What are the most overrated DC restaurants?
For instance, I'd heard amazing things about I Ricchi and decided I had to go. I found the atmosphere stuffier than my grandmother's coat closet and the food was bland, lukewarm, and pricy. Please contribute your thoughts!
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Buck's Fishing & - utterly offensive with their faux family-style dining and their completely-mistaken conception of real food. We ordered the lobster about a year ago and it was served without the claws. When I inquired, I was told that the chef felt that it was too difficult for people to get to the claw meat. I really think they were saving the claws for some future bisque.
Comet Ping Pong, imho is another weak attempt at faux retro culture. Let's make mediocre pizza, and charge a lot for it because we're serving it on pingpong tables. Please!
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re: crackers
Saddly enough, I'd like to add Sushi Taro to the list. They were once amazing and now completely banal. While the quality is still somewhat there, the only thing that really knocked my socks off was the green tea ice cream at the end... maybe it was because the ice cream was good or because I knew I could leave the cold sterile decor or because of the two bottles of sake I consumed to mask the mediocre menu...
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Was in DC this weekend. Found two places to add to the "overrated" board: Founding Farmers and Burma Restaurant.
Founding Farmers. Such a disappointment. I ordered the burger because I thought it would be simple, tasty and a no-brainer. Medium rare came out thoroughly grey and rubbery. I sent it back and got another one identically grey and overcooked. The meat tasted like cardboard. And they had no mustard except French's. Come on.
Burma restaurant: everyone loves it because it's an exotic cuisine. True. But the food is actually terrible--those people in the kitchen don't care and are just riding on their reputuation and laughing at you. Trust me. I've lived in Burma. Note that all the rave reviews posted on the wall are from the 90's. Don't waste your money.
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re: Lauman
I think Founding Farmers is a really hit or miss in regards to their food. If you happen to find yourself there again, get the brie, apple and onion flatbread for an appetizer and the pot roast as an entree - I thought both were very good and the best I've tried there. They also have a nice selection of cocktails.
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re: dcfoodie13
That's funny because I had the brie, apple and onion jam 'flatbread' this past Friday at lunch and I was quite disappointed with it. For one thing, it was not a flatbread, it was a slice of an ordinary 'French' bread with some sliced stuff on it, not at all what I think of as flatbread. And while the stuff on top was not bad, it only covered about half of each bread slice. At the same meal our table also ordered the deviled eggs which were almost tasteless. I could make a far better version of both of these dishes in my own kitchen.
I do want to give kudos to the hostess who was working Friday afternoon. She was really on top of her game. The place was slammed and she ran it like a finely honed military operation.
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re: Lauman
monkeyrotica
Apr 7, 2009 05:04 PM
Well, it was flat. And it was made out of bread. Ergo: flatbread.
This is what happens when you let people get away putting a grilled chicken breast or a piece of seared ahi tuna on a bun and calling it "a burger."
I fully expect to walk into a molecular gastronomy restaurant one day and have them serve me a plate that consists of a pile of flour, some salt, some yeast, and a cup of water, and they'll call it "deconstructed bread, a whimsical take on the classic baked good" and I'll have to punch someone in the junk. You'll probably read about it in the paper: Local Foodie Maniac Goes Berzerk, Demands "Real" Bread.
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re: Steve
monkeyrotica
Apr 7, 2009 04:36 AM
For a while, there was a Burma-vs-Mandalay debate, but that was years ago. Sorry to hear Burma fell off the map. I was in the neighborhood last weekend and was going to try it for lunch, but it was closed. Fortunately, there are plenty of other choices in the neighborhood.
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I will throw District Chophouse on this list. Overpriced, boring food, terrible onion soup and mediocre service all make this place not worth the trip.
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re: ktmoomau
Sorry to interrupt the FF love-fest, but this is a post about most overrated restaurants. I'd include FF to that list without hesitation. Had the worst brunch there that I have ever had. Atrocious service (past incompetent and borderline rude/unprofessional), coupled with rubbery, overcooked eggs, mealy potatoes, and not-fresh seafood. Seriously, after eating there I lost a little bit of my faith in this board because it's always so highly recommended.
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re: mjhals
ktmoomau
Mar 17, 2009 06:09 PM
If you lose faith in a board after 1 bad meal at 1 restaurant good luck. You will learn what hounds on this board have similar taste to yours, that a few meals does not make a restaurant, and that there are always stellar and not so good dishes. Welcome to chowhound. You will also learn we jack threads often.
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re: Ericandblueboy
Organic Cheesecake factory? Fantastic!! Why is comfort food automatically being associated with chains? Comfort food, when done right, can be extremely satisfying and should not be dismissed.
The whole point of Chowhound is to discuss food, offer suggestions, and share our OPINIONS, not to be insulting and/or condescending if someone's opinion happens to differ from your own.-
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re: chicken kabob
ktmoomau
Mar 18, 2009 11:57 AM
Would love to do a chow meetup. We have to invite Elyssa too because we have been supposed to get together for dinner now for a long long time and haven't, if you have facebook using my last name you can find me. I think I am also on DC foodies and DC chowhound groups there.
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re: ktmoomau
The Chowhound Team
Mar 19, 2009 01:49 PM
Hi, folks, we'd ask that if you want to plan a group dinner, you follow the guidelines here: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/36760... rather than exchanging details within an active thread. Thanks, and have fun at your dinner.
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re: Ericandblueboy
ktmoomau
Mar 18, 2009 09:31 AM
There are whole restaurants devoted to grilled cheese. We don't have one here, but after the cupcake craze, who knows, it can battle it out with rice pudding.
I appreciate fresh, well prepared vegetables that aren't just color on a plate, I appreciate value, and as a Southern girl, I appreciate comfort food, which is often what I don't have time to cook. Have you ever made pot pie from scratch making the pie crusts and all, I have, it takes a long time to roll out the crusts, make the roux, and get everything to taste just right, so I appreciate a good pot pie. I have had a million and 1 awful pot roasts were the veggies are just smush and it is just like beef and potato, so I appreciate this, and the lobster mac and cheese was creamy, rich and full of lobster cooked perfectly, and even warmed up well the next day, so say what you want, but for someone who likes comfort food and has a billable hour work week which prohibits major cooking, I will take it. And I appreciate homemade cornbread not from a mix.
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re: ktmoomau
DanielK
Mar 18, 2009 11:06 AM
I agree completely with your take on FF, save one point:
Their well-dressed, organic, homestyle comfort food, is quite simply overpriced by at least 30%. That's what makes it overrated - you walk out thinking it was a nice meal, but that your pocket is far lighter than it should be.
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re: radioman18
My problem with FF is not the cost, but that the food (vegetables in particular) were just awful. And I obviously was expecting much better from a restaurant that so clearly markets itself as sourced/local/fresh/etc. Frankly, I don't care if you have the farmer on speed dial, you can't just rest on your marketing. Please back it up with ACTUAL fresh, good food.
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re: chicken kabob
The experience I was talking about was at the District Chophouse. I was responding to a couple of different posts. There are a lot of factors that go in to pricing an entree; location, ingredients, and what the public will pay as well as other factors. However, in the restaurant business, there are baseline prices. For instance, when someone charges more than $30 for a pork chop, I believe that price is outrageous.
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re: radioman18
monkeyrotica
Mar 21, 2009 05:23 AM
I'm surprised nobody's tried to put a porkchop on a brioche roll, call it a "Seared Pork Tenderloin Slider," and charge $40 for it. They manage to "burgerfy" everything from ahi tuna to chicken breast.
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Jaleo and Zatinya are two of my favorite places. I like the small portions and I find the food to be very fresh and inventive. I like the way Jaleo is constantly changing and offering new dishes. I would agree that Central is overrated. I ate there once after reading all the hype and had a mediocre meal in a fairly unpleasant surrounding staring at a big portrait of the chef.
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Smiles2008
Mar 14, 2009 12:42 PM
What about Bebo Trattoria? It was so overrated. That place has bad service with mediocre food. I went there a couple of year's ago and will never return.
Also, Founding Farmers is a bit overrated.
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re: Smiles2008
monkeyrotica
Mar 15, 2009 05:23 AM
Bebo's fine if you eat at the bar and aren't in a hurry. As soon as you sit down at a table, you're in trouble. Long, snooty trouble.
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re: bordeauxfan
monkeyrotica
Mar 15, 2009 07:02 AM
Yow! He must be in trouble. He didn't even bother to renew his domain name.
Anybody want it? And is his new restaurant the one in the old Butterfield 9 spot?
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re: monkeyrotica
alkapal
Mar 21, 2009 08:30 PM
someone must've tipped donna off, 'cause the site is up.
i laughed, though, reading his last "blog" entry from april 2008:
"I am writing the blog my self, finally!Yes I did learn how to run it ! So from now on I will do it my self, so get use to read my English , and please I know I do write pretty bad so I do not need any comment on it.
I would like to keep this blog on food and cooking and revues on revue of restaurants in town by news papers. ( if you are one of the few that need to complain about my restaurants just e-mail me personaly Pirla2007 @AOL.com or write to the news paper not here ! ).
I THINK IT WILL BE NICE TO HAVE A SOURCE TO DISCUSS REVUES AND TRY TO UNDERSTAND THEM."
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>>>>if you are one of the few that need to complain about my restaurants<<<
what to say? ;-). i wonder if he responds to emails....i'd sure love to read those! LOL!
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In my opinion, 2 very much hyped restaurants--Zaytinya and to some extent, Matchbox are over rated. My reasons:
- Zaytinya, despite its beautiful decor, is very noisy and has very small portions (bad price-quality ratio). I've actually gone home after eating there and had a 2nd dinner. Service is also often very bad.
- Matchbox. Granted it's cozy and reasonably priced. But in my opinion, the pizzas aren't good - I had one served with big chunks of garlic on top and I really disliked it. 2 Amy's (or PIzzeria Paradiso) is the place to go for pizza in DC. The mini-burgers were good, but seriously were nothing special. Just not impressed.›3 Replies-
re: Gigi007
monkeyrotica
Mar 14, 2009 07:38 AM
I submit that Zatinya is popular BECAUSE of the noise (it's hip and vibrant!) and small portions. I've known people who don't go to restaurants for food at all, but to be seen in a popular place and to look at other people. The food is secondary. And depending on when you go, I've found 2 Amys can be just as, if not more, noisy as Zatinya. Zatinya doesn't cater to the restaurant-as-nursery set.
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re: monkeyrotica
To each his own. I cited two reasons for my opinion about Zaytinya being over-rated. Sure if you like noise and think it's hip, good for you, but not everyone sees it that way. And to me the food is defnitely not secondary. I too find 2 Amy's noisy, but at the same time regularly go there because the food is excellent. Again, my opinion.
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Something that shocked me due to all of the fantastic things I have heard about this chain from people I know that have visited all over the country... The Capital Grille in DC. I went into dinner excited for what was suppossed to be one of the best steaks of my life with my boyfriend and our families... not sure if we had a bad experience because we were a party of 10 or if it had to do with it being 8:30pm on a Saturday night, but half of us couldn't even eat our dinner, my mother's steak was butterflied without them even asking her if she wanted it done that way (apparently they do this if you order your steak well done)... it was just a terrible dining experience from a food standpoint for the amount of money spent on the meal. On a positive note though, the service was wondeful. Our server was one of the nicest I've experienced anywhere and we definitely let him know that he was outstanding despite the food being less than spectacular. I'm hoping this was just one bad night and that this isn't the case.
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re: alyt
DanielK
Nov 6, 2008 07:29 AM
It's a chain, so I'm not sure why your expectations were so sky-high - there are far, FAR better places for a steak in DC. And it was inexcusable for your server to not tell you that a well-done steak was going to be butterflied, but that's standard treatment for well-done steaks in top-end steakhouses, as they're cut so thick that's pretty much the only way to make them well done without turning the steak into charcoal.
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Jaleo (mediocre and overpriced), Kincaid (snotty service and overpriced) and 2 Amys ( an overrated pizza joint).
Also, anything that people who call themselves foodies like is likely to be overrated. They seem to love heartburn palaces like Ben's.
PS: Beware of people who call themselves foodies and say they don't like Inn at Little Wash - it's great, though it costs too much - you should do it once. 1789 is also a very good restaurant that everyone except precious "foodies" will like.›3 Replies-
re: foodcheck
Jaleo is the single restaurant in the DC area I've found that really tastes like rustic Europe. Sorry, but Jaleo gets the flavors right and is a favorite of mine. The margherita at 2 Amys is my favorite pizza anywhere, though I can understand how some might not like such a minimalist pizza.
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re: Steve
monkeyrotica
Oct 12, 2008 11:55 AM
I don't mind the minimalism. I mind the deafening nursery-style atmosphere. Which is why I only go early, before the family crowds show.
While I appreciate how Jose keeps Jaleo evolving so it doesn't go stale, I'm not a fan of its current iteration. It's one of those places I try every few months to see where it's going, but I'm not in a hurry to go back.
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Brasserie Beck and CityZen are way overrated. The food and service are fine at CityZen, but nowhere near worth the price. And Brasserie Beck is simply a bad restaurant on all fronts. And because they both serve food, I'll throw in the Brickskeller and its sister restaurant RFD. Great beer selection, but indifferent/surly staffs and terrible food.
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re: FlaHopper
But would you really consider Brickskeller or RFD overrated as far as food is concerned? I don't think expectations for food at either one is very high, and therefore "overrated" doesn't accurately reflect the evaluation. I've always encountered really pleasant staff at RFD, but I've never been there when it's been crowded. I'm curious why you say BB if "bad on all fronts." It's got a fabulous beer selection, and some of the food I've had has been excellent (not all). I've found service to be competent, if not always friendly. Could you offer more details on your experience?
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re: dcandohio
Beck, it's beer selection is fine, but now that Belgian beer is the trendy beer in D.C., there are many, many bars across the city to get it. As for the rest of my feelings about the place, I'll direct you to my previous rant http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/505780. Still, I can't say enough about the bad service I've experienced. From the reservationist to the executive chef, it's been awful.
As for calling RFD and Brickskeller overrated, I admit that it's a bit of a stretch to include them in this list, but it needs to be said. In my many experiences at both places, I've found that the staff can but curt to indifferent. Now, I have had great service from time to time, but increasingly that's not the norm, especially for Brickskeller. Both places also get a lot of credit for the beer selection, which is quite good, but that doesn't mean the food and service have to suck so bad. And now that so many other bars and restaurants are beefing up their beer selections, RFD and Brickskeller can no longer rest on the size of their coolers.
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re: alkapal
monkeyrotica
Nov 5, 2008 07:01 AM
Their saving grace was the beer, but now, they rarely have your first choice. More like third or fourth.
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re: FlaHopper
monkeyrotica
Oct 9, 2008 06:13 AM
Since when did Brickskellar have a great beer selection? They're always out of the first, second, or third beer I choose. I've never had a problem with their burgers.
Rustico, on the other had, ALWAYS has what I'm looking for on tap or in the cooler. But apart from the pizza and fries, the food can be anthing from odd to downright awful (pineapple vanilla cod? WTF?) If I wanted pina colada fish, I'd throw a trout in the Margaritaville blender with some tequila and ice.
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re: monkeyrotica
Agreed, agreed. But compared to most bars and restaurants in DC, Brickeller and RFD have a good (large) selection of beers. Now, I'd always rather go to Rustico instead. But until the new location opens in Logan Circle, I'm forced to drive out to Alexandria, which I'm loath to do. Instead, I head over to Pizzaria Paradiso in Georgetown, which has a fantastic selection on draft and in the bottle, as well as a great menu.
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Haven't eaten at I Ricchi in years. After reading these negative posts, I am glad I avoided the place. I'll chime in on overrated places. This is going to ruffle a lot of feathers but at the top of my "never again" list is Restaurant Eve in Old Town. Decor is beautiful; service is only mediocre and the food is at best pedestrian.
Dei Merei also makes the list as does Johnny's on Capitol Hill
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re: DollarBill
Actually, we had quite a good meal at I Ricchi about 6 weeks ago. I think they have cleaned up their act after the negative press & reviews. The food, service, wine were all quite good and the atmosphere has always been great. You might want to try it again to see for yourself. I know i posted on this thread originally that i didn't like I Ricchi but agreed to try it again for hubby's sake and was pleasantly surprised.
Most overrated? I am changing my answer from Citronelle (although it is overrated) to Central....(extremely overrated...)
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re: DCDOLL
I'm so glad I read these comments as I was planning on going to I Ricchi to celebrate an anniversary! Thank you. And I must agree...Indeblue, Jaleo(s), Zaytinya and (was this mentioned?) DC Coast are over-rated and won't return. There are too many great restaurants in the city and 'burbs to explore and revisit!
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re: wldmshrm77
Okay I'll really ruffle some feathers. I think the Inn at LIttle Washington is overrated for the price. I have no complaints with the food or service but for $500(two people) I expected it to WOW me. It doesn't make my top 5 dining experience list and it is twice as much as any on the list. (Cyprus, Healdsburg CA; Pennisula Grill, Charleston SC; Criollas, Grayton Beach FL; Mustard's St Helena CA, and Citronelle). Yes I had a very memorable meal at Citronelle a few months ago. The lobster pasta that looked like caviar was amazing. The sommelier was very helpful and we loved the pairing he suggested. I have a reservation at Cafe Atlantico for next week and now am approaching it with trepidation. I've realy been dyingto do Mini bar but the reservation situation is too complicated. If anyone has some tips on that I'd love to know. Haven't been able to get into City zen and have been dying to try it.
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re: kldrohan
I'm sure there will be disagreement, but I ate recently at Atlantico (during RW by chance, no less) and had a great meal, as did all my companions. And I've eaten at minibar, too. I mean, the two restaurants are really apples and oranges except for a few additions on the Atlantico tasting/appetizer menu that are minibar-born. If you're worried about the risk, maybe try the pre-theater menu? Also have heard good things about the Latino Dim Sum. But I was very pleasantly surprised with how great my meal was there - really thoughtful balance of flavors and textures in each dish.
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re: kldrohan
You call Cafe Atlantico at 10 a.m. exactuly 1 month before you want to eat at the Minibar. If you're lucky, you will get through in the first two minutes and get placed on hold. If you don't get through in 3 minutes, I think you're SOL. Once you get thru, they place you on hold and take reservations for all the people who called in ahead of you. You may be on hold for ten or so minutes.
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re: Ericandblueboy
KLDROHAN - If you can be flexible... ask to be put on MiniBar's waitlist for the day you would like to go. If they have a cancellation and can fit you in they will call you. That was how we went on my birthday - so worth it. FYI- they have many cancellations because the concierges at the top hotels pay their friends to make reservations for them. Also, I agree that the I@LW is overrated and Citronelle (last week for Mom's birthday) is still incredible.
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re: kldrohan
My, I could not agree more. The minute we left I looked at my husband-who in all fairness had better luck than me-but still I looked at him and asked if he would even rate it as Top 10. It was certainly the most we had ever paid for dinner and it came no where close. And the decor....at $500 a couple you'd think they could spruce the place up a bit. I get country charm but it was beyond dated. We live in Charlottesville and have lived in Boston and NY, maybe we are spoiled but DC restaurants just don't do it for me and this was hte biggest let down of them all.
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re: bustersmama
interesting...we love the IALW. Is any dinner really worth $500 or more? No, but this places comes alot closer than some other local options. The decor is supposed to be that way...it is supposed to have sort of rakish charm. you know what i think i like most about it? The ingredients are the absolute top of the line that money can buy in the entire world. There is no skimping on ANYTHING. The best part the last time we went was walking (rolling) out of there at 11:45 at night and strolling 2 blocks to our B&B...instead of driving an hour and a half home. And paying 1/7 as much as we would have to walk upstairs...
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re: kldrohan
Inn at LW is in my opinion as well, over-rated. But really, how could they possibly meet expectations? First there's the 2 hour drive hassle and expense. Then the price of the meal . . . they just can't win. When you add tables too close together, rickety chairs, and HUGE greasy thumb prints on the wine list. And the waiters saying "Are we still enjoying?" when they're trying to figure out if they can take away your plate.
I so agree with you about Mustard's in St. Helena. Also Tra Vigne! And Lisa Hemenways in Santa Rosa, although that's long gone.
Haven't been to Cyprus in Healdsburg, but I still miss The Diner there!
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re: Transplanted Texan
alkapal
Sep 3, 2008 06:58 AM
ttex
"And the waiters saying "Are we still enjoying?" when they're trying to figure out if they can take away your plate."
-------------------------oh goodness gracious! are they really that smarmy?! "we" are not amused. enjoy this, though, ttex: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/r...
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re: alkapal
monkeyrotica
Sep 3, 2008 09:50 AM
Well, at least they didn't refer to the guests as "guys," as in, "Are you still enjoying yourselves, GUYS?"
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re: Doh
Several times. Once when one of their power grids had gone out (no a/c and no running water in the bathrooms -- it was a wonderful meal among very gracious people), once with 8 friends to celebrate a birthday, and twice since then for other special occasions.
The folks at L'Auberge never forget that that your meal there isn't about them, it's about their clients. IMO, that's Inn at Little Washington's biggest issue. Besides tables too close together, rickety chairs, and HUGE greasy thumbprints on the wine list!
Give 'em another try -- hope you're happier with the experience next time!
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re: DCDOLL
Second that on Central. I think this meets the definition of being overrated, in that it just got this year's James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. What?
When I was there, I will grant you the green salad was one of the best I've ever had, but the gougeres were dry and not fresh, my companion's lobster hamburger totally bland, my own dish absolutely forgettable (literally-- I don't remember what I had), the service inattentive, and it was so loud that even when you yell you can hardly hear the person across the table. I just don't understand the hype.-
re: marzapane
I think part of it is the Michel Richard connection (actually I think Citronelle is overrated too...) so maybe over time people will realize that you can get really good food in a less frenetic atmosphere at a good value. And i don' t mean cheap...some of my fave places are spendy but represent a good value for the price paid in terms of food, service, atmosphere. I guess maybe if you are young you don't mind having to yell across the table at your dining companion. But after a hectic week of work i enjoy a more refined atmosphere!!
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re: marzapane
BaltoPhilFood
Oct 7, 2008 12:12 PM
Agree with Central, the "roasted brussel sprouts" I was so excited to try tasted like the steam bag green giant soggy marble size sprouts placed in the cast iron dish for effect. So sad
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re: elegantelliot
BaltoPhilFood
Oct 7, 2008 01:25 PM
haha no I've aired my greivances on other threads about Central...that's the part that really stuck with me. All the hype about comfort food done simply and perfectly and just all of it underwhelming...for all of us. Service, food...everything!
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re: elegantelliot
BaltoPhilFood
Oct 8, 2008 06:04 AM
I wanted to feel about the place the same way the majority of the hounds on the boards do, I really did. It was a special occassion and it just went flat on all levels.
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re: DollarBill
javachik
Jul 26, 2009 03:43 PM
I agree on Restaurant Eve - completely overrated. I wouldn't even say that the decor was all that special. Wrote about my experience here:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/5057...
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GREAT TOPIC. (Many, MANY of these high rated places make it on hype, not on food. )
Ok, many fellow Hounds will disagree but I must pick Moby Dick amongst many others. I see many oooohs and aaahs about their kabobs, and after two visits to 2 different branches, I don't see it.
The Kabobs aren't too juicy, and the bread isn't fresh, it's already cooked and waiting.
For proof, visit Ravi Kabob. The meat is so hot, juicy and fresh. The 'chole', or chile, whatever you want to call it is authentic, hot, and fresh.
The bread? You can't touch it without feeling a slight burn on your fingers.
Moby Dick to me, gets way too much praise.
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Guten Appetit
Aug 17, 2008 05:43 PM
I have to say that the most overrated DC restaurant is Good Stuff Eatry. Really disgusting. I had one of its burgers. YUCK! I had it better elsewhere, like Urban Burger in Rockville or even my home. Not worth my time waiting in the line. One of their fries was too thin and greasy for me. Mickey D fries are much better. Most people go there just because they could call their folks back home that they did eat at that place and perhaps met that chef. That's a bad way to enjoy ur food. You shoud judge ur food based solely on the products. I just hope that they have no plans for our precious Inner Harbor in Baltimore. Please do stay away. We are fine on our own. Thanks. Just sick of celebrity chefs and their really lousy products. What a waste of my time and money! NEVER AGAIN!
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re: Guten Appetit
ClevelandDave
Mar 12, 2009 12:11 PM
Awful burgers at Good Stuff. So wanted to like the place but it was terrible. Makes Elevation hamburgs look good.
And it is overpriced.
Want a good hamburger at a great price, get a hellburger.
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I completely agree about Raku (at least the one in Dupont). I always want to like it, especially with that nice ourdoor seating, but for the price (and it's not even that expensive) it's a dissapointment.
I would also say Central. I have only had so so meals there (and ate off many pple's plates to get a broad taste of the menu) bad service and it's too loud and too warm.
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i agree...the service at I Ricchi is the pits. Our waiter told us the boss was watching him when we first got there...then we got yelled at when we refilled our own wine glasses, out of desperation, because "the boss just saw you do that..." The food is good but not stellar and although the atmosphere is nice, Tuscany it ain't.
I also have found Citronelle to be very overrated. -
Indebleu. It was so bad that when the waiter (who was okay, it was the FOOD that was the issue) asked at the end of the meal how it was, I said it was atrocious. I had some dried out fish and a dessert that was described as like an Almond Joy bar but was just a melted soup. The manager materialized about 10 minutes later and to his credit, wiped off the whole bill, even the overpriced small glasses of wine. (When a place serves wine in a glass big enough for a bottle of beer you know they're hoping you don't know how scanty the pour). This was neither Indian food nor European and reminds me that fusion food often brings out the worst of both. And when you see who is in the kitchen, you wonder if they can handle an attempt to be so precious and ambitious.
The couple from Detroit who were sitting down next to us heard all this and decided to just have a drink and leave.
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BigEats
Aug 7, 2007 04:47 PM
I'm going to cheat -- the most overrated restaurant ON THIS PLANET is the Williamsburg Inn, about 2 hours south of Washington. Applebee's is an overall better meal and experience at a fraction of the cost. In fact, Applebee's probably pays more attention to the vegetable side dish that accompanies the entree -- at Williamsburg Inn, it's the same flaccid mixed vegetables that comes in a frozen bag from Costco, and it's served with every inedible entree. I especially enjoyed the wine stewardess at Williamsburg Inn who broke the cork trying to open the bottle -- I took it over from her and showed her how to go in at an angle to retrieve the rest of the cork. She had never seen that trick before....
I understand the Clyde's comments, but John Laytham is laughing all the way to the bank. Old Ebbitt is the number one gross revenue restaurant in the DC area.
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re: BigEats
Not only is Ebbitt the highest grossing restaurant in DC...it's the number 5 in all of the country...Pretty unbelievable when you stack it up to some places on this list.
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Regardless of getting clobbered for saying that Zaytinya is overrated. To me it's the Lauriol Plaza of tapas/Mediterranean food. I just don't get how this place can be so popular with its hit and miss food (i.e. zuchinni patties, better known as greasy hockey pucks) and crappy service.
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re: botnot
I am SOOOOOOO with you on this one. I do not get the thrill of Zaytinya. I thought it was overly trendy and the food was just so-so. Our service was so-so as well.
I would try it again if a group of people were going but its far from my first choice...especially in that area with so many other awesome restaurants.
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re: elegantelliot
monkeyrotica
Aug 7, 2007 08:41 AM
I expect 45-minute waits for ginormous portions of mediocre food from a ginormous menu with which you could club a harp seal to death. In no way is CF overrrated: they deliver EXACTLY what people want. In spades.
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re: monkeyrotica
my point exactly, i think this thread is more about peoples expectations then anything else. When i go to matchbox i expect a ridiculously long wait, moderately price, and pretty tasty pizza and hamburgers and decent service. Thats what i get just about everytime. Same with Raku, if you go in expecting the meal of a lifetime of course you will think its overrated!
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re: Elyssa
I think the problem with all of Jose Andres' restaurants, especially in the last year or two, is inconsistency. I've had great meals at all of them (one of my favorite meals of the last few months was at the Bethesda Jaleo), and horrible ones (I'm still annoyed by the meal I had at Cafe Atlantico last year when I inadvertantly ended up there during Restaurant Week, and my last two Oyamel experiences have been consistently underwhelming even though I've had really great meals there before, too). I've been to Zaytinya 3 times; once, it was very good, and twice it was mediocre (although the service was spotty all three times, which is another issue at many of the Andres restaurants).
(For those who don't know, by the way, if you link to the restaurants that you mention in your posts using the new "Link to a place" feature, then these threads can all be easily found by someone looking for info on those specific places. Especially for a thread discussing contrarian views of restaurants, that would seem to be a good thing.)
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Cafe Atlantico
405 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004Oyamel DC
401 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004Jaleo
7271 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814Zaytinya
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001-
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re: foodiejourno
I love Zaytinya! Their Shrimp with Shallots is excellent!!! But I have noticed that there is a bit of a downward slide since I first went there. Jaleo has been a big dissappointment to me lately. I have tried branching out more and giving it the benefit of the doubt but its not my favorite anymore. I havent eaten at the others but did have the opportunity to go the Mini-Bar!!! that was out of this world!
I agree with others regarding Clydes---i avoid it as much as possible but do have friends who swear by it. I like Cafe Deluxe (Bethesda) it is always a fall back if I need somewhere to get some comfort food and have an enjoyable meal.
The place I find overrated is Rock Creek...I know people love it but I can not justify spending that kind of money to leave hungry! and im not a big eatter...although what ive had is decent it does not live up to the hype.
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re: Goldielocks1225
Which Jaleo, Goldielocks? I don't think all locations are equal. I usually enjoy the Jaleo downtown DC (at MCI Center). But was recently at their location in Bethesda and found it disappointing. In DC, the chorizo was an authentic imported variety. But in Bethesda, it was the cooked sausage type that I can get at any bodega here in Adams Morgan. Other things were made differently, and the menu seemed smaller.
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re: Elyssa
I have never eaten there, but a friend of mine told me the other day that it is her favorite restaurant in DC. The fact is next door to the Spy Museum would lead me away. Too many tourists and amateurs. The restaurant doesn't have to be good because they have a captive audience.
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Chef Geoff's is crap, as is Raku. Ugh, Raku. Probably my least favorite place in DC - I don't understand how they stay in business.
I agree that Kinkead's has jumped the shark, TenPenh is looking thin around the edges, Cafe Atlantico is just not that good and definitely not worth the cost (except for the MiniBar - which is great and worth every penny)...
However.
I would say Matchbox continues to shine. And although everyone pooh poohs it, I still like my Chinatown Jaleo very much (especially when you compare it to La Tasca up the road).
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gina
Dec 15, 2006 01:55 AM
Clyde's in Georgetown is overrated. I've had to accompany friends and business associates too many times for lunch, brunch, and dinner there, and have never had any meal that I thought justified its popularity or longevity.
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re: gina
Again, although Clyde's is *popular,* I don't think it's highly (or over-) rated.
Candidates for being overrated (by, e.g., mainstream critics, folks on this board and Rockwell, people surveyed by Washingtonian) include, e.g., Cafe Deluxe, Citronelle, Firefly, Bethesda's Raku, TenPenh, IALW, L'Auberge, Four Sisters, Kinkeads, Bangkok 54 (?), Del Merei, Jackie's, Matchbox, Cheff Geoff's (if anyone still rates that highly), most if not all dim sum places.
You mileage may vary, of course -- that's the whole idea! [Caveat: I actually like some of these places to a certain extent. Others I haven't eaten at very frequently of late because, uh, I concluded they were overrated . . . but of course I might have just hit them on bad days, or too long ago, etc.] (I haven't even mentioned Zaytinya, Cafe Atlantico and Moby Dick, which are generally great but suffer from inconsistency. On the other hand, how many places *don't* suffer from inconsistency?)
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re: gina
I think often the issue is the context in which it was recommended. Did somebody say it was a reasonable place to go when you were looking for reasonable food and almost everybody could find something on the menu they liked? I would give it that in a heartbeat. Is it chow-ish food? No, not for a nanosecond.
There are certainly places that get recommended here (by me included) that aren't chow-ish, because the OP asked for suggestions that meet certain criteria which are, by definition, not chow-ish.
Maybe there are folks here who rate clyde's highly on an absolute level, but I would be surprised.
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re: gina
I agree with you 100%.
That said, the Clyde's at Tower Oaks is really a spectacular setting, albeit in a Disney-esq kind of way.
My son and I go for lunch often at the enormous and grand bar. A few plates of raw oysters and cup of chili with a cold draft beer can make for a very satisfying fall lunch.
The remaining menu and the service in the dining rooms leaves a lot to be desired.
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re: MartyL
I second the vote for Del Merei as way overrated. It's right up the block from me, so after I was really excited to go after reading such good things. Not impressed at all and our waiter was pretty dismissive. Waiter aside, my main complaint is that the sauces are served on the side, instead of as part of the dish. That seemed really cheap. My salmon was overseasoned and the mac and cheese was underseasoned. It was not horrible food, but we could have had better if we had stayed at home, and we both got bad gas! We're not going back.
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re: chicken kabob
I think Moby Dick's is fine, but to me it belongs on the over-rated list because of the number of people who list it among the top (or the top casual) restaurants in DC. I like what I've gotten there, but I wouldn't describe those meals as all that special.
Other over-rated restaurants for me are 1789 (bad service, so-so food-- went back and was still unimpressed), and L'Auberge Chez Francois (didn't even go back a second time -- I do not get the love for that place at all).
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re: Doh
I totally agree with this about Moby Dick. It gets so much praise but it is just blah and expensive casual mediterranean food. You can get everything they have at Moby Dick at Levantes (in the Dupont/Bethesda locations of MB) and it is way, way better. Better hummos, better babaganoush, and much, much better pita bread (which is free at Levantes). For about the same price even though Levantes is a sit down restaurant.
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re: thoma3am
I've tried on and off for several years (and at several locations) to understand the praises Moby Dick's earns here because I've picked up so many great tips from this board. But at best it's been decent. Usually the overcooked meet and tasteless sides are completely underwhelming.
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re: chicken kabob
monkeyrotica
Jul 24, 2009 04:06 AM
The Fairfax one not so much. Georgetown is still good though; so's Dupont. Have yet to try the one in Kingstown.
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re: MartyL
I would agree with you about Jackie's and Firefly. However, I took my girlfriend to Citronelle this past Friday and the whole experience was delightful, if rather expensive. The chef, Michel Richard even walked around the entire dining area, taking a moment to chat at every table.
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re: gina
monkeyrotica
Dec 15, 2006 02:18 PM
Just Clyde's in Georgetown? Try Clyde's ANYWHERE and you'll find an identical experience. Even at Old Ebbitt, apart from the oyster bar, I've had bad luck.
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re: monkeyrotica
Lowbar
Dec 19, 2006 04:00 PM
Clydes, Old Ebbitt, etc are what they are...local chain casual dining restaurants. In my experience they have been fine albeit many items overpriced. They at least attempt to give the places a decent atmosphere/theme though typically not to my tastes. And as my many posts on the topic would suggest, love the oyster service at Old Ebbitt. I really think Clyde's is fine for what it is...if I was (or was trying to pass myself as) a fine dining type I probably would scoff at the place. Not sure about everyone else but my life often requires "safe" casual american dining places that don't come at you with that gourmet attitude when I have people visiting. Since I live in NoVA, I have the Great American Restaurants readily available to serve this purpose, but if I didn't Clyde's would probably be on the list.
I actually was stuck in Reston town center the other evening...it was getting late and I didn't feel like cooking so I went in and grabbed a buffalo burger. Pretty solid, cooked to order, decent fries, and I was stuffed for 10 bucks. I don't really get the heavy metal "FILTERED WATER" pitchers they have introduced at every table.
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re: Lowbar
ClevelandDave
Mar 12, 2009 12:07 PM
Old Ebbitt is very consistent and I think that the take-out side (inside the building) is a bargain. As those in the business know, consistency is king-- it makes or breaks your business even more than triumphant food produced sporadically. I worked near there for a number of years and at lunch at its price point Old Ebbitt is fine. I don't see the moon and stars when I go there, but I don't feel like I've been ripped off either.
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I'll join the chorus of nay-sayers. I went to iRicchi for the first time this year (in the spirit of trying everything once). Ambiance: incredibly crowded and very noisy. Food: mediocre at best and served luke-warm and dry. Price: waaaay overpriced for the quality and ambiance. Service: friendly, helpful , and attentive. Now I can say I have been there. I won't be going back; there is far better Italian food and far lower prices with better ambiance, e.g., Al Tiramisu, Tosca, ...
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re: WineTravel
Several lunches there over the past several years where comical in how bad they were. I recall a vegetable topped bruchetta that was unedible. I took one bite and pushed it away. Remarkably, the waiter never said a word as he cleared the plate.
Like Marty L though, I recognize what an important role they played in bringing quality tuscan food to the DC area 16 years ago?
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A dinner I had at I Ricchi about 7-8 years ago was the worst dining experience I've ever had in Washington. Overpriced, rude service and inedible food - I swear to this day that the pasta I had was Chef Boyardee from a can. The only good thing I could take from the experience is that I learned the Washingtonian Top 100 Restaurant list is a crock (at least until Kliman showed up).
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This topic reminded me of a meal I have at I Ricchi a few years ago... but Im sure its no better now... there's no possible way after you read this you'll see why it may be the worst restaurant in the USA... and certainly the most overrated. Terrible in every way.
Prepare to be amazed. Have you ever heard of a restaurant that had a special of pasta with white truffles. I even asked if I could order EXTRA white truffles at an additional charge. The waitress said she couldnt do that... ok fine. So, when it was served since I didn't taste any white truffles. When I inquired, they said they ran out... not of white truffles (come to find out they NEVER have those, even though they implied they did)... no, they ran out of TRUFFLE OIL! The dish was billed as Pasta with white truffles. Never a mention of running out of anything... no appology, no price reduction. WHAT!!! And after I brought it to their attention... they STILL offered it to new tables as the pasta special. WHAT!!! That shows you how totally screwed up they are. And believe it or not, that wasn't even the worst part of the meal. Next course was a totally overcooked (I mean a dog wouldn't eat it... or should I say, couldn't chew it) rack of veal (another special). Cooked so long you couldnt even cut it.. and it looked horrible. I wouldnt eat it if I could cut it. If these are the SPECIALS I'd like to see the nonspecial items. They admitted that they left it in too long. So, how about NOT SERVING IT...hello. They offered to get me something else. Then they charged me for the VEAL and gave me the next dish (it was cheaper) for no charge. ARE THESE GUYS FOR REAL???? They are such losers I can't even begin to get into it.
The manager at the time (im sure gone by now) was a complete jerk. So was the owner. Its the only meal I ever had in my life that I told them I didn't want to pay the bill... out of principle. They said they'd call the police. I thought about it but paid and just wanted to get out of that place. Yikes!!!!
This place should be condemned. So sad, as 25 years ago it was a gem. As Don Amice once said, Things Change.
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You're in luck. This hot topic was recently raised and I think everyone in DC chimed in. See link below...
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re: Meg
Inn at Little Washington. Hands down. It is beyond me that anyone likes that place. I see nothing, NOTHING at all redeeming. Being foodies it was given to us as a wedding present. I wanted to like it so much and left feeling so disappointed. Thinking about having paid the entire $500 bill by choice just sent me over the edge. I hope anyone who is saving it for special occassion will consider the opinions here. Much better experience including food, decor and service elsewhere for 1/2 the price.
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re: pikawicca
Joe H
Mar 16, 2009 08:51 AM
Respectfully, but I disagree. I wrote this over five years ago on our fourth "try" and have not been back: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/168062 Patrick O'Connell has a fantastic amount of talent. Several years ago there was a dinner at the former Maestro which featured six James Beard Award winning chefs, each preparing a dish. O'Connell's was the best of all. My problem is that I haven't found this level of excellence at The Inn. Sumptuous luxury, yes (unless you're seated in the corridor that is so narrow the "Cow" cheese cart can't roll down it without asking customers to move their chairs forward) but food that was horribly overpriced and not on the same level.
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