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12 Washington Restaurant
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
12 Washington BlvdMarina Del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 822-5566
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for 12 Washington Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"I grew up in Venice and this place was my dads favorite..." In 2 reviews -
"...an outdoor patio to enjoy happy hour after a day at the..." In 2 reviews -
"Great service too." In 2 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Jenny T.
Los Angeles, CA
3/4/2012 5 Check-ins Here
This is one of the places I frequent the most in Venice. Most of my experiences are at the bar for wine and appetizers, but the entrees are fantastic as well. This is definitely one of the few places you can order escargot - and boy are they delish! They have an awesome assortment of French appetizers and a good selection of wine, both by the glass and bottle.
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Review from BR G.
2/8/2012
We came here on our first night in LA with a Groupon Now deal. It is located right by the beach so it is a fantastic dining location. Our servers were super nice, and food was fantastic (albeit small serving). The only complaint is that we had to wait an extremely long time for our food to arrive, and I'm not sure it was worth the money or effort to come here (not much parking around).
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Review from Stephen T.
Venice, CA
6/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is pretty decent. The food is tasty and the wine isn't bad.
I stopped in here for a drink at some point in the last couple of months. I recall thinking that the pour on their glasses of wine was impressive and the prices reasonable.
I don't remember having food outside of a few apps, but they were tasty so 3 starts it is. -
Review from Brenda G.
Los Angeles, CA
2/28/2012
My boyfriend and I went there last night because we purchased a groupon now deal, it turns out that the restaurant is now closed! I do not understand why groupon will put a deal for a restaurant that doesnt exist anymore. Well, we ended up eating at Gaby's restaurant which is right next door.
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Review from Lori K.
5/19/2008
3 hungry girls found themselves in Marina Del Rey on a Friday night, the wait at C & O looked horrendous, Mercedes Grill was super crowded. The wait at 12 Washington was non-existent and we had our choice of outdoor patio or indoor seating. Most people would assume that the reason a restaurant doesn't have a wait or crowds is because it's not good, but those people are FOOLS!
The staff was attentive yet not overbearing, the gentleman helping us took his time explaining the specials, answering our questions and helping us make our decisions. I ordered the Mexican Sea Bass in a tequila lime sauce and it was cooked just the way I like it. in addition to the bread and butter you also can also enjoy the array of shelled nuts on the table (they have nutcrackers so it's pretty challenging to crack those suckers) I guess this wouldn't be a good thing for people with nut allergies!?!
I'm not a wine connoisseur so I don't know what criteria is used when selecting the wine list for restaurants but this place didn't have a Riesling. Someone PM me and tell me why they wouldn't choose to include a Riesling. I'm curious and looking to educate myself.
Although we did not order dessert our waiter sent over a trio of delicious sweets! We wiped the dessert plate clean. All in all, our food was tasty, the staff was great , the background music was contemporary stuff but somehow it worked and I had a very pleasant dining experience. I would definitely return here for a relaxing dinner anytime! -
Review from Kelly B.
Hollywood, CA
6/14/2008
So, since the fiance and I have eaten just about everywhere else up and down Washington Blvd., we decided to finally give this place a try.
Vibe was ok, but we where there with each other so no big deal.
We had about 3 waiters and a bus boy serving us that night.
The first guy that took our food and drinks order was ok, wasn't around often so can't say much, the second guy only stopped in to fill a wine glass a few times, but it was the third guy who brought us the food and the bus boy that were on top of their game. Always making sure we had everything we needed.
Now,
there was one more guy that came into the picture. After my fiance ordered his glass of wine, without getting carded, this guy from behind the bar comes over and asks for MY id.. I had ordered water, nothing else. I told him this and he apologized saying he had the wrong table..
This was a blatant lie because a) the restaurant is small and he did not go to any other table after and b) he did shake his head to the other guy behind the bar (who took our drink orders and didn't card the fiance) and then walked back behind the bar and went on making drinks.. But the whole night he kept glaring at our table.
Is it me or is that really odd??!
Anyway, the food was ok.. a fillet should never be dry or drowned in sauce, and my "lobster" ravioli was tasty, but I'm not quite sure what was really inside of them. The chocolate mouse was eh but much better after pouring the caramel sauce on it (which had requested on the side because I'm usually not a fan, but this stuff was GOOD).
Overall, it was a long overdue nice night out for us, but I doubt we'll go back anytime soon. The Terrace is our more usual spot with less of a wait than C&O's and they don't card you for water there! -
Review from Mario V.
Beverly Hills, CA
5/29/2008
This restaurant is wonderful. I come here, alot actually. But it's because I love it. If the filet mignon here could pay half my rent, I'd marry it. Make sure to ask for their pea puree which is a wonderful compliment to the steak.
Great service too! Something I always look for is if my water is filled at all times. At 12 Washington it's always filled. The staff is on top of everything here. Very romantic if you want to bring a loved one here. You might actually score at the end of the night for being classy and creative. And if you don't score, she probably wasn't worth it to begin with. -
Review from K G.
Washington, DC
8/28/2011
Ate with my family on our last day in LA. The food was much better than the decor, so don't be put off. We had the Jamaican sole, the chicken breast, lobster ravioli and calamari. Everything was surprisingly good. The best was either the calamari, which was original and in some kind of tasty pesto sauce, or the chicken breast, which was in a fresh tomato sauce. We were pleased with the Jamaican sole, which was accompanied with delicious fried bananas, but its flavor was subtle, perhaps too subtle. Overall, solid meal in a good location near the beach.
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Review from D V.
Los Angeles, CA
9/10/2009
When I joined Yelp, I swore I would not go backwards and write reviews on places I have been prior. I find it somewhat lame to do that, and feel it compromises the integrity of the whole idea behind this site. That being said, I have been to 12 Washington on several occasions and have been delighted each and every time. This review is about my visit on 9/5/09...
My fiancee and I were perplexed as to where to go to dinner for our 10 year anniversary, (No, we have not been engaged the whole time, only about the last 4 months..) and 12 Washington came to mind. I made a reservation for 8 that night, and took off my thinking cap for the remainder of the long weekend.
We arrived early, at around 7:45, and were seated without hesitation. We both ordered drinks and began to peruse the menu. We decided on the crab cake and the beet cake appetizers. When the time came to order, we were regrettably informed the beet cake was no longer available, so we switched it to shrimp cocktail. Unfortunately, when appetizers were served, we only received the shrimp cocktail, no crab cake. I was a little bothered by this, but decided to let it go and keep scarfing the bread instead. I think had I not been here before and known how good the food was, I would have been more annoyed by the failure to serve one of two appetizers. Onward...
Main course was delightful, and helped me to easily forget not getting to try the crab cakes. I settled on one of the specials, the rib eye steak. She went for the osso bucco. My steak was boneless and cooked perfectly, bursting with juicy goodness. A difficult task when ordered medium well. The osso bucco was a delight as well. No knife needed, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture I won't soon forget. If you like veal, I highly recommend this dish.
We were stuffed to the gills, but wanted to have dessert. We had 2 different sorbets. I had the raspberry, she had the mango. Light, delicious, and satisfactory to my near insatiable sweet tooth. The perfect cap to a near perfect meal. Would have been 5 stars if I got that damn crab cake! -
Review from Wendy S.
Agoura Hills, CA
7/7/2011
Great food, ambiance and friendly people. The Osso Bucco was excellent. They have an outdoor patio to enjoy happy hour after a day at the beach and classy dining area great for a romantic dinner date.
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Review from Ed M.
7/8/2009
Lived in the area for years and never reviewed 12 Washington before, but go here often and love it. And seeing as how I'm back from the East Coast and hanging there quite a bit, it seemed like it's time to write a Yelp....
Small, cozy, easy to have a conversation and enjoy a proper drink. Perfect date place. Perfect place for a dinner meeting. My favorite spot at the Pier to grab a quick glass of wine before heading home.
Juan is a great host and as suave as they come. The service, especially if they know you, is beyond incredible. The steaks and fish are delicious, but they are heavy so be prepared to be mad full. The new desert menu is the bomb.
Couldn't ask for a better place for a glass of wine and a nice meal right up the alley from my place. Mellow. Cool. Familiar faces. A safe place to chill and watch the chaos of the summer stagger by as the drunks wander from the Whaler to Cabo to hell (The Terrace)...and back...
It's another beautiful day in Marina del Rey! -
Review from Chris H.
6/10/2009
Setting - Nice setting, restaurant was nice with big tables and good lighting.
Service - Average, nothing wrong but no real special effort made to make us feel welcome. No complaints.
Food - Good, had New England clam chowder as a started which could have done with less herbs in it, bar that is was good starter. Mains was a nice piece of Veal which went down a treat. In all it was a good affair, worth the money.
Overall - I wouldn't rush back here though I do recommend it if you have a free night. -
Review from Dave E.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2012
Love the Filet Mignon and Osso Bucco, XCELLENT!!
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Review from Elizabeth P.
Los Angeles, CA
5/24/2011
Awesome patio brunch was enjoyed here. The friend who took me comes here every year with her husband for their anniversary dinner and for new years. Cool neighborhood restaurant. Friendly staff and owner. I'd come back and try dinner some time if I'm in the hood.
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Review from K S.
Los Angeles, CA
11/5/2011
Once upon a time this place was pretty good, but that was once upon a time. This place used to be consistent, now it's hit and miss. Little problems having nothing to do with the cuisine can be annoying. On a cold night, it's cold. On a hot summer night, it's hot. The outside sitting area is small and in need of a complete makeover. It would be nice for the place to have a proper windscreen. They recently put in the wrong kind of overhead heat-lamps, so they are essentially ineffectual. The bar stools in and outside are a chiropractor's dream. The staff seems unhappy from time to time, but they make the best out of it. I've tried the Happy Hour, too, The food is more than palatable, but overall, I think the owners are missing a great opportunity here. It wouldn't take much to restore the cuisine and the ambiance to its old glory.
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Review from Justin L.
Los Angeles, CA
12/17/2008
I'm not sure where this "great" service came from that everyone here raves about. Maybe those people didn't work that day? We got straight-up ignored from the time after we ordered on. No "How are you doing?" no "Would you like more water?" We didn't know there were specials until another patron was told them.
Our dishes sat empty while the staff watched the Laker game. Maybe it's because we were the youngest people in the joint? FYI: We're 30, and there were 4 other populated tables on a cold Tuesday night. And I'm usually a pretty patient, understanding guy. But when the 4 staffers walk by blatantly ignoring you while you throw down three figures for food, it can be grating.
The food is good, with points for presentation. However, for the price I expect that. Petite filet mignon had some inedible bits I needed to spit out, but the clam chowder was rockin'. I loved how they put nuts on the table (that sounded weird), but I didn't see anyone else partaking. My wife would've ordered dessert, but again they couldn't be bothered to check on us, so we just went without.
It was an okay semi-fancy birthday meal for my wife, but I'm in no hurry to go back. And apparently, they're in no hurry to serve us. Keep in mind parking's a nightmare. -
Review from James H.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2009
I've been going here pretty much before I could walk. I grew up in Venice and this place was my dads favorite place to eat in Venice so of course we ate there often. Been going there so long that one of the owners now used to be the bus boy back when I was really little prob 15 yrs ago.
Very little in this place has changed too. The menu is pretty close to the same it has always been with some new additions. In my 22 years of living and eating here probably 18 of those years at least I have never once had a bad meal here, they are extremely consistent in their quality. To start off my favorite dish here would have to be the Rack of Lamb which is just delicious! After that I also get the Free Range Chicken, Filet Mignon , and the Chicken Marsala all soooooo good that anyone you choose you'll be happy with, I know I always am! One dish I've never tried but I know is amazing is the Duck A L'Orange, whenever my grandfather would come into town we would eat at 12 Washington and every single time without hesitation he would order the Duck, I'm not a big duck fan or I would have tried it.
Moving to desert another area that they are amazing in. My all time favorite are the PROFITEROLES, I've been eating these things since the very first time I had ever been here and order them every time I go. When I was little the original owner knew my brothers and I liked them so much he would always send home an order with my dad when we weren't with him.
Another good thing about this place is its not usually overly packed with people, so you can have a nice peaceful dinner without all the loud people around you. Normally the service is also excellent. Definitely try this place if you are looking for a nice French dinner in Venice Beach -
Review from Ryan G.
New York, NY
1/28/2008
My birthday dinner was here and the food was amazing and the service was really good. I will never understand the casually dressed waiters in such a cute little restaurant. I love the location. I miss places like this when I am home in NY, but this comes as close to a NY feeling restaurant in LA.
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Review from Tracy B.
Marina del Rey, CA
9/28/2010
Absolutely fabulous neighborhood restaurant. Met my husband there many years ago and we go for all of our special occasions, stop in for a glass of wine now and again, and recently enjoy their fantastic brunch from primo people-watching real estate on the patio. Love everyone that works there. Food is always great (especially the filet mignon). Why anyone would forego 12 Washington for the cacophony and utter mediocrity of the C & O is beyond me, but the place is rarely crowded. Small. Intimate. Fabulous.
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Review from Libby P.
Los Angeles, CA
2/5/2008
The food here is amazing. Order the 12 Washinton. Amazing. Cute, quaint and lovely.
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Review from Nate B.
Los Angeles, CA
4/23/2009
I've eaten here a few times over the years to escape the crowds across the street at the Trattoria. 12 Washington is further down the road from the more lively part of Venice but its a quaint and romantic dinner spot, perfect for a casual date by the pier.
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Review from Greg B.
Marina del Rey, CA
6/28/2009
Im astounded at the ratings for this place. We were looking for a place to eat and the fact that noone else was there when we arrived should have been a clue...we even talked about it. The menu was good, but the service was polite but completely innefficient. Now the menu was good, but the food was bland, boring, tasteless and unimaginative. A great location, but I don't think the management has a clue about running a restaurant. My guess is a trustfund baby bought it, looking for something to do, and is clueless as to why his/her biz is failing...or perhaps it's not because of all the naive tourists in the area who don't know any better. Too many good restaurants in the area to waste your time here.
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Review from Denise G.
Los Angeles, CA
6/7/2010
What happened to this restaurant??? A group of us went there on a Sunday night and we were the only table. There did not appear to be a manager in sight and our waiter wore dirty pants and a dirty "MCDONALDS" shirt. We felt like we were in MCDonalds the way he treated us! We asked for something other than pasta as a side dish and he told us to go next door?? The food was ok but nothing new and was not worth the price. This was not the fantastic treat I remember 10 years ago.
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Review from robin s.
Los Angeles, CA
4/29/2009
I finally had dinner here after living and working in the area for 5 plus years. 12 Washington is a cute restaurant with attentive service. The food is average. I thought getting a Ceasar salad at a French restaurant was the way to go. The dressing was fair and they served mixed greens instead of Romaine. I ordered the risotto and while the flavors were good the risotto fell apart like regular rice. All in all a pleasant dining experience but not a special dining experience.
