The Ice House Cafe
| Address: | 760 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170, USA |
| Phone: | +1 703-437-4500 |
| Site: | icehousecafe.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM Closed |
Location
Photos 84
Reviews 15
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A Private User
After reading all the positive reviews, I decided to visit IHCOB to see what all the brouhaha was all about... I simply wanted some pub grub and a cold beer...and I wasnt disappointed! Dan the bartender quickly stopped by my table and offered beer suggestions; I selected Victorys "Hop Devil." A truly excellent choice and not overwhelming. I ordered my garden salad with Pesto dressing...delicious! Next...a dozen of steamed shrimp with Old Bay seasoning...large and succulent with a pop when you bite em! Well, my pub grub and cold beer turned into another order of steamed shrimp and two more beers! IHCOB, thanks for a great meal for a Texan in need! I cant wait to head back to Herndon for another taste of your garden salad, steamed shrimp and Hop Devil! "EZ" from San Antonio, TX...HOOK EM!
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Ross Foard
It was a busy Valentines Day meal so the service was slower than normal, but when the food arrived we were very pleased. The warm sour dough bread complimented the red wine while we waited for the delicious caesar salad. The entree we chose was crab cakes and we were very pleasantly surprised. Three medium sized, pan fried to perfection, was mostly lump crabmeat with a small amount of binding material and simple shallots throughout. The accompanying warm red cabbage was wonderful with a smooth combination of tartness and savory that my wife says she will try and replicate the next time she makes the dish. Sauteed golden squash combo and yellow rice completed the meal, each perfectly seasoned, although some if the rice grains were a bit tough to eat.
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A Private User
Ugh, really? Went in ~9.30pm, bustling place, offhandedly ignored, prolly just mostly regulars not tourists. Once sat, attentive staff, and Im always perplexed when wait staff man handle rims of water glasses. Strike two. Ordered seafood salad and half order clams. Clams came out min our two after salad which was my main. Beets too bitter, salad totally unbalanced with no seasoning. Two shrimp were uneventful, one scallop bland and ok, other over salted and burnt on one side. Okay, not fine dining. Clams were just wrong, but could be me, and obviously the season to order mollusks. Alas, i wont be returning...though ambiance was very nice, liquor selection looked tempting and live music off side bar was well attended.
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A Private User
Proving past performance is no assurance of future results my recent dinner (Feb 2010) at Ice House left we cold--like the food, the winter evening and the dining rooms temperature. The ceasar salad featured wilted, somewhat less than crisp lettuce tossed in a punchless dressing. My main course, seafood jambalaya consisted of surf and turf--about half of various shell fish and half grilled chicken. Largely tasteless in total, the lukewarm rice in particular surprised me with its unfortunate dryness--doesnt jambalya usually include liquid? Or maybe the other hundred or times Ive had it were chef mistakes. The dinner would not have been acceptable at half the price and no, I didnt find time for dessert.
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A Private User
Love it, love it, love it! I have seen this restaurant in passing every time I drive in downtown Herndon but it never cross my mind to try it out until I saw the Livingsocial deal. The reviews were positive so I figured Ill give it a try and I am glad I did. I ordered the Ahi Tuna and my partner ordered the duck. Both were delicious (and I wish I knew how they make their sauces). The portion were surprisingly large especially for higher end restaurants. I cant wait to bring my friends and family to try out this place. The service was excellent and the decor reminds me of Boston (the unleveled floors, the narrow doors, etc).
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Davidcixxg Morrisey
You have a problem with your bar manager. Children are allowed to sit "at" the bar, while adults are drinking. Not only is it inappropriate. Socially it is unacceptable and its probably frowned upon and probably illegal. When something was said to the bar manager it was dismayed as it was nothing. Your restaurant , that I have enjoyed for a better part of 10+ years that is number 6 on my list has been reduced to zero, I will not be returning. I do have documentation of the incident. I hope you will correct this issue with action.
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A Private User
Came here alone on a Friday night, and was made to feel welcome by the staff. Had a Pilsner with a half dozen oysters on the half shell, perfectly fresh and delicious, attractively served in a pewter plate on a bed of crushed ice. Ordered the Bourbon Street Style Jambalaya, and was not disappointed. Big succulent shrimp, top quality andouille sausage, grilled zucchini, a warm slaw of red cabbage that tasted like bacon, all surrounding some decadently cheesy grits. Nearly hurt myself. Oh, and the band was fantastic, too.
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Al G
I was told by the hotel receptionist that Ice House Cafe is good. I was visiting this area so I decided to visit for dinner. It is a pathetic place and I do not recommend this restaurant at all. The staff appeared busy but the service was slow and bad. I love squid but the squid appetizer was sour and not tasty at all. This is the first ever restaurant where I had bad squid. The other thing I ordered was lamb shank. It was tender but tasteless. The price was $50 with tax - Ridiculous for such quality.
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Todd Faulk
The Ice House Cafe is a real find in historic downtown Herndon. Located in the towns former, late 19th-century ice storage facility (hence the name), Ice House cafe produces modern American seafood dishes. Expect live music almost every night; the jazz on Saturday night makes a great accompaniment to a fine meal. My only qualm was that my cocktail from the bar was pretty weak. Otherwise, the Ice House Cafe creates a memorable dining experience.
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Francis Szalay
Been before, but went back for my wifes birthday last night. We each had one of the daily specials (Mahi Mahi w/ Prawns, NY Sirlion w/ Fried Oysters) and they were fantastic. The service was quick and attentive, and the dining room was lively (if a bit loud). The prices are high, but appropriate for the quality. We will certainly be back again on our next special occasion.
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Cody Lee
We had a great experience from the moment we walked in and were greeted by Henry (amazing host; funny but formal), to when we discovered the happy hour oysters ($1 apiece instead of the usual $2), to when we were served our mains and each dish was perfectly prepared. All in all, I spent more than intended but would readily do it again.
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Leila Chen
Easy to find, right by street. Comfy atmosphere, good for family and friends gathering. Service was good. Ordered Ostrich Steak, Medium well, which turned out to be fantastic. Also ordered Jambalaya , which was amazing. FYI, restaurants in herndon charge meal tax, ice house cafe included.
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Scott Kleeman
Great food and some of the friendliest and knowledgeable staff anywhere. Dan knew his stuff, inside and out. Made great recommendations and explained the menu and beer list with surgeon-like precision. Im already looking forward to returning.
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Elizabeth Smith
Dan the bartender is fabulous. They have also recently added more food to the bar menu thankfully. This is a great home away from home. Dan is one of the most knowledgeable bartenders and provides a great experience.
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TJ Wooldridge
This place is a staple in the area. The owner,Alice, is great. The food is top notch and you cannot beat the live entertainment. If you like good food and Jazz music, get to Ice House Cafe.
