St. Arnold's Mussel Bar — Restaurant in Washington

3.0 star rating 4/6/2017 1 check-in Would you pay 7 bucks for overly salted toasted bread stick that adds up to a single slice of bread? Yes? Then look no further.

I was ready to go on a mussel binge before I left the city. I looked up what's a good spot for some mussels and this popped up. I came in here, exhausted after a long walk around all the memorials, and I stood at the door for 5-10mins before anyone came up to seat me. There were only 1 other customer there at the time, not quite sure why it took so long for anyone to come seat me. Service aside, food is my main concern.

I started with the bread stick which was over salted and I downed two glasses of water while eating it. I came here for mussels and the duck fat stated as a cooking ingredient has got my full attention. I order the St. Arnold's signature mussels with added shrimp($5 for like 4-5 of them). The order came with fries and some bread for dipping. I'm not sure if it's the over salty starter ruining my tastebuds or if the mussel dish was not flavorful enough. I was pretty disappointed. Give me another chance and I would likely look for another spot to silence my craving.

Pro(s): no wait?

Con(s): Costly Need work on balancing the flavors...

St. Arnold’s is one of my top five favorite restaurants in the DMV. Its cozy and warm in the Fall/Winter and cool and relaxing in the Spring/Summer. Their selection of Belgian and German beer is excellent with my favorite being the Schöfferhoffer Grapefruit Hefeweizen on tap. Their claim to fame is mussel pots and they’re the absolute best in the DMV. Full of flavor and always fresh. I recommend the Mussels St. Arnold, Eastern Shore Mussels, and Spicy Italian Mussels. The tasty broth is the perfect match for the bread and frites. Their chicken tenders are excellent as well. If you still have any room (not likely at this point), then the waffles are a must. Slathered with Nutella you’ll think you’re sitting in Brussels. The service is always friendly and welcoming. Lorraine is an excellent bartender and recommended the perfect beer for my spouse. St. Arnold’s isn’t just a neighborhood bar, but the perfect place for a date, birthday dinner, or even just a casual evening with a liter and a book. Give them a try, you’ll be back for seconds, thirds, and many more. I...

Horrible experience I’ve never had from any other places. I would give a minus if I can. We came in 2 groups of 4 and 2 and asked to moved the table of 2 to sit next to each other and they strongly refused. The waitress kept saying “Nope.” “No.” And when we asked if we can all move to another available space she said “It’s over.”

They claimed they had a reservation for 8 and planed to move that available table to the next one which is occupied by another party all along. We’re there until late but that reservation they mentioned never happen. The table we asked to move to still available until we left.

I don’t understand why wouldn’t a restaurant accommodate their customer when they obviously can. We bought their promotion voucher and that shouldn’t be the case. A voucher should attract and impress customer so they would come again. Not to be treated like this.

Once and never again. Better food and...