Dinner at Clyde's

When you mention the name Clyde’s to someone in Washington DC, you’re not talking about a restaurant as much as you are a presence. The Clyde’s Restaurant Group has over a dozen restaurants in the DC area, including the Washington landmark, Old Ebbitt Grill, and the romantic 1789.

I, having gone to American University here in the city, had been to the one in Friendship Heights a number of times, and Jill and I went to the one in Georgetown for her birthday. I had been to the one in Chinatown, next to the Verizon Center, only for drinks, but fate (and a 30 minute wait at Matchbox) brought me there last night.

Clyde’s – Gallery Place, is one of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants that I’ve been to in Washington. Dark woods, beautiful paintings, and long ascending staircases really give you a sense that you’re about to sit down to a quality meal.

Upon arriving, we (myself and three friends) were directed to the second floor, where we checked in with a second greeter, and were seated right away.

Almost immediately after sitting down our waitress greeted us, took our drink orders, and told us that she was training someone who would actually be taking care of us – and to let her know how he was doing.

Normally this would strike fear in the heart of any patron; luckily, the service was great throughout the meal – attentive without being annoying; it doesn’t get much better.

Now for the food: I started off with a cup of chili with everything on it (i.e. cheese, sour cream, and onions). Nice and warm with just enough heat to let you feel it on your tongue, but not enough to cause it to overwhelm the other flavors, it was certainly the best chili I’ve had in a long time, and a great dish on a cold night.



For my entrée I had Clyde’s Chicken Sandwich #1, which was odd because that was the only chicken sandwich on the menu. On a toasted bun, covered with cheese and crisp bacon, the chicken sandwich was quite delectable – and the chicken itself was well seasoned and moist.

Served along side the sandwich was a crisp pickle and a pile of not too thin, not too thickly cut fries, which were fried just right.



The prices at Clyde’s were fairly reasonable, considering the atmosphere and the quality of food. The chili was $5.00 with everything on it, but the sandwich and fries were only $9.00 – certainly a meal itself for someone on a budget.

It’s easy to see why Clyde’s Gallery Place and the rest of the Clyde’s family have done so well in Washington. From the exemplary service to the quality food, Clyde’s Gallery Place will never be the top of the DC restaurant pecking order, or even at the top of the Clyde’s family, but it should remain a solid place to eat in the Gallery Place/Chinatown area for years to come.



Clyde’s of Gallery Place
707 7th Street, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202.349.3700
Clyde's