Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel

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1. AK

   AuntyK

   Memphis/West TN

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Love this place. Staff is always friendly and professional. Food is wonderful.

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2. DD

   DisappointedDiner

   Baltimore

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall2food3service2ambience3

   Perhaps we visited on an "off" day, but we were sorely disappointed by our lunch this weekend. The menu was very limited and not what was posted online; the menu is not on the restaurant website but google showed extensive choices. The menu is so small that we double-checked that we'd been given the full menu. Despite offering a full page of wine options, there were only 5 salad/appetizer options (including fries) and 5 entree options -- club, burger, filet, salmon, pasta. Not much choice for vegetarians beyond salad. Our salads were fine but nothing special, as was the service. I added protein to my salad, making it a $50 ho-hum caesar with slightly overcooked shrimp. Definitely not worth the price! We would have been better served by the cafeteria at the Kennedy Center!

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3. B

   Buckmeister

   Chicago

   65 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   65 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   Nice to have the Kingbird back after being closed since 2020. Great place to go to before or after a performance at the next door Kennedy Center. Menu is limited, but our Veal Milanese and a chicken dish were delicious.

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4. D

   Daisy312

   Washington DC

   27 reviews

   5.0

   27 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Kingbird was very quiet and I appreciated the serenity as I was having tea to celebrate the end of arrangements for a recently deceased family member. The restaurant staff signed a beautiful condolence card which was placed on my table. This was such a kind, thoughtful gesture and I was deeply touched. Afternoon tea was served in a beautiful tea pot with a matching tea cup. The tiers of sandwiches and sweets presented were simply divine and my table was also decorated with silk rose petals. Although there were other people dining in the restaurant, there was plenty of space between tables. Everyone kept their conversations at a pleasantly low volume. I highly recommend a visit to Kingbird for afternoon tea. My visit was excellent! I'll be back again with friends.

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5. UK

   UKBob

   Washington DC

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Fantastic evening of atmosphere and exquisite food. Omar.our waiter, was exactly the right balance of attentive and discrete and the salmon and duck entrees were an amazing balance of flavors. The meal was rounded off by a mint chocolate baked Alaska, flambéed at the table. Overall a fantastic evening and amazing venue, Highly, highly recommended for a special night out.

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6. PA

   PatA

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall2food2service4ambience1

   Very dissapointed in the whole experience. I would have thought that a restaurant with this much history and the location would have upped the game. They need to upgrade the vibe. The menu was very lackluster and the food was subpar. If you are going to have a limited menu then those items should be on-point. I can go to a local restaurant in Fredericksburg, where 200$ buys a pleasing meal. The only reason this place is still around is because of the location. Positive thoughts: the service was very good and that it is that it's a 5 min walk from the Kennedy center. I would have walked farther for a better meal....

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7. AE

   AprilE

   New York Area

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 23, 2022

   overall4food4service5ambience5

   We had a lovely dinner, my cousin, a friend who lives in DC, and I. It's a swanky place with great service but pricy and a small menu which we knew going in. Notice that no matter the size of your party gratuity is added in.

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8. c

   culturscot

   Washington DC

   4 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on June 22, 2022

   overall3food2service2ambience4

   Server was not attentive - I ordered a drink and waited for over 10 minutes, then checked at the bar, and was informed they had to go elsewhere to get the call liquor I requested (should have informed me of that, and I would ordered something readily available). The food is not at the higher standard it was when the restaurant opened - and overpriced as such. There was a board meeting event at the rear of the restaurant and they used a microphone for remarks, which was a nuisance for other diners.

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9. CR

   CarrollR

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 22, 2022

   overall3food2service3ambience3

   Our family had an early dinner at the Kingbird before seeing 'To Kill A Mockingbird' at the Kennedy Center; in which our daughter and son in law are cast members. Some of the food was good, but not great; while my overpriced "Kingbird Burger" was inedible. The meat was blackened, tough and overcooked. I couldn't even cut it with a knife. I had ordered it 'medium'; but it was burnt and tough as nails. Very disappointing for such a 'fancy' restaurant. The only redeeming factor is its proximity to the Kennedy Center. I would not eat there again.

   Report
10. FF

    FernandaF

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great restaurant and great service.

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11. CG

    CaryG

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Everything was great! The service was superb!! We very much enjoyed the ambience of the restaurant. It had a retro/contemporary vibe. The cocktails were phenomenal! Well balanced, trendy and delicious. The restaurant was very convenient to the Kennedy Center as we were attending a show that evening. The food was prepared well, the servings were properly proportioned. I had the duck - and the breast was cooked just right. A very good meal and looking forward to future dining occasions!

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12. NY

    NYgirl

    Washington DC

    21 reviews

    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Very limited menu. Food was good, but not memorable. Service was slow even though there were very few dining parties in the restaurant.

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13. MS

    MSugga

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I’m so proud of the service revived at the Kingbird of today :! A Queen, manager of King Bird— Jordan reminded me of our magic, her melanin magic made me most of words, thankful for her presence & expertise in delivering 5 star service to WG guests. Thank joy!

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14. P

    Paul

    Washington DC

    108 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    108 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    As always this is a dining experience! Relaxing. Smooth. Expert service. Flawless timing. Whatever you may order it will be excellently done, properly prepared, graciously served. Interesting wine list and notable drinks. An enjoyable experience any time of the day.

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15. LJ

    LatondaJ

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    2.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience4

    For the cost of the Afternoon Tea ($75/person) there should be some extraordinary pastries or at least one. The pastries were the size of petite fours and the finger sandwiches were decent but quite ordinary as well. The dining room was fairly empty despite being quite picturesque for a Sunday afternoon. The tea was not as strong as I would have liked but I should have informed the server at the start that I prefer my tea strong. The Afternoon Tea is simply not worth the cost and serving of champagne does not justify it either.

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16. K

    Kathy

    Minneapolis

    21 reviews

    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience4

    We were served some else's food, when discovered, they took away my husband's meal and returned 10 minutes, in the meantime, my food got cold. I ordered the salmon, which was okay cold, but my potatoes were under cooked and leeks overcooked. They made it okay, by not charging for my dinner.

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17. SM

    SeanM

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our waiter took great care of us! He was very friendly. The food and drinks were amazing. Thumbs up to our bartender. She was able to make the drinks I wanted.

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18. DH

    DeborahH

    Richmond

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience3

    The food is very weak here. While it is convenient to the Kennedy Center, I would not go again as the price is high and food is poor.

    Report
19. TF

    TopsinFoggyBottom

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The menu was abbreviated but included fare for all tastes. We arrived early and experienced superb service and enjoyed our lunches.

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20. TR

    TangoRex

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    Its a nice restaurant, without question. The atmosphere is well thought out, the vibe is there. But would I say it was worth the price? Were the drinks phenomenal? Did I feel like it was worth it? Meh. I get it, its an overpriced hotel restaurant at an overpriced hotel, so, you're gonna pay premium. And sure, the Tuesday crowd is expected to be light. But if you're gonna charge me near $30 (after tip) for an old fashioned, you best make it the best g.d. old fashioned in town. I've had better for half the price. At that price point, its beyond exclusive, you better deliver at that price. The food? Its good. But just repeat the same thing I said about the drinks, and swap the word drink for food. This is a trap at the bottom of a hotel. Its a very nice and pretty trap, which might be all you need for your date night. But your wallet is gonna question your choice, and your taste buds aren't going to back you up.

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21. BB

    BrandonBW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The menu while not large, offered great variety. The cocktails were interesting and presented nicely. Dessert was limited to only two options but the Baked Alaska was very well presented and tasted wonderful.

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22. RH

    RayH

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    Cold food, wine took 20 min to arrive, food needed salt. Overall not good! Then tried to grab a drink on rooftop after spending $400 at dinner and they wouldn’t let us because we had not made a reservation 48 hours in advance. Avoid this place!

    Report
23. T

    Tango

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Enjoyable, it worked out great for a nice dinner before our event at the Kennedy center

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24. TL

    TiffanyL

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Salad was wilted, but service was amazing! My husband's birthday dinner was perfect minus a few food issues (wilted salad, nasty fish and chips). Other than a few fresh/flavor food issues - All in all, we will give them a try again.

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25. MQ

    MacnQ

    Washington DC

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We would frequently go to the Kingbird before going to the Kennedy Center and then there was a little virus going around and it was closed. It is now reopened and the menu is fantastic. Omar, our server, was superior. It's a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for. The Oysters Rockefeller were some of the tastiest I've ever had. Looking forward to returning.

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26. N

    Nick

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious lunch! Exquisite crab salad and red velvet cake for dessert.

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27. BN

    BNWPhx

    Phoenix

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    Kingbird is convenient to Kennedy Center for a pre-show meal. There is a backdoor that leads to a path to the Center. The food was a bit underwhelming. The chicken was tasteless and the veal was a little tough. Food delivery was slow, but our server Christina was very attentive.

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28. IE

    IsabelE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A great place to go before the Kennedy Center or anytime in DC. The waiter, Omar was extremely helpful and knew just when to bring it remove our plates. Lovely atmosphere as well. Easy to park and walk to the theater. Relax here in style.

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29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience5

    Great atmosphere, excellent service. The food presentation was nice but most dishes were salty and over seasoned. The duck orange was a hit, and the Caesar salad had plenty of anchovies. The other entrees we ordered were unremarkable.

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30. c

    carolgalaty

    Washington DC

    92 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    92 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall3food5service3ambience4

    The food we had was excellent, but the menu and the ambiance and service was definitely that of a hotel restaurant rather than the elegant, gourmet, white tablecloth restaurant that we had expected in the Watergate while the price was that of an excellent, elegant restaurant. The menu tanged from burgers, fish and chips. and similar choices to oysters Rockefeller, steak tartar and a veggie version of Beef Wellington and Veal Oscar. There were large parties in jeans, cut off shorts and tea shirts as well as a bridal party in elegant sequined dresses. The tables were very close, yet there was a lot of open space in the dining room itself. The table next to us was so close that we were relieved when the couple next to us left and we could hear ourselves talk. The servicer was very pleasant, but seldom around and the food service was very slow.

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31. M

    Madcat

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience3

    Good food. Has a table with a view of the Potomac.

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32. TH

    ToniH

    Tallahassee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very nice accommodating a large group. Very relaxing, cocktails, dinner. Never felt rushed. Very pleasant experience.

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33. SP

    SamuelP

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience4

    waiting time was over our reservation time, waitress have no good attention because they was very busy. meat orderer medium arrived like a sneaker shoe, extremely well done. the only good thing was the old-fashioned whiskey.

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34. FQ

    FatimaQ

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A wonderful Mother’s Day experience!

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35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience3

    Food was delicious. Service was very slow. Online menu is completely different from the actual one. Huge restaurant only 5-6 tables booked on a Saturday night.

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36. m

    mrizzle

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Pre-show dinner with family. Our server Omar was delightful and provided superb service.

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37. NE

    NicolE

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    First time at the Watergate for Tea. It was a gift for Mother's Day for myself and friend. It was relaxing and service was impeccable. I will attend again. It was pricy at $75 per person but was the best treat for a holiday.

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38. D

    Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience4

    The fish and chips had bones in it and we didn’t have time to order something else because we had tickets at the Kennedy Center. Management did nothing to rectify the issue. Convenient but the food was just average. Good thing we had the pita and hummus as a starter.

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39. JV

    JohnV

    Washington DC

    62 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    So glad they are back open! Kingbird is a great venue for dinner and a show at the Kennedy Cebter

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Not any better than a mall restaurant. Service was average, as was the food. Fun to eat at a historic hotel.

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