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35 Reviews
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We had the 3-course dinner menu.
The food was ok-- All the dishes were grilled American-Asian fusion dishes that were pretty interesting but kinda salty. The vibes were nice though (good for date night) and the staff were friendly!
Be the first to ReplyIt befuddles my mind how The Dabney is the #1 restaurant in
It befuddles my mind how The Dabney is the #1 restaurant in the DC area according to The Washingtonian. My partner and I dined at the restaurant this evening, and spent nearly $1000 for the meal plus a shared wine pairing. This was a real splurge for us. I'm glad to say that the wine pairing was the highlight. The meal was an absolute lowlight. The main course, duck three ways, was a let down. One of the ways the duck was prepared made it completely dried out and inedible. Save your money. Go somewhere else.
Be the first to ReplyFood and service were impeccable.
We went for a special birthday dinner. I set my expectations low as a few recent fine dining experiences did not live up to the hype for me (Tail Up Goat was underwhelming for me). The restaurant was bustling but not loud which was a plus for me - I could have a conversation without raising my voice. I ordered a Chardonnay which they didn't have- then a Red Zinfandel which they were also out of; so it wasn't starting off very well. Then the sommelier came and made everything right - a complimentary glass of something sparkling and a great recommendation that we enjoyed. I also appreciated that he didn't try to upsell. The food was delicious and beautiful. Everything was perfectly seasoned and just the right amount. The menu rotates often so whatever next special occasion brings us back we aren't likely to encounter the exact same food but I hope that they continue to treat guests with those pillowy soft delicious sweet potato rolls. Dinner for two was not cheap. With a decent bottle of wine, tax and tip, dinner was over $700 - or a month's worth of groceries for me. But all in all I was pleased with the experience and would gladly return.
Be the first to ReplyI'm came here before the pandemic before their Michelin
I'm came here before the pandemic before their Michelin rating and glad they are still standing. Not only are they standing, the Dabney has reinvented itself with its tasting menu. This time around, their feature of duck was amazing (I distinctly remember their fish servings from the first time I visited). Eating duck that was prepared 4 different ways felt like an adventure. In my opinion, their best was the duck breast with caramelized citrus - simple and delicious. The caviar bite on pecan cookie was intense, flavorful, and memorable with all its multilayered goodness lingering even after it was eaten. The foie gras paired well with onion honey on warm roll, the parsnip was on point. I also got their reserve wine pairing which enhanced the flavors and overall experience. The Dabney has become my go-to for friends and out-of-owners visiting DC.
Be the first to ReplyThe thought and effort that goes into the menu, service,
The thought and effort that goes into the menu, service, and customer experience is unmatched. There is no need to make any difficult menu decisions here as you are assigned a tasting menu and you can specify any allergy accommodations (which they are very attentive to and mindful of). This place is most simply put...an experience. Before you even make it to your seat, the host takes your coat and introduces you to the chef who personally thanks you for coming out and offers a warm mushroom broth (it was amazing). You have a "main" waiter but this is a full team operation. Each course is described to you by someone new it seemed. Visually, everything was stunning; i can't imagine how difficult it must be to create these presentations. On the taste side, it was a carousel of extremes. The venison was the best bite of my life and the oyster rivaled the worst. I genuinely think I may have got a bad one. Nevertheless, the meal went on. I have to say, they really nailed the dessert items here and I wasn't expecting that. The sorbet and toffee pudding was amazing. Just when you think the meal was over they brought out assorted pastries and sweets. This place really does little courtesies like that nicely. After you pay, they even give you a surprise for breakfast the next day. These are the things that truly make the experience fun and worth while. **If the tasting menu isn't your speed, you can opt for the bar and choose from a list of dishes** With all this said, it was the biggest bill of my life. To be honest I'm in a bit of in a pickle for finances after eating here. I think if someone else paid I'd give it 5 stars. I'm not a restaurant owner or chef so I can't comprehend the cost of keeping a place like this in motion. It was a great experience but when I sit here days later and remember what it felt like to see that total price....i don't know.
Be the first to ReplyI waited WAY TOO LONG to post my review of this place.
It's been several years, but I still have the photos to prove it. I just have little recollection of what the dishes were called, and since the chef rotates the menu regularly, it's doubtful many of these items are still here. (See pictures below) What I do remember was that the entire experience left me feeling like it was all a dream. The food was fresh and I tasted flavors that were unique and unexpected. The jam/chutney with the crusty bread was outstanding. The service was kind and attentive. Desiree made recommendations and since I was on a business trip, I was able to splurge a little more than I would have on my own. The ambience was cozy and comfortable, and all the movement in the kitchen made it feel like a show. I would highly recommend.
Be the first to ReplyHow have i not reviewed the Dabney yet?!??!! i talk about
How have i not reviewed the Dabney yet?!??!! i talk about this place once a week!! My husband and I went here for dinner and it was absolutely amazing. Every single course tasted so good and in my opinion it is so much better than Alinea. The restaurant has more cozy vibes, the staff was great, and that food, again, AMAZING!!! I love being able to see the open concept kitchen and seeing how everything worked. The drinks were also great too, and if you wanted to go somewhere after Death & Co. is right next door. Loved this place!!!!!
Be the first to ReplyI came to DC over the summer for some sightseeing and some
I came to DC over the summer for some sightseeing and some general celebration of my birthday. I ranked all of the restaurants in town using an algorithm/decision-making-tree that I came up with. And The Dabney popped up as one of the premier must-go places. So I made my reservations and showed up on time and got seated in the very beautiful main dining area. We had the perfect view of the open kitchen right next us, so we got to watch the well-oiled machine the entire time. So many tables going through course after course, a guy with a dry erase board keeping track of all the moving pieces, all the meats seemingly being cooked with only wood and fire. Really great stuff. And the service? Come on. We had multiple people that waited on us, each being their own cog in the machine of the service presentation. We never wanted for anything. And the conversation was very pleasant and seemed authentic. Right down to the very end of the night to when one of the hosts checked on us to see how we were getting back in the pouring rain. So anyway, I can't talk about all of the courses served in the well orchestrated show that we went through, but I will give some thoughts and notes. I love how this place, and many other places, are highlighting and celebrating local ingredients. Where our food comes from is very cool to know, and I'm glad that they are supporting local, small businesses rather than buying a pack of 1,000 frozen oysters from another country. The second snack of the night really hit that point with lamb from the Shenandoah area stuffed into a mint leaf that came from Kentucky. Very nice. I also liked how the courses got progressively bigger in size, from the snacks to the actual courses, to the main event. Fried squash blossom. Enough said. There's no vessel more fun to eat something from. One of the courses had us take a fried corn tortilla and smash it to make our own tortilla chips to eat the rest of the dish with. That was fun! And of course, the main event. From a local farm, we got Autumn Olive Farm Pork served in a few different ways. It was all laid out to us at once and then we got free range of the feast. The Sorghum Butter they gave us for that Cornbread was insane out of this world delicious. And the Scrapple they put that Caviar on top of? Wow. It was all just so fun and delicious. We finished off with three dessert courses, all good. I feel like I've said a lot, but also a lot of nothing. The bottom line is that the place is very good. They select high quality, local ingredients, and present them in a beautiful, delicious way. The only thing is that a place like this needs to send you home with some post-dinner munchies. That's all that was missing. Not sure if I'll ever be back, but will certainly recommend this place to everyone I know who heads to DC.
Be the first to ReplyThis use to be my favorite go to restaurant in DC, but I'm
This use to be my favorite go to restaurant in DC, but I'm sad at what it's become. Prior to Covid it was an all a la carte restaurant and it was delicious and reasonable. Not cheap but for $250 or so a couple could go there and have a great night out. After Covid they moved to a tasting menu. At first it was $75 per person. Not bad. Now it's $235 a person before you even have one drink. I get that a lot has changed in the industry, and I get how things and people have to adapt. I also know it's possible to eat some semblance of a la carte in the bar. Still, it just feels like a total ripoff and I'm sad
Be the first to ReplyPros: No matter what anyone says, Michelin Stars are
Pros: No matter what anyone says, Michelin Stars are well-earned. The food was bonkers delicious. The dining room was huge and open and warm and inviting and the kitchen was also wide open so we got to see them make every single course like a well oiled machine. Service was impeccable. Many different people for many different functions throughout our meal. One of the major themes that ran through the meal was quality, local sourcing and using those same ingredients in multiple different ways. That soft shell crab was one of the best things I have ever eaten. Cons: Literally not a single one. There was a even a nice covered patio for us to wait for our Lyft out of the pouring rain. Tips: These are small bite courses, so really take your time with them, chew slowly, talk, drink, and converse in between bite. It really was a lovely time.
Be the first to ReplyElegant upscale dining experience awaits you.
Choose the outside garden patio. You're welcome. Signature drinks from the Bar and having been here several times, I have not had one bad meal here. The customer service is outstanding and the wine selection is extensive.
Be the first to ReplyWe chose the Dabney to celebrate our 19th wedding
We chose the Dabney to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary. Had never been here before and were super excited to check it out. Had a great conversation with an obvious "Dabney fan" while we waited outside for the restaurant to open. It was all he said it would be and more. Every dish was exquisite and we thoroughly enjoyed the wine pairings. Thank you so very much for making our evening so special! We'll be back 100%
Be the first to ReplyThis place was amazing but not for those who are looking
This place was amazing but not for those who are looking for a quick meal. The experience started with a complimentary drink which was a great first impression. The ambiance was rustic and modern which crested a feeling of romance. There were servers for every part of the experience who were knowledgeable and very attentive to the smallest details. They recommend cocktails and wines that would pair with everything we were served. The dishes came out so, fast it wasn't enough time to pair drinks with our meal so we stuck with 2 cocktails which were fantastic. My husband has a seafood allergy and they ensured there weren't any cross contamination and planned accordingly for his arrival. The price tag was ideal for this experience and worth it due to the quality of flavor and ingredients. I highly recommend The Dabney dor a special occasion or for an experience that you won't forget.
Be the first to ReplyWe just returned home from our "taste" experience.
I don't really have anything outstanding to say about this place but neither do I have anything super negative.Our experience tonight:We showed at 5 minutes prior to reservation (9pm) yet we're not seated until exactly 916 pm and I had to go the host desk to remind them. Bar drinks were comped though (woohoo... sarcasm) once seated it started pleasant enough but then gradually went down hill from there. I had to ask several times to have the table fully cleared when the next course was delivered. During each course clean silverware was laid out, there were a couple of times it wasn't and I had to ask for a fork for my wife on one occasion. Sounds petty but $400 for the two of us for the taste experience, I would have expected better... the water guy did keep our glasses filled. For the most part the food the courses were nice to look at but on the bland side. We found the blue cornbread to be tasteless and dry. The dessert was excellent, however we had to ask why all the other patrons got last dessert dish with small candies. We were offered them in a takeaway box. For the most part we were made to feel unwelcome by the server as there was no interaction or personality on his part. Honestly, would have had a better experience somewhere else for a lot cheaper. We do these types of things a lot and have been to much better places that offer an ambiance that feels welcoming. $400 bill and a 20% tip, seated late, made to feel unwelcome, and asking for service... not best date night but could have been worse... I would say the best part of the evening was leaving.
Be the first to ReplySWEET POTATO ROLLS.
That's the review.Those are worth 5 starts alone based on the complexity of taste and crunch.my friend and I showed up @ 5:30 opening for bar seating and there was a line but we luckily were able to snag seats at the bar. We opted to explore the a La carte menu and enjoyed every dish. Favorites were the sweet potato rolls, cornbread, sunchokes/mushrooms, and charcuterie. Service was attentive and food was delicious. Hoping to catch an open dinner resy soon to explore the seated dinner reservation
Be the first to ReplyWe had a wonderful dining experience at the Dabney last
We had a wonderful dining experience at the Dabney last week. The food was delicious from the first bite until the last. The service was top notch. The staff was very attentive without being overbearing or pushy while enjoying our meal. I loved the wine pairing supplement. We had one of the first seatings at 5:45 which was ideal to fully take in the ambiance of the restaurant. It's definitely a special occasion restaurant.
Be the first to ReplyUnfortunately we were not able to experience dining at the
Unfortunately we were not able to experience dining at the Dabney due to the sudden passing of my father at Christmas. We cancelled the reservation within 48 hours notice as we needed to cancel our trip and head back home to be with my family. When we followed up with the Dabney regarding the credit card charge, we were told that the charge was non-refundable regardless of the traumatic circumstances. It is obviously very disappointing that the Dabney is so inflexible and lacks even the most basic level of empathy. Needless to say, while we visit DC several times a year, we will not be rebooking with an establishment that is this cold and unfeeling!
Be the first to ReplyIt was a great experience.
I was surprised we left totally satisfied. Each course was unique. I can't say I loved all of it but I can say it was well prepared and presented. The servers were very engaging.
Be the first to ReplyWith much regret, have to add my voice to those who've
With much regret, have to add my voice to those who've expressed profound disappointment at the direction The Dabney has taken in recent years. In the mid 2010s, this was one of DC's best restaurants from food quality to service to venue and value. Thought they deserved the Michelin star. And, the Dabney Cellar on 8th was a very unique and wonderful spot.Now? With the Cellar closed for many years, the Dabney has gone super premium with stratospheric pricing and expectations to match. A much tougher table to book than it once was, all part of the new elite model and marketing. Three stars rather than even lower because Chef Langhorne's talent is undeniable. The problem? Even at the highest end, there are just too many other spots now in the DC area, many also Michelin starred, where one can spend the same or less than at the Dabney and get better consistency and a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. There's just no room for error now. Yet humans sometimes make errors whether in the kitchen or dining room/front of house. You have only to read through the various reviews of the past 2-3 years to see this.Hopefully this new business model is working like gangbusters for them. I'm sure many from out of town book just due to The Star. But, as someone who frequents spots from the highest to lowest brackets in our town, this ain't doing it for me anymore. It makes me sad that such a trailblazing exemplar seemed to pivot in pursuit of revenue maximization, rather than creating the profitable but unique and reasonably priced experiences for which they were known 6-8 years ago. They've lost sight of the customer. They've disregarded the customer's desire for value, at whatever price level. While there is still much good food to be had at The Dabney, one must ask the age old question: Is it worth it? My answer: no way.
Be the first to Reply10/6/22Not a place you would visit often, but definitely
10/6/22Not a place you would visit often, but definitely worth checking out. If you're into fine dining and an experience, then Dabney is the place for you. We had a reservation for our party of two. Located in a cute little alley, near a few other restaurants. They staff are very attentive and know every dish they bring to the table. It actually looks over staffed, but I'm guessing that what it takes to deliver the full experience. From the "snacks" section we had the Apple Stack Cake, Oysters and Cream (Divine Pine Oysters, Madeira, Horseradish), A Dabney Classic (Sweet Potato Chesapeake Catfish) and Kilt Greens (Bitter Greens, Preserved Ramp, Smoked Bacon). All beautifully presented on the same plate. I especially loved the Kilt Greens. The Main included Aged Rohan Duck, which was the best dish. Delicious and beautifully presented. The whole experience is about a bit of everything on to your plate to go along with the super juicy duck meat. Other courses include Maryland Blue Crab (Caviar, Herbs Crimson Apple, chives), Garners Jimmy Red Grits (Ember roasted broccoli, carmen peppers, dandelion jam, fat cat cheese), and Autumn Olive Farm Pork Loin (scallop, watermelon molasses). My favorite from these was the pork loin with scallops. Dessert was Fireside Farms Carmen Peppers (Vanilla Ice Cream, Toasted Meringue, Shiso). I was not a fan of the peppers on the dessert. It took away from what could have been amazing. May a bit more ice cream would have fixed that for me. Dining here is an experience. If you're planning to show up super hungry and expecting to pig out, this may not be the place for that. The experience is slow and delicate. The servers always came in pairs, with one setting the plate down and the other explaining to us what dish they just set down in front of us. Worth checking out if you're looking for a fancy dinner.
Be the first to ReplyGlad I finally ventured out to The Dabney! Had a table on
Glad I finally ventured out to The Dabney! Had a table on the "patio" which is mostly enclosed anyway.The staff were all excellent - super helpful, very attentive.The small bites to start with their amuse bouche course were all good, nothing to write home about. First course hen of the woods mushrooms was my favorite dish. Second course I had the fluke, and it was fine. Hard to really impress with a white fish but that's not their fault. Liked the sticky pudding for dessert, but it's hard not to make me happy with a sticky pudding cake!Overall, had a great meal, but not sure I'd go back until there's a very different menu to try new things.
Be the first to ReplyGreat food, great experience.
Reservations need to be made far in advance but you can try your luck at snagging a spot at the bar right when they open. Added bonus is that you can order off an a la carte menu (or traditional pre fix) while at the bar!
Be the first to ReplyI thought I had raved about the Dabney previously but looks
I thought I had raved about the Dabney previously but looks like I forgot to review in the past. Pre-COVID, I would have given 5 stars as I frequented often. Went back in January and although the service and cocktails were on point, the food fell disappointingly flat. Too many other options to replace with, particularly at that price point.
Be the first to ReplyI finally made it back to the dabney for the first time
I finally made it back to the dabney for the first time since Covid and things seem to have changed a bit....Don't get me wrong, the food and is delicious and if possible the staff has gotten even better, but woof have the prices changed! They are now doing a $95pp prefixed menu that gets you 3 little tasters to start, a small plate, meat course and dessert. While it was all delicious, I just don't feel like it was worth what we paid... $70 even $80? Maybe. I also noticed in my last review there were a ton of decently priced wines (which is always awesome to find). Unfortunately this time around the least expensive bottle of red was $65. In fact, of their list of maybe 20-25 red wines, only 5 we're under $100 per bottle. Maybe this is just the cost of becoming popular but I'm not going to lie I was a little disappointed. The Dabney was this great DC gem and now I feel like we'll look at other options before returning. Fingers crossed the prefixed menu isn't here to stay.
Be the first to ReplyOur favorite restaurant in dc! Excellent food and excellent
Our favorite restaurant in dc! Excellent food and excellent service! Love the roasted vegetable dishes, great cocktails, great atmosphere, really everything!
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