Essy's Carriage House

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1. J

   Jeff

   Washington DC

   59 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   59 reviews

   Dined on March 7, 2023

   overall5food4service5ambience4

   Finally got to this Arlington institution a couple weeks before the owners retire. Glad we did. Classic old-school restaurant with generous portions (everyone seemed to leave with a go-box). Owner personally brought food, drinks to tables. Looked like he knew everyone in the room (except maybe us). Unfussy food, well prepared. Will be missed.

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2. NB

   NancyB

   Washington DC

   20 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   20 reviews

   Dined on February 12, 2023

   overall2food1service1ambience3

   The service was bad and very slow, the wine list was limited, and the food we ordered was the worst we had in a long time. We ordered their signature dishes, crab cake and crab imperial based on the reviews; but both dishes were overcooked and had no flavor. We will not go back nor recommend this place.

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3. P

   Paul

   Washington DC

   116 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   116 reviews

   Dined on February 11, 2023

   overall3food2service4ambience3

   Although this place is a favorite with the locals, it was a disappointment even though it had been strongly recommended by a local who recently dined there. I dined at 7pm on a fine Friday evening and was surprised that the restaurant was nearly empty. I looked forward to the Weiner schnitzel which should be a piece of veal, pounded thin, lightly breaded and sautéed. What I got was heavily breaded, deep friend, chewy gristly, veal(?) scaloppini accompanied by 4 quarter sized thin and burnt potato pancakes and some bitter red cabbage. The dessert was obviously purchased frozen from an outside source and not made in-house despite the restaurant's reputation and price. Perhaps, the "bloom" is off for the locals given the emptiness of the restaurant?

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 1, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Wiener schnitzel is amazing; tender, juicy and as delicious as the cutlets my grandmother used to make.

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5. PK

   PatK

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 28, 2023

   overall4food2service4ambience4

   Appreciated the low noise level. Veal was over cooked. Veggies and pasta great Loved the salad.

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6. m

   mjh123

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on December 25, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   A very friendly wait staff, delicious food and reasonably priced!

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7. GS

   GregS

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on December 25, 2022

   overall3food3service4ambience3

   If you can work around the grumpy owner, everything will be OK. We came for Christmas Eve dinner and were seated immediately. This is a family owned restaurant and the waiter said he was the nephew and doesn’t usually work there and was helping out that evening. The staff seems to tag team serving tables. After waiting a while, we had to ask for menus. Then we had to ask that our drink order be taken. After waiting again, the owner came by and we said we were ready to order. He said we just got our wine and should sit and relax and there was plenty of time to order later. What?!! Luckily, the waiter came by and we were able to order. The food: the fried calamari appetizer is clearly breaded and frozen from a box. Looks more like onion rings so it’s nothing special. The salad was a bed of lettuce and 3 tomatoes strategically placed around the edge of the plate. That’s it! We waited again for the waiter and told him the salads didn’t have any dressing so he apologized and brought each of us some Italian dressing that we poured over the lettuce. We both had thick lamb chops that were cooked perfectly. The roasted potatoes were perfectly browned on the outside and creamy on the inside. The green beans had some sauce on it that reminded me of my great aunt’s green bean casserole. That’s not a compliment. The meal also had a few slices of bread and butter that I liked. We didn’t order dessert. More about the owner: during dinner service, we noticed that our waiter was filling some water glasses at another table and was told by the owner not to do that. Later, the waiter was changing the table cloth from a table next to me and the owner came over and told the waiter in a grumpy tone he didn’t need to do that. So, if you can put up with the grumpy and rude owner, it will all be OK.

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8. LB

   LBSh

   Washington DC

   6 reviews

   4.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on December 25, 2022

   overall4food4service4ambience3

   Very nice little family-run place! Great find for our Christmas Eve dinner - the food was delicious, the staff were really friendly. The space itself is a little tired, but I would definitely try it again.

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9. B

   Bill

   Washington DC

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on December 14, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We were pleased with the greeting, the service and the food. So nice to have real table cloth covered tables. Lots of good choices on menu. 5 people, five dinner choices, five happy eaters.

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10. AS

    AndrewS

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    I'm afraid the best days have gone by here. Brunch was acceptable, but not above the level of a hotel breakfast restaurant. It looks like the restaurant has been here for many decades. Nice people but a lack of concern about meeting allergy needs.

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11. CG

    CharlesG

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Essy is awesome!

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12. RP

    RobertP

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Great food; good prices; low noise, able to converse easily; generous available free parking.

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13. TM

    TeddyMac56

    Washington DC

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Had driven by Essy's for years and now regret I hadn't visited sooner! With a select menu, care is taken in the kitchen on each dish. I had a creamy Lobster Bisque wI hich was served at correct temp & with hint of sherry. Only regret were few lobster bits in the soup. As entree I had Liver, bacon & onions. Perfectly cooked and very, very satisfying. The roasted potatoes were also cooked perfectly though portion was almost too large. Nice dining room, very clean and convivial conversation with owner. I poked my head into the kitchen on way out and complimented the Chef. Will return as the German dishes and the grilled fish both caught my eye on other dinner's plates.

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14. CA

    ChefAl

    Treasure Coast

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Long established restaurant with good food and excellent service. It’s a favorite!

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15. RR

    RaymondR

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Service excellent. Owners very amiable. Quiet ambiance greatly appreciated.

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16. GS

    GaryS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a treasure to have discovered this long-term establishment in Arlington. While the food and beverage were excellent, the most memorable aspect of Essy's Carriage House is Essy himself. His attention to detail and our enjoyment were his top priority. The back-and-forth banter between him and his guests is worth the price of dinner. We feel like we made friends with him and his charming wife. This is a throwback to the quality and homey feel that is so lacking today with most restaurants.

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17. CW

    CWOL

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    So glad to return to Essy’s on a visit back to Arlington. Always great food and friendly service. Hope to be back over the holidays!

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18. S

    Sally

    Washington DC

    84 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    84 reviews

    Dined on July 6, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    We’ve been going to Essy’s for years. Essy is a delightful owner and always has a smile on his face. His wife,Janet, does all of the cooking and she does a great job. I love their tenderloin sandwich with Bernaise sauce.

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19. EK

    ElaineK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Essy’s is a charming, civilized rare find. We were able to have a lovely, delicious dinner in a relaxed atmosphere. We have eaten their many times and have never been disappointed in the quality of the food or service.

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20. ML

    MercyLace

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience3

    Went in for Mother's Day brunch. On their website it shows that they serve brunch on Sundays. THEY DO NOT. Their lunch menu was miniscule. We each got something different and all of it was bland. I paid $28 for a salad, a slab of trout, an underdone potato, and maybe a quarter cup of vegetables. I had a moldy tomato in my salad and my fish had not been deboned. I personally do not think at that price point I should be worried about checking my produce or picking bones out of my fish. The only food item they got right was when my Father in law asked for a well done, almost burnt steak. Also when another table left because they don't serve brunch a man, who I assume was the owner, checked their empty table then came over and complained to us about it while we were eating.

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21. JD

    JDubs

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    First time at Essy’s and it was amazing. Old-school ambiance and menu, but all the dishes were really excellent. Shrimp cocktail had some of the largest shrimp we’ve ever seen; French onion soup was classic and fresh; lamb chops were thick and tender and perfectly cooked; crab cakes were juicy and flavorful; chicken was perfect. And great cakes for dessert! Personal service and a great experience.

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22. RG

    RachelG

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience1

    Worst service I have ever experienced. Incredibly rude…

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23. P

    Pawmate

    Washington DC

    30 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience3

    Excellent food. The place was very empty - there may have been one other customer. It is a shame as they have a good product.

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24. NI

    NancyI

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Essy's is a wonderful place for a family gathering or a quiet dinner for two. The menu has a wide variety of choices (excellent steak, seafood and chicken.)

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25. MR

    MeganRSmith

    Philadelphia

    25 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Feels like going to a family members home for dinner :-)

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26. CJ

    CallieJ

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    East’s was private and quaint away from downtown. It is a gem in the suburbs. The food was outstanding and the owner was hilarious and kind. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for finer dining outside of downtown.

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27. MM

    MichaelM

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We always enjoy Essys Carriage House. It is a great neighborhood restaurant.

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28. JV

    JiminVA

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Great, old fashioned neighborhood restaurant with excellent food, drinks and service.

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29. EW

    ElizabethW

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    So great. We have been talking about going here for years

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30. DO

    DOND

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Very nice, quiet atmosphere and delicious food. Good service.

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31. L

    Laura

    Washington DC

    127 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    127 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We love the crabcakes, the fresh salads, the generous desserts. Essy is fun and has a great sense of humor.

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32. BJ

    BadgerJer

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Food was fantastic as was the service. The place could use a little updating, but still very nice. I’ll be back!

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33. S

    Stevebva

    Washington DC

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    Had not been for years but glad to find it is still very good. Our food was fantastic. This place is a diamond in the rough. Interior is dated and could use a face lift. However, the food makes up for it. Excellent crab cakes.

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34. ED

    EmilyD

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We decided to go out for dinner at the last minute on New Year’s Eve. We thought we'd give an Arlington favorite and were not disappointed. We felt safe. The booths are leather and tall allowing social adequate social distancing. And, at 7 pm the location wasn't overbooked. Our server was gracious and checked in at just the right times. We both ordered the NY Strip. It was cooked well and tasted so good. Between appetizers, bread, and the entree we were stuffed. We will visit again.

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35. l

    lisings

    New England

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2021

    overall5food4service4ambience4

    Small space, but nicely set up and a wonderful menu. Family run and they were all very helpful and pleasant. Food was well prepared and very good.

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36. BW

    BW123

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 20, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Essy's was a delightful dinner and perfect for what we were looking for that night.

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37. w

    willyh

    Washington DC

    74 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    74 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2021

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Food was excellent (except for the pumpkin pie, which had a weird seasoning in it). Service was outstanding even on Thanksgiving, with two or three wait staff taking care of us during the meal. I would recommend this restaurant.

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38. PD

    PattyDuke

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My family had Thanksgiving dinner here and had a great time. The food and service were excellent. It was also close enough to our home that we got some exercise walking there and back!

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39. L

    Laura

    Washington DC

    127 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    127 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best crab cakes around and we love Essy’s humor and Janet’s cooking. Wonderful arlington institution.

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food, friendly service, wonderful outdoor seating!

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