Carlyle

Reviews 5

CA

Carol Chan

Carlyle is definitely better than most American chains in terms of food presentations, decor, and cleanliness. But I wasnt particularly impressed by the taste and service. My family and I came to Carlyle for my birthday celebration. I called them about an hr prior to arrival to add my name to the waitlist and we were seated immediately after checking in. The 5 of us ordered the blue crab fritters and fried calamari to start. Within the first bite, we could totally understand why their blue crab fritters are their most popular item - meaty yet juicy! Their fried calamari was good but out- shined by the fritters by miles. Then here came disappointment: Shrimp and grits - my go to whenever I see this dish on the menu but Carlyles was beyond disappointing. So heavy and so salty - I couldnt stomach to finish half of my dish. Jambalaya pasta - same problem my husband had and his salt tolerance is three times of mine. Almond crusted trout - the sauce was overwhelming sweet and the sourness didnt complement the dish well. Short rib - the best part of the cauliflower hash that we decided to substitute in place of the mashed potato. The red wine sauce again was too salty. Crab cake and sirloin - The crab cake was meaty and the sirloin was cooked as we had asked. But again the sauce was way over-salted. Although our main entrees were underwhelming; we decided we couldnt leave without sweets since we did come for my birthday. Macadamia nut chocolate waffle - a variation of warm brownie with gooey center. Loved the pairing with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream. I personally didnt taste any nut? Salted caramel creme brulee - wheres the caramel? thought I was done with the salt but even my dessert was REALLY salty. Service - was spotty for the most part. I ate most of my half eaten entrees with my water glass empty. The bread basket - we heard about their famous ozzie rolls which we we werent given any on our visit. Instead we had regular dinner rolls and a few slices of sourdough. After our initial warm bread basket, our subsequent refills were all served cold. Overall - I had better meals at chains like TFI Friday. Not sure Im dying to try out the other Great American restaurants especially after our dinner at Carlyle.

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A

A Private User

Its not often that time, space, and opportunity arrive together to create a perfect moment in time. That moment for me was the first bite of my salad at the Carlyle Restaurant today. I knew at that moment, as the sweet tangy vinaigrette ticked the edges of my palate that I would be consuming another memorable meal at this incredible restaurant. Be not dismayed by the knuckle dragging cretins who think a restaurant is about "bar service" or some other silly diversion. Restaurants are about food. Good food. The Carlyle has incredible food. The bar is a diversion for people who think fine dining can be had at Boston Market. Let them drink their lunch. I will have the salmon please. The prices are worth every single penny they ask at the Carlyle. Brunch for two with three entrees is under $50.00. Just try getting great food and atmosphere anywhere in the D.C. area for under $50.00. Good luck. Weve been patrons of the Carlyle since moving to the metro D.C. area in 2008. My very fist visit was with friends for a going away party. I still remember the filet mignon I had that day. And the desert, lemon meringue pie. My first thought biting into that buttery smooth piece of beef was "This is good. This is REALLY good." Desert was a small slice of heaven on a plate. My teeth were applauding all through the meal. By desert it was a standing ovation in my mouth with echoes of "Bravo!", "Bravo!" I remember that first lunch well. Dinner was even better because the first thing I did when I left that lunch was call my wife and tell her where we were eating dinner. At the Carlyle. In short, the Carlyle wins my coveted "Restaurant of the Millennium" award. Its the first and only one I will give. If youre ever in the D.C. area and want a scrumptious meal at unbelievably reasonable prices served in a wonderful atmosphere by trained professionals, do yourself a favor, dont waste your time eating anywhere else. Be it brunch, lunch or dinner, the Carlyle will provide you a dining experience that you will remember for a very long and enjoyable time. I plan to return. Again and again. So should you.

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A

A Private User

i was there on a friday night with my girlfriend and we sat at the bar for over 30 minutes before anyone behind the bar even made eye contact with us...we wanted a menu and to order food, but no one came back for another 20 minutes with our drinks. it wasnt that crowded for a friday night, and i have been going there for over 10 years, so i know the drill there. after waving at the bartender for a while trying to get his attention as he was in deep conversation, he brought us our drinks and we ordered food. the food never came. we asked for water, once again waving and yelling out his name, the water never came, nor did silverware or napkins. at the end he took our credit card to pay the bill but put it near the register and forgot about whos it was. on top of that there was a customer at the bar wearing dark sunglasses and earphones, singing loudly and shadow boxing who was trying to start a fight with anyone that made eye contact with him. the bartender did nothing to stop him and made everyone near this guy very uncomfortable. it was the worst experience ive ever had at a great american restaurant. i go to mikes in springfield all the time. eventually after reordering salads, an hour later, they came out as the waiter circled the bar looking for had ordered them...they had no clue because the bartender was once again busy flirting and talking with what seemed like friends of his.i couldnt believe how far this place had fallen. amazingly bad after so many good experiences there over the years.

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TH

The Uptown House

Sometimes its better not to go back. I went tonight after a very long hiatus due to a move to Maryland. I was really looking forward to it and ended up being very disappointed. The waitress was not very good at all. She took forever with bringing a box after I could not eat my so so jumbalaya. Had a couple of bites but was way too salty. I asked for a box and by the time she brought it, I didnt want to bother with it anymore. It just sat there looking worse by the minute. I ordered my standard warm goat cheese salad that I always got before. It was made with a spring mix back in the day and tonight it showed up as browning iceberg lettuce. The bread pudding was very gummy. The flourless chocolate waffle, which I adored before, was just average. Maybe they went to a lesser quality ice cream. All I know is the restaurant aint what it used to be. Would not go back again.

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MA

Matthew Muir

Unexpectedly large second floor dining room. Nice selection of commercial art from early 20th century. There was debate at our table whether they can properly call this an American brasserie, given the lack of chops, roast chicken or other French equivalents (including beouf bourgignon). Wait staff were described as "reasonably well informed." To start, we had crab fritters, lobster pot stickers, and fried green tomatoes -- tomatoes and pot stickers got two votes each as favorites of the table but all were enjoyed. Salads (Caesar, salmon, and mango chicken) were good, although the Caesar was deemed too garlicy and the cheese not distributed to the consumers preference. The latter two were a bit too sweet. Crab cakes got high marks with a report of a satisfactory ratio of fill to crabmeat. Dessert menu was not tempting to the pregnant lady. Dinner for 4 = $116 before tip.

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