer list is extensive and we loved our interesting beer. We had a great experience!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMNoise was deafening (literally)The food and ambiance were great, but the noise was deafening. We were a table of four in a booth, and we had to shout to hear each other. Our ears were ringing for hours afterwards as if we were in a concert, and my vocal cords felt raw from having to speak at such volumes. You don't have smoking in bars anymore, but hearing loss would be just as concerning for the people working there. I wouldn't go back or recommend this place as a result.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful staff, they wereWonderful staff, they were very accommodating and over the top! The waiter surprised us with sparkling wine for our anniversary and some special treats. The food was very artisanal and delicious. and The whole experience was absolutely a delight. I'll keep this experience in mind when searching for our next romantic night out!3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing service. Very sensitiveAmazing service. Very sensitive to food allergies which was a huge plus!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMAn amazing dining experience.An amazing dining experience. The beer list was one of the best I've ever seen and the staff was on their game. I ordered a bottle of Sculpin IPA and it was completely flat. The staff immediately brought me a wonderful beer on the house before bringing another perfect bottle of Sculpin. I can wait to return.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMI had wanted to go to BirchI had wanted to go to Birch and Barley ever since moving to DC two years ago, but had never made it. My dad came in to town and took myself and my brother out for dinner. We had a lovely time. Couldn't get a reservation till 9:30 on a Thursday, but it was worth the wait. My brother is a vegetarian and is sometimes frustrated with the veggie-friendly selection, but he loved his dish. As did we all.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMNever disappointsI am never dissapointed when I go to Brich and barley and this time was no different. This restaurant is truly a gem and no matter how many times I dine here I am always ready to return. I brough three visiting friends, all Executive Chefs, and they were all marveled at the cuisine.
Congratulations to the baker for making the James Beard semifinals, love the new french toast dessert.3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were sat 45 mins late,We were sat 45 mins late, but the manager brought over hot apps just as we sat down to make up for it. We were very grateful and were able to have the best of times, because of her thoughtfulness.3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMI'm gluten free and this wasI'm gluten free and this was one of the most accommodating restaurants I've been to. My date enjoyed the extensive beer list and I had several gluten-free beer options too. I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely go back! The food was great and the ambiance was perfect.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food, with an amazingGood food, with an amazing beer list that is worth the visit.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was my first time at B&BIt was my first time at B&B and it was fantastic. The duck, pappardelle w/ goat ragout and definitely the popcorn gelato are all amazing. Fantastic service as well.3/14/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother one of NRG's (NeighborhoodAnother one of NRG's (Neighborhood Restaurant Group) establishments. We did the tasting plates and enjoyed them, but you have to be into trying non-traditional cuisine. (For instance one of the dishes was a head cheese varietal). However, everything was extremely well done and presented. The staff was great and worked with us on subbing out a dish. The beer menu has over 500 selections and the staff offers pairings. If I had the money I'd go to this place weekly... but its a touch on the expensive side... (ended up over 200 for 2... drinks, tasting plate, desert, etc).
I would recommend this place and the bar upstairs (Churchkey).3/14/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat dark and cozy atmosphereGreat dark and cozy atmosphere with a vibrant scene happening all around. Waitress was very helpful guiding through beer pairings, and the food had me very pleasantly surprised.3/13/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is one of the top beer-centricThis is one of the top beer-centric restaurants in the country. The food was great. Creative menu with plenty of options. The beer list impressed me -- which is hard to do. Above average service. The ChurchKey upstairs is a great place to retreat after dinner.3/12/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic foodThis place was fantastic. We started with a cocktail (beer) in the bar upstairs. It was more sportsbar'ish than we anticipated but not an issue. Moved downstairs for dinner. Restaurant is very loud and tables are close together. Started with 2 amuse bouche which were fantastic. I rarely touch the bread but again it was out of this world and just delicious. We split an entrée as an appetizer as suggested by the waiter (short rib pasta) and it did not disappoint. Moved to entrees: scallops were perfectly cooked (literally best I've had) and duck (terrific flavor and seasoning). I cannot say enough about how fantastic the food was. Unfortunately, we shouldn't have ordered appetizer as we were seriously over full by the time we left.3/2/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding.Birch and Barley (the restaurant) is a cut above most Logan Circle eateries...by a significant margin. the preparation, service, attention to detail, and innovation in the menu are outstanding. this is a place where one may comfortably take casual or business acquaintances, or a spouse / date on a special night.3/1/2013 12:00:00 AMGourmet Dining with Great BeerBirch & Barley continues to maintain high standards of food and drink. It features one of the outstanding beer programs in the country, with about 50 beers on tap, including many unfamiliar brews whose characteristics are described succinctly and accurately. Food preparation is consistently outstanding and menu choices are interesting. I particularly enjoyed my appetizer of farro, roasted beets, and homemade cottage cheese -- a combination I'd never previously encountered. The main course was a very well-prepared pork loin. Dessert was "french toast" -- which was more carefully constructed, as well as less sweet, than many I have had for breakfast. Service was helpful and knowledgeable.2/20/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing, unique food in aAmazing, unique food in a beautiful setting with amazing service! Must go back to try the beer-pairing menu.2/2/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was an an excellent eveningThis was an an excellent evening meal. The food was outstanding and the service was great. The beer list was so interesting that we had beer with dinner rather than wine. This is a real winner!1/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat beer selections and pairingsWe read about B&B in a food magazine, and the experience lived up to the billing. More than 500 beers, and 50 drafts--you can get a glass or sample a bunch. The food was very good and the prices quite reasonable. We went on a Sunday night, where the Brunch menu is in effect all day, but there was still plenty to choose from. You can get a more casual meal or fancier entree--it is really up to you. The desserts were excellent. The winter salad was full of great ingredients. And the bread plate is one of the best. We tried both flatbreads and pasta as well. We'd go back next time in DC, and can see where it would be a regular selection for locals.12/30/2012 12:00:00 AM