05/25/09

A little short of expectations.

by LorrieP

We had looked forward to trying Hamersley's for quite sometime; it promised to be a little quieter than the typical South end bar and restaurant scene. We started with a terrific Washington red, bread and an olive tasting, but would have liked a few more minutes to enjoy that before our soft-shell crab appetizer came, which was fine but not outstanding. We had barely finished that before our entrees came. Mine was actually very good. I had oven-baked polenta topped with gorgonzola with sundried tomatoes and olives. However, my boyfriend ordered a steak medium rare, and it definitely came medium-well, with nearly spreadable asparagus, which is a major strike against this restaurant since that particular entree cost $36. Desserts were good, but while I was using the ladies' room, my boyfriend witnessed an argument between a waiter and a busboy. Not professional at all.

Overall, the food was delicious and the place is beautiful, but the experience was not quite worth what we paid for it.

• Pros: Great wine, good vegetarian options
• Cons: Overcooked and overpriced.

02/16/09

Great Food, Great Patio

by cfdelaune

I went in the summer and got to sit outside. Because it is right on the sidewalk, it has a great bistro feel to it. The food was superb, great service, no complaints at all. It was pricey, but not overly so. Definitely worth checking out. I'll go back again.

• Pros: Food, Scene

05/22/08

Listen to the hype

by foodiegirl31

I listened to the hype and dined on the patio at Hamersley's last summer for the 1st time. I found it to be ok but not great. I have since given it 5 more tries to see if it can redeem itself as I now live around the corner from the restaurant. How thrilled I am that all 5 times I have been impressed. I have dined in the bar, on the patio, in the restaurant and have yet to be disappointed. The bartenders are wonderful, the waitstaff is so incredibly professional and the food is executed perfectly. Yes, the prices may be a tad high but if that is the only thing working against this place....long live Hamersley's!

• Pros: Food, decor, ambiance, SERVICE
• Cons: Price, parking, potentially long waiting list