Jackie — Restaurant in Washington

I waited a week to sort of reflect on my experience at Jackie’s so I could provide an accurate recollection of the events that took place on 10/21/2023. I had a friend visiting from out of town and wanted to bring him out to a nice bar to hang out with some other close friends. I chose Jackie’s because I had to previously gone for a wedding party and absolutely loved the atmosphere, drinks, and service. So, I decided I wanted to visit again but this time bring some friends! We were greeted by a lovely hostess who was very friendly, and sat at the bar and immediately welcomed in by our bartender, Danny. I believe it was his second day but I would have never guessed. He was so attentive, accommodating (my friend requested a drink he’d never made and he did amazing), and was very engaged with our group while we sat at the bar (at this moment we were a group of four). He also made me a delicious ginger ale from scratch. There was also another bartender on that night who I’d recognized from the wedding party but did not catch his name, but he was also giving 10/10 service. So far everything was great, but I realized that I was expecting 1 more person to join our group of 4. The fifth person arrived and sat at the bar. I had another friend talk to the host to see if we could move to a table so we could all converse with ease rather than all in one line at the bar. After a brief convo and checking Resy she said we could sit at the table behind us. However, once I got ready to move to the table after getting what I thought was an “okay” to move we were swiftly and aggressively approached by a manager. He immediately told us (with no introductions) that we could not be seated at the table. To which we explained that we were just given the okay from the host that we could move to the table. “Well I am the manager here. You cannot be seated here unless the whole party is ordering food, this is the owner’s rule.” We said alright no problem we can all order food, two of us already ordered entrees and the rest of us want small plates. “No, everyone has to order an entree.” We quickly said okay no problem and I immediately went back to the bar to sit. We didn’t argue or complain but the attitude he gave us made us feel very uncomfortable and unwelcome. He also explained that they had to move tables around since the engagement party ended and implied that it would be a hassle to seat us at this point and that the table behind us was reserved, which is fine but we were really upset over the treatment that we were receiving. As someone who has worked in the DC service industry and dined in DC for a while I have never experienced this level of aggression from anyone. There were two times after this incident that he came up behind me to change the channel for a couple next to us while I was conversing with a friend and he began loudly talking to the couple taking their channel requests. It felt rude and invasive. We felt the manager’s eyes on us for the rest of the evening and decided to finish up whatever food and drinks we had and move to another bar nearby. If this whole interaction had not happened I would have loved to come back here. I really loved the atmosphere and sophisticated feel of the bar, the bartenders were great and knowledgeable, and the host was super sweet, but the evening was marred by the manager’s attitude. We never caught the manager’s name, but again, he never once introduced himself. But shoutout to the rest of the staff who made the night better...

If you're considering having dinner at Jackie, in Navy Yard Washington DC, don't. My first experience at the restaurant was unbelievably disappointing. The service mistakes were embarrassing and concerning, and could be considered another episode of 'dining while black'. Because restrictions were just being lifted I excused the many service mishaps as just apart of the new normal. Restaurants are doing their best to acclimate to the new way of dining with Covid- 19 restrictions. I was able to give Jackie a pass. Plus, I really enjoyed the food despite the abysmal service and overall treatment. And at the time, the manager tried to reconcile our concerns and was very kind and apologetic. This review is about my recent return to Jackie which I now consider a mistake as the same issues with the staff and service persisted but this time the food was less than stellar, and not worthy of a kind review. Before arrival we were told that the kitchen would be closed 15 mins after our arrival. Even though the stated online hours were 12am, we were told the restaurant would have last call at 9pm. Our reservation being 8:45pm this became a concern. I called the restaurant several times and finally left a message. Someone returned my call to tell me that I would have until at least 9:10pm to order. Why offer late reservations if you're only giving the diner 15 minutes to decide is beyond me. Someone called me again to reassure me that my party would have enough time to enjoy dinner and not feel rushed. Upon arrival we were greeted with a, 'how can I help you'? Which personally I feel restaurants should never ask, but no 'Welcome' or 'Do you have a reservation.' Since part of our party was there already we were seated. Throughout the evening however I found the servers to be smug and impatient. I tried to ask for the manager by name, even asking the server if he was the manager - since he never introduced himself- and I was dismissed repeatedly. Finally, the server let me know that the manager had gone home for the day. Preferably, he could have asked my name and offered to let the manager know I asked to speak to him. The server did not. On this trip to Jackie, the staff was unattentive, dismissive, and cold. Even though were weren't rushed I felt like the staff had no interest in making our evening enjoyable, or welcoming. In these times when delivery is so prevalent, going into a restaurant should feel like an exciting experience. There are numerous DC restaurants with warm staff and atmospheres that make you want to return. Jackie is not one of those places. This was my second time at Jackie and the service was just as awful as the first time. Difference being the food was not as good as it was before. I would recommend that anyone choosing to dine out in DC, find a place that has a warm and gracious atmosphere and makes you feel like a guest instead of a bother. I would not recommend Jackie to anyone as it is an underwhelming experience...

I would like to recognize Brittany Agro, an Events Program Manager at Jackie American Bistro for going above and beyond expectations. Brittany epitomizes exceptional customer service in the hospitality industry.

Recently during a city wide event in DC, our Vice President requested an impromptu dinner for 35 people with less than 24 hour notice. After leaving 6 messages at a variety of DC restaurants, Brittany not only returned my call in less than 1 hour but she was the only restaurant to call me back. It was a Sunday evening at 4:30 pm and Brittany was suppose to be off for the next 2 days. Within less than 2 hours, Brittany consulted her staff to confirm availability and worked with Chef Mark to create a 3-Course Family Style Dinner called The Jackie Experience.

AstraZeneca’s attendee experience from the ambiance, hospitality, service and food was amazing. Beverages were served outside and then everyone moved inside to enjoyed a family style meal. Chef Mark’s Cheese + Charcuterie Boards presentation was outstanding and the Short Ribs were magnificent.

During Covid, the event and hospitality industry lost a significant amount of really talented and experienced staff. Brittany is truly remarkable, both responsive, professional and customer service oriented. I have not found anyone this accommodating since AZ returned to live events 15 months ago. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that Brittany came in on her day off to ensure the event ran smoothly.

I would highly recommend Jackie American Bistro and suggest that you order the Tuna Tartines and the Jackie O cocktail if you decide to stop in for a quick bite. Be sure to tell Jacob and David I said hi! The brothers are charming & charismatic as well as very talented bartenders.

Please pass along my gratitude to everyone that contributed to the success of this event. I look forward to returning to the restaurant in the near...