Today, we were incredibly fortunate to visit a unique restaurant, Monocle, located on Capitol Hill. We initially chose it due to its proximity to our hotel, but it turned out to be a true "Washingtonian gem." Opened in 1960, this restaurant has been operated by the same family ever since. The menu is concise, which we believe highlights the culinary excellence presented in merely five dishes. We were in search of "authentic American steaks from real American beef from real American cows." What we received far exceeded our expectations. Both steaks we ordered were exquisitely prepared to perfection. We both agreed that these were the best steaks we've ever had the pleasure of eating in our lives. #MasterpieceAs if the meal itself wasn't enough, our server, Marinos Apostolopoulos, provided us with a genuine journey through the history of this establishment. We are deeply grateful!Given its location near the Capitol, the restaurant has been visited by at least half of American politicians over the last 60 years, including Presidents Nixon, Kennedy, Bush, and Clinton. Celebrities like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, among other incredible individuals, have also frequented this place. The number of VIPs and their dedications displayed in their own photos hanging on every wall is truly astonishing.One of the servers celebrated his 50th work anniversary here two months ago with a surprise party for 250 people, an event that was featured on the front page of the Washington Post, which we had the opportunity to read.The place is beautiful, with incredibly friendly service and excellent food. The wonderful experiences we had will stay with us forever. It's worth traveling for moments like these.We highly recommend it and would love to return someday.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jackie McDowell
I would say this restaurant was spectacular in the past. Now it has wait staff that are tired of loud tourists that dress in sweats and wear caps during dinner and laugh far too loud and only leave the Midwest every 5 years for a vacation. The service was what I would call angry and when someone rips the menu out of your hand and is rude you know you are in for a ride. After 15 min of not being served and threatening to leave you get service….well. The food was good but I wonder why restaurants feel that everything needs spice. Bisque was far too salty and too much chili for the crab. Steak was good because we said don’t season it we will do it ourselves. The building is old and interesting but if you are a tourist go there if you are not a tourist and more discriminating you would know better not to go here for dinner anyway
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Jamey Mullin
This was the best restaurant I found in DC. Very convenient to the capital. Steak was amazing! I came back many
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak
eric tade
Nice spot for dinner, not too loud good atmosphere close to capital.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Pete Munoa
A must visit when in DC.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Cheryl Hale
We had such a lovely time!! Nick made sure we were well taken care of, the food was superb and dessert was even better. I would most definitely come back next time I'm in DC!Kid-friendliness: Very mature environment, I brought my 10 year old granddaughter, she was very well behaved, and they treated her like a queen. But I wouldn't bring my 4yo for fear he would not be able to maintain. No kids menu, so they would need to pick from adult entrees.
Since the 1960s where the powerful solons let their hair down and refuel for the next committee hearing or inquest.
Vincent Culliver
Just ate here. Good was great. The server was great. Towards the end of the meal we lost our good service i.e. no refill on waters. Told the main guy not sure if owner or General manager u really liked my food he shook my hand but would not look at me at all but acknowledged my freinds with me only even when I stepped up to the front door he still would not look at me. We did tip a good amount.5 firefighters are there but he would only acknowledged 4 of 5. I'll leave it at that.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 2
Enrique Esquivel
Food was delicious...
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Monocle House Potato Gratin
Tommy Devine
I went here with a couple friends to celebrate a birthday, and we were all very impressed with the food, the cozy atmosphere, and the friendliness and professionalism of the service staff.I got the hanger steak with a side of the potato gratin, and a slice of cheesecake with pineapple. The steak was really tender and flavorful, and it came with a mushroom sauce that was a perfect addition of flavor to an already excellent cut of meat. The potato gratin side was really buttery, and the cheesecake had a really interesting flavor with a hint of lemon in addition to it being rich and creamy. The house made bread is also an absolute go-to.The staff here is maybe the highlight of the experience. They're all really professional and knowledgeable, but beyond that, they're very friendly. They chatted with us at one point during our meal, and explained how they've all worked here for decades each, and that they feel like one big family. It definitely translates to their demeanor with the customer - it felt like we were talking to an old friend, and it definitely added a lot to the cozy, intimate experience that this place was overall.Apparently, due in part to the proximity to the Capitol, this restaurant is a popular spot for many politicians, evidenced by all the portraits on the walls of various political figures from both parties who have enjoyed a meal or several here. They might not be very adept at their actual job of legislating, but they know a good steak when they taste it apparently ?.An easy 5 out of 5 stars from me!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hanger Steak, Bread Basket, Monocle House Potato Gratin
Food, staff, and overall service left nothing to be desired. Love the food (filet mignon, grilled Octopus, and crab cakes), drinks(mule), ambiance, and booth “The Speaker #55”... looking forward to our next visit.
TrickyDicky
Very nice dining room but food was mediocre. Our second course was brought out before we had finished our appetisers. If you're looking for somewhere to go that is typical DC in terms of political photos on the wall the this is the place to go but don't expect top notch food. It's just OK.
LSO13
Always a wonderful dining experience. We feel like family every time we stop by for dinner. Have celebrated many special occasions at the Monocle. It's one of our favorites! Chicken was fabulous. My daughter loved her filet. Never a bad meal!
Jose Balmaceda
My wife and I visited The Monocle during DC's Winter Restaurant Week. We're quite carnivorous so we both got the hanger steak with cognac mushroom sauce and potatoes. It was really tasty and cooked to perfection. Drinks were superb and the creme brûlée was very tasty too. If you're looking for an authentic DC restaurant, this is really it. More than 60 years of history, still family owned, and just steps away from Congress. As soon as you walk in, you can tell this place has been the site of historic dealings. If only the walls could talk. The staff is incredibly kind, diligent, and friendly. We were lucky enough to meet The Monocle's delightful owner, John, who stopped by our table to check in on us and tell us a bit about the restaurant's incredible history. We can't recommend this place enough for a delicious meal and your quintessential DC experience.Parking: Lot is adjacent to the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Creme Brulee, Steak
Robert Thurston
Had the pleasure of dining here on a Saturday night with my wife and parents. The ambience was very nice. Service was also top class. They allow plenty of time to enjoy drinks and have conversation without rushing you through the order process and the meal in general. My father and I had the special, it was prime NY strip. One of the best steaks I have had in a restaurant in a long time. It is a tad expensive, but worth the money on those special occasions.
Today, we were incredibly fortunate to visit a unique restaurant, Monocle, located on Capitol Hill. We initially chose it due to its proximity to our hotel, but it turned out to be a true "Washingtonian gem." Opened in 1960, this restaurant has been operated by the same family ever since. The menu is concise, which we believe highlights the culinary excellence presented in merely five dishes. We were in search of "authentic American steaks from real American beef from real American cows." What we received far exceeded our expectations. Both steaks we ordered were exquisitely prepared to perfection. We both agreed that these were the best steaks we've ever had the pleasure of eating in our lives. #MasterpieceAs if the meal itself wasn't enough, our server, Marinos Apostolopoulos, provided us with a genuine journey through the history of this establishment. We are deeply grateful!Given its location near the Capitol, the restaurant has been visited by at least half of American politicians over the last 60 years, including Presidents Nixon, Kennedy, Bush, and Clinton. Celebrities like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, among other incredible individuals, have also frequented this place. The number of VIPs and their dedications displayed in their own photos hanging on every wall is truly astonishing.One of the servers celebrated his 50th work anniversary here two months ago with a surprise party for 250 people, an event that was featured on the front page of the Washington Post, which we had the opportunity to read.The place is beautiful, with incredibly friendly service and excellent food. The wonderful experiences we had will stay with us forever. It's worth traveling for moments like these.We highly recommend it and would love to return someday.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I would say this restaurant was spectacular in the past. Now it has wait staff that are tired of loud tourists that dress in sweats and wear caps during dinner and laugh far too loud and only leave the Midwest every 5 years for a vacation. The service was what I would call angry and when someone rips the menu out of your hand and is rude you know you are in for a ride. After 15 min of not being served and threatening to leave you get service….well. The food was good but I wonder why restaurants feel that everything needs spice. Bisque was far too salty and too much chili for the crab. Steak was good because we said don’t season it we will do it ourselves. The building is old and interesting but if you are a tourist go there if you are not a tourist and more discriminating you would know better not to go here for dinner anyway
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
This was the best restaurant I found in DC. Very convenient to the capital. Steak was amazing! I came back many
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak
Nice spot for dinner, not too loud good atmosphere close to capital.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
A must visit when in DC.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
We had such a lovely time!! Nick made sure we were well taken care of, the food was superb and dessert was even better. I would most definitely come back next time I'm in DC!Kid-friendliness: Very mature environment, I brought my 10 year old granddaughter, she was very well behaved, and they treated her like a queen. But I wouldn't bring my 4yo for fear he would not be able to maintain. No kids menu, so they would need to pick from adult entrees.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bread Basket, Carrot Cake, Steak, Monocle House Potato Gratin, Potato Gratin
Since the 1960s where the powerful solons let their hair down and refuel for the next committee hearing or inquest.
Just ate here. Good was great. The server was great. Towards the end of the meal we lost our good service i.e. no refill on waters. Told the main guy not sure if owner or General manager u really liked my food he shook my hand but would not look at me at all but acknowledged my freinds with me only even when I stepped up to the front door he still would not look at me. We did tip a good amount.5 firefighters are there but he would only acknowledged 4 of 5. I'll leave it at that.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 2
Food was delicious...
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Monocle House Potato Gratin
I went here with a couple friends to celebrate a birthday, and we were all very impressed with the food, the cozy atmosphere, and the friendliness and professionalism of the service staff.I got the hanger steak with a side of the potato gratin, and a slice of cheesecake with pineapple. The steak was really tender and flavorful, and it came with a mushroom sauce that was a perfect addition of flavor to an already excellent cut of meat. The potato gratin side was really buttery, and the cheesecake had a really interesting flavor with a hint of lemon in addition to it being rich and creamy. The house made bread is also an absolute go-to.The staff here is maybe the highlight of the experience. They're all really professional and knowledgeable, but beyond that, they're very friendly. They chatted with us at one point during our meal, and explained how they've all worked here for decades each, and that they feel like one big family. It definitely translates to their demeanor with the customer - it felt like we were talking to an old friend, and it definitely added a lot to the cozy, intimate experience that this place was overall.Apparently, due in part to the proximity to the Capitol, this restaurant is a popular spot for many politicians, evidenced by all the portraits on the walls of various political figures from both parties who have enjoyed a meal or several here. They might not be very adept at their actual job of legislating, but they know a good steak when they taste it apparently ?.An easy 5 out of 5 stars from me!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hanger Steak, Bread Basket, Monocle House Potato Gratin
Restaurantji Recommends
Food, staff, and overall service left nothing to be desired. Love the food (filet mignon, grilled Octopus, and crab cakes), drinks(mule), ambiance, and booth “The Speaker #55”... looking forward to our next visit.
Very nice dining room but food was mediocre. Our second course was brought out before we had finished our appetisers. If you're looking for somewhere to go that is typical DC in terms of political photos on the wall the this is the place to go but don't expect top notch food. It's just OK.
Always a wonderful dining experience. We feel like family every time we stop by for dinner. Have celebrated many special occasions at the Monocle. It's one of our favorites! Chicken was fabulous. My daughter loved her filet. Never a bad meal!
My wife and I visited The Monocle during DC's Winter Restaurant Week. We're quite carnivorous so we both got the hanger steak with cognac mushroom sauce and potatoes. It was really tasty and cooked to perfection. Drinks were superb and the creme brûlée was very tasty too. If you're looking for an authentic DC restaurant, this is really it. More than 60 years of history, still family owned, and just steps away from Congress. As soon as you walk in, you can tell this place has been the site of historic dealings. If only the walls could talk. The staff is incredibly kind, diligent, and friendly. We were lucky enough to meet The Monocle's delightful owner, John, who stopped by our table to check in on us and tell us a bit about the restaurant's incredible history. We can't recommend this place enough for a delicious meal and your quintessential DC experience.Parking: Lot is adjacent to the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Creme Brulee, Steak
Had the pleasure of dining here on a Saturday night with my wife and parents. The ambience was very nice. Service was also top class. They allow plenty of time to enjoy drinks and have conversation without rushing you through the order process and the meal in general. My father and I had the special, it was prime NY strip. One of the best steaks I have had in a restaurant in a long time. It is a tad expensive, but worth the money on those special occasions.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Creme Brulee, Steak