On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Jazz & Blues, Bars, Cajun/Creole
Neighborhood: U Street CorridorU St/African-Amer Civil |War Memorial/Cardozo (Green, Yellow)
Mon. 4:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Tue-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Sat. 4:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Loading...
I was excited to try out Utopia, and I'm glad I did... but it was nothing special. I was the first to arrive, so I sat at the bar and had a glass of wine, which tasted a little stale. It was drinkable, but for $8 I was a little annoyed. When the rest of the party arrived we were seated immediately, in a little nook by the window which was nice and cozy. The decor there was great. Most of the art was very cool, I liked the lighting and the exposed brick, and I really liked the way old books were shoved into the cracks in the walls. It was sort of an unexpected touch, but I think it works. Our waiter was very friendly and service was relatively quick.
The food was good, but nothing to write home about. I got the veggie burger, which I think was two patties cut into several pieces and put on a long sourdough bun. I liked it, but it was almost too reminiscent of a real hamburger. They make it look like real meat (though not especially burger-like, more processed than that), and I was eating it thinking "man this tastes like beef but I'm probably convincing myself of that because it LOOKS so beefy." But then David said the same thing, and I was weirded out. Anyway, it came with roasted potatoes which were very good, and a ranch-like aioli which was also good. The meal also came with a gravy boat full of marinara, which confused me. Why was it there? What was it intended for? I half-heartedly dipped things in it, but not because anything actually needed random tomato sauce. David's portobello pesto was very good, and verrrry heavy. The pesto was just a really thick white cream sauce. Our other friend had the couscous curry and he said it was great.
I'm sure I'll stop back in at some point, but I wasn't quite as impressed as I'd hoped to be. I think I'd have enjoyed it more if the music had started earlier. I do think it's great that this is a live jazz venue and will probably come back for that.
This is a dinner review. I went there on a Friday night and the feelings oh so right....ok I'll stop trying to make up song lyrics, but honestly it's hard to do when the jazz from the live band is making you sway as you're being led to your table. The atmosphere is really great here. Never too crowded before the 10pm hour and the dishes are basic, but good. Didn't have anything that I felt wasn't up to par.
If you get a chance to grab a table there just know that the seating area is on the opposite side of where the band is performing. So if you're there to see the Jazz musicians do their thing, just know that you should try to sit at the bar as you enter then. It can get crammed quickly because of the small space. Still worth a trip!
Meh.
Brunch took way too long; the mimosa was a belini (totally fine, but honesty in advertising is paramount) and yes, the art is good and conversation worthy, but not worth a meal.
One of my favorite jazz spots in town. Service is good and food/drinks are a good complement to the music.
I really want to like this place. The atmosphere is good, the staff is nice, but the food always seems to be a bit lack-luster. It's not bad - just not very memorable.
Nice place, good food, wonderful live jazz :)
Pros: Helpful and polite staff, Food isn't too expensive, ample seating.
Cons: Loud, very small bathrooms (2x Single Stalls), food was kinda bland.
Bottom line: Big portions, well priced, but rather tasteless.
Good place to go out, I actually give it 3.5 stars. It's not too expensive and the portions are good but don't expect to be wowed by the taste and originality of the cuisine. We went on Friday night and it was packed but they were still able to seat us fairly quick.
Food: Linguine w/ Italian Sausage - There was lot of it and it was well priced but it almost seemed like the sausage was out of a package and not created. It was rather bland.
Salad: It was slightly better than a salad you'd get at a Ruby Tuesday's, or TGIF.
Some type of appetizer with Shrimp and broth - It was meh...
While I enjoyed the decor and overall atmosphere at Utopia, I was very disappointed with the food. I had the mahi mahi which was pretty bland and served with undercooked vegetables which had no flavor. My boyfriend ordered the angel hair which was topped with yummy buttery shrimp. However the pasta was very overcooked to the point that the dish was just mushy.
The prices are good for the area (entrees under $20) but it's not worth it to eat low quality food just to save a few bucks. I won't be coming back.
It pains me to write this, because I really like the vibe and atmosphere at Utopia. But I just had a really awful server/kitchen experience there that has left the proverbial bad taste in my mouth. To paraphrase:
-my future mother-in-law, who is a vegetarian, ordered one of the two non-meat dishes on the menu, something with portobello mushrooms. 25 minutes later, as the rest of the table's food was arriving, only then did our server (who was not very attentive) come out to tell her that they were out of mushrooms. Stuff happens, kitchens run out of ingredients, but it's COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE not to inform the customer of this until almost a half-hour later when everyone else's food has been cooked and served. I don't know if the blame lies with the server or the kitchen, but it doesn't matter...its HORRIBLE customer service to delay notifying your guest until that point.
And that's all I have to say about Utopia. It's not hard to give good customer service. This restaurant fell flat on it's face over what could have been a very simple solution. I will not be returning as a result.
The food, the taste and quality and most importantly the QUANTITY, was the hilight of my first visit… Read more »
Love it! Great spot for live music.
We walked into Utopia around 11pm on a Saturday after seeing a few of their musicians playing outside. LUCKY US- we spotted a 2 top table right away and were able to sit for several hours while enjoying drinks and some great free jazz. The tables were squished together pretty tight but because we weren't there for the food, this didn't bother us at all. The service was pretty average and border line crappy. If I'm not mistaken, our server was drinking 2 drinks for our every one if you get my drift....he was a good time.
I dropped by last night for a birthday celebration. In my opinion, Utopia has the best jazz in the area. MUCH better than Twins or any other of the ones I've dropped by on U Street.I've been there before and threw some esoteric songs at them and they were able to play them perfectly. The food is pretty good, it just can take a bit of time to get your entree. The alcohol selection is decent, but $6 for a beer is a bit much for my tastes. I usually stop by there for coffee and something sweet while I listen to the great jazz they have. There's usually a good crowd there (that can tend to jam the area though) and I usually have a great time there. See you again soon, Utopia.
It seems I share the sentiments of quite a few people - Utopia isn't crazy wonderful but for some reason I still want to keep coming back. I went here for dinner last night and was at the bar on New Years for some early drinks. The ginger martini was really good, as was the brie appetizer my friend ordered. Once the jazz band finally got going, they were very charming and complimented the atmosphere nicely.
The ambiance is very U-Street but not at all annoying. Dingy walls are covered with great art pieces (something to stare if you're waiting for someone to arrive) and the music is probably from some dude's play list with the name "generic ethnic sounds" or "bohemian drumming". There are high ceilings that open up the space a bit, but the lighting is low enough that it is still cozy. The tables are pretty close together but it didn't really feel crowded to me.
Before we ordered, our server had to run down a pretty big list of stuff they were out of so I didn't get to try the portobello ravioli that I'd been thinking about since I saw it new years eve. I had the Mahi Mahi for dinner and my pseudo-man-companion-not-quite-sure-what-to-call-h im-but-it's-ok-he's-cute-person had the pork chops. He asked me how mine was and I replied......"ok". I asked him how his was and he said......"ok". That pretty much sums up to food. The fish was really dry, though the ratatouille it was served with had a nice spice to it. The pork chops should come with a veggie, not just potatoes. I had to donate some of my broccoli and I don't care how much I like somebody, I don't like sharing my baby trees(which by the way, were cooked perfectly - not mushy!). The menu here is very reasonably priced, which makes up for these little qualms.
The service both times was very good. I think our server last night was pretty swamped but had a calm face on and was very attentive. I think I'll keep trying with food and in the meantime enjoy the uniquely relaxed atmosphere that Utopia has to offer.
Full disclosure: Never eaten here.
This is a jazz venue review. Utopia hosts a jazz act called Collectors Edition (worst/best name ever) on Friday nights starting at 11. They're essentially an old school Davis/Coltrane cover band, and they take requests! The band is led by a charismatic trumpet player named D'Andre, and most nights his lady friend is watching him from the bar. (I hope I'm not getting him in trouble. If so, play on Dre!)
The music is hardly spellbinding, but the familiarity of the set list makes this act great for both the casual fan, and aficionado (cause you can show off/annoy your friends by placing all the songs).
The atmosphere of Utopia B&G is pretty amazing. It has a wonderful decor and is dimly lit which makes it great for an intimate gathering of friends or even a date. There are exposed brick walls and interesting paintings all over. On the wall behind the bar, they put books in the wall in the spaces between the bricks. It's pretty cool.
My gals and I sat at the bar and had drinks and appetizers - the mini crabcakes and pan fried brie. The crabcakes were alright though I've had better. The brie was delicious. It was served atop some sort of compote and was accompanied with some tasty bread. I was pleased.
The jazz band was being set up for most of the time we were here. By the time we mosied on over to Marvin, they had started playing. Oops. Perhaps we could have stayed longer to enjoy the music, but we were more into chatting so the music would have overpowered our conversation.
I could definitey see myself returning for lunch or dinner as their menu seemed to be priced well and the ambiance is just perfect.
I'd been really wanting to check out Utopia since living in DC last summer, so I capitalized on the opportunity to come for a quick dinner around 11:30P on Fri. It was packed and they could have easily turned away our group of five, but the hostess was lovely and squeezed us into a nook in main dining room.
They had run out of the Bordeaux we ordered, so the waitress presented us with a Rioja replacement that turned out to be quite satisfying. The food was good - nothing earth-shattering or innovative, but fresh, light, and tasty. The menu is pretty eclectic (Moroccan meets Cajun) and has some good veggie options. Also, the bread is fantastic! And moderately priced to boot.
The atmosphere stands out more than the food/wine. The space is adorable and the ambience peaceful. Jazz was playing in the front/bar room and large bright paintings hang all over the walls lit by candles and dim lighting. Very pleasant dining experience.
This is a place of neutrality. No extremes in any which way...
I've been here for brunch, dinner, and drinks, and I'd say my comments hold true for just about any day or time. The food is okay. Nothing special, but not really overpriced - so that's fine. The service can be anywhere from poor to fair - but never horrible, never great.
The main reasons I go back?
1. CHEAP mimosas and bloody mary's during brunch (that taste... you guessed it! fine!)
2. It's rarely crowded
3. Comfortable atmosphere
4. Occasionally decent jazz music at night
5. Location!
Best place to eat on U Street in my opinion. I've been twice so far. Both times my filet was tender and flavorful and my lady's pesto pasta made me very happy that she knows how to share. Great dinner option with a nice drink menu, prices were reasonable too. Definitely worth a visit.
I've only been to U Street a couple times, but I'm going to have to head up that way more often, as I've had a great time both times. Both times we went, this was where we went, because they have live jazz music every Friday and Saturday night starting at 11 PM... for no cover. The musicians were stellar each time we went too.
I can't speak to the food, as I've never tried it; however the drinks were great. They have a fairly extensive martini menu with prices ranging from 7 to 10 bucks, with most of them on the lower end of that spectrum. My personal favorite was called the "chocolate jazz" which was dark creme de cacao layered with white creme de cacao; the "ginger's vanilla" is also excellent.
Overall, the experience here was great. The only thing that kept it from getting that elusive 5th star was the subpar service (not awful, just not great), and the cramped quarters of the restaurant... it's like trying to watch jazz music in a hallway. But if you can get over those minor shortcomings, you'll have yourself a grand time at Utopia, at least on Friday and Saturday nights.
We took an out-of-town guest here Saturday night, and she was so impressed with the attractive high-ceilinged brick space, she insisted we take multiple photos.
I tried the portobello - pesto - spinach dish -- the thick green creamy sauce was terrific. Even better was the sundried tomato sauce on the portobello ravioli. The ravioli itself was kind of bland, but the sauce was so creamy and sumptuous that it didn't matter. When we finished the ravioli, we even started dipping bread in sauce, we just couldn't get enough of it.
Best to come here on the later side, after the jazz starts.
I'd much rather meet up with friends here for drinks than food. The drink menu is pretty extensive and while the food menu always looks enticing, I'm constantly underwhelmed. The food isn't bad, but it's not great either, and I'd rather pay a little less for something that tastes like it was frozen shortly before it hit my table.
The service is always fantastic and the bartenders are great at recommending drinks. I love the live music, although it can be extremely difficult to hold a conversation, so I'd advise against trying to get to know someone while the band is playing.
Excellent atmosphere. It is perfect for a friend gathering, or an intimate romantic dinner. The artwork is good, and the exposed brick wall adds to the ambiance somewhat of a Village Vanguard/Blues Alley feel. What I like the most is that at no day of the week you would hear mediocre music-it has always been excellent with many local musicians popping in for a jam. The food is prepared with heart in mind, and the wine selection is decent.
I take one star off because they do not serve draft beer, and the service is sometimes forgetful/slow.
An unassuming restaurant on a block of unassuming restaurants... if you were not headed inside, you'd probably pass it up for one with a more fanciful exterior. It would have been a mistake.
The bar area through which you enter is cramped and usually crowded over with people attempting to merge their way either to the bar itself or towards the exit. The flow of the crowd can get a bit cumbersome. The bar opens itself to a dimly lit restaurant with wood floors and soft jazz. Artwork adorning the walls and the crests of the room are from local artists and can be purchased if you happen to be carrying around wads of Benjamins.
The price of the food is comparable to most places on U Street, though one usually pays a little more for atmosphere. I had the portobello mushroom ravioli in a red pesto sauce and it was delicious. Freshly made, piping hot, and promptly served, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I only wish there was more of it.
This is a great place for a first date, but only if you go on a Friday night after Happy Hour or Sunday evening... expect the Saturday crowd to roll in around seven. This could be a nuisance if you and the lady (or the fella) are trying to find out more about one another.
This place rocked! (In a jazz sort of way!)
A large group of us came here on a Friday evening when all the other bars on U street were overcrowded. We immediately got a table here in the back for 10 people. As soon as we arrived, I was mesmerized by the live music from the front room. It was incredible jazz and these guys playing were really talented. I think they have live music practically every day here as well.
The one down part was our server was absolutely atrocious. She didn't show up with our orders a few times, charged us for a beer which they were out of, and totally messed up the compilation of the cash and credit cards at the end.
But, I really enjoyed the atmosphere. It was fun and relaxing and the music was great.
Meh, blah, totally lackluster. Ate dinner here on 05/01/09 with the boyfriend; the best things about the experience were the fresh, hot bread served before we got our food, the sweet waitress and the sparkling mineral water. I ordered the "special"-- grilled swordfish with two "jumbo" shrimp, mustard sauce, rice and veggies. Blah, reminded me of a really terrible meal I had at Miami International Airport last year. Or an above-average school cafeteria. Fish tasted like it had been frozen for about 6 months. The boyf ordered a garden salad-- totally boring, bag salad look to it-- and linguini with scallops. Also blah.
A problem with both of our meals-- especially noticeable with the linguini-- inconsistent temperatures across the different elements of each. My boyfriend's pasta seemed to have been prepared about half an hour before the sauce was made, so the pasta was just barely warm while the sauce was steaming hot. My fish was lukewarm, as were the veggies, while the rice was so hot i literally couldn't eat it until 5 minutes or so passed after I received the plate. Also, it took about 10 minutes longer than usual to receive our main courses, which was odd considering that the restaurant was nowhere near full.
I also thought my meal was waaaaaaaaay overpriced ($22) given what it was-- old, frozen fish with a couple of avg. sized shrimp on top, with $0.20 worth of rice and six or seven veggies.
So yeah, won't be visiting Utopia again for FOOD anytime soon. Been there before for drinks, and that was fine.
I love coming here for drinks or dinner.
The food is pretty decent for the price. And I found the drinks pretty tasty. But I loved the band they had playing, and the ones they have the other nights. I don't know too many places you can have dinner to a great jazz band, and not have to pay any kind of cover.
I think what makes Utopia so interesting is its ability to be a lot of things because of its setup. Are you looking for a night of jazz, food, and drinks? Then make sure to stay on the right side of the restaurant (where the bar is) and enjoy.
Do you want to just have a night of conversation among friends? Request to be seated on the left side, through the hallway. On that side the music is both physically and figuratively distant, allowing for it to create an ambiance without forcing you to shout.
Anyway, Utopia has been a favorite spot of mine for some time, and I keep appreciating the fact that I've gone. The martini menu, while not cheap, is fantastic. Try the side car (brandy and triple-sec) or the chocolate jazz (chocolate liqueurs and other great stuff). Other martinis are very popular and few have disappointed my friends and family.
I've only had appetizers or salads here, and I've been very happy with all of them. Nothing will blow you away, but it's very good. I would highly recommend making a night of U Street, and spending a good portion of your time here.
If I could use one word to describe Utopia it would be SOLID. Solid as in the food didn't blow me away, but there was just something about the ambiance and the comfort of everything (the food, the wine, the music, the decor) that I knew it would be a place I'll be coming back to.
I've been to Utopia twice. I had dinner here once and came once just for dessert and drinks. The dinner was not very memorable. I don't even remember what I had! The key lime cheesecake I had the second time was delicious. It had such a light texture and just the right amount of key lime flavor.
I've come here with some serious musicians, and they all swear that the jazz is great. I am no expert on jazz, but I had no complaints. I love the art on the walls and the diversity and warmth of the clientele. Should I stop gushing about the vibe? OK, I will, and let you try it for yourself!
Food: The food was moderately priced and came in generous portions. Most entrees priced at around $13-$15. The menu was a random amalgamation of American, Italian, Indian and Creole/Cajun dishes. It wasn't clear whether Utopia is trying to appeal to many audiences or just hasn't found its niche yet.
The Chef's Advice was delicious. The light sauce was a perfect compliment to the spicy sausage and peppers in the dish. My dining partners were very pleased with the couscous curry, which can be served with meat at your request. The carrot cake was fantastic (delicious icing and smooth cake), though very modestly portioned.
Service: Our waitress was chipper and attentive. Utopia refuses to split checks though.
Atmosphere: Funky and chill atmosphere. Loved the art on the brick walls. Good date place.
I went here on a Friday night and it was not too crowded.
I'll start with the food. I had the seafood bisque and it was great. The Pecan-crusted chicken was very good too though I wish it was more crunchy.
My friends had the mahi-mahi and they didn't like it. Not sure if it was overcooked but it was dry. Two of my friends had it and they were cooked the same.
I would have given this place 3-stars but I would take away 1 star because this place is VERY hot! I can't believe that they don't notice that. We had to go outside for a bit to feel cool.
The service is also a little disappointing. We had to call them everytime we need our water refilled. And we need the cold water because it was hot!
Ambience: Candle-lit bar and seating area. Romantic and intimate.
Cleanliness: There were water bugs in the bathroom which I guess you could say is better than roaches, but I worry about its proximity to the kitchen.
I made the decision to try Utopia when I was looking for a nice spot to take my boyfriend. The reviews spoke highly of the place and it looked reasonably priced. I wasn't there for any live music, but I did enjoy a quiet candle light dinner with my date. I ordered the linguini with spicy Italian sausage- the sausage wasn't so spicy but I loved the sweet pepper and onion combo. The portion size was good, but I felt like the food could have taste better. You could tell the potential was there, but it didn't quite follow through. My date ordered the portabello stuffed mushroom with pesto sauce- he liked it.
I would go back and try another dish, however if it came down to going back or trying another place, I would probably try something new. I guess it comes down to the execution. Nice setting for drinks though.
2.5 stars (After reading the other reviews, I felt like the place was a little overrated).
$1 for a Bloody Mary or Mimosa on Sundays...I'm there!
A great spot! And one of the few place with a SUNDAY HAPPY HOUR!!! $4 glasses of wine, $5-6 top shelf excluded cognac. Always smooth, serene, and sexy.
Utopia is like one of those friends that is usually pretty reliable but on occasion, slightly annoying. I usually find myself ending up at Utopia on a whim when some of the other U street bars & restaurants are packed to the brim. The decor is the best part of this place and I can see why other yelpers find it appealing for a date. They actually have real taper candles on the tables and the walls are exposed brick with interesting (for the most part) artwork.
It's reliable because you can almost always find a space there and not feel too claustrophobic. It's slightly annoying because at times the music is oppressively loud and the food quality can vary. Overall, the ambiance, live music, and candles pushed this into the 4 stars rating for me. Sometimes reliable friends are better than sparkling friends.
This is my happy place. No matter what is going on in the world, in my life I can come to Utopia and count on live jazz music every night of the week. The bartenders are skilled and have a healthy tendency to over pour.
The food is decent, but they should rethink their pricing as the quality and plating don't match the price point. The pecan-encrusted chicken is juicy and delicious. I highly recommend it.
But seriously, at 9pm every night, it transforms into my little slice of jazz heaven.
Utopia is a beautiful place. Rich, red walls, with real art on them. Live jazz (although it doesn't start till 10pm on Fridays - fyi).
Get there early, because it's crowded on weekends. It can also get pretty noisy - something to consider if you bring a date on a weekend evening.
I went here for Sunday brunch. I was quite impressed.
The eggs florentine I had was excellent and unbelievably priced--everything's under $10.
My family seemed to enjoy their meals as well. My mom was very happy with her French Toast stuffed with spiced apples and cream cheese.
You'll find mostly egg dishes for brunch. And French toast. Sorry, vegans. Yum. Eggs.
You can add a mimosa, champagne, or bloody mary to your meal for $1.25. A price even the most thrifty among us can love!
My favorite place in DC....great drinks, great food....
The best part is that Utopia has a gift for attracting the most chill, intelligent, friendly, worldly, and non-pretenious folk plus adds awesome jazz music and great artwork to the mix.
The seafood bisque is fantastic and the fried brie is quite tasty (i mean, come on, its fried cheese!).
I would have to say that the veggie burger left something to be desired...but finding a good veggie burger is tough anyway. The pasta's are greaat...as is Jamal's special....The food won't knock your socks off...but Utopia has the entire package that I have yet to see replicated anywhere else
Jamal, the owner, is the artist behind the works on the wall...and he'll even dance with you on the bar if the energy is right :)
Utopia is, yes, a great place for a date, and also a great place to go with friends, and I have been there many times by myself knowing that I'll end up talking to some people awesome people at the bar...
Five stars for Mark. 'mazing bartender, free drinks (for Cali transplants like him), I'd go back here a dozen times just to talk shit with him and the other cats at the bar.
Sports, bets, women, drinks and getting lit up.
Good times.
PS: still drunk.
The only reason this place doesn't get five stars is 1) small bar space and 2) it's a little loud
I love this bar. I come a lot and the music is good, though a little loud. You have to scream a bit for your companions to hear you. Don't go on a first date, you won't hear a thing your date is saying.
The prices are good for DC and the atmosphere is wonderful. The bar area is a little cramped. Don't expect to find a seat on a busy night. But there are plenty of tables for groups.
The bartenders are very friendly, as are the wait staff (though waiters are a little slow--but if you're nice to them they will be great for you). The martini menu is great and they have a lot of nice beers. The drinks are good and plenty strong, it's a great place to hang out with friends and start the night.
Always a good joint to pop in to.
A great place for a date.
A nice wine list.
Great live jazz oftentimes -- on weekends they make room for tables.
love the exposed brick walls
love the high ceiling
love the artwork
love that they stay open late. :)
Oh, and they have more than one bathroom.
Neighborhood: U Street Corridor
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: U Street Corridor
Category: Jazz & Blues
Neighborhood: U Street Corridor
Category: Italian
Neighborhood: U Street Corridor
Category: American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: Georgetown
Category: Restaurants
Places that will keep you sane--and social--around…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
I love it when I get good customer service. And…
grab some cash. use the metro. avoid chinatown.…
Recently-revitalized U Street, with its live jazz,…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
First things first, be unconventional! Taking…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
