dgreen Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 (edited) I noticed the exits for National Harbor are now open. Looking at their website, it appears a few restaurants are now open.Looks like there's a steakhouse, seafood place, sports bar, and Italian place. A Potbelly is coming soon.Just last week, they started water taxi service between National Harbor and Old Town, Georgetown, and Mount Vernon.---The following posts have been split into separate threads:Old Hickory Steakhouse (goldenticket)Ketchup (dgreen)McLoone's Pier House (jandres374)Pienza Italian Market (dpop)Thai Pavillion (anhdeluxe) Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats (tfbrennan) Edited June 23, 2014 by DonRocks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sthitch Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 It looks like Old Hickory Steakhouse is the stock steakhouse for Gaylord resorts, they also have one at their other resorts. But I really want to hop the water taxi for what I imagine will be a delicious "Italian Market Buffet." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sthitch Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Looks like one of the bars is getting the kind of attention that they don't want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithdcil Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 Going to see Cirque du Soleil at the National Harbor this Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, due to the lack of interesting restaurants, we're slated to suck some ventworm nuts. Will report back on the texture of them nuts. We're doing the same on Sunday. From the website there isn't much else, yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericandblueboy Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 We're doing the same on Sunday. From the website there isn't much else, yet. that clambake looks good but my wife's not gonna want to eat outdoors.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithdcil Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 that clambake looks good but my wife's not gonna want to eat outdoors.... If it stays as cold as it was last night, pobably a good move to avoid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheezepowder Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 We're doing the same on Sunday. From the website there isn't much else, yet. FYI, there's also a thread on dining at National Harbor, though not too many reports. Sauciety may also be open. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohstate Posted October 30, 2008 Share Posted October 30, 2008 Some restaurants are offering specials if you show them your Kooza ticket on the day of show. http://www.nationalharbor.com/consumer/ent...ment.htm#cirque Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jiveturk21 Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 What a monumental cluster f**k! We went to the 1:00 show of Kooza yesterday (Sunday) and wanted to grab brunch somewhere beforehand. So, we made 11:00 brunch reservations at the Pienza Italian Market at the Gaylord Hotel figuring that would give us enough time to hop on the shuttle bus and head over to the show. When we arrived at 11:00 for our reservations, we found out that they don't open until 11:30. Their website - http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-natio...ffet/index.html - clearly states that they are open at 11:00. And, they even took our reservations for 11:00. Knowing that it would be tough to eat and get to the show in enough time if we didn't get seated until 11:30, and not trusting the restaurant at all at this point, we decided to call Rosa Mexicano to see if they were open. So, I called, they said that they opened at 11:00, we hopped into our car and headed over there, we were there by 11:15. But, when we tried to walk into the restaurant, we were stopped at the door and told that we could not eat unless we had a reservation because their system was down. Not having any clue what the hell that meant, and telling the poor hostess that we had just called five minutes earlier and we assured that we could eat there, she just reiterated that we couldn't go into the restaurant to eat unless we had reservations, which we didn't, but they couldn't check that anyway because their "system was down." Being completely confused and frustrated for the second time that day, we walked to McCormick and Schmick's, grabbed some food there (food was average, service was perfect) and got to the show just in time. Listen, everything at the National Harbor is brand spanking new. When things start to open, it looks like it is going to be a pretty cool place to hang out. I just don't recommend heading over there this early in the game and expecting it all to work out without any issues. Then again, it is not National Harbor's fault that Pienza and Rosa can't get their crap together, but it leaves a bad taste in your mouth nonetheless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohstate Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 It also appears that they have a concession tent at the show that opens at 7 p.m. if you just want a panini. Might be easier, if not tastier. http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSole...ntro/bistro.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jiveturk21 Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 It also appears that they have a concession tent at the show that opens at 7 p.m. if you just want a panini. Might be easier, if not tastier.http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSole...ntro/bistro.htm You are correct, if you want to eat on the grounds, they have all the usual fair - hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, etc. - and they had at least one stand that sold some sandwiches/paninis and maybe some salads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericandblueboy Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 We had our own problems attendng a Sat matinee. I posted in the Rosa Mexicana thread since that's where we went to eat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheezepowder Posted November 3, 2008 Share Posted November 3, 2008 We're seeing Cirque du Soleil later this month, and I'm planning on eating an early dinner somewhere in Old Town Alexandria beforehand instead. It's on the way for us since I'll be coming down Route 1 to get on the Beltway in Alexandria, and even before these reports, it didn't sound like there would be that much of an advantage in the way of convenience by eating dinner at National Harbor since you have to take a shuttle (or a taxi in Ericandblueboy's case) anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohstate Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 I'm leaning that way as well. We have two events at National Harbor the weekend we're going, and having one hotel/convention meal is more than enough for one weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapy Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 My husband and I are planning to go tomorrow and we were thinking about hitting up Hell Burger instead since it's kind of sort of on the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScotteeM Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 WWMeade and I have tickets to Cirque this coming Sunday at 5. I was thinking of stopping somewhere in the neighborhood afterwards for a glass of wine and a light supper of some sort. I'm thinking of oysters and other apps at McCormick & Schmick, or cheese and something else at Old Hickory. Should I try to make a reservation or just hope to be able to sit in the bar? If a reservation, about how long is the show? I'm guessing we'd be out by 7:30. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachgirl54 Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 My husband and I are planning to go tomorrow and we were thinking about hitting up Hell Burger instead since it's kind of sort of on the way. I went this past Thursday to the 4 pm show - I got there late because of traffic (so do leave yourself enough time!) but the show, with intermission, ran 2.5 hours. My friend parked near Rosa Mexicano and I parked at the event ($10) - if you park in National Harbor proper, you can take a shuttle to the event, and save money on parking. We ate at Rosa which I would not recommend, except for the guacamole. And, yes, do make a reservation at McCormick's - you should also check the website to see if the restaurant is running any specials tied to Cirque event (i.e. we got free (bad) dessert at Rosa). One more tip - use your Amex card if you buy anything in the Cirque gift shop, and you'll save $5. Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScotteeM Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 I went this past Thursday to the 4 pm show - I got there late because of traffic (so do leave yourself enough time!) but the show, with intermission, ran 2.5 hours. My friend parked near Rosa Mexicano and I parked at the event ($10) - if you park in National Harbor proper, you can take a shuttle to the event, and save money on parking. We ate at Rosa which I would not recommend, except for the guacamole. And, yes, do make a reservation at McCormick's - you should also check the website to see if the restaurant is running any specials tied to Cirque event (i.e. we got free (bad) dessert at Rosa). One more tip - use your Amex card if you buy anything in the Cirque gift shop, and you'll save $5. Enjoy!Thank you for extremely helpful and detailed information! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapy Posted November 24, 2008 Share Posted November 24, 2008 We had a time crunch so we ended up going to Mia's since that is close to where I work. We had the devil of a time trying to find the stupid big top, the highway was kind of confusing and then I forgot about the shuttle services so we ended up paying 10 for parking. Still worth it, as every cirque show I've seen has my completly enthralled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScotteeM Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 The advice/information given earlier in the thread was extremely helpful to us tonight! We went to the 5:00 show of Kooza, planning to stop for dinner at National Harbor after. After deliberating over all of the information about the open restaurants, I selected McCormick & Schmick, mainly because I wanted some oysters on the halfshell, and I had happy memories of such a treat at the Reston M&S about a year ago. We parked near M&S and took the shuttle to the Plateau. The show was fabulous! But our dinner at M&S was a disaster! They were out of oysters (except for the fried oysters, which were decent), and many other menu items, including fish & chips. I ignored my first instinct, to order the cheeseburger, and went for the "Maryland" crabcake instead. One word: Don't! If we ever go to another event there, we'll plan to eat elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe H Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 There is no real thread on here for a topic like this but I want to pass along my thoughts after walking the Wilson Bridge from Old Town (entrance is off of S. Washington st.) to National Harbor. Saturday was the first day this was open to the public. It's approximately three miles in each direction and absolutely spectacular. I've walked 25 to 30 miles a week for over 30 years all over Europe and North America and this is one of the most interesting as well as spectacular of all. And it is here, in our metro area. From Old Town the walk starts in a dedicated "lane" that is approximately 12 feet wide for the whole 1.5 mile span. The first 1/4 or so of this has a sound barrier so there is little distraction from the noise of the adjacent traffic. At three points on the bridge you'll find rest areas with free telescopes to look upriver towards D. C. Saturday was a clear, sunny day and it was easy to note the National Cathedral as well as Skyline Center and even the television towers at Wisconsin and River. On the Maryland side of the bridge is a 30 yard wide span that passes over the width of the entire bridge. It is heavily landscaped and is essentially a garden, literally over the Wilson bridge. At points on the bridge and in the "garden" spanning it are numerous plaques and signs telling the history of the areas on both sides of the Potomac. Coming off of the Wilson bridge in Maryland there is another 1.5 miles to the dock area of National Harbor. Part of this is not paved, rather you are walking on crushed stone. Still, it is comfortable. The entire area is adjacent to the water and the sightlines are entirely different from the bridgewalk itself. On Saturday there were probably two thirds as many cyclists as walkers but the bridge had a lot of people out on it. My guess is that at any time there were several hundred or more on it. A fantastic experience that for anyone who is into hiking, walking, biking or a stroll should take advantage of. We are extremely fortunate to have this available to us. I should also note that for anyone who only wants to travel in one direction there is a water taxi from both the Gaylord and another pier at National Harbor that will take you back to Old Town for $8.00. The dock in Old Town is approximately 3/4 of a mile from the start of the walk. Also, we did not see any water taxis going anywhere other than Old Town. I understood that you could take one from National Harbor to Georgetown, even Mt. Vernon but we looked everywhere and could not find one. My guess is that this service never originated or was discontinued. I am told that the Gaylord has not lived up to its expectations thus far. As for National Harbor we liked it but it is NOT an experience that has anything to do with Washington, D. C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenticket Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 I should also note that for anyone who only wants to travel in one direction there is a water taxi from both the Gaylord and another pier at National Harbor that will take you back to Old Town for $8.00. The dock in Old Town is approximately 3/4 of a mile from the start of the walk. Also, we did not see any water taxis going anywhere other than Old Town. I understood that you could take one from National Harbor to Georgetown, even Mt. Vernon but we looked everywhere and could not find one. My guess is that this service never originated or was discontinued. I am told that the Gaylord has not lived up to its expectations thus far. As for National Harbor we liked it but it is NOT an experience that has anything to do with Washington, D. C.Thanks for the nice write-up, Joe. I'm looking forward to cycling/walking across the bridge very soon! Regarding the boat service to Mount Vernon and Georgetown, you have to take the water taxi from National Harbor to Old Town to catch the sightseeing tours. The "Monuments Cruise" goes to/from Georgetown. Did you notice anywhere casual in National Harbor to grab a bite to eat at the end (or midpoint) of a ride/walk? I haven't been there in a while, but don't remember seeing a sandwich shop, or something similar, with reasonable prices and outdoor seating (or carry out). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe H Posted June 8, 2009 Share Posted June 8, 2009 Thanks for the nice write-up, Joe. I'm looking forward to cycling/walking across the bridge very soon! Regarding the boat service to Mount Vernon and Georgetown, you have to take the water taxi from National Harbor to Old Town to catch the sightseeing tours. The "Monuments Cruise" goes to/from Georgetown. Did you notice anywhere casual in National Harbor to grab a bite to eat at the end (or midpoint) of a ride/walk? I haven't been there in a while, but don't remember seeing a sandwich shop, or something similar, with reasonable prices and outdoor seating (or carry out). We saw signs for Potbelly and Elevation Burger (indoors) along with Rosa Mexicana having outdoor tables and an excellent central location over the harbor. I remember looking at the brochure we picked up and counting 16 places listed for dining. Frankly, many of them seemed expensive for what they were offering. I also remember Tom's reviews being fairly critical. We were going to eat at Rosa (casual) but the wait was 45 minutes @4:30 and decided to go back to Old Town. A number of other restaurants didn't open until 5:00-which seemed like a huge mistake to me considering the crowds outside their doors. The Gaylord is actually in a different part of National Harbor, virtually off to itself. There were two restaurants and a carry out that were open around 4:00 and casual but we passed on these also. Nothing midpoint. The food and wine festival had a fairly good crowd but nothing comparable to what D. C. gets at the Reagan building or even Reston Town Center. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodeats Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Did you notice anywhere casual in National Harbor to grab a bite to eat at the end (or midpoint) of a ride/walk? I haven't been there in a while, but don't remember seeing a sandwich shop, or something similar, with reasonable prices and outdoor seating (or carry out).I think it's because things aren't quite open yet, but there's an "Almost" spark to this area. For the moment, click here for a current dining list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ulterior epicure Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 Help me dust this thread off. Say you're trapped at the National Harbor for about 48 hours with no foreseeable sign of escape, where would you eat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 Help me dust this thread off. Say you're trapped at the National Harbor for about 48 hours with no foreseeable sign of escape, where would you eat? Get a cheese course at Old Hickory Steakhouse - call and make sure Carolyn (our own LittleWing) is working. Other than that, it's a short cab ride to Restaurant Eve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericandblueboy Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 Say you're trapped at the National Harbor for about 48 hours with no foreseeable sign of escape, where would you eat? We've only been to Bond 45 and Rosa Mexicana. Both are edible and both have great views (in some spots). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ulterior epicure Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 We've only been to Bond 45 and Rosa Mexicana. Both are edible and both have great views (in some spots). Your enthusiasm brings tears to my eyes. And Don, always the reliable source, thanks for those suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
durwoodx Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 Old Hickory and Bond 45 are really the only possible options, and neither of them are inspiring. Two words - water taxi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMoonwalker Posted June 21, 2010 Share Posted June 21, 2010 Potbelly. Seriously. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ulterior epicure Posted June 21, 2010 Share Posted June 21, 2010 Potbelly. Seriously. Oh, yes, I know full well the value of Potbelly. Between Chipotle and Jimmy Johns, Potbelly fueled me through many a late-night cram session in college. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodeats Posted June 21, 2010 Share Posted June 21, 2010 Between Chipotle and Jimmy Johns, Potbelly fueled me through many a late-night cram session in college. Oh! Someone else knows that Jimmy Johns exists!! I thought they were just a midwest thing, although I swore I saw one in College Park once... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ulterior epicure Posted June 21, 2010 Share Posted June 21, 2010 Oh! Someone else knows that Jimmy Johns exists!! I thought they were just a midwest thing, although I swore I saw one in College Park once... #12, easy on the mayo, heavy on the avocado. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctay122 Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 I've heard mainly bad reviews of the restaurants here. However, I am surprising my hubby with tickets to see Cirque du Soleil there in Sep. Due to time constraints we will have to have dinner there and I have no clue where to eat. Taking the water taxi to Alexandria is not an option, so we mainly will be stuck there. What is the best place to eat there? I thought about McLoone's Pier House mainly because I see they have Shepard's Pie which hubby loves, but don't want to be disappointed (though after reading reviews I am not very positive about dining at the harbor at all). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monavano Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 I've heard mainly bad reviews of the restaurants here. However, I am surprising my hubby with tickets to see Cirque du Soleil there in Sep. Due to time constraints we will have to have dinner there and I have no clue where to eat. Taking the water taxi to Alexandria is not an option, so we mainly will be stuck there. What is the best place to eat there? I thought about McLoone's Pier House mainly because I see they have Shepard's Pie which hubby loves, but don't want to be disappointed (though after reading reviews I am not very positive about dining at the harbor at all). i've only been to Rosa Mexicana last year, but it was enjoyable and the service was very nice, so I'd give it a go again if I were at National Harbor with time constraints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ulterior epicure Posted July 22, 2010 Share Posted July 22, 2010 i've only been to Rosa Mexicana last year, but it was enjoyable and the service was very nice, so I'd give it a go again if I were at National Harbor with time constraints. Thanks for all your suggestions. My business trip was permanently postponed. However, I did help out a couple of colleagues who did end up going. They managed to escape the National Harbor and had lunch at Hank's in Alexandria and lunch (or was it early dinner?) at Central Michel Richard. D.C. is begging me to return. So many places I need to eat there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericandblueboy Posted September 13, 2010 Share Posted September 13, 2010 Parking in front of the tent is $12...no other option is available if you arrive 15 minutes before the show starts - yesterday it took about 15 minutes to park the car and hustle our butts in to see Ovo. I suggest going early, park somewhere else and take their free shuttle if there is such a thing. Oh, Ovo is long, 2 hrs. and 40 minutes with a 30 minute intermission. Plan accordingly if you're gonna eat afterwards and not screw up your babysitter's date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 Looking for something decent, not too expensive, and kid-friendly for this Saturday night for a party of 8 people. I'd really like a better choice than Rosa Mexicano - is there one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 OK, RM is already booked solid. OpenTable suggests the following: Grace's Mandarin McLoone's Pier House Moon Bay - Gaylord Sauciety - The Westin Anyone been to any of these? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericandblueboy Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 OK, RM is already booked solid. OpenTable suggests the following: Grace's Mandarin McLoone's Pier House Moon Bay - Gaylord Sauciety - The Westin Anyone been to any of these? I've been to Moon Bay. It is definitely not good. I'd go to McCormick before Moon Bay. It's not cheap either. You're better off going to Ketchup, which I've never been and heard bad things about but it's comfort food, how bad can it get? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Pressley Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 I've been to Moon Bay. It is definitely not good. I'd go to McCormick before Moon Bay. It's not cheap either. You're better off going to Ketchup, which I've never been and heard bad things about but it's comfort food, how bad can it get? Bad. Really fucking bad. Go to Potbelly...or fill up on Peeps. Either one is in contention for being the best food in National Harbor. Avoid Ketchup like the plague. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodeats Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 Cadillac Ranch seemed safe - did you check there? There also seemed to have a few Italian places that looked safe to try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jandres374 Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 Avoid McLoones at all cost - just plain awful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 Looking for something decent, not too expensive, and kid-friendly for this Saturday night for a party of 8 people. I'd really like a better choice than Rosa Mexicano - is there one? Water Taxi to Virtue Feed & Grain? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted September 4, 2011 Share Posted September 4, 2011 The place was picked by my dining companions, so I was only able to offer advice. Don - didn't have the time for the taxi. They chose Grace's Mandarin. AVOID! AVOID! AVOID! Mediocre Americanized Chinese food, dressed up in fancy linens, at 3x the price of your neighborhood joint. Luckily, for lunches, there are a number of DC food trucks parked around, so I was able to try DC Slices (pretty decent) and CapMac. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted October 5, 2011 Share Posted October 5, 2011 No matter which restaurant you end up at here, be assured that it's head and shoulders above the conference "food" served by the Gaylord. I'm sure the offerings are dictated by scale, but good God it's bad, bad, bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted October 5, 2011 Share Posted October 5, 2011 No matter which restaurant you end up at here, be assured that it's head and shoulders above the conference "food" served by the Gaylord. I'm sure the offerings are dictated by scale, but good God it's bad, bad, bad. After having spent Labor Day weekend there, I disagree. There wasn't a single restaurant worth returning to within walking distance of the Gaylord. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted October 5, 2011 Share Posted October 5, 2011 Whoa. Not even Elevation Burger? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweaked Posted October 5, 2011 Share Posted October 5, 2011 No matter which restaurant you end up at here, be assured that it's head and shoulders above the conference "food" served by the Gaylord. I'm sure the offerings are dictated by scale, but good God it's bad, bad, bad. After being forced to spend the weekend before Christmas at Gaylord Operaland last year to attend a wedding, I can attest that the conference/banquet food served up by Gaylord sucks ass. In fact sucking ass would be more pleasurable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted October 6, 2011 Share Posted October 6, 2011 Whoa. Not even Elevation Burger? There's an Elevation really close to my house, and I've gone a couple of times, but 2 minutes further is Burger Joint, and there's no comparison. I think of Elevation as competition to 5 Guys, not BGR. Luckily, the guys at the food festival got a handful of DC food trucks to come park on the grounds, so that's what we ate for most of the weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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