Chef Geoff's Downtown - Permanently Closed

Name: Chef Geoff's Downtown - Permanently Closed
Address: 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20004
Telephone: (202) 464-4461
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 3.9

3.9

4094 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top tags:

When you visit Chef Geoff's in Washington D.C.., you will quickly find out why it was voted Diner's Choice by OpenTable in 2016. This is just one of six restaurants opened by namesake Chef Geoff since 2000. Whether you choose to dine in the bright and cheery dining room or the outdoor patio, the highly trained staff at Chef Geoff's will ensure you have the best dining experience possible. The extensive menu created at Chef Geoff's showcases unique dining options you won't find anywhere else. Appetizers such as spiced plantain chips, grilled asparagus bruschetta and crispy brussel sprouts will prepare your palette. Bacon and bleu cheese mussels, wild mushroom ravioli and madras curry chicken are just three of the choices on the entree menu. If something more classic is to your liking, stick with standards, such as steak, pizza, or a burger. No matter what you choose, disappointment is not an option.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Comfort Food, American
Hours of Operation
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 4:00pm Dinner: Monday-Sunday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm Saturday Brunch: 11:30am - 3:00pm Sunday Brunch: 10:30am - 3:00pm Bar open to midnight daily.
Phone number
(202) 464-4461
Website
http://www.chefgeoff.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Pay with OpenTable, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Private party facilities
Staging a star performance? Cast Chef Geoff's Downtown as your partner. Whether a small seated event or a large cocktail reception, we can accommodate groups of all sizes. Our two private dining rooms seat up to 48 and the entire restaurant can be reserved for as many as 300 guests. For more information please contact our Private Event Director, Amy Foster at party@chefgeoff.com, for more information.
Private party contact
Amy Foster: (202) 706-7326

Location
1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20004
Neighbourhood
Penn Quarter
Cross Street
on 13th between E and F streets
Parking Details
We have partnered with Parking Panda to allow guests to purchase guaranteed parking near Chef Geoff’s Downtown in advance. Go to www.parkingpanda.com and search for our restaurant. Enter time you plan to park. Once purchased, present your purchased confirmation at the selected location and this serves as your payment with no additional payments or fees. Parking availability can be limited, so it is strongly recommended that you purchase your parking for Chef Geoff’s Downtown in advance.<br />
Public Transit
Metro Center
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 4,094 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.9

3.9 based on all time ratings

4Food
3.9Service
3.7Ambience
1.4Value

Noise • Moderate

4,094 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on December 30, 2015
overall2food3service1ambience1
One of the last nights for Chef Geoffs and thank goodness. Thought I would visit an old favorite one last time, but what a terrible mistake. Service was awful (never received bread or refilled water, took forever to visit our table), they were out of a lot of things or didn't have certain things properly prepared (wines chilled, etc), and there was some loud argument between wait staff and some diners (just awkward). Had been an old standby. Now I'm glad it shut down. Won't visit other locations.
Is this helpful?
o
otberbur
Washington DC
334 reviews
vip
3.0
334 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2015
overall3food3service4ambience4
The soon-to-be shuttered (due to downtown redevelopment) Chef Geoff's had several things going for it: a central location, an attractive dining area, and the ability to serve people reasonably quickly for a business lunch or a pre-show meal. These were all in evidence at our recent lunch there. Great food has never been a hallmark of Chef Geoff's. And at lunch, the cooking was not bad -- my fish tacos were reasonably tasty, and the accompanying plantain chips were quite good. But the tacos had neither the flare or authenticity of something that would be served by a real tacqueria, nor did they have they creativity one would expect from a chef-driven establishment. They were good enough -- but priced fairly steeply per bite.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Poconos
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2015
overall1food1service1ambience1
We sat in the enclosed patio area, lacking any ambience. Otherwise, the food was great!
Is this helpful?
K
Kamva55
Washington DC
34 reviews
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience4
Love this place for a before-the-theatre meal. Consistently interesting menu with excellent service. New favorite cocktail - the Hibiscus Royale. My steak frites with arugula salad was delicious and my companion's short ribs were perfectly fall-apart tender. Portions were generous so we didn't have dessert but the coffee was a great end to the meal. We will be back.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2015
overall4food4service5ambience4
Very nice quiet dinner. We took our 11 year old and would recommend this restaurant to any family looking for an upscale but not too stuffy place for dinner. Food was perfectly prepared.
Is this helpful?
D
Diner
Pittsburgh
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
we had a large group and received amazing service and ---as always---very good food. Excellent for a business dinner.
Is this helpful?
r
review
Pittsburgh
5 reviews
1.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2015
overall1food1service4ambience2
I ordered a spinach salad and all they left behind was the cellophane. Nothing else to the salad - it was really substandard. No thought to food presentation. There were three of us and none of the food looked appetizing. Very disappointing. Best thing about the restaurant was our helpful waiter.
Is this helpful?
j
jaymebyers1971
Austin
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2015
overall3food4service2ambience5
First they accidentally cancelled my reservation - but the hostesses were very good about getting in touch with me and making me aware of what happened and fixing it. So great customer service on that end. Although for the most part the food was good I was disappointed with the Chicken Fajita soup. Basically all broth. Almost no chicken or tortilla's. Maybe I got the bottom of the pot. Also we were unable to get desert due to the very bad time management by the server. I also never got the handmade soda I ordered which is supposed to be a house specialty. The server took almost 15 minutes to greet us and made many mistakes. I have 20 years experience in the restaurant industry to include 10 years in management. I understand that new servers can make mistakes. I do not expect a restaurant at this level to be hiring inexperienced servers. The manager when he did his table touch did offer to rectify the soda and dessert situation however we needed to leave to make our show at the National Theater, so I declined. Overall not impressed with my first experience there but would be willing to give them a second try.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 26, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience4
This restaurant is ideally located across the street from the Warner Theater and around the corner from the National Theater. It is a great place to have lunch or dinner before or after a show. The food was good and considering the location the price was very moderate. I highly recommend it and will definitely go back.
Is this helpful?
F
Fawn
Baltimore
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 26, 2015
overall3food3service3ambience5
We went to Chef Geoff's before a show across the street at the Warner Theater. This was one of our first nights out since getting married. I noted it when I made our online reservation. The restaurant took note and brought us two free glasses of champagne! The food was good and unique, though very expensive for the small portions. Our waiter must have been overwhelmed because he only spoke to us once. The rest of the time, we needed to stop one of the other waiters if we needed something. He was always very helpful and happy to take care of us. I hope he got the tip! All in all: Great atmosphere, friendly staff, good location, but a bit too pricey for the food.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 24, 2015
overall3food3service2ambience2
Out of our party of 5 almost all the entrées were messed up. Meat cooked to wrong preference was the main issue. At the end our desserts were put on another table's check so that had to be corrected. I don't intend on going back.
Is this helpful?
LS
LuvSteak
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience4
Chef Geoff's is a great downtown restaurant. The food is consistently good and the menu offers something for everyone. They have good portion sizes. I had the calamari, broiled brussel sprouts (delicious!) and a house salad. Everything was fresh and . The service is consistently good whether it's busy or quiet. I hate to see it leave!!!!!
Is this helpful?
1
123abc
Washington DC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on December 23, 2015
overall2food2service2ambience2
It was ok. Place was packed. Food was a little pricey for the overall taste and ambiance of this place. First time visit. Decided to try it since we were going to the Warner theater across the street directly after lunch. Very convenient to the theater, so might be a good option if you have kids in tow for an afternoon show.
Is this helpful?
S
Starlady
Washington DC
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice. reservation was waiting for us. Nice round table for 7. Server was so nice and accommodating. Great to be around the corner from the theatre. Sorry that they are closing this location. Having lunch there put us in a festive mood for the theatre.
Is this helpful?
M
Maven
Washington DC
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2015
overall4food4service5ambience4
Very impressed with the Downtown Chef Geoff's. Chose it because we had tickets at the National for 7:30 they had a 5:45 reservation available. When they called to confirm early in the day they mentioned my comment on the reservation re: theater and assured me we would have no problem. We were actually 15 minutes late due to traffic. Was seated immediately. Server said he knew we were headed to the theater and would get orders in right away. Crab artichoke dip was excellent as was the pita and hummus. My Downtown Burger was cooked to perfection. Fries were ordinary but not a problem. My son said his scallop and shrimp dish was excellent as was my wife's salmon. Server was very attentive without making us feel rushed. We made curtain time with plenty to spare. Chef Geoff's will now be our go to when attending the National or Warner Theaters.
Is this helpful?
SB
SundayBrunch
Washington DC
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2015
overall4food4service3ambience4
We arrived early and were seated by a window looking out onto the Warner Theater which was all decorated for the holidays. We had the grilled artichoke for appetizer. I've never had that before and there really wasn't much to it. The dipping sauce did not add to the artichoke. Our server was very patient and attentive, but not too attentive. I had the black pepper pappardelle with veal which was incredibly delicious and my friend had the scallops on the bed of risotto which was also delicious (I had a taste of that as well). We cleaned our plates, which is good because we were on our way to a show at the national theater. Everything was perfectly timed, with no stress. I highly recommend this restaurant prior to the theater.
Is this helpful?
J
Jazzy
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2015
overall5food5service4ambience4
How they are accommodating to make sure those attending a show get served and out in time.
Is this helpful?
RJ
RonJ
Washington DC
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2015
overall4food5service3ambience4
Very noisy and service after we got our meal was disappointing. Food was great, however, and we will likely go back.
Is this helpful?
A
Awesome
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 20, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, amazing food! Loved the dessert and the crab cake burger!
Is this helpful?
NV
NorthernVA
Washington DC
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went to Chef Geoff's before a Nutcracker performance. What a great choice! The service was timely but not rushed and the food amazing. If only we didn't have to drive into D.C. to get there, we would be regulars!
Is this helpful?
C
Chapwife03
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2015
overall4food4service5ambience4
I took my husband to this restaurant for his birthday and we really enjoyed ourselves. The services was exceptional and the food was excellent. We had a great time and didn't break the budget. The atmosphere was calm and you really felt you were at home. In my opinion, this is a must try.
Is this helpful?
LS
LunchandShow
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 19, 2015
overall3food2service3ambience3
Went before to have lunch with family before seeing the Motown Musical show at National. Was convenient to the theatre. My burger was supposed to be medium well, so pink in the center. It was burnt on the outside and cooked maybe medium on the center was still dripping blood. The sweet potato fries were good though.
Is this helpful?
CD
CityDweller
Washington DC
25 reviews
vip
3.0
25 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2015
overall3food3service3ambience3
Very ordinary. Nothing exceptional about the food. If you like the other Chef Geoff restaurants do not expect a similar experience here.
Is this helpful?
S
Sally
Washington DC
71 reviews
vip
4.0
71 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience4
Met a friend here for dinner after a rough day at work. They have Angry Orchard hard cider (yay!), and I had a nice salad and some good pizza. I'd go back. The service was very good also.
Is this helpful?
j
jayjayf
Washington DC
33 reviews
3.0
33 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2015
overall3food4service3ambience3
Atmosphere was quiet upon arrival and vibrant and noisy when we departed. We had a nice corner booth so talking was easy. Many good choices on the menu. The calamari was well-cooked, spinach salad nicely dressed (although it did not contain the quinoa as mentioned on the menu). My friend said the curry chicken Madras was very good. Service was pretty good, although we did have to remind the waitress a couple times about things we had asked for. This is a good restaurant if one is going to the theaters nearby.
Is this helpful?
T
Teezy
New York Area
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience4
I must admit that every time I have eaten here, I've been under time constraints for a show either at the Warner Theatre or National Theatre. Yet every time I have chosen this place, it delivers. Although it is very busy, the service seems to be plenty ready for it. The staff know the menu and knows to ask if they don't know the wines by heart. Very friendly and used to giving you a good experience even in a hurry. The menu is well rounded with some classic selections with a twist and some unique seasonal items prepared in modern, clean fashion. There is definitely something for everyone. There are small plates, salads, blistering, yeasty, wood-fired pizzas, and some pasta selections(the pumpkin risotto with scallops was a recent star), all offering seafood, vegetarian and meat options. I have been here several times and have never been disappointed and have always been confident in recommending it to others. When I take friends I am also confident that there is enough variety that there is something for everyone. One of these days I will go when I can leisurely enjoy without having to dash out for a show.
Is this helpful?
M
Maxmaxnme
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience3
Very pleased with how we were greeted; felt like we were regulars when in fact it was our first time there! Easy to get to, CG website helped us find nearby parking and while not rushed we were served quickly to accommodate a 7:30 curtain call. Our waiter was attentive but not intrusive. Food was served hot and was flavorful; presentation was attractive. We will return.
Is this helpful?
OC
OccasionalCustomer
Washington DC
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience4
A nice combination of being both casual and a bit upscale. And very reasonably priced for the menu offerings and prime location. Always excellent food and lots of variety on the menu -- can always find multiple menu items that are consistently good, and the "Simply Grilled" menu is always a good choice. Bar-area tables are always lively. The bar area definitely can be noisy, but tables in the dining area are fine. Frequently see groups there. Really can't go wrong with this restaurant.
Is this helpful?
D
Deark
Washington DC
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I decided to eat here because it was around the corner from the National Theater and we were going to the Motown Musical. Our waiter was excellent, friendly. Our food was delicious, hot temperature, flavorful, cooked just right. The crab artichoke dip was so good as well as the beef short ribs. And the holiday bourbon pecan pie was delightful!
Is this helpful?
F
Fairfaxken
Washington DC
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience4
Everything ran smoothly - reservations were honored and service was efficient. There were 4 of us and we all enjoyed our meals!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2015
overall2food2service1ambience1
We had or kids with us and or appetizers and full meals came out together. Additionally we were sat at a table not a both with younger kids. We ordered dessert and it took longer to get than or appetizer and entree, over twenty minutes. We asked for our check and it took another twenty minutes.
Is this helpful?
SM
StephM
Washington DC
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2015
overall3food3service3ambience4
We chose Chef Geoff's because of it being located directly across from The Warner Theater and we had a show that evening. The service was really quick; we finished our dining within 1 hour (appetizers, entrees, desserts). They wanted to make sure we got to our show in time which I thought was very courteous. The food was pretty good; had the fish tacos and the flourless chocolate cake (which was actually amazing). Our server wasn't very personable but I don't know if that's because his goal was to get us to our show in time. Either way, will definitely visit when I go back to a show at the theatre!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2015
overall5food5service5ambience5
With a party of six, when not all arrive together, you anticipate having to wait until all arrive. Not the case last Saturday. First to arrive were seated promptly, and offered beverages while we waited. Menu and specials were explained and orders taken soon after all had arrived. The level of service was second to none - food delivered quickly, full attention to the little details (water glasses filled, no one had to request a second beverage) - the staff and especially the waiter always anticipated when someone might need something. The food was exceptional, and the service that made our gathering feel special. We were able to have an enjoyable meal at our own pace in the middle of the seasonal chaos. While I understand that this location is due to close, I hope Chef Geoff's can find another location in the downtown area soon. I would recommend this to anyone.
Is this helpful?
T
Traveler
Western NC
84 reviews
vip
4.0
84 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2015
overall4food5service4ambience2
Pork chop dinner was great! Thick, juicy, tender bone in chop served with some pink on a bed of mixed vegetables & spätzle. Limited, but decent wine by the glass list. Friendly, knowledgeable server. Restaurant was too noisy; too crowded with tables!! I plugged my ears to block out all the noise.
Is this helpful?
CG
ChefG
Washington DC
17 reviews
2.0
17 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2015
overall2food2service1ambience3
I can certainly understand why this restaurant closed. I was disappointed with the menu and service. The food was average and the service very poor. The staff did not seem motivated to serve the diners and I felt they had an attitude that they were doing the diners a favor. As a culinary professional, I expected more and anticipated more so no loss there!
Is this helpful?
B
Budd
St. Louis
103 reviews
vip
4.0
103 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience3
WE went her becaose it was convienent to Motown the Musical. We were seated very promptly and asked if we were going to the show. The waiter assured us that there would be no problem (there was no problem). I had scallops and they were delicious as was the wine that the waiter suggested. I am not mentioning what my wife had because it currently slipped my mind. We will return.
Is this helpful?
m
mamdcvamd
Washington DC
21 reviews
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2015
overall4food4service4ambience4
Chef Geoff's Downtown is my favorite stop before or after a show at the Warner. We had a late dinner after the Sunday evening performance of The Nutcracker with kids in tow. Service was quick and friendly even though things were clearly winding down for the night. Our waiter helped us deal with our picky eater and found her favorite things that could be cobbled together into a lovely meal. I had the excellent blackened strip steak and am still thinking about the fried potato wedges served on the side!
Is this helpful?
M
Mary
Washington DC
22 reviews
vip
2.0
22 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2015
overall2food3service3ambience2
We have dined at Chef Geoff's several times over the years and often leaving feeling frustrated. The food is consistently good but the front house atmosphere is always chaotic and seemingly unorganized. We were immediately seated but it took at least 15 minutes for our overwhelmed and overworked server to take our order. The food arrived quickly but we had no silverware to eat it with and no staff in sight to ask for it. Most tables around us had delays in getting their food and quickly became inappropriately rude to the server. The delay was obviously not her fault but she was the one who had to answer to the angry diners. Our cappuccinos arrived cold. Our server took the time to remake them. The whole experience took an hour and 45 minutes. WE have learned to cushion our time prior to showtime at one of the local theaters but Chef Geoff's is in close proximity to three theaters and must always have a busy per-theatre crowd yet there has been no obvious skill in managing this crowd over the years. In the restaurant's defense, many of the diners were simply beastly and demanding as it was clear they don't dine out often. Too bad really.
Is this helpful?
SS
SnapShot
Tucson
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2015
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great food! Great location! Perfect for a night out at Warner Theater after some dinner!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2015
overall3food3service4ambience3
The staff sat us in the wine room for our special occasion, which was wonderful. As the tables filled, it began to get louder it was more difficult to have a conversation less than 12 inches away.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Chef Geoff's Downtown - Permanently Closed offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 464-4461.

Chef Geoff's Downtown - Permanently Closed is rated 3.9 stars by 4094 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Chef Geoff's Downtown - Permanently Closed

1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20004

Additional information

Cross Street
on 13th between E and F streets
Neighbourhood
Penn Quarter
Hours of Operation
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 4:00pm Dinner: Monday-Sunday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm Saturday Brunch: 11:30am - 3:00pm Sunday Brunch: 10:30am - 3:00pm Bar open to midnight daily.
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Comfort Food, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Parking Details
We have partnered with Parking Panda to allow guests to purchase guaranteed parking near Chef Geoff’s Downtown in advance. Go to www.parkingpanda.com and search for our restaurant. Enter time you plan to park. Once purchased, present your purchased confirmation at the selected location and this serves as your payment with no additional payments or fees. Parking availability can be limited, so it is strongly recommended that you purchase your parking for Chef Geoff’s Downtown in advance.<br />
Public Transit
Metro Center
Payment Options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Pay with OpenTable, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.chefgeoff.com/
Phone number
(202) 464-4461
Private party facilities
Staging a star performance? Cast Chef Geoff's Downtown as your partner. Whether a small seated event or a large cocktail reception, we can accommodate groups of all sizes. Our two private dining rooms seat up to 48 and the entire restaurant can be reserved for as many as 300 guests. For more information please contact our Private Event Director, Amy Foster at party@chefgeoff.com, for more information.
Private party contact
Amy Foster: (202) 706-7326

Chef Geoff's Downtown - Permanently Closed

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

What 4,094 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Chef Geoff's Downtown - Permanently Closed offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Chef Geoff's Downtown - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information