Darlington House
| Address: | 1610 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA |
| Phone: | +1 202-332-3722 |
| Site: | darlingtonhousedc.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11AM–2AM 10AM–1:58AM 10AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
DA
David Lewin
When appropriate I give glowing reviews, and I have given quite a few (particularly in Puerto Rico), but of all the restaurants I have been to in almost 40 years this was the most atrocious service I have ever received, and due to one individual alone. Before I go further I must compliment the kitchen on the quality of the food. It was good. Not amazing, but worth the price. When the waiter (who appeared to be the only waiter on the upper level, maybe even the manager) took our groups order I gave him my drink, appetizer and entree all at once (he never asked me to to withhold my entree order). Long after everyone but me received their appetizer I pleasantly asked a bus boy to inquire about my salad. It arrived 5 minutes later with no apology. 30 minutes after everyone received their entree but me I asked the bus boy to inquire about my entree. 15 minutes later I received mine, again with no apology. When the bill arrived not only were we charged twice for my entree, but there was no adjustment made for either of the two delays in my food. I brought the issue to the waiters attention and he reluctantly agreed to remove the duplicate entree as though he was doing me a favor. Insulted by his attitude I mentioned that he also made no attempt to adjust the bill for the unapologetic delay in serving my entire meal. He proceeded to blame me and the group for being disorganized in ordering everything at once, and I told him that as the waiter it was his responsibility to stay organized and that it was up to him whether to make he situation right or not. I have never experience a waiter blaming the customer for his own inability to juggle a groups order, and I worked in restaurants for nine years during high school and college. 15 minutes later he brought an adjusted bill (rightfully removing the duplicate charge and surprisingly removing my actual entree charge) but he continued to blame me for his disorganization as he handed me the bill. Why make the bill right but continue to insult and displace blame on the customer?...because a 20% gratuity charge was added, preventing us from making the point clear and protecting his personal compensation. Only the restaurant owner suffered. As a side note, a few friends pointed out how odd it was that my wife was the first to receive every phase of her order first and that the waiter probably had a crush on her (which I dismissed as flattering but absurd). But in hind sight I have to wonder if being the only Caucasian in the Latino group (the waiter was also Latino) had something to do with it. I do not respect playing the race card, but I have to wonder. I will never go back to this restaurant on principle alone and wish you the best of luck if you decide to give them a chance.
MA
Maya Byrne
My husband and I held our Rehearsal Dinner at Darlington House on Friday, May 23, 2014. We choose Darlington House as the prices were very reasonable as compared to other restaurants in the area, we were able to hold the event in a private space, and we were able to offer guests options to choose from (including Gluten Free pasta). Pro’s • Private Location - The upstairs space was a perfect location for our event in which we had a total of 41 guests (including ourselves) • Private Bar and Bathroom for the Upstairs Space • Using the 60’ (5 FT) rounds we sat 8 to 9 guests at each of the 5 tables and still had plenty of room to wander during the cocktail hour. (Note: Darlington House recommended 10 guests per a 60’ table but typically 72’ rounds are used to seat 10 guests and 60’ for 8 guests. ) • The centerpieces for our tables were made in house and were both beautiful and reasonably priced (approx. $40/table) • All in all the food was brought out timely and guests enjoyed the selection of fish and pasta (including GF pasta) Con’s • Of all the vendors I worked with throughout our wedding, Darlington House was not the easiest nor friendliest but was manageable and responsive • If selecting Darlington House for an event such as a rehearsal I recommended selecting the price per hour for alcohol verse consumption as we ended up spending more than if we had done the all-inclusive rate which was recommended by the venue. • No Parking , however, Valet services are available for a fee • Limited selection of linens available if you have a particular theme/colors in mind • If you want to have place cards and other decorations, be sure to have someone get there early to set up as you will need to do that yourself! Overall, we had a very positive experience and response from guests. I would recommend Darlington House to any other couples who are looking for a restaurant for their rehearsal dinner as we were very happy with our food and service during the event.
A
A Private User
My husband and I chose this spot because of proximity to our hotel. Our reservation was for 8 pm on a Saturday, and we had to wait 15 minutes in the bar before the bartender tells us the table is ready and gestures towards the dining area. Realizing we have no idea where to go, he then decides to run around the bar and seat us. Awkward. The cheese and meat appetizer was very good with the exception of the bologna. Main courses were timely, generous and delicious! The food here is very fresh and full of pleasing Italian flavors. On a positive note, we believe the proprietor waited on us and was very polite and gracious. I would recommend this place to someone with a flexible schedule who wishes to savor traditional Italian cuisine.
AL
Allison Fraser
Who can say no to homemade pasta? We had a large group dinner here and the service was spectacular for such a large crowd. The salad was good, the chicken scallopini drizzled with lemon butter sauce was enjoyable, served with (notably green) basil mashed potatoes. We were not big fans of the butternut squash tortelloni, not because they werent good, but because they were too sweet (more North American taste than Italian). On the other hand, the bread bowl of focaccia was drool-worthy. The tiramisu was so good I think I embarrassed myself by how fast it was finished.
CH
Christina P
Excellent covered patio near Dupont Circle! This is the perfect place to get drinks and snacks near the Sunday farmers market. Take shelter inside and enjoy the air conditioning at the bar below or relax outside and people watch on the patio. The Frosé is a must try on a hot summers day, its cold, refreshing and not too sweet so multiple can be enjoyed! The service was also excellent, friendly and attentive. Im so happy I finally stopped in, I will certainly be back!
CA
Carol Bowers
We had a dinner for 60+ people and it was a fabulous evening! The food was perfectly cooked for every entree, served at the correct temperature and arranged beautifully. The wait staff could not have been more efficient or helpful. We requested additional help with the table arrangements which they were happy to do. When we arrived the room/tables looked magnificent! If you would like to arrange a lovely dinner for 2 or 60, this is the place!
CI
Cindy Brads
Had lunch there and it was excellent! Hotel I was staying at did not recommend it among the restaurants in the area which I quickly remedied. Highly recommend. Homemade pasta, creative dishes that are tasteful and good portions. Service was excellent as well... Flexible with special requests, courteous, knowledgeable and friendly. Should not miss this when you are in DC!
