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  5. McLean

J. Gilbert’s – Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood - McLean

4.3
4.3
7350 Reviews
$31 to $50
Steak
J. Gilbert's is an "upscale casual" steakhouse serving prime-aged beef cooked over a mesquite wood-fired grill. Guests enjoy various cuts of steak, fresh seafood (including award-winning crab cakes) & other house made favorites like the Maytag Bleu potato chips & Carrot Cake. The cozy atmosphere includes fire side dining, rich wood, brick & soft lighting where you can enjoy a quiet table or host a large party. The extensive martini & wine list offers the perfect compliment to an excellent meal delivered with attentive service. J. Gilbert's is open for weekend lunch, dinner 7 days a week & Sunday Brunch. Reservations are recommended.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 71 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Steak, Seafood, American

  • Hours of Operation

    Brunch Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (703) 893-1034

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Business Casual

  • Catering

    Please call for details.

  • Private party facilities

    J.Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood is the perfect setting for your banquet, wedding rehearsal dinner, graduation party, birthday celebration, business meeting or any other special occasion that demands an excellent meal and elegant setting.

  • Private party contact

    Dorna Palani: (703) 893-1034

  • Neighbourhood

    McLean

  • Cross Street

    Route 123

  • Parking Details

    Valet

  • Entertainment

    Happy hour: Sunday - Friday, 4pm - 7pm bar only.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 7,350 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

  1. GoodValueMeal

    Jacksonville

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food3service3ambience3
    Good value in the price fix menu. Good choices. Service was good. Unfortunately my fillet was pretty far under on cooking.

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  2. DaphneB

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    The service was amazing. The waitstaff was attentive. Peter was the best. He was upbeat and attentive.

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  3. Dave

    Detroit

    10 reviews

    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall2food3service3ambience3
    Front desk said they had Copper River Salmon when I called. When we arrived at restaurant, one hour later, they were out. Front desk should have checked with chef. That was only reason we were going there.

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  4. SeanW

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    Been coming to J Gilberts for 15 years and its becoming more frustrating to come back. So hard to find restaurants with great quality food, but they are trying to pack too many people in and its making for an uncomfortable experience. I was sitting at either table 81 or 86 (can't remember now which it was), but it was at the end of row in back against the wall. There was a table about 3 feet behind me and another table sat for like 8 very close as well. The servers kept coming around the corner and because it was so tightly packed they kept bumping into my chair. The server had to almost lean over the top of us at times to speak because it was so jam packed. The food was good as usual and the server was courteous and doing his best. I'll keep coming back because overall I enjoy the restaurant, but I'd rather pay a bit more than be jam packed in like a sardine and feel like I have no privacy at my table or continually being bumped into. I hope management fixes this soon or I may have to find a new favorite restaurant.

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  5. foodforfun

    Washington DC

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our server Joan went out of her way to make this an exceptional dining experience. Excellent food, great wines by the glass and an inviting atmosphere. Highly recommend!

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  6. CeceliaS

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Steak was sooo good. Appreciated that our server checked that it was cooked properly and it was. The vegetable portions were surprisingly small. Our server was outstanding.

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  7. BrendenL

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food, drinks, and dessert were fantastic for the price. Waiting staff were well versed in dining etiquette which was a huge plus for the experience. Would definitely recommend for special occasions.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Steak was overcooked.

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  9. Pokey

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Usually food is good. Way too much dressing on salad, salty and chicken tough. Have raised prices and no bread offered.

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  10. KennethT

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The food was amazing the ambiance was amazing. The service was good but NOT amazing. Service had to be reminded about the side order as it had not yet come out when the rest of the food came out, a request for lemons was extremely delayed and it appeared I was rushed to pay for the check and for him to take the signed receipt as if we weren’t going to pay or tip him, not realizing my base tip is 20% and move up from there because I understand the importance.

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  11. peanutbutter

    Washington DC

    39 reviews

    4.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    The evening was enjoyable.. our serve r was accommodating. Everyone enjoyed their choices.

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  12. Epicurious

    Washington DC

    58 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    The first waiter told us he had never worked in the restaurant business and it showed; the way he opened our bottle of wine, he didn't know the special discounts and I had to correct him. Another waiter brought our main course while the first course plates were still on the table; when I commented on this, she said we could remove them!!! We were surprised as these were not professional waiters, we had to train them and in addition, give them a tip? We did but we were not pleased with our experience this time. We've been to JGilbert's numerous times and were disapointed. The third waiter was better.

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  13. Dick

    Washington DC

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was excellent with great service. There is nowhere that has better food.

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  14. Dave

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience3
    For $50 PER PERSON for brunch, if I order a coffee (which is included), I would also like the cream and sugar to come with it (I’ll make it, obviously, just bring me the materials). Also, for the tip associated with a check here, I shouldn’t have to ask 2-3 times for a cup of coffee. Same with having to flag someone down for refills. Same with ordering our drinks in the first place, actually. JGilbert’s wants to charge fine-dining price but can’t deliver on the service. Food was very good, so if you go, just don’t expect anything by way of service with a smile (I would have settled just for the service itself). I’m ok if the wait staff isn’t great somewhere but not in a situation like JGilberts, that needs to be better.

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  15. JulissaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really great food all was delicious steak and seafood. Great place to have a nice dinner.

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  16. HericcK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience! Peter was the best waiter imaginable, he was funny and was very attentive and was well versed with the menu and quality of the food.

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  17. Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I go at least once per month. The food is excellent, and it scratches an itch.

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  18. ChrisC

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great quiet evening with friends catching up. Service and food were excellent. Overall great evening.

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  19. DavidN

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Very nice restaurant! I would like to come back for an evening to get the "full experience"!

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  20. pkcinmclean

    Washington DC

    28 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    A great neighborhood spot for a casual gathering with friends and family, as well as a solid option for business functions. The restaurant has a vibrant bar scene.

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  21. cynthiak

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    took 15 minutes to get serviced for just water another 10 for our drinks apps took another 15 minutes entrees took 35 minutes 2 different meats where over cooked. sent one back and it took about 15 minutes server was new and broke a glass, we assisted in the cleanup but not assistance from his manager or team mates. as the customer, we can assist but where are his peers to chip in and help birthday for my husband and yet no ask on dessert to celebrate

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Perfect for brunch and catching up with the besties!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    12 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    We have gone to J. Gilbert’s many times and it is, usually, reliably good. Unfortunately, last night was a notable exception. When we arrived, the lobby was full of people, and when we checked in for our reservation, we were told that they were running 25 minutes behind schedule. Given the number of people in the lobby, even that seemed optimistic. So, we decided to grab an open table in the bar area. Unfortunately, the service was still very slow, and our steaks, once they finally arrived, were very over cooked. It seemed like our food had been sitting under the heat lamp for an extended period of time. I wanted to send our expensive meals back, but my husband advised against it as we had already waited so long for our food. In the end, we ate our mediocre, overcooked meal, for which we paid $250, and left very dissatisfied.

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  24. DrDerikJ

    Richmond

    54 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience3
    The food here was simply not good. Crab bisque was bland. Blue cheese chips were drowned in sauce making them soggy, which made no sense. My medium well burger was medium at best. We made a 7:15 reservation and still had to wait 45 minutes. Just ridiculous. The prices are to high for the food to be this bad. I couldn’t see myself returning here.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Cambridge

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Food and service are both mediocre. Nothing impressive except for the big price tag. We made an appointment for 6:15pm and waited for about 20 mins to be seated. (I don't understand why we made an appointment and still had to wait for so long) We ordered two appetizers and four entrees, and like the mixed seafood grill most. I ordered the scallops with risotto. The scallops were overcooked and chewy. My son's lamb chops were fine, the portion was big but too sweet to my liking. The two scallops and four shrimps in my daughter's mixed seafood grill were the best, juicy and tender. Lastly, my husband's steak was a big miss. He ordered medium rare and got a well-done. They agreed to replace it and we waited another 20-30 mins for it. The most disappointing part was no greetings (not even a "Happy Birthday") at all even though we marked in our reservation that the dinner was a birthday celebration. I am sorry to say this. But this restaurant is definitely not a place we want to visit again for any celebrations in the future.

    1 person found this helpful

  26. JohnF

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    The bartender chased me into the restaurant to make me pay him, rather than transfer my tab (which I asked 2 waiters in the bar area if that was ok). Was a first date, so it was an embarrassing scene. The waitress was fine...not the quality I remember.

    1 person found this helpful

  27. FrederickS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Hugo our waiter was outstanding! Top shelf, a real gentleman!

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  28. Violachic

    Washington DC

    57 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The food and atmosphere at J. Gilbert's are lovely; you are wrapped in old-world elegance from the moment you enter. Our servers were all quite attentive. If we could have heard each other more easily, it would have been a stellar experience.

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  29. CarolP

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Your restaurant could be a bit better if you would provide some vegan alternatives. Please offer a veggie burger for those of us who don’t eat meat. Also your salad selections are lacking imagination as well as variety.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    30 minutes delay to be seated from reservation time. Waiting an hour and a half for food after ordering before deciding to leave. There were issues with the kitchen but management didn’t not inform or communicate of delays. Bad review due to lack of transparency and giving a false expectation that food would be out shortly.

    1 person found this helpful

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Ruined Mother’s Day Dinner. After 2 and 1/2 hour staying in the restaurant, we had to leave without food. Almost at 10PM, no food, still waiting!! No one in the restaurant cared about the customers. Worst experience ever had

    1 person found this helpful

  32. Michelle

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I’m not sure if it was because it was Mothers Day and they were swamped. We had absolutely the worst experience. We made reservations for 7:45pm. Arrive at 7:40pm to check in. Upon arrival we noticed the front door was crowded the same with the inside of the restaurant waiting area. Upon checking in we were told the reservations were running behind. No estimate was given on how long the wait would be. However 30 minutes later we were seated. After about 15 minutes the waiter showed up and said the kitchen was behind about 30 minutes. So he recommended that he take both the drink and food orders to avoid delay. We placed our order at 8:30pm. Drinks and salads were brought out fairly quickly. Around 9:30pm our food hadn’t arrived. Waited apologized for the delay and said it would be out shortly. Food was brought out at 10pm. The food was Luke warm and the asparagus was cold. Other meal had zero flavor, almost like they threw the meat on the grill and just served it. Overall the food was not good. We told the waiter at point it had been over 2 hours since we arrived and just wanted the check for the drinks so we could leave. The manager came by and apologized and acknowledged the kitchen was struggling today. Nonetheless we left the restaurant hungry close to 11pm. Very disappointed in this restaurant. Based on this experience I can’t recommend this restaurant.

    1 person found this helpful

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food4service3ambience3
    This place is a family favorite but they really missed the mark for Mother’s Day dinner. Despite reservations we waited an hour for a table and another 2 HOURS for our food. The kitchen was understaffed which left the waitstaff with nothing to serve. We will avoid this place on holidays in the future.

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  34. TimB

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall1food3service3ambience3
    Have eaten here for years. No longer. They seemed completely unprepared for Mothers Day. First off, late seating which has happened before. Then an hour for food. When it came out it had obviously been sitting as it wasn’t hot and the steaks were dry. Frontline staff was fine but nothing they could do. Kitchen seemed backed up. Wasn’t just us. Many people just sitting and sitting. Waiting forever. Not a good look.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    Reservation was scheduled for 7:15, but my family wasn’t seated until 8pm. The food course that my wife selected that ran out of the selections once we were seated. Our waiter wasn’t very attentive either.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Terrible - didn’t have a table for us for 1 hour. Then we sat in the bar and didn’t get food for 2 hours. No apologies no setting us expectations

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  37. ChristinaM

    Richmond

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We went on Mother's Day which is maybe not a fair day to judge a restaurant. Even with a reservation it took over 30 minutes to be seated, and 40 minutes to get entrees. Steaks were overcooked and my drink (Manhattan) was nothing special. But taking all the elements into account (including decent pricing, good salads, well prepared sides, nice wine, great desserts, pleasant service) everything was good enough that we will come back and give the restaurant a second chance on a less busy day.

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  38. MichaelW

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience4
    While J. Gilberts has been a favorite for a decade, out experience on Mother's Day was underwhelming. Arriving a few minutes early for a 5:30 reservation, we faced 45+ minute delay and were not seated until at least 6:15. We were told that this was due to late arrivals caused by a nearby accident, but the experience did not improve from there. The wait staff was generally flustered and rarely seen, angry and/or loud parties nearby spoiled the normally quiet experience, and the wait for our meals was at least an hour from seating. Miniscule portion sizes complemented a filet mignon that had a texture more like chuck. We did enjoy snacking on excellent French fries from the kids' meals (which were brought out after only 25 or so minutes) while we waited for our meals. This is not my usual experience, and I attribute it to staffing challenges and the busy holiday and clientele for whom J. Gilberts is not their usual dinner, but I was sorely disappointed.

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  39. SandraB

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was great—as always and our server, Joan, was fantastic!!

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  40. JoeH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    A McLean institution, the food and service always deliver. The only down side is that we had to wait 45 minutes even though we had a reservation.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

J. Gilbert’s – Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood - McLean offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (703) 893-1034.

J. Gilbert’s – Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood - McLean is rated 4.3 stars by 7350 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 71 times today
Google Map for J. Gilbert’s – Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood - McLean

6930 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    Route 123

  • Neighbourhood

    McLean

  • Hours of Operation

    Brunch Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Steak, Seafood, American

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress Code

    Business Casual

  • Parking Details

    Valet

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Entertainment

    Happy hour: Sunday - Friday, 4pm - 7pm bar only.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (703) 893-1034

  • Catering

    Please call for details.

  • Private party facilities

    J.Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood is the perfect setting for your banquet, wedding rehearsal dinner, graduation party, birthday celebration, business meeting or any other special occasion that demands an excellent meal and elegant setting.

  • Private party contact

    Dorna Palani: (703) 893-1034

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