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  5. Woodley Park

Bar Civita - Permanently Closed

4.2
4.2
148 Reviews
$30 and under
American
We are a Chef owned, Italian inspired, American restaurant located in historic Woodley Park in Washington, D.C. We offer a distinctive yet approachable dining experience for everyday dining and special occasions. Our cuisine is structured on Chef Liam LaCivita’s love and foundation of Italian culture and his admiration for the regional cooking found throughout America. Join us for dinner, Saturday and Sunday brunch and Happy Hour! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    American, Italian

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Monday-Thursday, 5:30 pm - 10 pm Friday, Saturday, 5:30 pm-11 pm Sunday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Brunch Saturday 11 am - 3:00 pm, Sunday 10:30 am - 3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (202) 588-1211

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Liam LaCivita

  • Catering

    We offer offsite catering as well, including pig roasts, mobile wood burning Neapolitan style pizza parties are just some of our most popular events.

  • Private party facilities

    Private parties have many variables. Call us today and let us customize one for your gathering or event.

  • Private party contact

    Liam LaCivita: (202) 588-1211

  • Neighborhood

    Woodley Park

  • Cross street

    Connecticut/Calvert

  • Parking details

    Public Lot

  • Public transit

    Woodley Park Metro stop<br /><br />Metrobus 96, L2, and the Woodley Park - McPherson Circulator

  • Additional

    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 148 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2
4.2 based on all time ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 3.9Value

NoiseModerate

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Filters

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I called to make a brunch reservation for me and my husband's first wedding anniversary on Sunday morning and the answering machine said to make a reservation via Open Table, which we did. We got ready and showed up at the restaurant only to find it closed. It was very heart breaking since by then it was too late to really make a reservation anywhere else, but luckily we were able to find a place to celebrate. Open Table should do a better job communicating with restaurants about their status and not allow people to make a reservation when a restaurant is closed and Bar Civita could have mentioned they would be closed in their voice message.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Bar Civita closed in July 2017, but their website and Open Table still let you make reservations. What a bummer to get there for a special brunch and see all the lights off and doors locked.
  3. ConnieJ

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    The doors were locked when I got there for my reservation.
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    This restaurant is closed. Open Table should take it off not let people make reservations.
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    This restaurant is closed. Do not make a reservation.
  6. Dashecky

    Houston

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2017

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    The food was very good; I had the NY Strip MED Rare which was excellent. It was lacking in the area of ambiance but I would still recommend it.
  7. Petitesirene

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Quick service, not too crowded, and nice outdoor patio with cover for hot days
  8. EllenM

    Baltimore

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Food was very good but both my friend and I who had the seafood pasta thought it could have a little more flavor. We both asked for pepper, which I never do. Mussels as starter were excellent, a variety of breads served were fresh and tasty (great for soaking up broth from the mussels). Wine list was also very good - I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious the Chardonnay we ordered was. Service was attentive and pleasant. We would return.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Went here for Sunday brunch with a couple business associates. Highly recommend the warm, fresh donuts and kruellers. My coworker stated these were the best he's ever had. I had the eggs Benedetto which was very tasty and fresh.
  10. Theresa

    Tampa

    11 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2017

    overall2food4service1ambience1
    Third visit - we go each June when in DC. The food was still very nice, but the service was indifferent to the point of poor. We will not return next year. It was not like that in the past but I will bypass it next time. I think for an average of $100 (app, entrees, wine) the service could be stepped up and friendlier.
  11. nrk99

    New England

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We arrived too late for a table outdoors, but found the bar/dining space to be quite nice. Great traditional authentic Italian food with fitting wine list. I don't live in DC, but if I did, I'd be a regular.
  12. NancyB

    Washington DC

    236 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    236 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2017

    overall4food5service3ambience2
    Such great food and a great concept of half portions seems to get lost in the high volume of bar patrons and the lack of dining ambiance. Curb appeal of the restaurant is non existent. Desperately needs a designer to create an attractive outdoor space. But given all of that, it is worth it for a great neighborhood bar and restaurant. Just don't go expecting an upscale experience. I will definitely go back because I like their menu. Healthy, delicious small portions at a reasonable price.
  13. DavidS

    San Diego

    27 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2017

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    This was a disappointing experience at one of our neighborhood standards. Food was room temperature, overpriced whole vs half portion, VERY slow service ordering, long wait for drinks, salad, entrees. And the management didn't seem to care even though I mentioned to our server that the serving pace was languid. I emailed the management but have not received a reply.
  14. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2017

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    We went for brunch today - sat outside on the patio. We had good food, reasonable value, service a bit slow but probably because they opened at 10:30 and had customers immediately.
  15. Foodie11

    Philadelphia

    23 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2017

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    Good: atmosphere, pastas, cheese plate. Bad: zuppa di mare and the desserts (all of them were pretty awful)
  16. Craig

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service were great! Started with the mussels, then had a pasta and main course, ended with the cannolis for dessert.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2017

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    We waited 10 minutes for someone to seat us, only to have them seat walk-ins who came in behind us without reservations at a nice table and put us in the back between a wall and a curtain (and, despite noting in our reservation that we are a hard-of-hearing party, the corner we were in was surrounded by large, loud parties). We could barely hear each other throughout the meal. The service continued to be poor. We waited another 15 minutes for our order to be taken and when asking about coffee and menu items, the waiter seemed very put out. We thought the poor service may have resulted from being short staffed with a handful of tables to serve, but over the course of the meal, we realized there were plenty of staff just no one coming by. When we went to pay the check, we waited another 15 minutes for the waiter to pick up the credit card and bill, then nearly 10 minutes more for him to return the card for us to sign and depart. While the menu items were interesting, the food was just fine, nothing noteworthy. In addition, the coffee was very thick, burnt, and had grounds in both my initial cup and my second. All in all, we were very dissatisfied. It was like the wait staff was used to providing spotty service at a bar but not waiting tables and being remotely polite to diners. Whatever the excuse, with so many other unique restaurants in the area, we definitely won't be going back.
  18. Sarah

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2017

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    This place was much more relaxed than we expected it to be but that's what we really liked about it in the end. I hate being rushed or pressured and our server at Bar Cavita did neither of those things. Highly recommend coming here for happy hour followed by dinner outdoors. Tasty, beautiful plates for a great price. Thumbs up!
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I went for Brunch, and everything was very tasty. French press coffee, seasonally flavored dishes and the house donuts are fresh and a perfecting ending to the meal. A hidden gen tucked on a lesser walked side road! I definitely plan on going back.
  20. Marlin

    Washington DC

    27 reviews

    3.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2017

    overall3food4service4ambience4
    I wasn't in love with the menu but got half orders of a salad and the short ribs. My food was very good and I love the half-portion option. One of my dining mates loved the meatballs and another was disappointed by the sausage. The cannoli were not good. Waitress was very nice, and it was a beautiful night and we ate outside. All in all, it was a good experience but I'm not sure I would go back. It seemed a bit pricey even the very relaxed atmosphere, and was nearly empty despite it being tourist season and it's close to several large hotels.
  21. KatieK

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2017

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    I have been to this place for dinner and it was a better experience than this most recent time which was for brunch. The service was very slow, tho we may have delayed things ourselves by wanting to move outside from out table inside (right at the beginning tho), and they were training a new server as well. The coffee and food were good. The basket of goodies was very good . Maybe one of the better places in Woodley Park but overall there may be better places to spend your money in DC.
  22. RsM13

    Exclusive

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2017

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    The donuts were amazing! The rest of the food was fine but not excellent. The service was good.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredibly friendly and accommodating staff. The space, the food and the experience were all great.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 28, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Entrees were great. Appetizers were just okay. And it was buggy on the patio.
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 22, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Authentic and delicious italian food that came out hot each course. Attentive but not overbearing staff and service. Warm and inviting atmosphere.
  26. Jeannie

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    A great neighborhood restaurant with good food and affordable prices. Offers half servings as well.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place for our business dinner
  28. SushiEnthusiast

    New England

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2017

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    The food was great, and I appreciated that they offer half portions for everything.
  29. ClevelandParkDiner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Absolutely terrible. I never send food back but I sent back my burger which was utterly raw. Instead of redoing it, they just threw my patty back on the grill, shoved it back in the same mushy wet bun and it came back even ugly then the first time. Don't eat here. For anything.
  30. cndirector1

    Philadelphia

    99 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    99 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service at Bar Civita was excellent as well as the food. Hubby and I had never dined here, that's one of the things we love about Open Table, we try new places. The atmosphere is inviting and warm. There was vibrant activity at the bar, but it did not distract from dining. We tried the Warmed Olives..YUM. For dinner we selected the Beef Short ribs which melted in your mouth and the Orecchiette very tasty, especially with the grapes. Dessert we shared a Limoncello Pana Cotta. Great evening and great food.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 3, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    A great local spot. Great food, excellent service and kid friendly with creative menu solutions. Charming and casual neighborhood find.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love that they are so accommodating of having our dogs join on the terrace and that we can order small portions. Another great neighborhood meal!
  33. lsaw

    Washington DC

    23 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2017

    overall3food3service1ambience4
    The restaurant has decent atmosphere. Updated cozy. It was half full at peak brunch time, which isn't a good sign. It took almost ten minutes for anyone to take our drink order. Then another 15 for them to bring us our drinks - after they had to be corrected about decaf vs regular coffee. (Yes, 15 minutes to bring our coffee.) So, we were already 25 minutes in to brunch (with a toddler) and they hadn't even offered to take our order. It was another 10 minutes before they came back to take our food order. After that, the food came out timely, but some of the dishes were hot and some were lukewarm. The food was okay, but not notable. I don't think anyone actually cleaned their plate. We had to wait a bit for the check as well. Again, with a toddler. I feel the other reviews were right as far as the wait staff. It's like they've never done this before - and weren't trained properly here. The donuts were good, but I didn't find them to be mind-blowing.
  34. Sean

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2017

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Great restaurant with great food. My wife and I have come here several times and loved the food each time (especially the donuts for brunch), but the service has occasionally left a bit to be desired. The restaurant has improved the quality of its service since the last time we visited, and the staff is very friendly, but it still takes a while for you to get your food. This is definitely a spot to check out if you're not in a rush, but if you are, you might try somewhere else.
  35. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We like having a good neighborhood restaurant
  36. Burgundy

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    All three of us split several appetizers and each had pasta. We enjoyed all. We also had a bottle of Italian red wine (forget the name), which was delicious. The waitress was attentive without being intrusive.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2017

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The doughnuts were amazing! Well portioned dishes and the ingredients seemed fresh. Service was a bit too slow and our waiter seemed very overwhelmed; he forgot to put in our doughnut order. He was very apologetic though. I think someone may have not showed up for their shift or something like that thus they were understaffed. However, I was not in a rush so I didn't mind waiting for the food. All in all, very tasty!
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    I went there with a friend for the first time, and I was rather impressed. It was empty, but it was probably because of the women's march that day. The doughnuts were out of this world and are a must-have, while the food was delicious, especially the frittata with cured salmon.
  39. MattC

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great brunch options and excellent service! We really enjoyed our first visit and will definitely be back soon. Everyone should be trying these donuts....
  40. Foodlove

    Washington DC

    46 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on January 3, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great spot for some delicious comfort food on a cold winter night. Short ribs are fantastic will definitely order again!!

FAQs

Bar Civita - Permanently Closed offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 588-1211.

Bar Civita - Permanently Closed is rated 4.2 stars by 148 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Connecticut/Calvert

  • Neighborhood

    Woodley Park

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Monday-Thursday, 5:30 pm - 10 pm Friday, Saturday, 5:30 pm-11 pm Sunday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Brunch Saturday 11 am - 3:00 pm, Sunday 10:30 am - 3:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    American, Italian

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Public Lot

  • Public transit

    Woodley Park Metro stopMetrobus 96, L2, and the Woodley Park - McPherson Circulator

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Liam LaCivita

  • Additional

    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

  • Phone number

    (202) 588-1211

  • Catering

    We offer offsite catering as well, including pig roasts, mobile wood burning Neapolitan style pizza parties are just some of our most popular events.

  • Private party facilities

    Private parties have many variables. Call us today and let us customize one for your gathering or event.

  • Private party contact

    Liam LaCivita: (202) 588-1211

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
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