The Mantel — Restaurant in Washington

Amazing food, the friendliest staff, and a great atmosphere... but for members only.

We showed up at 5:15 on a Sunday and were asked if we had reservations. We said no and were then asked if we were members. (We had no idea what she was talking about.) The hostess had to check with the manager to see if they had room for us to dine with them that evening. After confirming that they had space for us at a long, tall table; she said that we were allowed to dine one time as non-members for an extra $5 added to our bill.. we agreed.

If you want to become a member there is a long wait list and then a fee of $50 per year. We told them we would be moving in a couple of months so were not interested in becoming members anyway. We were still required to complete two lengthy forms (on a nasty-looking iPad) with emergency contact information and lots of signatures in order to dine one time. I feel like I answered the same questions about six times each.

After the form was finally completed and behind us, we had a wonderful time. The food was amazing (potato chips with a housemaid dressing for appetizer, bacon-wrapped filet for my husband, butternut squash ravioli for me, and macaroni and cheese for our two-and-a-half-year-old). The hostess and wait staff were so friendly and helpful. They were knowledgeable about the dishes and the wines. Even the bathrooms were really nice.

The prices were very reasonable for the quality of food. We would definitely dine here again... if we were allowed and can bypass...

Definitely the worst experience I've ever had at a restaurant. Decided to check this place out based upon it having decent reviews. We were welcomed in by the hostess who asked if we had reservations. We were surprised since the place didn't look busy at all. Since we didn't have reservations, the hostess told us we could sit at the bar. Then she realized there weren't any seats available at the bar. So we left and decided to make reservations through Google for the following evening. On the following afternoon, we received a call back from them to confirm our reservation but we were told that we weren't members (members of a restaurant?) and they asked us if we would like to sign up for a draw so we could then purchase their $150 a year membership which is required for the privilege of eating there. Needless to say, we won't be getting said membership. We have been to many restaurants around the world and eaten at places at $150 a plate, but The Mantel is just ridiculous. The worst of it is a waste of time. Why not advertise that you don't want anyone eating at your place? It's that simple. There are many other restaurants in the area. Stop wasting...

Went here for a table for 2 for breakfast. Not one other customer in the entire restaurant which was a little alarming but it was early so we enter. A girl asks, "do you have a reservation?" As I look around at an empty restaurant I say, "no." She then asks , "are you a member?". I say, "member?". She says , "This is for resident membership dining only." Again I look around at a completely empty restaurant in disbelief and say, "ooookay...." as we walk out without another word to them or them to us. How do servers earn at this establishment? Why are you at the top of the Google search for local breakfast restaurants if not open to everyone? I felt like a lesser person for even having the thought to dine there let alone entering the premises. The atmosphere is very "1%ers" if you get my drift. Stick to the Buttered Biscuit or Mad Dogs Cafe for a great meal and service with a smile. I can't speak to their meals (apparently we aren't royalty so we can't dine at The Mantle) but definitely no smile or...