The Sovereign

Name: The Sovereign
Address: 1206 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20007
Telephone: (202) 774-5875
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

590 Reviews

$31 to $50

Belgian

Top Tags:

The Sovereign is a Belgian bar & bistro committed to celebrating the rustic cuisine & fabled brewing culture of Belgium. Located in the vibrant Georgetown neighborhood, the Sovereign's kitchen is led by Executive Chef Andres Zuluaga whose classic, ingredient-driven Belgian dishes draw on French, German & Dutch cooking techniques & traditions. The Sovereign features 50 drafts & more than 350 bottles meticulously curated by Beer Director, Greg Engert.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Belgian, Contemporary European
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–1:00 am Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–2:00 am Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 774-5875
Website
http://www.thesovereigndc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Andres Zuluaga

Location
1206 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
Neighborhood
Georgetown
Cross street
M Street NW
Parking details
Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Many other parking lots and garages are also nearby. Parking sites can be found at www.georgetowndc.com/visitor-map-travel/parking.
Public transit
The Sovereign is a short walk from the M Street & Wisconsin Avenue NW stops on the DC Circulator route. The closest metro station is the Foggy Bottom-GWU stop on the Blue/Orange/Silver line.
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 590 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
4.4Service
4.3Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

District of Columbia
Lively

591 Reviews

SB
SharonB
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a great surprise. One of the best restaurants in Georgetown. Amazing food with a french flare and a terrific list of top shelf Belgian beers. Great service, great ambiance, cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend the mussels paired with a mellow Belgian brew.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
We had decided to try The Sovereign for breakfast after reading reviews for the great yeast waffles and the staff saying how special the waffle maker was that had just been delivered from Belgium...that said, the eggs were runny, the potatoes tasteless, and the waffle hard as a rock. One could not even cut it with a fork. Unfortunately the worst waffle I have ever had. Luckily the service was good and the food was gratus but we left hungry and wanting. Perhaps enjoy a tasty beer here...but leave breakfast somewhere else.
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DM
DavidM
Greater Boston
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
If you like beer, this is the place for you. There is a huge array of beers in a variety of styles inspired by the Belgian brewing tradition. This is complemented by a menu that has a slant to Northern European cuisine. Beer, food and service were all excellent. The staff was both knowledgable and attentive. Overall a very enjoyable evening. I would definitely go back.
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IB
IreneB
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nice find down a charming alleyway. Cozy, dim lit, yet lively restaurant in the lower main dining area. Second floor different, with more of an open communal dining experience. Quite an extensive beer menu. Food menu easy to navigate with shareables such as cheese boards and large mussle pots, as well as individual entrees, including two fish items. Excellent craft cocktails too.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was amazing! The food is fairly heavy, but with many options for meat, fish, and veggies. We are not huge beer people, but they have 50 beers on draft, and a huge inventory of niche bottled beers presented in wine menu format (multiple pages, regions, vintage, brewery). The mussels are very filling and tasty
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 2, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Nice location. Great atmosphere. Excellent wine. Spinach salad too much vinegar dressing (too strong to have so much). Onion soup onions not cooked enough. Belgian meatball appetizer was very good. Table bread great. Took a long time to get service, but once service finally came, kitchen was quick. Would visit again, the place was fine, but would not tell a friend to make a special trip out to DC for it. Still had a nice time there. More attention to details would make this a 5-star review.
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a
anon
Washington DC
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
nice place and good beers. but do not take the Bitterballen - they are nothing like what they should taste like. Dry and without any ragout in them. The mussels and onion soup were both really good.
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GF
GinaF
Dallas
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of my new favorite places in Georgetown. Everything was delightful.
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MB
MelanieB
Tallahassee
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 1
This is the place to go if you are alone and want to people watch. It is NOT the place to go if you plan to talk to your dinner companion. It’s way too loud. The food was meh and overpriced. The drinks were watered down and overpriced. I’m pretty easygoing, but I couldn’t deal with this place.
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LC
LisaC
Philadelphia
7 reviews
1.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Food did not meet our expectations. Mussels had no flavor, and the salad dressing was so salty it made the spinach salads unedible. Our waiter completely ignored us after taking our order. Super disappointing for a place that had good reviews from others.
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OF
OliviaF
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food at a great restaurant! Our server was lovely and made sure to make our meal extra special for a birthday we were celebrating. Will be returning soon!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This my first time coming here and it was perfect. Great drinks, beer selection, and the food was creative, but very approachable. Had a great chill Sunday brunch with a friend here.
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EG
EleanorG
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding service, excellent food and really fun atmosphere!
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j
johncocktoasten
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I love this place. I eat here every time I’m in DC.
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S
Sherri
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Sovereign is top notch in every way! My husband and I went for a date night, and we ordered the steak frites and one of the mussel entries. Both were excellent but I especially recommend the steak which was tender, flavorful and cooked to perfection! (We ordered it medium rare). The beer, wine and cocktail selections were amazing, and we were pleased with the ones we tried. I'd be remiss not to mention the excellent waiter we had who understood our tastes and was able to make excellent recommendations to help us pick from the large menu of beverages. He was very attentive all evening. He also recommended a creamy dessert with a paired beer that was outstanding!!
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JP
JorgeP
Caribbean
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Nice experience at The Sovereign. Food is delicious.
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B
Boomer
Washington DC
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a great experience last night. We were waiting for a table and got a seat at the bar and decided to just eat there and the bartenders were great! They were so helpful and we got top notch service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 12, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Overall okay, every experience is different. Selection of beers is fantastic. Having been to Belgium quite a few times I had low expectations with a great reward. I'd say the large menu with all the beers could use some revising. Every item is nearly the same font with little descriptors and the prices are far outside what should.be charged. I saw beers that would be 2 euro in Belgium listed for $40. Burger seemed prepared and did not have ANY of the toppings. Only bread, meat, cheese. I'd expect a bit better presentation for $18 for a basic burger and a sauce dipping size of thin and barely cooked soggy fries. Service was okay...felt rushed to choose...from the 400 beers. Give me a few minutes. I've heard great things but had a mediocre experience. Ill.be back, but only for the beer.
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EB
EdBa
Chicago
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is a fun and enjoyable place to eat and drink. extensive beer list. Would recommend to any foodie.
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DM
DianeM
Pittsburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nice out of the way restaurant. Great food, drinks and service.
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J
Jendoo1
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our server, TJ, was knowledgeable about each beer on the menu, and could suggest pairings. He was very gracious and helpful all night.
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DS
DeShannonH
Greater Boston
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
The food was ok. Et Voila had better rabbit. Service was slow. Way too loud. Seating too close and walking down a light filled rat alleyway was not a way to start an experience here. Won’t be back and couldn’t recommend in good faith.
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HV
HollyV
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 20, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
I’d recommend it to someone who likes beer and isn’t bothered by the noise level.
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j
jamies
Raleigh
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
The Sovereign was a place we were excited about because we love Belgian food and beers. We were surprised to arrive about 8pm and they were already trying to close down when they close at 10pm- lanterns were being removed which are needed based on the location in Georgetown. The lantern remover- did explain they were still open. When we walked in there was no one at the hostess station, the bartender yelled over to sit anywhere - upstairs or downstairs- we chose downstairs. The server came by and questioned why we were sitting there. then he realized what he said and said it was okay to be at that booth. Not a great start to our reserved dinner. We will say he redeemed himself by being very knowledgeable about the menu - food and drinks. He did have a bit too lengthy conversation at the next table when we had yet to receive water or take orders but over all he did get back to us to continue with orders, selections, and recommendations. My husband and I had the Belgian Mussels and they were good but the broth was a bit salty. drink recommendations were great. For a party of 3 our bill was close to $200 One thing to look at is the 3% BOH charge - while that is great you are making sure the patron contributes to a tip - it would be great if you did not include in the total because then the patron ends up tipping on that amount also- It should be up to the restaurant to tip out to its various staff - not the patron.
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GW
GeoffreyW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great location, amazing food, incredible service. I took my father here for his birthday and we were all blown away by the cool vibe of this place, the incredible knowledge of our waitress Brooke, and the amazing selection of Belgian charcuterie, beer, and entree offerings. They even treated the birthday boy to a chocolate pot de creme that was out of this world. You're missing out if you skip over this wonderful place in Georgetown.
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DW
DebbieW
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Loved the Summer Series Lambic event. We got to try many great Lambics without breaking the bank. We sat at the bar and were well attended by the bartender. The meatballs and mussels are delicious. The Sovereign was well worth our trip into DC from NoVa, and I expect that we will be back again soon.
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LR
LibertiR
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 5, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Everything was great once we were seated. There was no host/was at the front but our friend was already seated. Good, service and ambience was nice. My 3 stars are only because at the end of the night, while waiting for the restroom I ended up seating a rat coming down the stairs from the kitchen. Personally, this would stop me from going back.
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SM
SoreneM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I met up there with family and since I got there first, I had to wait for a while (traffic is a nightmare in Georgetown ) for them to arrive and find parking. During my roughly 30 min wait, all the staff made sure to check on me to see if I was ok and if I needed something while I waited. I’m not a big beer person but I had a gentleman in a blue shirt help me out to pick something that was to my taste ( I sincerely thank him for bearing with me). The overall atmosphere and ambiance is welcoming and warm. The entire staff from the host at the door to the servers are some of the best I’ve encountered. As for the food, the appetizer were definitely appropriately served and it was interesting. The meatballs were our favorite. As for the food, I’m not really sure but if it was anything close to the brunch options, then it is definitely well made, hearty portions and pairs nicely with the brews. It is a bit hard to find but it is definitely a gem that is great for get togethers. Not to mention that the inside is splendid.
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CP
CPCP
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Nicest waiter and delicious food! Restaurant week with beer pairings was fantastic deal.
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J
Jmw245
New York Area
90 reviews
vip
1.0
90 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
Went with high expectations of the rabbit dish which is not an easy find except in Belgian restaurants. The establishment is at the end of an unsightly alley with a couple of homeless sauntering around the front. You come here for food, not decor, cleanness or service. The bread was amazing, crusty and warm. That is the best part of the meal. The appetizer was quite average and main meal, rabbit for me and beer-battered chicken for my husband were shockingly awful. Rabbit clearly came out of frozen state where it had been for half a year, there is the staleness in the meat and driness in the texture. It probably wouldn't have been so easily noticeable if they made it into a stew but they went for grill. It was awful. Rare to have a stale game plate. Chicken was dry and tasteless as well. I left the rabbit untouched. We reflected the rabbit issue with the head waiter who took it from our bill. Still, what an opportunity cost to come here. There are so many good place around Georgetown or NW DC area, to waste a dinner here is nothing short of rage
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DC
DCHugh
Washington DC
83 reviews
vip
2.0
83 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
dark underground restaurant, too many beers on the menu to choose from mediocre food , wont be rushing back
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OT
OpenTable Diner
St. Louis
9 reviews
vip
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
First time coming here after I saw some IG marketing. Wasn't truly sure where this was located as it's set back from the street down an ally way. The dining area is underground and has a speakeasy/brewery feel to it. We went for brunch so the ambiance wasn't super awakening. Gave off more happy hour/dinner feels; tad bit cold and not super welcoming. We ordered the spritzer bottle special for $45. The sparkling wine was good and we were able to add Aperol as we pleased. The "fancy garnishes" it's served with aren't fancy at all and really just a few cherries and lime/lemon twists. I ordered the smoked salmon Benedict which came with a side of potatoes. I had the hollandaise in the side because it really makes or breaks the dish. Glad I did because it was really bland, no flavor. Even after adding salt and pepper, there was no depth to the sauce. The salmon was not overly salty which I was grateful for. Eggs were well poached and still runny which I appreciated. The fried potatoes were the best part. My boyfriend ordered the Belgian breakfast with sausage. The waffle wasn't as crisp on the outside as I would have expected, but the inside was still fluffy. I'm not sure if they bought or made the sausage, but it was also severely lacking in flavor and spice. Sage was the only thing that came through and that was at the slightest. Our friend had the chicken and waffles. He didn't have much to say, but said it was pretty standard, nothing special. Our server hadn't ever served brunch before, but she was attentive. She did mention they had a rooftop but it was only open after 3. Maybe this has a more "friendly" atmosphere. Overall, it was just an okay brunch experience. The food wasn't memorable, atmosphere was a little dark and cold for brunch. For three people, sparkling bottle service we paid $104 without tip
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KO
KellyO
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Highly recommend and would eat here again. Each entree served at our table was exceptional. Server was friendly and knowledgeable and the ambiance was just right.
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LD
LocalDiner
Houston
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Arrived early for reservation, so went to upstairs bar first. Bartenders were extremely helpful in discussing available options and guiding us to good choices. They also discussed menu options with us so we were armed with info for ordering dinner. Split the saffron mussels as a starter (recommended as a staff favorite, and did not disappoint.) Entrees were trout amandine and short rib. Each was excellent in its own way. Opted for pear cider in lieu of wine, considering the strengths of the venue. That was a solid choice as well. Can't comment on dessert because mussels, entrees and drinks...
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
It was a bit dark overall. The last few times I’m dined in at the lower level. Great beer selection though!
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N
Nadia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service, authentic Belgian cuisine and delicious food.
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PP
PeterP
Washington DC
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Belgian Independence Day celebration with beer and food specials. Why we went!
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n
nicolec
San Diego
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
We recently tried this place and it was a little underwhelming .having enjoyed a recent trip to Belgium, I was excited to visit a place with Belgian beer. Imagine my surprise when the draft list contains none of the familiar Belgian beers and many not from Belgium. It’s like going to an American place in a another country and not finding any of the famous American beers on the list . We did get bottles but the mystery was done. However Our server was excellent and the food was decent, so overall not a bad place. No kids menu for any parents out there but what kid doesn’t love Fre-er-Belgian Fries.
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K
Katie
Washington DC
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We haven’t been here in years! It was great to be back. The beer selection is insane and our friends who were in from out of town were blown away. Great recommendations from our server for food and beverage. It was just a great evening. So glad we made it back in after a long break!
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AH
AnHonestFoodie
Washington DC
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Great beer and cider selection, awesome decor, friendly servers and bartenders.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

The Sovereign is rated 4.4 stars by 590 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

Dec 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

1206 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

Additional information

Cross street
M Street NW
Neighborhood
Georgetown
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–1:00 am Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–2:00 am Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Belgian, Contemporary European
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Many other parking lots and garages are also nearby. Parking sites can be found at www.georgetowndc.com/visitor-map-travel/parking.
Public transit
The Sovereign is a short walk from the M Street & Wisconsin Avenue NW stops on the DC Circulator route. The closest metro station is the Foggy Bottom-GWU stop on the Blue/Orange/Silver line.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Andres Zuluaga
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thesovereigndc.com/
Phone number
(202) 774-5875

The Sovereign

Make a reservation

Additional information

Popular dishes

Belgian Meatballs

Steak Frites

Steak Salad

Menu

What 590 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

How is The Sovereign restaurant rated?

Is The Sovereign currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information