Birch & Barley, Washington, District of Columbia Restaurant Details

Food:

Have been there for three times now, and it has always been a very pleasant experience.
I usually reserve the table through opentable and never had a problem when I get there to get it.
The service was always great -- pleasant, friendly, and they explain everything asked about the menu.
The food was always delicious. From the traditional burger, to the Mahi Mahi.
Look forward to go back

Food:

We went for Sunday bunch. Make a reservation if you can. The wait can get long if you don't have one.

The brunch servings are huge. Most people take home little boxes because it's definitely too much food in one sitting. The fried chicken and waffles was drenched in syrup. The biscuits, pastries, donuts and flatbreads are all made in house.

Food:

Great beers, great food & great service.

Food:

Huge craft beer selection. I recommend the cocamolé beer.

Liquor selection is bit great fyi.

Appetizers are awesome

Service is awesome.

Food:

It's rare for any restaurant to offer their entire regular menu for Restaurant Week. With Birch and Barley being one of the few, I knew I had to jump on the opportunity.

My husband and I frequently walk by this restaurant and who knew how gorgeous and spacious it was! We were wowed by the glowing candle lightbulb hung throughout the side and ceiling. We were seated in the last of the 3 main dining rooms where we were able to witness the chefs's culinary talent first hand. Before we were even given the menu, one of hosts personally brought us complimentary glasses of champaign and toasted us on our anniversary celebration! What a nice gesture!

To start - Each table received a complimentary aranchini to start. Lucky we were only given one each or I would spend my whole meal just devouring these. They were just perfect - crispy, piping hot, cheesy, and gooey all on the same bite. Why aren't these on the menu?! As for or appetizer course, I went with crudo of cabio and my husband went with pork cheek. My crudo was exactly what I wanted - a light white fish as my fresh start. My husband wasn't too crazy about his pork cheek however - he was surprised by the sour/pickled broth. Nevertheless, the pork was well made and had no problem being cleared (by me!) off his plate!

Main - my husband went with ricotta cavatalli and I went with pan seared cod. Let me tell u - My husband is a fast eater but he needed double of my time to finish his pasta this time around - his entree was ginormous! And of course, being how amazingly yummy it was (crispy pork belly + perfectly made pasta folded in creamy white sauce), he just couldn't stop and had to gorge on the very last bite. Looking at all tables around us, I kind of regret not getting their signature duck, especially after not being particularly wowed by my cod. It did reminded me of restaurant week quality - the fish was a bit cold and every component just felt like cafeteria style dropped onto the plate. Each component (beet, toasted polenta, carrots) tasted great on its own but didn't make too much sense when combined as a whole. A good but not great choice - def would get the duck if I had the choice again.

Desserts - it was National Pie Day! So my husband opted for their orange meringue pie (one of us had to get it!) and I opted for their cookies and confections. In addition, to help celebrate our anniversary, we were graciously given a complimentary sorbet platter by the staff - could they be any nicer? The sorbets were beyond refreshing, my cookies and confections (I told myself I would just choose two and pack the rest home - who was I kidding? Personal favorites - caramel popcorn ice cream and oatmeal cookie), the beautiful deconstructed meringue pie - one word, scrumptious.

Birch and Barley - a definite must in the city. And who can forget their amazing house made complimentary bread basket? Buttery mini brioche, flakey biscuits, and pretzel roll - all made to order. Im still dreaming of those! Can't wait to return for their brunch and ever changing daily dinner menu!