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  5. Penn Quarter

Sixth Engine Restaurant

4.3
4.3
641 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
A contemporary American restaurant set in D.C.'s 1st firehouse, Sixth Engine uses classic techniques to produce comfort foods with a touch of refinement while providing polished service in a comfortable setting.

We have three different dining areas. While we do our best to accommodate requests for specific areas, we can not always guarantee availability. Due to the unpredictability of the weather, we do not accept reservation for the patio, which we seat on a first come for served basis. Please feel free to call the restaurant if you require a specific location, and we will do our best to meet your needs.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 4:30 pm–10:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (202) 506-2455

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Kyle Bailey

  • Private party facilities

    Located in Mt. Vernon Triangle, Sixth Engine is in close proximity to both the Convention Center and the Verizon Center, in addition to multiple metro lines. Sixth Engine combines modern interpretations of classic American fare, nestled in the historic ambiance of DC's oldest firehouse.

  • Private party contact

    Jeremy Carman: (202) 506-2455

  • Neighborhood

    Penn Quarter

  • Cross street

    Between 4th and 5th

  • Parking details

    Sixth Engine recommends parking at the Franklin Parking Lot located<br />at 901 5th Street, NW, just a half of a block west from Sixth Engine on the corner of 5th and I Streets.

  • Public transit

    We are located equidistant between Gallery Place, Judiciary Square, and Union Station on the Red Line.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 641 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3
4.3 based on all time ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. DanO

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    The food was good but not great. There were a number of other issues. The online menu listed cauliflower soup - but our server said they do not serve that anymore - and that the website is out of date. We arrived before 6 pm, but they had already sold out of the only fish dish on the menu - causing some difficulty for a person in our party who does not care to eat meat. Next, they brought out hot tea without a spoon. When we asked for a straw for a soft drink, we were told they do not have straws. Seems to be plenty of room for improvement.
  2. James

    Philadelphia

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The restaurant was great. We were in town for an annual convention and make Sixth Engine our "go-to" spot at least once during the weekend. Food and service were terrific. Only complaint was a loud party at the bar, who were singing (loudly and poorly) to the music being played over the speaker system. We complained to the server and she immediately informed the manager. Thankfully, after a bit longer of the "America's Got No Talent" performance, it quieted down. This won't stop us from enjoying the fantastic food and wine selection. We'll be back next year for sure!
  3. Yummy007

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2019

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    I had the eggs Benedict and it was delicious! The hash browns were also amazing! We had the best server, Moe, who was funny and very attentive. We did the bottomless mimosas and we had a great end to our girls weekend in DC! Would definitely come back! Only complaint would be that my friends salad was kinda bland and slightly wilted. Overall good experience though!
  4. patriciaM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 6, 2019

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    My waitress was fantastic! The drinks were a great value and tasty! The food was nothing to write home about. They did not use a "planchar" to make the "Cubano" sandwich! The omelet was just an omelet.
  5. LuciaH

    Washington DC

    26 reviews

    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Wonderful rockfish over beets (still chewy!) and leeks--very interesting and tasty combination. My husband had filet, which he said was tender and delicious, served with mashed potatoes. We started with a half dozen of plump and briny oysters from the Rappahanock.
  6. luvjazz60

    Washington DC

    35 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2018

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Was pleasantly surprised -- this was my first time here and the food was VERY good.
  7. ElainaO

    Philadelphia

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place. Have dined at Sixth Engine at least 5 times and everything from the food to the service is always great. Love the atmosphere and music too!
  8. nr1234

    Washington DC

    36 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on December 13, 2018

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Food was okay nothing to write home about. It was extremely loud in the restaurant. Initially service was good, but once we ordered dessert, it went downhill. We waited almost 20 minutes to get dessert and finally had to cancel it. The bill came with the dessert added which we then had to get corrected.
  9. BrunchLover

    Dallas

    55 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on December 9, 2018

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    I’ve been to Sixth Engine several times for brunch and have had great experiences. The dining experience was not the best overall experience both because of the food and service. We were seated downstairs in the bar area which was not great because the bartender took care of our table, was busy with the bar, and was extremely slow with our service. We ended up skipping dessert and going to another restaurant because the service was so slow. As for the food, it was a bit bland and the portions were small. Sides are not included with entrees, so the dining experience quickly added up for a not so great experience.
  10. MarcyB

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2018

    overall2food1service4ambience1
    We did not realize that this place is basically a bar with what was touted to be good food. It was very noisy, but it was a bar, so as soon as we walked in I knew it would be. Because we were trying to get to a show, we decided to stay. Our waitress was wonderful! That is the last good thing I have to say. My sister and I both ordered the soup, which was supposed to be hot, and was cold. We also both ordered the pork goulash which sounded delicious. For $28 I expected a better meal. It was served in a cast-iron griddle (nice touch) but was a plate of cheese grits with six pieces of pork, four of which were entirely fat, and four small pieces of potato. It was not in a gravy, as goulash usually is, but rather had a red sauce drizzled over the top. To top it all off, even our coffee had grounds in the mug and was weak. I don't know if it was a bad night for them, but we won't be giving them a second chance.
  11. MaryD

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Good food, good service and they know how to make a really good NY Sour! Menu isn’t very extensive but Eberything is good. Will be back!
  12. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    52 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2018

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    Service was pleasant and sincere but not very experienced. I ordered pork stew. The meat that wasn’t grizzle was so tough that it was inedible. The chips and dip in place of bread was a nice touch. Setting in old firehouse was fun. I will not be returning on future DC trips.
  13. ElainaO

    Philadelphia

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was the second time we had a family dinner for 8 at Sixth Engine. Great little place with delicious food!
  14. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Great atmosphere but limited menu.
  15. JenniferC

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    You cannot beat $15 bottomless Bloody Mary's and Mimosas (which you can switch between). This is one of my favorite brunch spots in DC. Inside is dark and moody, with a nice patio for warm days. The Eggs Benedict is delicious.
  16. jvpress

    Baltimore

    29 reviews

    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant. The food was delicious, the service was great, and I just loved the old building, itself.
  17. FtwNative

    Dallas

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Only drawback is the dining is upstairs and no elevator.
  18. SommerS

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The venue had a rustic vibe with comfortable booths and great service! I could not complain.
  19. DerekS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 13, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Arrived prior to reservation and was seated anyway by the friendly hostess. Waitress was great and was very attentive. Food was great, drink selection was great and close to the Capital One Arena. Great all the way around.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful time our hostess and the server very knowledgeable and engaged in conversation with us. They were knowledgeable about the menu.
  21. Leslie

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service,
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2018

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    We were sitting for 20 minutes before anyone came to our table. The restaurant was not busy at all. We ended up leaving before actually ordering food
  23. GaryW

    Naples

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2018

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    My wife and I were in town for the weekend and were looking for someplace close by to grab dinner. We found out about the Sixth Engine via a web search and thought we'd try it out. Although the food was tasty, my grits (Shrimp & Grits) were cold. However the shrimp were cooked nicely and the dish was very tasty. My wife had the lamb pasta dish and she loved it. The night we were in there, it got a little busy and they certainly could have used another server. The one they had working was pleasant and helpful, but she had at least 20 people that she was trying to take care of. Would we go back again? Certainly.
  24. JasmineC

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was the best brunch I have ever had. The chefs really know how to combine flavors and textures into something perfect. I didn't know cheddar benedict with beet greens could be so good. I didn't know apple fritters could change my life.
  25. ClaireR57

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic evening of dining with our two young boys. Waiter was attentive and helpful, explaining choices regarding beer and food and was excellent with the boys. We were only in D.C for the one night and we are so glad we chose Sixth Engine! Great chilled atmosphere, excellent and tasty food and great service.
  26. AkkiraF

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, the brunch menu was great. The waitress was energetic and lively, and was joking with us the whole time. Overall super pleasant experience, would definitely come back again!
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and drinks. Down here for vacation and couldn’t be more pleased. Glad we came.
  28. BB1988

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 3, 2018

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    A nice space but the food was a hit or miss. The cauliflower appetizer was amazing, but the brussels were only so-so. It looked like most folks ordered burgers, so maybe we just ordered the wrong thing. But, with a menu smaller than most, there shouldn't be any "just okay" dishes. The service, on the other hand, was great. Our server was so helpful and patient and attentive!
  29. Doug

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great brunch
  30. KathleenP

    Orlando

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect location for get-together with friend from Maryland. Service and food was on the mark and added to a very enjoyable brunch
  31. Sarah

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2018

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    My fiance and I love coming here for brunch. They're bottomless mimosa and Bloody option is one of the best deals in the city. And the brunch menu has the perfect number of options. The service at the bar is one thing that could be improved.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wasn't too crowded got a ton of food and happy hour prices for drinks. Great experience
  33. SamanthaE

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2018

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Atmosphere was cool. Food was good. I throughly enjoyed the ribeye and the fried cauliflower. Service could use improvement
  34. DomA

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place was awesome. The service was even better. My group was here for work and I found this place on Yelp. We had a nice dinner and most of my group will be going back before the end of our work week. The food is outstanding.
  35. Jack

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2018

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    My family tried this restaurant because it was in the hotel where we were staying. Fairfield Marriott. The room was very dark so ambiance wasn't very inviting, although it was a colonel setting so maybe that was the reason for the darkness. The waitress was very good and attentive but the food was just okay. I wasn't impressed with the overall experience so that's why I wouldn't recommend this restaurant. It was very pricey.
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a unique menu and everything we tried was delicious! Great prices and service too! Great first experience and will most definitely go back there!
  37. BMC1

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2018

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    The food was mediocre. The kids chicken tenders were over cooked, the homemade lamb pasta was a bit bland, the fries were cold. The burgers and brisket sandwich were good. I think if your getting beers and apps it’s a decent place.
  38. AgaP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Lauren was an amazing server and the food is always good. The timing - after brunch - was perfect as it was quiet and less crowded. Their mac and cheese was an interesting experience - not bad, but I, personally, would not call it mac and cheese. The rib eye is phenomenal.
  39. honolulujc

    Hawaii

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2018

    overall4food4service2ambience4
    we enjoyed the general experience although our service was slow and the restaurant was not busy.
  40. Susan

    New York Area

    65 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the bottomless mimosas on the brunch menu..great food and very generous servings of ham, sausage and bacon. Nice bright room up on the 2nd floor. Wonderful way to spend a leisurely weekend late morning

FAQs

Sixth Engine Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 506-2455.

Sixth Engine Restaurant is rated 4.3 stars by 641 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Between 4th and 5th

  • Neighborhood

    Penn Quarter

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 4:30 pm–10:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Sixth Engine recommends parking at the Franklin Parking Lot located<br />at 901 5th Street, NW, just a half of a block west from Sixth Engine on the corner of 5th and I Streets.

  • Public transit

    We are located equidistant between Gallery Place, Judiciary Square, and Union Station on the Red Line.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Kyle Bailey

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (202) 506-2455

  • Private party facilities

    Located in Mt. Vernon Triangle, Sixth Engine is in close proximity to both the Convention Center and the Verizon Center, in addition to multiple metro lines. Sixth Engine combines modern interpretations of classic American fare, nestled in the historic ambiance of DC's oldest firehouse.

  • Private party contact

    Jeremy Carman: (202) 506-2455

  • Privacy Policy
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  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
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