Address: 405 8th Street NW
Phone: (202) 393-0812


Traveler Reviews

Relaxed atmosphere, unique cuicine
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Nov 12, 2007


We went on a weekday for lunch. We were seated on the second floor. The atmosphere was very relaxed, the service was excellent and the dishes we ordered were unique and flavorful. The price and portions were resonable. I would go back for a relaxed lunch.

Worst Meal Ever (at a classy joint)
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Sep 25, 2007


Worst Meal Ever (at a classy joint): My wife and I ate at Cafe Atlantico for the first (and last) time last night, a Sunday (9/23/07). Where to start? We had 6:30 reservations and arrived at 6:20. We were told that they were sticking to their reservation times closely and were invited to have a drink in the bar. Fine. At 6:45, I politely inquired when I could expect to be seated. The hostess (the same that I spoke to when we checked in) looked at me as if for the first time, made me check in again, and said it would be "just a few minutes." My wife and I returned to check in at 6:58 and were told it would be "just a few minutes more." We, again, politely reminded them that we had been waiting for a half an hour for the reservation that Cafe Atlantico had called my house to confirm earlier in the day. We were finally escorted to the dining room to find at least 6 empty tables for two. I understand that restaurants have to manage table flow and staff, but after waiting that long for my reservation, seat me, give me a menu and fill my water glass. I like that much better than standing in the doorway. Of course, we were offered the table closest to the bathroom and had to request to be moved. The menu looked very exciting. Too bad they could not pull it off (at least on a Sunday). Our waiter, who informed us before anything else, that he was being "ambushed" tonight (sorry, is that my problem?) took our drink and appetizer orders. The drinks did not arrive for 20 minutes, mine was not even close to what I ordered. My wife had the guacamole appetizer. She said it was good, but she had tasted better at other restaurants. I had the fois gras and corn appetizer. I freely admit that, had this been properly prepared, it would have been a home run, but pan seared fois gras that is still cold in the middle leaves a lot to be desired. Oh, in case you were wondering, my correct cocktail arrived after 30 minutes with hardly an apology (my nice way of saying: no apology). The entrees also were a mixed bag. My wife had the duck confi! t and it was very good. I was again the loser (any wonder that I'm writing this review and not my wife?). I order the veal cheeks and sweet breads over sweet potato puree. I was very excited because the neighbors at the table to the left both ordered this and it looked very good. Oh bother! Mine arrived sans any sweetbreads (yes, I'm sure. I saw lovely, large sweetbreads on the presentation at the table next door.). The sweet potato puree was way too thin (you needed a spoon, not a fork) and luke warm, at best. The veal cheeks were the reason I ordered the dish -- they were so over-marinated, over-spiced I could not even taste the meat beneath. It took forever to get the check. I also want to stress that ours was not an isolated problem. The couple at the table next to us was so infuriated by the lack of service, they stormed off towards reception. Maybe they paid their check there. I only know that, after trying to get the waiter's attention for 15 minutes, they did not pay their bill at the table. I won't be back to Cafe Atlantico. Life's too short.

Bland Expensive Food, Terrible Service
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Aug 16, 2007


I had read about this restaurant, which received rave reviews all around. However, I was really disappointed, especially since it was so expensive. The food is okay I guess, but you can get better food for less in the same area of D.C. The service is lousy and unprofessional though. Even the guy who made my reservation didn?t seem to know what to do or even really care. The manager is scary and the bar tenders are rude. I didn?t care for the decorations or atmosphere. It needs a makeover, new management, new chef, etc. Great location though.

average food, but it was Sunday
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jul 11, 2007


Let me first say that I was there on a Sunday night which isn't generally the best night to go out to dinner, but I was dissapointed nonetheless. I had sea bass, and my friend had salmon which she said was pretty good whereas my dish was average at best. I was most dissapointed with the drinks which I heard were fabulous. They were meager, weak and expensive. The guacamole appetizer was quite good, and I had some chocolate cake dessert which was amazing! I might try this palce again, but not for a while, and deffinately not on Sunday night.

Don't go for lunch tapas; hang at the bar and have a margarita
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jun 10, 2007


Met my friend for lunch at Cafe Atlantico on a Saturday. She had been there before when they had a different chef. Apparantly, the chef should not have moved on. Food was bland -- ceviche was very blah. And the service overall was pretty bad. Best part of the meal was the margarita. I would not highly recommend this restaurant when there are so many other places in the Penn Quarter to eat. If you want tapas, go to Jaleo.