Roof Terrace Restaurant & BarMother's DayA good place for a special occasion with a show at the Kennedy Center afterwards..
.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had reservations (confirmed)We had reservations (confirmed) for Mother's Day. Arriving a little ahead of time, despite the considerable crowd at the entrance hallway, the Hostess seated my 97 year Father and me IMMEDIATELY. We greatly appreciated this most thoughtful consideration.
Our experience was great, and we made it to see Show Boat on time.
Thank you.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMBirthday DinnerPre-Ballet performance dining for my husband's birthday. The restaurant apparently had just changed their menu. The support staff seemed very confused. It took two attempts to get our appetizers served. My dinner, steak, was absolutely Devine. Unfortunately though my husband's lamb was very dry. We had the Malbec and it was very good. Our main wait staff was friendly and gave us good suggestions.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMCan't Beat it for ConvenienceThe Roof Terrace Restaurant makes the most sense for those attending an evening show at the Kennedy Center if you want to eat beforehand, but you don't want to be late for the show. This way, you can park you car in one place for the dinner and the show, saving valuable time and effort. Scheduling dinner before the show makes it the most convenient choice. The restaurant menu has interesting choices, which change by season, and you can walk outside on the roof terrace to take in the view before or after dinner. The wait staff is relatively efficient, and the experience is very amenable.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMWe go everytime we see a showWe go everytime we see a show at the Kennedy Center. Great as always.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMVery onvenient before a showWe enjoyed the food and the excellent service. Our waitress asked immediately when our show was going to start
and kept that in mind when serving our different courses.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent meal and serviceWe booked an early dinner before a show. The food was excellent; well prepared and reasonably sized. The service was attentive but not overbearing. Our waiter kept an eye on us and was available but left us alone for our desired conversation as my friend and I were catching up after not seeing one another for a while.
I like the food combinations. I had the ahi tuna appetizer and salmon for the main course. Mfriend had the mussels. The mussel serving was very generous; she had it as the main course though it was listed as a starter. Only get it as a starter to share!
I also like that you can get a quarto of wine if you want a bit more than a glass but don't want a full bottle.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMElegant pre-performance diningWe had a fine meal in an elegant setting before going to a performance at the Kennedy Center. Service was excellent, well paced for a 1 & 1/2 hour dinner. On the night we were there, it appears that only 1 setting per table occurred - but reservations were spaced out in 15 minute increments so things flowed quite smoothly. Would definately return.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMa plusfrom making the reservations, the follow-ups, our greeting, drinks and dinner were great; first time back for me since the late 70's, glad it still looks like the dining room on the "Normandie" !!!5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful Food, Very OutdatedThe food and service were wonderful. However, I felt like I was dining in the 60's. The seats were brown velvet and the fabric was ripping off of the chairs and were very uncomfortable.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMQuality Meal Prior to a showAnniversary dining was wonderful prior to the Showboat performance at the Kennedy Center. Food was very good and you could tell it was done by a world class chef. Great restaurant.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant offers excellentThis restaurant offers excellent dining to precede a performance at DC's Kennedy Center. The prices are rather high, but the combination of "high-end" culinary offerings and convenience for performance attendees makes it worth the cost, if that is what is being sought. The dining room is large and open, but nicely appointed. So I wouldn't go there for an "intimate" atmosphere. Service is courteous and efficient. View is nice, but only if you are fortunate enough to be seated near a window that is not facing the sun (as we were on this occasion).5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMremembering the good old daysEverything was quite good. I was disappointed that there was no longer a fixed price dinner on the menu and that everything (!) was quite expensive. I know that is standard for this venue, but a bill of more than $400 for six people, with no alcoholic drinks, was rather steep.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThe decor is a bit dated,The decor is a bit dated, but it creates a unique atmosphere (think: 1960s Mad Men). The food was great and the service was extremely fast. They're very aware of folks coming to eat before seeing a show. The staff raised the curtains just in time to catch the that rays of the setting sun. Definitely a great date spot!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMMajor Improvement at the TerraceWe had a surprisingly good dinner at the Terrace on Wednesday evening. There has been a major improvement over the past six months or so in the quality of food, quality of service, and general ambience. For years the Terrace has been an overpriced cafeteria with tasteless food, a crowded room, and high noise levels. None of that was true on April 24, a great prelude to Evgeny Kissin's amazing performance.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were caught in traffic,We were caught in traffic, called to let them know, no problem when we arrived. Nice start to the evening, then saw Shear Madness.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThe only suggestion I haveThe only suggestion I have is that it would have been nicer to have the buffet out in the main room vs. going into the kitchen ... Thanks4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMPleasantly Surprised!After all the negative reviews of the Roof Terrace at the Kennedy Center a little apprehensive about going there. However, we had tickets to a concert and it was the most convenient place to eat before the show. We were pleasantly surprised. The service was excellent, very attentive but not overbearing. Our table had a beautiful view and we could not have been happier. As far as the food, the salmon appetizer with cream fraiche was amazing. The pork tenderloin, the salmon, and vegetable plate and the sole (although on the small side) were all nice and were also very good. Outstanding, no, however, it certainly was as good as other, pricier, restaurants in the DC area. It's the perfect place before a show at the Kennedy Center. We loved it!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMMy wife and I had a wonderfulMy wife and I had a wonderful dining experience. The food was fabulous. We would defiantly come back. This was our first taste of the Terrace but hopefully not the last!4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMA great way to spend a SundayThe food and service were both outstanding. The live music was great, and just varied enough. We were sorry they ended at 2:00, wish it could have gone longer to go with the good food and beautiful view. What a nice place to have brunch in Washington, DC.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent restaurant to goExcellent restaurant to go prior attending a performance at the Kennnedy Center. Food is excellent, the atmosphere elegant amd relaxed but make reservation for your dinner 2 hours prior the performance because the service is slow. If you are in a good company, this give you the time to enjoy the food and to have a nice conversation. Overall, the cost/quality is excellent.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMQuick when neededWe arrived very late and had to be out quickly for a show. The staff was very accommodating with recommendations & service!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMSome find the retro-sixtiesSome find the retro-sixties decor distasteful, but i like it. Perfect before-show.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMConvenient for show goers;Convenient for show goers; super views! food is okay4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have been to this restaurantWe have been to this restaurant on many occasions, in fact, we are regular subscribers to Kennedy Center activities and generally have dinner there before our scheduled activity. Service is excellent and the food is good. We like the atmosphere and expect to continue to dine there before our subscribed performances. In spite of its size, I like the “homey” atmosphere it presents.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is a good place to haveThis is a good place to have a good meal, good service and just unwind before a Kennedy Center performance.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food is consistently goodThe food is consistently good and I have been lucky to receive my meals quickly but I hear many complaints from others that service is slow and they don't enjoy their pre-theater dinner because of concern for being late and missing an opening.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went for Easter BrunchWe went for Easter Brunch and enjoyed everything. Our server was attentive and efficient and friendly. The food was delicious and well presented. This was not our first time and all my friends and family always enjoy this dining experience!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMA spectacular brunch on EasterA spectacular brunch on Easter Sundy. This is a great place for a special occasion. Pricey, about $40/pp for brunch. But every item is special. Prepared thoughtfully with fresh ingredients. Not a big selection compared to mega-buffets of Las Vegas. But this is much more refined. Great jazz duo playing. The buffet is in the kitchen, where you can see the items prepared. On such occasions, it is busy - very. As such, table service is not always so quick. Also, this past visit, our table was adjacent to a high traffic area. Alternative tables were similarly situated. Or, we could have taken two cafe tables pushed next to one another, for our party of five. It is hit or miss . . . Overall, a very nice place. Splendid cuisine.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMThe menu is a bit limitedThe menu is a bit limited and there is a 3.00 charge to substitute another side for those offered with an entree. Overall, the experience was very good.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMAlthough we were seated atAlthough we were seated at a corner table with very little view of Potomac, the food and presentation was excellent, although understaffed that night. (3/30/13). Of course, we were horrified at the final bill, when we were charged $58 for two Couvosier brandies with our coffee. One can buy a bottle at that price, and offered on airlines for $8.00! A once in a lifetime experience, pre-symphony, for two beach people from Cocoa Beach, FL.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMMy wife & I thoroughly enjoyedMy wife & I thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience. The wait staff was very helpful and courteous. I would definitely eat there again.3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our first experienceThis was our first experience with the buffet brunch. The selections were varied and extensive. We will be back.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat meal But no Kids MealI only have once suggestion and that is have a few meals for kids. I dined here before attending a show which I was taking a child and there was no kids menu. As a matter of fact there were many children at the restaurant this particular night. I can only assume that others had a similar problem with a menu selection for their child. I ended up ordering a meal and sharing it. While the meal was delicious, it would have been nice to have a child's size selection.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is an upscale restaurant.This is an upscale restaurant. Entrees will run about $25-35, on average. The wine list is very good. I had the lamb, and my partner the filet of sole. Both were excellent. Portion sizes are modest, but the quality makes up for it. The perfect place to go before or after a show at the Kennedy Center. If you want something cheaper, the cafe nearby is good, too.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant is withinThis restaurant is within the Kennedy Center, and is a fine as a place to dine when seeing a show at the Kennedy Center. The food somewhat limited in selection, but very good with ample serving size. The wine selection is what one would expect in an upscale restaurant. Prices are somewhat on the high side, but not enough to raise blood pressure. My wife and I dine here from time to time and recommend it. For someone looking for good food at a moderate price, there’s the cafe just down the hall from the Roof Terrace Restaurant.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and terrificExcellent food and terrific service. Pleasant, live background music. Perfect for pre-opera dining.3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways the best way to complementAlways the best way to complement a night out at the theatre.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMFood good if not a bit priceyFood good if not a bit pricey for servings but perfect for before a show. Convenience well with the cost. Service was very good3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother perfect evening atAnother perfect evening at the Roof Terrace. Great waiter (Kostas) and delicious, innovative menu themed to Nordic festival. Perfect start to a glamorous evening at the Kennedy Center. New quartinos of wine a great value, and glad to see proper stemmed martini glasses are back.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMFood and service were excellent,Food and service were excellent, featuring a visiting chef in honor of the Scandinavian theme for the "Nordic Cool" festival at Washington's Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The salmon appetizer on the prix-fixe menu was my favorite, although the rare venison as the main course was also excellent. Prices were not cheap, but not out of line, considering the location on the Kennedy Center terrace. My only negative reaction was my seat, facing out a window separated from the sunlight only by an excessively translucent yellow drape.3/14/2013 12:00:00 AMA Xmas PresentDespite being very crowded, the service provided was flawless. The complimentary dessert was, in my girlfriend's words, "the bomb".12/25/2012 12:00:00 AM