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  5. Logan Circle
Barpilar Stairwell - Bar Pilar, Washington, DC

Bar Pilar

4.4
4.4
462 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
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

2 people

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
  • 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
  • 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

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Washington, D.C. Area

    Great for brunch

  • District of Columbia

    Great for brunch

462 Reviews
  1. 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.

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  2. 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

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  3. 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.

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  4. 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

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  5. 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?

  6. 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

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  7. 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

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  8. 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!

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  9. 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?

  10. 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

  11. 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?

  12. 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.

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  13. 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?

  14. 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.

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  15. 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

  16. 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!)

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  17. 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

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  18. 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.

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  19. 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.

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  20. 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?

  21. 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?

  22. 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?

  23. 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?

  24. 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?

  25. 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.

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  26. 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?

  27. 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.

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  28. 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

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  29. 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?

  30. 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?

  31. 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?

  32. 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?

  33. 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?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 1, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Just kind of ‘meh’. Sleepy spot.

    Is this helpful?

  35. 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?

  36. 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

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  37. 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.

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  38. 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.

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  39. 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?

  40. 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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 7 times today
Google Map for Bar Pilar

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
  • 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
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