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: 4.5

4.5

430 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

Aug 18, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 3 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 Thu, Fri 5:00 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

Featured in

The Best Ramen in Washington D.C.

Hush Puppies$13.00
Roasted corn and pickled jalapeño hush puppies, sweet & spicy sambal sauce
Asian Pear Salad$12.00
Asian pear, arugula, radicchio, walnut vinaigrette, blueberry sauce
Guacamole w/ House Made Chips$12.00
Guacamole with House Made Chips
Cheese$5.00
Black River Blue - cow's milk, semi-soft, unpasteurized; Midnight Moon - blushing, ivory-colored goat cheese; Pilar's Stracciatella - cow's milk, olive oil; Taleggio - cow's milk, semi-soft, figs; Roncal Puente del Esca - rich sheeps milk
- 3 for$13.00
- 5 for$20.00
Pastrami Bahn MI$15.00
Beef Wagyu Pastrami, Pickled Veggies, Mint, Cilantro, Fresno Chilis, Kewpie Mayo, Baguette
Burrata$18.00
Burrata, asian pears, prosciutto, arugula, balsamic reduction, grilled baguette
Fried Dumplings$11.00
Choice of Veggie or Thai Pork & Shrimp Dumplings
General Tso's$15.00
Topped with scallions, sesame seeds, chilies. Choose one: Brussel Sprouts
Mama Chong's Bibimbap$17.00
Bulgogi, sesame spinach, carrots, zucchini, rice, sunny side eggs, kimchi
Pilar Burger$17.00
Two four ounce dry aged beef patties, dry aged white cheddar, house bacon, onion jam, better pickles, Gochujang-Yuzu Mayo
Dan Dan Tofu Noodles$22.00
Snow peas, red pepper, onion, mushroom two ways
Papa's Pulpo$18.00
Pulpo served with roasted piquillo coulis
Seared Salmon$27.00
Fingerling potatoes, asparagus, soubise, cipollinis asparagus
Butter Chicken$21.00
Ghee, Garam masala, served with basmati rice
Seasonal Grilled Vegetables
Herbed goat cheese, chili oil
- Serves 2$18.00
- Serves 4$25.00
Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder$38.00
Steam buns, asian coleslaw, sriracha mayo, sweet chili sauce
Thai Mussels & Prawns$25.00
Lemongrass, coconut milk, ginger, chilies, onion, grilled bread
BBQ Wagyu Brisket$38.00
Applewood Bacon, braised cabbage, mac & cheese

Cocktails

Triple Agent$13.00
Haku Vodka, Ginger Beer, Lime & Bitters
Penicillin$14.00
Dewar's Japanese 8yr, Ginger Liqueur, Lemon Juice
Scofflaw$13.00
Bulleit Rye, Foro Dry Vermouth, Lemon, Orange Bitters
Naked & Famous$15.00
Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Fiero Vermouth, Chartreuse & Lime Juice
French 75$13.00
Roku Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Bubbly, Lemon Peel
Black Manhattan$15.00
Angel's Envy Bourbon, Foro Amaro, Angostura Bitters
Hemingway Daiquiri$13.00
Bacardi Reserva 8 year Rum, Grapefruit Juice, Luxardo Maraschino, Lime
Boulevardier$15.00
Smooth Ambler Old Scout, Campari Sweet Vermouth & Angostura Bitters

Beer

Miller Lite 4%$7.00
Hershey's Porter 5%$8.00
Modeloe Special 5%$8.00
Allagash Wheat Ale 5%$8.00
Truly Hard Seltzer 5%$8.00
DC Brau the Public 6%$8.00
Heineken 5%$8.00
El Chavo Cider 7%$8.00
Kirin Ichiban 5%$8.00
Voodoo Ranger IPA 7%$8.00
Sapporo 5%$8.00
Anxo Cider 7%$9.00
Seaquench Ale 5%$8.00
Lucy Juicy IPA 8%
- 16oz$10.00

Wine

Alvarinho$11.00
Sauvignon Blanc$11.00
Chardonnay$11.00
Vihno Verde$11.00
Rose$11.00
Pinot Noir$12.00
Tempranillo$12.00
Malbec$12.00
Cabernet Sauvignon$12.00

Champagne

Veuve Clicquot Brut$20.00
Veuve Clicquot Rose$25.00
Sparkling Wine$10.00
Sparkling Rose$12.00

What 430 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.2Service
4.3Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Great for Brunch
District of Columbia
Great for Brunch
District of Columbia
Contemporary American

Sort by

Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Just kind of ‘meh’. Sleepy spot.
S
Shanica
Washington DC
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food for brunch. Would highly recommend their french toast
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
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.
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.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
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.
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!!
E
Eatingout
Baltimore
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Bar Pilar is a narrow bar with an upstairs dining room. We ate downstairs in the bar. It's a bar, so was a little noisy, but were still able to have a nice conversation. The food was fantastic, both in presentation and how it tasted. We had the roasted vegetables, butter chicken and a dumpling appetizer - all wonderful. The cocktails were tasty and had enough alcohol in them to justify the price. I don't think you can go wrong eating here unless you are looking for someplace really quiet. I never went upstairs.
MF
MichelleF
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
General Tso's Chicken was outstanding! Pear salad delicious. Bar Pilar has reliable high quality cocktail and an interesting menu. A go to place of ours
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Went for Valentine’s Date and will for sure be back again. The service was great despite being busy and the food and drink were sensational. Would recommend the General Tso’s chicken or any of the dumplings they have on hand.
MP
MichaelP
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Great food and ambience! Took a little while but it was also Valentines Day. Also, could the seats have cushions? Thank you!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2022
overall2food2service3ambience3
Went for brunch and asked for an espresso drink. Said they had no espresso machine abs served coffee out of a thermos and charged $3 per cup. Milk was also an inconvenience. They were more attentive to guests ordering mimosas. What kind of restaurant doesn’t have a fresh coffee for brunch. Overall, food and service were very underwhelming.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2021
overall5food5service4ambience3
Brunch! The best place for brunch. The drink special is still the best deal.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 11, 2021
overall3food4service1ambience3
Really poor service, clearly understaffed. Our waiter even had the hostess take our order. Food was good but not great, they billed us for the wrong drinks and didn’t seem to want to take care of it
OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Adam was great and the whole ambiance was excellent. Really enjoyed the experience
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
Was nice to be back here. Food was fantastic and our waiter was great at managing the entire floor by himself.
LK
LaurenK
Washington DC
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2021
overall3food3service4ambience4
Nice ambience. Overall, I recommend just coming for drinks and dining somewhere else. The menu has changed and it doesn’t hit like it used to.
M
Mina
Richmond
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2021
overall4food5service3ambience4
Absolutely amazing food. This was such a great brunch spot and I will be returning.
t
tmfx
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
1.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2021
overall1food3service1ambience1
we had a reservation for 5 people at 8, and weren’t seated til 9. we spent about $150 on drinks waiting for our table and didn’t get a single apology or comp which we expected since all of us have worked in the restaurant industry. we didn’t get our food until 9:30 (1.5 hours after res), and didn’t see our server once after he took our order which we gave him immediately since we were very hungry at that point. we got the wrong bottle of wine and a wrong dish, but didn’t ever have anyone stop by so we could inform. my fiancé eventually wound up going to the bar and paying the full $300+ tab since no one ever came to check on our food or give us the check. not a single thing was comped even though we waited over an hour to be seated for our reservation. we used to *love* bar pilar — we went once a week! — but hadn’t been back since the change in management and won’t go again. we feel taken advantage of financially and disrespected generally.
AG
AshleyG
Washington DC
7 reviews
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2021
overall2food4service2ambience2
It is not the same place as before. New menu with new owners
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 23, 2021
overall1food5service1ambience5
Server forgot to put order in after we even asked multiple times. Took an hour and a half for someone else to notice and offer us free drinks.
DW
DevonWetter
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great waiter and experience. Quick service. Will be back! Curious if the space can be rented for events?
CS
CarolS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a very nice evening and the food was nothing short of remarkable.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
12 reviews
vip
2.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2021
overall2food4service1ambience3
Even though we had a reservation, we still had to wait about 20 minutes for our table even though it was not busy. We also waited about an hour for our food but the lady next to us got hers in 10 minutes.
MP
MorganP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 10, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bar Pilar was incredible!!! Stopped in for drinks and a bite to eat with my boyfriend, and we were thoroughly impressed. The General Tso's chicken was possibly the best I've had in my life, and the drinks were phenomenal!! Bar Pilar has a great atmosphere with just enough noise to feel hoppin', but not so much that you can't hear your date. The staff were all extremely friendly, too. I cannot recommend this place highly enough!!
MS
MattS
Washington DC
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2021
overall3food5service2ambience4
We had a reset at 1pm for an outdoor table and was told “everyone wants to sit outside@ upon arrival. We were offered to wait 15-20 minutes, which turned into almost an hour. When we were asked if we wanted to sit at the bar and have drinks while we waited, we did…but drinks came piecemeal…I ordered a beer in a van and it took 15 minutes. Food was ordered (they comped our bakery assortment…thank you), but food took over an hour to get to us. By the time we were done, it was almost 4pm. I come from the service industry, and I know things are tough right now. The food was actually REALLY GOOD, but service was not up to par. I would come back, but maybe in a month or two and hopefully they will get their service standards a bit better.
CA
CesarA
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brunch was fantastic! But make sure to get the bakers platter!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2021
overall4food5service3ambience4
We arrived on time but we still waiting 45 min for the table for 2. Food took 1 hour to arrive after we ordered.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 18, 2021
overall1food2service1ambience2
Dining at Bar Pilar was an exercise in disaster . Despite having reservations, upon arrival, no one was around to seat us. We spoke to multiple members of staff seeking assistance, who only directed us to other staff members. It took 15 minutes to get our table, which was then one clearly intended for a significantly smaller party. When we requested a larger table, we had to wait another 15 minutes to get seated. The waitress, while very sweet, neglected to write down the order, which resulted in multiple mistakes in our orders. We also had to wait roughly an hour for a glass of water, and for the table to be cleared, which caused us to be swarmed with flies the entirety of our meal. The food in itself was entirely unseasoned and we were underwhelmed. 2 out of 10 total - though our rating would be in the negative numbers were it not for the excellent biscuits.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2021
overall3food2service3ambience4
Booked a reservation and requested outside. When I got there there was an open table outside however we were told another party was waiting for that table and another one should be available within 10 minutes. 15 minutes later a table outside is still not available, aside from the one table that is still open. When I inquired about it to the hostess again, she informed me that the customers who reserved that table are currently sitting at the bar. Isn’t it standard for customers whose tables are ready to then bring their drinks from the bar to the table? Ended up having to sit in the back corner upstairs at a table way bigger than necessary with awkward table/barstool height. The food was mediocre at best. We ordered the dumplings to start and the inside filling had no flavor. I ordered the bibimbap for my main and was disappointed— the rice was the majority of the dish and it was mushy and there was not enough meat in it either. I’d go back solely for a drink, but would not come back for the food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 5, 2021
overall5food1service1ambience1
Waited nearly an hour for service and did not receive
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was tasty and varied. Staff were very friendly
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 10, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Met my love for early drinks
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 6, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience1
AC was broken 🥴
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2021
overall2food2service1ambience2
Terrible service. Spent 2.5 here because we couldn’t get the waiter to service our table. Overpriced food that wasn’t with it. Very disappointed to have chosen here for our special occasion.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and drinks- brisket was unreal and HUGE!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 22, 2021
overall3food4service1ambience2
There was one server upstairs serving the whole floor. The drinks and food took forever and my food was missed
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2021
overall2food3service1ambience4
We have loved Bar Pilar every time we’ve gone, except this time. Had to wait 40 mins for our table that we had reservations for. Service was incredibly slow. One person’s order was wrong and it took them 20 minutes to correct the issue. We appreciate the rotating menu BP does, but the menu, which is typically “modern American fare,” this time was predominantly Chinese oriented. We’ll still go back probably in the future but it won’t be on the top of our list.
GD
GregD
Washington DC
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2021
overall2food3service1ambience3
Food was cold. Had to send back. Server was not attentive.
BS
BradleyS
Washington DC
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and amazing service

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 4.5 stars by 430 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

Aug 18, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 3 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 Thu, Fri 5:00 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

Featured in

The Best Ramen in Washington D.C.

Bar Pilar

Make a reservation

Additional information

The Best Ramen in Washington D.C.

Main

Hush Puppies$13.00

Asian Pear Salad$12.00

Guacamole w/ House Made Chips$12.00

Cheese$5.00

Pastrami Bahn MI$15.00

Burrata$18.00

Fried Dumplings$11.00

General Tso's$15.00

Mama Chong's Bibimbap$17.00

Pilar Burger$17.00

Dan Dan Tofu Noodles$22.00

Papa's Pulpo$18.00

Seared Salmon$27.00

Butter Chicken$21.00

Seasonal Grilled Vegetables

Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder$38.00

Thai Mussels & Prawns$25.00

BBQ Wagyu Brisket$38.00

Cocktails

Triple Agent$13.00

Penicillin$14.00

Scofflaw$13.00

Naked & Famous$15.00

French 75$13.00

Black Manhattan$15.00

Hemingway Daiquiri$13.00

Boulevardier$15.00

Beer

Miller Lite 4%$7.00

Hershey's Porter 5%$8.00

Modeloe Special 5%$8.00

Allagash Wheat Ale 5%$8.00

Truly Hard Seltzer 5%$8.00

DC Brau the Public 6%$8.00

Heineken 5%$8.00

El Chavo Cider 7%$8.00

Kirin Ichiban 5%$8.00

Voodoo Ranger IPA 7%$8.00

Sapporo 5%$8.00

Anxo Cider 7%$9.00

Seaquench Ale 5%$8.00

Lucy Juicy IPA 8%

Wine

Alvarinho$11.00

Sauvignon Blanc$11.00

Chardonnay$11.00

Vihno Verde$11.00

Rose$11.00

Pinot Noir$12.00

Tempranillo$12.00

Malbec$12.00

Cabernet Sauvignon$12.00

Champagne

Veuve Clicquot Brut$20.00

Veuve Clicquot Rose$25.00

Sparkling Wine$10.00

Sparkling Rose$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

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

Featured in

The Best Ramen in Washington D.C.