The closest restaurant to the Capitol building,United States Senate and Union Station, The Monocle is not only known as a Washington institution, but also for its fine American cuisine. You can always count on being served great crab-cakes, grilled fresh fish, steaks and chops, while enjoying the powerful political scenery. The private room upstairs is a Washington classic for private parties and political fundraisers. More than 6 please call 202-546-4488 since NOT accepted by open table reservations.
"We were advised by regular Washington travellers to try The Monocle .... We made a reservation for my birthday night but it didn't seem like it was necessary. About six tables at seven pm on arrival ... Increasing to ten during the evening. Mostly men which fits the profile for where the restaurant is ( walking distance to the Capitol building ) ... Very friendly staff, maitre d was amazing, chatty, knowledgeable and helpful. We were never rushed, water was plentiful, wine list very good and food superb .... I was even given a candle on my desert to recognise my birthday celebration......a very nice, highly appreciated gesture. A definite when in Washington."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We had reservations for 6:30 for the day that we arrived in Washington DC. However, our hotel room was not avaiable to us until 6:30. Therefore, I called and asked if we could come in earlier and was told that they could accomodate us. Although we were in "traveling clothes," they did not make us feel under dressed and were very welcoming. The staff were attentive and the food was very good. The location to the Capitol and the history of the building and restaurant enhanced our experience. We certainly hope to return on future visits to Washington DC."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Everyone in my party really enjoyed the choices on the menu options for lunch time meals and knowing that such a great restaurant is within walking distance from our office."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"This establishment is rather overrated in my opinion. We were there on what appeared to be a relatively slow evening based on the number of empty tables at a prime dining hour. Our waiter was quick to take our drink order, but extremely slow to take our dinner order. This restaurant serves your standard steak house fare. They had a couple seafood dishes, and a vegetarian pasta dish. My date had the filet mignon and I had the NY Strip. Everything was good, but I think the fantastic reviews of food and service had me expecting a lot more of this Capitol Hill institution. It was just good, not great."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"This is a wonderfully old-school, historic gem of a restaurant! Warm and gregarious service from a veteran staff of professional waiters, honest cocktails, and a solid, unpretentious menu of classic dishes prepared with care. I had the 20 oz. bone-in ribeye, and it was perfect..one of the best steaks I've ever eaten. Go here for the history and the authentic sense of place, not for cutting edge cuisine, but you won't be disappointed."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"We came here for my birthday and it was beautiful. Reasonably priced fine dining with an atmosphere geared towards conversation. I love this restaurant. Everything was perfect."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Around the corner from the Capitol, the Monocle attracts many political figures, government workers, and lobbyists. For tourists, it yields an ambience of the insider. An intimate and politically themed estaishmenf, the Monocle provided a perfect compliment to our day on the Mall. Our waiter was charming and attentive. Food was very good. Wine list could be expanded."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"It's a top spot on the Hill, where you can enjoy classic, wonderful cuisine for a professional meeting or a romantic dinner. The owner and restaurant have a strong history on the Hill and a very friendly approach to service."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"My friend and I had dinner there last Saturday night. The surprise was that they are usually NOT open on Saturday night, but had booked a large birthday party. We have gone to the Monocle for YEARS because we LOVE IT a lot! The owner, John, is attentive, the manager, Nick, remembers everyone's name -- even if he hasn't seen you in years! The staff is professional and friendly. The food is always good, no matter what you order. We both had a Paradise Salad, Filet Mignon and asparagus. Delicious, every bite. If you go during the week -- particularly Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday -- when the Congress is in town, you're likely to see some Congressional big-wigs in for fundraisers or just to have a quick lunch or dinner."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Monocle is one of my favorite DC dinner locations. Excellent choice of menu items with their steaks being my faves. Service is impeccable. I showed up with 2 more than my reservation, which they quickly resolved by putting us into one of the small, private dining rooms upstairs. My group of 8 greatly enjoyed this special treat. Wine list is excellent. All in all, one of the best."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"Crab cakes are outstanding. Filets were out of this world,cooked exactly to order. The service was fantastic as the food was served very quickly. The server was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely a place to revisit. Make reservations as it is very popular."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"We had a great experience! The food was outstanding! The rib-eye was cooked to perfection. For appetizers, I had lump crab and avocado and my partner had the shellfish bisque and both were excellent. Loved the asparagus and creamed spinach. We also enjoyed the fast service and ambiance."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
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""The Monocle" is 5 stars on all accounts. It's a classy restaurant with great food and a great wine list at a reasonable price. The owner of the establishment came over to our table to say hello and to make sure we were enjoying our meal. Even after you leave, you are still left with that fine dining experience. And who knows... you might bump into your favorite Congressman and Senator while there!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Wonderful experience. Loved the roasted oysters and steaks rival the best in town. Superior and friendly service, lots of history. A definite must for anyone visiting the Nation's Capital!"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I really enjoyed the ambiance. My husband and I went to the restaurant with another couple and we had a great time. I enjoyed the food with the exception of my steak. I ordered it medium and it was closer to well done. I'm sure if I go another time, the steak will be delish!"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We tried out the Monocle on Capitol Hill for restaurant week because Zagat had rated it as one of the top six iconic restaurants in DC. It is very unique in it's color, design and focus and we enjoyed the atmosphere. Being so close to the Capitol it must be a very crazy place at lunch time. It was quite busy on the night we were there (Wednesday). All tables were taken, with a party going on in the bar, which probably made it noisier than usual. All food was served piping hot! The filet mignon was good but not memorable; the shrimp w/linguine about the same. The green pea soup (not as flavorful as it could have been); lettuce wedge w/bacon, excellent; creme brulee, excellent; cheesecake, just okay."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Went on a Monday night. The place was pretty empty. The ambience really isn't there - almost felt like being in a big hotel meeting room. The food was very good, portions on the smaller side, but the menu is extremely limited and they offered no specials. I heard they are a big lunch place for the politicians so maybe that is their focus??"
Dined on 01/28/2013
2006
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"This a great place on Capitol Hill. The Maitre de and servers are friendly and the atmosphere is fun if you are a political junkie. The food is unpretentious and reasonably priced. Went there the night before the inauguration and it was a quiet oasis."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Enjoyed this Capital Hill spot for a business lunch; not sure I'd frequent otherwise but it was a good experience. I would definitely go again if in the area and looking for a lunch time meeting spot."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2006
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"Historic restaurant with many photos of legislators part of the decor. Great location close to Union Station on Capital Hill. Old fashioned service with waiters in gold vests and interesting insider D.C. stories. Food, OK. Worth the visit for the experience."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2008
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