The Occidental

Name: The Occidental
Address: 1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20004
Telephone: (202) 783-1475
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.2

4.2

2157 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top tags:

The Occidental has long been a destination for presidents, residents, & visitors to enjoy refined American cuisine, cocktails & history around the same table.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
American, Seafood, Steak
Hours of Operation
Private Dining Daily 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Dinner Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 783-1475
Website
http://www.occidentaldc.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Rodney Scruggs
Catering
Private Dining Space Available. Call 202-783-1475 for further information or visit http://occidentaldc.com/occidental/index.cfm/meetings-events/.
Private party facilities
Celebrate in Washington style in any one of our private dining rooms. The Occidental can accommodate parties of 10 to full restaurant buy-out of 300. From business power lunches to social cocktail receptions and elegant sit down dinners, The Occidental has a venue to suit every occasion.
Private party contact
Stephanie Carre: (202) 783-1475

Location
1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
Neighbourhood
Washington
Cross Street
14th
Parking Details
Valet parking is available at Willard InterContinental Hotel for an $10.00 fee. Validation by Occidental required. Please ask your server.
Public Transit
Metro Center Station located on 13th & F Streets. Bus stop located on 14th Street near the National Press Building.
Entertainment
Seasonal
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Butternut Squash Soup (V)US$10.00
Roasted Apples
Fall Seasonal Greens Salad* (V)(GF)US$12.00
Dried Apricots | Spiced Pecans | Goat Cheese | Sherry Vinaigrette
Goot Essa's Amish Three Cheese BoardUS$15.00
Fig Jam | Golden Raisins | Toast Points Old German Weissa Kase | Cow's Milk, PA Marn Vom Berge Kase | Goat's Milk, PA Mountain Valley Sharp Cheddar | Cow's Milk, PA
Twin Dry Sea ScallopsUS$18.00
Confit Celeriac | Pickled Celery Puree | Black Truffle Vinaigrette

Entrées

Roasted Turkey Breast SandwichUS$17.00
Roasted Turkey Breast | Bacon | Cress | Apples | Sourdough Bread | Honey-Cumin Mayo | French Fries
Black Angus BurgerUS$18.00
Grilled Onion | Cheddar Cheese | Lettuce | Challah Bun | French Fries
Slow Braised Boneless Beef Short RibUS$29.00
Creamy Barley | Fall Harvest Mushrooms | Braising Liquid
Jumbo Lump Crab CakeUS$19.00
Cress | Remoulade | Challah Bun | French Fries
Scallop & Shrimp SaladUS$22.00
Scallops & Shrimp | Sprout Salad | Roasted Peppers & Zucchini | Sunflower Seeds | Lime Vinaigrette
Pan Seared Icelandic CodUS$30.00
Winter Root Vegetable Risotto | Chicken Scented Glace

Dessert

Occidental BrownieUS$4.00
Peanut Butter BarUS$4.00
CookieUS$3.00
Oatmeal Raisin or Triple Chocolate
Chocolate Chip Bread PuddingUS$8.00
Bourbon Anglaise
Coconut Cream PieUS$8.00
Coconut Custard | Chantilly Cream | Toasted Coconut | Chocolate Crust

What 2,157 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2

4.2 based on all time ratings

4.1Food
4.2Service
4.3Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

2,157 Reviews

BK
BradK
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
1.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
Terrible. You took a booking for a restaurant that us closed You took a credit card deposit on a restaurant that is closed. Terrible service Open Table
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DD
DD202
Washington DC
21 reviews
vip
1.0
21 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
Out of frustration, I leave a 1 Star review. I’m sorry that they have closed and that the phone number is out of service. They need to take Open Table offline and stop accepting reservations. The fact that they require a credit card to hold the reservation is absurd. I was unable to cancel the reservation and Open Table customer service was no help. I wish I had noticed that they were closed before I made the un-cancelable reservation. I hope they come back as they are a DC institution.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
It wasn’t even open
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
vip
1.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 12, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
This place is closed they need to update this site. I showed up for my reservation and it has been closed for covid.
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RH
RobertH
Washington DC
7 reviews
vip
1.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 10, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
The restaurant takes reservations but isn’t open
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BL
BrianL
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
I made my reservation and it asked for my credit card which I gave. Arrived on time to find out that the Occidental had been temporarily closed for a long time (pandemic?). So I looked like an idiot showing up with the guest I was hosting. Thanks Open Table. Thanks Occidental. And still they asked me how my experience was? Well my guest was not pleased. I was embarrassed. We were both left standing outside in the cold in downtown DC. Whose fault is this?
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D
Daphny
New Orleans
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2020
overall2food2service3ambience1
Very limited menu
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MS
MarkST
Washington DC
37 reviews
vip
3.0
37 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2020
overall3food2service5ambience5
I love the history, what a place. But, at least the night we were there, Saturday, March 14, early virus hysteria, the food was forgettable. Very sad. I've had excellent food there in the past. But on 03/14 my family and I had an entirely mediocre, if expensive, dinner.
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LL
LindaL
Washington DC
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience4
Always have a good meal here. Classic traditional DC vibe.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
So good. Great experience.
Is this helpful?
TJ
TJH3
Washington DC
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great meal before the National Theatre show. Highly recommend for an outstanding meal.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
3 reviews
vip
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience3
My server was really rude. Didn’t bring us bread yet brought to other tables. His colleague told him we had asked for something. Our server, on his way walking towards us, rolled his eyes and sighed. The food was honestly was not good either.. For the value, I could go somewhere else with better service. Great ambiance, just had my mood ruined
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JB
JoeB
Washington DC
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tasty food. Convenient to the theatre. We will be back!
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P
Patsy
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 3, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was great. Our waiter was charming, funny and knowledgeable. The food was fresh and perfectly prepared.
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W
Wine4me
Washington DC
94 reviews
vip
4.0
94 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2020
overall4food5service4ambience5
Had fabulous meals for lunch. We all did specials, shrimp por’ boy was great! Restaurant wasn’t too busy, maybe 1/3 full. Service was OK but not as attentive as expected. Spoke to manager, very appreciative of feedback, definitely will return.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
48 reviews
vip
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food4service1ambience4
**UPDATE** Upon my initial review management was quick to contact my to resolve the issue. I was very impressed with their willingness to reach out and apologize and this quick effort will keep me coming back as a regular patron which makes me happy considering the food is so good. Pros - Food and atmosphere Cons - Service. Our server (an older Italian man) was very blunt and crass. He was incredibly slow in taking our drink orders and delivering them. However the most disappointing part of the night which really ruined my experience was when I ate a dish he told me was “very spicy” during the order process and when it came very bland I asked him why and he said “Oh yeah I noticed that they didn’t add the pepper to it and I asked and they said they were out of it”. So I responded “well why didn’t you tell me that before delivering the dish I would’ve ordered something else”. He then said “uh, yeah sorry”. Then he had the audacity to charge me for the dish on my bill!! I really want to like this restaurant but unless I hear back from management I doubt I’ll be back again.
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S
Sandy
Richmond
32 reviews
vip
3.0
32 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall3food3service4ambience2
We went for our 40th wedding anniversary. I ordered the Norwegian salmon which was so so. My husband had the French onion soup and roasted bobo poussin which he enjoyed. The wine was good. The dessert was a linder torte which was pretty heavy and very average. There were free refills on the lemonade. No mention was made of our anniversary and nothing special was done.
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M
Mike
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2020
overall4food5service3ambience5
The food was terrific. But the side did not arrive on time. The manager took the cost off the bill. This was a gracious act. Our server was in training. He had difficulty answering questions about the food. Would have been better if he just honestly said "I haven't tried that, but I can get more information for you.". Overall, it was a good experience!
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AZ
AntenehZ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a great time! The food was so great!!! Definitely will go back. It is a little pricy, so definitely not a regular night out, it has to be for a date, occasion, etc.
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a
amateurfoodies
Washington DC
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2020
overall3food3service4ambience4
Service was great, a little slow for an early dinner but very professional. The ambiance was great, with photos and portraits covering the walls. The food was unremarkable with fairly small portions on the fixed price menu, but it was fresh and well prepared.
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L
Lorena
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
This spot is classic! Our waiter was so friendly and attentive and of course the food was delicious. We got the pre theatre menu and it was perfect.
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HD
HelenD
New York Area
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2020
overall4food4service3ambience4
Took an awfully long time to get our food but otherwise the food was good. the waiter who offered to validate our parking did not disclose that a fee would be added to the bill. He also was careless and didn’t put the full stamp on our parking ticket (a key piece with a number was missing) so the valet refused to honor it. So beware! Parking came to $38 with the $10 bucks added to our bill plus full cost of valet
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BN
BobN
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
The crab soup was flavorful and devine. The ravioli very good, but not as eye-watering as the soup - as the soup knocked me over with its flavor. The service and ambience superb.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall4food4service3ambience4
Service was not at the expected level. New York Streep was excellent
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M
Markie
Washington DC
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall3food2service4ambience4
Service was good and atmosphere was nice but food quality was only fair. Expectation was much higher than provided.
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AP
AnthonyP
Chicago
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall3food4service3ambience3
Sadly, I would not recommend this restaurant for Valentine’s Day. The menu was prefix. I like having more choice. And, our experience was that service was extremely slow. Indeed, we had to ask multiple times for assistance, bread service, drinks, order taking, etc. In someways, it appeared we were forgotten. And, for at least two courses, we received the wrong dish. The prefix menu was $100 per person. That cost is high considering the service. Our past experiences have been outstanding. That is why we chose this restaurant. additionally, our advice is to reserve seating in the main dining room on the ground floor. The Valentine’s Day seating was on the second floor and packed in tightly. Thank you.
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SH
StephanieH
Nashville
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic meal and service!
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A
Adriana
New York Area
39 reviews
vip
4.0
39 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience4
Came here for Valentine’s Day and it was great
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great Valentines Dinner! For a last minute reservation the Occidental was great! Great setting, amazing food, awesome service! Thanks!!!
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J
Jeanine
Washington DC
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience4
Slow service. Undercooked meat!
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MH
MiscHuman
Greater Boston
44 reviews
vip
3.0
44 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall3food5service2ambience4
Most of the complaints about the Occidental on this and other sites seem to focus on weak service. Our experience mirrored that. We were seated quickly, and found the restaurant clean, comfortable, and pleasantly-appointed. The photos of various customers from over the decades gave us a fun pass time of playing “who is that?” Our server was an older fellow with a distinctive mustache, a jovial manner, and an accent that may have been Italian. We ordered wine, and it was exceptional, and worth the not-inconsequential price. We placed our orders, and the appetizer arrived, was enjoyed, and its remains taken away. Then we waited. And waited some more. The server did not come by to explain or even notice that our food was so long in coming. Eventually, the food was served; it was cool, which makes me think that the kitchen had finished it in a timely fashion, but the waiter had forgotten about it. Our entrees were still delicious, despite being less-than-hot, but the fries were stone cold and inedible. We got the attention of another server (ours was missing in action, as per usual), and they quickly got us some hot fries. At the end of the meal, our waiter delivered the bill, and a final insult: inverting the wine bottle to dump the dregs in my glass. It is a shame that a restaurant with such excellent food and wine allows such incompetent servers to undermine the experience.
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KK
KevinK
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall1food3service1ambience1
Service was terrible. Food was delayed. Side dishes not served until the entrees. Drink order we had to wait for 10+ minutes after being seated. Table location was jammed in a corner that made it difficult to get out of the chairs. I’ve never had a disappointing experience there like this. Very out of character but this was substandard service all the way.
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I
Indydiner
Indiana
153 reviews
vip
5.0
153 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service were amazing
Is this helpful?
VD
VetnonD
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
Good service. Great food in a relaxed seating
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 6, 2020
overall2food3service2ambience3
Some dishes like the scallops and crab cakes were tremendously good. The pineapple cheesecake was terrible. Bitter. The short ribs were very good the sauce on the pork chop was really off. Limited menu selection. The service was below average; they paid attention at all the wring times. Have been coming here once or twice a year for many years. It has emotional meaning for me but there are much better ways to spend $100+ per diner for a meal. I am sorry to say I won’t be going back.
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K
Kadlerate
Greater Boston
39 reviews
vip
3.0
39 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2020
overall3food3service2ambience4
Beautiful atmosphere. Small booths. Server never arrived so we flagged someone down and he was reluctantly transformed into our server because the other was tied up. Slow to get drinks, slow to get food. My friend had ordered the french onion soup, but was brought the same appetizer I'd ordered, the ravioli. It was delicious, but hadn't been their choice. Their salmon was under-sauced/dressed so it tasted fishy and not very special, but no problem getting more sauce brought out. My scallops were delicious but the lentils they were served over were a bit undercooked. Delicious pinot gris. For the money, I'd make another choice next time.
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VV
VisitingfromVirginia
Washington DC
25 reviews
vip
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall4food5service2ambience5
The ambiance is fun, and the location is excellent -- very close to National Theater. The food was tasty and well-prepared, but the service was surprisingly slow and inattentive.
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BG
BetsyG
Washington DC
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience3
PreTheater Dinner, which they did not have on Saturday. The experience was a C-, or D. Shocked!
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m
malc
San Antonio
30 reviews
3.0
30 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2020
overall3food5service5ambience1
Food is very good. My wife and I had dinner at the Occidental twice in three days.
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CL
CharlesL
Washington DC
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
My recent experience at the Occidental was much improved--a different and more appealing menu and excellent/fantastic service by Chanel!
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- 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

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Occidental using the Order Online button.

The Occidental is rated 4.2 stars by 2157 OpenTable diners.

The Occidental does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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

1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

Additional information

Cross Street
14th
Neighbourhood
Washington
Hours of Operation
Private Dining Daily 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Dinner Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
American, Seafood, Steak
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Business Casual
Parking Details
Valet parking is available at Willard InterContinental Hotel for an $10.00 fee. Validation by Occidental required. Please ask your server.
Public Transit
Metro Center Station located on 13th & F Streets. Bus stop located on 14th Street near the National Press Building.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Rodney Scruggs
Entertainment
Seasonal
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.occidentaldc.com/
Phone number
(202) 783-1475
Catering
Private Dining Space Available. Call 202-783-1475 for further information or visit http://occidentaldc.com/occidental/index.cfm/meetings-events/.
Private party facilities
Celebrate in Washington style in any one of our private dining rooms. The Occidental can accommodate parties of 10 to full restaurant buy-out of 300. From business power lunches to social cocktail receptions and elegant sit down dinners, The Occidental has a venue to suit every occasion.
Private party contact
Stephanie Carre: (202) 783-1475

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

The Occidental

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card

Menu

Starters

Butternut Squash Soup (V)US$10.00

Fall Seasonal Greens Salad* (V)(GF)US$12.00

Goot Essa's Amish Three Cheese BoardUS$15.00

Twin Dry Sea ScallopsUS$18.00

Entrées

Roasted Turkey Breast SandwichUS$17.00

Black Angus BurgerUS$18.00

Slow Braised Boneless Beef Short RibUS$29.00

Jumbo Lump Crab CakeUS$19.00

Scallop & Shrimp SaladUS$22.00

Pan Seared Icelandic CodUS$30.00

Dessert

Occidental BrownieUS$4.00

Peanut Butter BarUS$4.00

CookieUS$3.00

Chocolate Chip Bread PuddingUS$8.00

Coconut Cream PieUS$8.00

What 2,157 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does The Occidental offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Occidental restaurant rated?

Does The Occidental offer gift cards?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card