459923 Mon Nov 12 15:58:03 -0800 2007 6 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 3118693 has anyone been and just wondering what dinner costs would be like for 2 adults? So like 2 entrees, possibly an appetizer and dessert? I was debating between Palm or Rays the Steaks in Arlington for an 11 month anniversary celebration. We're considering The Palm since I have a 50 dollar gift certificate for 2 entrees but also heard great things about Rays the Steaks and that is slightly less pricey than the Palm? Any thoughts would be great!! Thanks! Mon Nov 12 15:58:03 -0800 2007 64868 coweepooh 1 3119223 I have been to both. I was disppointed in the food and especially the ambiance at The Palm in Tyson's. The noise was overwhelming and the food was underwhelming. Ray's has no ambiance but the food is faaar better, it's less noisy, and is a much better value. Mon Nov 12 18:40:48 -0800 2007 3118693 12690 Dakota Guy 2 3122234 Ditto, ditto and ditto. I feel taken advantage of when I leave the Palm. And there's nothing redeeming about the service or atmosphere to make-up for the poor value. Tue Nov 13 14:59:00 -0800 2007 3119223 12667 Meg 1 3122880 I HATE the Palm in Tyson's. I've never thought the food was bad, just not special in any way really. I'd rather go to Flemings up the street for their steak and wine. So, the reason for my hate? I once showed up there for a lunch and admittedly thought I might be under-dressed (was wearing black jeans and sweater). The maitre de kept insisting to me that my party hadn't shown. I waited outside for about 30 minutes for them, went back inside and the guy looked at me like he had never seen me before. I asked him again if anyone had shown up from my party, and he said there was nobody there under that name (even though I swear I saw the name on his screen). So, I left. I spoke to my friends the next day and they told me they were all there and indeed the reservation was under the name I told the maitre de it was. So, I wasn't dressed up nice enough to get into their mediocre restaurant. So be it. Just tell me! I'm a big boy, I can handle it! The games he played were childish and wasted my time as I waited. Gotta wonder if that's their policy and the way he was trained. Tue Nov 13 18:19:20 -0800 2007 3118693 17318 food dude 2 3123590 An ironic note is that the first time I went there, I took a party of eight. It was a Saturday night. All the men wore suits. Half the restuarant was wearing jeans, kahkis, etc.!! I was very surprised. We all felt over dressed. On the single bright note, the maitre'd offered us a private room that some fool had given up so his party could sit in the main dining room ! The food is not bad, it is just forgettable. Wed Nov 14 05:20:35 -0800 2007 3122880 12690 Dakota Guy 2 3124303 In general I think the entire restaurant has a pompous feel to it. Could just be a callous judgment on my part because of its location - next to Tysons 2 and the Ritz. But real or not, I'd never go back. We go to J. Gilberts for steaks in Tysons (for the quality of the meat, the atmosphere, and the non a la carte pricing). Though on Thursday or Friday nights I'd recommend requesting a table away from the bar. The smoke pouring out of it is horrendous and offensive. Wed Nov 14 09:04:13 -0800 2007 3122880 12667 Meg 1 3126031 Overpriced and underwhelming sums up the Palm experience regardless of the location! And i agree w/ the poster who was talking about smoky bars...what the hell...when is VA going to get w/ the program and make all the bars & restaurants N/S like in DC? This is the only thing i hate about recently moving to the 'burbs from Dupont! Even if you sit away from the "smoking" section you still walk out smelling like an ash tray if it's in the same room. Blech!!!! I'm writing my senator! Wed Nov 14 17:20:56 -0800 2007 3118693 129959 DCDOLL