1789 Restaurant

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1. MM

   MarkM

   New York Area

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   Was in Georgetown for my 30th reunion. Had a great dinner to kick off the weekend.
   

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2. JC

   JamesC

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The food was excellent, prepared well, creative but not quirky, and a meal I would recommend for anyone. This restaurant is one of the best for food and ambiance in Washington.
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Washington DC

   31 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   31 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall4food2service4ambience4

   Service was very good but the food was a disappointment. Presentation was lovely but nothing exceptional in terms of taste. Not up to the standard expected
   

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4. LB

   LindaB

   Washington DC

   14 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   14 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   As always, 1789 is a wonderful destination for a special night out. The food was excellent (particularly starters: escargot croissant and wagyu beef; and entrees: rack of lamb and halibut en croute). We both had the strawberry delight for dessert which was somewhat disappointing. The strawberry rhubarb tart was tiny but scrumptious. 3 other (very small) strawberry items were fine but the strawberry foam had been mixed with a huge amount of lime juice and was extremely bitter. The restaurant itself is lovely and was quiet, so very easy to converse.
   

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5. P

   Pandelis

   Calgary

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Absolutely the best restaurant we ate at while visiting Washington. Friendly staff, amazing service and great food. We have been to several Michelin Star restaurants in the past, and this is the next best thing. 10 on 10!
   

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 27, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Stephen was a wonderful server who went through menu items with detail and was attentive, but not overly-attentive, to us. The service was impeccable, we went for our 1st anniversary and they provided a complimentary dessert wine and dessert. The small detail since we mentioned it was our first anniversary, they gave us the menus wrapped in gold twine because the traditional gifts are “paper and gold”. It was an awesome experience and my wife loved it as well, we will definitely be back anytime we are in the city.
   

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7. CW

   ChristineW

   West Palm Beach

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 23, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   It was the perfect place to celebrate my Mom's birthday. The food was excellent and the service was top notch.
   

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8. D

   Diner

   Washington DC

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on May 23, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Exceptional quality and service. Halibut and Pork outstanding.
   

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9. EB

   EugenioB

   Los Angeles

   7 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on May 23, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   By all accounts still the best restaurant in DC. Outstanding cuisine, outstanding service and a fabulous location and setting. Truly impressive. On a category all its own.
   

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing experience. The food was phenomenal and the environment as well
    

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Old classic. Had a nice, quiet, relaxing birthday dinner. Good food, elegantly plated, reasonable portions, and attentive service.
    

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12. DC

    DCFoodLover

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience1

    Easily the worst restaurant I've been to in years, I won't go back, and I recommend not going till the Health Department checks this place out. In the middle of dinner, there was a mouse running across the dining room floor. The restaurant staff was cavalier about this and said that "this happens from time to time" and it is "in an old building". And, shockingly, everyone just went on eating. I was taught that whenever you see something bad on the dining room floor, it is worse in the kitchen. Seeing the staff so cavalier was all I needed to stop eating my lamb, which was undercooked, and get out of that place. The food was good but not worth the value as it was $200+ for two with only one glass of wine. The appetizers (octopus and wagyu tartare) and the entrees (halibut and lamb) were good but nothing we ordered stood out as excellent...which is what I would expect for >$50/plate. I was not aware of a tax/surcharge that added ~$6 to the bill. Being disgusted at the mouse and disappointed in the food, I asked about it and was told that this was to cover inflation and they did not want to increase the rates on the menu. This was laughable as the food was already overpriced, so why not just further overinflate the value of the food? (I later learned the actual details of the surcharge.) I will never go back. And even if you need a place in Georgetown, don't be fooled by the nostalgia of an old restaurant as I would not recommend going.
    

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13. RR

    ReneeR

    Central Coast

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Waiter was very good and very attentive. We enjoyed the experience. We will return on our next visit to Washington!
    

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14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Incredible dining experience!! Delicious food from Chef Charles and outstanding service from our incredibly knowledgeable server Danielle. Would highly recommend for a special occasion!
    

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15. E

    Eugene

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5

    The restaurant was lovely and definitely a must-visit, with large tables with ample room between. The service was also quite amazing, very attentive, and even split up some of the appetizers we shared so we don't have to eat from the same plate. The reason for the 3 stars is because two dishes we had were subpar, the Cauliflower bisque was not very tasty and the duck breast had rubbery skin and lots of chewy bits, at $40+ an entrée we expected better. Definitely try the smoked Oysters (very unique) and the scallops were great.
    

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16. RK

    RobertK

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    From arrival to departure, our anniversary dinner was first class in every respect.
    

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17. JU

    JUPS

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    thanks for making the dinner special in celebration of my daughter's graduation from Georgetown!
    

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18. JS

    JessicaS

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    I was very unhappy with the service and food we received in comparison to the amount paid. We had 3 courses that were rushed out with no breaks in between. Felt as if we were being rushed out of the restaurant, as the 3 courses were completed in 1hour. We planned to come to this restaurant as a Mothers Day event to spend time with each other. As far as the food, the portions were small and nothing to write home about. For instance, the steak was not a whole steak, but 2 slices of a steak. Everyone in the party left still hungry. And this was well over a $500 bill (with tip) for 4 people. Plus, a restaurant like this has no need to still be charging surpluses on a bill (something implemented for covid.) I feel like we were taken advantage of as far as what we got vs what we paid. I was very disappointed on Mothers Day and will not plan to return again.
    

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19. KM

    KaleighM

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The entire experience was phenomenal. The three course Mother’s Day offering was perfect for everyone to try exactly what they wanted. We will be back going forward.
    

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20. AW

    AnthonyW

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Outstanding service, excellent food quality, and the setting is perfect for any occasion.
    

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21. H

    Happyeater1

    Charleston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Mother’s Day.
    

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22. FK

    FoodKing

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was perfect! Food delightful, service was prompt and polite. They treat everyone like family.
    

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23. a

    arthurm

    Washington DC

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a very enjoyable evening. The scallops were great. The Cauliflower soup was very tasty.
    

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24. CC

    ChristopherC

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful menu, attentive service, quiet and intimate atmosphere. Just the right spot for an anniversary celebration.
    

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25. RR

    RichardR

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Good food, mediocre service, lovely atmosphere, average value
    

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26. BT

    BowTie53

    Washington DC

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is consistently one of the great dining treasures of the city. The current menu represents a return to the more traditional style that defined this restaurant for decades. The signature rack of lamb is as good as any, anywhere. The service is impeccable. The ambience is quiet, dignified and inspiring. We will return many times, as we did for our anniversary dinner last night.
    

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    100 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    100 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    As appetizers, we had the ravioli scarpinocc and the escargot croissant. Both were outstanding. As entrees, we ordered the New Bedford scallops and the prime New York strip. The scallops, carrots, caramelized garlic, and carrot-tarragon vinaigrette were all wonderful. I thought that the bamboo rice was cloyingly sweet and did not finish it. My husband enjoyed his beef and all the the plate's components. The pineapple upside-down cake was the weak link in the food that we ordered. The lime espuma was way too sour and the lemon madeline cake was oddly dry. I would have to say that the best part about the evening was our server, Nicholas. He helped guide us with our menu and drink choices and was there when we needed but never obtrusive. When we go back, we will ask to sit in his section. A wonderful evening all in all.
    

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28. LR

    LisaR

    Mobile

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a fantastic place to celebrate! We we so we'll taken care of from start to finish. Great wine recommendations and I highly recommend the caviar and champagne! I come here whenever I visit DC. Georgetown is a blast.
    

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29. RB

    RangeBrover

    Washington DC

    23 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience5

    My wife and I have been coming to 1789 at least once a year since 2015 when we had our rehearsal dinner at the restaurant. We've lived through the chef changes after Sam left and ran into some operating hour challenges during the pandemic, but overall we've always made it a priority to get here for our anniversary each year. I have to say the food under Chef Kresiser was excellent but our primary server Anil was disappointing to say the least. The warmth and high level of service we're used to receiving just wasn't there with him and it left us pretty disappointing. Everyone else we interacted with were fantastic and we really loved the food. I know we'll be back again as we're suckers for tradition, I just hope service is better during our next visit.
    

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30. a

    anneb

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service and a pleasant environment for any celebration.
    

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31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Visited with my fiance for his birthday. Nice service as usual. We love the bread and butter, and hot tea refill. Tried a few dishes, mostly good, but the octopus leg was overcooked and tasted bitter.
    

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32. D

    Dchrome

    Chicago

    51 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    An enjoyable experience on all fronts. The menu is limited which is a good thing. Make a few choices well. The staff very welcoming and professional.
    

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33. FM

    FrankM

    Houston

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5

    Polenta was not edible due to overpowering lemon flavor. Rest of meal was outstanding
    

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34. RB

    RobertB

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Classic Georgetown Fine Dining for a Special Occasion Location: On two floors of an historic townhouse on the corner of 36th and Prospect, just outside the gates of Georgetown University. Service: We chose 1789 for a special dinner because the staff was rated excellent for service, and we can confirm all the great reports are true! Our primary server was knowledgeable, professional, and checked on us frequently. We also had visits from the manager and the chef! Some other upscale restaurants suffer from poor staffing issues- the 1789 team sets a great example of old-school, fine personal dining service. Facilities: Four dining areas: the formal main room with wood fireplace, a smaller pub like area with a bar, and two more dining areas upstairs. We got a cozy table for two in front of the fireplace. The main room has low, beamed ceilings, formal dark chairs, Currier and Ives prints on the walls, white tablecloths, and lots of crystal. Noise level low for good conversation. Valet parking. Value:Good value for a romantic, special occasion. Expensive but in line with all the other downtown fine dining restaurants we researched. We enjoyed an appetizer of hay-smoked oysters accented with hints of green apple and melon. She chose crusted haddock, and I had three ribs of lamb served alongside some wonderful, minted lamb sausage. Many specialty cocktails and good wine list by the glass or bottle. Dress code is business casual to dressy. I wouldn’t suggest children here unless part of a big family group. Pro tip: Here’s some interesting background: 1789 was the year the US Constitution was ratified, and also the year the Village of Georgetown was incorporated. The pub below is “The Tombs”, a classic college sports bar for the Hoyas of nearby Georgetown University. The classy bar next door was for several decades called “F. Scott’s” but is now named “Fitzgerald’s”;- both the author’s last name, and the middle name of JFK, who lived nearby in Georgetown
    

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35. LB

    LarryB

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A step back in time. Truly classic. Beautiful presentation and equally delicious food.
    

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36. L

    Lizzy

    Washington DC

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    This was a fitting venue for my farewell to DC dinner! The atmosphere is perfect old DC. The service was impeccable! The oysters were great and I especially loved the Ravioli Scarpinocc. The Key Lime Crémeux for dessert was also excellent.
    

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37. A

    Acacia

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was absolutely delicious and the service was exquisite! I would totally return for a friends get-together or date night! I had an amazing experience at 1789!
    

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38. BG

    BarryG

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Valet parking. Appropriately attentive and knowledgable service. Creative cocktails-Blood Orange and Lavender Margarita. Wonderful food, beautiful presentation, colorful, and tasty. Everything we shared was split in the kitchen. Ravioli Scarpinocc, I asked for more bread to finish the sauce in the bowl, Brioche Crusted Halibut, and a very fresh tasting Composition of Root Vegetables. Can't wait to go back!! Pleasantly surprised how good everything was.
    

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39. FP

    FrankP

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    1789 is ALWAYS very good and was again. Highly recommended for a special night out!
    

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40. RT

    RobertT

    Washington DC

    80 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    80 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    This place is a throwback to days past where exquisite service and attention to detail reigned supreme. Regrettably, the food, though good, did not match the service. The polenta accompanying the wagyu beef was horrible. Ravioli and liver mousse were stars. Scallops to die for.
    

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