Cheesetique - Shirlington

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1. RF

   RickF

   Washington DC

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on May 19, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   My friend and I had a great dining experience here. We made a reservation via Open Table. Food was excellent, as was service. It did get a bit noisy inside, where we were, but not constantly. They have a good selection of robes, including by the glass.
   

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on May 14, 2023

   overall2food2service1ambience2

   Cheese fondue was horrible and runny, more raw wine in it than the bottle we ordered. Service was terrible, no utensils given, no small plates, had to beg for more water and some of the drinks we ordered. Most of the other food was bland, the lasagna and gnocchi was the saving grace.
   

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3. M

   Mantislee

   Washington DC

   4 reviews

   2.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on May 14, 2023

   overall2food3service1ambience3

   Service was incredibly slow and we had 2 waiters (looks like 1 was new). Asked what we wanted for apps...didn't take drink orders. Finally got the trainee back to serve us and she asked if we had ordered entrees yet (which should be part of the handoff) to which we responded no. She started to walk away but we pulled her back over for drink orders that still hadn't been made. She eventually came back and we had to ask her to take entree orders. Very limited check-ins to see if we needed anything. Asked for mustard during the entree order and after it came....never arrived. Cheesesteak definitely not the best I've ever heard. Interesting, with very funky cheese. Which can be a good thing, but a bit overpowering in a cheesesteak. Also extremely greasy (Bottom of side covered and dripping). We ordered dessert and asked for the check. Found on a price fixe menu that they only had 2 of the 4 fixed deserts. No cheesecake or keylime cheese cake. Just a mouse or a chocolate chip cookie...Honestly wouldn't have booked the reservation at the fixe price offered for a cookie... Finally finished with a pretty pricey bill for 5 people for what the meal was, but seemed to check out between what was ordered and charged. The waiter brought and returned for the check the quickest I saw the whole night...without the cookies. Waited 10-15mins to bring over cookies, continued to wait, and ended up standing up at the table for another 5 mins to get the waiters' (either of them) attention. All in all mid cheese experience...the board was decent, but not over the moon...services left A LOT to be desired. The cheesesteak while unique needed a milder cheese funk. Not worth the price and travel for me.
   

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4. JL

   JakeL

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 14, 2023

   overall1food3service1ambience1

   The Mother's Day brunch food was pretty good but the service was really bad. There seemed to be 5 bartenders but no table staff. Items came out from the prix fixe seemingly at random and our order was forgotten multiple times.
   

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5. MA

   MeganA

   Washington DC

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on May 14, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Went here for Mother's Day. Great options. Super picky kids enjoyed it too.
   

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Washington DC

   7 reviews

   2.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on May 14, 2023

   overall2food3service1ambience2

   Worst service we’ve had in several years at any restaurant. While we went on Mother’s Day at 11am for brunch, the restaurant was only about 35% full of patrons. It appeared more than fully staffed for the day, but a lot of just standing around. Our waitress had very little knowledge of the menu, seemed disinterested in our group, and took an eternity to bring out our order. Food was average for this price point. She forgot one of our entrees. Will not be coming back here.
   

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7. R

   Roman

   Washington DC

   32 reviews

   5.0

   32 reviews

   Dined on May 7, 2023

   overall5food4service4ambience4

   Overall, we had a good lunch. My only complaint is that the server didn't bring two things that people in our party had ordered: avocado to accompany a sandwich and soup in addition to a salad. Both were delivered promptly when requested again.
   

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8. JF

   JaniceF

   Cleveland

   31 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   31 reviews

   Dined on May 6, 2023

   overall4food4service5ambience5

   This restaurant is in a beautiful location in bustling Shirlington! We sat outside and enjoyed the sunshine. Our first dish, the tater tot poutine, was rich and delicious. My blueberry pancakes, however, were served cold, and they had maybe ten blueberries in and on them. On the other hand, our server was great and could not have been nicer or more attentive.
   

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9. WX

   WXSFC

   Washington DC

   6 reviews

   3.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on April 24, 2023

   overall3food3service2ambience3

   Cheesetique has been one of our favorite restaurants for a long time, but this visit was a noticeable drop in service. The restaurant was not busy, but our food took a long time to come out, and we had to work to flag down the waiter he was not particularly attentive. I hope this is a hiccup and not a trend.
   

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10. AK

    AnnaK

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We came for the Cherry Blossom Festival menu and it was very good. The bloomy bliss grilled cheese went really well with the mixed greens on the side. The cocktails were fun. The ‘An Octopus Walks into. Bar’ tasted better than the ‘Maraschino Circus,’ but we had to remove the octopus after a while to finish it. Overall, we had a great time.
    

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11. K

    Kardington

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    I brought my 13-year-old son here because he couldn't believe there was a whole restaurant so dedicated to cheese. He loved it! We had cheese curds for an app and we both got the Sassy Goat grilled cheese sandwich. We loved the textures and flavors. The service was quick and attentive. Maybe not the most friendly or chatty, but we got everything we needed quickly. We had a reservation, but we probably would have been okay without one. We went on a Saturday night at 7:00. My only (minor) complaint is the table where we sat had these big cushy chairs that were actually kind of uncomfortable for sitting in while you ate. They looked cute, but you couldn't eat and lean back. And if both diners leaned back, then you were very far away from each other. We were fine, though.
    

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12. L

    Luv2dine

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5

    Everything from the wine recommendation and the food choices were amazing. The only thing I would say is that, although our waiter was extremely nice, she told us he would bring a napkin to fix the table that was wobbly, and he never brought that, and when he brought her food, she didn’t bring us any utensils, so we had to request it. Other than that everything was a great experience, and I would highly recommend this place. The Keylime bars are to die for and the braised short ribs are pretty good too.
    

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13. J

    Joanne

    Washington DC

    32 reviews

    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Service felt a bit rushed and dismissive until we were ready to leave. Food was ok. I got the pancakes and he got a grilled cheese. Dont think I'll come back for brunch but will be back for the cheese selection.
    

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14. KS

    KelseyS

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience5

    The food saved our experience overall. Server didn’t approach us after giving us water for over 20min. Had to ask front people where were to order given he did not come around to our table until after we had made a comment. If it was a busy night I would understand. But with this experience it should never had been that bad.
    

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15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fabulous experience. The food, service, and wines were great. Definitely will be back!
    

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16. RA

    RichardA

    Tampa

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    The place was crowded and our server seemed overwhelmed. We were greeted immediately but, asked for time to review the menu and didn’t see them again for 20 min. Food was good but, seemed pricey for what you received.
    

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17. D

    Doug

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3

    Fun brunch spot. Would go back for a regular lunch meal.
    

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18. JF

    JeanneF

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    It was crowded and the server could be hard to get at times. The usual consitent quality of the entrees is not as it once was. The special mac was bland and the formerly memorable lasagna was just OK. Not sure what has changed.
    

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19. SQ

    ShannonQ

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    One of my favorite places that I always love and recommend. My only disappointment was that the tomato soup I ordered to go didn't make it into the bag - and they have the BEST tomato soup. I almost cried when I got home - that is how good it is. Definitely check out - but always check your to-go bags!
    

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20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went fir the raclette and it was excellent!
    

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience2

    Pretty shocking how bad the entrees were. We left without eating the entree… first time we’ve ever done that before. The broccolini was actually inedible, couldn’t eat it if you tried it was so badly overcooked. But the service was terrible, all around bad will never go back.
    

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22. AK

    AmyK

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience5

    Food is great, and it’s a really nice space. What let it down today was the service. In our party of three, one meal arrived 10 minutes before the others, one arrived incorrectly and had to be sent back, and we had to ask where the additional side dish was. The drinks service was fast, so the bar was working well!
    

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23. A

    Anonymous

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 7, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    Waiter was a bit aloof, bur kind. Seating was not very comfortable. Food and wine flights were good.
    

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24. MS

    MikeS

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    My grilled cheese with Asian pear and prosciutto was the best grilled cheese I have ever had--second place isn't even close. Service was prompt and courteous. My wife and I enjoyed our dinners and won't hesitate to go back the next time we are at Shirlington.
    

    Cheesetique - ShirlingtonResponded on February 6, 2023Hi, Mike. THRILLED to hear how much you enjoyed our Brie & Pearsciutto sandwich. It is definitely a favorite! I will pass along your feedback to our team - much appreciated!
    

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25. A

    Adido

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Went for an early brunch with a friend - service was great, food was delicious and atmosphere was cozy! Get the Mac and Cheesetique!
    

    Cheesetique - ShirlingtonResponded on February 6, 2023So glad you enjoyed brunch with us! And also happy to hear you enjoyed our signature Mac 'n Cheesetique. We hope to see you again soon!
    

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26. J

    Jack

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall2food4service2ambience3

    Service was slow. We waited over an hour for our food. When it did arrive, some main entrees were still not close to being ready.
    

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience2

    We waited nearly 20 min to place our order. We were here for restaurant week with a fixed menu. After ordering our food we were told they were out of many of the items we ordered, including an entree and 2 desserts. We were not told the restaurant was out of anything before ordering our food. Overall we were rarely checked on and there was long periods of waiting. After our food came we had to ask the host for silver ware. The waiter promised us a discount because so many things we ordered were out, but in the end only took off a 9$ glass of wine.
    

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28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    We were not served for over an hour. Will not be back.
    

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29. S

    Sassafras

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience2

    Went on a weekday for RW. The place was less than half full. It took 20 min for my goat cheese salad, which was decent. Good size if light on the goat cheese, which was the size of a tablespoon. Server highly recommended the lasagna which came out right after the salad was placed on the table. Most of the lasagna was burnt black and so hard it was inedible. The server never mentioned the lasagna came with a side salad. If she had I would have tried the other RW appetizer. I asked for a small box for the salad and the server said they would bring one right away. I didn’t see any staff for a long time and other tables wanted boxes and their checks too. They were not short staffed either, but I was towards the front. 20 min later I get up and ask someone else for my dessert to go, a box, and my check. I realized I was there almost 90 min and I didn’t even eat dessert there! Ate the dessert at home. Chocolate mousse was delicious, but I was disappointed the portion was the size of an egg. I won’t be back when there are so many other better places next door.
    

    Cheesetique - ShirlingtonResponded on January 28, 2023Hi there. Thank you for your feedback, though I'm so sorry to hear about this poor experience. We will use your review to teach our team on what to do and what NOT to do. I'm surprised about the portion sizes, and will speak with the kitchen. This is definitely not the typical Cheesetique experience and I hope you will consider giving us another chance. I'll reach out to you directly as well. Thank you! Jill (owner, Cheesetique)
    

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30. O

    Olive

    Washington DC

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went for Restaurant Week special menu but couldn’t resist our favorite—cheesesteak with super fresh salad greens. We had a glass of the Barolo on their reserve wine list and it was so good that we bought 6bottles with the 10% discount diners get in their wine shop. Plus we got another 10% off as a quantity discount. Very enjoyable dinner all around. But the Restaurant Week menu looked very good!!
    

    Cheesetique - ShirlingtonResponded on January 28, 2023Yay Cheesesteak! And I'm thrilled that you loved the Barolo (it's one of my absolute favorites). Come back to see us soon!
    

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31. ET

    ErinT

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great wine, great food!
    

    Cheesetique - ShirlingtonResponded on January 28, 2023So glad you enjoyed! Thank you so much!
    

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32. MI

    MariaI

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Was all very good and I had the opportunity to get some great cheese
    

    Cheesetique - ShirlingtonResponded on January 28, 2023Thank you! So glad you enjoyed!
    

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33. n

    nickdevigns

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Came here for restaurant week, enjoyed the starter (warm goat cheese and arugula salad) entree (truffle gnocchi) and dessert (chocolate mousse) selection. Food was great, I would go for the Mac n cheese or grilled cheese or sandwiches next time, wine was great albeit a little too overpriced when seeing the actual prices for a bottle on Vivino. I expect a decent markup on wine however an $85 bottle was actually $30 market price, so I switched to beer, which they had some decent local selections, they also have cocktails/mocktails. The ambience is good, better in the front than in the separate back area but still nice. It’s a cute date spot or special occasion place for me.
    

    Cheesetique - ShirlingtonResponded on January 28, 2023So glad you enjoyed your visit! Our wine list in the restaurant should be just $15 - $20 above our retail shop prices. If you send the wine you're referring to, I'd be happy to look into it. Again, thanks for visiting us and we hope to see you again soon! - Jill (owner, Cheesetique)
    

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34. CS

    ColShag

    Washington DC

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on January 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best food in Arlington every single time I eat there! Plus all the cheese and wines available are amazing! Kudos!
    

    Cheesetique - ShirlingtonResponded on January 28, 2023So glad to hear this! Thank you for your continuing support!
    

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35. A

    Andrew

    Washington DC

    37 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on January 17, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience2

    We have been fans of Cheesetique for years. We enjoyed dining at the Merrifield location and mourned its closing. During the pandemic we participated in the virtual cheese tastings with friends and have shopped at the Shirlington location. However, our dinner before the theater fells short of expectations. Service was inconsistent. It started with the greeter who seemed indifferent to our arrival. Our server was cheerful and pleasant but often absent, leading to delays and certainly lost sales for the restaurant. Most disappointing was the lack of cheese as the centerpiece of the evening. We ordered warm olives and Manchego, which technically we got but there were approximately 40 olives and three sugar cube sized pieces of Manchego. Olives were clearly the overwhelming ingredient. They were bad, but we came to Cheesetique for the cheese and there was barely a taste in this appetizer. We ordered the Poutin and in this case the cheese was there but the sauce was somewhat off-putting and not what we have experienced with other Poutin dishes from Canada and the northern US. We ordered the short ribs, which were tender and flavorful, but the cheese infused mashed potatoes seemed absent of a cheese-like quality one would expect of a cheesemonger. I'll be back to by the cheese, but will think twice about dining there. Definitely a bummer on the evening.
    

    Cheesetique - ShirlingtonResponded on January 28, 2023Hi there Andrew. I'm so sorry we gave you such a lackluster experience. My team and I will go through your feedback in detail and work with the team to improve. Thank you for being fans for so many years - I only hope that our history together will allow you to forgive this poor experience and give us another chance. I'll reach out to you directly as well. Thank you! Jill (owner, Cheesetique)
    

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36. DB

    DuaneB

    Washington DC

    22 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    The music was a little too loud making it hard to hear my dining companions. Also, two of us had the crab mac and there wasn't any visible crab meat. Crab seasoning yes, but crab meat, no. Otherwise, our server was friendly and attentive.
    

    Cheesetique - ShirlingtonResponded on January 28, 2023Hi there! I'll definitely pass along your feedback about the Crab Mac. There should have been lots of crab to enjoy. I appreciate you letting me know!
    

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37. DA

    DebbieA

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The perfect place to grab a bite before seeing a show at the Signature Theater. The food is good (there's more to it than cheese), prices are reasonable, and parking in the nearby garages is free.
    

    Cheesetique - ShirlingtonResponded on January 28, 2023Thank you for the wonderful feedback! Come see us again soon!
    

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2

    Visited for restaurant week. 3 course meal for $35/person. Because it was restaurant week the offering was limited—the lasagna and pot pie were tasty, but nothing special. Wine list was limited, but not marked up leaving us feeling that we were not taken advantage of for a bottle of wine.
    

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39. D

    Delicious1

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    1.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall1food5service1ambience1

    I have been a customer for years, but today’s service was the worst service I have experienced in decades. The restaurant was not at all busy, yet it took them 15 minutes to even approach our table and offer water. It took even longer to get our drink order, and our server never asked if we wanted refills. After we were there for almost an hour (and had not received our starter), I politely approached the hostess, who blew me off and told me she could do nothing. When our meal finally did arrive (starter and main course arrived at the same time), they got my friend’s order wrong. It took another 15 minutes to fix that (it was a sandwich). The manager said that our server was brand new, but someone could have helped him, as there were employees standing around, doing nothing. And that doesn’t explain the poor behavior from the hostess. The unbelievably poor service ruined the whole experience. I have always loved Cheesetique, but I will never go back.
    

    Cheesetique - ShirlingtonResponded on January 28, 2023Hi there. We definitely dropped the ball on this visit and I sincerely apologize. I am sharing your feedback with our serving and management team so we can use this as a learning opportunity. I'm happy that you have supported Cheesetique for years and hope that our history together will allow you to forgive this poor experience and give us another chance. I'll reach out to you directly as well. Thank you! Jill (owner, Cheesetique)
    

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40. OT

    OldTowner8

    Washington DC

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on January 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our server was excellent as was the food. We are a group of six who do lunch weekly. Not only is good food a requirement, but we also appreciate a quiet table. Both met our expectations. we shall return
    

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