The Prime Rib — Restaurant in Washington

My boyfriend is responsible for a lot of this unique review but he mentioned he did consider more common steakhouses such as Ruth Chris' and they failed to meet his demands.

He showed up several hours before my birthday dinner with a giant bouquet of flowers and requested the best table in the house he could find. As far as I was told, the house manager was very accommodating and walked him around the restaurant pointing out where the piano player would be, potential views, or flaws of each seat. He was not treated negatively because he was dressed very casually.

The restaurant stored the bouquet until our reservation (8:30). When we pulled up we were greeted by valet, and did not have to open the doors ourselves, there's a coat check, we were seated immediately! I do recommend, for an intimate date the two tables against the wall that gives one of the two partners direct view of the piano and both people large leather chairs. (In the rear of the picture I uploaded) For our needs though the booth seating was perfect! The piano was directly behind us, we were able to be as close as we wanted to each other, and the table is much larger than the other 2 person tables, allowing room for my bouquet and all our food. The restaurant was bustling even on a Monday! We met some truly great patrons that night, because they stopped by our table to compliment us or say hello. I think our table drew extra attention and people even held their breath for a proposal, but he's just that romantic all the time (haha!). I do echo some other reviews, we were the youngest BY FAR in this restaurant, but that's nothing new most 20 somethings aren't in an expensive, jacket required place.

Jackets required, even while seated, it's on the menu in case you forget. Classic 5 star restaurant service, chairs pulled for women, women served first, clean utensils, rimmed wineglasses, proper wine glasses, great ambiance, pristine bathrooms, tablecloths folded in your absence, purses allowed their own stools when needed, etc. In this regard, the restaurant is not just resting on a 50 year old reputation like some reviews allude to.

The servers work like a well tuned orchestra! Any conversations or corrections happen off stage left, it seems like the staff even walk in step! Hats off to the staff here, they really have mastered their field.

The creamed spinach was awesome, the swordfish was rather bland. I'm afraid I have to echo most reviews in the fact that my food wasn't great, hell I don't know if it was even good. But like some other reviews the overall experience for a special night was great. But for the quality of food Double Eagle Steak House, STK, and Charlie Palmer may win out.

As an added bonus the host is also your happy birthday opera singer! He sang to us in Italian and it was really neat. The birthday girl got a 24 K gold plate for my birthday dessert, complimentary of the chef.

Overall I can't wait to go back to try to sit at the bar, listen to the live music, and be back in the dark room, secret meeting type...

For Thanksgiving we by passed my Auntie’s traditional gathering of family and friends , good food but standing room only tradition to try something new. The new was the Prime Rib , the restaurant itself was very upscale with a very kind valet and the decor was explicit, it was very classy yet cozy. Until our waitress Ann came through and ruined my dining experience. Ann was curt with me several times to the point where she was down right rude, she did not want you to ask for anything until she offered it to you and when she did, you had to make sure you say the right words or she would have a rude come back and this happened several times, she cut my words off like basically she wanted me to just sit there and let her dictate to me how things were going to be on her time and my dime. From the menu taking before I could place my order so I had to share my daughters menu when she came back from the ladies room, to my being ridiculed for asking what sauces did they haves and even when I asked for a sprite when at that particular time she was just serving water. I thought at first I was just being paranoid, but after being talked to in a condescending way at least three times, it was evident either Ann was just having a busy bad night or she did not like serving myself and my daughter and at almost seven on Thanksgiving, they were not that busy. Whatever the case may be for the $167.00 dollars I paid for our meal, and that tip I left her that she did not deserve, I expected common courtesy and respect. We ordered prime rib which is clearly their specialty and it was delicious, but I will never pay that much money to go out to eat and get treated that way again. That is why I swear by Ruth Chris , it is delicious the waiters are on point and the decor is beautiful. I had one not so pleasing experience, but not the blatant rudeness that I had gone through with Ann on Thanksgiving Day. My suggestion, although after my experience, I will not be back, but if you go and Ann is your waitress ask for another one or let her tell you what you can have and in what order and maybe your experience will be better than ours. I am very disappointed, should have stayed...

I dine out several times per week, so it is rare to find a restaurant that stops me flat in my tracks and inspires awe--but The Prime Rib did just that this evening. While walking down K Street, I decided to stop in at the bar of this handsome establishment and have a martini. Upon reading the menu, I realized quickly that my libation would need to be accompanied by a fine cut of meat. The namesake prime rib was, of course, delightful; the generously-portioned sides, too, represented the very best of American steakhouse fare. My martini was flawlessly executed.

All of that, however, perhaps goes without saying. My real, heartfelt, and unvarnished praise for The Prime Rib is for its ambiance. This restaurant is one of the last remaining bastions of civilization and manners in the United States. I make that claim fully aware that it reads like hyperbole. It is not. Unlike most public establishments, The Prime Rib has gracefully eschewed the trends toward casual and dressed-down dining in this country. Step into this urban hideaway, and you'll find tuxedoed waiters, lavish floral arrangements, tastefully-appointed black leather furniture, white linens, and crystal. Yes, gentlemen are required to wear jackets here. Rather than bemoan this policy, consider yourself fortunate to have the privilege to dine at a restaurant that really cares. You'll notice, too, an elegant Steinway piano just off the lounge area, which is reverentially attended by a seasoned pianist and bassist. Throughout the evening, you'll be serenaded by their takes on the Great American Songbook--and they'll take your requests, too! I had the opportunity to speak with them both during dinner, and it was clear that they delight in what they do. This soft musical accompaniment--a real rarity these days--complements the sumptuous repast in most special fashion.

To the management, staff, and loyal patrons of The Prime Rib: thank you. Thank you for standing firm in what you do best, which is first-rate hospitality in a world where that is increasingly rare and difficult. Please don't...