Blue Duck Tavern -- Recent Experiences

[gelato98]

I had not read much in the way of reviews of the Blue Duck Tavern before going in the Spring. I must say I had a meal there that I really enjoyed -- with service that was outstanding. I even liked the modern decor. My one complaint was that my individual apple pie was served lukewarm when I expected it to be hot. Not a huge deal.

Now, I am looking back at old reviews on the place --- overall, they are not especially good.

Has anyone had recent experiences at the Blue Duck that they'd like to share? I wonder if they'd improved on their food and service since older reviews were posted.

Thanks for the feedback!!!!

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Blue Duck Tavern
1201 24th Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

[Gigi007]

I go fairly regularly to the BDT as well--mostly for dinner and once in a while for brunch. I've had very good experiences, except for some disappointing side dishes. I'm a fan of the regular mainstay chicken and steak entrees as well as the apple pie dessert. And the wine list, IMHO, is excellent. They have some great California Pinot Noirs.

I don't know how old the reviews are that you're referring to, but IIRC, when Blue Duck first opened and in its first few months of operation, there were service issues. Anyway, as I said I've always had a good experience there. I usually call instead of booking through Open Table to make sure I get a good table, especially if I'm going on a busy weekend night.

[MikeR]

At least from these reports it seems that it hasn't been spoiled by the Obama's visit a couple of months back. I guess that didn't get as much human interest as Ray's Hell Burger.

[Gigi007]

Yeah, I remember that they went to BDT. I don't recall what they ordered. Unlike Ray's, it was pretty much a 1-day news event. To date the only DC restaurants I remember the Obama's going to (mostly individually) are Five Guys, Ben's Chili Bowl, Ray's Hell Burger, and I think, Georgia Brown's (Michelle Obama and Jill Biden had lunch there with some other VIPs), and of couurse BDT.

EDIT: Yeah, it was Georgia Brown's:
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/loc...

It's odd that only certain restaurant links appear automatically. I typed in Ben's Chili Bowl and Blue Duck Tavern myself. Ray's Hell Burger apparently isn't in the system.

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Ben's Chili Bowl
1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Blue Duck Tavern
1201 24th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037

Georgia Brown's
950 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

[deangold]

I know the Obamas ahve been to Citronelle, Good Stuff and Dairy Godmother.

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Citronelle
3000 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

[Gigi007]

Yes, now I remember their visit to Citronelle. Didn't hear about the others. Anyway, methinks they seem to be missing out on one very special place that begins with a "D". :),

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Citronelle
3000 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

[MikeR]

I think the pre-linked restaurants are in a data base, and it's likely related to that "This is a review of a specific restaurant" check box. When you check that box, it only seems to know certain restaurants - probably those that others have linked to in the past.

It says "Chowhound is now automatically detecting and linking restaurant names in your post. In this panel, you can manage those links: either to remove them or to add ones that were not detected. You can also use the refresh button to refresh the list at any time." But I still can't type "Clarence's Taste of New Orleans" without it coming up with "Morrison Clark."

[Gigi007]

Mike, you may be right, but I haven't checked the box. There are a lot of glitches all over CH concerning restaurant names, links, and addresses. There are a couple of threads about it on the Technical Help board. I do think we can remove the links manually, which I'm now going to do for some cases.

[Jacey]

One of the reasons is probably price point. Many DC residents and vistors can't afford the prices at BDT.

The list of places Obama has been to sure made me think he isn't "promoting" healthy eating!

[gelato98]

Thanks for all the specific feedback! I think I'll continue to keep BDT in mind for special events -- whether the Obamas go there or not.

[Gigi007]

It's my go-to place when out-of-town relatives who are picky (and conservative) eaters visit. I'm also a fan of the bar/lounge in the Park Hyatt right next to BDT. Besides having a nice atmosphere, it also has a great wine list and inexpensive cheese plates.

[mjhals]

That's a great tip, I have in-laws coming in the next few weeks and sounds like BDT is a good choice, and I can grab a drink beforehand and the Hyatt. Awesome idea.

[DC in DC]

I go pretty regularly - more often for lunch than dinner these days. In my experience, the food is as good as ever. The menu has great perennials (the duck-fat fries, apple pie, braised short rib) and a lot of seasonal items that vary. It's among my very favorite splurge places.