D.C. Boathouse

We've been meaning to go there for some time. We finally went for lunch on a cold January Friday. The atmosphere was wonderful--a comfortable, neighborhood feel, packed full. The service was awful. It was fifteen minutes before anyone talked to us; when they finally brought the food they didn't provide refill on empty glasses or ketchup/ mustard for the burger--those took another 15 minutes. The food was mediocre, at best. Crab cake sandwich was back-fin. Burger was burnt and well done, when I had order medium; I had to drown it in ketchup and mustard to make it palatable. I had also inquired whether it was fresh, hand-packed beef; the waitress had given a non-commital 'yes', but what was served was a hard packed, probably pre-frozen patty. It's is shame, because we loved the atmosphere. There are plenty of other neighborhood restaurants in NW DC that are far better. We won't be returning.
View/Add comments (1)

Julie
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 1
Friday, January 08, 2010

The food is well priced. The portions are generous. The alcholic drinks are served in an oversize glass for Gods' sake, NOT the normal rocks glass. Big deal the "row" theme is just that: an theme, unrelated to the owners whatsover. The greek dishes here rival those in ANY well known Greek restaurant. This place has been a hit since it opened. In our current economy they still maintain a full house most nights. I'm a local and I love it here, especially the staff.... they make it feel like coming home.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, August 24, 2009

Being a former rower, every time I passed this restaurant on MacArthur, I reminded myself to check it out. Well, tonight I finally had dinner there and was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere. It had a cozy feel and was packed and loud, giving it a neighborhood feel. That's where all the good feelings ended. I had the Crabcake Reuben and essentially paid $14 for a sandwich of filler, cheese, and cole slaw. It didn't even smell like crab. To echo the comments of other posts, pints were ridiculously overpriced, as was the food. When I first looked at the prices and how crowded it was, I thought, this place must be outstanding and/or serve huge portions. Food was below average and portions were tiny, definitely not enough to feed hungry rowers.

What's more, DC Boathouse is just an idea, not actually owned or operated by former rowers, adding insult to injury.
Comment on this reader review

Justin
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 0
Sunday, March 01, 2009