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The Tulip Bistro + Bar Reviews List
The Tulip Bistro + Bar
The Tulip Bistro + Bar is a small treasure in the Chevy Chase Neighborhood. Chef Spencer van den Dool has worked in fantastic local restaurants such as Pacific Pearl and Emmett"s before going to Holland and working at a 2 michelin star restaurant called De Kastanjehof, where he fine tuned his French-American cuisine. The menu offers such things as Mussels, Fish and Chips to Shrimp & Linguine & Short Ribs. There is something for everyone! Our wine list covers most of the world, while our martini list features old and new favorites, such as Tulip Margatini, Blue Goose and The Grand Cosmo.The Tulip will impress you and have you making a reservation for your next visit.
See more The Tulip Bistro + Bar details
50 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 50 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(20)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(34)
- fit for foodies(30)
- special occasion(24)
- romantic(20)
- good for groups(7)
- great for outdoor dining(7)
The Tulip Bistro + Bar Reviews List
Review 1 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Upscale casual perfection
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We are always WOWed by the outstanding food. We get the Trio de Mer appetizer...mussels, crawfish tails, and crab dip...all three delicious. We also opted for Chargrilled oysters..they were perfection.
Our server, Newton, was knowledgeable and provided excellent sevice.
There were so many entrees that caught our eye...shorts ribs, stuffed chicken, salmon.
Wine was reasonably priced and generously poured."
Our server, Newton, was knowledgeable and provided excellent sevice.
There were so many entrees that caught our eye...shorts ribs, stuffed chicken, salmon.
Wine was reasonably priced and generously poured."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Too Slow, Loud & Pricy to Return
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 04/10/2013
2007
Dined on 04/10/2013
2007
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service was incredibly slow, the noise level is so loud that you cannot even hear the people sitting across the table from you without yelling. The noise level is so loud it made the entire evening unpleasant. I ordered the grilled wedge salad which was very good and a chicken and brie sandwich - the sandwich was just OK it would have been better if the cheese was melted. With the slow service and the noise level it was all I could do to get out of there as fast as I could. Unfortunately, due to the slow service, noise level and higher priced food, it was not worth the money - I would not go back."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2007
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Review 3 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My wife and I and two friends
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I and two friends ate there for first time two weeks ago. It was great. Set on patio and atmosphere was great. Food was excellent. We want to come back often."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 4 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a party of 6. The food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a party of 6. The food including the appetizers was excellent. The waitress was experienced and friendly. I will go again and would recommend it to others."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 5 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went here for an anniversary
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went here for an anniversary dinner, and everything was fantastic!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Other than the fact that the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Other than the fact that the maitre'd did not receive the notice from Open Table that we were coming for dinner that evening at 7:00 PM (we made the reservation at about 11:30 AM) until well after we had already arrived at ~6:50 PM and been seated, we had a very nice dinner. The food, especially the She Crab soup, is very good and the service, especially considering that it was quite busy, was excellent. It was quite noisy, though, so one must accept that that is how it is likely to be, especially on a weekend."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice place, good food. Server
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nice place, good food. Server was nice and knowledgable but was double tasked with helping at the bar. Therefore we sat there stating at our oysters on the half shell for six minutes before we received crackers, forks and other requirements. Also, the noise was very high. It was later in the evening on a Friday, but it was very loud. Intoxicated forty something women trying to all talk over one another doesn't really set the mood for a romantic dinner for two. The lamb was amazing though..."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I would go again
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First time going. Had the short ribs. I would go again."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It was not as good as it has
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was not as good as it has been in the past and the menu seemed a little stale."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 10 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great for a girls night out
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great for a girls night out or date night!! The service was great and the restaurant had a wonderful ambiance"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Everything was great -- except
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Everything was great -- except the chocolate mousse wasn't mousse -- more like pudding. Would not order that again."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 12 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Above average but not fantastic
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great service. Good food. No "WOW" factor."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 13 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved it!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful time at the Tulip! I found it by searching google maps for escargot (which was great)! Had the short ribs and lamb, followed by Nutella cookies. All phenomenal! Great service and truly enjoyed the entire meal. Will be back!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise level
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have eaten at the Tulip 12-14 times. Unfortunately, on this evening, our food was just average But, Most disturbing was the noise level. We sat in our favorite area, booths right inside the door, we were in the back booth. There was an extremely loud group sitting in the large corner booth during our entire dinner. possibly the large noise causing group could have been moved into the back dinning room."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2012
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Review 15 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food and service were
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
"The food and service were excellent. I will definitely return."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 16 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We enjoyed an excellent, creative
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed an excellent, creative crab dip and a grilled wedge salad with a great smoky flavor. My wife ordered the chicken roulade, stuffed with prosciutto and goat cheese and then deep fried. It came out very rich (and somewhat salty for my taste) but she loved it. I ordered short ribs, which were wonderfully tender and succulent. The accompanying horseradish sauce and fried potatoes made for a nearly-perfect bite. We split chocolate mousse for desert, which was a perfect portion and struck the right balance between creaminess, lightness and flavor. Our bill with soft drinks, tax and tip came to $90.
The only drawback of the Tulip is its fairly forgettable ambiance: I would expect something more elegant at this price point."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A place to go back to often!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Lovely food with interesting twists, good flavor balance. Some basics for those who prefer that. The kitchen makes excellent use of local sources. Service is professional yet friendly. Solid bar; some very nice wine selections.
The daily salmon is always excellent, never overcooked, creative.
It's a favorite place to return again and again. I always leave happy."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Only problem is how loud.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Only problem is how loud. Hard to talk."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 19 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was okay, but it
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was okay, but it was nothing special and certainly not worth the wait. We waited over an hour and a half for our entrees. The kitchen appeared to be in the weeds, and so was the manager, who was always in the kitchen and never on the floor apologizing to the restaurant full of customers who were waiting for their food. It was a rarity when our waiter stopped by to see how we were doing, yet there appeared to be plenty of servers for the restaurant. If you like wine, here's a doozy: the wine glasses were presented freshly dishwasher hot, so we had to rinse them with our ice water or risk scalding the wine. Difficult to park, outrageously loud, and unbelievably slow. Stay in the bar if you want to go."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 20 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was very good and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was very good and the wait staff, while a little overworked, very pleasant. But, it was very loud. This may have been because of the UK home game or, perhaps, it was just a typical Saturday night. Overall, we would be happy to eat here again but, likely, not on Saturday."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 21 for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent, as always.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Love the Margatini! The Sausage Crostini could be a meal. Try the Chicken Roulade, it's quite special. Love this place!"
Dined on 01/18/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Tulip Bistro + Bar
Based on the average of (29) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic