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Leek American Bistro Reviews List
Leek American Bistro
At Leek American Bistro, we offer a modern American menu with seasonal changes and a contemporary twist on old favorites. All created with fresh, organic ingredients from our local farms. Our aim? To offer elegant food made from farm fresh ingredients at affordable prices. This, together with warm, savvy service, a polished décor and casual atmosphere, laid the foundation for our American bistro. We’re proud to work with local farmers to offer sustainable meat, dairy and produce whenever seasonally available. Our desserts and breads are both made in-house daily and we offer an elegant list of aged bourbon, whiskey and tequila. As Virginia wines move to the forefront of America’s recognized vineyards, we’ve thoughtfully paired them with our menu, together with our California and International selections, to create a welcome balance of local food and drink.
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64 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 64 reviews
5 stars
(9)
4 stars
(24)
3 stars
(12)
2 stars
(16)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Very Good)
3.3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for brunch(17)
- neighborhood gem(17)
- fit for foodies(13)
- great for lunch(8)
- good for groups(7)
- great for outdoor dining(4)
Leek American Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We thoroughly enjoyed Leek. The restaurant is beautiful. The food is creative and delicious. And, the service is attentive but not overwhelming. My only complaint is that the wine list needs sme attention ... Help. The chef has gone through the trouble of suggesting wine pairings or the dishes, but the suggestions are not on the menu. With that said, the wines that appear on the menu are reasonably marked-up given their wine shop price."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 2 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food, untrained uneven service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Took a couple of professional colleagues for lunch. Great ambiance, good food. Servers were pleasant but overly casual and clearly untrained."
Dined on 5/08/2013
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Review 3 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Both the food and the service were terrific, and we will definitely go back."
Dined on 5/02/2013
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Review 4 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"the food sounded good and looked fairly good - the staff wasnt the best but they tried and were sincere. good beer list. i really liked the feel and setting but the i didnt like my meal."
Dined on 4/30/2013
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Review 5 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Enjoyable Leek Bistro in Ballston
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Interesting flavor combinations came off very well in most of the dishes we tried. Every dish had some interesting flavor or texture twist to it. The wait staff were extremely nice and responsive. Parking is tough in the Ballston area at dinner time, but do NOT park in the lot between Gold's Gym and the bike store--you WILL get towed! It was quiet and had plenty of space between tables, so it is a great place to have a nice meal and chat with your companion(s) at the same time."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not quite ready for Prime time.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The service was quick and attentive but the food needs work. I had the duck breast which was cooked to my request but the slaw and poached pear that accompanied it clashes. The flavors of the sides was overwhelming the main entree. My husband had the salmon with the chickpeas puree which again overwhelmed the flavor of the salmon. It was too strong on the raw garlic taste. I like garlic but this was a lot too raw and strong. My husband ordered the peaches and cream which turns out to be more of a cobbler and the portion was great if we were sharing. For one person, it was a bit much. I had the sweet corn panacotta, which I like but some would find it not quite to their taste since it was a bit too rubbery. Not what you would expect."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
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Review 7 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Meh. We went for brunch and
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Meh. We went for brunch and it was nothing special. I had an omelette that was kind of wet when I cut into it. The fruit had brownish leaves on it - maybe they were supposed to be fresh herbs, but typically those are not brown. I asked for hot tea and they brought me earl grey, no other options. Frankly, I'd rather go to IHOP."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2002
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Review 8 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was fresh, delicious
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was fresh, delicious and nicely plated. Service excellent. We had the specials:braised lamb shank which was served on yummy mashed potatoes and veggies and lobster ravioli that had a wonderful creamy sauce. The menu has selections for everyone. Really good food in an area that has been in need of decent dining options.Nice beer and wine selection. Top notch food and drink in a laid back, beautiful atmosphere. The bar is cool, made of old barn wood. A wonderful addition to Arlington dining. Worth a walk, metro or car ride. We'll be back for brunch soon. MS"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Pretty, but expensive for
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pretty, but expensive for the poor service you get."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
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Review 10 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Brunch: nice menu, nice staff,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Brunch: nice menu, nice staff, nice place, kind but not extra special. Would go again if I were in the neighborhood but not make a special trip."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Un-discovered Gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We chose Leak for a group of 8 (4 adults and 4 kids 11-6 year old) after not being able to get a reservation at Rustico. I called ahead to see if they had a kids menu. They do not, but were more than accommodating to make Shirley Temple's, buttered noodles and grilled cheese. For the adults the food was fantastic. I recommend the Falafel Salmon. We sat for 2 1/2 hours and had a lovely time. This restaurant needs to be discovered. Do not be deceived by the sign out front. We all thought it was another Thai restaurant. It is American with Low Country flare."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I have been to this restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have been to this restaurant for lunch twice in the last few weeks and both times was sad to see that there were so few patrons. It really is a perfect restaurant for Arlington and I hope more people find it soon so it can stay in business. It is a nice (but not pricey) white table restaurant; modern (but not cold) decor, and everything--even the china (the coffee cups are particularly large--is well designed. The grilled salmon salad is a great lunch, quite well done with couscous and spinach, and at only $10 is a perfect serving. We'll have to go back at night to see what that is like."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A great place in the fast-changing
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great place in the fast-changing Ballston area for a high-quality nosh. We especially enjoyed the "pork and beans" main course (a roasted pork shank with a cassoulet-style bean concoction and mouthwatering collard greens); the shrimp and grits is (are?) excellent and the leek-fennel soup with a bit of lobster is an elegant starter.
We've visited Leek twice now and on both occasions have been especially impressed with the helpful and accommodating attitude of the staff.
Ambience is modern and a bit spare, but totally appropriate to a bistro-style establishment."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2006
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Review 14 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food was only OK (though there
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was only OK (though there was a lot of it) and the service was very slow. There were only 4 tables occupied during the entire lunch hour and one server."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2008
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Review 15 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It's unfortunate more people
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It's unfortunate more people don't go to Leek. The windows obscure the view as you walk by which I'm sure deters some potential diners, but if you don't mind actually conversing with your dining companion check Leek out. The brunch bread basket is very tasty. The food is pretty good, and with few real brunch options in the surrounding blocks it is a great option. I haven't tried the brunch cocktails yet, but they look good and are inventive."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A very pleasant spot for brunch.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A very pleasant spot for brunch. The usual Ballston restaurants are noisy and crowded. Leek has a great selection on its brunch menu. The scones and muffins with lemon curd and apple jam were a lovely surprise."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch
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Review 17 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always looking for a good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always looking for a good place for Sunday brunch. Very glad we decided to try Leek. Nice selection of brunch items and the scones with lemon curd were a very nice surprise.Was very pleased that they did NOT have LOUD music playing like many other Clarendon/Ballston restaurants. Despite the just OK service we will definitely be going back."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch
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Review 18 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Superb new restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very creative, interesting menu; lovely ambience, a neighborhood delight, we will return!"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Brunch was great, and not
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Brunch was great, and not at all crowded early (10am). Service was good."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2006
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 20 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I've been to Leek twice- once
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've been to Leek twice- once for brunch and once for dinner. I enjoyed the brunch experience MUCH more than the dinner experience. The food was delicious and I enjoyed the bottomless mimosa special. For dinner the food was just ok. The soup was the best part of the meal. Both entrees were just mediocre, and neither of us appreciated our desserts. This restaurant tries to be for foodies, but it just doesn't hit the mark in my opinion. I like the decor and have had great service each time, but I would only go back for brunch in the future."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 21 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Liked: decor, nice and clean Did
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Liked: decor, nice and clean
Did not like: food (ordered mussels and crab cakes): mussels were stinky, fries very salty, crab cakes have a bad sause-with green pea and something.
Also, a water brought the wrong dish, I ordered crab cake for $10, he brought for $24, I showed him this dish on the menu when made an order."
Did not like: food (ordered mussels and crab cakes): mussels were stinky, fries very salty, crab cakes have a bad sause-with green pea and something.
Also, a water brought the wrong dish, I ordered crab cake for $10, he brought for $24, I showed him this dish on the menu when made an order."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2013
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Review 22 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Vegetarians not welcome
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I am not a vegetarian, but my fiancee is, and I picked Leek because I thought that it would be vegetarian friendly given its name and marketing. For a restaurant named after a vegetable, Leek offers almost nothing for vegetarians. Grilled tofu went out of style in the 1980s, and it is a vegetarian dish made by people who think every dish should involve a piece of meat.
The wine list could really use improvement. I had two glasses of red of different kinds (maybe a zin and a cab?) and found both to be devoid of character. The fact that Virginia wines are presented and priced as though they are equivalent to other wines shows that this restaurant can't tell the difference.
The service was good. So was the meat."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
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Review 23 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was average, but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was average, but the prices, service, location and bottomless mimosas make it worth stopping by and giving it a try."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2011
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Review 24 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food was mediocre at best.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was mediocre at best. Service was prompt (restaurant was pretty empty) but sort of casual. I brought an out-of-town guest, don't plan to return."
Dined on 01/16/2013
2007
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Review 25 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food was very disappointing
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was very disappointing -- mediocre or worse. Too bad, nice place and location."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2008
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Review 26 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Mediocre at best
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This place is fairly new and was very quiet on a Thursday night. Waitress was very pleasant and attentive.
The bread basket at the table was some of the worst table bread I've had. I hadn't realized this before ordering one of their sandwiches off the menu. While it sounded delicious,it was very disappointing. The menu said it was roasted turkey, which I love. My sandwich arrived and it was smoked turkey - which I can not stand. I think the menu should state smoked, they are two very different tastes.
French fries, eh. Lobster roll of another friend, eh.
I don't see making an effort to try again."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2008
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Review 27 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We live in Arlington and would
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We live in Arlington and would love to be able to write a great review for this neighborhood restaurant because we want it to survive. It's very pretty inside, and the servers were great. The kitchen has some heavy duty work to improve, because the food was just ok. We'll give it another chance, but I hope they read these reviews and work hard to do better or they won't make it. Food at a restaurant is the reason people go. It has to get better."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2009
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Review 28 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Went because of the LivingSocial
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went because of the LivingSocial deal. Turns out, we were limited to which entrees and desserts we could pick. I won't go into detail, but can tell you the food was awful. Our waiter was very nice and sympathetic, though. He comped our drinks because he noticed we didn't eat any of the food. I really wanted to like this place because Ballston needs good dining options, but it was just awful."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2005
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Review 29 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good first experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was my first visit and we only had brunch. The restaurant was not busy, but maybe the word is just getting out on this place. They offered $10 all-you-can-drink mimosas which I couldn't take advantage of, but seemed like a great deal. I liked the selection of "Bennies" (variations on eggs Benedict) on the menu. My crab Benedict was very good and the grits were different, but not overly buttery which I liked. I might have like more "lunch" type options for brunch (just the burger and crab cake sandwich that I could see) or maybe offering the full lunch menu. Overall a very good experience. I'll be back and I'm sure the place will get more popular with time."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2006
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 30 for Leek American Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My new favorite!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were incredibly pleased with our experience at Leek! The ambiance was classy and modern, while still being cozy and comfortable. The waitstaff and bartender were friendly, knowledgeable and prompt without being pushy or rushing us as we were there for a leisurely dinner. We started at the bar with drinks that were top-notch and reasonably priced, and appetizers that were delicious and perfectly portioned. When we moved to our table, our waitress, Chelsea, was a delight and had excellent recommendations on food and wine. The food was delicious and well-cooked. And the bread pudding with coconut ice cream was amazing! I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone and can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 01/23/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Leek American Bistro
Based on the average of (34) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate