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The Federalist at Loews Madison HotelReservations
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The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel Reviews List
The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Locally grown products, farm fresh ingredients, and innovative menus created by our award winning chefs capture the unique flavors of Washington, D.C. Join us at our downtown Washington, D.C. restaurant and enjoy Chef Harper McClure's uplifted interpretations of traditional American cuisine.
See more The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel details
59 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 59 reviews
5 stars
(15)
4 stars
(22)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(8)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(24)
- good for groups(16)
- special occasion(16)
- great for lunch(12)
- romantic(12)
- neighborhood gem(7)
The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel Reviews List
Review 1 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was good but not spectacular. Desserts were disappointing. Panna cota especially. Wait staff distracted. Had to signal and request each stage. There is letting the table move from course to course naturally, and there is a distinct lack of initiative for follow up. Even getting a refill on water was time consuming."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 2 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was outstanding! Waiter was knowledgable and friendly. All 4 dishes were very good."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 3 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not sure what the hype is all about
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We saw The Federalist featured on DC Food Finds, which peaked our interest to go to. With the reviews we read, we were very surprised to see only a few people at dinner on a week-end when other places would have been packed. The service is left to be desired; there were waiters walking around, but were not attentive. We had empty glasses waiting for refill for more than 15 minutes. We can't even tell you what we ordered - as it was that unmemorable. The only interesting thing is that they served turtle soup which our son was adventurous enough to try - although even that was nothing to rave over."
Dined on 12/29/2012
Special Features: romantic
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Review 4 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I had lunch there for the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had lunch there for the first time, but a few months ago, i had dinner there. the food is pretty good, but dinner is by far better than lunch. It is lovely space. Tables are well spaced; conversation is easy; and the service is attentive. The luncheon choices seemed more limited to me, but they were tasty. If you only plan to go once, reserve at the dinner hour. Food just seemed so much more refined and delicious. Or maybe it was the company?"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 5 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We both had wonderful dinners.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We both had wonderful dinners. I had rockfish in a lovely presentation my husband had the most tender and flavorable New York steak he's ever eaten."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2010
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Review 6 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Pretentious, Slow, Not For Families
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were staying at the Loew's and decided to visit the Federalist on the first night. It showed great promise, and I agree with everyone's positive assessment of the ambiance. The place was only moderately busy and we had a party of seven including three kids under 13. The food took well over an hour, the kids were falling asleep at the table, and still there was no concession to bring the kids food out first (ironically they claimed that the 'chicken fingers' were taking the most time... never experienced that before). The salads were almost 'sandy', but they may pass that off as 'organic', I don't know. But the biggest piece of advice that I can give to anyone is to CHECK YOUR BILL before you leave! Taxation without representation!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2010
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Review 7 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Beautifully redesigned restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Beautifully redesigned restaurant with an enticing menu and cozy booths for great conversation."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 8 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always every detail of
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As always every detail of our dinning experience was excelent!!!!!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
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Review 9 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Beautiful room, disappointing menu
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Really beautiful restaurant, one of the nicest looking in DC. Staff is marginal, they make you feel like they're doing you a favor giving you a table. Menu is strange, not very well executed and very few light choices for lunch. The Madison closed their great lobby restaurant for lunch which was a huge mistake."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2008
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Review 10 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
I have been here twice, and
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have been here twice, and service was terrible on both accounts. Food service was slow even when the restaurant was mostly empty and waiters avoided eye contact."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2011
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Review 11 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I was very impressed with
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was very impressed with the wide selection of entrees and how well they were prepared. The service is very good and the atmosphere is suitable for any occasion."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 12 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
the space is gorgeous and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"the space is gorgeous and our lunch was very nice. Definitely will be back. Very good service and especially nice maitre'd. Thanks Frank."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2006
Special Features: special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 13 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The whole dining experience
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The whole dining experience was bad.the service and food were terrible, Open Table should not recommend this restaurant.i"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2009
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Review 14 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was very unique.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"The food was very unique. Gourmet preparation with very reasonable prices."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 15 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Valentine's Day Find
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Visited for Valentine's Day. They had a special menu for the day, but allowed us to order off their normal menu. Drinks were great. I had an appetizer of pumpkin roasted salad. It was extremely good and just the right size. My husband and I shared the skirt steak, cooked perfectly and they split it for us as well. We finished off with the cream & fruit desert. It was probably my least favorite of the food items, but it was still good. Recommend trying it out."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 16 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Outstanding food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"Excellent food. Service a little slow, but not too slow that its annoying. Chairs are oddly shaped so you have to check your coat. The pork loin was the best I've ever had. Rockfish is excellent."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list
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Review 17 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Birthday Brunch!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A group of my friends and I went here for my Birthday brunch. Everyone's food was delicious! The service was wonderful!! Our server, Wayne (I think), made sure we always had full mimosas since we ordered the $20 bottomless option. The restaurant is beautiful! It's sort of French Provencial with a nautical flair...very Restoration Hardware. Anyway, so glad we came here and I will definitely be back!"
Dined on 02/10/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Don't waste your time or money.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place was listed on Living Social with the great package that we got a LeMeridien, since our experience with our hotel was great, we decided to book our reservations for my husbands birthday at The Federalist. BAD IDEA!!!! This place was no more than a common hotel restaurant. Unappealing atmosphere, again very hotel!! We anticipated since it was in what was described as a world class luxury hotel and dining, that we were making the right choice. Overall, the food was okay, not great by any stretch of the imagination and extremely pricey!!! Small portions and so, so service. Would not recommend. With all of the fabulous restaurants in the DC area, this is one to stay away from."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2006
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Review 19 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The service at The Federalist
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service at The Federalist was impeccable. I dined with my toddler daughter and two colleagues. Staff members (especially the host) went above and beyond to make us as comfortable as possible. We really appreciated the excellent service at this restaurant and would recommend it."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2006
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 20 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
try the mac & cheese!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I went to The Federalist for Sunday brunch. They no longer have a fixed-price $35 Sunday brunch. Now they have a special brunch menu, but the appetizers, entrees, and desserts are individually priced. My waiter told me this is because the restaurant recently underwent a change of ownership; he said the new owners may soon reinstate a fixed-price brunch, and currently have a fixed-price supper. Anyway, I had the macaroni and cheese appetizer and the "apple pie a la mode" or whatever cocktail, both of which were great. The macaroni noodles were made in-house from scratch and were delicious. The restaurant was also very empty on this particular Sunday, so it was quiet & easy to have a conversation."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch
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Review 21 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfect for meeting a client.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Perfect for meeting a client. Private enough and quiet enough to discuss business."
Dined on 01/28/2013
2012
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 22 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good for meeting out of towers
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Good for meeting out of towers as they valet Getting organized for a new menu but they already serve very good Bloody Marys"
Dined on 01/27/2013
2007
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 23 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I took my wife here for her
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I took my wife here for her birthday dinner, and it was such a great experience. She had gone there for a business dinner a couple of months prior and she said it was such a tasty meal, and the atmosphere was so nice, she wanted to come back. I am glad I listened to her (which she says I don't do often) because it was such a delightful experience. The cod fritters were outstanding, my wife's quail was delicious (I have a tendency to eat off her plate) and my rock fish was out of this world. Our waiter Joe gave tremendous suggestions, and our cocktails topped off a great night. A real winner!"
Dined on 01/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 24 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I did not like my meal neither
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I did not like my meal neither did my fiance. The service was great but the food ruined the experience for us. Glad we tried someplace new though."
Dined on 12/19/2012
2009
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Review 25 for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
get the steak salad
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great steak salad. We wanted to sit in the more impressive empty front room, but were asked to sit in the unimpressive back room."
Dined on 01/10/2013
2006
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Federalist at Loews Madison Hotel
Based on the average of (34) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
1 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate