Macon Bistro & Larder — Restaurant in Washington

We live in the neighborhood but have not managed to remember Macon every time we are looking for someplace close to go out for a dinner out. On this particular evening, we were hoping to catch a movie at the theater next door. That gave us exactly one hour to eat. Unfortunately, we didn't make the movie. Service was very leisurely, in spite of my mentioning to the server that we wanted to be out in one hour. Service was relaxed but not terrible. If we were really into seeing the movie, perhaps we could have asked for it to be speeded up, but no huge loss. We were enjoying the lovely weather that evening on the patio so alls well that ends well.

Started with the hush puppies and they were crisp, hot and fried to perfection. The pimiento cheese that accompanied them was delicious. The creamy burratta appetizer was also good. My steak was cooked perfectly medium and the mashed potatoes were a better substitute for the french fries. The garlic potatoes were also hot, very creamy and delicious. The brussel sprouts are top-notch. With my dinner, I wanted to try one of the more upscale wines that they offer on tap. When it got to the table, the server explained that the tap was broken, so he poured my glass from an opened bottle. That was fine, but it did have more cork residue in the glass than normal. I don't know if that is something that is screened out when the tap is working, but I did find that a little unpleasant. I think I would prefer a plain uncorked bottle instead of the fancy machine that pierces the cork. Minor quibble.

My husband had he mushroom risotto. He liked it. I am not a fan of mushrooms so I didn't taste it, but he thought it was very good.

The coconut cake on the menu sounded tempting but since our movie plans were already shot, we thought we would drink dessert elsewhere. I would definitely try dessert next time, and I bet their brunch is pretty good. I have a plan to...

After perusing the menu, my partner and I decided to come here before seeing a movie at the street at the Avalon. Our feelings are mixed about this place. When we first arrived, we were asked by the busser whether we would like to sit inside or outside. At that same moment, another couple was coming in from outside because of the bugs there. Once we sat down, I noticed the bug zapper outside. So, it must be an issue for them. There was only one server on the schedule for the night. This poor woman she was slammed. She was doing her very best to run orders for nine tables both inside and out and acting as bartender when she clearly was not one. Alcohol is the best way to make a profit and they had no bartender. Sad. The busser was clearing tables, acting as host and running food from the kitchen. The chef was also overwhelmed. He was training someone who just stood behind him like a statue watching him cook. Why she wasn’t helping with plating is a mystery. The food was average and nothing to write home about. The salmon was in the pan too long and was accompanied by potatoes that would be great- if they had flavor- and a tomato caper sauce that tasted metallic. The shrimp and grits were so-so. The grits were nice but more like crème of wheat. Really no creativity with flavor in the dishes. Then an older man walked in and went behind the bar. All he seemed to do was bark orders at the server, stand over her shoulder and follow her outside. He then grabbed a drink and sipped it behind the bar. He should have rolled up his sleeves and jumped in to help. But he seemed too concerned about his ego and position -whatever it may be. Oh- Our tart tatin was a 20 minute wait and very underwhelming. We tried to love this place. Management needs to step it up and get their act together or we don’t see this place...

Food might be interesting if you get a chance to be welcomed.... I am curious to read about the owner of this restaurant and what he has to say about his manager pushing customers away.... I went last Sunday with a craving; I am a single young woman, who probably have the ressources to buy the entire restaurant, but curiously a single woman is very often neglected by the discriminatory male servers (what the Hell is this woman doing here alone ?), and it was the case here. No need to add that it was a reasonable time, and the terrace was not full (far from it) I was so upset when the so called "this is my restaurant, I do what I want" manager told me "we will see you another time" giving me his back, that I ended up on the nearby competitor restaurant terrace, where I spend twice what I first envisioned to spend and gave a generous 30% tips. I will NEVER EVER put a foot in this restaurant anymore, nor my family and friends, and you can count on me to make the worse publicity. Attention to the owner: please contact me if you...