a.kitchen+bar - D.C.

Literally had the perfect dinner during the bbq series. Everyone from the moment I walked through the door was sweet, kind and attentive. The food was also very good.
The only deterrent may be parking…. But they offer valet, and there are a few garages close by. Will be back!

Great food and service…. Now if they would just get with the program, suck up the added expense(seed oil is cheaper than water) and switch to using 100% eVOO then it would be an outstanding place and they could get the Seed Oil Free designation from Seed Oil Scout

This feels like the most underrated cocktail bar in Washington DC. Their featured cocktails are outstanding and their bartenders have the talent for off-menu libations. Wine selection is delicious too

Fairly quiet brunch during our visit. We had the added benefit of good service too. We had the wagyu steak frites, omelet, biscuits and gravy, and house burger. Probably the best biscuit I've had in recent memory. No issues with any food despite the steak was slightly over medium. Will try to go during happy hour.

I have never had a bad meal at a.kitchen+bar. The menu is inventive and packed with flavor. On a recent visit, we enjoyed crispy little salt cod croquettes with a mouth-puckering black lime tartar sauce, sweet grilled beets on a bed of creamy labneh, a wonderfully salty and umami-rich lobster roe spaghetti, and a perfect Basque cheesecake. The only miss was the Paris Brest, which had a filling that tasted too much of mouth-coating butter. Everyone who works at this restaurant is friendly and welcoming and the space is not too cramped so you can have a comfortable dinner with a friend. My only small nit is that the service could be a bit more attentive. The pacing can be slow.

They add a 20% service charge to the check and there's no mention of it on the menu. (I usually tip 20% or more, but it should be at my discretion based on the service)

A wonderful addition to the portfolio from Philly's fork and a.kitchen. Great team, food, and drink list. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and will keep mee coming back for more.

Had an amazing time here. The service was phenomenal. The food was 10/10. Highly recommend the branzino and coming here for Golden Hour.

I was here for a work dinner and had a great experience! The place has minimalist vibes and decor, and food and drinks were delicious. Their French 25 was delicious and refreshing. Food was great, the gnocchi melted in your mouth and the cheeseburger was juicy!

Awesome food! Great atmosphere. Sat outside on the patio. Service was excellent. Charming people. We will be back

This place is excellent in so many ways… however I am a big critic of the included 20% gratuity at restaurants. That, paired with the fact the food is fairly expensive just makes this place a pass for me. While the staff is nice and the food is good… you can just find a much better dining experience for the cost. If this place was15% less expensive and I could choose my own tip amount… I think the place would do great. Not sure how long it will last.

Really cool vibe, great service, horrible food. Probably best for a drink.

A Cozy Culinary Escape in DC – A Must-Try
a kitchen + bar

Tucked away in the heart of DC, a kitchen + bar is the kind of spot that instantly makes you feel at ease. The warm, inviting space—dim lighting, cozy booths, and just the right number of plants—creates the perfect backdrop for an evening that feels both intimate and effortlessly cool.

Now, let’s talk food.

We kicked things off with a spread of starters that instantly set the tone for the meal. First up, the buttermilk biscuits—flaky, golden perfection. But the real star? The hotel butter they’re served with. Silky, rich, and impossibly smooth, it was so good I found myself rationing every bite just to make it last longer. Then came the chickpea panisse, which brought a crisp exterior and creamy center, making for an unexpectedly addictive bite. The crispy oyster mushrooms were just as impressive—meaty, crunchy, and packed with bold umami flavor that made them a standout.

Then there was the ricotta toast—something I’d normally skip in favor of something more adventurous. But this? This changed my mind. Creamy, whipped ricotta layered on thick, perfectly toasted bread, topped with just the right balance of sweet and savory elements. It was delicate yet flavorful, and honestly, one of the biggest surprises of the night.

For entrées, we went with the potato gnocchi and the lamb shoulder—two completely different dishes that both delivered in their own way. The gnocchi was like eating clouds, impossibly soft and pillowy, melting in your mouth with every bite. Meanwhile, the lamb? Pure silk. Slow-cooked to that perfect, fall-apart texture, with rich, deep flavor that made every forkful feel indulgent.

To wrap it all up, the hibiscus and black tea panna cotta was the kind of dessert that sneaks up on you. Light, floral, and just the right amount of sweet—refreshing enough to make you feel like you needed one more bite, even after a full meal.

This place isn’t just about good food—it’s about the whole experience. From the warm, calming atmosphere to the carefully crafted dishes, every part of the meal felt intentional. Whether you’re looking for a casual date night spot or just want to treat yourself to a great meal, this one’s definitely worth a visit.

I finally made my way to a.kitchen.bar. Settling comfortably outside by the inviting fire pit, I indulged in a unique cocktail experience.

The highlight was a cocktail described by the bartender as it’s as if a Manhattan and a Sazerac had a baby—aptly named the BRACE FOR IMPACT. This intriguing mix includes rye whiskey, cognac, demerara rum, coffee-infused amaro, almond, and a hint of absinthe.

It was during the Golden Hour, typically between 4 to 6 PM, when they offer cocktails paired with delectable bites. I opted to savor just the cocktail this time around. The place wasn’t crowded, offering plenty of seating at the bar and creating a relaxed atmosphere.

With a vibrant crowd and its excellent location just off the Farragut North Metro, a.kitchen.bar—Ellen Yin’s first foray into DC—proved to be an outstanding choice.

Wow. Just wow. The service is top notch. Came in and the host was busy, so the bartender naturally came over and seated my party. The food was out of this world, steak, gnocchi, salad - perfection. And baby dessert!?! Amazing. I want to go back tomorrow for food. I’d highly recommend, and those drinks were delicious, really no way to go wrong here, and they treated me and my mom like well known family. A+, 5 stars