Bar Pilar

Name: Bar Pilar
Address: 1833 14th St NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20009
Telephone: (202) 265-1751
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

462 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Inspired by Ernest Hemingway and named for his beloved boat, Pilar is a neighborhood restaurant that has been a mainstay of 14th street for over a decade. Executive Chef Clarissa Aguilar helms the kitchen turning out an eclectic menu inspired by local farms and New American cuisine with a focus on seasonal organic produce. The simple yet inventive dishes change frequently, but that’s part of the adventure! Complementing the cooking is a beverage program including cocktails which also rotate seasonally, ranging in taste and complexity from classics like the perfect Old Fashioned to signature concoctions using house made tonics and elixirs. Spanning two floors, Pilar has a variety of spaces to suit your mood. Our first floor bar offers up a casual, comfortable space to down a few drinks in dimly-lit, vintage-inspired surroundings. Head upstairs and you'll find an intimate dining room along with a cozy corner cocktail bar perfect for date night or catching up with old friends.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 26, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Global, International, Fusion / Eclectic
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Wed–Fri 6:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
(202) 265-1751
Website
http://www.barpilar.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Clarissa Aguilar
Private party facilities
Host your next event at Pilar! Our second floor dining room and bar are available for private events ranging from happy hours to private dinners. For more information, send an email to events@pilardc.com
Private party contact
Erin Edwards: (202) 265-1751

Location
1833 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Neighborhood
Logan Circle
Cross street
Between S and T
Parking details
There is metered parking available along 14th Street. There is also zoned parking (Zones 1 & 2) on the side streets surrounding the restaurant.
Public transit
Metro: U Street / Cardozo (green line)
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Mango Shrimp Ceviche$10.00
mango pearls, pea shoots and avocado mousse
Ceviche de Pulpo$10.00
pickled fresno pepper, cilantro, queso fresco
Grilled Shrimp Skewers$7.00
caribbean style shrimp, salsa verde
Patatas Bravas$7.00
koji-cured potatoes, huancaina sauce, queso fresco
Truffle Beef Tartare$16.00
truffle oil, pickled mustard, garlic aioli
Herb Crusted Bone Marrow$16.00
parmesan cheese, thyme, rosemary, served with crostini
Sweet Chili Brussel Sprouts$7.00
sweet chili sauce, cilantro, crushed walnuts

Entrees

Pulpo de Pilar$20.00
butternut squash, fingerling potatoes, garlic herb oil
Pan Seared Halibut$32.00
wild rice, asparagus, garlic herb cream sauce, basil oil
Grilled Rib Eye$38.00
pineapple salsa, pommes purée, chimichurri

Platters

Fried Whole Fish
rockfish, wild rice, sofrito
- Market Price
Grilled Vegetables$18.00
assorted seasonal vegetables, herbed goat cheese, chili oil; serves 2 to 4

Sandwiches

Served with Fries

Pilar Burger$17.00
dry-aged beef, aged white cheddar, bacon, pickles, special sauce, served on a brioche bun
Chicken Sandwich$16.00
fried chicken thigh, red cabbage slaw, garlic curry aioli
Cubano$17.00
shredded pork shoulder, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, dijon
Jack Fruit Cubano$16.00
braised jackfruit, swiss cheese, pickles, dijon (option to add turkey ham)

Salads

Spinach Strawberry Salad$17.00
spinach, goat cheese, candied walnuts, pickled onion, balsamic vinaigrette
Burrata Salad$16.00
mixed greens, watermelon, balsamic glaze

Sides

Truffle Fries$8.00
Wild Rice$7.00
Sauteed Kale$6.00

Desserts

Vanilla Cheesecake$7.00
fermented strawberry jam, mint, vanilla ice cream
Churros$6.00
chocolate sauce, dulce de leche

What 462 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.5Service
4.2Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Great for brunch
District of Columbia
Great for brunch

462 Reviews

V
Victoria
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really kind service and great food. This is such a cute and cozy space with a great staff! The cheesecake is amazing.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have always loved Bar Pilar for being solid food and excellent drinks. Keep coming back
Is this helpful?
JS
JenniferS
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was wonderful, and food was great. The music was on kind of loud for brunch upstairs, and then a loud table sat behind us so it was even harder to hear. That was our only complaint. Every staff person was very friendly and competent. Our party of 3 enjoyed the French toast supremo dish with fruit, eggs, potatoes, biscuit, and greens. The fruits and greens were beautifully fresh and tasty, and the biscuit was especially good.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
Multiple servers checked with us and undermined eachother. There was poor coordination for the bottomless options. Food was ultimately fine as were drinks - but the confusion from servers detracted from the experience
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience2
The food was fine but nothing interesting. Overpriced for what it was and the space upstairs was very hot - little circulation
Is this helpful?
S
Shan
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great food and good brunch atmosphere would def recommend
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and drinks are always amazing here! The brunch is one of the best in DC
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a lovely brunch experience at Bar Pilar this Sunday! A buzzing brunch environment. Our server was lovely and attentive as always. The food and the drinks are perfect starter for a Sunday outing. We love Bar Pilar!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and great food! Would come back for brunch.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall3food4service5ambience1
There was a mouse running around upstairs. Other than that, everything esp the service was great.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great! Service was excellent!! 10/10 recommend
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Highly recommend the octopus ceviche! Was the best thing we ate. Avoid the bone marrow, it was not done well and mostly seems like Parm topping. The service was good and the French fries were yum.
Is this helpful?
S
Spunky
New Orleans
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 23, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great shrimp cerviche!! Staff was very welcoming and helpful. Food came quickly
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
19 reviews
vip
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
This was my first time to Bar Pilar and I came for brunch. The food was a bit slow coming out, but was tasty when it did. The unlimited brunch drinks are your standard brunch drinks and the server, on this day, was pretty responsive. I also sat by the downstairs bar for brunch as opposed to upstairs so that might’ve helped. All in all, while on the surface this spot may not look like a typical brunch location, Bar Pilar is definitely a hidden gem and I’d consider returning again.
Is this helpful?
R
Ryan
New Orleans
6 reviews
vip
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience3
Weird place to go for brunch, though I imagine it's a fun place to grab a drink. Grabbed brunch with a friend who ordered a flat white. The bartender, doubling as a waitress, did not know what that was and informed us that the restaurant did not serve anything espresso-based, just coffee. We ordered 2 coffees which arrived 30 minutes later...10 minutes after our food was served. I got the feeling they were growing the coffee beans in the back. Coffee was burnt and rather inedible. Food was OK. My friend had the breakfast burrito which looked big and filling. I had the Goi Ga salad. The salad was nothing more than chicken strips mixed with cucumbers and slaw drenched in vinegar soup...meh at best. The service was odd from start to finish. Our initial server had to fly to Malaysia to harvest the coffee beans, so we did not see her for the remainder of our time after ordering coffee. Our second server asked interrupted the conversation to ask how we were doing no less than 5 times after the food was served. He dipped out after the 5th ask. Our third server forgot we existed until I ran to the back to flag someone for the check. Overall, very odd brunch experience. I won't be going back so buyer's beware, but their drinks looked good...save your time, money, and taste buds on the coffee.
1 person found this helpful
TH
TammyH
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Quality of food was excellent! Portions were filling. Appreciated no additional fees added to our bill (i.e. environmental, admin, or wellness fees!)
Is this helpful?
SB
SebastianoB
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good price Very good hamburger, and very friendly service
Is this helpful?
N
None
Washington DC
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience4
The service took forever and in the end, we received only three of the four entrees ordered! The ownership took responsibility and discounted our meal appropriately. I think this is a problem now for many restaurants in the DMV because they can't get help.
Is this helpful?
R
Rolynn
Washington DC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall1food4service1ambience1
Worse experience I’ve ever had. If you are in college go there, they seemed to cater to college. Moreover, the waitress AJ was horrible: rude, disrespectful and a liar. The food was overall good.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall2food4service1ambience4
The service was appalling. Our waitress disappeared many times and never checked on us. Had to flag down a different guy to get our bill. Checking in was weird - had a reservation but there is no host to greet or direct. Very nonchalant to get a table. While they may have had a server shortage, this was probably the worst service I’ve had since the pandemic began.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cosy ambiance, good food, rational portions and prices, fast service, nice crew
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience4
Service was very slow; food was underwhelming
Is this helpful?
H
Hemingway
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful space - had a girls night, but would be great for a date night too. They have a cute, Hemingway-inspired cocktail menu. All the food was delicious, particularly impressed by the jackfruit Cubano. I want to come back and grab drinks at the bar and also try one of the ceviches.
Is this helpful?
B
Becca
Charlotte
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience4
The food was pretty good but unfortunately the service was not great. Not very attentive or accommodating and took a very long time to take our orders and get our food out, despite there not being many patrons.
Is this helpful?
h
hecialis
Washington DC
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took a friend here for her birthday. Service and food were excellent. Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
DF
DeirdreF
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favorite places in DC. Small, friendly, and fun! My guests always love the cozy atmosphere and character of the place. And the food is excellent!
Is this helpful?
M
Marco
Baltimore
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience3
Service and ambience was great. Not too loud and plenty of room for friends to catch up. Food was lukewarm and mediocre. Overpriced for the quality.
Is this helpful?
d
davidz
Washington DC
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
New chef. Good food. Larger portions. More fish and veggies options. Cubano, halibut, and veggie platter excellent. Pulpo was chewy as it sometimes can be anywhere
Is this helpful?
KW
KWW123
New Orleans
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
pleasantly surprised how great the food was. would go back!
Is this helpful?
S
Spartacus
Baltimore
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A super relaxed setting, great drinks, and kind work staff. A stable on 14th street.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this place, the need more help (servers) and dedicated host.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best jalapeño chicken/pork belly pancakes. Need more servers and dedicated host.
Is this helpful?
c
cynthiam
Washington DC
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
This place is no longer open for business, I showed up there and they are closed. Why it is still showing for reservations is beyond me!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Just kind of ‘meh’. Sleepy spot.
Is this helpful?
S
Shan
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food for brunch. Would highly recommend their french toast
Is this helpful?
MS
MariamaS
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brunch was amazing. The food was great and prices are good. I had the eggs, potatoes and biscuit with gravy and the gravy was so good. Our waiter was great as well and kept the drinks coming. 10/10
Is this helpful?
KT
KT36
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Food is really really good! Drinks were hit or miss.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience3
The food was absolutely delicious. Service was okay, the waiter was sassy.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall1food3service1ambience1
The place was an eclectic vibe, but the service was terrible. We went for brunch and waited over an hour for our food, with our server telling my friend she misremembered her order that he got wrong. A party with a DJ started a few feet from us and we couldn’t hear each other talk. Overall, this place felt like a bar making a poor attempt to do brunch.
Is this helpful?
LE
LauraE
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 3, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
this was my first time here and we received great service and even better food!!
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Bar Pilar is rated 4.4 stars by 462 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 26, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

1833 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Additional information

Cross street
Between S and T
Neighborhood
Logan Circle
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Wed–Fri 6:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Global, International, Fusion / Eclectic
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
There is metered parking available along 14th Street. There is also zoned parking (Zones 1 & 2) on the side streets surrounding the restaurant.
Public transit
Metro: U Street / Cardozo (green line)
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Clarissa Aguilar
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.barpilar.com/
Phone number
(202) 265-1751
Private party facilities
Host your next event at Pilar! Our second floor dining room and bar are available for private events ranging from happy hours to private dinners. For more information, send an email to events@pilardc.com
Private party contact
Erin Edwards: (202) 265-1751

Bar Pilar

Make a reservation

Additional information

Appetizers

Mango Shrimp Ceviche$10.00

Ceviche de Pulpo$10.00

Grilled Shrimp Skewers$7.00

Patatas Bravas$7.00

Truffle Beef Tartare$16.00

Herb Crusted Bone Marrow$16.00

Sweet Chili Brussel Sprouts$7.00

Entrees

Pulpo de Pilar$20.00

Pan Seared Halibut$32.00

Grilled Rib Eye$38.00

Platters

Fried Whole Fish

Grilled Vegetables$18.00

Sandwiches

Pilar Burger$17.00

Chicken Sandwich$16.00

Cubano$17.00

Jack Fruit Cubano$16.00

Salads

Spinach Strawberry Salad$17.00

Burrata Salad$16.00

Sides

Truffle Fries$8.00

Wild Rice$7.00

Sauteed Kale$6.00

Desserts

Vanilla Cheesecake$7.00

Churros$6.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is Bar Pilar restaurant rated?

Is Bar Pilar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information