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Mr Henry's
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
601 Pennsylvania Ave SE(between S 6th St & S Seward Sq)
Washington, DC 20003
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Southeast
(202) 546-8412
- Nearest Transit:
-
Eastern Market Metro Station (Blue, Orange)
Capitol South Metro Station (Blue, Orange)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
67 reviews for Mr Henry's
Review Highlights
"But the outdoor seating was great."
(in 11 reviews)
"The onion rings are great too."
(in 7 reviews)
"...we had brunch and an afternoon of perusing Eastern Market."
(in 7 reviews)
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67 reviews in English
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Review from Brian B.
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Mr. Henry's might not be flashy but it gets the job done. It's a no-frills pub that I used to come to years ago when I first lived in the area, and in many ways I'm happy it hasn't changed. It has been open for almost 50 years, yet despite all of its history, it seems to get overlooked by its older cousin The Tune Inn and subsumed by the other rank and file swill peddling dives along Pennsylvania Ave SE. While The Tune is older and superior to every other bar along the Tropic of Crapricorn (what I like to call Penn Ave between 2nd and 7th), Mr. Henry's is the clear silver medal winner among a decidedly uninspiring group of competitors.
It advertises itself as a "Victorian Pub," but the only thing remotely Victorian about it is the decor. The excessive yet charming Victorian ornamentation over dark wood paneling is prominent here. The walls are crammed with nude stencils, 19th century British political cartoon drawings and newspaper clippings, stained glass windows, black and white photographs of noblemen, mounted clocks, and of course, a veritable shrine to Roberta Flack who got her start here back in the sixties.
The menu is pure American pub fare through and through: burgers, subs, salads, nachos, chicken tenders, wings- you get the deal. Although unpretentious, the menu here is large and serviceable if a bit too expensive for the portions.
If you came here for beer on tap you'll leave disappointed. There are only four or five and they are crappy (Bud Light, Sam Adams, etc). The bottled beer offerings are much better with nice labels such as Rogue Dead Guy Ale, Smuttynose Old Brown Dog Ale and Abita Turbodog. There are always nice rotating happy hour specials, but it's the reverse happy hour (Sunday nights from 9 PM to closing time) with "2 for 1" deals on every drink in the house that truly takes the cake.
The best thing about Mr. Henry's is the friendly atmosphere caused by the unlikely successful marriage of older regulars, gregarious out-of-towners, tight lipped preppies and twenty-something hipsters getting wasted in a dark, cozy little space. OK, fine, that's the second best thing. Two drinks for the price of one on Sundays, people! Even The Tune can't compete with that, so let's go to Mr. Henry's, do some body shots on some naughty body parts and call in sick on Monday, baby...Listed in: I get my thrill in Capitol…, Low Douche Factor Bars
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Review from Kat S.
12/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Mr. Henry's is a Hill institution that's been around since 1968. From the outside this place looks dusty, stuffy and creepy. I pretty much expected the inside to be decorated with decapitated dolls' heads. Not so!
The inside has a cozy (bit grungy around the edges), family-friendly feel with restaurant seating throughout and tables covered in gingham cloths. If you walk straight back you'll find stairs to the second floor, which has a small bar and more restaurant seating. The bar is tended by a friendly man and carries nothing too exciting. There's a patio on 6th which makes for good people watching in warmer months, but the crowd at Mr. Henry's is so eclectic that good people watching can be had just at the bar.
So here's I'm a fan of Mr. Henrys:
**MONDAY NIGHT IS HALF PRICED BURGER NIGHT. **
And we are not talking some small nugget of beef burger. Half pound burgers are under $5. And these are not just your standard beef and ketchup burger. I got the yummy MexiCali which came with avocado, fried jalapeno (!) and was bigger than my face. My friend's Shroom burger with sautéed mushrooms and swiss looked delicious.
This has got to be one of the best ways to end a long, painful Monday. -
Review from Marcus P.
Washington D.C., DC
8/31/2011
About once or twice a year I end up coming here for Sunday brunch with friends from out of town. I just love how friends travel to D.C. and tell ME where we should go for breakfast/lunch/dinner/drinks/etc. "You live in D.C. and you don't eat at Mr. Henry's?!?" *gasping and clutching pearls* Uhhh...not particularly; but, whatever...let's go.
Henry's opens for brunch around 10:00am on Sunday (11:00am Sat). Brunch is served buffet style and has all the perfunctory breakfast standards: scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, homefries, a waffle station, yada-yada-ya. Strangely enough for this to be "brunch" service, I don't recall any lunch or non-standard breakfast items available at the buffet. Oh well. I want to say the brunch buffet is all you can eat--but don't quote me, I've never been one to make a glutton of myself by easing my fat-ass back and forth to buffet stations.
The food is ok; the service is usually very good--staff is friendly, courteous, at times downright hilarious (if you get the right one). But, as I said, I come here about once or twice a year when out-of-town guests make their pilgrimage to the District...that's about all I need of Mr. Henry's--but it's not a bad spot for a bite if you're already in the Eastern Market area. -
Review from Nate H.
8/16/2011 9 Check-ins Here
Yes, the place has been here since Roberta Flack performed while a school teacher in DC...blah, blah.
Now how about lowering the prices for the neighborhood people who have been supporting this place for over 40 years?
I have seen the price on the turkey club almost DOUBLE in 10 years, and there is rarely a drink special to shake a straw at.
Best turkey club in town tho. Thank god they got rid of the bad torilla chips and now make their own potato chips. mmmm...get a basket of these!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Cole C.
Washington, DC
1/21/2012
I had been here several times previously, and was never impressed, but this time I was so UNIMPRESSED I had to write. We arrived on a Friday evening around 7:30, and the place was busy, due primarily to the fact that the upstairs was closed and there were only two servers working downstairs. We were greeted in a few minutes by a server who told us people would be leaving soon, which was about 20 minutes later. She wiped the crusty plastic tablecloth with a filthy rag and yelled for us to sit. What happenned next was slow service, cold food and an inability to split the check unevenly, which she begrudgingly did, after complaining to the Bartender, as there was no manager. I always voice my dissapproval in going there, but unfortuneately havebeen outvoted in the past. I think I have finally won the war, we will not return.
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Review from S. M.
Washington, DC
8/3/2011 1 photo
Do not eat here! i found blood on the paper my onion rings were served in! the server was initially rude until I showed him the blood that was served with my food. He tried to tell me it was ketchup, until I explained to him that I had a family full of nurses--all of which told me to return the food because it was blood after I sent them a pic message. I tried to give them the benefit of a doubt, I tested other liquids like ketchup and salsa on the same wrapper but they both dried too clear and did not match the darker stain.
I also had to get my own refill. Other people at my table paid over $2 for a plastic cup of soda and did not receive a refill. And he refused to take our order initially because we weren't ready when he was. horrible experience. :( -
Review from Rom C.
Rockville, MD
6/21/2011 3 photos
4 stars for a $5 burger! that's right, i didn't mistype. On mondays, Mr Henry's is the place to be, whether with a huge party to overtake the upstairs or with a date to enjoy a 1-1 meal while overseeing the capital.
Everyone ordered a different burger, but me, being a fan of bbq sauce, ventured fourth and ordered the bbq burger, medium, with sauteed onions. Funny how the menu reads sauteed but the servers refer to them as grilled. to each his own!
Everyone else's burger came out medium EXCEPT mine (what a shame right), but even despite that, the burger still tasted good! Ordering the onion rings was a plus, bc it was large enough and maintained its form so that I could place it within the burger - more CRUNCH!
Now, how can a place like this survive with half priced burgers on mondays?! the super high prices of everything else! the orange juice is more than half the price of the burger!
Also, bring cash if it's a large party, because they will only split the check with two credit cards! -
Review from Bill D.
3/27/2011
This is somewhere between picnic and bar food, but it fails to hit the mark either way. But so long as you drink enough, I guess you probably won't care that much. Like most places on Barracks Row, you'd better be comfortable with Marines at one table, Loud Gay Men at the next and tasteful, quiet African Americans at the next. If you don't dig multiculturalism what are you doing in DC?
The first clue is the appetizers section of the menu: it's heavy of nachos and french fries: you know, the kind of stuff that's going to absorb a lot of alcohol.
Here's where they get both of their stars, though. They make their own french fries in house, they're not frozen. Why is that a big deal? Because I'm gluten intolerant (hey this is all about me). Frozen french fries contain wheat. Fresh made french fries don't.
Entrees are classic bar fare. Hamburgers, fish and chips, crab cakes, battered shrimp. The only thing on the menu I haven't had a bad reaction to are the crab cakes (from a gluten perspective, anyway). They'd get a third star because that suggests the crab cakes are pure crab with no filler, except they're so damn bland it might as well be tuna dumped on a bed of lettuce. Where's the Old Bay, boys? So, that's why there's no third star.
Even on weekends, service can be a bit challenged as there are multiple dance clubs in the area and everyone kind of hits this place around 9 pm and wants to be out by 10 or 10:30.Listed in: Muffin Tops
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Review from Tamara M.
3/29/2011
Sometimes I'm in the mood for just good simple food. This one has it. I was sold initially upon looking over the menu. Pulled Pork.. SOLD..I have found it very hard to find a place in my city that sells pulled pork N.C. Style. Almost every place wants to serve it with BBQ sauce. I have to say after seeing it listed on the 2 page I didn't even bother to go any further.
My love for beer is growing more these days so I'm all about trying different types. After describing to the waiter the type of beer I was looking for he recommended the Smuttynose. Good call. An order of buffalo wings was also on the list
My pork comes out served with fries. Not regular crinkle cut but thick hand cut potatoes. Not bad. The sandwich came with coleslaw and bbq sauce on the side. Nice touch for those that like to use both. I take a bite into it and it's just what I was looking for. Me personally, could use a dash more vinegar but really, it was good eating. The wings are so flavorful. I the last time I had a good buffalo wing was at Pour House.
I definitely will return. It was small and chill. The Jukebox was going. It wasn't very crowded and someday I'd like to see upstairs and can't wait until the weather breaks to sit outside and enjoy some food. I wonder what I will order next?! -
Review from Hungry I.
Washington, DC
9/18/2011
Mr Henry's is a good place to visit if you're hungry for the usual and ordinary america food (sandwiches, burgers, etc) by Eastern Market. The staff is great and the beers on tap are passable. Otherwise, do not go the extra mile for some foolhardy pilgrimage for a tired DC establishment.
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Review from Katy P.
Washington, DC
12/24/2010
I have no idea what this place is like as a bar or at night, but I want to review Mr. Henry's kids night (Tuesdays, upstairs.)
It is a total madhouse, but what a great idea! Kids eat free, they've set up a little movie area with adorable chairs and parents can eat without worrying that Madison or Jayden is tormenting the people at the next table.
Okay, the food is mediocre and the environment is a little grungy, but the service is amazing especially considering the chaos and I can't take my kid anywhere else without some major bribes.
Thanks Mr. Henry's! -
Review from Chuckie B.
Washington, DC
3/17/2011
This place is a Washington institution. You have to go to understand....and the burgers and onion rings are really good!
It's a comfy, cool spot and go early if it's the weekend because this place gets really busy at times! -
Review from Erin R.
Washington, DC
8/26/2011
The buffalo chicken cutlet here is by far my favorite sandwich in DC.
Would give 5 stars, but the space is so cramped inside in the winter months, and I'm not a fan of their fries OR their homemade chips, which seem to accompany every meal.
So friendly, and generally delicious. LOVE IT!
Also they are AMAZING for take-out - it's always ready in 10 minutes or less. -
Review from Cassie C.
Gaithersburg, MD
5/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place was rough around the edges in many ways from the angry old man that dosen't really greet you, but rather orders you around to their only so/so bar food. I went for Sunday brunch but the only option was a buffet that didn't look all that great so I ordered off the menu instead. Our nachos were incredibly greesy and our other food was just mediocre. I would recommend many other places before settling for Mr. Henry's.
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Review from Mark T.
Washington, DC
9/13/2010
This is a wonderful, low-key, real neighborhood restaurant. Nice outdoor area: we bring our dog every time we go. Service is laid back, but they always offer Wolfie water!
I've eaten here for years and there are so many favorites: in the winter, the turkey vegetable soup, in the summer, the gazpacho. Potato skins! Crab cake platter! BLT!
The burgers are the best, tuna melt too. -
Review from Pam Z.
4/6/2010
Yay for local flavor! Mr Henry's is a local establishment that appears to be both hetero-friendly and gay-friendly. Sweeeeeet. Or at least I assume so since there were GLIDE magazines and newspaper clippings with those "Best gay-friendly neighborhood bar" award in the bathroom), but this wasn't drag queen brunch at Perry's either. Regardless, I liked how chill and old school this place is (think old English pub). I'm a sucker for dark wood paneling.
Our brunch here was okay, nothing to write home about. Service was quick and non-intrusive. The atmosphere is relaxed and dark without being too divey. Better food during non-brunch for sure. Will update when I'm more certain about non-brunch food and will try that 1/2 priced burger Mondays for sure. -
Review from Greg C.
Cambridge, MA
5/11/2010
It's kind of weird that you have to walk through the kitchen in order to enter the restaurant.
I liked that they had outdoor seating that wasn't located on the main road like every other restaurant on that street.
The food was decent - hard to screw up burgers and fries.
Service was attentive and we never had empty beers. -
Review from Venu N.
8/25/2009
2.75 stars. Probably the only thing one needs to know about the chili burger is the following exchange:
Me: "You're not feeling well? Right on. I'm headed over to CVS to get some Tums anyway."
(name withheld): "I don't think that Tums is going to solve the problem that I have..."
In other words, unless you live within walking distance of a comfortable bathroom, you probably shouldn't order the chili burger.
I wasn't necessarily a fan of my chicken wings either, but they did the job (and by job I mean that they served as sustenance as opposed to another platform for unnecessarily sophomoric bathroom humor). The grilled cheese sandwich loaded with bacon and tomato was pretty good. I'd probably order it if I came back.
The service was fine. Our waiter was conversational, and it is quite clear that this is a neighborhood spot filled with regulars (who apparently like to flock over to the nearby Remington's Bar). Another added bonus to the Mr. Henry's experience was the jukebox blasting some nice Motown. Sadly, it got displaced by Living on a Prayer later in the afternoon.
Overall, with all the options in Capitol Hill, I would not go out of my way to make another visit to Mr. Henry's. Having said that, you could do infinitely worse than this place. -
Review from Xi W.
Washington, DC
3/29/2009
Mr Henry's is the standard Capitol Hill neighborhood pub that serves better-than-standard grub.
It is definitely homely, which explains why there are reviews that both rave about it's 'charm' and its 'gruginess'--I'd say it's somewhere in between. The best time to visit Mr Henry's is for weekend lunch on a warm day when you can take advantage of the outdoor seating and avoid the stuffy interior. If you don't mind plastic chairs and tables clustering the outdoor area and the occasional water drippings from the branches overhead (after a rainy day), you'd have a pretty nice setting for a laidback lunch. I don't mind the plastic furniture, though they served our drinks in plastic cups, which seemed unnecessarily wasteful, given that everything else is plated on real hardware. Is this their intepretation of the pop culture trend? Because ghettofabulous it ain't.
Food is overpriced for what it is. The home cut fries are tasty!, though will cost you a couple dollars as an extra side. The burgers my party ordered looked amazing and was reportedly "very juicy." The vegetarian options are very limited here; out of a list of 40+ items, there are exactly 3 choices: portabello cap burger, vegetarian rye sandwich, and vegetarian quesadilla. My vegetarian quesadilla was lackluser and if I were to return, I would try the much better-looking rye sandwich.
So, go here for burgers? Yes. Vegetarian euphoria? Not so much. -
Review from A Z.
Washington, DC
7/19/2011
--4.5---stars
Ambiance is great, the decor is legit.
The burgers and NACHOS with pulled pork are incredible.
Always busy and home-like for a round of drinks with friends.
Only downside is sometimes the burger is not perfectly cooked or the chips are a sad and lonely portion. -
Review from Justin S.
3/30/2009
Mr. Henry's is a great little place on The Hill to grab a bite to eat and a drink. We went on a Saturday afternoon for lunch and it was really enjoyable. The atmosphere is classic pub-like with dark paneled walls and old-fashioned lighting, but it's a nice place filled with families and people enjoying the scenery.
The menu is pretty extensive for a pub with mostly salads, burgers and sandwiches all at reasonable prices - I really enjoyed the brisket sandwich and everyone else in my group really seemed to like what they were eating.
The staff was efficient and friendly. It's a cute little place and highly recommended if you're in the area and need a reliable and satisfying meal. -
Review from Alicia G.
11/5/2009
Before taking a stroll through Eastern Market, my friend and I had a pleasant brunch here. It's definitely a no frills kind of divey almost diner-y joint and serves up some of your standard bar food.
It was packed when we arrived and we actually sat at the table in the middle closest to the door. We got there just as breakfast was ending so we ordered quickly so my friend could get eggs and bacon while I got a patty melt with fries. Wow it's been a long time since I've had a patty melt!
Food arrived quickly enough that we didn't even finish the CityPaper crossword. My patty melt was thick, juicy, onion-y and cheesy on perfectly toasted/grilled rye. It was a bit greasy but all the more delicious and we chowed down til we could have applied for memberships in the Clean Plate Club. That was a lot of food but it was tasty and more than satisfying.
There were only 2 servers for the whole dining area but they both did a great job of keeping up with their tables and ensuring we were taken care of. While I wouldn't go out of my way to return for another meal here, I also wouldn't object to coming again.Listed in: Brunch: the most important…
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Review from Brooke S.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 2/12/2009
Mr. Henry's, I think I love you.
So far you have the best rueben sandwich I've had on this coast. Granted, I have a lot more rueben-trying to do, but I will absolutely be back for one of yours first! Thanks for the strong bloody mary, that made my morning. I like your cozy interior and friendly, brisk service. If the place didn't have people waiting, I could've hung out here all day. Ok, maybe a few hours at least.
xoxo,
Brooke S.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/29/2008
Mr. Henry, I really like you.
I would absolutely go here again because the service was snappy and the… Read more »
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Review from Yasmine B.
Washington, DC
6/19/2011
I've only been once, but I definitely can see myself returning. My best friend and I were decided where to eat in the Eastern Market area and contemplated this place for a few minutes. A patron was entering the place and encouraged my best friend and I to eat there and so we did (thank goodness someone made a decision for us- we're indecisive, haha). The waiter, Wayne, was so personable it was contagious! I felt like he was an old friend, not some stranger we just met. He was really playful (in a mature way, if that makes sense) and I thrive off of good vibes. My turkey burger was delicious (and my best friend loved her veggie burger). It was a pretty small amount of homemade potato chips, but the meal was pretty cheap. All in all, it was a great experience!
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Review from Courtney R.
Arlington, VA
6/1/2008
My friend from NYC was in town renovating his Cap Hill house. On the agenda, we had brunch and an afternoon of perusing Eastern Market.
What actually occurred was that I arrived at his house, had two beers while we hung out and talked to his neighbors and decided to go to Mr. Henry's for lunch, zipping through Eastern Market to spot where the plants were located (I started a balcony garden this weekend) on the way.
We sat down. Mr. Henry's was very pub-like: dark, tiny tables, a bit crowded, geared towards chatting with those around you and a bar too big for the space screaming "drink up, damn you!" So we did. My friend got a mimosa and I ordered a Patron and Sprite. Then we polished off three pitchers of beer. I ordered the quiche and salad (huge portions for the $9.95 price), he got the steak and eggs and we got a basket of fries (really chips) on the side. From what I remember, everything was delicious.
Our server was friendly, attentive and had a killer smile. Even more impressive was that all the diners were friendly and we talked to about four of the tables around us. Maybe it was just the beer, but everyone seemed warm and chatty, very unusual for D.C. It started pouring down outside in torrents, so people were running in drenched and those of us inside were loathe to leave.
All in all we took about two hours to lunch, and by the time we got back to the Market most of the vendors had packed up. I would return to Mr. Henry's for sure. I rarely find a place in the city where you can sit and be drunk for hours and not only does no one mind--they encourage it. Is this Cheers? Our waiter even jumped in on our Xanax and drinking debate--yay or nay? Mr. Henry's seems like the perfect place to catch up with friends or take a date who foolishly thinks he can drink you under the table. He can't, can he? Don't disappoint me. -
Review from Larry G.
Capitol Heights, MD
5/22/2007
Mr. Henry's is a gay-friendly burger & bar place. It's a relaxed place with an old-fashioned style. The place is even better with their friendly and attentive staff.
C'mon in for their burgers, sandwiches, fries and whatnots. You can order some home-style meals like pot roast, steak or whatever. They have specials every night, especially on their drinks.
Mr. Henry's also does weekend brunch. Although, I wasn't really impressed with their brunch selection. But, I just love their mimosas! -
Review from Mike L.
Washington, DC
8/23/2010
While their happy hour doesn't last all that long (4-6 PM) I must say that every time I stop by, the service is friendly, the food is tasty, and environment is just perfect after working a long day on the hill.
My office is on the same block, and it's literally on the way to where I park my car. Their daily drink specials are nice and usually are the reason I decide to stop by. Lunch is always super quick, which is nice so that I don't have to wolf down a meal in the last 15 minutes of my lunch hour.
Mr. Henry's is the perfect example of a true blue local neighborhood establishment! -
Review from Marcus W.
Washington, DC
6/18/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Closes too early!
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Review from Billy K.
Nanakuli, HI
8/5/2008
The atmosphere is quite nice and charming. I ate there several times with my flaming homosexual friends (by the way, I am one of them too lol). One time I had a vegetarian burger and it was a 4-star experience. Onion rings are recommended. A fresh glass of ice-cold water with a splash of lemon wedges.
Nice view of Pennsylvania Avenue and 6th street. Once in a while, I get a chance to oogle some running men, and some military hotties.
A perfect place to enjoy the perfect lunch package. -
Review from Steve M.
8/19/2008
Mr. Henry's has a nice outdoor seating area and good "Mr. Henry's Red Ale." Mr Henry's outdoor seating is hard during sticky DC summer evenings.
I've never seen an "ice basket" until Mr. Henry's though. (Put ice cubes in a plastic cup, and put the cup in your beer pitcher to keep it cold while you drink and talk.) Way to be innovative, Mr. Henry. A class act, all the way. -
Review from Matthew W.
Astoria, Queens, NY
5/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place was rough. The food that I got was not so hot. It was a bar with below standard bar food. I wish that I liked it more because I was really hungry and could have handled a great brunch. Instead, I got a below average plate with potatoes, eggs, and some bad bacon. Oh well, you can't win 'em all.
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Review from Heather G.
Washington, DC
5/22/2007
Loved my waiter. The food was whatev...but the outdoor seating mixed with the nicest most patient waiter in the world makes it a 5 star experience. As far as the food goes, I probably ordered the wrong thing - I was trying to be healthy so I got the quiche and salad. My suggestion is to go with the wings or a burger...its a bar - got to keep that in mind.
NOTE: They do not split checks. -
Review from Nicole G.
Washington, DC
8/16/2008 1 photo
I went here for lunch with my parents and had a great chicken salad. Sitting outside was nice and the service was great.
I didn't really care for their bread though, I ended up feeding it to some tiny birds hopping around. They seemed to really enjoy it though.
I would definitely come here again, especially for a drink. -
Review from Chris A.
Washington, DC
10/21/2007
I used to live a block from Mr. Henry's, and then I left the country for a few years. I went back today and was pleased to see that it was exactly the way I left it. That's really the charm of this place: it's always the same and that's comfortable in a good way.
I always prefer lunch to dinner here, if only because it's easier to grab a seat. This place is just one Hill-lot wide, so sometimes you're sitting cafeteria style, but it tends to work out. Mondays are 1/2 price burger nights, which means that the place is packed.
It's hard to find a meal over $10 here, and you'll always get enough to feed you. We always SHARE a HALF basket of fries (this isn't on the menu, but they'll give it to you and it's $2 cheaper) with our meals and leave stuffed. I recommend the chicken cheese quesadilla or the chicken philly, though any burger will do you right.
Mr. Henry's isn't a place that you'd go out of your way to get to, but if you're on the Hill it's a great place to stop for a lunch, dinner, or beer after work. -
Review from Czarina B.
Washington, DC
9/9/2007
OMG, Mr. Henry's, if you were not a gay man I would marry you!
I have so many fond, fond memories of hanging out here with friends, eating tasty fried bar food, and paying $2.00 extra to download and then bump my song to be next in queue on the awesome electro jukebox.
I loved taking 'newbies' and out of towners to Mr. Henry's and would organize a lot of mixers with friends here. Some folks really didn't care for it because it's "divey" -- but that's it's charm!
The servers are generally pretty efficient and quite friendly. This is definitely a neighborhood institution with the kind of well-worn dark interior and welcoming, laid-back atmosphere to match. The interior always seems 'smoky' even though noone is smoking and the tables are covered in plastic checkered tablecloth.
I like Mr. Henry's much better than Zack's and I don't care to talk shop with youthful Capitol Hill staffers at nearby Hawk n' Dove or other bars. Mr. Henry's is the place for me! I'll always think fondly of this place and go here when I want a low-key evening with friends.
Other plusses:
Mr. Henry's draws a pretty diverse crowd, as Capitol Hill is kinda a schizo mixed area.
They have live jazz on the 2nd floor as well as outdoor seating.
Check out the daily specials on the menu! -
Review from Kevvy K.
Menlo Park, CA
9/27/2009
This place is a Capitol Hill gem. It's a pub down in the old school English style, no frills, just great bar food, a minimal selection of decent draughts, and no fussy service.
The inside is rather dark and dingy for lunch (unless you're in the mood for that), the patio outside is a nice place to eat alone, or in groups up to 4.
The burgers are all good, as are all of the fixings on the side. The cole slaw is GREAT--fresh cabbage, not overly mayonnaised, perfectly seasoned. It's a good example of how good the menu overall is.
They brag about their reuben, which of course led me to try it. It was also perfectly cooked, with crunchily toasted rye bread, with just the right amount of softness left, nicely slathered in butter. It came out NOT soggy at all. My only complaint is that the pastrami wasn't cured and strong enough in flavor for this old NYC boy, but hey, regional tastes differ on this, and I ain't gonna HATE on Mr. Henry for this one. Because it tasted great in a more mild way. Could have used some more pungent spicy mustard, too, but I'm sure I could've asked for it!
One of the best eating places on the Hill that only locals tend to know about, and GOOD, let's keep it that way! -
Review from Jon W.
7/23/2008 1 Check-in Here
Monday is half priced burger night!! This includes the Portobello mushroom burger and I think the garden burger too if you don't eat meat or don't feel like turkey or cow.
This place is fun and often packed since it delivers quality low priced food. Of course, there is a full bar too. Patio is a nice spot.
The servers are always friendly and efficient too! -
Review from Michael F.
Washington, DC
7/8/2009
Of all the pubs on Capital Hill this is my favorite. It's a favorite place to head after Sunday drag shows to grab a bite to eat before hitting the town.
There is nothing fancy about their food. It's old fashioned greasy pub-grub. Fried chicken is the special on Friday. Their cocktails are particularly good, and I really like their Bloody Mary. There are no annoying sports fans screaming at the television. They have outdoor seating available. Some nights there's live singing upstairs. The singer is typically pretty good, but one might prefer to stay downstairs if they'd prefer some quiet.
I think this restaurant is mis-categorized on Yelp, though. While it's a pub and a very good one, it's not really Irish. Although their fish and chips is excellent, they don't have things like bangers and mash or shepherd's pie. Upstairs, when they have a singer, you're more likely to hear show tunes or Stevie Wonder songs than Irish folk music. To me, this is a shortcoming of Yelp, though, not the pub itself. -
Review from Ethan E.
Washington, DC
8/2/2008
If you near Eastern Market and want to grab a solid lunch or a drink before hitting the Capitol Hill evening scene, Mr Henry's is a great pick.
The sandwiches are all respectable, I usually opt for the club or a burger, both pretty good. But my favorite thing there are the french fries, they do a round, dark fried slice of potato, lightly sliced, if you stop in, don't miss them. -
Review from Seth M.
Washington, DC
1/8/2009
I live on Capitol Hill. This is one of my favorites. I've been here maybe 50 times in the past 3 years or so. Best burgers in DC. The onion rings are great too. Friendly staff and relaxed old bar atmosphere. Also, its one of the best places to sit outside when the weather is warm. The patio is large, and there is rarely a wait.
worth trying: homemade fries (small wedges), burgers, onion rings, nachos, crab cakes, philly steak sub, turkey club
