Idylwood Grill

Review summary

1. P

   Patricia

   Washington DC

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   Christmas dinner was a disaster. We had 7 pm reservations and waited about 20 minutes before we were taken to our table. It took a long time before drinks came. We ordered sauteed shrimp as an appetizer and it never came--we got a $30 discount for that but would rather have had the shrimp. I ordered beef tenderloin (maybe it was filet mignon) and was told by the server that they had run out several hours earlier. She talked me into strip steak which was a tough as nails. The potatoes au gratin were stuck together and glutinous. The asparagus was overcooked, and I couldn't cut it. The key lime pie was skimpy and unmemorable. Altogether it was a terrible meal for me. I didn't order salmon which is always a safe bet because I have salmon at home regularly. That's why my daughter ordered, and it was very juicy and generous. In addition, her vegetables were fresh. We left a $40 tip for the server, which was way too much, but we figured none of it was her fault. We had hoped to tip the piano player, but he had packed up and left before we were done. Clearly there was a planning error, and they would have been better off offering a fixed price menu and had plenty of food. Regardless, it is inexcusable for a restaurant to run out of food. This was not typical of Idylwood Grille where I have had wonderful meals before.
   

   Idylwood GrillResponded 2 days ago

   Patricia thank you for being honest about the bad experience you had. This was the first time ever that we opened for Christmas Day and we had an overwhelming response from our patrons. Overall everything went well, except for a couple of issues and yours was one of those. We apologized to you in person, we gave you a $30 discount and we sincerely apologize here publicly for our shortcomings. As you mentioned, this is not typical at our restaurant and we humbly take your constructive feedback. On the other hand, we are glad your daughter enjoyed the Salmon. We hope all the other times we did well for you, earn us an opportunity to make it up to you on a future visit.
   

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2. S

   Sara

   Washington DC

   14 reviews

   4.0

   14 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   We very much enjoyed our "menu" dinner on Christmas Day. The restaurant was very busy ...a good sign. It felt very much like a family restaurant, where many regulars frequently eat. The food quantity was generous, although they were out of one of our selections and the food arrived lukewarm rather than hot. The desserts were fabulous ( cheesecake and German chocolate cake) and a bottle of wine very reasonably priced. The noise level was surprisingly fine for a full restaurant. I would return.
   

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3. C

   Chris

   Washington DC

   15 reviews

   3.0

   15 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   Food was great. Service very poor. Not worth going back
   

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4. R

   Rebecca

   Washington DC

   23 reviews

   4.0

   23 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   First time at this restaurant-located in a small and crowded strip mall (parking was a bit of a challenge), we weren’t sure what to expect. The restaurant is also relatively small with two sections, one a few steps down from the other. About 60 percent of tables were filled. The interior could use a refresh, but the wine (excellent) and meals were very good. My husband and I shared a Caesar salad - very fresh and well dressed - and two had the filet and frites, the other two the salmon almond (also excellent) and the scallops. Everyone enjoyed their meal and started that they would come back. It’s a bit of a neighborhood gem.
   

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5. B

   Barbara

   VIP

   Washington DC

   11 reviews

   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on 21 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Picked a Trip Advisor recommendation and was pleasantly surprised! Great menu, terrific staff, … wonderful wine!
   

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6. B

   Bruce

   VIP

   Washington DC

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on 18 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent food in a quiet atmosphere; Din remains a fantastic server
   

   Idylwood GrillResponded on 21 December 2024

   Thank you Bruce for dining with us and for writing about your wonderful experience. This is what strive for each and every day. We're glad you enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. We agree with you, Din is definitely an institution at the restaurant. I am sure he appreciates you mentioning that. See you again soon!
   

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7. B

   Bruce

   VIP

   Washington DC

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on 16 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The mixed grill was excellent and I am glad it is now a regular item on the menu.
   

   Idylwood GrillResponded on 21 December 2024

   Bruce, we appreciate your visit and the comments about the Mixed Grill. We're glad we listened to our guests requests when we decided to add it to the regular menu. See you again soon for brunch, lunch or dinner!
   

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8. P

   Paige

   VIP

   Washington DC

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 14 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was delicious and the service was excellent!
   

   Idylwood GrillResponded on 21 December 2024

   Paige, thank for dining with us and for letting us know how it went. We're glad to hear the food and the service were excellent. I am sure we will see you again soon for brunch, lunch or dinner!
   

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9. r

   robert

   Washington DC

   134 reviews

   4.0

   134 reviews

   Dined on 12 December 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Great food. Weak service. Enough said. Eat here for good food if you don't mind your order being forgotten, the waitstaff being unfamiliar with the restaurant and general staff malaise. But, again, the food is great. And please leave room for the German chocolate cake!!!!
   

   Idylwood GrillResponded on 14 December 2024

   Robert, thank you for letting us know how things went when you came in for lunch. We accept the good and the constructive feedback. We're glad that you enjoyed the food and the dessert, but were not satisfied with the service our server provided. We will take the appropriate action to correct those shortcomings. We hope you give us a chance to make it up to you.
   

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10. T

    T

    VIP

    Washington DC

    39 reviews

    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on 6 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3

    The service and food are outstanding! I come to enjoy my favorite dish, Beef Bourguignon. This restaurant is one of our favorites! Very attentive greeter, waiter, and busgirl.
    

    Idylwood GrillResponded on 9 December 2024

    Thanks T for dining with us and for being one of our loyal guests. We appreciate the compliments on the host, the server and the busser. See you again soon for brunch, lunch or dinner!
    

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