Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen

Five stars for the food—my wife and I went for brunch and it was absolutely phenomenal! I had the biscuits with crawfish gravy (not very photogenic, but they were sooo good), and my wife ordered the broccolini & grits. We also shared the breakfast potatoes, which were excellent. Every dish was well-prepared and delicious.

The cocktails, however, were more of a mixed experience. We’d rate them 3.5/5. My $16 Bloody Mary was okay, but nothing exceptional, and my wife’s espresso martini-ish drink was on the same level. They serve cocktails from a little bar cart, bringing your drink in a carafe with an ice bucket for you to pour yourself. While I understand why they see that it could be kind of fun, we didn’t feel it added much and would’ve preferred the drinks were served already put together or that they mix it at the table rather than have all the random glassware left on the table.

The ambiance gets a solid 4.5/5. It was bright, fresh, and inviting—perfect for brunch.

Overall Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen is a must-visit for brunch!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

We loved our experience at Neutral Ground Bar and Kitchen! The 4 of us did our best to try everything on the menu and we were not disappointed by anything we ordered. The Ahi Tuna Tartare, the Roasted Beets, the Bird, and the Fish stood out as perfectly composed dishes that balanced bold flavors with subtle touches that really elevated the dining experience. The cocktails were inventive and delicious without being unapproachable, and the desserts were incredible. Order the pavlova and don't think twice! The service was friendly and knowledgeable and we even got a visit from Chef David Guas! Finally, the atmosphere was lively and comfortable befitting the coastal vibes of the establishment. 10/10 will be back and can't wait to try their brunch!

Parking: There is a ton of parking around this location. You should have no problem getting a spot nearby.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Shout out to our amazing waiter Diamond, thank you for making my birthday dinner so memorable!
This was the tastiest burger I’ve had in a restaurant in a very long time. I tried some of The Bird too and I will definitely be getting that next time! I also had the Dogwood bourbon cocktail and the 10-year port and I highly recommend both! My only criticisms is that I wish the croquetas were a bit more fishy and I wish the fries were crispier. Both were still very good, those were the only things keeping the meal from being 100% perfect.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Burger

BLUF: this place is appropriately named: food was not bad…but it was also far from good. Everything was neutral, lacking flavor. We won’t be going back.

We ordered the salads - Endive and Chopped Cabbage. Descriptions raised our expectations (green goddess dressing etc); they were both totally and sadly flavorless. Then we got baked oysters- finally some flavor! These were good.

For mains we got the fish and the steak. The fish was acceptable, somewhat over cooked, but fine - neutral. The steak was like the salads, zero flavor. Like not even salted or seasoned before grilling, which was odd.

Atmosphere was nice, and service was pleasant. And yes yes I know it’s on the website, but for those who don’t read the website first (majority of us) note they are not kid friendly. No high chairs, booster seats, etc. Your child will have to sit either on your lap or on a chair.

This place has potential but they have to figure out what’s going on in the kitchen.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

I recently visited Neutral Ground and was really impressed by the bright, welcoming atmosphere. The menu had so many great options, I wanted to try everything! I went with the Cauliflower Steak Almondine to start and The Bird for my main dish, and both were amazing. The service was very friendly and attentive, and gave great recommendations. I’ll definitely be back to try more. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great dining experience!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Thank goodness for NGBK. Amazing food and atmosphere with the best staff in McLean. Get there immediately if you haven’t already.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Burger

My mouth is watering still, thinking about the Bird I had last night!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love this joint. I sit at the bar here 3 nights a week, will be a regular.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Meh is how I felt after dining there. The bar decor is nice, drinks meh, food is simple and presented that way too.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Certain dishes such as the Quail could've earned this spot a 5 star review. Service was terrible, even though there is a sort of facade of southern hospitality.

Friend and I dined there. 25 minutes in ran out of water and hadn’t received cocktails. We were approached by a manager and I was thinking all good this place is newer she’s probably just telling us the drinks will be right out and checking up, however she just came over to tell my friend that there is a no hats policy and the “chef” asked him to take it off. She then ignored our empty water cups and 25 minute wait times on simple cocktails and walked away ???. Also there was a woman wearing a bandana on her hair about 15 feet away who got the free pass on the hat rule, whatever… just funny that the manager only cared about the hat and not the gaps in service.

Anyways, half the food came out cold and we ran out of drinks and water for a few more spells throughout service.

More concerned with hats than happy customers…

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 1

Love the energy in this place ! I like the simple menu but it is kind of restrictive id it ! you do not like (for example seafood)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I don't want to write a novel about my experience at Neutral Ground, but I could. Food, drinks, service were all excellent. I'll just say "Go" and it will soon be on your list of favorites as it is on ours. We got great food recommendations from staff who steered us to some of their favorites. Can't wait to go back.

Heads up, it's a little tricky to find (it's hidden in plain sight so if you see Citibank or Balducci's just know you're in the right place) but that will only be an issue the FIRST time you go.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Burger

Food was very good. Service and atmosphere are excellent. The Smoked White Fish and the Tuna Croquetas were ok...we could have done without. The Bird and the Burger were delicious. Both well cooked and flavorful. Cocktails were also very good. We'll definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I want to thank this family business owners and the staff for this place. We had an AMAZING time celebrating our daughter’s birthday here. The food, service , staff and environment was just perfect. We will definitely come back here very soon!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and drinks. Service was a little slow at first. They were extremely busy so we just sipped on our drinks and enjoyed them.i will definitely go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Mushroom Spinach Salad