Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel

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1. DM

   DesignerM

   Washington DC

   24 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   24 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall4food3service4ambience5

   I ordered the Lobster Roll which came with the most bland and uninteresting Caesar Salad (in lieu of fries) with zero eye appeal. My friend had the Turkey Sandwich and fries, which he liked okay. Not as outstanding as I had remembered it being in the past. But the setting is spectacular.
   

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2. MR

   MarkR

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   I was there with my Kennedy Center opera date. Our reservation was at 5:30pm, so the noise level was quiet. Although, with the place about half empty, they sat us right next to another occupied table. But all of us were quiet and respectful. Staff was conscious of our theater timing. Very good service, very good food and very good ambience. My first time at the Watergate Hotel in 40+ years!! Fun night. Kingbird is one of two very good places to eat prior to a show at KC -- the other being the KC Terrace Restaurant itself. Nice to have quality (if somewhat expensive) options in Foggy Bottom. Sure beats those who were eating pre-packaged sandwiches in the KC lobby!!
   

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3. RS

   RandallS

   Washington DC

   16 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   16 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall4food5service5ambience3

   Enjoyed our pre-Kennedy Center dinner. One positive to note: we each ordered a different rose with our veal with the intent to compare. Our server graciously poured each of us a half glass of the two roses so we didn’t need to pass the wine glasses back and forth. One negative to note: our cocktails came out after our appetizers were served. Maybe we should have done what the table next to us did. They waited for their cocktails before ordering dinner.
   

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Cleveland

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This is my second time visit. The food is so fresh and well-cooked. The staffs are super friendly and informative. Note: only valet parking
   

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Richmond

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on May 19, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Lovely staff , excellent food and ambiance. It was definitely be on five star was very happy with his choice.
   

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6. MH

   MariaH

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 19, 2023

   overall4food4service5ambience4

   When I made reservation, I indicated it was for a birthday celebration. Because I was asked and I responded, I assumed there would have been some acknowledgment of the birthday but I was disappointed. Nothing ‘happened’. Otherwise, everything was nice. So, I would recommend that OpenTable don’t ‘ask’ if there is a celebration if the restaurant does not follow up through the service.
   

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7. JC

   JohnC

   Washington DC

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on May 19, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Wonderful good and service ! Will definitely be going back !
   

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8. c

   cfuller

   Washington DC

   84 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   84 reviews

   Dined on May 18, 2023

   overall4food5service5ambience4

   Excellent food. They have a pre-theater pre fixe menu with 3 courses. Nothing special about the atmosphere, but service was great.
   

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9. MS

   MicheleS

   Washington DC

   11 reviews

   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on May 16, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We ordered from the Pre-Theatre Prix-Fixe menu. Baby wedge Caesar, Mushroom Risotto and Key Lime tart; Shrimp cocktail, Salmon and Mango Mousse. Everything was delicious!! Enjoyed the Flora Dora and NW cocktails, too. Very interesting flavors. Thank You King Bird for great meal.
   

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Great Mothers Day Brunch!! Our Mom had a good time!!
    

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    The food did not live up to my expectations and I was somewhat disappointed due to the price. However, the ambiance and service was good! I probably would not recommend the brunch or return for brunch at that price point.
    

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12. BD

    BrunchDinner

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    Mother’s Day brunch was great. The food choices were high end and good quality. Everything was tasty. It was quiet and not super busy- which was both a surprise and treat. Highly recommend!
    

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13. D

    Dena

    Anchorage

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food4service2ambience3

    Mother's Day Brunch was way overpriced for what I got.
    

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14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food4service2ambience2

    My son and I came here for Mother’s Day brunch. We had high hopes for a great experience given the description and price point ($135 per person). We arrived at 10:51 for our 11am reservation and the hostess asked us to have a seat outside until the restaurant opened at 11 at which time she would come get us. At 11, she promptly began seating other larger parties who arrived well after us and never came outside to get us so we had to get in line behind other parties to eventually be seated. Once seated, we waited several moments for a server to greet us and pour us water. The food was very good, great selection, but the “bagel platter” section didn’t have crème fraiche as advertised. I found our server and inquired and he said he would bring us cream cheese “in a few minutes.” We sat back down and waited, again several moments, until he finally brought some cream cheese around. He also poured us a glass of rose. That was the last time he filled our water or rose glasses throughout the entire meal. There were no spoons for the yogurt. The bench I was seated on bounced up and down like a seesaw every time the people at the next table got up or sat down. Once we finished eating, we waited and waited for our check. It finally arrived, and we waited another 15 minutes for our server to come back and run the credit card. We left a full half hour after being ready to leave. It was overall a very disappointing and overpriced experience.
    

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15. A

    Anne

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    King Bird provided a delightful dinner before we went to a concert at the Kennedy center. Christine was our wait staff and she was well aware of our time frame and ensured that our dinner was deliciously served, not hurried but completed in plenty of time to walk to the center. The turbo was excellent. My partner's Salmon was okay but not nearly as good as the turbo! He had the fixed price menu and it was excellent. Especially the salted caramel dessert! All of the wait staff was excellent as was the woman who was maitre d.
    

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    It was good. A little pricey, but i guess dc wants to feel like nyc.
    

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17. CS

    ChristinaS

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience1

    Hi, I messaged the Watergate about this reservation. The entire experience or lack there of was lacking
    

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18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    The restaurant was nice and our server was very helpful in suggesting choices. They had a 3 course meal for $75 for people that were attending an event at the JFK Center. The meal that we had was good but be aware cocktails are expensive.
    

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19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience1

    1st seating at 6:30. Place was empty. Sat in front of the window without shades that had the sun blinding us all. They closed the blinds on each side sparring 1/2 our party, but the center window didn’t have blinds. Staff thought this was fine. We struggled for 5 minutes and had to request to be moved. Place was almost empty but they seemed to think this was them going above and beyond. Give this place a miss!
    

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20. CC

    CCFlll

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    I was impressed with the unique modern and luxurious decor. Our booth was plush and comfy with a nice view. Waited 40 minutes after being seated before anyone came to take our order - thought we had been forgotten. Restaurant was not busy - nice and quiet. Once the tea finally arrived, we loved the large, pretty teapots we each received, and the tea was delicious. The treats were very nice -- the sandwiches were excellent. The sweet items were very tasty, though not as upscale as I was expecting considering the price of the experience. But my guests were happy and it was a treat just to be at the Watergate.
    

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21. JW

    JohnnyW

    Baltimore

    15 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4

    Arrived 20mins early ~ junior hostess seemed putout, irritated; we suggested we sit at the bar until our table was ready, she agreed (still unsure why this required a strangely awkward negotiation), there was plenty of room at the bar ~ Bar service wonderful, kind, accommodating (helped with a phone charger) ~ Table service by Miguel, simply perfect! Food: all appetizers ~ squash blossom good, oysters good, shrimp cocktail slightly rubbery; for the price, underwhelming. Drinks: excellent.
    

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22. j

    jeanb

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience2

    Service was poor. We told them we had a show at 8 and we arrived at 6:15. By 7:15 we had still not received our entrees. Music was extremely annoying. We were seated directly below a speaker. They did move us. The oysters were outstanding! But why no small oyster forks. My entree of cavateli and rabbit was poor. The rabbit was extremely dry and appeared way too brown. No time for dessert due to slow service.
    

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23. d

    debbieb

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience1

    Very disappointing. All 4 dinners awful (poor quality, salty, rich, overpriced)-- no wonder it was easy to get a reservation...
    

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24. TP

    TedP

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5

    The service and atmosphere are terrific, but honestly the food itself was a bit disappointing.
    

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25. P

    Pamela

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our server, Omar, was fantastic and we cannot say enough good things about him. He was very attentive, very gracious, very helpful and very informative. He definitely went over and above the call of duty to make sure my mom and I were happy and taken care of without being intrusive to our conversation. Overall, we had a great experience and the food was excellent although quite pricey, but we were celebrating a special occasion so it was certainly a nice treat. Thank you for a great evening!
    

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26. CF

    CarrieF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Good menu choices and the staff was great. Made a special waffle for my husband’s birthday.
    

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27. A

    Andrew

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My wife requested afternoon tea for her birthday and what is cooler than the Watergate? Nothing. Nothing is cooler. Tea was good and the food was way too much.
    

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28. LL

    LamonacoL

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our waiter Miguel was fantastic and the food was incredible! Will be back again on our next trip to dc!
    

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29. SK

    ShaistaK

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    It was not worth the price. The ambience was not high tea at all for what I paid. The cakes seemed pretty stale for $198 for 2 people. I will NEVER recommend anyone to go there for high tea. It was a time waste for me especially that I was visiting DC.
    

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30. AS

    AndreaS

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Expensive but the food and service are excellent. Perfect for a celebratory meal.
    

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31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dublin

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience5

    If you like to experience new foods I would recommend. Everything I had was just not that great. It was edible and refined but I was not happy about the meal. The bread and butter was amazing. The cocktails and mock tails were great. Our server was absolutely phenomenal and management was very sweet. Stopped by to ask us about our experience. This was my quiet birthday dinner and it was very quiet and private. Was provided a free dessert for my birthday. That was very sweet and thoughtful. Seasoning on everything was lacking.
    

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32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We took a group of 7th grade girls to dine at Kingbird prior to our evening at the theater. We arrived late due to transportation issues, but had called an notified the staff. The staff were able to hold our table, and were very kind and patient with our group of young ladies. Our server made sure we made it to the theater on time despite our tight time schedule. Wonderful experience and would highly recommend.
    

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33. TH

    ToniH

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3

    The desserts were very, very good. The pasta dish was good. Chicken dishes fair to good, and veal dish was not good, had no taste and veal seemed over cooked and dish was watery. The dish was described as a stew over rice but was not a stew. Only ate half or less of the dish. Cocktails were good. Coffee good and strong. Not sure I would recommend given how many great places there are to eat in DC.
    

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    Went for afternoon tea. It was too expensive for the small amount of food and tea offerings. For 5 people at $75 per person we should have received more than 1.5 sandwich towers. The sandwiches looked like they were from an all inclusive resort ...old and unappetizing. The desserts were tasty. The service was excellent. Our server was attentive and accommodating.
    

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35. DC

    DCDentist

    Washington DC

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful meal as always. We have come here repeatedly and are never disappointed.
    

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36. c

    chrisb

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4

    The location is terrific for the Kennedy center. The restaurant was nearly empty yet they insisted on trying to set us next to occupy tables and booths. Then, they kept using the tables between us as a Thorofare instead of walking around the empty table I had to move a chair to block the aisle so they didn’t keep bumping into me. Extremely disappointed with my meal. I ordered the veal blanquette. The veal was boiled not sautéed, and it was so tough I could barely eat it. In fact, I only ate 1/2 of the few pieces in the dish. The rice was covered in butter no seasoning. The carrot were serve to look rustic, but just looked dirty. We will never go back there!
    

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37. TR

    TangoRex

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Kingbird is my default whenever I'm going to a show at KC and the Rooftop Restaurant fills up (happens often).
    

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38. MO

    MaryO

    New England

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall1food2service4ambience3

    My husband and I went to the Kingbird for Easter Sunday Brunch. We were so excited to go as we have been wanting to eat at the Kingbird and visit the Watergate Hotel since we moved to DC 3 years ago. I must first say that the staff at the front desk and everyone in the restaurant couldn't have been any more warm and welcoming. We arrived promptly at 2:30 for our reservation, we were brought to our table and our sweet server brought us a glass of sparkling wine. We were so excited to spend a relaxing Easter Brunch together at Kingbird (first relaxing Easter in years). My husband got up to wash his hands and when he returned I also went to wash my hands as well. Once we were both at our table, we settled in and started enjoying our wine. At approximately 2:45 we decided to go up to the buffet for our first go around. The presentation of the food was beautiful and it took a minute or two to soak it all up. I decided to order an omelet which took about 5 minutes to prepare, and I gladly waited in anticipation for a wonderful, relaxing meal. I had just had my first few bites of my omelet when a gentleman approached our table to inform us that they are taking the buffet away at 3:00. He said we had some time for dessert but "that's not the priority right now." He was very professional and polite BUT we couldn't believe it. By 3:30 they were basically clearing away everything. We felt so rushed and uncomfortable. It was so disappointing. I never write reviews because I am never out to hurt any one or any business but I did call the Kingbird to express my disappointment, and I never heard back from anyone. I'm not writing this because I necessarily wanted more food (I can only eat so much at a buffet) BUT we paid 350.00 dollars (give or take a dollar or two) to spend a beautiful Easter together. To arrive at 2:30 and to be told that they are closing at 3:00 and then packed up by 3:30 is just so unacceptable especially for what we paid per person. I'm still upset.
    

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39. MM

    MayM

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food, great ambience, friendly staff...overall 5 stars!
    

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40. f

    fran

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Music way to loud. Food & Service were outstanding
    

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