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8407 Kitchen Bar
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
8407 Ramsey AveSilver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 587-8407
- Nearest Transit:
-
Silver Spring Metro Station (Red)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Fri 11:30 am - 12 am
Sat 5 pm - 12 am
Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Parking:
- Garage
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
187 reviews for 8407 Kitchen Bar
Review Highlights
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"...the grilled chicken monterey jack cheese sandwich which has..." In 4 reviews -
"I liked their mojito and ginger-lime martini." In 5 reviews -
"Chocolate Cloud dessert: OMG DELICIOUS." In 4 reviews
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187 reviews in English
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Review from Karen S.
College Park, MD
4/10/2012
I've been here a couple of times, and my favorite favorite thing is the DUCK FAT ROSEMARY FRENCH FRIES. SO good. If you get a burger or a sandwich, you get a LOT of fries with your order.
I usually get the mussels and sometimes a salad. The arugula salad has a LOT of blue cheese, which I'm not that into, but it's still pretty good. The caesar has a little anchovy on top, which is cute.
My burger this weekend was pretty lacking. I got it medium, but it leaned more toward well-done, so it was a bit dry and not very impressive. The bun was eh. I spent all my time eating fries :) I meant to get the grilled chicken monterey jack sandwich, but surprisingly, they didn't have it on Saturday! I'm not quite sure why.
My friend got a crabcake, which was fine, but $25 for just a crabcake over some vegetables seems steep. Honestly, all of their dinner entrees seem expensive for their portion sizes. I stick to the other parts of the menu-- you can create a cheaper dinner with several different items.
They have great desserts! They didn't have it this time, but their ginger cheesecake is amazing. We tried the bittersweet chocolate tart this time, which was also good.
Our waiter didn't charge us for coffee or iced tea-- not sure if he just liked us or forgot.
The only bad thing about this place is that it is kind of in a weird little alley next to the construction at the Metro station, so I tend to park in the garage up the street. As I was coming down the stairwell, I'm pretty sure there was a man peeing in the corner...
But if you can get past that, the food is pretty good. It's nice to eat in a non-chain restaurant in Silver Spring! -
Review from Christine Y.
Washington, DC
4/19/2012
TL;DR - Drinks are great, but grab your dinner elsewhere.
Service: 3.5
The hostess either didn't quite know what she was doing, or she was blatantly picking favorites. Grr! Barkeep was a bit inattentive for this price point. But table service was good!
Drinks: 4
I usually steer clear of white wines, but my friend's glass of Pinot Gris (Iris, Oregon) almost made me wish I'd chosen white over red. Heh, almost. And I don't know if I was so pleased with my own glass of Cabernet Sauvignon (Central Coast, Daniel Gehrs, CA) because of the wine itself or because of some sort of expert decanting, but I suspect it's the latter: the wine was open, breathing, and practically whispering sweet nothings to me. The Lavender Paloma cocktail was bright, fragrant, and deceptively stiff. A lovely summer standby for lushing it up with a little class, I'd say. ;-)
Food: 2.5
On the one hand:
-My friend likened her red curry seafood stew to average Thai take-out. Ouch.
-Salmon tartare could've stood to be lots fresher and was pretty heavy on the wakame.
-Deviled eggs were...well, deviled eggs.
But, then again:
-Duck prosciutto & arugula salad, although slightly overdressed, was quite yummy. And now I kinda want a big fat charcuterie platter covered with duck prosciutto.
-Bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese were a winner! Great mix of textures in an ever-successful flavor combo.
-The Chocolate Cloud is atypically well-balanced for a chocolate-on-chocolate dessert: it's dense, velvety-smooth, and super chocolatey, but unlike some comparable desserts, it doesn't induce that tragic dessert hangover that stems from sugar-and-cream overloads (and self-hatred). (i.e. I could eat like 3 in a row.)
So. I hereby regard the dinner menu, specials, and seasonal items as...a crap shoot. And while I might not be inclined to entrust my tastebuds to the chef's whims, I'd be glad go back to Kitchen Bar for thoughtfully crafted cocktails, tried-and-true standard menu entrees, and dessert. -
Review from Beth C.
Washington, DC
4/14/2012
What a disappointment! We were pretty excited by menu, but everything that the three of us had was mediocre at best (except for the cocktails - they were quite good). There are some inspired-sounding dishes but in general the execution was poor to the point of ruining the meal.
The deviled eggs were bland; the pickle bowl was forgettable. My fish had so much greasy, poorly made brown butter under it that it was heavy and hard to eat. A friend had fresh pasta that came out stuck together in one large, inedible clump with only two small cubes to pass for pancetta. (To the restaurant's credit, when we complained they were more than willing to fix it, but by that time we were so bored with the food that we didn't want a replacement.) The much-praised fries were nothing special and a tad on the greasy side, even for fries.
The three of us are all bug dessert fans, but the dessert menu was so uninspiring and the meal was so disappointing that we skipped it entirely.
The service was also sub-par. The waiter was generally inattentive and failed to time our courses correctly, and we had to wait too long between appetizers and main course. Yes, it may sound a little picky, but I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a certain level of attention to detail when you're dropping around $40/person -- in terms of both service and food, neither of which 8407 delivered on. -
Review from Bryan W.
Silver Spring, MD
5/22/2012
This place always has a steady flow of business nut they are never crush with a large amount of people because it is on of Silver Springs best kept secrets! i have been here twice and the food is great as is the service! I got an order of the Deviled eggs and the Chefs terrine of the day that was a mixture of smoked meats and pistachios wrapped in bacon with a whole grain mustard sauce on the side! AWESOME!!
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Review from Teresa M.
Silver Spring, MD
5/24/2012
I love this place! The service is consistently great and the food is exceptional. We've tried a fair number of items now and have never been disappointed. The duck fat fries, the beef cheeks, everything has been great!
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Review from Dawn A.
Upper Marlboro, MD
4/7/2012
A co-worker and I went there for lunch yesterday. Although I work in the area and have been to the establishment, I have NEVER eaten there. I had the salmon nicose salad - which had organically sourced salmon! Yeah - me no likey atlantic farm raised. The food was absolutely fantastic and I really liked both the potatoes that came with the salad and the onions that I added in. Our server Sean was a gem..
Visit.. -
Review from A T.
Bethesda, MD
4/25/2012
I always laugh when I come to Yelp and read the reviews. It seems to be the place to come and write negative reviews. Almost like a challenge.
I'm truly shocked at some of the negative reviews here because I've been to KB at least 10 times and never had anything close to the issues these people are talking about.
Service - it's almost too attentive at times. Every bartender has worked to make sure I've enjoyed my cocktails and when I haven't, they make me something else. The waiters know this menu and I have never not been given bread.
Food - someone seriously said the duck fat fries were greasy? Are you kidding me? They stand them up in this cute little container and they come out hot, salty and are a wonder to behold. Not once have they been greasy and I get them every time. The charcuterie boards are to die for. They have their own butcher in house and make their own prosciutto, etc. The fish tacos are tangy and yummy, the lamb bolognaise is so dang good. I have yet to find something I didn't like.
Location - it's on a side street in a beautiful building. If you don't like the bar downstairs, there is another upstairs and you can sit and have dinner.
Honestly - this restaurant beats anywhere I've been in DC proper. It is my go to place when wanting a fantastic dinner or just some drinks and snacks. You pay for what you get and this is definitely worth it. -
Review from Lexie D.
3/10/2012
Bar only, because eating is for losers. (Not really)
I will be absolutely ecstatic when the never-ending Silver Spring construction ceases, because at the moment, this place is an excellent bar with an odd location.
That being said, the following notable things happened here tonight:
--my date sampled whiskey he's never tried before, and exclaimed words like INTERESTING and OAKY many times. I'm not a whiskey person, as a perfunctory glance at my other reviews would indicate, so take that as you will.
--Natty Boh on tap.
--More importantly, a small, but well-crafted, selection of bottled beers. Appealed to universal tastes without sacrificing quality.
--Wine list by the glass was sufficiently long for a place of this size. I've seen wine bars with fewer by-the-glass offerings, and never with this breadth of region.
--food served at the bar.
Also of note: service was a little slow and the place cultivated a trendy vibe I wasn't over-the-moon about, but it's a great option for a little upscale night on the town. -
Review from Lily A.
Washington, DC
2/21/2012
My boyfriend and I have visited this place 4 times now, so I figure it's time to write a review based on our experiences.
First of all, I must say that the quality of food is consistently good. Our first visit we had brunch on New Year's Day and were limited to a prix fixe menu. However, the shrimp and grits topped with poached eggs and hollandaise were incredible and I would return every weekend just for that meal!
As for dinner, we've tried several items from the menu. The mussels were amazing (in white wine sauce, studded with feta cheese) and the deviled eggs tasty. I'd steer clear of the pickle bowl, unless you are interested in eating spicy pickles. If you're a fan of charcuterie, I would suggest the salami, chef's terrine, and duck prosciutto. The portion of prosciutto is small but it's deliciousness makes up for that. Pork belly confit croquettes were a miss - a little bland.
For dinner, I would suggest the moulard duck breast and rib eye. Both extremely flavorful and cooked perfectly. I most recently had monkfish wrapped in prosciutto and although it was good, it wasn't my favorite item I've had here. The lamb bolognese is solid and hearty, but a little too heavy for my taste. My boyfriend loved it, though.
Finally, desserts and cocktails. They make a lovely ginger lime martini and have a fair scotch list. Their desserts are to die for and I'm having trouble picking my favorite between the pear and maytag blue cheese tartlet, chocolate cloud, and coconut panna cotta.
All in all, this restaurant has a wonderful ambiance and the staff couldn't be friendlier. The menu has solid mainstays and equally great seasonal additions. I most definitely recommend it, as it has become our go-to restaurant when we want something nearby that's creative, as opposed to a traditional steak at Ray's. -
Review from Alana C.
Rockville, MD
3/14/2012
Went here for brunch this past Sunday. We made a reservation for four at 1230pm, though it was mostly empty until about 130 or 2pm. We ordered lattes and tea (no cocktails, though the bloody mary looked great). The free beignets were yummy, of course.
- I ordered the Shrimp & Grits, since the House Moulard Duck Ham and Egg Sandwich was not offered (I had seen it online while researching brunch destinations). Pretty good; the shrimp were not over-cooked.
-Husband ordered the House Smoked Salmon & Potato Hash. It was very good - since salmon is smoked in-house, it actually keeps a lot of the fresh salmon flavor instead of being smoky. He could have used more potatoes in the dish - it wasn't very filling. Would be good for a lady or someone who wasn't very hungry.
-Friend ordered the Duck Tostada Thing (can't remember actual name and it's not on the online menu). He loved it and it looked good with two crispy tostadas, avocado, a dark red sauce (mole?) and queso fresco.
-We all shared the Buttermilk-Pecan Pancakes. In general, pancakes are like pizza: even when they're bad, they're pretty good. These pancakes, however; were AMAZING. They had crispy edges, while the interior was fluffy. Plus they had full pecans inside each pancake - so crispy, crunchy and flavorful! We were all very impressed, and especially for such a typical (and boring!) breakfast item.
I would definitely come here again. -
Review from Kristin M.
Washington, DC
When the Quarry House was unsurprisingly overcrowded tonight (a Saturday night), despite being pretty much the polar opposite establishment, 8407 proved a worthy substitute.
Upscale without being uptight, 8407 has a beer list with prices that run into the teens but includes Natty Boh on tap for $3.50. Fun cocktails rotate seasonally. The downstairs area has two loosely divided rooms, one with the bar and a few tables, the other lined with couches. Bit of a loungey feel, but drunken conversations and too-loud laughter fit in. The food menu's great for high quality drunk munching, including winners like duck fat fries, deviled eggs, and plump mussels with a spicy kick for $10.
Upstairs is a larger dining area for a fancyish sit-down lunch or dinner. The one meal I've eaten up here was excellent, the favorite dish being a fantastic slab of fish with delicious, crispy skin. The only low point was an alleged steak knife that we thought was old and dull based on its near inability to cut meat, but word from our waiter was that it was simply a characteristic of the poor brand of knives, a suspicion confirmed by the replacement knife functioning the same way (ineffectively). Apparently, a lot of people complain about these, so I hope they're replacing them soon, if they haven't already.
Service has been well-intentioned, reliably adequate, and on several occasions unusually genuine and thoughtful. I appreciated the waiter who came clean and told us their steak knives suck in general, a bartender who enthusiastically put together some experimental cocktails for a friend and I, and the folks who didn't push a group of us out when we stayed well after they'd locked the doors and started wiping down tables. There've also been moments of ball-dropping and the occasional error, but nothing that seemed representative.
It's awesome that 8407 is only steps from the metro as well as a couple parking garages (that are, by the way, free on weekends). Solid Silver Spring option to keep in the rotation. -
Review from Mia R.
Silver Spring, MD
4/2/2012
Fantastic dining experience! Delicious and interesting menu. Great bar staff (I have not been in restaurant area upstairs). Wonderful atmosphere with food that is totally worth the $$. I had a cheese plate on my first visit--which I really enjoyed. In my 2nd, I had seared scallops with polenta and a sort of peach chutney. Was one of the best dinners I have had out in a loooooong time. I'm giving it 4 stars because the dessert was only "so so". But the dinner menu is phenomenal---great selection. Will be back soon to try the roasted chicken with lavender gastrique! Smelled like perfection!
UPDATE: My boyfriend visited from UK and we did our 'belated' Valentine's date here. BEST TIME EVER...the food/wine was absolutely divine...he even said that his steak was probably the best he'd ever had in his life...and my duck with risotto was just as good. The cheese plate and dessert were good, but not as impressive as the main course--or the appetizers we had. (The Brit was a little disappointed about the cheese selection and presentation 'not a 'proper' cheese plate...modest selection...'...but I thought it was alright)...OVERALL, it was the best meal ever...and the upstairs is really nice. :-) We will go back on his next trip to DC (he's already asked). -
Review from Phi N.
2/16/2012 4 photos
Started with the calamari here. Although calamari is all pretty much the same and really simple, this was the best thing we had ordered... I got the moulard duck breast while my friend ordered the monkfish wrapped in prosciutto with lentils. Neither of us were impressed with our dish. My duck came with a mango sweet sauce (I prefer salty meats over sweet), and her dish was just not that great. For dessert we got a gingerbread trifle. I thought this was the worst thing that we had ordered...
Service, ambiance, and the way the food was displayed was perfect. Probably too fancy for me... However, I rate my restaurants based on the taste of the food, not the experience. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Olney, MD
3/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
GEORGE CLOONEY IN THE HOUSE! (just kidding) But it is So great to have 8407 KB in MoCo. & I imagine if Clooney was going to hang in Silver Spring, it'd probably be here. I love the vibe of the lower lounge - it's a great place to chill & unwind & linger with an intimate or a larger group of friends. Love their Bittersweet Manhattan with Maker's & your choice of house made bitters - I usually choose fig. Yum. The thing is they match their cocktails with the season, so next time I go I'm sure I'll be enticed to try something new.
Upstairs the dining room is airy and light - blonde woods and intimate curved banquettes. There's another beautiful bar, too - one that's accommodated me on the times I've shown up for dinner without a reservation. The tables are thoughtfully spaced apart - it's a civilized way to dine, really - though it lessens the opportunity to eavesdrop on the folks next to you.
I really love the thoughtful menu - you can start with oysters or a smoked fish or hit the charcuterie boards and the artisanal cheeses. You can keep it simple with sandwiches and their insanely delicious fries made in duck fat & seasoned with rosemary or you can dig in to their hearty lamb bolognese with house-made pasta. The bolognese is Serious comfort food for only $14. The dinner menu will change with the seasons or the availability of fresh ingredients or by chef's whim. It's exciting that there's usually a number of excellent seafood dishes that are featured. I have had halibut, black cod, and crab cakes & they have all been stellar. It's always been a great date night at the Kitchen Bar. From the lovely greeting at the door, to the knowledgeable, efficient waitstaff, to the great cocktails from the bar - It's a reliable go-to spot in Silver Spring for me & my man. The only thing that knocks a star out of this particular constellation is that the desserts can really be hit or miss here. I've had some pretty uninspired desserts here - not a way to cap off an excellent meal. With that said, the coffee is great & I can't wait to venture down for half-priced bottles on Wine Mondays and Sunday Brunch! -
Review from Susan C.
2/3/2012
I have been here twice for brunch. Love the food and pale mimosas (i.e., strong!).
1st visit: http://www.notoriousk....
2nd visit: http://www.notoriousk.... -
Review from Jenny H.
3/11/2012
Great ambience and good food. They have a standard menu with some apps and entrees (mostly sandwiches) and a more substantial seasonal menu with hearty dishes that you would typically order from. OMG- their duck fat fries were AWESOME!!! SO crispy, not a single French fry (even the one that dropped onto the table, which I immediately picked up and ate) was so crispy- I don't know how they got every single one to be so crispy, served with a aioli sauce. Their deviled eggs were not great, standard- more bacon on top would have added more flavor to them. The cheese platter was just OK too- we got 3 cheese- their marissa was my favorite, one with truffle (soft, slight truffle taste) and aged gouda (nutty, crumbly cheese) which was just OK.
I think their salmon dish was the best thing we got all night. The salmon was really fresh, seasoned with a nice salty peppery spread- my only complaint is that it was not cooked through so it had a raw center. I had this happen at a French restaurant, and they told me it's their "style" but if you want yours cooked through, make sure you tell them. It was served with this AMAZING yuzu citrus crunchy rice- this was absolutely fabulous, I never had anything like it at a restaurant and I could eat bowls of it ALL the time- the yuzu perfectly complemented the salmon (yuzu is this Japanese lemon that makes fish and meat POP with flavor!). I got the gnocchi which was really good with the first few bites, really soft in a flavorful butter sauce with chunks of a variety of mushrooms, but I got so full halfway through my dish (this always happens with me and gnocchi!). The ribeye was just OK- it was really thin and had a nice grill flavor to it but the meat itself wasn't as flavorful or fatty as I normally like. It was served with spatzle in blue cheese sauce which was this interesting, chewy pasta-like side.
All in all, great ambience and good food- get a variety and share because some of the mains were good, and the sides were all interesting to try! -
Review from Deborah N.
Columbia, MD
Updated - 12/21/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Hi 8407. Why did your bartender grill me in such an unpleasant way when I told her I didn't like my burger? I'm sorry but it tasted sour. I'm sorry she kept digging and digging until I was forced to say out loud, "It tastes sour and I am afraid the meat is spoiled." I WAS trying to be polite. That's how I was raised. Lesson in life: Don't push people - you might hear the exact truth.
8407, your bartender was a complete bee-yatch to me that night. She acted like she was ready to go home and I was keeping her there by ordering. Now, this is probably true but what customer wants to be made to feel unwelcome? Better yet - what restaurant owner wants their staff to make customers feel unwanted? None that I've ever come across.
Now, 8407, I was quite a fan of yours before this. I had been in there at least three times to devour and enjoy your pressed pork sandwich and I love to death your fries. I had actually been in just earlier that week and sampled some hard-boiled eggs (actually weirdly lemon flavored and not quite to my liking.) But I kept my mouth shut because in THAT instance the food was very fresh and didn't make me worry I would be carting around some botulism in my intestines for a hot minute.
In fact, 8407, just the night before "the Incident" I was at a Yelp gathering extolling the virtues of your fries and working on putting together a little Event to bring the cognoscenti of DC and VA out to your place to show them that SS knows how to put a meal together, too.
Not to mention that I have some very palatially cultured New York friends coming into town tomorrow. Yes, they would have loved the atmosphere and the menu at 8407. But how much would I have died if one of them had tried to send something unpalatable back and had been put in the position of having to justify their request?
No, sadly (for you) 8407 my friends and I will be dining at Pacci tomorrow night. Where, I might add, I have a) never been treated rudely, and b) never had a bite of food I didn't like.
You and I, 8407, have broken up. Don't call me and I won't call you.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/3/2011
Got there too late for the "normal" lunch menu. Quelle domage! Was "permitted" (after much… Read more »
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Review from Grace P.
West Covina, CA
2/16/2012
I've only been here once and from my first impression I was already in love with the place.
I started off with the Buttermilk Friend Calamari which was very tender and cooked thoroughly. They have this awesome dipping sauce which almost reminds me of a cilantro pepito dressing with a little hint of jalapenos also pretty thick and creamy, however, the spicy salsa verde that accompanies the dish is delicious and so much better.
My main course was the Cuban Style Pressed Pork Sandwich which was definitely not my type of sandwich. I'm not a fan of mustard that ended up overpowering my sandwich. Most times I can handle the taste but for some reason that sandwich was just covered in mustard all over. So I opt out and decided to munch on the House Made French Fries that was cooked in duck fat and dusted off with dried rosemary. Mmm mmm mm, it's also served with aioli sauce but I tend to order the chimichurri on the side for my dipping. For those who parsley/garlic/oil taste ask for chimichurri or if you like that mustard taste stick to the aioli sauce.
I definitely would come back for some House Made French Fries any day! -
Review from Sarah Y.
Arlington, VA
12/18/2011
I truly enjoyed my experience at 8407kb until I came home and checked my bank account only to discover I had been charged $270 and $25.00 as separate charges. The $270 was the total for my party of seven people and the $25 was my portion. Even though everyone but I had paid in cash the whole check was charged to my card.
I called the restaurant to fix the problem and the assistant manager told me it was common r to charge the full bill to the card, cancel it, and charge only the partial bill. It was only at the end of our conversation that he told me the truth--the waiter had made an error in charging my bill and voided it, then recharged my account. All of this happened while I was at the restaurant and the a.m. was aware of the mistake at the time. The problem is that no one told me a mistake had made.
At this point in time 8407kb has charged me almost 12x the actual cost of my meal, essentially stealing $270 from my checking account, and the best they can do is tell me "it should show up in two or three days." It is absolutely ridiculous that they charged my account for such a large sum of money (it's not like I ordered a happy meal) and failed to tell me. It is tantamount to theft and having the assistant manager lie to me from the beginning is infuriating.
A restaurant that makes duck prosciutto that delicious should be able to figure out that stealing from and lying to customers is not a good business plan. -
Review from Gerri S.
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a review for the happy hour only. Can I just say this is a gorgeous place to go with a significant other , close friend or even an uptown frenemy. I adored the exposed brick, chic lighting fixtures and the wraparound lounge seating. It has the feel of a nice occasion for sexy, urban adults (why does that sound slightly pervish?). I had a Ginger Lime Martini which was an excellent balance of not too gingery and not too limey. Okay I had more than one....which brings me to the best part. The bar is right next to the metro stop so you can happily slur your way back on to the train when you leave.
Listed in: The grown and sexy affair
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Review from Irene F.
Had a fantastic birthday experience here tonight. (Except for the hostess who constantly looked like she had something stinky on her upper lip.)
Our waiter was awesome- he emphasize several times that we were celebrating- which we had noted on our Open Table reservation. He gave a great explaination of the different cocktails (but they were seasonal and not on the online menu)- they were both deliciously crisp, not sweet in a way that coats your tongue, pretty strong without seeming heavy.
For our appetizer we got the pickled bowl- because I'm in weight watchers and those equal zero points! My favorite was the beets. I'd give that dish a B- It was probrably the least successful dish of the night.
We also got the gnochi and the grilled chicken sandwich. In my previous review I talked about the sandwich already- so let's focus on the soft, pillowy, not chewy or rubbery, delicate gnochi. I don't even like gnochi- but I helped myself to atleast 4 of them from my friend's plate....I don't even want to know how many ww points those were.
At the end of the meal, instead of how other restaurants give you a free dessert of their choosing for your birthday, our waiter brought us the dessert meny and said, whatever we wanted was on the house!
We got the chocolate cloud and the pear tart made with blue cheese.
I know- you're like whoa--- they made a tart with stinky blue cheese? It was amazing. Caramelized, flaky, savory, sweet. I have never eaten anything like it.
The chocolate cloud- was good- more common tasting. But I am not a chocolate lover, so my opinion on this really shouldn't count. lol
The total bill came out to $60 (SUCH a good value) we were stuffed silly. It was overall a fantastic experience.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/7/2010
3.5 Stars.
Ambiance: Very Swanky and airy- feels like a loft
Drinks:
Mojito was delicious- definitely… Read more »
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Review from Tochi K.
Germantown, MD
3/2/2012
Great for drinks and bar snacks, but don't waste your money dining there for dinner or lunch. (Went for happy hour and loved it; went back for dinner and was very disappointed.)
Reasons To Go For Drinks:
1. The place is very well decorated and the ambiance is perfect: it is modern and slick, there are 2 bar areas and a lounge, and the music is just right.
2. The drinks are yummy and they have some happy hour specials. The wine selection is good (loved the Daniel Gehrs Cabernet Sauvignon and am a fan of their other selections, like the Dr. Loosen Riesling and Riff Valley Pinot Grigio). They also have a great cocktail menu: the Ginger Lime Martini is super yummy!
3. The fries and calamari are pretty good (but nothing to write home about).
Reasons To NOT Go for Dinner/Lunch:
1. We didn't have reservation and were told we'd have a 15-20 min wait, which was fine. After about 30 mins at the bar our table was ready and we went to the upstairs dining room. To our surprise is was pretty empty (just shy of 2/3 full) so we weren't sure what the wait was about--while at the bar, we didn't see many people leave.
2. Bad service: our waiter was horrible. He did not check on us and we saw him at most 4 times during dinner (he came for our drink order, food order, dessert order, & then to give us the check). He also just seemed to lack grace.
3. The food is not worth the price (main dishes are $19-$30; appetizers $10-$12). The descriptions sound good and presentation is great, but the food honestly tastes just average--it's not terribly bad but by far not what one would expect at that price. My husband had a pork belly special and half of it was pure fat/gristle. I had their prosciutto wrapped monk fish and it was overcooked (the dehydrated prosciutto was tough/almost crumbly, the equally moisture-less fish didn't even flake). Also, it was all served lukewarm, even though the server used a cloth to hold the plates--I suspect they over use their heat lamp!
4. Dull steak knives and unconcerned management. My husband knife was so dull he couldn't cut his meat! He flagged a waitress (our's was MIA) who apologized, acknowledged it was a common problem there, and offered to bring another which might be equally dull. We asked for the manager, who listened but never apologized or offered a solution. So my husband asked him to check if the kitchen had a knife sharpener and use it. The next knife was better but it still took so much effort to cut his meat (which was mostly fat) that he left most of it untouched.
If I could rate dinning separately, I'd give it 1 star. The bar would get 3 1/2 stars. -
Review from Ina C.
11/29/2011
The food was good. My duck breast over butternut squash, cranberries and green beans was really wonderful. The salmon dish was seasoned a little bit strangey - a little bit too sweet. People really enjoyed their halibut with a side of pureed purple potatoes. The bouillabaise and crabcake were also lovely. Everything was cooked well, and has earned a spot on my "kitchens I can really trust" list. For dinner, entrees range from $19-27.
The location is pretty strange, but the interior of the restaurant is very pleasant. The upstairs dining room has a rustic-industrial feel to it, and the bar and lounge area downstairs is modern and minimalist with large TVs on either side of the bar. It's a cozy place.
In addition to Ray's the Classics, this is another restaurant in Silver Spring that transcends its location. You get the feeling that you traveled further, but didn't have to.Listed in: Ride that choo-choo
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Review from Monica T.
12/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I stopped into this place for dinner one night when I was in Silver Spring for work recently. I was looking for a low key, comfortable spot to enjoy tasty food and tasty drinks, and this definitely fit the bill.
I sat at the bar, alternating between ESPN on one TV and Food Network on the other. They really were going for my two loves here. Nice! Loved the wine by the glass listings here and had a hard time deciding what to drink, but I ended up with a very nice Trebbiano d'Abruzzo. I went with Bouillabaisse for the entree, which was generously filled with mussels, clams, scallops, and shrimp. The broth was flavorful but nice and light. The carrots and celery were maybe a bit unnecessary (or maybe I love meat too much), but were still good. A very nice, comforting dish.
I finished my meal with a tasty glass of port (though the "real" desserts were quite tempting as well). Service was a bit slow while I was here, but I wasn't in a hurry, so it's all good. Prices seem to equate well with what you get. If I ever find myself in the city again, I'll definitely head over here for another meal. -
Review from Brian G.
Silver Spring, MD
2/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Totally unexpected surprise! Fantastic meal which started with a drink special - buttered rum on the rocks! I could have had 10 of them they were that good. The meal was excellent. Beautiful decor and warm inviting environment.
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Review from Jennifer R.
Frederick, MD
2/18/2012
My husband and I went for Valentines Day and the ambiance was very modern and sleek, but the food was just average. The surrounding area was by the Red Line Metro and it was very "hood."
Or starters, we had lobster fondue as an appetizer, which was actually the best part of the meal. There were chunks of lobster and it was very good.
We ordered from the four course meal. My meal consisted of the rockfish and oyster ceviche, which was over powered with a lemon flavor. Although the fish was very fresh, but I was not a fan. Then for my third course, I had the wguyu steak and that was good too, but I have had better cuts of steak elsewhere. It was cooked medium and perfectly pink. Then for dessert, my husband had the chocolate triffle. It was just average. But I had the passion fruit and rasberry napolean and it was really sweet and tart. The crust was flaky and very delicious.
This restaurant was okay but definitely not one of my favs in the local area. I would probably not return again. However for foodies it is definitely an experience. -
Review from Lauren B.
10/10/2011
We went here on a Monday evening during the summer. My fiance had never known the place existed, since it is hidden down Ramsey across from the Metro. We were immediately greeted at the door and taken to a table upstairs. The decor very inviting. It was like you put a restaurant in a row-house turned sideways. We loved the exposed brick and wood beam ceilings. The windows on the top floor were very large and let in a lot of light. However, the view is of the new Metro Kiss and Go, which detracted from the feel of the restaurant.
Monday nights are half price wine nights. We ordered a bottle of La Linda Malbec for $16 and thoroughly enjoyed it. We've been looking for it in stores ever since.
The bread was delicious and the waitress didn't seem to judge us when we finished it quickly and asked for more. The salmon was cooked perfectly and was delicious. My seafood bouillabaisse was full of seafood, though I did not care much for the flavor of the broth. Overall, it was a wonderful dinner out. The entree prices are a little high, but we luckily used a Deal for Deeds and received $20 off our meal. I would definitely consider going back for a celebratory or special occasion dinner. -
Review from Michael K.
Gaithersburg, MD
3/11/2012
My wife and I came here on a Saturday night. When you walk in the door you'll first notice the beautiful atmosphere and cool bar/ lounge area. The main dinning area upstairs was nice too. As for the food, we started with the calamari. Good, but nothing special. For dinner, my wife had the duck, which was really good, and I opted for the scallops. I had to send the scallops back given that they were not fresh and appeared to be a little under cooked. I then had the meal replaced with a ribeye steak. It was good, but it didn't wow me. And for desert we tried the passion fruit Napoleon. That was awesome! In sum, I'd say that this place is more for drinks and desert, as opposed to having a full dinner.
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Review from Aesah J.
Rockville, MD
9/24/2011
We went here for a birthday dinner. Started out with a delicious (but expensive) Pimms cocktail and pork belly croquette and deviled eggs. They did not hold back on the pork belly and it was pretty good. For dinner, I had the burger and fries ; the burger was okay but not great. The fries were perfectly crunchy and delicious, but I expected a little more because of all the hooplah surrounding them. My dinner date had the duck breast, which really wasn't my cup of tea.
We ordered the chocolate cloud for dessert which was AMAZING and they were pretty nice to comp it since it was a birthday. I should say the service was very good and the decor cozy. I wish I could add another star, but I wasn't blown away by the food, however I was impressed enough with the rest of the experience that I wouldn't hesitate to come back and try again. -
Review from Jennifer R.
Washington, DC
12/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have eaten at 8407 twice in the last month or so, and I have been very pleased both times.
The space itself is very cozy and centrally located in Silver Spring right across the street from the metro. They did a great job rehabbing the building - it used to be this run down dive luncheon spot or something before. This would be a good first date spot - the ambience is perfect for that.
They have a very decent beer list (I don't drink beer, but my friend does and he has enjoyed it both times). Also, I had a excellent pinot noir as well. Prices aren't too bad for drinks, and there are also some good house drinks like their version of a Manhattan.
The bread basket is good and the butter that comes with it REALLY good.
Good entrees - the hamburger is actually fantastic. The duck fat fries that come with it are excellent - don't bother asking for condiments like ketchup or mustard - the flavor of both are so good you don't need to add anything. My friend had the duck, which he enjoyed very much. He also tried the Lamb Bolognese with Tagliatelle - I tasted it, it was fantastic. Also the portion size was perfect - no too much, but enough to be filling.
I had the root vegetable salad the first time I was there, and did not like it. The vegetables were more pickled and overpowered by the vinaigrette they were swimming in.
Desserts - very good. The Pear Tart (I think it was a tart) with blue cheese and top notch. However, last night I tried the Chocolate Cloud and is was perfect - very light, deep chocolate taste, excellent. Would definitely order that again.
I enjoy coming to this place, and will certainly be back again. Tip - after 7pm you can park for free in the metro parking lot which is down at the end of the block. -
Review from Jamie S.
Washington D.C., DC
Updated - 3/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
A hidden secret! Go SS. Had a chance to stop by this place a couple of weeks ago with friends. Duck fat fries are ahhhmazing.
1 Previous Review:
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3/4/2011
Gorgeous foodie venue, with an upscale feel! # winning
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Review from Dawn M.
North Hollywood, CA
2/13/2012 Seated via OpenTable
This place was ok ...nothing special. The drinks were great. Food was ok. Soup good. nothing to write home about. I was visiting from LA and found this place on yelp. I would go back again for drinks only.
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Review from K K.
Silver Spring, MD
3/2/2012
The atmosphere is amazing. I go back occasionally just for that.
However, the food is pretty overpriced for what you receive (especially for downtown Silver Spring...which isn't quite downtown DC!) If you order carefully (sandwiches) you can find a good deal. -
Review from Tiffany M.
Alexandria, VA
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's a nice little alternative for the Silver Spring area but none of us were terribly impressed. As far as food quality and price goes, we all much prefer Ray's the Classic (just right up the road). 8407 couldn't be more conveniently located, literally right off the Silver Spring Metro stop and they honestly deserve 5 stars for the cool decor and the atmosphere. Perhaps coming here for a couple of drinks with some friends after work would be a better option- we just weren't crazy about the food.
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Review from Sara R.
Silver Spring, MD
8/25/2011
The first time I walked into this place I was definitely shocked because I didn't expect such a cute little restaurant in Silver Spring. It's nice to have a cute spot like this to go to for dinner and drinks instead of having to go into the city. It has turned into my favorite spot for happy hour because the lounge room is absolutely perfect!
I always get the grilled chicken monterey jack cheese sandwich which has pieces of avocado and grilled red onions, best sandwich ever! Also comes with a side of delicious fries. I've also tried their buttermilk calamari which I'll have to say came out really good few times but not so great the last time I ordered it, not sure if something was wrong with the kitchen that day!
Overall, I would definitely recommend this place. -
Review from Jeffry W.
Silver Spring, MD
10/16/2011
Great Menu! Very convenient! Delicious items for Sunday Brunch.
Come in at a close second for me in Silver Spring! For the food - their prices can't be beat!!! -
Review from Nik S.
Silver Spring, MD
2/18/2012
4 stars for the atmosphere, fantastic meats, and those OMG beignets. I also love that the service is, despite a setting that takes itself too seriously, imo, genuinely friendly. The food is attentive to detail, local ingredients, and seasonable fare but honestly can be hit or miss. Ask your waiter for their truest recommendation and stick with that.
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Review from tricia g.
Pittsburgh, PA
11/12/2011 Seated via OpenTable
It's pretty pricey but a GREAT place to try something new. Charcuterie or quail, anyone?
Omnomnom.
Also, beautiful space inside. Would def impress a first date! -
Review from Jim C.
Silver Spring, MD
Updated - 7/2/2011
Much improved since my last visit although that was a brunch which is never the best time to judge a restaurant. Tonight's dinner was a winner starting with well-crafted cocktails especially the tequila-based Jalisco Summer and a thoughtful wines by the glass selection. The deviled eggs are among the best I've ever tasted, mustard-y with high-quality paprika. The calamari is nicely fried but unexceptional. The hamburger was outstanding. Sockeye salmon rich and delicious. The crabcake was competent as was a special of grilled, roast pork loin with sauerkraut. Desserts really shined with the star being a blackberry shortcake, a nice ginger cheesecake with rhubarb compote and a really refreshing mango soup.
Oh, and our server was fantastic. One of the owner's related to us that she was their newest staff member. Congratulations on a great hire!2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/30/2010
Ate Sunday brunch a little while back and must say it was not everything I hoped it would be.… Read more »
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Review from David D.
Washington, DC
12/26/2011 Seated via OpenTable
The best duck I have ever had. Great restaurant.
