26 replies to this topic

[bookluvingbabe]

I'm not going to touch on the late unpleasantness but it got me thinking that very few places get that the food can be perfect but a single rotten apple of an employee does more damage than anything else.

Rather than list the places that don't get it, I wanted to give a shout out to those that do.

My first selection is Proof. In addition to amazing food, the service is friendly and engaged. The host staff and managers take their work seriously as well.

Next is Dino. I experienced a ditzy server here and there at Dino but I also know that if I say something to Dean or Kay, that the training will be reviewed and it won't happen again.

I have more to list but I have a small child rioting for breakfast...

[monavano]

Interestingly, in light of the late unpleasantness, I'd like to give a shout out to BlackSalt in Pallisades. Rather than get into the delicious hot starters, entrees and dessert (shared) that Mr. MV and I had, I will say that our server was just spot on. She was gracious and solicitous in her desire to help us navigate the menu.

I also noted in the quieter back room that in general, the servers blended in with the tranquil atmosphere, which I would attribute to their training.

It's a really good thing when you go to a highly-regarded (at least on DR ) restaurant for the first time and "get it", thinking, "why have we not been here before?"

[Escoffier]

Brabo. Amazing service, very attentive when necessary but leave you alone with your companions otherwise.

[sandynva]

i don't know that this is directly on point, as the food at both places is excellent, but the service at Tosca and Vidalia has always been a major bonus for me. they both manage to be distinctly gracious and welcoming, and attentive without being intrusive. On eof the things i regret is losing the feeling i had when i was little and dining out. then, it felt very special and gracious, and it was lovely to be taken care of. These places come close to recreating that feeling for me, so much so that i'd probably go even if the food wasn't good. but luckily, their food is as good as their service.

[Marks]

Volt- When I last dined there service was perfect. Attentive, extremly knowledgeable yet not over bearing.

[sphere777]

Volt- When I last dined there service was perfect. Attentive, extremly knowledgeable yet not over bearing.

I agree. When I went there solo for the prie fixe lunch on a jam-packed Saturday afternoon, the service felt as gracious as if I was the only person there.

Rob

[ktmoomau]

Another vote for Proof. Just plain outstanding service in every regard I could think of. I would also say that Hubby and I have gotten absolutely stellar amazing service at Fiola and CityZen too.

[Michael Landrum]

Another vote for Proof. Just plain outstanding service in every regard I could think of.

And it may be getting even better. It's with great pride that I can say that one of the best co-workers I've had the pleasure of working with at Ray's, Tyler, is returning to his original fold at Proof after several great years of service with us.

He's the one who looks like a younger, cuter Justin Bieber.

I'd be mad, but it's a little bit like a Wilbur/Charlotte's Web thing versus a Willard/Ernest Borgnine thing.

[hmmboy]

Thanks Michael. We could not be happier to have Tyler rejoin us - he is a terrific professional (though I personally find Bieber a bit cuter). And just so it is clear, his return was unsolicited - we would never poach from a friend. I have had a rough day dealing for several hours with - how shall I put this - "challenging" comments from the permit reviewers at DCRA on our new project. But reading this thread and the kudos to my great staff at Proof turned everything around. Thank you.

PS. You have named many of the city's great service spots, but I have to add that for me Marcel's has long been the standard bearer of great service in this town.

[Escoffier]

Another vote for Marcel's and for Volt. Eight of us had dinner at Volt one Thursday evening and left comfortably full from fabulous food and impressed with the level of service. (Now if Proof would just get Jessie back, the kudos would be even louder.)

[Tujague]

How about a shout-out to those non-"name" places we all frequent, that don't get (or even necessarily deserve) any kudos for their food, but employ staff who know a thing or two about customer service that would put the bigger names to shame--those places we may even be a little embarrassed to say we enjoy ("You eat THERE???"), in large part because a server or a bartender or pizzaiolo knows our name, our preferences, gives the little extra to know you're welcome and appreciated. (I'm looking at you, Ramon.) Even if they go unnamed, they are the places where we all have learned what kind of service to expect, even demand. Cheers!

[saf]

How about a shout-out to those non-"name" places we all frequent, that don't get (or even necessarily deserve) any kudos for their food, but employ staff who know a thing or two about customer service that would put the bigger names to shame

OK, I'll admit to being a regular at the Red Derby, both for the good beer and for the burgers.

And the service is always great. Very casual, but great!

[discojing]

• I agree with Volt - it stands out in my mind as one of the *best* service experiences in my life. Friendly, energetic, and informative without being condescending.
• Green Pig - Service is always authentic and nice (though a bit slow)
• Inox (RIP) - the chef came out and talked to us and let us have extra bread! Had mixed results with waiters here though
• Sweetwater Tavern - service is great here because the waiters work together to provide you a seamless experience
• Rasika - easily provide recommendations and no rush for pre-theatre menu ordering
• Rogue 24

[DPop]

For me, this conversation begins and ends with Proof, but a few others that haven't been mentioned are CityZen, Adour, and Plume, which along with Marcel's have perhaps the most elegant service in the city. I'm also particularly fond of Tosca, The Source, and Fiola.

[lperry]

Palena Café, and on the lower end, we always get wonderful service at Taqueria Poblano, and the food is reliable.

[hopsing]

My vote goes to Crystal Thai. We are regulars there. As soon as we sit down, they have already delivered a Wild Turkey on the Rocks for me and a sparkling water for my husband. When I ask for tofu tod not too crispy and pad see ew not too salty, they do exactly that. I am spoiled for any other Thai restaurant.

[kirite]

My vote goes to Crystal Thai. We are regulars there. As soon as we sit down, they have already delivered a Wild Turkey on the Rocks for me and a sparkling water for my husband. When I ask for tofu tod not too crispy and pad see ew not too salty, they do exactly that. I am spoiled for any other Thai restaurant.

My vote goes to Crystal Thai. We are regulars there. As soon as we sit down, they have already delivered a Wild Turkey on the Rocks for me and a sparkling water for my husband. When I ask for tofu tod not too crispy and pad see ew not too salty, they do exactly that. I am spoiled for any other Thai restaurant.

I'd add The Oval Room and Corduroy for the city and Nostos for the suburbs.

[TedE]

The food is for another discussion, but the service at Old Ebbitt is day in and day out some of the best in town, at least at the bars. The Clyde's group usually gets high marks for service and training all around (and it seems rightfully so), but the staff at OEB is just consistently good, and good consistently. The other locations clearly aim for the same high marks, but miss occasionally (I'm looking at you, Clyde's of Gallery Place).

[SeanMike]

Not to nitpick, but I'd say there's a difference between restaurants with great service for everybody, and ones with great service for regulars.

There are a number of restaurants I go to where I'm a regular, or where I know a lot of the staff. And that often means I get different service than someone who walks in off the street.

[JuneBacon]

The other locations clearly aim for the same high marks, but miss occasionally (I'm looking at you, Clyde's of Gallery Place).

Except for that time they were stealing people's credit card #s. I have had some of the worst experiences here, including them thinking the $250 in cash we left to take off of the top was their tip.

So as to not end on a negative note...

BEST service we have ever encountered was at Morrison House. We had our wedding dinner there for 14 people in a private room. We have never been waited on hand and foot so happily by a group of servers, ever. They graciously accomodated ever request we had and were super knowledgable and helpful. You can rack this up to it being a private event, but it was only dinner for 14. (FOOD was fantastic as well.)

[goldenticket]

Palena Café, and on the lower end, we always get wonderful service at Taqueria Poblano, and the food is reliable.

I was just thinking that I needed to add Taqueria Poblano (Del Ray) to this list - I completely agree with lperry's comments.

Also on the lower end, the staff at the Hard Times Cafe in Old Town consistently provide excellent, friendly, and efficient service. As do the folks at Kotobuki, which I mostly use for carry out, but they are always friendly and my order is always ready to go and just as I ordered.

[genericeric]

The food is for another discussion, but the service at Old Ebbitt is day in and day out some of the best in town, at least at the bars. The Clyde's group usually gets high marks for service and training all around (and it seems rightfully so), but the staff at OEB is just consistently good, and good consistently. The other locations clearly aim for the same high marks, but miss occasionally (I'm looking at you, Clyde's of Gallery Place).

I completely agree about the bar staff at the Ebbitt. The trick about Ebbitt is most of their best staff work the bars on Monday - Thursday evenings. Weekends can be more hit or miss depending on the bar and day.

Similar to JuneBacon, I've had some experiences at Gallery Place that were so bad that I won't return.

[JPW]

At the expensive end my vote would go to the Oval Room for consistently having the best service.
At the inexpensive end I'm too biased by connections and familiarty to give an honest opinion about most places.
For example, when I walk in the door at Joe's, they know what I want before I do.

At both ends I won't go back to places with bad service.

[wendydb22]

I love this thread and all the positive energy!
Especially in the light of a rough weekend for all of us in the biz who lost power and threw away so much food this weekend.

Posting mostly for ARL since I don't get out much.
Service with a smile from the following: and in no particlular order.

Tauqeria Poblano - Lee Harrison Center - We always sit at the bar. Most of the servers have been there 10 yrs!
Lost Dog Cafe - Westover
Boulevard Woodgrill - one word - BILLY
Rest. 3 (sadly closed)
Green Pig
Tandoori Nights - Martin

Have a Happy 4th!

-Wendy

p.s. if someone can recommend a priest or shamon or remover of Haints for all of our HVAC systems, I'd be open to that!
LOL

[zoramargolis]

An extreme reaction to slow service.

[dinwiddie]

I must say that the service I have received at Cedar both times I have dined there has been fantastic.

[giant shrimp]

I am surprised nobody has mentioned Little Serow (maybe they have and I scanned down the list too quickly). It's a lot of work delivering so many courses to the table. The servers pace it just right and they know what goes into each dish. They are equally adept in their tasting notes for the wine list and at introducing you to the ice wines, concoctions that go well with the food but that I probably would not have bothered to explore otherwise. They are also friendly without carrying things too far. I would say the service here is as expert as at Komi, which is another thing that makes this restaurant a bargain. At both places I feel like I am living briefly in a glamorous movie, and that is something you can't get from 3D.

I agree with those above who have cited the Oval Room for its exemplary service, but things can be taken too far when they remember the last time you were in, and it was a few years ago (they are wrong), and they know what you like to drink. They remember you at Little Serow, too, even how many times you have visited, but they don't rely on Open Table to read your mind. (At least I believe that is the source of the information at the Oval Room). Also, the dining room looks a little tattered these days. A little patching up would do. The food is still as good as ever here, so they don't need the major renovation Jaleo resorted to -- or a sprinkling of pork informed by acorns and morels in cocktails -- in order to signal that the kitchen has improved and divert faithful diners from memories of earlier times when the dishes were even better.