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Tabaq Bistro
Categories: Restaurants Tapas Bars Restaurants Mediterranean Event Planning & Services Party & Event Planning Tapas Bars, Mediterranean, Party & Event Planning
1336 U St NW(between N 13th St & N 14th St)
Washington, DC 20009
Neighborhood: U Street Corridor
(202) 265-0965
- Nearest Transit:
-
U Street Metro Station (Green, Yellow)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5 pm - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 3 am
Sat-Sun 10 am - 4 pm
Sun 5 pm - 2 am
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
271 reviews for Tabaq Bistro
Review Highlights
"We had a superb lunch for 7 at the rooftop."
(in 102 reviews)
"the beef kofte: ok, loved the currants."
(in 9 reviews)
"My favorite brunch place in the U st."
(in 63 reviews)
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271 reviews in English
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Review from Chaka C.
1/15/2012
I loved this place.
I had the pleasure of going for brunch with a group that was 6 deep. When I arrived, I was surprised at how "small" it looked... but I was surprised. After walking up what seemed like 17 staircases (it was only 3), I found myself at the rooftop. A good number of folks were already seated, but there was still plenty of room for 6... without a reservation, which was marvelous!
My bf ordered the chicken and waffles, while I had the Belgium waffles with fresh strawberries and whip cream. I think we both won, but his chicken was really delicious! The Bloody Mary's were much better than the Bellini's... but it was a great atmosphere. Our waiter, Samir (sp?) was entertaining, helpful and potentially hitting on one of the guys at our table... but I could be wrong!
I would definitely take my sister there... which means it well worth my while. -
Review from Shaady F.
Washington, DC
12/8/2011
SO SEXY. ooo la la
i like the pita chips and humus. sooooo goood yummy yummy in my tummy and not bad pricing.
i go here for parties on sundays...w dj NAVBOX and MOMO and... sometimes they bring bigger House DJS... anyways.. the rooftop is super sexy one of the top five rooftops in dc... this ones a secret. shhhhh dont tell anyone
TABAQ Bistro --so URBAN.... and beautiful in rain or shine! tres tres chic. On Sundays, there is this pretty cool rooftop terrace party that I have gone to a couple of times. If you like house, minimal house, or progressive house-Sunday is your day to party there. The view from the top of the establishment - which, I might add, is enclosed and very inviting - is something to behold. 1336 U street NW DC -
Review from LaToya P.
11/18/2011
My first visit was during a The Washington City Paper's Nosh Mob event.
This is one of the more "chill" venues I've visited in the U Street corridor. I can't speak on the food, but the cocktails get the job done. (Woo!) I ran out of air and never made it to the rooftop. *le sigh* -
Review from Diedre C.
Washington, DC
2/9/2012
Great place to find Snow Queen and Winter Palace vodka and enjoy a beautiful view on the glass enclosed roof top that during the summer opens up.
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Review from K F.
Arlington, VA
2/4/2012
Great brunch and great views on the top. Food is good too. Space can get a little cramped, especially for Sunday brunch.
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Review from Allison H.
Accokeek, MD
10/5/2011
I've worked customer service and managed to never have a customer insult me, yell at me, or any of the like. The manager of this place definitely deserved all of that.
My friend's birthday party was held here. When she went to ask the manager a simple question about a charge, the manager abruptly waved her hand in my friends face and said "first of all, don't come at me like that."
First of all, come at you like what? Second of all, who says that? My jaw dropped. She proceeded to walk away in the middle of my friends sentence, before answering her questions, and left the work to someone under her. I mostly give the second star for that girl. She was completely understanding and helpful. I didn't think it was much to inquire about a 20 dollar "cake fee," (the fee for bringing your own cake to the bistro, which I later found out isn't too uncommon) that wasn't mentioned in the birthday reservations. Or to ask for the box it was brought in to store the leftover cake. The box that was destroyed by the staff.
Anyway, the cake fee was paid, the leftover cake wrapped in saran wrap, no thanks, to that miserable manager.
By the way, the food isn't even worth mentioning, and definitely wasn't worth all the trouble. And the view everyone keeps going on about, really isn't all that special. It's high up, but it's not like you're really looking at much. Needless to say, I won't be back here. -
Review from Jenna J.
Washington, DC
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yu-umm.
I went to Tabaq after running the Marine Corps marathon last year. In my carbohydrate starved delirium, I scarfed down my brunch without much thought. It registered as very good, but maybe not amazing (I had the egg casserole), and I never reviewed it, and marked it as a place to return to when I could actually process a thought.
I did that last night.
Dinner at Tabaq was fantastic. I'd give it 4.25 stars if I could, but Yelp doesn't seem to like that much math. Can't blame it really, math sucks.
But anyway, yes, the food was very, very good. The meal included dolmas, the spinach cigar borek, lamb meatballs, and a turkish pastilla. Everything was spiced perfectly, and was rich while being not too greasy. My one issue with the place is that I prefer to not eat meat, and for one wanting to do that, there are virtually no options aside from a few spread and the dolmas. The service was polite, although a bit slow, and then venue is superb, with its rooftop 360 view of the surroundings. -
Review from Samantha B.
Annandale, VA
10/1/2011
I have walked by this place numerous times and always wanted to go in, but this time I actually did it, and I did not regret it. I went here for a happy hour and I got there around 6pm. The place was practically empty on the upper floor and the main floor. The bottom floor was empty--where the restroom is located.
They have pretty reasonably priced drinks during and not during happy hour. I would all of their house martinis are delicious. I would suggest their Mr. Storm Martini which is vodka and peach schnapps based. Like drinking candy. The happy hour food menu was limited but enough where you could pick something you liked.
I chose the hummus bruschetta. I felt like there was too much olive which made the bread soggy and too much hummus which also made the bread soggy. I scraped some off and it was somewhat better. There are also seafood options. Some of the small meat plates and small non-meat plates are the same price or less than some of the items on the happy hour menu, so if you are looking for a meal, ask to see the dinner menu.
The service was pretty decent and the bartender came over to our table to see if we wanted more drinks. I would like to go here when there are more people. The music was mostly hip hop but a good variety of it everything from wu-tang to lupe fiasco.The bottom floor reminds me of a dungeon in that it is dark, dank and a ghost town. Cool velvet stools and an ambiance that would lead to make out sessions and an area where two people or a small group of friends could have a good conversation. -
Review from Danny F.
9/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I can't say much about this place, because in fact all I ordered was a water. But... my company was enjoying all sorts of drinks. We had gone straight to the top for, of course, the view. We were semi-pressured into going downstairs where there would be more room, we assured the worker we'd make due.
But yeah, the view is pretty nice. -
Review from Mariam A.
Washington, DC
12/17/2011
I've visited Tabaq on several occasions for happy hour or birthdays and have never really had any problems until yesterday. I called a week in advance to arrange for a private happy hour but was told repeatedly that I didn't need to make any special reservations since their main floor had plenty of space. I had about 30-40 guests and it wasn't until 7:30 that I was told by the hostess that we had to move since they had a private party coming in at 8:00. She apologized profusely and I was understanding, since the roof top is still very nice. The busboy begins rushing us out in order to convert the space and knocks over my drink but I couldn't get him or the bartender to replace it.
After spending 30 minutes on the rooftop, my party and I are asked to leave again since they needed the tables for dinner reservations. I couldn't believe the level of disrespect my party and I experienced being asked to move and then out-right leave their restaurant. I understand that they had reservations to honor but it was really poor planning and sharing of information on their part when I already alerted them that I'd be bringing a large party in.
On our way out to another venue the private party on the main floor was very thin and the hosts tried to convince my group to join them, but we preferred to move on and not spend anymore of our money at Tabaq. -
Review from Ruth C.
6/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
The stairs to the rooftop terrace left me more breathless than the view did, but it's all relative. I still enjoyed it despite its averageness. Front part of the terrace was a good event space once the side tables were cleared out. It ain't a party until I get shooed off the bar. Red bull vodka was heavy on the RB, and the bartender was courteous enough to leave me the rest of the can. After a bottle of Avery brown ale, I drank two Fiores: vodka, champagne, and St Germain, way too easy to drink. One of the better blends of the first two in the area.
Nibbled from Julia's borani and stuffed dolma; the semi-thick chips were suitable for the spinach and yogurt dip, lightly salted. The pastirma-wrapped dates dominated the flavor of the goat cheese, but weren't bad at all. These tapas weren't mind-blowing, but I'd be down to try more of the menu after eyeballing our neighbors' plates.Listed in: R* haunts: liver failure…
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Review from beth f.
Washington, DC
6/23/2011
What a nice bartender. It can't have been easy for him, what with our auction going all harum-scarum in the fore and background. Cheerful and efficient. Strong drinks.
What a great night! Lovely space that wasn't as hot and stuffy as one would expect, being on the fourth floor with an entire ceiling of glass baking above oneself. Thanks for being a good sport, harried-looking waitress.
What a complete dick of a manager. Yes, I can see the congealing lamb meatballs that were never brought to my attention two hours after the fact. You're really going to interrogate me about why i don't want to pay for them? Really? Wrong. %100 WRONG.
Die. -
Review from Victoria G.
Alexandria, VA
1/11/2012
Great happy hour! The lamb kabobs are really good! Great spot to wind down at on a Friday night. Enjoyed the DJ and bartenders as well.
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Review from Jamie S.
Baltimore, MD
10/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Alright, alright. I suppose I have to review this place now because Yelp told me that this joint was waiting for my review. Really? How flattering.
So, first off, I came here Sunday to see Cassy on the rooftop. That's it. I would never leave Baltimore to go to DC just to go to a club unless there was a DJ there worth crawling out of Mobtown for. Cassy was that reason. Ok, onto the review of the actual space so I can feed the Yelp machine.
The space is easy to get to and I'm happy that it's on the Baltimore side of town. Parking is usually not bad but then again I don't mind walking a few block into the neighborhood back to the car. The drinks were not as expensive as I would expect DC to be. $7 for a Leffe was not unheard of. Thanks for no pat down at the door. The half-pint of Cuervo I brought in was much more in tuned with my booze budget.
The crowd was decent for a techno event. Sure there were a lot of people who couldn't care what was playing but there were enough of the usual suspects there to make a bangin' set stand out.
Sound system upstairs is not huge but it works for the space and the view is pretty cool too.
Staff was cool and laid back and people were there to have a good time.
I'd definitely come back here. They seem to have a really good DJ lineup there and I've been wanting to check this place out solely for that for a while now.
OK, is that good enough? Ya happy now, Yelp? -
Review from Sandra B.
Washington, DC
11/8/2011
I had no idea that there was a whole rooftop portion of this place that has amazing views of the city. A date invited me out to Tabaq, and I'd only been to the downstairs bar before that night. The food was great (you must try the pizza and beef kofte) and the DRINKS BY ERIC were to die for! Please ask Eric aka Bare Knuckle Bartendar for his "Secret Menu." You will not be disappointed, just be sure the read the back of the menu for some comic relief. The Caravaggio drink was delish. I will definitely be back to this place (even if I do have to walk the gazillion stairs to get up there)!
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Review from Michael F.
Washington, DC
6/7/2011
I don't think this could be the same restaurant some of the other reviews suggest. My experience could NOT have been more different. Service was extremely attentive and prompt from drink orders/refills to the killer monchego & ham omlette for $8.25 - all while sipping a $3 mimosa (they offer bottomless for $12 btw but I had work to get to later) atop a great rooftoop deck with a panoramic view of the city. Mele and Allison, couldn't have been nicer and the coffee/water guy (didn't catch his name was like the flash, there every time my glass got 1/2 full)
I have been three times with three different people and ALL of us were happy with the food, service and price. this is my go to spot for brunch. -
Review from Amy C.
7/5/2011
This review on the bar/lounge and not the food. I stepped in here on two separate occasions now and both times I stayed for less than 10 minutes. They play great music on both the first floor and rooftop bars, but the place is always empty. For a mostly empty spot, I would not mind staying for some drinks and conversation--except the music is too loud to carry conversations.
The bouncers are very nice and friendly. The lounge has a lot of potential, but it needs to decide if it wants to be a relaxing, chic bar OR a spot for dancing. -
Review from Farida B.
3/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
TABAQ is WAQ!!
I've avoided this place for a long time, because I could tell by the people who like it that it's way to bougie for me. Still, when I had to come for my friend's birthday party I looked forward to having Tabaq prove me wrong. Negative.
Rooftop views are nice, yes. Rooftop is incredibly crowded. Boo. Clientele are wack as ever - overdressed, obnoxious, drunk too early (at 10:30, really?), rude, too pretentious to dance etc. There was music but you could only hear it if you stood next to the DJ, otherwise it just felt like a lot of noise.
If you like to go out to an establishment and look outside the window, while feeling suffocated by the throngs of similar people doing the same thing, this might be your kinda place. If on the other hand, you enjoy music, friendly clientele and waitstaff, and a general good time .... you might want to visit any of U Street's many other establishments. -
Review from Pier L.
Manhattan, NY
11/7/2011
Tabaq Bistro has an amazing rooftop bar, with great views of the city, a fun tucked-away atmosphere and solid music selection. If you enjoy creative, perfectly made but unpretentious cocktails, the real highlight of this place is Eric, the bartender. He makes some mean drinks, and has a ton of fun doing it. He's one of those people who just seems to be doing what they love to do, and doing it really damn well.
The top floor is rocking on Friday's and Saturdays, but if you're into a slower, calm atmosphere Sunday nights are often quiet and relaxed. Nothing like good conversation and great drinks at a table by the window, looking out at the capital and the Washington Monument. -
Review from Nicole W.
Laurel, MD
7/20/2011
I must admit that I have a love/hate relationship with this place! The food at Tabaq is so tasty that you HAVE to come back again and again, even after logic, common sense, and sheer desire to try something new, should lead you elsewhere!
I first discovered Tabaq on a date with a new guy that I met. He took me to the open rooftop ( which is also glass enclosed in the winter) and begged me to try the Lamb Kashar. Me, always ready to eat ,and often, was somewhat hesitant because this establishment only offers small plates and I wasn't sure if the Lamb Kashar would be enough to curb my ravenous appetite. However, since it was the first date, I took his word for it and let's just say I couldn't stop thanking him! This was the tastiest lamb in a marina and cheese sauce that I had ever had. It reminded me of lasagna with a slightly different taste due to the lamb. I was definetly full after finishing it.
Moving on to the drinks.
Tabaq Bistro offers the best mojitos in the city hands down as far as I'm concerned. After having traveled to Cuba in my ancient college days, I think of myself as a pretty good judge of mojito! The regular mojitos and the flavored mojitos gave me flashbacks of late nights and early mornings on the island singing " One Guantanamera".
After we ate I discovered that this place has four levels! I asked the manager for a tour and discovered that basement level had a very loungy vibe with its own private bar and velvet coushions to sit on. I knew instantly this would be the place where I would have my birthday dinner. So,on my birthday I invited all of my friends to eat at this wonderful little place and then I brought a DJ and rented out the entire basement for my own litlte private birthday bash after dinner! My friends and I had such a good time that literally FIVE OF THEM had their birthday dinners/parties there.
Please Note: After trying the seafood risotto you will officially be addicted to TABAQ BISTRO for life!! -
Review from K F.
Washington, DC
6/24/2011
We came in last night for a couple drinks. it was our first time and we sat upstairs at the rooftop bar. Great evening and loved that you can see the city skyline through all the glass. cool atmosphere. trendy and comfortable.
It wasn't busy so we had a chance to talk with the bartender, Eric, who was wonderful! After a bit of talk of flavors we like/don't like he created this sweet and spicy martini garnished with a lychee. It. Was. Amazing. Eric called it the "Chalat". I think it should be added to the bar menu, seriously.
The playlist was awesome as well; good mix of soul and new funk. All in all it was a very nice evening.
I haven't had dinner there yet but will return for a meal. -
Review from Raquel C.
Silver Spring, MD
12/15/2011
Came here for a party and the drinks were definitely on point! Great spot!
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Review from Justin L.
Brooklyn, NY
5/8/2011
The
Rooftop
Bar is great
For events. The
Meats and sweets were delicious. Bar so so. -
Review from Kristin M.
Washington, DC
7/9/2011 7 photos
Aaaa Tabaq! If only I could like you as much as your location and plentiful vegetarian options make me want to like you!
2 stars for a pleasant enough atmosphere and pretty good service.
0 stars for the food.
I've been here a few times because there's a lot of vegetarian options and I have a lot of vegetarian friends (not sure how that happened). But I think I'm finally ready to throw in the towel and just make them go to Bistro La Bonne next door, which has awesome food but only 1 vegetarian option (called "Vegetarian of the Day"...yummy!).
The Food:
I don't think I've ever had a dish here that's better than passable, and on this last visit, most items didn't even reach that standard. The stuffed grape leaves were probably the best thing we had (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), but that's like beating a bunch of one-legged dogs in dodgeball. Nobody wanted more than a bite of the chilled avocado and pepper soup, though the idea sounded great (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). And the stuffed dates were left to us non-vegetarians since they're wrapped in meat, which was unfortunate because they looked unappealing and tasted about how they looked (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). I actually enjoyed the spinach cigars, but I can't credit the chef because they were largely cheese, and I like cheese.We figured we couldn't go wrong with a bowl of "exotic mushrooms," but that was a misjudgment. They weren't fresh and had, as one friend noted, the consistency of rubbery chicken (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). Our hopes were also dashed with the thin crust sicilian pizza, which had a larger-than-average pool of grease in the middle and clumpy cheese that came off the crust with each bite (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). My husband realized that it reminded him of a particular frozen pizza he used to make in his college years.
I had ordered a caipirinha ($8) to start the meal after asking the waitress if it was any good. It wasn't. It tasted like a bad mojito, instead of an amazing mojito. This may be the first time in my life I've left an alcoholic beverage almost untouched. The waitress didn't seem to notice.
The Rooftop (http://www.yelp.com/bi...):
The rooftop area is enclosed, which can be nice on those muggy evenings, but disappointing on the pleasant ones. The view is nice, but you can't really see it sitting down. Of note is that you can't get happy hour specials up here, only downstairs in the Red Room. I generally think it's worth it to skip the billion steps to the roof (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) and take advantage of the happy hour deals, which are pretty good and exist even on Fridays and Saturdays.Listed in: Size DOES Matter, Sharing is Caring
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Review from Sasha C.
Arlington, VA
11/11/2010
Okay SO,
I consider myself to be a very picky goer outer... Because I am. Went on a Saturday. And this place, is solid (Maybe it was the fact that it was like a club at the GLASS rooftop with perfect views of the city)! Out of the 2 times I've been out in U st, This is my FAVORITE place. What I really love about this place, is that it's a mixed crowd. When I go out, I like for the places I attend to be representative of the world (or at least America, which is almost the same thing).
I also love it's not necessarily dress-to-impress, but for the most part the crowd takes pride in their appearance. Now us ladies know that we put a lot of time and effort into our evening preparation; and the last thing we wanna see are some unkempt guys coming and "hollering" at us. So to all of you gentlemen, who like to reciprocate with your own grooming efforts, Kudos to you! :) and also to the bouncers who turn the broke-down ones away (I've seen it happen). One thing though. What's up with all the stairs???? I mean I know I was wasted, but DAMN, there were alot of stairs everywhere!!!! I almost ate it like 100 times. :P
They also had a shirtless bartender that was very easy on the eyes - I'll take a piece! The place gets packed by 11:30 so I'd advise all to get there early. The music is a little frantic and over mixed by the dj, but it never stopped me from dancing my ass off. It's such a diverse crowd too, punctured by the occasional circus act or b-boy that comes out to perform on the dance floor.
A stand-out that night was the all important...err....there is no way to be PC about this...gay drug dealer. Or as we liked to call him, Mr. Hashish Guy. He was a complex fellow who didn't like gay boys, but had a thing for the hot hetero boys we were with. He had quite possibly the most bizarre sales pitch I've ever heard and gave it to anyone willing to listen. He also had no qualms about telling every man in our group how beautiful they were. Good times.
Great spot! -
Review from Steve S.
Alexandria, VA
5/14/2011
I've gone a few times for brunch on the rooftop. The food and service is average, but the view is great and when they open the windows it might be the most relaxing brunch you can have in DC.
Definitely a place you have to check out. -
Review from Marina H.
Washington, DC
Updated - 3/23/2011
Oh noes! What happened to my favorite place?!
1. Get rid of the dinner rolls ASAP... they are bad, and absolutely not authentic!!! Whoever had this bright idea to save money on the flat bread is craaaaiziie!
2. Train your waitresses!!! The waitress we had was completely incompetent: she had to take our wine order 3 times, because the restaurant was out of it.
a) stock up on the wines you list by the glass. You shouldn't be running out of that.
b) inform your wait staff what you are out of!
c) Explain to your waitress that pinot gris is NOT "sweet white wine" (c) ...
3. What happened to food? It was overcooked and flavorless...
I am sad to see this happening to Tabaq. I really used to love this place. All is left is the views from the roof top, but it won't last long, when the bad word gets out....1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/23/2010
It's been a week since I last visited Tabaq, and yet when it is dinner time, I still think about the… Read more »
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Review from Kathryn H.
Washington, DC
2/28/2011
View: Beautiful! 5
Food: Next time I go I'll just get a drink. 1 -
Review from Ava R.
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Unlimited mimosa during brunch is a good deal. The rooftop was kinda weird because there's really no view to speak of and you have to walk up what feels like 18 million or so stairs. My sister ordered a steak which was very well cooked and a huge portion. I had the oyster po' boy which was tasty but severly lacking in oyster and overdosing on bread. The salads and fries were good, not spectacular.
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Review from Britt Y.
Washington, DC
6/26/2011 23 Check-ins Here
On my usual Ust stroll I have never noticed this place until they had yelp drink week. this is where i found my new fav drink caipirinha; if made correctly this can be a nice and strong drink. While I was at the bar I noticed other patrons had breadsticks and dipping sauce. So I had to inquire. And of course they gave me some and it was a good addition too my drinks. I also had a chance to see the rooftop which is a nice view of the city. I will be back too try some food!!
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Review from Antoinette P.
Washington, DC
8/29/2011
This is by far my favorite place to go in the city on a summer evening. Not only are the views great, but the atmosphere brings your mind out of the city and to a place which can best be described as vacation! On the weekends, enjoy a great dj, cool crowd, and a great bar on the roof or stay downstairs for a more traditional restaurant experience. Delicious food with Turkish, Middle Eastern and even Italian influences will make you fall in love with their tapas selection. As a vegetarian, I always look for fresh eats and everything is truly fresh at Tabaq! Even the pita chips are homemade! Delishhh!!!
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Review from David B.
McLean, VA
3/8/2011
So basically the best thing going for this place is the view and it's not that great. If you've lived in DC for than 2 weeks, you'll know there are many places that have better views of the city.
The food was ok. Nothing great, but nothing memorable. Kinda like that random drunken makeout you had at a party in college.
There is definitely better Med. food to be gorge yourself on in DC which will hopefully inspire you to write a better review than this... -
Review from sam w.
Haymarket, VA
8/31/2011
I want to give this place 3 stars because it has so much potential. Just about everyday of the week, there's a different event going on here so you never know really what to expect. In my opinion its a good place to start the night. Maybe drinks and make sure you hit up the top floor. Nice scenery.
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Review from art f.
Annandale, VA
11/9/2010
Came by for a late brunch. Great view of DC - worth a stop right there. Good service. Hard not to like a $3 Bloody Mary.
Food - eggs Benedict Norwegian (with salmon) was fine, My oyster po boy had three fried oysters. That does not a po boy make. Not enough crunch - made me want to visit New Orleans. The accompanying salad greens were surprisingly good.
Anyway, this was a good stop on the Mid-City Artists open house tour. -
Review from Danielle P.
Washington, DC
2/17/2011
The view at this place is great! Without it, I would have to give Tabaq only two stars. I have been twice now, and each time the food is just so-so. The last time I went, the service was absolutely awful. We were probably sitting for 30 minutes before we even saw our server. After placing our order, it took quite awhile for our drinks to come.
On the plus side, I made a reservation and was seated no problem on a very busy Sunday morning (around 12pm). The staff is very nice and intimate space makes you feel very lucky to have a table. And let's not forget the $3 Mimosas!
I would say Tabaq is great to take out-of-towners who want a fun brunch experience without spending too much. However, T.B. will never be my fave spot in the district. -
Review from Laila L.
Washington, DC
10/31/2010
This review is only for brunch at Tabaq. You have to hike up 4 flights of stairs to get to brunch at Tabaq, but the sunny rooftop view of the city is gorgeous and welcoming when you arrive.
The service is so-so, and not quick by any means. It took a while for the waitress to take our order. I did notice, however, that there were 10 tables and only one waitress and one busser.
We ordered two iced coffees, the Serrano ham and manchengo cheese omelette with a side of white toast, and the Belgian waffle with Nutella and strawberries.
The iced coffee came with milk already added instead of cream or milk on the side. That was pretty weird. What if someone prefers it black? Or is lactose intolerant? Or vegan? Our food came up to the rooftop on a super-cool food elevator. You don't see those every day. The omelette was really, really, really good. I mean really good. They forgot the toast, though, and when the toast actually arrived, it was wheat instead of white. That, plus the fact that they charge $1.00 for a single piece of bread (rather than 2) had Alex pretty irked. There's nothing bad to say about a little dish of warm Nutella, so I had no complaints about my waffle. -
Review from Aisha S.
7/6/2010 3 photos
It was friend and fellow Yelper Alycia J's birthday this past Saturday, so we decided to have her birthday dinner on Tabaq's rooftop. It turned out to be the perfect setting with great views and she even saw a single firework in the distance. No one else witnessed this but it was her birthday so let's give her the benefit of the doubt.
Since Tabaq has a tapas-style menu that's more on the pricey side, I was prepared for small rich people portions but was happy to see that they weren't so small and mine was actually very filling. I ordered the Salmon Shank and tried someone else's Tabaq Chicken. Both of these are main courses, but even the small plates like the Sauteed Baby Octopus were a decent size. I really liked the food and thought it was unique, which is nice for a change.
Our 15-person reservation was for 9 pm, but by the time everyone got there, ordered and finished eating it was almost 11 pm and waiters were carrying tables and chairs away to get ready for the late night crowd. It felt rushed towards the end as the waiter hovered around us and the music got too loud for anyone to be able to talk. We stayed just for dinner so my rating is based on that alone, but I think this is a great place to have a nice meal in a really nice atmosphere. -
Review from Jeremy Q.
Washington D.C., DC
12/10/2010
The food here is not good.
The drinks are pricey too, either that or arbitrary. On Wednesday of this week, I was charged $9.75 for a Heineken. REALLY? #wheretheydothatat?
Are Heinekens even 10 bucks in NYC clubs?
The floors are narrow, the regular crowd is interesting. A cross section of what's wrong with DC nightlife. A) 2520s and B) bammas treating it like the Park. FOHWTBS!
The upside, they support hiphop and soul events. I appreciate that outlet.
That's really the only redeeming quality of this place, so I wouldn't go here unless I had friends throwing something.
Oh yeah.. ...and you know how much I hate establishments where everyone's name is Olga. -
Review from Chantelle A.
Woodbridge, VA
11/18/2010
PROS:
Gorgeous views of dc. Extensive menu with something for everyone. Great cocktails. The food was as good as it sounded. We ordered the Lamb Kasar, Portobello Mushroom, Seafood Risotto, and of course, Calamari. The best dish (hands down!) was the lamb. Imagine this...perfectly stewed lamb cubes and potatoes seasoned to perfection topped with melted cheese...OH DAMN! The portobello mushroom stuffed with cheese and polenta was pretty yummy but, I wasnt impressed with the risotto. It was lukewarm....but somewhat good. The seafood that accompanied it was cooked to perfection. The calamari was okay...not the best or the worst I had...it was just....okay. It had a little bite to it and it came with fresh red bell peppers.
The service was pretty good..our waiter was new...but a sweetie! He was very attentive to our needs and very friendly.
CONS:
The commute to the top! I'm skinny....but obviously out of shape! I climbed 3 sets of staircases in 4 inch heels and I was out of breath. I was sweating and everything. I tried to pull myself together after climbing all of those stairs before anyone else saw me..but, I walked right into the bar area...looking real...disheveled. :(
Overall, I had a wonderful experienced and my date enjoyed his birthday dinner at Tabaq! -
Review from Candi W.
Alexandria, VA
9/7/2010
If you don't mind walking three flights or stairs to the roof top, it is worth it. The food there as mentioned is tapas style , they do have regular dishes as well. The bread and dip is pretty good and most of the food on the menu is good. Drink menu is great but the wait is a bit long at times and in the summer time it gets pretty hot. I would recommend going late summer or sit in the air conditioned room on the second level.
They also have a great brunch menu and happy hour with buy one get one free drinks.
