Great selection of Beer. The food is ok. They can get away with ok food in Rehoboth because there isn't a big selection of freshly brewed Beer there. But in Falls Church we have the Great American places with great food AND beer! But the beer is worth the trip!
(3)
Keeley M.
I've been here many times and have not had a bad experience. Do they have a lot of comfort and fattening foods? Um, yes. But is it tasty? Certainly. (Sometimes it was too greasy for me) I think I've tried most of their salads and all pretty tasty. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly and the beer selection (so I've heard) is decent--I've only dabbled in their cider. Would for sure come back here.
(4)
Lee O.
I came here with 2 adults and a kid. The service was prompt and friendly. The drinks were amazing - I suggest the beer sampler. The food was spectacular - I had the ribs and ate every bit of it. Overall this is a fantastic place to go grab a meal and some drinks.
(4)
Melissa G.
i don't drink beer. i LOVE this place. the wine is wine, but it comes in something resembling the size of a pint glass (slight exaggeration), so i have no complaints! i've eaten there on a number of occasions and always get the same things... because i love them. split between two people these are a fantastic complement for one another... the calamari comes with banana peppers (YUM) and a cocktail sauce that tastes like it should (not a sugar cube, but pureed tomatoes with horseradish, although it looks like ketchup). the seafood platter (on the "specials" menu) is the perfect partner for the calamari and, as a crabcake snob, theirs gets two thumbs up. i hardly know where to begin, this dish is so consistently delicious. the asparagus smokes with flavor, the salmon is always tender, the shrimp are divine, and the rice is wild & yummy. i can hardly believe i can get most of my favorite things, split between myself and another, all in two dishes AND with a vat of wine! (there is a house pino that isn't too shabby for a house red.) on the seating: if you don't want to wait for a table you can sit in the high-tabled bar seating and still avoid the immediate bar area. on the weekends the wait can be long, but that's to be expected in this area if the food's good, which it is. last night i met my parents there and we commented about the din and its unobtrusiveness... although it was noisy we didn't need to shout to hear eachother. my father said "wood ceiling." i don't know what that means, but maybe it's what absorbs the noise? the servers have always been attentive, pleasant & welcoming. my first encounter with the host/ess staff was bizarre... there was a small herd of them at the front and when we walked in they looked like a herd of deer in the headlights... but since then, they've always been pleasant and attentive. perhaps one of the herd got hit and the rest learned. cheers.
(5)
d c.
Man walks into a bar, says, "What do you have in flavorless light beers?" The Bartender pauses and looks confused, "we have the lawnmower light which is ...um..lighter." Man says, "I'll have that." the beer arrives and the man takes a sip and says, "ewwwwwwwww, that's a bit strong." Then he sets aside the beer indicating he has no plans to finish it or pay for it and without missing a beat says "What have you got for wine?" The moral to the story is - don't go to Dogfish if you don't like good beer. That is what they do. The beer is very tasty. I really liked my uber-cheesy pizza with pesto sauce. My friends had portabello sandwiches that looked very good. The expert pizza chef with us commented on his pizza, "good base, but didn't quite live up to it." Try the sampler for fun, but...it seemes to get a bit drippy at some point for some reason. Condensation combined with a wooden sampler holder maybe.
(4)
Casey G.
Great selection of experimental beers. I highly recommend getting the sampler. It's five 3 oz glasses of their popular beers and a premium sampler that includes four 3oz samples of their specialty beers. The beers include ingredients like Aztec coco, ginger root, honey and such. All and all dogfish makes great beer. The food was awesome too, all their selections complement the beer. They use dogfish beer as an ingredient in the food which is cooked over a wood stove. If they had one in Texas I would definitely be a regular. I gave it 4 stars because I did think the food was a little pricy.
(4)
Sean C.
Our friendly waitress Gretel (I asked and she does not have a brother named Hansel, so I have saved you the trouble of asking her this again) was very attentive and good at guiding us through the menu. Of course the beer (the main attraction) is excellent and there are several variations here that I have not seen in any other bar or beer store. We opted for the Punkin on our inaugural visit and it did not disappoint. The food was quite good as well. They have a wood fired grill and have a number of selections of meats, fish and pizzas made on it. I had a paella and my wife had the "over the top" salad with crabcake, both were good choices, but there were many other tempting choices as well. The kids get crayons and paper with fun facts about dogfish as well as a fairly typical kids menu, e.g., pasta with marinara, chicken fingers, hamburger, etc... My only unfulfilled wish was that, at the moment, I was most in the mood for a pasta dish and there really isn't one on the menu (except for a Jambalaya with penne, which I don't consider a truly pasta dish). All in all a good experience.
(4)
Olga C.
Great place with a decent selection of beer and food. The staff is friendly, and food is good too. I'll definitely visit again.
(4)
Mike T.
Wouldn't accept my temporary VA license because I could "type it up on my computer and stamp it to fake it," although the temporary license, which I obtained after sitting in the DMV for most of a day, says that it plus my voided out of state license are acceptable identification. Probably won't be back when the hard copy of my license comes in the mail this week.
(1)
Richard V.
I know it looks like one of those chain restaurants that seem to anchor every mall in the USA and yes there are multiple locations although don't know if franchised outside the state. So sometimes I avoid those places but this is not one of those places to avoid. Why? Because they may have the whole chain formula down pat what I also know is they are damn good at making beer and food. Their 60 minute IPA is phenomenal - perfectly balanced with hops and citrus notes. Their grilled tuna steak is great and so was the rice that came with it. Every bite was delicious and flavorful.
(5)
Dominion O.
Worst pizza in town, the pizza dough must be frozen and the whole thing just tastes bad and looks unappetizing. Fortunately the sizzling fajita dish was ok.
(1)
Kristine K.
I don't know what it is but there's something about Dogfish that makes me love this place. Been here several times and service is consistently good and I like the energetic vibe their colorful Dogfish t-shirts give off lol. Calamari appetizer - Yes you can get this at almost every restaurant but Dogfish calamari is exceptionally delicious. Fried Grouper Sandwich - Yummy and huge! Loved the cole slaw inside the sandwich that complemented the warm, crispy fish that was well-seasoned. Onion rings that came with it were good as well. Mac & Cheese - This is one item on the menu to AVOID!! I honestly thought they accidentally forgot the sauce on my dish because it was so dry and bland. If I wanted to be a complete pain in the butt I would've sent this dish back. Even the shrimp added for extra $ didn't help this sad, sad mac & cheese. Beer Sampler - Generous portions of 6 different beers! I'm not a beer person at all but some of them were really good.
(4)
Garrett S.
Dogfish Head is always a good choice. Our server Nico (hope I spelled it correctly!) was great. While they were out of my first two choices for beer, he suggested others and knew the nuances of different beers. He also brought us samplers so we could taste and make good choices! Our food was good! We had the rings, fries and chips with the phenomenal cajun ranch sauce. If there was ANYTHING that was off for the entire meal, the onion rings weren't piping hot, but our fries were. The chips were also fresh and crispy. Our burger and portobello mushroom sandwiches were awesome, and so were the beers. The Alehouse 75 and Shelter Pale were my choices, and solid ones! My date had the Raison D'Extra which she enjoyed. Our server got on the subject of homebrewing, and he mentioned myLHBS across the street. Being a brewer, and having just come from there... We were pleased he offered a discount with our receipt for brewing supplies. This is a great restaurant, and if you're as big acraft beer fan as I am, you know how DFH is a powerhouse and truly a pioneer and advocate for modern craft brews. I always feel great coming here, and never leave hungry! Prost!
(5)
Kristen A.
Arrived the day of the Punkin season release, love love love! Awesome food, great vibe, good prices!
(5)
Leila T.
Very laid back and cozy atmosphere. Bar is downstairs, with dining both downstairs and upstairs. The food was pretty great- I ordered a pizza with port. mushrooms and spinach. Bread was not too dough-y, crisp and the kind of pizza where you actually eat the crust. To start we had the crab dip served with slices of foccocia and house made chips. My brother ordered the crab cakes, my mom ordered fish+chips, and my husband ordered the lamb burger with the beer sampler. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals. Service was EXCELLENT. Our waiter was super friendly and helpful
(5)
Chrystalle B.
This is one of Kate K.'s fave places! She had told me about it even before I left for DC, so when my husband and I found our stomachs growling while in its neighborhood, we decided to check it out. We always choose to sit at the bar, and thankfully it wasn't crowded on a Saturday afternoon. We were greeted promptly, and started to peruse the beer options. We both decided on a flight. The chalkboard was a bit hard to read as it was on the back wall, but our bartender was very helpful. This was my 1st time trying their Festina Peche (love it!). We both decided on hotdogs. My husband got his usual "plain" and I had one w/ backed beans mustard and onions. We were both very satisfied. We haven't seen them on the menu since, but hope they'll be back for summer. Now that we live in the neighborhood, I plan to visit this place more often.
(4)
Ally G.
We frequent this location and so far so good. Constantly great service and food. I like that we can come out on a date, take our time, get dinner, drinks, and desert. Or we can also come out with three hungry kiddos and be in and out in a half hour.
(4)
Erica Y.
We live closeby, but we are not beer drinkers so don't come here often as the food is very much just pub fare. Highly recommend the crab soup (loaded with crab meat), calamari app, and most of the sandwiches. Not impressed with their salads or pizza. Wings are over fried (super dry). Fish and chips are horrible (think fishsticks from your school cafeteria). Stick with the appetizers and sandwiches, which is probably all you need with your beer! Service great, they also have diet dr pepper. Expect a wait on weekend dinner time.
(3)
Jenny T.
Haha a friend who I recommended this place to pointed out my not-so-great first review about never coming back and noticed I have multiple check-ins... Whoops. So here's the story: when I first came here I was rating on the food. Then a couple times later... I found the first beer that I've EVER enjoyed. No. Seriously. I'm a Wino till the day I die and never thought I'd ever enjoy beer. Dogfish did it. And they deserve another star for it because even though their food is typical bar food, their service has actually been great aside from my first visit and I now have a matured appreciation for their vast and delicious beer selection.
(4)
Jess K.
I'm a dogfish fan, so I'm really happy that I can get a lot of their beers on draft. If you're not familiar with their beers, they have a sampler with the basics and their seasonal. Wait staff was generally helpful with recommendations, but I wouldn't quiz them too much. Food is decent, above average for a pub but nothing fantastic. If you're looking for somewhat healthy options, you'll be glad to know that not everything is deep fried/covered in cheese and you can get veggies/salad/fruit instead of fries.
(4)
Chris L.
Definitely worth a visit for a $9 flight of 6 fine Dogfish Head beers. Five-star beer, three star food and service, two star pizza. And I was a bit disappointed at how many of the choices were mixes, like 60 min IPA + 90 min IPA = 75 min IPA; oh that was tasty but it's hardly something special mixed up by the brewmaster. So the flight choices at the Alehouse: $9 gets you 6 short pours of the "standard" beers meaning they pick what you get; $14.50 gets you 2 standards plus 4 of your choice so you can overdose on the esoteric, high-gravity beers. The theobroma was on tap that evening and the menu promised chocolate nibs and chili pepper; what came was a golden Belgian ale that was utterly yummy but without even the slightest hints of chocolate or pepper. Oh we asked to make sure and our server suggested perhaps the pizza had spoiled our palates. Huh. Gosh gee thanks man, guess we just can't handle bland cheese pizza. Sheesh. The food is basic pub grub, not too expensive, don't expect much. The pretzel app comes with a white cheese sauce and a coarse sweet mustard, both are great. Chips, rings and fries app was a HUGE pile of perfectly fried onions and potatoes, four of us just barely finished. Side salads at $3.50 are a great choice. Pizza: meh. Our server promised they were made in a wood-fired oven but based on the uncharred thickish crust I simply don't believe it. I like a thin-crust pie with bubbles and some black marks on the bottom, dead opposite of what I got here, it was perfectly average pie, don't bother. Vegetarian rating: 3 stars for the fairly solid options: hummus app, salads, make-your-own pizzas and a wood-grilled veggie sammich; no veg burger. Some good stuff to go with the great beer!
(3)
Tiffany X.
I love this place so much that I drive about an hour away through DC traffic to eat here on the regular. Food is amazing, beer is incredible, and customer service is top notch. Atmosphere is very open and fun - not too noisy to hold a conversation!
(5)
Nicole J.
The beer is the best part of the alehouse. There are so many options on tap and I went with the Raison D'etre and the 90 minute IPA. Service is quick and attentive. The food on the other hand is mediocre. I tried the sriracha chicken fritters and an appetizer and the wood-grilled salmon sandwich. There was a lot of potential for the chicken fritters and it fell short. The avocado dipping sauce tasted like generic ranch and the fritters tasted like chicken dosed in wing sauce. Unfortunately the salmon sandwich was overpowered by the gorgonzola cheese and I couldn't stomach the rest of my meal. I'd come back for drinks for friends just because I love Dogfish Head that much -- but I'm not sure if it's worth going for dinner. Happy hour runs between 5-7pm Monday through Friday where you get $1 off pints and appetizers.
(3)
Jill C.
Jen the bartender was great but their Happy Hour menu is misleading. Advertise 1/2 price wings which is a great deal since it is a pound of wings, originally $9 but what you get is 6 wings for $4.50. In addition the NACHOs also advertised at 1/2 price is really 1/2 portion at 1/2 price of regular. With that, probably won't go back!
(2)
Padraic C.
Wood fire entrees to delight your pallette, great fish and chips, pasta of sumptuous varieties, bar that has personable staff *Amanda *Tony * Super Sid all take the experience like family sitting around you . Enjoy and keep it zagat rated level.
(5)
Matt L.
The only thing better than the Dogfish Head Alehouse is the real Dogfish Head Brewpub in Rehoboth Beach, DE - and unfortunately,I don't drive 3 hours to Rehoboth for beer very often. The huge selection of Dogfish Head beer is really what brings me here, but the food is really good as well. They actually cook your burgers how you order, and not overcooked like I usually find. The wood-grilled bread is delicious. Make sure you look at the specials - they've always got great food popping up there, like a peach-glazed chicken breast and mahi-mahi tacos. Unless you're going with at least 4 people, stay away from the $6 fried appetizer platter with fries, onion rings, and chips - it's great, but it's probably the largest plate of fried anything that I've ever seen. You'll be feeling way too full before you entrees even come. I try to come back every time a new beer is introduced on tap - I just can't stay away from good Dogfish Head beer.
(5)
Brianne C.
3.5 stars. It was a momentous occasion. My companion had finished riding the C&O Canal Towpath in 24 hours, and as his lips gently caressed a cigarette, the warm rain cloaking our arms as a sea of Georgetown graduates ambled past, he proclaimed that he needed a beer. As he greatly enjoys the Dogfish 120 Minute IPA, I suggested the Dogfish Alehouse for our group. Popping three caffeine pills and shaking out his limbs after an invigorating shower, my companion was ready to ingest a mountain of breads and sugars. Friends were already waiting in the enormous adirondack chairs that grace the front patio, and surprisingly, the wait for our party of 9 was 40 minutes on a Saturday evening. Raucously, we made our way to a large table in the back, admiring the spiffy beach shack decor but underwhelmed by the average bar. A small beer bible awaited us, filled with IPAs, house raison d'etres, brown ales, and a host of spicy, fruity, old European-style beers. Our overworked but friendly server gave a couple of insightful recommendations, and glasses (and snifters) shortly commenced sailing toward our table. Now, I am not a beer aficionado, but I like the dark raisin flavors and lingering spices that are characteristic of some of the brews. The Dogfish beers also have a consistent, balanced quality that I enjoy, with flavors that meld. The diversity of beers available practically guarantees that one will match your palate, or at least your meal. And, there was the meal. Smoothly battered onion rings, thick fries with skins, and crunchy kettle chips arrived with a flourish, an indulgent platter of golden finger foods lightly tasting of yeast, salt, and pepper, and lacking an oily aftertaste. The buffalo chicken dip, while generous and genuinely spicy, was an exploration of jarring textures, as the chicken had been baked and then broken into hunks, and the jack cheese that cloaked the ramekin had both melted and congealed, so that each bite featured smooth, chunky, and coagulated elements. The jambalaya was also slightly disappointing, with kielbasa sausage standing in for andouille, and sliced chicken breasts that enjoyed an overlong session on the wood-fired grill. However, the sandwiches were gorgeous, stuffed with lightly grilled grouper, succulent corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and piquant cole slaw. Bites of each yielded intense satisfaction. The Dogfish Alehouse is great for a group of beer lovers or bike riders jolted with adrenaline looking for a casual night out in a suburban setting. Recommended, though mostly for the beers.
(4)
Becky C.
absolutely love coming here. great food, great beer, usually great service. always reliable. and their new wings are awesome!!
(4)
C Q.
Since we've never been to Dogfish before, I didn't know what to expect. The place was really casual. All the waitstaff wore t-shirts and shorts. Our waitress was really friendly. We ordered Buffalo Chicken dip, spicy caramari and a pulled pork sandwich. The food was enjoyable, but not great. The Buffalo Chicken Dip was a rich cheesy dip with Buffalo Chicken chunks in the middle. The pulled pork sandwich was little different than I expected. It was pulled pork, ham, pickle and cheese in a baguette, pressed and grilled. Both the dip and the sandwich were salty enough, but did not have enough flavor to it. The caramari was pretty good, but some of the pieces were over-fried. And the marinara sauce was just meh. We really liked the friendly service. The food was not bad, but not great.
(4)
Adam C.
Great beer, good food. It's hard to find a place that delivers in both the drinks and food category. Many places have one or the other. Dogfish Head has great beer and their food is what you'd expect from a pub. If you are looking for a fancy meal, head to a place like Sweetwater, but for a large selection of craft beers and solid food, Dogfish Head can't be beat. I would pick this place over Mad Fox any day, and if I wanted a steak I'd head to Sweetwater but for a sandwich and a beer, its Dogfish Head.
(4)
Nikki W.
Great beer, food and pretty decent service! If you have never been here, I recommend trying the beer sampler. The burgers and pizza are really yummy! Oh and I like the hummus appetizer. The bar area can get kind of busy, don't worry, it's worth the wait!
(4)
Next G.
Great casual atmosphere. Fantastic beers! A great go to place in the area.
(4)
Scott G.
Anyone that compares this place to a chain restaurant has their head up their ass. Dogfish Head won my love when I first tried their limited release, Dogfish Head Prescription, in Boston. Anyone that has a palate for good beer knows Dogfish Head is quality. As for the food, I was excited when they opened the Alehouse here since I had been to the one in Rehoboth before. This place has consistently surprised me as having some of the best food in the area. Coming from a small town where home cookin and ethnic foods dominate, my standards are high. Unfortunately, in the DC metro area, great food is near impossible to find. I feel sorry for all of you who think half of these 5-star rated restaurants are great. Your great is our OK. Anyway, back to Dogfish Head... Everything is cooked fresh daily, never frozen. Mind you, everything has an amazing, fresh woodgrilled taste. Again, people comparing this to a chain restaurant are morons. Yes, it's a little on the not-so-hot-for-you side in terms of being health conscious, but when you are feeling the cheat, go here. The blackened chicken sandwich with chipotle mayo is to die for.
(5)
Karl H.
love the food but they overcharge for their own beer. also the old uno's layout can get mighty cramped.
(4)
Christine R.
pleasantly surprised. I'm writing this via the Strayer student lounge in Arlington (waiting on a friend to get out of class) after a wonderful meal and many heaven and hells at Dogfish. I ended up ordering the Alehouse mac and cheese with medium steak after debating between that and the salmon. I made the right choice. Though a friend didn't have any complaints about his salmon I was looking for the more devilish dish :) I really enjoyed the atmosphere here and will more than likely return without question. And off I go to explore more places!
(4)
New to San Pedro C.
The food was better than we expected. Maybe we went in with low standards. They sat us towards the back windows surrounded by screaming, whiny kids. There were tons of kids in the restaurant when we went-5:30 on a Sunday night. That ruined it for us. To pay $60 and have kids screaming around you is not right. My husband did try the beer sampler and loved it though! We all agreed that it was just too loud in there for us (again, Sunday night) and won't be back. It reminded me of Applebees/Chilis like the other reviewer said but pricier.
(3)
Brandon H.
The beer here is amazing and the bartenders will pretty much let you sample anything, however, it is cheaper to just go to total wine and buy 6 packs of it. Even with a wait usually you can pop in the bar and find a stool to sit at. Place is not real cheap but if you want really good food and good beer then I highly recommend it. One of my favorite places in the area.
(5)
Julie R.
The shrimp tacos new on the menu, are recommended. Amanda and Sid are a great team behind the bar.
(4)
Kevin S.
The fish and chips, atmosphere and beer selection won't disappoint! I was pleased there was a nice alternative option outside of the chain breweries in the area.
(4)
Stephen S.
This place has good food, especially the burgers, and obviously their beer is great. It has a good atmosphere and good service. I'm a fan!
(4)
Eric K.
This place was packed, considering it was a Wednesday night. This was my 2nd trip to this facility, and the food was fairly decent both trips. The wait for a table was rather short. The many types of beer are a big draw to this place... (it is an alehouse after all). I was surprised at the speed of the service based on the crowd that was present. All in all, a worthwhile trip.
(4)
Jon B.
I'm new to the area, and have been searching for my 'comfort spot'... my neighborhood bar that I would feel comfortable brining my girl, my best friend, or going to alone. If this place was just a little closer, this would be that place. The obvious perk is the beer selection.... something for everyone. I think the food is great, and the staff and crowd make this a terrific neighborhood bar. If someone knows a better place to grab a beer in the west Falls Church area, I'd love to hear it.
(4)
EdWord E.
Absolutely loved this place. Service was great, selection of beer was fantastic (if you are a dogfish fan) and the roast beef with Au Jus was perfect. One of the better roast beef sandwiches I have had this side of Chicago and NYC. A great time was had by all and I recommend this place. 3.5 stars.
(4)
Vivian C.
A wonderful place for beers. I actually can't remember what the food was like, but the beers were Awesome. I had the 120 Min IPA and if you are not used to strong alcohol beverages you might want to eat a big plate of bacon before you start drinking this IPA.
(4)
Daniel M.
The decor is cute, the place is clean. The food is good, the wings are GREAT! Some of the best I've had and I've been to the Anchor Bar. The beer is among my favorite craft brews. But I have to say, the service is terrific. From the managers to the wait staff, they're always checking to see how you're doing. The 7-Corners location seems like an odd place to put this place, but it gets the job done. The Bethesda one is good too. Pretty soon there will be one in South East DC. I also like that they're a local business. Cheers!
(4)
Caroline L.
Love this place - been twice now. The beer is good, the atmosphere is laid back, the food is really great too. The staff seems genuinely interested in sharing their beer recommendations and are knowledgable about them. I suggest the beer sampler - it's so cool, and I liked being able to try so many. Also you can ask for a sample of any beer on tap, which is really nice because it can be hard to decide from the extensive list. Minus one star only because I kind of wish it was an adults only kind of place, lol. Both times I was there though, it was actually a more adult crowd. Also my husband had the mac and cheese, and it seriously is amazing.
(4)
D A.
Good drink and food. The Cajun spring rolls. Never had a bad meal there.
(4)
Somer P.
This location is WAY better than the one in Maryland! The ambiance is welcoming and fun, and the staff are always nice. Even better - the food and beer are GREAT. I haven't had a meal at Dogfish Head that I didn't love, I especially like the eggrolls appetizer and the Memphis BBQ platter, and their burgers and pizzas are always a good choice! One of my favorite places to eat/drink out!
(5)
Quentin B.
Good, all around, consistent place. Staff is generally friendly. Food is better then most bar/pubs. And of course the beer. enough variety to satisfy everyone.
(4)
damon n.
F anyone who doesn't love this place. wood fired grill/oven, great beer, fantastic crab cakes..., they need to serve their own alcohol i know they make it!
(5)
Frank W.
If you like good (!) beer you need to go here!
(4)
Jane P.
Recently enjoyed a weeknight dinner here with friends. As a native Delawarean, I was excited to see that Dogfish Head had expanded beyond the confines of a small brewery in lower-slower-Delaware. I'm a bit behind the times, I know! I was also excited to see that they claim to make the food fresh, not frozen - and they grill a lot of the items on their wood grill. Not in the mood for a large meal, I stuck with veggies and the crab soup. Enjoyed the soup - 4 stars. Good chunks of crab in it, though I think they added the crab after the fact, rather than simmering it into the soup. My friend had the ceasar salad with shrimp - "over the top Ceasar" - and while I didn't think it was that crazy with only 4 shrimp, he enjoyed it. And that's what matters. The menu is interesting, with delicious-sounding twists on old favorites. Decent vegetarian options, too. The chips, fries, and onion rings are all made in-house. The beer selections sound appetizing, and wow, are there a lot of options! I've been told I must return to try the wood-grilled entrees, and I will. For now I'll stick with 3 stars, with the option to add more after my next visit.
(3)
TheTruthTeller CheeseEater D.
The food was tasty. The beer was probably OK. My husband and I had a weird interaction with an older gentleman that worked at the restaurant. Couldn't tell if he was manager or owner. Either way I'm in No rush to return. Not like the beer is from Belgium. What I mean to express is your normal brew pubs tend to attract your more..hmm. No way to say without offense. This does not attract your normal brew crowds.
(2)
Evan F.
Obviously, this place has a great beer selection. The food on the other hand is good, but could use some work. Its basically like a Friday's or an Applebee's, except they use fresh ingredients, so its a little better for you. The Nachos appetizer was delicious, though. The prices are definitely reasonable. If you want good beer and decent food, come here.
(4)
Mike E.
The beer and food are both great at this place, but the real star is the beer. The 60 Min is fantastic and they have a rotating selection of beers to choose from. However, I can't even begin to tell you how much I hate having to go through Seven Corners to get to Dogfish; it has to be the worst intersection in America.
(4)
Ernie A.
Had the Chicory Stout (seasonal) and the mac & cheese with steak. Both were delicious. They had live music on this particular night, which was a nice touch. A solid 3-3.5 stars. Nothing crazy over-the-top good, but nice reliable food.
(3)
Dan G.
Wife & I debate over which is better Dogfish or Sweetwater! Well, Dogfish has the best beer & the food is gradually catching up on Sweetwater. However, you are going to a brewery, right!?! The Dogfish beer is the best brewery beer in the Northern VA area (sorry Gordon Biersch, Hops, & Sweetwater). I try to make it to Dogfish at least once a month if not more often. They also have live music on certain evenings although sometimes they forget people are actually trying to eat & converse so the volume is cranked up too loud. But you come to a brewery for beer, right? This beer is awesome!!
(5)
AngelinaM L.
I'm happy to have this place around the corner from my house...you can get a good beer AND take the kids. The food is fine, alehouse food. I think the one thing it's lacking is a little bit of soul. Don't get me wrong, it's far superior to an Applebee's or a Friday's. But Dogfish is not a big enough chain, yet, to be so...chain-like. Good place for families, a big group, watching the game and drinking a beer. I saw a family with four little ones absolutely trash the place on a busy Sunday night and the servers were completely chill. But if you're going for a date or just wanting something "local,"...Dogfish just needs to connect to its heart a little bit more.
(3)
Kris R.
Great Place!! Very relaxing!! Will be going there again!! Walked in around 6:30 this Saturday evening; my wife and I put our name in for a table for two. With a wait of 15-20 min we moved to the bar and found two empty seats on the back side. The bartender staff was outstanding, very courteous and attentive. We are both Miller Lite snobs, so the wide array of brews, IPA's and such did not mater to us. I did have a Boston Iced tea, a spin on a LIT, and my wife had a Malibu n Coke. Very good drinks from a great bar staff. After 20 min, the lights and good vibrations announced that our table was ready. Our server was not only friendly but professional, and on the ball. We decided to start off with the "warm 3 cheese crab dip", and for the main course, "12 ounce NY strip" and the "Mac n Cheese." The dip was excellent, the steak was cooked perfectly (medium for our taste) and the Mac was awesome! The waiter kept the cocktails rollin and one of the managers stopped by to check on our overall experience. After a warm brownie sundae (excellent!) we were on our way. I am not a food critique or a restaurant owner, but I was a waiter for about seven years and very picky about service and experience. Get down there, check it out, have a drink at the bar, order the crab dip and have a good time. Thank you Dogfish, we'll be back, with friends!
(5)
Owen P.
Can't go wrong with Dogfish Head beer! I love that stuff. The food here was on par with the beer!
(4)
Erin F.
I think this place is great! They have food ranging from pizza to salads to steak dinners - great variety. Great beer. Great atmosphere. Great live music.
(5)
Lisa Y.
I love their beer, especially the Midas Touch, which isn't in season right now. I usually go to the one in Gaithersburg, which maybe accounts for the difference in the food, but everything I've had there has been very good. The beach fries are terrific, and the fish and chips are excellent. I really like their slow roasted french dip sandwhich. I've liked everything I've tried there. I haven't tried their wines (they're known for their beer, so why criticize the wine?) or their mixed drinks.
(4)
David R.
Dogfish Alehouse is a great addition to the northern Virginia brewpub scene (joining Rock Bottom, Gordon Biersch and Capitol City). The beers need no introduction--anyone who knows about beer knows about Dogfish. The restaurant and bar is in an old Uno's location, in a large unsightly strip mall near Seven Corners. But you don't come to a place like this to take in the sites. (Plus, you can always stumble out and pick up breakfast food for the next morning at Shoppers Food Warehouse). The smoke-free policy is awesome and I love the set up of the bar....a large rectangle with good views on all sides. The service is good (not fantastic), and the food is way above average. Their version of a light beer (Lawnmower) blows every lite beer away.
(4)
Jane Z.
Fabulous food, beer, atmosphere, and prices! Best of all, this business gives back to its community. My family and I went to Dogfish Head to attend a fundraiser for Barrett Elementary. It was our first time there, but it won't be our last! Thanks Dogfish for supporting our school -- your food, beer, value, and community spirit have won us as regular customers!
(4)
Suzanne M.
Great restaurant, went a couple of times with different groups. Really like the drink menu. Each time I went they had live music. The staff was always nice. The food was alright, I probably didn't order the right thing because everyone I have gone with has really enjoyed there food. Went for St. Patrick's Day last year and had a wonderful time. Very fun and family type atmosphere.
(4)
Suzanne P.
This location is the best of the DC metro area. I enjoy the Aprihop beer in the spring and the Pale Ale, Peche, or light in the summer. The food is always good- I've sampled burger, kabobs, pizza and salads, salmon. The woodgrill flavoring is the best part. Look out for some of the beers- they can cost upwards $12 a glass. Monday is $5 burger night. Excellent beer, great food, loudish atmosphere. Nothing to complain about!
(5)
Kit R.
Incredible beer, really good food and atmosphere. I'd go with five stars if the locale was a litle more accessible to public transportation, but really that's a minor point. They've done a great job replicating the vibe of the Rehoboth Beach brewpub, and frankly I think the food here has surpassed what I've had in Rehoboth the last few visits. If you're a fizzy yellow beer lover and/or or you don't have an appreciation for extreme brews, this is not the place for you.
(4)
Mindy D.
My husband loooooves their beer and was so happy when they opened this restaurant. The beer selections is great for DFH lovers and the food is better than your average TGIF type. My fav is their woodgrilled pizzas. Great place to hang out with friends over strong beers.
(4)
Joe L.
Of all the American craft brewers in the ever-expanding scene, Dogfish Head is probably one of the most daring and adventurous, which also might make them the most polarizing. I suspect you either really want to try a beer based on a thousand-year-old recipe found in some Mayan excavation or you really don't. Even their "normal" beer offerings outside the IPAs tend to have some unusual flavor additives like chicory and licorice. I'm not an IPA drinker, but I know theirs are generally considered among the class of that field, for what it's worth. If you come here, you'd better like Dogfish Head beers, since they don't offer any other brands, but they have a wide enough variety that you should find one that pleases you, and they offer sampler flights if you don't fancy a whole pint. The food menu is basic pub fare but it's of a much higher quality than the average dive bar and has lots to choose from, including veggie and gluten-free and whatever other silly dietary restriction you might have. The decor is nothing special, also reminiscent of a thousand chain pubs you might find anywhere. The real draw here is the opportunity to try Dogfish Head beer, including some of their large bottle rarities. For the dedicated craft beer drinker, that alone should make this worth the trip. If you're into wine or cocktails, keep driving to somewhere else in the 'burbs.
(4)
Joanna M.
I have not tried the food here or any other Dogfish Head Alehouse location but if you like beer and you like Dogfish Head Ales, you gotta come have a beer! Sunday Football and beer. Great excuse to procrastinate and divert from grocery shopping! Love their beer and friendly bartenders.
(4)
Devon M.
A regular spot for us, we love the beer, the food, the company and the staff. They have frequent delicious beer dinners and always have fun and innovative food specials. I highly recommend the blackened chicken in any form, it is out of this world! You can't forget the main reason for stopping by - the BEER! They always have a great selection of DFH craft brews and you can bring in growlers to fill also. The bar area is large, and they have plenty of space to bring your crowd with you too. Highly recommend!
(5)
Michael G.
I went to dogfish today to partake in its Happy Hour, feeling like a beer and pizza at their reduced prices. I hadn't been there in a few months and checked their website to read that all HR apps were $2.00 off, including pizza. Upon being seated and asking for the happy hour menu, I was told that only wings and nachos were on reduced price, contrary to what I had just read on their website. Perplexed, I asked ... "Are you sure? I understood that pizza was included." The waiter insisted that such was not the case. After drinking my beer and on the way out, I asked a member of their host desk about the disparity of the website and the waiter's response, and the host said the waiter was wrong. I could have gone to a dozen different establishments for HR. The next times I will.
(2)
Kirk S.
This place could quite literally sell dog poop and, as long as they sold their beer, I'd be stoked. Good thing the food is also pretty tasty. Real talk: you literally cannot screw up a Dogfish Head beer selection. Even as someone who fervently hates IPAs and the hipsters who drink them, the Dogfish Head 60-, 90-, and 120-minute IPAs are masterpieces in their own right. Their worldwide stout is life-changing. Hell, you could randomly point at a beer on their menu and have a life-affirming experience. The beer is that good. The food is pub fare, but that doesn't mean it isn't good. Their crab cake sandwich is pretty awesome. Everything is appropriately greasy to go well with the beer, which you should order with reckless abandon. If I weren't a beer person, I could see giving this place a 3 stars, so be warned - outside the drinks, this place is pretty average. But, c'mon, this is Dogfish Head, you shouldn't be going here unless you're stoked on beer in the first place.
(5)
Roberto L.
Love the burgers and appetizers! Good choices of beer to pick or you can try a sample which is the best choice if it is your first time trying Dogfish head. Service is really good! Highly recommended!
(5)
Jill G.
I live close to hear and was always curious driving by so we stopped in for a Friday night. We like to drink beer but are not "beer people", so the review is for everything but what they're known for I guess! Large, clean restaurant with friendly, quick service. We ordered and shared the buffalo chicken dip and BBQ burger and left feeling stuffed. It's good, American comfort food. A step above an Applebee's or TGIF's, but nothing too special. An easy place to stop if you're needing a fill.
(3)
Daniel T.
Went here in a party of 8 on a weekday. For the most part, they have great reviews for their beers. My review is for their food and service. They messed up 3 of our orders - forgot to add mushrooms in a burger, added incorrect topping on a pizza, overcooked meat. The service was OK for the most part. I did not like the fact that there were a small group of servers standing around nearby our table. I don't like being "watched" while I eat. The food was pretty good for "bar food." Would I return? Only if there were no better options present and I was really hungry.
(3)
Megan E.
Maybe I'm bitter, but I expected something more from dogfish head. I expected a least one or two beers on tap that I can't get in the store. The menu is pretty decent as long as your not vegan. If you are vegan there are only a few options for you. The hummus which was delicious and came with yummy grilled pita bread, and then I had a salad. I wanted to get black beans but they are soaked in chicken? Idk some sort of broth. The t-shirts are hung in a manner that if there is a crowed you can't see them. I guess I thought Dogfish would be more user friendly. I've been to some bigger name brewery/pubs and they just have a whole different feel. Dogfish head FELT like I was at any other chain restaurant that just happened to have dogfish head on draft.
(3)
Euge L.
I've been here at least 30 times and bring my family, visiting friends and Uncle Joe. I come for the beer and for the food. The beer is one of my favorites. I could drink Raison D'etre all day long (well not REALLY but you know what I mean) and the food is consistently good. The decor is fun- a mix of beer posters and fishing gear. It's whimsical but not over the top; you don't poke your eye out walking past a swordfish or have to stare at a 80's LP cover. The place is kept clean. They have a bar and a restaurant side. If you are swinging through town and need a comfortable place with kick ass beer, this is the place. Or if you are like me and live nearby, this restaurant is worthy of being your neighborhood haunt. The service is always cheerful and quick. You get recognized as regulars by most of the waitstaff and often get a nice hello and how are ya? Standouts include Carlos and Napoleon, servers par excellence. The servers seem to stay and work here for a while which is a good thing. The beer, well they specialize in beer. The servers can really talk about the beer and will give you free sips to try it out. I like the beer samplers where you get a 4oz glass of Indian Brown Ale, 60 Minute IPA, 90 Minute IPA, Raison D'Etre, Chichory Stout and a seaonal brew. They really go out of their way to develop interesting beers that are made for the love of beer, not to sell beer. They made beer from ancient recipes from Egypt and China, Ta Henket and Chateau Jiahu respectively. They have a great Pumpkin ale every year as well as a peach brew. Mmm Dogfish Head Beer. The food is consistently good. I have not gone here and had a bad meal. What I like is to be able to return again and again and have a the same awesome burger. I could go right now and have a BBQ burger that *always* satisfies. I have had their BBQ burger about 15 times and boy it rocks. The appetizers are filling and tasty. The kids meals are big. My kid gets the pasta or the steak. You can ask for applesauce too! For apps the calamari and the spring rolls never last on the table. The wings they rolled out in the past couple years, with a bunch of different sauces, and pretty darn good. The humus plate is huge! Share it or you'll fill up on pita and carrots! I could go right now and have a BBQ burger that *always* satisfies. I have had their BBQ burger about 15 times and boy it rocks. The burgers are always perfectly grilled, nicely appointed with cheese, bacon and BBQ sauce and the tasty fries are crisp and soft. The mac and cheese and the jambalaya are yummy and filling. It's not always a heart attack- we have enjoyed the grilled artichoke appetizers on more than one occasion but ask for the balsamic on the side and make sure the chokes are a little charred. The salads are big and tasty, but not rave worthy. I guess they don't go well with beer. ;) But the lettuce has been always clean and not wilty. Dogfish Head offers special every night that come and go but usually stick around for a week or two. There is a burger special of the week which are interesting and worth a try. In the spring there is a St Patty's lean to the specials with delicious corned beef and cabbage and shepherd's pie. You may also come in and they have a special on fish tacos. Those fish tacos may be so popular that it becomes a regular on the menu. Oh wait that did happen. :) So, clearly the chefs think about their offerings, listen to the feedback from the servers and customers and adjust their menu accordingly. So come for the great beer, yummy food, friendly staff and just overall good vibes of this restaurant. You'll be back! Oh, and Thursday are often FREE PINT GLASS NIGHT! RUN!
(5)
Chow N.
Go for the beer, not the food. I had the pulled pork sandwich. It was quite blah.
(2)
Zach H.
God, this place is good. I tried the beer sampler, which included seven glasses (way bigger than the 4oz advertised) of pure heaven. The 120 minute IPA was overwhelmingly good. Also, I had a burger that blew my mind, I believe it had gorgonzola on it, but at that point I was about six samples in and I was wasted out of my face hole. I haven't spent much time in the DC area, but my impression was that of $9 drinks and snotty asses in suits and cellophane, so this was particularly refreshing. Go there and be sure to peruse the seasonal beer menu - it's awesome.
(5)
Juliet K.
the service was great and the food was great. we ordered the crab dip since it was receommended but it definitely DID NOT compare to mike's american grills. and then i ordered the rockfish which was absolutely to die for. and my bf ordered the prime rib, which im really not a fan of... so i didnt like it that much, but he thought it was tasty. all the sides that came with the dinner was absolutely great too. i would def recommend this place and i plan on returning to try other things on the menu that sounded yummy!!!
(4)
Mandy S.
Stopped here during a business trip. Food was good. I went on the recommendation of the bartender, grouper sandwich. And fresh made potato chips. Both were awesome! There was a lot food. The beer was pretty good too. I did the flight that was a nice array of their beers. Overall, good place with a good atmosphere.
(4)
Rob B.
So let's start with the location, it's sooo over due for something intriguing and worth going to, thank you Dogfish Partners for opening this unit! Well, I stop in here for a quick beer so I could say that I was first to Yelp. In return, I ended up having a few more with a DFHA partner and chatting about the business. You should know by my star rating that I will have no negative remarks, The Beer is some of the best the East has to offer, no questions asked! This once small brewery has now grown into a restaurant partnership that will have no problem with growth in the future. If you have been to the Delaware store then you know the food is an 8.5-9, that is how DFHA serves their product (food). Now, keep in mind that they just had their soft opening, meaning service may not be a ten. In short, they have a great menu and it will match most customers taste. Personally, I'm going to dinner there this weekend and will report back after. PS. No Smoking Update 09-28-07 So I took the day off and ended up having lunch at DFHA. On the menu for me was the Bacon Cheddar Burger cooked over a wood fire grill to a medium rare temp. In my opinion it should have BBQ sauce serve on top or on the side. Besides that, it was perfect for a pub burger; the bun is also wood grilled to. So when chatting with a manager, he inform me that in his opinion, the fish dishes are some of the best products they serve, umm a must try for next time. Also on the menu is their wood oven pizza's, now to be honest I haven't try the pizza but they do sound great. My only wish is that DFHA would start a mug club here so I could feel like I'm part of the wave. Wow, looking at the time and I've been here for two in a half hours drinking many beers and probably should get out of here before HH at 4pm. That's all for now, get out here and enjoy some DFHA house dinning! PS. DFHA Unsecured Wireless Network, plus Punkin Ale on draft!
(5)
Allan N.
Much better than the previous occupant, Uno's Pizza. The wide selection of fantastic beers is very nice. Happy hour is a pretty good deal, $1.50 off all drafts. Get here early if happy hour is your plan because it gets packed. At least it was packed yesterday evening (friday). I'm sure monday - wednesday isn't as bad. This is a good alternative to Sweetwater, but it could stand to use a little more bar space. But since it took over an existing space, what can you do? I had a grilled chicken salad so I can't really comment on food. It was a decent salad, but my chicken portions were quite small. I'm used to the mound of salad & chicken you get at Sweetwater. My friend, a beer nerd, almost had an orgasm after every beer he had. Don't come here for Miller Lites.
(4)
Kristen B.
Fantastic beer, and great "beer food" I'm a huge fan of dogfish beers (60 minute is probably my favorite. . .always have it on hand at my house!) There black and tans are amazing, strong coffee tones. I really enjoyed their chili which has an interesting spin with added blue cheese. The burgers are also good and even the veggie portabella mushroom burger was tasty. Their beer menu can be quite overwhelming and the staff is very helpful when it comes to explaining the menu and giving advice on the best beer for your palate.
(5)
Eric P.
I love the beer, but was unsure what to expect with the food. How good can a brewery's restaurant chain possibly be? Well, needless to say, I thought it was pretty damn good. I almost forgot I was in a strip mall in NOVA!
(4)
Rachel P.
it was deelicious! for a thursday night, the place was quite full, but the wait wasn't long at all. i tried going on a weekend one time, and the wait was at least an hour. my friend and i split the chateau jiahu beer, which was quite fancy! it came in a bottle like wine. it was a really nice, smooth, medium beer. not too carbonated, but it was pretty strong, hehe. i highly recommend it. we were disappointed the pumpkin ale, their fall beer, was apparently already out of stock. i hope the waiter just meant for the time, and not for the season already! then we all split some calamari as appetizer, and i have to say it was very mediocre. they're the very small ringed calamari, which isn't the type i prefer. i probably wouldn't order that appetizer again, but will try another in the future. i had the dogfish trio, which i really liked. two types of fish, and huge shrimp, all deep fried, comes with cole slaw and fries. it was a VERY generous plate. i was starving, and i could barely finish it. i actually kept eating, b/c it was so yummy. i probably could have stopped halfway and have been satisifed, not to mention have some leftovers. it's a bit loud in the restaurant, but in a way it makes for cozy, atmosphere b/c everyone seemed to be having a very good time. there was even some shouting and clapping coming from the bar :) all in all, a great dinner at a great new restaurant. can't wait to go back and try other dishes!
(5)
Lindsay S.
we hit this place up a few times a month. great beer and solid food. the beers change, but the standards are always there. my hubby loves the raison d'etre and i like the midas touch. as far as the food goes....good wings, good salad, good pizza. the mac and cheese is delish. as is the burger. annnd the fries, they are great. stay away from the pulled pork sandwich, it was kind of dry and not very tasty.
(4)
meghan M.
Dogfish Head beer is a great brewery and this restaurant usually has a good variety on tap. I've been once or twice when they've been out of 2 or 3 on their list, which is a bummer. The food is pretty good too. I like the pizzas and the salmon sandwich. It always seems to be crowded (a lot of families) but I've never had to wait more than 15 minutes for a table, even with a larger group. It's in Falls Church which means it's not that close to a metro but worth it for a beer or two and a decent dinner.
(4)
Andrew F.
Love it! Very good food, excellent beer (75 Minute is my favorite), and very reasonable prices.
(4)
Marie T.
I originally wanted to go here because I thought that this place had good bread. Turns out they don't serve bread at all!! I did not hold that against them. Though I heard the beer is pretty good, the food was mediocre. I had the salmon and my fiancee had the NY strip. Both were pretty bland. Also, they didn't really have any good bar food or appetizers either.
(2)
Alan P.
I like the place, but TONS of food. Good value but you feel guilty not eating the GIGANTIC portions. Salads are bigger than your head. Good food and nice servers, though. There are worse things to complain about than large portions. . .
(4)
Lily Z.
The beers are great. I usually go for the IPA and my husband likes the Raison d'Etre. I thought their crab dip was good, but the pizza didn't do it for me. The onion was almost raw and the crust was thin but it resembled more like a tortilla than neapolitan pizza crust. Its also right by Hong Kong Palace, so its nice to go for the happy hour and then head to Hong Kong Palace for some authentic Sichuan cuisine.
(4)
MARY T.
This place is LOUD, otherwise I'd give it more stars. You really can't hear across the table, but the food is so good, I don't really care. Let me say, I'm not a beer lover, but I LOVE this place. The waitstaff is really knowledgeable about the brew selection and, heck, if you don't know, get a flight for $9 (that's a lot of good beer, folks). I have never ordered anything I didn't like, but I like some things more than others, namely: (1) crab dip - if this dish were a woman, I'd be jealous of my husband's affections for it (2) Alehouse BBQ burger - it's for two people, seriously - bacon, bbq sauce, two patties, fried onions...hello, heaven (3) any of their wood-fired pizzas. Who knew carbon could taste so good?
(4)
Adam R.
I usually stop at Dogfish once a week for their happy hour after work. Their parking lot fills up quick, so you might be forced to park in the dreaded Shoppers parking lot - avoid it at all costs. I usually drink the 60 minute because it has that bold flavor with a crisp aftertaste. The alcohol content in these beers is quite high, so keep that in mind before you start putting them down like water! Burgers are $2 off on Mondays and they are worth every penny. They put a nice sear on the burger so you get some good flavor. I've had the salmon before and wasn't the biggest fan (I think I can make it better :P) but it was good. The staff are extremely nice and for as many times as I have been there, I can't recall having any complaints about the service. Great place, moderately high prices but definitely a better choice than TGI Fridays or Ruby Tuesday's.
(3)
Christopher H.
Having experienced the joy of Dogfish Head beer and having passed by this restaurant on Rt. 7, I said to myself, "Self, we need to go there." So tonight a couple friends of mine and I did just that. We were not disappointed. Far from it! They had been there before, but I had not. We got a great server (Stacy) who was very fun, knowledgeable about their beer and their food menu, patient as we waited for one of our party, and just overall pleasant. I was unsure as to which beer I should get and she generously brought out "taster" portions of two of them which aided my decision. I had described to her what I liked and she was able to suggest one (Palo Santo Marron) that really fit the bill. I had read the reviews about the food and was skeptical (but unhesitant to visit the restaurant simply due to the stunning beer!). I got the Steak Bomb Sandwich and my friends got a burger and the chicken breast. There were no complaints... my sandwich was perfectly delightful and the "beach fries" were perfection (and I don't say that lightly). Now, I've been to the Sweetwater Tavern nearby in Merrifield and enjoyed that as well (a much larger place, great beer, delicious food)... someone else mentioned Hops as being better than Dogfish Head, though, and I couldn't disagree more. Hops used to be wonderful but went way downhill several years ago such that I'd never return. I'll definitely go back to Dogfish Head Alehouse though!
(4)
Elaine K.
I'm in love. It's rare that I return to a restaurant over and over again, but Dogfish Head Alehouse has me coming back whenever I can. The beer is awesome. They have a few staples that are always there, and they rotate seasonals/more rare brews. Happy hour is great, and the beer specials are available at all of the tables as well as at the bar. They have everything from the Lawnmower ale (light beer that's actually good) to their World Wide Stout and 120 minute IPA that are about 18%abv. Of course, 60 minute and 90 minute are always on tap. I'm a huge fan of their beer. It's mostly real beer with strong flavors... Sam is a genius brewmaster. The food is fantastic. There's a lot of variety, and they have specials that change regularly. I've enjoyed everything I've eaten there. There's everything from sandwiches, salads, full entrees and pizzas. They're good with substitutions and food allergies, too. The staff actually seems to care! I've been there when someones meal came with the sauerkraut they asked be left off. The waitress realized her mistake, fixed it, and took our appetizer off the check... We didn't even complain or ask her to do it. I've also been there when service was slow because they were hellishly busy, and had a round of beers taken off the check, again without complaint. They really strive to keep the customer happy without waiting for complaints to fix things. That's simply amazing customer service that you just can't find most places. That is one of the huge factors that gets my repeated business.
(5)
Ghengis K.
Their beer is delicious (try the Raison D'Etra). I'm always on the lookout for craft brewery-type restaurants, and even though this place doesn't brew the beer on-site, it is still very tasty. The food comes in at a close second to Sweetwater Tavern, and they have a large menu. Waiters are a little pushy with trying to get you to buy appetizers and drinks, but other than that, a great place for a casual evening.
(4)
Stephen P.
Go here for the beer, but I highly recommend skipping the food
(3)
Michelle S.
The crab soup is awesome! Lots of crab and lots of flavor! We also shared the chicken & shrimp sandwich which was also very good. The beer was fantastic! Nice choices - there is something for everyone if you're not sure which one to have order a sampler or just ask for samples they'll let you try them. Everyone was friendly - staff and other patrons!
(4)
Karena B.
One of the best Brew Pubs in the US of A... I went to the one in Rehoboth and it was to die for. The food was succulent- I recomend The Warm Crab Dip, the Calamari, The Dogpile And I had a Woodgrilled Pizza for the dinner portion. I tired all the beers in their sample sizes, and then settle on a couple of them. The atmosphere, the pub mentality, and the earthiness of the place was the kicker. I recommend, do you hear me - RECOMMEND you go. I plan on visiting the resturant in 7 Corners very soon. Stay tuned for my review of that location.
(5)
Sean F.
Our Neighborhood Watering Hole! We visit this place at least once a week, since it is the only decent non-ethnic restaurant anywhere near our house. The service is great, although the servers maybe hitting the bong a little too often, as they ask us "First time here?" even though we had the same server the night before. Just saying. Good for kids too. Food is good, and they change the specials every few weeks. Happy hour prices make for good deals on beer, pizza and wine by the glass (But not the bottle). Parking can be tight on busy nights, but you can just go further into the parking lot and then run for your life to avoid being mowed over by the bad drivers that frequent the local Shoppers. Best part? The beer, of course. I prefer the 60 or 90 - throw down a few of those and a healthy buzz awaits you.
(4)
Robert R.
A perfectly adequate alternative to Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday's, or TGIFriday's. With much much better beer available. Service is about the same as what's listed above. The food is again, about the same. Not fresh, not delicate, just hearty average fare. But the beer, good God almighty the beer. They've got everything, including several beers you can't find anywhere else. Normally I would give such a place two stars, but the beer pulls it up a decent way. Prices, however, are not as low as they should be. I wouldn't mind paying more for the beer, but they hit you with the regular food too, and it's just not worth it. Good for hop heads, otherwise don' t bother.
(3)
Loesje T.
Add me to the list of affecionados. It has the best beer in America, great food and wonderful employees. The regular patrons are welcoming and it's always fun. The bartenders are the best in the area and you can be sure we will nominate them for an award when the time comes. Love the salmon caesar salad. One of the best caesar salads I've ever tasted. A great, local spot that is expanding due to a die-hard following!
(5)
phleg m.
I wish I'd had a better experience here. I really wanted to because I love the comfy vibe, the decent beer, the bar crowd... But after enduring a truly sh_tty menu for visit after visit (a hockey puck burger; a bag salad, and truly POS beef stew)...I just can't overlook the obvious. The service is friendly and affable, ...but slow and a bit clueless. There are much better choices in the neighborhood or just a short drive away.
(2)
David M.
I ate lunch here with co-workers. This is a great environment, nice interior. They make their own beers and have many seasonal selections of beers listed. I want to come back for drinks if I can. But we were here for lunch. The food was really just OK. I had their beer battered fish and chips. I expected traditional beer batter but found it was thick hard batter on the fish. I did not even eat it all. They supposedly use fresh fish, but the fish was thin and soaked in oil. Not too good. My fries were acceptable, a co-workers were burnt. You could tell just by looking at them. Their 'house made' cole slaw was just so-so. Everyone agreed the food was just 'meh' OK. I would not return for the food though I would like to try their beers. Service met my expectations.
(2)
Peter M.
It is ridiculous to mention, but the beer is quite excellent. So no matter what, if you like great beer you will enjoy the visit. The food is really great, too. The burgers get recommended by the staff and they are a treat. For me, the icing on the cake is the smokey smell that permeates the parking lot and the interior. It is Pavlovian to the salivary glands. Finally, if you go, have your friend's pregnant wife drive. The beers range in alcohol from 4.5% through 12% plus and you will surely want to sample them all!
(4)
Rob S.
Love that the meal I shared with my wife was split and brought out on 2 plates. Great service and friendly!
(5)
Marc L.
Solid 4 stars. The Namaste on tap (belgian style white) was really tasty and a little pricey, but that didn't stop me from having 4. Some of the best bar food Ive had in a long time- both in Atlanta and the DMV. The old bay wings with blue cheese were cooked perfectly and full of flavor; finger licking good. Thank god for the little wet nap. The reuben was just as good. Service at the bar was attentive and the guys were friendly. Will definitely be back.
(4)
Jeff W.
Dogfish Head is the very definition of overrated. People come in here and think that the beer is good just because of the pompous "beer geek" vibe that they saturate the place with. First off, if you don't like IPAs then you probably won't find much here. Every single beer is some kind of IPA, or a blend. I'm a big beer fan, but don't like overly hoppy beers, and that seems to be all that they serve here. Also, the bartenders have a bit too much of the cool guy asshole thing going for them. No one is friendly or helpful and many can come across as insulting and condescending if you don't prove that you're a beer geek who gets off on beer that tastes like battery acid. Food is adequate, but horribly overpriced. The appetizers are a good deal, but anything else is a waste of money. If you must order food, I'd suggest just sticking with appetizers. The hummus dip was pretty good, and they give you a lot of pita wedges. My final complaint is their absurd beer pricings. They show a list of the beers they have, and you kind of assume that, like other brewpubs, it's all the same price. Well that's a false assumption because the beer I ordered happened to be $10.25 while everything else was $5. I couldn't believe it when the bill came and when I asked about it, cool guy asshole gave me a very formulaic "I apologize" and briefly gave me the beer geek pricing scheme, where anything over a certain percentage alcohol was a little higher. Well, gee, thanks for informing me that I'd be paying $10.25 for a tiny snifter of beer before I ordered. They really need to make it clear when a premium will be charged. I likely never will return here as I can buy pretty much all of their offerings at Total Wine. Not that I'd have any interest in their overpriced battery acid anyway.
(2)
Laura V.
Not bad. Not bad a'tall. Interesting place, this Dogfish Head in the middle of a 7 Corners strip mall... So I recently came here with a date at his suggestion. I had never been, heard great things, and plus, it's got beer. I like beer. We get lucky and snag a table pretty quickly. Now, let's get down to the business of the beer. Side note: Prior to coming here, my date and I had made a wager over something. The loser had to tell the server, "I have a hairy ass." Shortly after we're seated, our server comes to greet us. He looked like he was hardly old enough to be driving, let alone serving us beer, but I digress. My date informs him that he has a hairy ass. Server takes it in stride and make a crack about knowing a good waxer. Bonus points for our server. He turned out to be extremely knowledgable about their beers, how they were made, and had some fantastic suggestions. He rocked. So, I got the Alehouse 75. It's a blend of their 60 minute and 90 minute IPAs. Delish. Wonderfully hoppy, slightly caramelly, absolutely great. Date has the pale ale and his was also good. Food was fantastic. I was expecting bar type food, but this was really good. I had one of the most interesting sandwiches I've tasted. It was basically a blackened Mahi-mahi reuben. All the fixings of a reuben with perfectly cooked mahi-mahi instead of corned beef. This sandwich was heaven. It was gloppy and messy and delicious. My date had the blackened chicken sandwich, which I'm assuming was good since I only saw it on his plate for about 4 minutes. Both sandwiches were huge and one would definitely be enough for two people to share if you wanted to start with an appetizer, soup, or a salad. After we both went through enough napkins to kill about 3 trees, we decided to order another round of beers instead of dessert. Heck, that Alehouse 75 WAS treat enough to be dessert. Prices were reasonable. Atmosphere was really cool. I look forward to coming back here in the future. Great beer, yummy food, cool servers that go along with your bad jokes...Definitely a spot I would give my repeat business.
(4)
Vinicio C.
Good Chili and Salad.
(3)
Amanda M.
The food and beer are awesome! I'm not a beer drinker but I love their beer!! The atmosphere is upbeat. My favorite thing on the menu is the jambalaya. I love the sauce so much I'd eat it over anything!
(5)
Dave S.
The beer was good, unique, plenty of quality choice. The food was acceptable, however...... After finishing the fried calamari (second time around after returning the first cold batch) we noticed something on the bottom of the dipping sauce cup. It was a fry. We didn't have fries! A throw away apology from the bar staff, no comp or consideration so we made good with a bunch of their fancy coasters. We may stick with getting the beer from the shop but leave the restaurant alone. If you venture here, dig deep on the sauce cups before eating or leave a Halloween finger in there and watch for the next post.
(1)
Kathy P.
My hubby and I went to this place cause he is a major beer guy and had to try some of what they offered. The beer was decent... but not worth the much dinero spent on it. The food... ah that leaves much to desired. We ordered a Calamari for an appetizer and it was total rubber- like hard to even chew and choke down. We did talk to the manager and he promptly replaced it, sadly with another rubbery calamari. Then he jsut removed it from the check. The service here, for us, was stellar, the beer good, the food sucked.
(3)
Danforth Ridgewell Rutherford V.
Very solid. Went here with three coworkers and got three very positive responses on the food they were eating. The fourth was a "ya, it's pretty good" type of a review, which I immediately removed from the average because it was a guy eating a salad. Here's what I can vouch for -- the chicken sandwiches, and the portobello mushroom sandwich. The calamari was excellent -- they serve it with banana peppers, and the breading seems better than most places. The beer got kudos all around. Definitely recommend when you are looking for decent quality pub food with some real beer.
(5)
Joye P.
Only beer connoisseurs should be allowed in the door. When I walked in, the place smelled wonderful - faintly of smoking barbeque or baking bread, and newly chopped wood. It's all about the beer, folks. Dogfish Head is a regional brew; it's made in Milton, Delaware, just a stone's throw from Dewey Beach debauchery. The irreverent attitude is apparent in the high-alcohol beers. Note that many regular beers are about 5% alcohol by volume. I went last night and tried the Old Skool Barley Wine (15.05% abv) and the Indian Brown Ale (7.2% abv). The barley wine was served in a snifter glass. It was sweet, smoky, and had hints of dates and dried fruits. The nose was very perfumey. The Indian Brown Ale had a wonderful toasty flavor. It's dark, but not too heavy. I tasted the pizza named "Simple Inquiry," that had a thin, crispy crust, pesto, and sliced tomatoes. It was good. Really, it IS all about the beer. DFH is a brewery, so the food is secondary. I think that their beers are better than anyone else's. The brewers take painstaking care in their craft. They use centuries-old recipes. They make experimental kegs with wild flavors. Almost all are tasty. I highly recommend and can't wait to go back!
(5)
Dustimothy W.
Always delicious food and the beer is sponge worthy. Staff is always super attentive and friendly as well. I recommend the spring salad and fish and chips.
(4)
shawn g.
The Dogfish Alehouse is a great place to meet up with friends, and we managed to get a party of ten seated in under an hour. We had time for about two pints at the bar, and they had our table ready. Service was really good considering how packed the place was. Don't expect to get a seat anywhere without a wait on a Saturday evening. Menu is pretty standard, and it's best to have at least one beer before ordering. Live Music sometimes too!
(4)
Freddy P.
This place has great food. O yeah the beer.
(5)
Rod C.
Excellent quality-crafted beers, but eat later because the food is horrible. HAPPY HOUR from 4-7 on weekdays. Drinking only spot. The beers are made with quality ingredients and well designed. They are nice and strong ranging from 5-18%. Excellent beers in contrast to the amateurish sugary crap beers sold at places like Capitol Brewery, Rock Bottom, Gordon Birsch etc.
(4)
Jesse W.
The beer here deserves a 5 however the food brings it down to a three. I find the food to be hit or miss except for the fries which for the most part are always bad. With that said there are some consistent hits such as the Crabcake sandwich and the Mac and Cheese.
(3)
Jessica T.
I had such a disappointing night here. I heard they had a great gluten free menu, and even brewed their own gluten free beer. I was so excited to go, that's a real treat for someone with celiac. We get there and I order the gluten free beer. Waiter comes back, they are out. I reluctantly order the cider. Waiter comes back, out of that as well. So, I get to enjoy diet Pepsi. Then I order a burger which was what I was really looking forward to, and of course, the waiter comes back and they are out of buns! Seriously?! So I get the menu again and have to order something I don't really even want. I ordered the crab dip, but tell the waiter I only want it if he can bring it out with tortilla chips; I asked him if he could check on the chip ingredients. I ever hear back from the waiter, and I get hot crab dip with carrots. Seriously. Gross. When I'm hungry, I get near weepy, I couldn't even handle this series of events at this point. I just took the crab dip home and stopped at Westover for chips and gluten free beer so I could eat at home. We spent $100.00 for our family of four, and I couldn't even eat mine. And no manager in site. Such a terrible experience, I wouldn't in a million ever go back.
(1)
alissa j.
The staff at this location makes it. Sit in the bar area. I love going there for a few beers and a nice WELL made salad after work. Great for a Beer date and they seem to be really accomodating for larger groups. I really enjoy my times spent at DFH.
(5)
Ralph F.
Went in already knowing I love Dogfish Head beers, so I was biased from the get-go, but I was extremely impressed with this place. Draft beer selection was top-notch, service was quick, efficient, and friendly, and the food was outstanding. Midas Touch on tap? YES please.
(5)
Juan G.
Good ol American craft beer. Good food. Chill setting.
(5)
Boui K.
came here for a friends bday. They had a great selection of beers and I wasn't much a fan of IPA's until my friend ordered me the 90min, WOW! that was a great tasting beer. It was really packed on a saturday night too so I didnt want to order any food so I just stuck with the beers. I look forward on coming back for another friend's bday.
(4)
Ben V.
I loved this place. It was packed on a Thursday night when we went and we waited for 45 minutes to get a table, but it was worth it. The food was top notch and of course the beer was amazing. It was loud because of all the people but once the band started it got a bit more mellow (also could be all the beer I drank that made me think that or just not care). Really great waitress. Can't wait to go back or try the other DFH alehouses.
(5)
Jennifer C.
Kind of just a typical bad food and beer joint. Nothing special, but nothing terrible either.
(3)
PC W.
Dogfish Head beers have an excellent reputation. As a non-beer drinker, I can't comment. As a yelper, I can certainly comment on the food and service. It was a lackluster experience. I had a light dinner earlier in the evening so I ordered a bowl of the cream of crab soup. Whatever little bit of crab meat that topped the soup was seasoned with old bay, blech. The soup itself had no crab in it, it was pure filler - I tasted bits of onion and celery. It had the consistency and taste of a clam chowder without the clam and potatoes. I could only get through half of it, I couldn't bring myself to ingest anymore. I also asked for a water when I put in my order. It took about 25 minutes for the waiter to come back with it. This was after I finished the soup. When it was time to get the check, we had to wait a good while and flag the waiter down. It wasn't even busy at that point in the night. Anyways, here's some useful information if you've read this far: - it's a non-smoking establishment - Happy Hour is Monday - Friday 4 - 7 pm * $1.50 Off all Drafts * $1.00 Off all Dogtails, Dogtinis, Bottled Beer and Wine * $2.00 Off All Appetizers and Pizzas
(2)
andrew h.
It's great not to have to drive to the Delaware beaches to drink, fresh, unpasteurized goodness of Dogfish Head beers. We sat in the quasi-bar space and had a couple of sandwiches and a couple of beers before heading off for brewing supplies across the street at MLHBS(review here yelp.com/biz/my-local-ho… ). The Reuben was a bit disappointing, mostly just the bread as I guess I've gotten used to the greek diner version which is slathered with margarine and grilled on a griddle. Service was attentive and friendly and we were in and out quickly. An excellent way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Note that we saw a pile of small kids (with their folks) there on a Saturday at 3 pm, so it looks plenty family friendly, if your not there late
(4)
C J.
Gotta say I think this place is overrated! I went here on the opening weekend, so of course it was REALLY busy. We sat at the bar (which we would have done anyway) and started with a beer or two (the beer is quite decent, if you come here, let it be for the beer!). We then ordered food, which is expensive for what it is AND it wasn't very good AND it made both of us sick the next day. AND they double charged our credit card. All of this maybe could have been forgiven if the customer service was stellar... but it was not. So sorry Dogfish Head Alehouse, you might have good beer, but you can't stand on that alone!
(2)
K B.
Great food, great service. The service is fantastic and very kid friendly. The food is varied and I've never had anything I didn't like. The kid options range from pizza and burgers to buttery noodles and mac and cheese - an it's all fantastic. My favorite fish sandwich on the east coast - the IPA Grouper.
(5)
Steve P.
If you are a beer lover, than the Dogfish Head Alehouse is where you want to be. It's a converted UNO's that has a mesquite fragrance radiating throughout the restaurant from the kitchen; the smell won't stick to your clothes in this non-smoking establishment. They offer a beer sampler which I would recommend if you've never tried their brews. I started with the 90 minute IPA since it's the hoppiest they have. I've heard that in a recent study, hopps has more antioxidants and cancer fighting agents than vitamin E; this is reason enough for me to drink. The hoppiness comes from its title since it's fermented in hopps for 90 minutes. I would consider it a sipping beer that contains 9% alcohol, so you can get banged up pretty easily after a couple of these tasty beverages. The price is a little steep, $6.50 for half a draft...this is worse than what Daniel Snyder charges for a beer at a Skin's game; however, the quality of the 90 min. IPA is far superior. The next beer I tried was the Chateau Jiahu. The recipe for this beer with a bite is a 9000 year old Chinese one that's brewed with rice, honey and fruit. While the fruit and honey gives it its initial sweetness, the rice flavor gives the aftertaste a bit of a bite. I would almost compare it to a sweeter coconut wine that's common in the Philippines called Tuba. Other beers I samples include the Midas Touch and Raison Detre. Both are sweet beers with lots of flavor. I would consider the Raison Detre the best bang for the buck based on the alcohol %: price ratio. For dinner I had the Turkey Club with Avocado Sandwich. In general I would describe their entre selections as high end bar food. All that being said, I can't wait to go back for more!!!!
(4)
Anson P.
The beer here is pretty good. Good alcohol content. The food, however, is nothing to write home about. If you come here, come to get your drink on. The black and tan was pretty good and the aprihop was both strong and had a hint of fruit flavor. I had a fried chicken salad that was ok. The bbq chicken salad is better at Cheesecake Factory. My friend had a burger. He said it was alright. Most of the menu is typical bar fare. There is plenty of parking but all of Seven Corners sucks at rush hour. This is a good place to hide out until rush hour dies down. The beer is priced at around 5 dollars per pint glass but the happy hour knocks it down to about 3.25 for select drafts. Not bad. Come for the beer not for the food.
(3)
Thomas N.
Great beer. Decent food.
(4)
Bayly U.
The food at Dogfish head is traditional pub fare with a bit of a twist. My particular favorite is the alehouse mac and cheese. There's a mix of cheeses and I think it includes smoked gouda! You can order it with chicken or skirt steak which is thinly sliced and great quality. Of course, the real attraction here is the beer. I love the Midas Touch for its malty, sweet flavor. Raison D'Etre is also great. My boyfriend's favorite is the Chicory Stout which is seasonal. There's sometimes a bit of a wait to sit but I've never had a problem with the service. Enjoy!
(5)
Andrew I.
Delicious Beer. Very Good Food. A great Local Restaurant which bucks the trend of the chain restaurants in the area - including the Great American Restaurant Chain. Try the Jambalaya if you are in the mood for a spicy dish. For the Beer Drinking - there is an interesting selection of micro-brews. Give the black and tan a good try if you enjoy Guinness.
(4)
Vee L.
My family and I was in the area and decided to drop in for lunch. Let's say Saturday afternoon around 2 pm and it was not full. First timers at this restaurant. My husband had the Salmon and he was ok with it, not fantastic. I had the burger and I "love" a juicy burger and it was darn near perfect. My daughter had the chicken sandwich and she was ok with it. BUT!!! I do have to say the fries are worth going to just get them. The fries were really good. Not sure if I will return but the prices are reasonable and the service was quick.
(3)
Trace D.
Food is great, beer is excellent and the idea that you can get Dogfish Sponsored stuff when they're so small, I love it. You go Dogfish!
(4)
Miss E.
I like Dogfish Head. The beer is great. Do yourself a favor and get a flight so you can try their most popular beers. The 60-minute IPA is my fave. I'd like to give more stars, but I've found that the service and food are inconsistent. Example: This past weekend, I had an amazing Cuban sandwich. My date, however, had a disgusting beef stew. There was so much black pepper in it you couldn't taste anything else. Also, our waiter started out attentive but ended up disappearing half way through the meal. I'm hoping management reads these reviews, because it seems I'm not the only one having this problem. Give Dogfish Head a try. Hopefully, you'll catch it on a good day.
(3)
Eileen O.
Definitely overrated. I went with my roommate, and we were not impressed. I can't comment on the beer, as I am allergic to barley, but generally I can get something else worthwhile to drink. Not here. Poor wine selection, and nothing to make a mixed drink that is not on their limited cocktail menu. All that I remember of the food was salt. Even the next day I could tell that I'd had a lot of salt the night before. I will say that their homemade chips are fantastic - but we only got a handful with our salty crab dip.
(3)
Mickey C.
I have been here twice. Both times, I got a Reuben which is HUGE and fantastic. Had to take a dog bag for the remainder. Friend had a great burger, another couple had been there before and SPLIT a Reuben, another had a great salad. excellent attentive wait staff that was timely and efficient. Music not too loud like most places. Like Arnold says, "I'll be back"!!
(4)
Andrea R.
Best fish and chips in the US. Come to think of it, better fish and chips than some places in the UK. If you are there and want to share with a friend, they will happily plate one order on two plates, which still works out to a generous serving each. And then there is the beer. I'm not a beer expert, but I love their beer and can take or leave anyone else's, so I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it is the best craft brew available on the eastern seaboard. The company goes out of its way to do things right, up to and including brewing ancient recipes using traditional methods to astounding results. Finally, the customer service is consistently good and you'll get at least one manager visit every time you are there. Lennie is particularly engaging and goes out of his way to make sure you have what you need. Basically, it's good food and good people and amazing beer. Really, what else could you ask for? Oh, and there is remarkable consistency in quality between their Gaithersburg and Falls Church locations. I haven't been to any of the other restaurants.
(5)
Melinda S.
Food is fine, beer saves it. Same story as most people. Definitely go if you like Dogfish; they have a solid beer selection and are generally nice people serving as waitstaff. I'd probably go with a burger or something similar? Pairs well with the beer, and honestly--it's hard to be disappointed with a burger.
(3)
Jonathan V.
So I am a huge beer lover which should be obvious since I frequent this place as often as I can. Before I can review the beers I will review the food. It is fantastic. I have been here about five times since I discovered it a few months ago. I have had everything from the ribs to burgers to fish and chips. They hit a home run every time. My fiancee has had the above plus the salmon which was also killer. On to the beers. My favorite beers come from the Ancient ales line up. The Midas touch is my go to, but last night I tried the Ta Henkat. Low alcohol, but a great flavor. Not a fan of the India Brown, but everything else I have tried has been amazing. The Alehouse 75 is my go to if I feel like having a few beers, but if I want something special the Raison d' etra and Midas Touch our wonderful. Have a nice dinner and throw down some great craft beer. You won't be disappointed. (Oh yes they have Sunday brunch $6 got me a plate of eggs, crispy bacon, toast, and home fries. It was wonderful.) Just go. That is all.
(5)
Brian G.
Great beer and decent food! We went out on Sat. night, without a reservation and a group of 6 at 7pm. Normally a horrible idea, but we waited for not that long before being seated. Our server was quick to greet us and take our drink order. Got a beer... God, I love that 60 minute IPA! Ordered the "Steak Bomb Sandwich" and as Rob R. stated in an earlier review it was "ok". I could be that I am from the sandwich Mecca of Philadelphia, but for an Arlington S'wich it was good. The fries on the other hand should be called the "bomb". Nice and crisp, and lightly salted. Perfect. I even caught my GF snagging a couple since she went for the healthy side of veggies. (bad choice!) All in all good evening out!
(4)
Matthew H.
Popped into this place after stopping at the local homebrew shop across the street for some lunch with my wife. The place is a bit more casual than the one in Gaithersburg but it was a lot of fun. The place is completely covered in DFH stuff, glasses, tshirts, beer posters. My wife and I ordered a couple of sandwiches, I had a burger she had a Reuben. The food portions are illogically huge, to an annoying extent. Neither of us finished our food and we agreed that next time we would order something to share. They had a different draft menu (slightly) than the DFH pub in Gaithersburg, so it was nice to see a little variation in the beer selections from place to place, but the selections didn't have anything DIFFERENT or NEW, just the same DFH beer, just a few ones that weren't at the other on draft that were on draft here. Our waiter was gregarious and attentive and even brought an unprompted sample of the Punkin for my wife to try before she ordered it. Overall a good experience.
(4)
Jessica C.
Food: way too rich but that is sometimes ok if you are in the mood for it. Everything is loaded with butter and salt. That is what you get a mid-level almost Outback-style restaurant. Beer: Excellent except they are often out of specific beers, which sucks. Also, be prepared to wait 30-50 minutes on a weekend night.
(3)
Heather H.
I did not try any of their beer, which may have helped them rate a little higher......the food, I must say, was not that great. After waiting a ridiculous amount of time for a table on a Monday night, we were given a free appetizer, a nacho platter, which was a little cold, soggy, and not very tasty. The main fare was mediocre at best; I ordered a Hawaiian pizza that had burnt crust, and it was obvious that the toppings had been thrown on after the pizza had come out of the oven. The portions are also massive, so I suggest sharing. Someone in our group also ordered the fish and chips, making it the first time I have ever seen fish sticks served in a restaurant. In conclusion, I would go back to try the beer, but that's about it.
(2)
Aaron J.
I'm a fan of Dogfish's beers, however this place is basically a TGI Fridays with Dogfish Head beer. For some reason they didn't even have any special edition beers available, which is standard in a true 'Alehouse'.
(2)
Jessica B.
This place is fine, but nothing overly special. I do like the atmosphere. I've had a decent burger here before, but nothing that I'd recommend anyone go out of their way for. It's definitely fun for a happy hour, but for a meal, I'd probably rather spend my money elsewhere.
(3)
Drew S.
I've been here three times now, and each time the food and service are fantastic. The wait staff is knowledgeable of the food and beer, they have specialized beer experts to talk to you about what you like and what they have that matches, and the beer is absolutely wonderful. I mean really, the 90 Minute IPA.... Fill it up again! God, thats good. It's so good. Once it hits your lips, it's so good!
(4)
Chris V.
I've become increasingly disappointed with this place over the past year. I was psyched when they opened - Falls Church really needs more specialized bars of this type - but it's never been totally 100% "right." My main gripes are as follows: - Their available tap brews have become more limited over time, and are weighted towards the mainstream lighter stuff. The last time I went they had NO dark beers whatsoever on tap. None. I understand that the average Joe prefers lighter ales and lagers, but come on - you're a microbrew for chrissake! You need to have at least one stout or porter available. - The bar is too small and there's no standing room. I've been here at 4PM on a Tuesday and there were only one or two stools available. They really need to take out a booth or two and expand the bar, or at least provide somewhere to stand. As for the food, the appetizers are good to very good, but the entrees are OK at best. I recommend people get two apps (or split a few if with other people) and forego an entree. On the good side, the bartenders are generally excellent, with one or two exceptions (no real problems, just lack of knowledge about the beers). Wait staff in the dining area have been fine as well. Bottom line - the owners need to decide whether they want the place to be a sports bar or a brew pub. They're leaning pretty far into the sports bar side of the equation at the moment. That's fine for them, but it's not really my cup of tea, and it will dilute the Dogfish Head brand identity.
(2)
Dan K.
Bratwurst was really good and so were the Punkin Ale and Black and Tan. Service was ok, the chili was kinda gross. I thought the price was a bit high for food, but not bad. I found it odd that they had all the TVs turned to golf and baseball on college football's opening weekend.
(4)
Elizabeth M.
Come here for the beers. Dogfish Head is one of the rulers over the craft brewery scene, and for good reason - they have a great variety of beers that never disappoint. They're always coming up with some sort of new wacky recipe, and this originality is why I love them. I have to admit, though - I'm a little surprised people are raving about the food. It's fine, but not great. I would liken it to a more upscale version of Chili's - I've liked my food well enough, but come on, I'm there for the delicious beer. We came last weekend for the release party for their Punkin Ale, which was absolutely delicious. We also had the calamari starter, which was not great (overly breaded and fried, making the calamari a little too chewy), a salad and a sandwich, which were... fine. However, I've heard the pizza is pretty good, though I haven't tried it. Overall, a 3 for the food and 5 for the beer = 4 for the restaurant as a whole. Oh, and yeah, it gets crowded. Also, expect to find every child in the general Falls Church area under the age of 10 in this restaurant. I guess it must have a great children's menu.
(4)
Hannah K.
The best for beer and food in the area. I'd been drinking dogfish head beer for years. Then I moved into Falls Church. After a long day of moving and heavy lifting, and very little eating, I went looking out for a place to eat. I had the best steak sandwich of my life, and some of the fabulous 60 minute IPAs. I'm a bit IPA fan, and I still haven't found one that beats Dogfish Head. I went back a few months later when my partner's parents were in town to visit and discovered just how wonderful their service was. My partner's parents wanted to try the 75 minute IPA on tap, and to their chagrin, there was none. So, the manager opened up a bottle of the 60 minute and a bottle of the 90 minute, mixed them together, and charged them the draft price. Twice. It was an extremely generous move that, coupled with the phenomenal burgers, has solidified this place as one of my stand bys in the area.
(5)
A A.
Yet another spot in my neighborhood that I've driven by on route 7 time and time again for a couple years now and I never noticed it there. I just recently got around to visiting and I've now been twice in two weeks. It's refreshing to have a Pub/Restaurant like this in my neighborhood so close by. Obviously, being an alehouse, their highlight is their beer. It's not brewed on site but at their brewery in Delaware. If you're not sure where to start, ask for "The Sampler " and you can try 6 four ounce samples of their house brewed beers. If you don't want to commit to a sampler, ask your waiter to bring you samples of a few beers to try out in tiny shot size glasses and you can choose from those. Everyone at our table seemed to agree on the 60 minute I.P.A. (6%) and the 90 minute Imperial I.P.A. (9%) being the better choices and leaving The Lawnmower for last - the equivalent of a watered down Bud Light type of beer. I did notice a $25 bottle of beer on the menu (would love to hear about this from anyone who has tried it) and I also noticed there was a bottle of beer (a forty) that was more expensive than the most expensive bottle of wine. I found the food to be pretty good, bar style. The pizza is just OK. It has that round thin frozen pizza crust that turned me off. I personally feel they could really do so much more with the pizzas having the wood burning ovens. The fish and chips is a good choice, the burgers are HUGE but tasty, and the the mac & cheese was the highlight at my table on my most recent visit. The wait staff is friendly and the place has a locals pub feel to it. I recommend this spot to watch sporting events since the tvs are all in high def! There is plenty of parking but unfortunately cabs are tough to catch there - so if you're relying on cabs, have the local cab company number handy.
(4)
Sarah S.
The food, beer, and atmosphere here are great, as is the wait staff. I've been several times, and only once was the food not-so-great. Overall, I'm a fan!
(4)
Valarie G.
Amazing beers (obviously since it is Dogfish head) and very good food. I've always had good service. The food menu is mainly burgers, pizza, and all things fried which is fine for a brewery since the focus is on the beers. If you don't know, Dogfish Head tends to make beers that are different from the norm - they test the boundaries. I for one love it, but start your tasting expecting something different from the everyday. Overall this is a great place to go, but don't expect to stick to a diet..very little healthy options.
(4)
Mika M.
This place used to always be a good bet for food. They had a nice selection of dishes and I used to feel assured that I would enjoy pretty much anything I ordered. However the last few times I've tried to eat here, regardless of the time of day, everything is terrible except the burgers. My husband always orders a burger, I never learn and order something like chicken salad in pita... that time, the chicken was super dry and bland, the lettuce had next to no dressing on it, and the pita was stale in some parts and mushy in others. I also used to LOVE Dogfish Head Beer, and I dunno if it's just that my palate has changed or if Sam Calagione's expanding his brewery too fast, but I also feel that the quality of the beer has started to fade in recent years, too...
(3)
Stephanie K.
Love,love, LOVE the food here! Everything is always delicious and well prepared, and service has always been great. The beers are the reason we first started coming here; there is usually something new to try, along with the regular selections we have grown to know and love. I highly recommend sampling anything seasonal!
(4)
Gibbet T.
Pardon my seemingly neanderthal review. The food is so-so by pub-grub standards. The beer is good beer, but there is so much good (and better) beer out there at bars that serve better food. The service is good. Atmosphere is nice too. Let's give credit where it is due. Bottom line is that you will be delighted with the place if your normal haunts are Ruby Tuesdays/ Applebees/ TGI Fridays, because it is a good step above those, but if you already have solid, numerous, and diverse bar/ restaurant credentials under your belt, not to mention some imagination, then you will recognize this place for the suburban white hype that it is, and probably already know about places that have better food, and better drinks.
(2)
Kim H.
Avoid the pizza at all costs. Ick!!!! Fake cheese that is just way too thick. Jaws probably couldn't even chew his way though it. The pepperoni was dripping with oil. I would recommend coming here just to drink. They have a good selection of brews - some have 18% alcohol (yeahhhh more bang for the buck!). I also enjoy their seasonal brews - especially pumpkin.
(2)
Kay P.
I love that their three cheese crab dip appetizer comes with potato chips! i get so tired of dips and cheeses only coming with bread. holy crap! this salad is bigger than my head! even bigger than two heads! i seriously didn't finish it. but it was very good... it was the woodgrilled(?) chicken, shrimp, bacon salad. played the game "hunt for the bacon". i won. loved that it was actual chunks of bacon, not bacon bits. maybe i'll try the beer sometime, but unfortunately for me, i can't have wheat, so i'm kinda screwed. woe is me.
(4)
Andrea M.
The food and beer is awesome. Our waitress Stacey was the best! She knew everything about the beers and helped us pair our choices with the food. Everything was exceptional.
(5)
Emma S.
This is the first time I have been to Dogfish Head and I loved it. The service was the best I have had in a long time. Chris never let us sit with empty beers, he was quick to offer suggestions and samples, he was nice and attentive and you just felt welcomed and appreciated. The wings and crab soup were outstanding and so was the beer. It was a little noisy but it was a Saturday with a live band and preseason football. Also, yeah, the location is random and it's sad that you can't drink 9 beers because you're most likely driving. However it's totally worth it and the fact that it is off the beaten path means people are there because they want to be, not because they wandered into any ole place.
(5)
Greg S.
Look, there's already a couple hundred reviews, so you don't really need mine. But hey, crowdsourcing works so I'll add my two cents. We got seated almost immediately with a group of 4 during a busy time of the week. We then got ignored by our waiter for a good 10 minutes without anyone even saying hi and offering waters. Apparently the two waiters in our zone were confused as to who was taking us. Once they got that sorted out, we were all set. We got the requisite 90 Minute IPAs, which were amazing as always. Two of us had burgers, one had a sandwich and one had fish and chips. Everything was delicious, and the portions were pretty big too. Gotta love Dogfish Head. We'll go back, and you should too.
(4)
Tu-van L.
Something for everyone if everyone is looking for good beer and good bar food. Bar food is good for bar food, but I wouldn't write home about it. And don't bother getting the crab cakes from here - crab meat is shredded with borderline too much breading. Regardless the food is well-priced and tasty - well worth the money. I have to admit, you don't come here just for the food. You come here to try their many varieties of beer. For those new to the Dogfish Head Ales, I highly recommend the sampler. Unfortunately, my most favorite beer from the sampler was the seasonal pumpkin ale which was only offered in the fall. Besides the sampler and the standard beers they also have their specialty brews that are of varying range of prices, but overall very very tasty. The ambiance is laid back and the wait staff is overall attentive. If you get the lanky white guy with the massive dreds for your waiter, consider yourself lucky. He was the best waiter we've had while we were there. Overall this place is a great place to take beer lovers for some good beer and some good times.
(4)
Tiffany C.
Great customer service! That always makes your experience better. More restaurant managers should train their staff to cater this way. Even the hostess strikes a light conversation with each group she seats. The food was great. I had the Ahi Tuna Sandwich. Wasabi mayo had just the right creaminess and spice. The fries were a bit greasy but my friend liked it. He had the salmon with orzo rice. He said it was really good too. It's a bit far but will definitely go back if I'm ever in the area again. This time to have some beers.
(5)
Laura M.
More like 3.5. Pluses: the excellent mustard-grain house vinaigrette they make... generous enough portions to take home half or more of the meal... and lots of vegetarian options.... salads with some variations on the usual themes--it's nice to see apples tossed in one. The shrimp in the salad were tasty too, if sparse given that I'd paid extra for them. That said, some of the vegetarian options are greasy--oil seems to be applied with a heavy hand. Even the roasted veggie sandwich seemed to have over-oiled veggies. The fish too seems to be cooked in a lot of butter or oil. The servers seem to go to great lengths to emphasize how special the place is, but there aren't any unique touches or signatures to help show that. The attention given is good, though. Every time I've been a manager or supervisor has come by to check in and see how everything is. At a recent visit I asked for coffee to take back to work. The coffee itself was disappointing--probably just Folgers. When I asked to take it with me, they didn't have any kind of portable cup but offered me a wax kids' cup, which wasn't insulated.
(3)
Jessica L.
Go for the beer, not the food. The food is pure crap -- think Chili's or TGI Fridays. I had a Greek salad that had decent ingredients, but was swimming in dressing. Hubby had a chicken sandwich that was no big deal. Nothing on the menu appealed to me, so I ordered a cheese pizza. How can you mess up a cheese pizza? If you're Dogfish Head Alehouse you can mess up a cheese pizza plenty. "Wood fired" my ass. It was like enriched white pita bread loaded with a bag of shredded Kraft cheese (of which I scraped half off), then microwaved. The crust was so limp I had to eat it with a knife and fork. I've had better pizza from the front desk of my college dorm. This place seems to be super popular with the suburban, over-eater crowd who don't mind waiting an hour for buffalo wings (the stench was almost too much) and fast-food quality fare. Bad food makes me angry. Paying for bad food makes me angrier. We will not be back.
(1)
Thaya K.
I wish I could give separate reviews for the beer and the food. The beer is amazing. There are the basics (lager, porter, IPAs) and these are all solid. There are also the weird, experimental, often delicious beers (Midas Touch is fantastic), and you can get a flight so you can see if you really do want a whole glass of something with funky wild yeast, or just want to try it for the novelty. The food, however, is very meh. I would come here to drink and maybe have a snack, but for dinner, there are plenty of better options.
(4)
M B.
Great service, our waiter was friendly. We went on a Saturday night and it was packed, and we were seated and got our food in a timely manor. The food was good ... average American. Nothing to get too excited about. The beer is very flavorful and potent. Definitely a solid place to have a casual night.
(3)
Laurel D.
Went here with 5 friends and didn't have to wait too long for a table. While we waited, we sat on comfortable benches chatting and the time passed very quickly--they hand out those buzzers that make your hands go numb if you hang on to them too long. The beer was good--the guys I was with are into the whole beer thing and, even if I didn't trust their judgement, I liked the ones I tried. They were reasonably priced and the sampler let me experience the range of what they offered without getting drunk in the process. (I split it with my best friend, and everyone else at the table may have also tried it. This was a few weeks ago.) Our waitress was great--kept our drinks full and brought our food quickly, even with the large crowd. My only complaint is that the food just wasn't that great. It wasn't terrible, but I'm not exactly craving a second trip up there. My sandwich was a bit dry and there really wasn't much flavor there. Actually, the music was way too loud, too. It inhibited conversation. I think, at restaurants, the music should be slightly more background. I want to talk to my dinner companions, not worry about my brain bleeding out of my ears.
(3)
Travis P.
Great place and you better bring a DD, because these beers are high-test! I have been here several times and it is always the beer that keeps me and my friends coming back. We also recently noticed that they have stepped up there game in the chicken wing category. I recommend the Spicy Thai wings that come with "Rooster" sauce and a 60 or 90 minute IPA, unless they have the Punkin Ale on tap, then I would go with that. In my humble opinion, it is the best pumpkin beer out there. The only negative thing about this place is it does get pretty crowded and the parking lot can be like a Japanese subway/metro push situation. I guess that comes with the territory and as they say, "It's all relative".
(5)
Ramiro M.
In the mood to try different kinds of beer? This is the place. No bud light here. One of my favs is the Midas Touch. Dogfish recreated a sample of beer that was found in King Midas' tomb. Food is good. I'd stay away from the pizza. It's ok but there are many other better options. The steak bomb sandwich is great.
(4)
John K.
Same affair as the Dogfish Head in Gaithersburg. Same menu, same beers. Some gripes: 1) They never have the Chicory Stout. Their black and tan is always with Guiness... 2) No happy hour specials. We come here quite often for team happy hours, but they need to offer some specials during happy hour.
(3)
Al R.
Food is mediocre--not much of a selection. None of us had anything that was better than cafeteria fare. Service was fairly non-existent, and there did not seem to be any management on site. after asking several times for our check, we still had to wait for our server to finish her chat in the kitchen. Never again!
(1)
Stephanie B.
The beer here is fantastic. If it's your first time, definitely go for the flight of six to try all of the different flavors. The food is pretty good too. Their grown up twist on the mac and cheese is excellent. They don't take reservations, but you can call ahead. I suggest you do that if you're trying to come at dinner time rush hour - especially on weekends.
(4)
Michelle P.
I have to admit i'm almost a little dissapointed i'm not the first to Yelp! I thought for sure going opening weekend i would be :-P Anyway, my parents and i used to be regulars at Old Dominion Brew Pub and ever since they went under new ownership, it hasn't been as much fun. We were estatic when we heard about Dogfish opening in seven corners because not only did we know they would have great beer, but we were hoping for the same friendly atmosphere. And thats what we got! My Mom had been in a few days before and so when we entered we were met with "hey welcome back! Nice to see you!". Everyone is friendly and really happy to be in Virginia. I really reccommend sitting at the bar.... the barstaff (esp Sid and Chad) are great and willing to chat when the bar isn't that busy. if you're not familiar with the beers of Dogfish--- sit at the bar! They will definitely help you out! I had the Shelter Pale Ale and the 60 minute IPA (which i feel is the best east coast IPA) and both were fabulous. They pretty much have every style of beer you could want, plus multiple mixed drinks, wine and even have bud, miller and heineken (side note-- the bartender said on opening night they served over 1000 pints and 9 miller lites... drink their beer!). And the food... it was great! We had two appetizers... the rings, chips and fries which were great. The onion rings were so light and crispy and the fries tasted similar to what i'd find on the delaware boardwalk. My parents ate the cheese/crab dip and said it was phenomenal. They definitely wanted more! We were there so long we ended up getting dinner too! I had the ceasar salad, which was great. I have to say one of my favorite parts is that their ceasar and "house" salad come with the choice of steak, chicken, shrimp, mahi mahi or salmon, which is so nice for anyone who likes that option (like me) Overall, i can't wait to go back. it was just what i wanted!! A friendly place with great food and fabulous beer! The only drawback is that since they dont brew on premise, they can't serve growlers. Guess that just gives us a reason to go up to Rehobeth! IF you like good beer, CHECK THIS PLACE OUT! I want to make sure they dont go anywhere!
(5)
Amanda R.
Went here with my roommates for our first official "girl's night out". The service was great, and the food even better. I'm an Eastern Shore girl, and even I thought the crabmeat was pretty good. If you can win over a crab-snob, then you're definitely worth 4 stars!
(4)
John P.
Same as everyone: GREAT beer and decent food. If you like/love Dogfish Head brews, a good spot. If not, save your cash.
(4)
Kyle V.
Good food. Excellent and exciting beers. Wicked-expensive though.
(4)
M H.
Great restaurant! Very family friendly, comfortable atmosphere and helpful staff. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about all the menu items and patient with our many questions! The menu has just the right mix - the food we ordered was really good. i'm just mad at myself for taking so long to try it. Definitely recommend! (the crab/chicken dip is a must have!!)
(4)
Leigh L.
I went in here with average expectations. We knew there would be a wait since it was 7:00 on a Friday night and after being told the wait would be 20 to 30 minutes we were pleasantly surprised when our pager buzzed 15 minute later. We had our little guy with us and he was very hungry so we order the buffalo chicken dip for us and a kid's burger for him (with no cheese or bun and the fries on a different plate because he doesn't eat them) and asked for them to be brought out at the same time. The waiter had no problem with that and everything came out perfectly. The buffalo chicken dip was very very good! It had just the right amount of heat and I loved dipping the celery in it. For dinner, I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with fries. Their fries were great, salty, crispy and hot! The sandwich was not the best, the pork itself had been cooked down into a mushy texture and I did not enjoy that at all but the flavor was good and the bun was great. I only took a few bites though before the texture got to me. My husband ended up eating the rest and giving me half of his blackened chicken sandwich which was way better! That sandwich really redeemed the pulled pork sandwich. Our waiter was very attentive, food was quick and hot and they had no problems with our crazy requests for our little guy.
(4)
Nish p.
this my friends 2nd home.. i like it too
(5)
lura m.
Yummy - excellent food, beer and service.
(5)
v c.
Beer - 5 Dogfish Head is one of my favorite craft beers. Long before I live close enough to a Dogfish Head Alehouse, I drove from GA to DE just to have the brew, fresh at the brewery. So I may be biased, but definitely a 5 star for the beer. Food - 3 I suppose the food is typical for a bar/brewpub, burgers, fish and chips, pizza, etc. It's a bit greasy for my taste, but the portion is generous and comes out hot every time. Ambiance - 4 on weekend lunch, 3 in the evening Weekend lunch is when I typically come with my wife and kid, the place is usually about half full and we don't have to worry about bothering other customers. We're always greeted promptly and served quickly. We've been here for happy hour/dinner a few times, but the place is way over crowded and long waits.
(4)
C S.
I'll keep this short and sweet. The food here is very good. The beer is awesome. The service staff is professional. I do like this place a lot. The requirement to love this place is to be a fan of IPAs. If you are not a fan they have some good mild beers, but you won't love this place unless you like IPAs.
(5)
Kristy W.
This place makes me wish that I lived in the area, rather than in DC. The food is excellent, the beer is amazing, and the servie is always great (disclaimer: I always sit at or in the bar). The buffalo chicken dip is out of this world, and their pizzas are wood fired and tasty. I also really like the grilled chicken cesar, but this is not date food. My breath stinks for a day after eating it, that's how much garlic is in their dressing. The portions of all of them are nice and appropriate for the price, and I've never had something I didn't like there. As far as beer goes, their Indian Brown is my favorite, as I feel like it's the best brown ale I've had--a lot of flavor, but not such a heavy body that it's more like a stout. The IPAs are fantastic, and the bartenders are more than willing to let you try a couple to figure out what beer is your favorite.
(5)
Brittany M.
I get that this place is a brewery and that craft beer can be more expensive, but I think there's also something to be said for things being cheaper at the source. Beef is cheaper in Texas because we have cattle ranches. Beer ought not cost an arm and a leg at a brewery. My fiance and our pal got a bottle and a tiny draft for $19.50. $19.50! They then both ordered the samplers, 4, 4-oz. drafts ranging from light to dark, for $14. The Indian Brown Ale of that was pretty good. The food was surprisingly awesome. We brought our appetites and ordered the killer buffalo chicken dip (not at all spicy for folks like me!) and the Chesapeake pizza (lump crab, asparagus, pesto) and were in heaven during appetizer time. Come entree time, our friend got the Memphis chicken platter, which has 3 full chicken breasts, some yummy onion rings, and whatever sides you ordered. My fiance got a chicken and shrimp club, which he described as good enough to get again, and finally, I originally ordered the Ahi tuna sandwich, because it was only $11 (+ .50 to sub veggies for fries.) It arrived looking diiisgusting. I love ahi tuna, but only when it's done right. It's really a hit or miss thing, and they definitely missed. The waiter was understanding and subbed me a crab cake sandwich out instead. The foccaccia-like bread that it came on was disgusting, but by this point, I was so full, that I just ate the crab cake and my tiny side of veggies. Our service was top-notch. Despite a 30 minute wait, we truly enjoyed dining here as our server was funny, engaging, and took time to build some rapport with my fiance and his BFF even though he was slammed with other tables. I don't remember his name but he has a VA Born and Raised tattoo on his forearm. Give that guy some props. Overall: Pricy beer. Cheap food. Great service. Go.
(4)
Jason B.
Service was very nice from Adelle. The bacon cheddar burger came out rare instead of medium rare. There is a huge difference, but I was too hungry to send it back and wait for another one. The Onion rings were cold, as in they were probably sitting from another order. The chicken Caesar dressing was good and garlicky and one of the better dressings I've had. The chicken tasted like it was cooked partially earlier and then finished off to go with the order. I'm sure it will not be acknowledged but after working in restaurants this does happen. Not a hoppy beer fan so I did not have one since there is little else on the menu unless you want heavy dark beer. My wife enjoyed the 60 minute ipa.
(2)
Ann P.
Great beer selection, friendly service. Food was tasty, combo of fried fish/shrimp was excellent. Crab dip is a must try.
(4)
Phillip S.
So I stopped in at the ale house after doing my grocery shopping. Great atmosphere and was able to sit right at the bar. Started off with a 60 minute IPA and went from there. It was smooth as you expect. I tried the bacon burger and it just came like thrown together. No quality to what you expect a place who is built on quality beer. The bartenders were extremely knowledgable and to be honest I could drink there all day. Really wish they got the 120minute IPA more often.
(4)
Karen M.
I understand the great reviews for the beer. Dogfish does make some damn good brew. Food is so-so. Tis the season for the Punkin Ale...so the boyfriend and I headed here for some brews and food. I've only been here a few times, and each time I'm hesitant to come because the place is so cramped and small. There is always a wait and when I'm hungry...I'm HUNGRY. So, it was a Sunday night and we figured it wouldn't be too bad. On a Sunday night at 7:30, there was still a pretty good crowd, but at least there wasn't a wait. So, beer consumption started immediately, and the food was not far behind. I had my favorite meal of all time: Ahi Tuna Salad. It was good, but the dressing was very bland. It was a citrus vinegrette of some sort...but I've had better. But the Punkin Ale? Yes, I'll have another please :)
(3)
Dan I.
This is one of our favorite restaurants in the area. It's always a good meal and sometimes nears greatness. Their standard menu has a lot of tasty, reasonably priced options. And their specials are also often fantastic - just this weekend, we ordered our appetizer and entrees both off the specials menu. I've never had a bad meal at Dogfish. Of course, the beer is the main attraction here. At this point, Dogfish Head is nationally known for its innovation and quality. I haven't loved every beer they've produced, but I've loved more than I have disliked, and the rest are all merely excellent. I almost always do tasters when I go, because it's tough to pick just one beer (except when the Punkin is in season - then it's easy). And on that note, unless I'm crazy (and I could be) I think they increased the price for their deluxe beer flight recently. These days, it runs $14.50 for 4 tasters. That's a bit steep. I'm pretty sure it used to be 6 tasters. So that's sad, but it won't stop me from going to DFH. Another small gripe is that I wish they took reservations or at least had call-ahead seating. At peak times, there's always a wait. And during the winter months it can get crowded in the indoor waiting area. But small complaints aside, I'm always psyched for a trip to Dogfish. The food is always solid and the beer is pretty much unbeatable.
(4)
Drew F.
The food at Dogfish Head is typical pub fare, and the quality's nothing to write home about. The beer, though...the beer is superb. I wouldn't bother going if you're not planning to drink one or four, but if you're a hop enthusiast, welcome to heaven. I recommend the 90 Minute IPA, which I think is one of the greatest beers money can buy. 5 star beer, 2.5 star food. Four stars overall, as long as you keep your priorities in line.
(4)
Regina H.
Great beer and great food - what else could you ask for? Came with a group of friends and had a great dining experience. We came on a Saturday at 6:30 pm and was told there would be a 30-45 minute wait. Apparently, there's usually an hour wait around 7 pm, but at least you'll be hungry when you're finally seated! We sat at the bar for a bit to grab a beer while we waited for our table. The bartender was very friendly and you can taste any of the beers before ordering. They have a huge selection of beers (obviously all Dogfish Head), but they also serves wine and cocktails if beer's not your thing. They even a gluten free beer, Tweason Ale, which tasted a little weird to me. When we were seated, a server promptly brought out waters, menus and took our drink orders. We ordered three plates of wings (spicy Thai and Maryland old bay), which were delicious! I could've eaten a whole plate myself, but had to save some room for my entree. My friends said the burgers here are excellent and I'll definitely have to try one on my next visit, but I opted to order mac and cheese with steak. The mac and cheese was a hefty portion topped with slices of steak, squash and zucchini. A little heavy, but no regrets! Everyone else seemed happy with their food as well. They have suggested beer pairings with some of the entrees, which is nice if you can't decide which beer to order. I'll definitely be back, and hopefully soon!
(5)
T B.
The best thing this place has going for it are the Thai wings. The burgers are ok, not as good as elevation burger but without question better than IHop. I ordered the shrimp pizza once and was happy. The crab cakes are not very good however. Obviously reheated from frozen and I also received about 4 asparagus stalks. Yay. The fries here are also good, a little over done but generous portions and nicely salted. The atmosphere is also great. Dim, subdued and very laid back. The waitstaff is helpful and focused. Just getting the wings and Barleywine next time, everything else is underwhelming and obviously reheated from frozen. Not great but not horrible.
(3)
Doug S.
Solid 3.75 stars. The calamari was good, really liked the peppers in it. But it had a little too much breading. Good, though. I had the blackened chicken sandwich - very good. MDC had the chicken pot pie which she raved about. Next time I need to try some of the beer, which is fantastic.
(4)
Karisa D.
The only reason you don't get five stars is because you're not near a beach. Though if there was a beach in Falls Church Va....but I digress. Dogfish Head has some excellent food and beer. The waiters are awesome and really know their menu. They gave my friend and I some great suggestions of what to order for food and drinks. I love their Warm Three Cheese Crab Dip. I may order it as my main meal the next time I go. Another thing, Dogfish Head is always busy, doesn't matter what night during the week. If you don't want to wait for a table, I suggest going at on off-hour time. So you should go. And don't give me the, but I can buy Dogfish Head at the store excuse. It's not the same. You can't get every type they brew and it's better on tap anyways!
(4)
Rodrigo M.
The best burger I've had in years. Went there for the first time today and had the burger of the day. A lamb burger with a feta cheese sauce and white onions. The first thing that went through my head as I bit into it was the smoke flavor of open wood grilling. I was immediately transported to the Shenandoah mountains, among fall trees and open wood cooking, the burger had a perfect blend of smoky wood and beef, I took in every bite and by the end I was returned to the booth where I sat enjoying my meal. This was no charcoal grill, I asked the waiter to find out what woods they used and the kitchen said a combination of oak and hickory. I recently moved to the area and I'm sure I have found my local favorite. I can't wait to take my wife back to try the rest of the menu. Highly recommended!
(5)
Alison M.
Went for dinner on a Friday night. Service was really friendly. The menu looked great, prices were pretty good for big sandwiches, burgers and salads. The booths were comfy, ambiance was a little loud, but still a great place for conversation. Food was really good, but service was so ridiculously slow. We probably waited over 45 minutes after ordering for our sandwich and burgers! I think I'd go again if I was drinking a lot and didn't mind the wait for food, but not just again for dinner.
(3)
Jihad B.
Beer is good here, all microbrew as I'm sure you know. The appetizers are also delectable, but the entrees are hit and miss. The Burger of the Day I had was roasted jalapenos and avocado. Was lacking very much in flavor, but I've had the Alehouse BBQ Burger and it's one of the better bacon cheddar/bbq/burgers I've had.
(3)
Eric W.
I was here a few weeks ago for a happy hour with co-workers. It was a Thursday night, which can be crazy in some places, and while there were a good number of people here, it was not out of control. In addition, they were able to put together a table for us that seat a dozen people--without a reservation. The food was good, with some interesting takes on the traditional. The beer was good, though I was surprised that in the late spring they didn't have any wheat beer.
(4)
Jay G.
Great burgers. Great beer. I've been here a handful of times and the serve could have been better once or twice. And a couple of times my burger was undercooked. These weren't big deals but the reason why I knocked it down a star.
(4)
Mike C.
Haven't reviewed DFH at 7 Corners in years but since opening this place is still awesome. The whole bar tending crew is outstanding and managment is top notch. Food is always excellent (much better than regular bar food trust me) and the beers speak for themselves. The bands that come in to play though are a bit suspect, you never know what you're gonna get. The DJ though that plays there (think his name is YZ) ;) during special events however is amazing. Mostly Funk music, 70s and uptempo breaks and stuff. Always a good time.
(5)
Ellen L.
Loved the place! Had a great waiter, Pierre! Wish I lived closer. Their stout beer rocked!
(5)
Seth J.
I wasn't particularly impressed with their selection of dark beers, which I love. One amber ale and one imperial stout that they sell by the snifter for $9+. For food I got a rack of baby ribs which was very delicious. One thing that struck me odd was that they don't provide a pack of moist toilettes to clean your hands after eating ribs. I had to ask for them and they weren't sure they had any. Otherwise, everything was great, including service.
(4)
Mike C.
(Scroll down to bottom for a quick summary) My GF and I went there on our 6 month anniversary thinking that the GREAT reviews on Yelp and recommendations from friends would provide for a fun/happy start to our night. Unfortunately after dinner, our night was off to a disappointing/crummy start. The Wait: We waited ~30 minutes for a table for 2. While we hadn't really eaten much that day, the wait was worth it as the hostess was kind enough to give us our own booth. The Ambiance: It was loud, crowded, very noisy and the sound of crying babies in the background was more than it's share of annoying. The Appetizer: We ordered the crab dip appetizer with chips which I thought was great (as I love anything with a TON of salt) but my GF didn't agree and compared it to any cheese dip you'd get as an appetizer. In hindsight, the taste was reminiscent to Tostidos Queso dip you could get at the grocery for $2. Crab dip unfortunately costs more than $11. Drinks: Overpriced-- I understand DogFishHead thinks they're God's gift to man, but $9 for 12oz of a beer that was decent AT BEST was just a pure waste of money and value. Main Course: Next, we both ordered burgers to keep everything simple-- I mean, how can you F up a burger? There are ways to F it up, as I would soon learn.... She ordered the lamb burger while I got the border burger. I ordered mine medium and confirmed the word "MEDIUM" with my server, yet it came very well done, so I sent it back. My GF's burger showed up very much looking/tasting like something from burger king, with no condiments, being over cooked itself too. She subbed mash potatoes for the default fries and the potatoes were absolutely tasteless... it was as though someone cooked potatoes, did an acceptable job peeling them, mashed them up, put them in a bowl (without any seasoning/flavoring, including salt), let any warmth they had seep away, then serve them cold and bland. She is less of a complainer and just silently ate everything. Throughout the meal, she would quietly remind me, "WE'RE DONE WITH THIS PLACE..." My burger eventually came back from the kitchen after my GF had eaten most of her dinner (eating small snacks and waiting for a good anniversary dinner all day plus the 30 min wait at the restaurant for a table can really make someone hungry, even if the food is terrible). The burger I ordered this time was actually OK (not good, but not bad) and was something I wouldn't mind spending around $12 for. The fries were new as well, but they were from what seemed the bottom of the fryer as they were mostly burnt, still drenched in oil and all about the size of my thumbnail, if not smaller. I would say they were more like 1/4 french fries than anything. The manager checked up, said the burger was free, offered a dessert on the house, and gave us a $10 gift card. THIS IS THE ONLY REASON I GIVE THIS BUNGHOLE OF A RESTAURANT 2 STARS. After he left, I realized we never got any new silverware as the first set was taken away with the first overcooked burger. So I sat there for around 5 minutes twiddling my thumbs while my GFs food got even colder and I waited for some sign of our server so I could ask him to bring a new set of silverware. Payment: At this point, we decided to skip the free dessert, ask for the bill, cut our losses, and try to move on with our anniversary. With budgets being tight these days, it's hard to turn down free dessert, especially on your anniversary, but you need to understand that our experience up to that point was soooo utterly disappointing that WE JUST WANTED TO LEAVE. After getting the check from the server, I noticed that the burger the manager promised to comp for us WAS STILL ON THE BILL. I'm thinking "WTF mate?" At this point, if cutting off my right index finger and leaving it there as payment would get us the heck out of there, I would have considered it. My better half calmed me down however and after another 10-15 minutes waiting to find the server, having him amend the receipt and finally running my credit card, BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE MANAGED TO LEAVE..... HALLELUJAH!!!!!!! sing with me, HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH!!!!!! Signing that receipt felt like the John Adams signing the Treaty of Paris, and walking out of there was like the Jews fleeing pharaoh from Egypt across the Red Sea. WE WERE FINALLY FREE! Short Summary: The reviews on Yelp seem to make this place out to be the Garden of Eden. They are sadly wrong. The food was below average (bland, and/or overcooked), the server charged us for a comped item and he was very hard at times to find, the wait (for such a sub-par establishment) was quite unreasonable for the value, and the prices for what we received were absurd. For providing an overall crummy experience on my anniversary, I WILL NEVER AGAIN step foot in this place. Frankly, I wouldn't wipe my butt with the $10 gift card they gave me, let alone use it at one of their restaurants.
(2)
Ruth C.
To say that happy hour on Friday was crowded would be like saying gravel is crunchy. Service was four-stars attentive considering how long we were there once we got seated; the wooden patio chairs outside are prime real estate for the waiting crowd. Nick chatted up two regulars who evidently take a bus and walk here to avoid the terrible phenomenon known as Seven Corners. Lots of kid-populated families in the foot-traffic through the door, which kind of morally deterred me from getting an early start at the bar while waiting on my hour-late friends. My four companions were fantastic company, which is a good thing since we crammed ourselves into a booth table and proceeded to be obnoxious jerks who knocked on fellow customers at adjoining tables. Oh wait that was just me. Man, I'm a real tool when I'm drunk. Midas Touch was by far my favorite. The Raison D'Etre certainly had its own praises to be sung, but the seasonal Punkin Ale (yes my friends, this is how far behind on posting my reviews I am) beat it to kiss Midas's heels as a close second-favorite. After this night of drunken debauchery I proceeded to ambush my local booze joint monthly to partake of each batch of Midas 4-packs, and to sample other choice selections, namely the unique Sah'tea and the universally pleasant Red&White. White Dragon had the alehouse reuben, of which I snuck at least two bites from because holy goodness that is some good drunk food. My alehouse bratwurst was equally well-prepared bar food of only slightly lesser appreciation. Hyunoo revealed his devious plan of feasting upon the chicken tenders "for lil eaters": great value even if he couldn't possibly pass as my son, and enough food to feed a child into obesity. I want to say Andrew had the Dogfish trio, but he inhaled it so fast my slow-munching drunk self almost missed his food being set down, and Nick enjoyed his rustic burger enough to lick his fingers with obscene smacking sounds afterwards. Splitting the bill was no problem after some good natured drunk math. I left drunk and immensely satisfied.
(3)
Trevor F.
Last night my girlfriend and I dropped in for a last minute bite to eat and a few beers. The host let us know there was a wait but that there were some high tops available if we didnt want to wait. We snagged a high top checked out the available beers and were greeted by our server Katie. From start to finish she was awesome. Great beer recommendations, fun stories of our trips to the brewery and history behind some of the beers. We ordered our beers and food and unfortunately a few minutes later a manager popped by to let us know they were out of the hummus we ordered. No problem threw in the crab dip and it was amazing. The rest of our food came out perfect and the beers are good as always but the highlight on a busy Thursday night was the staff. From the host to the managers, we could not have asked for a more enjoyable (and her first) experience. As someone that has been in the industry for years, I tip my hat to the staff on a job very well done. Cheers!
(5)
Shaz H.
Seriously - this is my home away from home. Love this place... love the food... love the atmosphere and the waitstaff are also pretty awesome. I am not a heavy meat eater but the chicken wings are amazing, the blackened chicken dishes are also pretty incredible and the onion rings are pretty darn good. As for beers - midas touch, namaste, and their seasonal ales are among my favorites. I love everything about Dogfish...
(5)
Leichardti F.
Decent prices, big portions. I had the Dogfish Trio (fried grouper, cod, & shrimp), I think they're oil needed to be changed out, but I also had the chili which was awesome! For some reason, it seems like they give chili and tortilla chips with everything.
(3)
Jessica H.
The service here is great and the beer is better than I expected. The wings were okay, the crab soup gloppy, the chicken pot pie inedibly salty, and the bread pudding very dry. So... maybe better just for happy hour.
(3)
Al M.
It is a great place to hang out and have a beer with your friends. Don't forget to try their fries.
(4)
Sabrina B.
Food was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo GOOD! Will definitely be going back!
(5)
Mischita H.
Two friends and I decided to visit this Alehous on January 21st. Overall it was a good experience with respect to service and the food was ok - the staff was friendly and prompt. For Great Beginnings two of us share the Warm Three Cheese Crab Dip - phenomenal! The third person had the Andouille Cajun Eggs Rolls...judging by the rate at which they dissappeared and the lack of complaints, I'd say that they must have been superb. For dinner I had the IPA Grouper sans 1000 island dressing, it was ok - the cole slaw left a few things to be desired. My friends tried the Burger of the Week (something with bleu cheese?) and the Wood Grilled Chicken and Shrimp Club. I was told that the burger was good however the amount of shrimp on the club was disappointing and the sandwich was a litte dry (they requested some mayo, i believe, to remedy this second issue). I'm not sure which ale that one of my friends had but they didn't complain about it. Overall, I think that we would return at least to try some different menu items.
(3)
Brittany W.
Went here for my friends birthday last week. It was alright. I had a beach rum punch-it wasn't strong at all,but I wasn't a fan of the flavor. I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich-standard sandwich with lettuce, tomato, pickle, bacon and two chicken breasts. The sandwich was good except the bacon wasn't crispy enough for my liking.
(3)
Todd P.
We used to live around the corner from Dogfish Head Alehouse, so we have been going to it since it opened. Not so much lately because we moved a little further away and if you don't hit it at the right time, the wait and the parking are really bad. I had an out-of-town guest who likes beer and it was 5:30PM, so I thought we'd give it a shot and we lucked out. The lot wasn't full yet and we were seated immediately. Things went downhill from there... Though there were plenty of open tables, the hostess sat the two of us at a table of four next to two mothers with three obnoxious children. I know they can't really keep people with unruly children from their restaurant, but they could have used discretion and kept a "buffer" around them by seating us away from them. I really hate when self-absorbed yuppie parents insist on taking babies and ill-behaved children to bars and restaurants that cater to adults, or at least focus on adult beverages. These three boys were crawling under their table, running in and out the space between their table and ours, roughhousing on the booth seat that adjoined ours, would hang on our table and my chair, and the two mothers just sat there eating their food and kibitzing like nothing was happening. Not Dogfish Head Alehouse's fault, though any employee witnessing this could have said something. My real issue though was the service. Our waiter had such a heavy accent, it was nearly impossible to understand what he was saying, especially when it got louder. He would disappear for long periods of time, so buy the time we were done with the meal, we had been there 1 hour 45 minutes, and we had only had an appetizer, two entrees and my guest had two beers. The food is above average. We got the alehouse chili nachos, which aside from being a little cold when we received them, have a good chili, lots of cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream and sliced jalapenos. Because of the disappearing waiter, it took a while to get some hot sauce to go with it. My friend tried to decide between the crab cake and the Chesapeake pizza, ultimately going with the pizza which he said was okay but he should have gotten the crab cake. I got the blackened chicken with a salad instead of fries, which is always a winner with me. My friend also got their "Aprihop" seasonal beer and brown ale, neither of which impressed him. He thought the Aprihop tasted like "hibiscus tea" and the brown ale was "okay". The other thing about Dogfish Head Alehouse is that their prices aren't particularly good except on the sandwiches and burgers. The happy hour is only $1 off of drinks and appetizers, but the beers are $5.50 and the appetizers tend to be $8-10. The sandwiches and burgers are a good value in the $9-11 range, but they nickle and dime you by charging $0.75 to get a salad instead of fries. I'm glad for the healthier option and the salad is good, but they really don't need to upcharge for it. The entrees skew more pricey, from $15-20 and frankly I don't trust the kitchen enough to shell out $20 for a steak.
(2)
Eric J.
The calamari was, average
(2)
Nina B.
I'm very happy with my one time visit here. First of all, the beer selection is beyond what I expected. I just thought it would be a typical brew house that had 4-5 different beers on tap. But, the selection is quite extensive. And, they had my favorite Punkin' Ale, which is exactly what I'm in the mood for when October rolls around. I also thought I'd be treated as I'm treated in most bars I go to. Like a stranger. But, the bartenders here went out of their way to introduce themselves and their fellow bartenders, so you could talk to them throughout the night. They made you feel like a local right away. It was pretty awesome, and a unique experience. If only it were more metro accessible, I'm sure I'd be here more often.
(5)
Marcus H.
I went here expecting subpar food, but found that this place (although really just bar food) was not bad. I was really surprised. The beer was great and the food was good. I had the Ribs, my partner had the grouper sandwich, both were pretty decent. Again, surprising!
(4)
Gerald H.
Great beer and food selection. To come here and not try their IPAs would be a travesty. We initially sat down at a table for dinner. The waiter was great even during the peak dinner service. His recommendations were spot on!
(4)
Pablo A.
This place is the worst place i ever went to drink and have food, the beer is way to overpriced and the food sucks i order the rustic hamburger i have more bread than meat and they give you this tiny glasses to drink and they charged you about 8 bucks for it my bill for 4 beers was like 60 BUCKS this is ridiculous for that amount i can go to any bar and have much more than that and the service was terrible too they took like 20 minutes to somebody to come to our table I will never go to this place again period
(1)
Meg H.
4 stars for food and beer 2 stars for service Went on a friday night around 8, waited in the bar for probably 15 minutes. Sat down and waitor was pretty slow getting our drink orders and taking our orders. we probably waited 15 minutes for just our beers. My boyfriend had the midas touch, which he really liked. I had the Namaste which was pretty good as well. We had the chicken club sandwich and the bacon cheeseburger, both were very good. We ordered an Irish Whiskey cake for dessert which was really good as well. Cons: The server was a total space case on us, and we were seated right by the kitchen and saw him coming by often just not to check on us. We each had 2 beers and the beer was double the amount of our actual food, so that was kinda pricey. I mean it was good, but i'm not sure it was 40 bucks for beer good. Overall the ambiance was fun, the food and beer were good, but the service just kind of put a dent in the evening.
(2)
Joni H.
I came here with a large group on Saturday. Since it was around 9pm, we were able to get a table relatively quickly. The food was delicious, especially the Philly Cheese Steak Rolls appetizer. The waiter was excellent, he split our check so that each person got a single check for what they ate, and he didn't make any mistakes on our checks. That so rarely happens when I go out with a large group.
(5)
Beth H.
A must for beer lovers and those who like it paired with great food and amazing service (amazing service). At Dogfish they wait on you hand to foot from their beers to their regular menu to the service of both. Watch out for a wait during "prime time" hours. If it is a popular dinner hour, there will be a wait, but you can choose to sit it a high top "bar-like" area. Again, the more prime the time the harder to find a seat in the overflow area, but keep your eye open and you can usually find something. A favorite with my kids and as I say, one of the few things I'd drive to the other side of 7 corners for.
(5)
Stefanie F.
I absolutely love this casual spot for baller brews and delicious eats. The bar is full-stocked with craft beers from the Dogfish Head brewery in Milton, Delaware. The staff is really knowledgeable about the beer and can easily make recommendations for any beer preference. My favorites are the high-octane beers like the Burton Baton and Olde School Barley Wine, which run around $10 for a snifter but are totally worth it. If beer isn't your thing, there is a cocktail menu and wine list that should tickle your fancy. The food is your typical All-American fare, with staples like crab cakes, fish and chips, a fabulous Reuben sandwich and a Burger-of-the-Week. If you want to feel like a total badass, order the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich off the secret menu, which also includes boneless Buffalo tenders. Aside from the on-point pints and the satisfying menu, the true beauty of the Dogfish Head Alehouse in Falls Church are the friendly and off-centered staff. I'd recommend this place to anyone and everyone.
(5)
Evelin M.
The likely chance of me returning to this restaurant is.... Ummm.. NEVER! The customer service was great, the waitress was helpful. I had no idea which beer I wanted to try and she brought some samples similar to beers I really enjoy. But! Other than that, I can't say anything good. The day I went they had a St. Patty Day Menu, so I decided to order the corned beef sandwich. Maybe I just expected too much, but I personally thought this was a chance for the chef to maybe get creative and he/she failed miserably. It was literally 2 pieces of bread and corned beef in the middle. No mayo, or cabbage, coleslaw, NOTHING! Are you kidding me!? You're going to charge me $10 for a crappy sandwich! So disappointed. Oh, We also ordered the nachos as an appetizer and lets just say... Save your money! It's definitely not worth it.
(1)
Nicole C.
I came here with friends and co-workers while on a business trip more-so for the beer than the food but the food is the reason I plan on coming back! I had their burger with caramelized onions and it was perfectly cooked and absolutely flavorful and delicious. I live 4 hours away and crave this burger all the time. Totally makes the 4 hour drive for my business meetings well-worth it!
(5)
Tom H.
I know the beer is good. I've been to their brewery in Delaware. The 60-minute IPA is awesome. I hear the food is good, too. I wouldn't know though. Unfortunately, I didn't get to experience much of either tonight when I visited. I sat at the bar around 6PM. Despite it being happy hour, the bar was somewhat slow and the dinner crowd hadn't seemed to hit yet. I was greeted immediately by a very cordial bartender named Greg. He was polite and got me my 60-Minute quickly, along with the menu and specials. Things were looking up about this new place. It has a very nice aesthetic to it and the beer is obvious delicious. I was thinking that I may be making this one of my favorite watering holes. Then, Greg must have gone on break. The other bartender (whose name I didn't catch) began tending the bar. I'm using the words "tend" and "bar" loosely. I mean that in the sense that he wished that he were tending this attractive young woman on top of the bar. He completely ignored me and other bar patrons. Myself and other patrons attempted to get his attention to no prevail. Eventually Greg came back to the bar and there was an "oh shit" moment amongst them when Greg noticed that there were three waitresses waiting at the end of the bar for their customers' drinks. After about five minutes of hustling to catch-up with the restaurant patrons, this bartender went immediately back to this woman whom he was apparently trying to... well, you know. After several more minutes, I gave up on trying to order another drink and went straight to paying for the one that I had had. I dropped my credit card in front of me and was literally waving cash at him. He turned and gave me the the international sign for "give me one second," while he continued to swoon over this woman. Finally, after 20 minutes of waiting (no exaggeration; I came in at 6, had one drink, and by the time I was losing it it was 6:40) the manager came by the bar. I waved my money at him and he came over and asked if I wanted my tab and tapped the bartender on the shoulder. The bartender jumped into action and got me my tab immediately, at which point I did (ever so slightly) flip-out. The manager did buy my (one) beer, but by that point I was so aggravated that I left and had to come back for my coat. Good food and good beer only matter if you can actually get served.
(1)
Adrian R.
The service was great, very attentive and fast. Went on a Sunday afternoon, not too crowded. I had their burger and calamari which were good, no complaints. I would go again.
(5)
Yemaya L.
my phone died so I couldnt take pics on my visit but the pizza was okay the crab dip was so-so and the beer was delicious... Id give them one more try
(2)
Donald P.
Finally came here after being on my radar for a long time and after seeing them featured on some TV documentary on beer. Met with several of my former company employees. So anyway we all get together to celebrate the departure of yet another employee. Everything went well and drinks were good. Interesting that you can bring home a pack of your favorite beer too.
(3)
Steve L.
Thank you Antonio M. for making the decision to eat here instead of Bangkok Golden in the same shopping center. You know I have no willpower when it comes to good, cheap Thai food! Thanks to him I could finally give Dogfish Head a chance like I've always wanted to! I will note that service was pretty slow and inattentive even though it was lunchtime and the place was very empty. But...on to the food! $6.00 will net you a ginormous plate of Fries, Rings, and Chips. They are all cut in-house and deliciously fried and enough to feed two large, hungry males even without ordering anything else. The fries were crispy throughout and definitely better than Five Guys fries! The chips were delightful, but the onion rings were awesome! In an unexpected twist, they use Red Onions for their onion rings! The ale-battered rings were delicious and the only thing Antonio and I managed to clear off this heaping pile of deep fried goodness. To counter all the deep fried deliciousness I ordered the Roasted Garlic Caesar Salad. That backfired. Like Antonio noted, the salads seem to have too much dressing on them. I don't think I finished the salad because of this. Furthermore, they weren't kidding about Roasted Garlic. The garlic flavor is IN YOUR FACE! The manager made his rounds among the tables to check on everyone's lunch. He seems to be a very amiable gentleman. I'd come back.
(3)
H R.
My girlfriend and I had a great time at Dogfish Head Alehouse! We went on a Saturday night and were greeted with great service and live music. They have an awesome beer selection and interesting mixes and combinations with beers. The food was good. The only reason they didnt get 5 stars is because we ordered muscles as an appetizer and the server came back to our table and said they were out for the night. Overall great experience. We will be back again!
(4)
DW S S.
Tried again but seems as if intimidation is the management process in play at his establishment. The guests are treated well by the servers but at no time have I witnessed adequate management skills used. Staff seems to be left to "handle" situations that are not their job and the shift managers disappear when needed. Large turnover results in the staffing. What are the hours? If you post them stick to the posted hours, shortening shifts to enhance the bottom line is ludicrous as a business practice. i will give another try in 3 months and hope for improvement as there is plenty of room for just that ......... a neighbor.
(1)
Derek B.
So good. If you are in the Falls Church area this is the place to go for food and drink. While the place can get packed and therefore a little noisy, its worth it. If you are looking for a place to go with a group of friends this place is perfect for you. I wouldn't recommend it for a first date or anything like that, but definitely go if you want a nice hangout. Their IPA's are good. The 90 minute might be the best I've had in a while. I'm not a fan of fruity beers and theirs pack a lot of fruit in it. But if that's your thing then you might like it.
(5)
Matthew H.
Nom Nom Burrito was actually good, beer was great. The Burton Baton & Midas Touch are great choices
(5)
Alex O.
Look, I love Dogfish Head beers. Their 60-minute is essentially my de facto six-pack. I usually always have some around the house and I've been known to leave one convenience store and drive to as many as need be if the first does not have Dogfish Head. Furthermore, I love their experimental beers and make it a point to always try whatever new concoction they turn out. I even have two frickin' Dogfish Head shirts. However, IMO, the alehouses are lame. Sure, it's great to have Dogfish Head ales on tap, but in DC, that's not too hard to find at many bars with a good tap selection. Furthermore, the selection is usually about what you'd be able to find at any decent beer store, so it's not like you can't find these beers anywhere else (well, except for the Lawnmower, which is sort've underwhelming). Also, as has been noted, they seem to run out of certain beers far more than an "alehouse" should. I've been to the Falls Church location four or five times, almost always with an out of town guest who wanted to go or someone from the area who likes the place. The ambiance is basically that of an Applebees or TGI Fridays. For a brewery that lives by the motto of unconventionality, the alehouses are the very definition of characterless, generic suburban chain restaurant. That being said, I will give props to the service - it has always been polite, enthusiastic, and attentive. Although the thoroughly generic feel may be the biggest disappointment, the food is right up there. There is nothing original about this stuff. It's ginormous servings of generic bar food - lots of cheese, salt, fat, and fried crap. I'm going to say something that will piss a lot of folks off, but the massive servings are actually a problem IMO. A half-pound burger is just too damn big. Why are there two(!) chicken breasts on a chicken sandwich. I've said it time and again, but quantity trumps quality in today's dining world. People complain when they order an entree and they don't get enough to make a complete second meal out of it the next day at lunch. It's no wonder that obesity is the new normal. In terms of specific dishes, the BBQ pork sandwich could be mystery meat swimming in gallons of mediocre sauce. The fish and chips taste like generic fried fish paired with slightly better-than-average french fries. The jambalaya doesn't even taste much like jambalaya. The salmon is really your best bet, and even then, it seems over-priced for the quality. Like I said, I wish this place was better because I love the beers. However, the alehouse is as generic and uninspiring as a sixer of half-cold Budweiser.
(2)
Lindsay H.
Love Dogfish Head! My husband and I frequent here and they have yet to disappoint. From the amazing brews and epic food, you've gotta try it. I had my husband's birthday party catered by them and the manager could not have been nicer. They made extra food (by accident) when making my order and just gave me the extra for free--and the manager carried all the food (and there was a LOT) out to my car for me. The food was a smashing success and everyone raved about it. Thank goodness I didn't have to make it myself. The only downside is that it is very packed on Friday and Saturday nights but can you blame people? It's great food in a fun atmosphere (the service is usually always good and attentive) so it comes with the territory.
(5)
Donita H.
I'd say I've been here about 5 times, last night being one of them. One of my close friends was returning to Chicago and wanted to come here one last time. I do like this place. The wings are great (not too fried), the crab pizza is fricking awesome (orgasmic, actually) and $12 for a ton of LOCAL crab, basil and asparagus. We sat in the bar, which was great for people and sports watching. The beers are great and don't need to be mentioned. The help? Not so much. We were there on a Tuesday night, and while busy at first, cleared out after 8:00. I was not a fan of Greg the bartender. He is very chatty, to the point of ignoring other customers. I was raised in the South so I say "thank you" for everything. But, having to ask for salt and pepper, napkins, etc., with a food order is lax, but even worse trying to get his attention to do so. I did say "thank you", where he replied "you're so welcome," which rang insincere. At one point, I had to tap the empty glass on the bar to get his attention, which didn't work. Finally, my friend called him by name and got his attention. Guess I need to move back to a major metro. I've found, unfortunately, that the majority of the bartenders in the 'burbs couldn't care less about cultivating regular customers.
(3)
Les D.
Met a friend here to catch up on old times. After I ordered a fantastic cup of lentil and sausage soup, I told him I'd watched Forks Over Knives and was going to drastically cut my meat consumption. Then, he talked me into ordering the Alehouse BBQ burger describing how delicious it is. He didn't order anything. Enabler. Delicious bun (which makes the burger great), and I like the concept of two small patties instead of one thick one. Just a big, sloppy burger mess. Of course, Dogfish Head is known for it's delicious beers and they're all here, including some you can't get elsewhere. The food certainly complements. Be warned. The food is very rich and heavy. You're not going to save by settling for a salad either. So prepare to engorge. This is bar food at it's best. Also, this place can get incredibly loud. Nonetheless, Dogfish is a cut above casual dining and a great value.
(5)
Tracy S.
Had a chance to check this place out for the first time. I'd heard a bit about it, and when I found myself randomly in Seven Corners with a friend last week around dinner time, we thought we'd check this place out. The atmosphere was nice and the decor was fairly run of the mill. Reminds of Bennigans from back in the day. There were plenty of hightop tables available near the bar without a wait, so that was a plus. They also had plenty of big screen TVs, so they were comfortable and easy to watch from pretty much anywhere in the bar area. Our waitress was nice, although when we each asked her on separate occasions what she would recommend there, or what was a "can't miss" meal, she couldn't come up with anything! Not a big selling point. Since I'm not a big beef or pork eater (which was pretty much what she suggested after several blank stare moments), I settled on the crabcake sandwich. It was good, tasty enough, but you definitely had to have the sauce with it. Without the sauce, it just tasted like something was missing. Overall, it was a good experience. I won't be running back here, but it was good for a random early evening dinner in Seven Corners.
(4)
Sean L.
Amazing.....so good. Great service. Beer and food are so good. great prices. try the dogfish head 90 on draft, amazing depth.
(4)
Christina D.
We come to Dogfish in Falls Church for the food. The beer seems to be the main attraction of course but the food is really excellent. This location has a very talented Chef - the changing specials are delicious and the dishes are always consistently tasty and delicious. We've tried the food at the Rehobeth and Gaithersburg locations and Falls Church far exceeds the others. The salads are always great, not over saturated with too many flavored but a perfect mix of seasoned toppings and veggies. The burger specials are great as well as the fish tacos, appetizer specials and happy hour menu. If you want a great meal check out Dogfish at Falls Church. The stew they serve during the winter is savory with a nice kick as well.
(5)
Karla P.
I love their variety of beers... Awesome burger portabello and Gorgonzola
(4)
Adam K.
Good, normal tavern food and all the quality dogfish head beer you can handle. Excellent business model.
(4)
Chris L.
"An Ode to Dogfish," by Chris L. Though I did not try your food I'd drink your brewskies in the nude Your 90 Minute IPA Goes down smoothly every day Your IPA, 60 Minute Is too hoppy for me to finish But, oh I love your Midas Touch So sweet and soft, it makes me blush "Can I taste your Palo Santo?" Let me think...no you can't, ho. "How 'bout a sip of Chicory Stout?" Bitches be trippin' when I go out. One more drink, Shelter Pale? Raison D'Etre never fails Festina Peche? Indian Brown? I'll buy it all when I'm in town Chateau Jiahu, with rice and honey That Punkin Ale sure is money One of each and then two more Whoops, I just puked the floor...
(3)
Doug A.
Love dogfish head. The food is always consistently great. Probably been there at least 20 times. Service has always been great. Fun atmosphere, great food, and great beer. Never want to leave!
(5)
Matt D.
Speciality burgers for each day of the week and beer is the only thing you should eat here. Everything else I've had on the menu is below par. 75 minute ipa is always a good match for the burgers
(3)
Mac O.
Damn you, Dogfish Head Alehouse! You make it near impossible to remain anti-chain-ite. [Yes, I admit it. I'm chain-ist. No good reason, really, I just like to be difficult. Wait, I meant "different."] But back to your siren song, DHA. It's the ever-changing lineup of draught (and bottle, but mostly draught) beer that so pleases me. I am a *yooge* fan of the Ancient Ales series. It's nice to be able to sample them all. And why does the food have to be better-than-decent? So annoying when I want to hate you. You can actually cook surprisingly fresh ahi tuna to a beautiful rare, your fish tacos are composed nicely, your pizzas satisfy. Also, despite usually being crowded, your cadre of dewy hostesses are models of efficiency. Again, I say: damn you.
(4)
Erica G.
The reviews that say this place is the same as Applebees and TGI Fridays are wrong. I think those places are gross, and while I wouldn't say the food here is gourmet by any means, it is certainly a step up from those nasty chains. This is a local chain, which only has 3 locations- it's not some pre-packaged national chain. Sometimes I order a salad here (the one covered in chicken and bacon of course, but it's still a "salad"), and it's been very good (no gross wilted old lettuce like you usually get in chains). I think it's good for what it is- a beer pub. The ahi tuna sandwich is pretty good (the wasabi mayo is YUM) and the tuna is smoked, which gives it a nice flavor. I normally wouldn't even order fish at a pub, so the fact that the tuna is not only fresh, but delicious says something. The fries are good, the burgers are good, the apps are good (those fried rolls with sausage and cheese are pretty awesome), but I would not recommend the pizza (go to Pia Tanza if you want real brick oven pizza). We go here mostly because of the great beer selection (my step-dad friggin loves this beer), but the food is quite yummy enough for all of us. Like I said, I'm not rating this place at the same level as fine dining establishments, because that's not what it is...it's a pub, and it's a pretty darn good one. I'm big on FRESH food, and I have never had any problems here- I cannot say the same for similar "pub-like" establishments.
(4)
Harry M.
Meat loaf sandwich drenched in BBQ sauce. Really? They have the nerve to call it BBQ Gravy. There is no part of this preparation that qualifies as Gravy. On a cold rainy night, meat loaf and mashed potatoes with gravy would have been perfect.
(2)
Jeff S.
Pros: Great food - had buff chicken dip, old bay wings (outstanding), spicy calamari, and the Border burger. Beer - really good Punkin Ale. Have had a few others which are great. Love this beer. Atmosphere was awesome as well. Cons: The service was VERY slow. Was not terrible busy. Our server just seemed to forget about us. This wont prevent me from coming. Just wanted to note it. Will go back. Will recommend.
(4)
Sopheak S.
What a great experience at the Dogfish Head Alehouse. My girlfriend and I travelled coast to coast; we saw big beautiful cities, the grand canyon at sunset, saw and smelled lake Michigan early in the morning, took the subway in NY, ate a Chicago Pizza in Chicago... yet.. this was my favorite experience... We met up with our old friend, Joe and had no trouble finding a seat. The wait staff was very pleasant and helpful. That beer menu can be overwhelming!! I knew exactly what I wanted beer-wise because I have been exciting to eat at this place for a long long time. The Gf and i shared a macaroni and cheese with steak on top. Absolutely outstanding! Mac and cheese was well made and the steak was well marinaded and fork tender. I'm not even going to talk about the beer because every beer I tried was just... dude its dogfish head. its gonna be good. We even got to order pints of the punkin ale, and this was before the release date! Heads up though, these are strong beers, so you would not be able to order these by the pitchers. This was great and it makes me excited to go back. Next time I venture out there, I will try to go to the original in Delaware!
(5)
Samantha W.
I've already written a review for the location in Chantilly and I'm proud to say that I can write an equally rave review for the Falls Church location. I have been preaching about this place since it first opened and am so happy to follow Dogfishhead wherever it goes. The food never disappoints and we are always met with excellent service. This is not your normal, greasy pub food that you wash down with a miller lite. Great beers, great food ... you really can't ask for anything more! Last night, we enjoyed the crab dip (served with bread AND house-cut potato chips), jambalaya and the fish sticks. Crab dip - piping hot and LOVED that they offered two different dipping selections ... extra points there! Jambalaya - just the right amount of spiciness and the perfect consistancy for the biggest jambalaya critic in the NOVA area, aka my boyfriend (he literally orders it wherever we go) Fish Fingers - meaty and flavorful, fried to perfection. We accompanied our meals with a black and tan (their 90 minute IPA was floated perfectly and paired exceptionally well) and the season Punkin Ale. Matches made in heaven. The perfect end to a long day!
(5)
Mai T.
This place is always a good default when you can't think of anywhere else to go. However, go at the wrong time and the wait can be up to 1 1/2 hours. Great variety of beers and the sampler is a good choice when you don't have a particular beer in mind. Fries are always great and burgers are juicy. I heard the lamb burger is good but keep in mind they don't serve it at every location. The steak salad is nothing special but done well. They are also kid friendly with good selections including salmon. And don't forget the wings.
(4)
John S.
I already knew the beer was good so I had to check out the food. I ordered the turkey club and was not disappointed. The avocado was a nice touch. The service was great and place was clean. The 90 minute IPA cannot be beaten.
(4)
Hayley Q.
This is one of our favorite places in NOVA. Beer is awesome and food is delicious! The best craft brewery on the east coast!! Brewmaster knows what he's doing. The service is always good. Sometimes there is a wait on the weekends, but always worth it. Very family friendly, pretty casual, but a cute date spot. Good for large groups. We have recently moved and miss this place!
(5)
Ken E.
Great Beer + awful strip mall location + even worse Applebee's decor = 2.49 stars rounded down to 2. Huge Dogfish fan but my inner snob prevented me from totally enjoying the experience. The setting and staff come across as 2nd tier, and not reflective of the first rate beer they serve. Next time, I'll head to MadFox or make the trek to Dogfish ground zero in Delaware. Total Wine carries most of their line, so I cannot recommend unless you just have to try out a seasonal not available in stores or other beer establishments in town.
(2)
Justin L.
I liked it OK. The food is standard mid-range restaurant fare, the sliders were very good, the meat was a bit dry on the fajitas. Service was good, but a bit rushed, the waitress asked us what we'd like for dessert about midway through our entrees, which is even rushed for American standards. The beer menu isn't quite as expansive as you'd like from a place known for their beers. Almost everything on the menu was on the strong flavored, and high alcohol content side. I'm not sure how the patrons drink more than 1 of those double IPA 8% alc. beers and then drive home? Would be nice to have a few more light, summer seasonal beers on the menu and a more relaxed approach to service. Not a bad option for a meal though, and seemed to be family friendly.
(3)
Erin K.
Mmmm... Hubby and I have only ever sat at the bar when we go and we've never had to wait to find seats. The bartenders are always super friendly and attentive. I love their fish tacos. I've also had their reuben (yum!) and hubby had their chili and seemed to really like it. Obviously the real reason we go is for the delicious beer, though. Can't say enough great things about the unique brews at DFH. Yum yum yum! But even if you're not a huge beer fan, their food stands alone in being a worthwhile reason to make a visit.
(5)
Susan L.
Love this place. This is my 10th time going there so I finally thought I'd write a review. This is one of my favorite American restaurants over Fridays, Applebees, or Tuesdays. The service is impeccable. Waitstaff, hostess, manager, etc are all fantastic. The manager seated us, asked us how our day went--truly personable. The food has always been delicious. I usually get any of the burgers, Turkey/Avocado sandwich, or wings--and of course, their speciality beers on draft. The prices are pretty decent (roughly $10-15) an entree. Their special beers are roughly $8-10 but they are good beers and not your watered down-pee tasting ones that come in your 40 packs. This one recent occasion, the chef cooked my burger well done even though I asked for medium. No pink at all. The waiter came by and noticed that I wasn't happy. However, I told him I was fine eating it. I didn't want to waste food and it wasn't often they do this. The waiter must have gone to the manager who came around and apologized. I was shocked. He agreed that my burger was definitely on the overly dead side than medium and insisted that I get a new one. He wouldn't take no for an answer. I didn't even wait that long in getting a new one. It came out quicker than my first burger! The waiter and him came back a few times to ask if the burger was better this time. They don't mess up with me often, but when they do, they sure know how to take care of you! This is a great, casual, family-friendly, and price-friendly place to eat. The food is yummy American. Portions sizes are plentiful.
(5)
Yoeun P.
Actually more like 3 stars, but I voted 2 to pull down the average rating for this place. DHA is great micro-brewed beer ruined by boring Applebees quality food. No thanks. Instead of DHA, go to a restaurant that you like that you know also serves Dogfish Head beer. You can thank me later. Or better yet, buy a plane ticket to Portland, Oregon, visit Deschutes Brewery and see what a REAL brew pub should be like. Amazing beer. Amazing food. Amazing decor. Amazing atmosphere.
(2)
G. E.
I love this place. Their chips and queso appetizer is a must: house made queso and tortilla chips. So simple but perfectly executed. My friend and I usually default to their burgers, which are always excellent. One of the best places in the area for a consistently good meal.
(4)
Chantelle A.
If I ever come back to this location, I'm only coming for the beer. Ordered the Burger of the week (with a house salad), Jerk Chicken Wings and the 90 IPA...the best thing about our meal....yup, you guessed it...the house salad. They fried the hell outta of those wings, the burger was pretty sad, and the house salad was....a house salad. Plus, our waitress was so sweet but, just kinda blonde. I was very disappointed with Dogfish Head Alehouse. Again, if I ever come back to this location, I'm only coming for the beer. BTW...I loved the 90 IPA
(3)
E J.
We were already a huge fan of their beer, but we didn't know how good it could get. Between their taps and their bottles there was (almost) too much to choose from. We made due and tried a number of different brews, some we'd had and some we hadn't. I was particularly impressed with the Namaste being a fan of all things Belgian. In addition to the delicious beers, the food was outstanding. I really wouldn't expect anything less. When you put that much thought into your beer, I doubt you'd slack on the food. We started with the crab soup which was full of crab meat and had a great flavor. We both ordered from their seasonal offerings. I had the arugula salad and the fish tacos. Both were great, but the fish tacos really stood out. They were loaded with fish and not fried which, though that's how I would expect them to be served fresh on a beach in Mexico, is hard to find. Light and tasty and some of the best I've had. Dessert was the real treat. We enjoyed the Strawberry Shortcake (another seasonal item). Made with a biscuit and not the spongy, rubbery thing you usually encounter, it was wonderful by itself... However, we enjoyed it paired with a bottle of the limited release Theobroma for a truly amazing experience. Probably one of the best dessert/drink pairing I've had. I'll be thinking about it for months, if not years.
(5)
Marcus D.
Just be warned: you will go broke hanging in this place. I also HATE chains, but read on: We came in here for dinner the other night. The food was not nearly as spectacular as the beers - not saying the food wasn't good, but it just paled in comparison to the libations. I tried to stick with a dead ales motif - I know they call them Ancient Ales, but I was feeling like a scholar of the Greek/Latin/Arabic/Hebraic school after coming here. I got the Midas Touch, Ta Henkat and Sah'tea ales. Our server knew the back stories behind each ale and explained them to me - very informative and convincing, I'd gladly spend hundreds here, and we almost did, but that's besides the point. I drank a few other offerings, such as the Palo Santo - makes you want to eat sometrhing chewy afterwards (very good). Keep an eye open for the 120 Minute IPA!
(5)
Eric S.
Ok, ok I know it's an "Ale house" but the menu is unique and the brew selection is fantastic. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable regarding their beers and food. The wings are awesome and the chicken souvlaki is great. A relaxed atmosphere with great food and beverage selections.
(4)
Terra G.
Service was fine, but the food was just so-so. I ordered fajitas and they were dry and a bit overcooked. They didn't taste fresh.
(3)
Chris D.
I've been here three times and am now able to boil it down to very simple ratings. Food - 2 stars Service - 2 stars Beer - 5 stars I love their beer, but everything else drives me nuts. Do yourself a favor by just sitting at the bar and drinking. Anything else isn't worth the trip.
(3)
Jay W.
Always good to great food. Great beer and have I've always had a nice bartender when I sit at the bar who will give you a quick taste of any beer on tap if you ask,
(4)
Mariah V.
I love coming here to get secretly drunk while eating dinner with my parents. This is one of the places that I really don't mind waiting for a table, because you can just go over to the bar and grab a beer. Of course they have the year-round brews, but sometimes they'll have the seasonal/special beers. So it's a great chance to try something new/cool. Plus if you aren't sure if you'll like a beer, you can sample it if it's on tap before getting a full glass. The Pangea was ginger-y and delicious. You can buy six/four-packs of their beers to go from your waiter, which is awesomely (dangerously?) convenient. The food is pretty good, but because the beer is great I'm giving DFHA 4 stars. Plus everyone who works there is pretty chill and friendly which is also just the vibe that Dogfish Head gives off anyway.
(5)
Kristy G.
If you like beer at all, I don't really know how you can't like Dogfish beer. There's something for everyone. That being said, this isn't the most outstanding restaurant ever. But seeing as I can get a ton of my favorite beers under one roof, it's suddenly one of my favorite spots. The food is actually pretty decent, and the atmosphere lends itself well to watching the game on Sunday or just chatting with a friend over the two 60 Minute IPAs it takes to get me drunk (sad, I know). I usually go for the Shelter, mostly so I don't have to drive home drunk. But the "Fries, Rings and Chips" platter is good and greasy and helps with that anyway. Without the beer it only gets 3.5 stars, but seriously the beer is amazing. Four stars.
(4)
Leslie L.
4.5!!! I went after work with some co-workers to try this place out. I'd had the beer before so I was very excited. It was happy hour so we checked out the Happy Hour specials and we all ended up ordering the chili dog with the side of crab soup. I unfortunately (for me) ordered the Festina Peche which- while pretty good albeit a little tart for my liking- tasted TERRIBLE with the chili dog! The India Brown or the Raison D'etre would have been far more appetizing. The chili was good and did not make the whole thing soggy and the crab soup was thick and creamy with real crab on top. I had the onion rings for my side which were crispy and not too much breading. I can't give this place a 5 until I eat there again, but rest assured I'm sure it'll get there.
(4)
Eloise C.
Never a bad experience but never blown away either. The food is not bad, not great, I think bland is a good word. I've probably eaten here 20 times, so i'm not new to it, and I come here often because I live so close. Not bad, I would come here any day, but don't expect something amazing.
(3)
Joaquin G.
The beer is amazing and the reason I came looking for Dogfish while here for work. The atmosphere is great and the again the beer is amazing! Did I say that twice? Well it's because it's true. I started with the 90min IPA moved to the 120 and then finished with dark ale. I had the Ahi tuna dinner and it did not disapoint. I really can't wait to come back to the DC area again for work. I know where i'll be eating dinner again. Or just drinking beer!
(4)
Matthew H.
I believe in democracy. I believe in equality. I believe in a lot of touchy-feely BS (at least publicly) but for those people who rated this place under 4 stars have seriously got issues and they need to be deported (France maybe?) First of all, I'll start by saying that Dogfish Head is in the top 5 brew-pubs in America (sharing that honor with the likes of Stone - and if you don't know who that is, then you probably also gave this a 2 star and should go back to your Miller Lite, Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Appletini.) Secondly, I have been here twice and my meal wasn't just good - it was fabulous. Yes it's loud - IT'S A BREW PUB!!!!!! Would you give a bad review of a movie theater because it was dark?! Bottom line - this is one of my absolute favorite places to eat out at any price point based on service, selection quality and taste. 90 minute for life.
(5)
Rich M.
Dogfish beers are popular even on the west coast. You can't do better than having a large selection of their beers and good food as well.
(5)
Kim N.
Mmm, I like Dogfish beer and the many different varieties! Bummer that there are no happy hour specials. The crab dip is quite delicious. It's that nice blend of cheesy and creamy, but with a good amount of crab mixed in. Pizzas were standard. I would have loved to have my bday celebration here, but on a Saturday night, they close at midnight, a bit too early to end a party, me thought.
(4)
Hyunoo P.
One of the things I cherish are bars that have good prices, good beer, good food, and non-threatening clientele. Dogfish Head Alehouse (not named after any kind of aquatic mutation mind you) is a good example of this. Though they don't offer beef carpaccio, they definitely do justice to American bar food. Whenever I want a a good ale (or a great pale ale!) with a juicy "cooked-to-my-doneness" burger I come here. The prices are reasonable~ $7 for a basic burger, $.75 for cheese (they offer gouda, gorgonzola, cheddar, etc etc), and draft beer prices between $4.75 and $6.50. Easy to walk out of here with a tab under $15 and a belly full of cheer. I haven't had any of their salads or entrees, but I can vouch for the burger and pizza. The burger comes on a nice kaiser bun with fresh L&T. There isn't anything that stands out about this. It's just a good, simple 10 ounce burger. But the handcut french fries that it comes with are an entirely differnet matter! I don't know what it is they do, but their cirspiness is near perfect. Pair that with minimal oiliness, perfect seasoning, and a delicate collapsing center and you have yourself an excellent fry. The pizza? Kind of a let down. LIke eating a quessadilla covered in cheese and put in an oven. For beers I recommend having the Raison D'etre ($5.50), 70min and 90min Pale Ales ($6?). The Raison D'etre is brewed with belgian yeast and i'm always a sucker for that quasi banana taste. I typically don't like bitter beers, but their 60 and 90 minute IPAs are quite pleasing. I suppose it's the continuous hopping~ brings out the flowery, spiced, and complex flavors of hops without an overpowering bitterness. Oh yeah, most beers are above 7%. Definitely come for happy hour~ $1.25 off draft beers. Service is good, free mints on your way out, and it never seems like there is enough parking. Edit: Sometimes they play George Harrison and John Lennon. Sid the bartender will hum along to My Sweet Lord long after it's over
(4)
Nancy T.
Went here with a group of friends. It reminded me of a TGIF or any restaurant of that ilk. No better, no worse. It was also extremely packed and loud inside with lots of children around. Not a good place for old friends to catch up since you had to shout to be heard. The food was mediocre. I was expecting a little more sophisticated and cozy brew pub. I would not go back.
(2)
Jon B.
I love Dogfish Head beer. Love it. When I learned that Dogfish Head had a restaurant really close to my place, I was excited. When I read the Yelp reviews and saw the 4 star rating I was really excited. I wanted to love Dogfish Head restaurant as much as Dogfish head beer. The problem? And again...not talking about the beer. The food here? It just isn't great. It's boring. Its plain. The pizza is something you'd get out of your own oven (if you went cheap). The bacon on the burger was great...but the burger itself - blah. I have a habit of asking waiters what is good. Why? Because maybe there is something really outside the box the place is known for that I normally wouldn't get. The waiter here? I should have known from his responses that the food typified "Meh. I've experienced better. "What would you recommend...the fries or onion rings." "They are both ok." I can't speak of the onion rings but the fries were indeed "ok." Look the beer - is great. Go get a six pack to go. Go home and make some good food and enjoy. The food? Don't waste the calories on it - just drink more beer.
(2)
Chris F.
The fact that Dogfishhead can produce beer this good in quantities like they do is a testament to the pride in their craft. Frankly, you won't find beer this good anywhere. Period. With a caveat: if you like your beer weak, without bite or subtle flavors, you might not like it. Anyone who grew up on Pabst, Coors or Natty Light will barely recognize this as beer. Me, I never liked that stuff, so I thought I didn't like beer. Growing up a few miles from Milton, DE, I can literally say Dogfishhead changed my life. I didn't know it was a chain restaurant until I moved here recently. At this location, the beer is every bit as good as in Delaware. The atmosphere is lively, I'm here on a football Sunday and the bar and restaurant are packed with fans cheering their teams. The food is good for a brewpub. The quality is good, but the menu is pretty uninventive. That's okay. Within a short walk you can get pretty authentic ethnic food from about 40 countries in this UN type neighborhood. But choose this local chain over a franchise. By the way, the menu at the Rehobeth location is much more creative...or at least it was a few years ago.
(4)
Frank O.
The wife and I saw it driving through Seven Corners one day and decided to go back and give it a try. Soooo... we gave it a try one night. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it...hence the 3 star review. The service was awful to be honest. They rang our buzzer for our table, only to inform us our table wasn't ready. Five minutes later they buzzed us again, and took us back to a different table... and it was dirty, plates still on it. It hadn't been cleaned yet. Niiiice. So they cleaned it and we ended up sitting in nice wet seats. Our waiter was not too attentive to us throughout our dinner either. The appetizers and soups were better than their main courses. We enjoyed the Andouille Cajun Eggrolls, the chili and the cream of crab soup. The entrees though, were merely fair. I had the pork tenderloin, and don't get me wrong, it was good. I just was expecting a bit more out of it. The beers are ok. The sampler is completely predetermined, and contained three IPAs on it. This is good I guess if you like IPAs. I am not a big IPA fan, and they refuse to substitute on the samplers. So if you want to sample beers there, you better like IPAs or you're not going to like half of the sampler. But some of the other beers that they offer are good. Overall, it's an OK place. I won't be rushing to go back though.
(3)
Heather H.
Go here for the beer not the food. I wasn't impressed with the food here. It was typical bar food/Applebee's fare, not anything special. I will say that the portions for the price is good. I got a pizza and my boyfriend got a sandwich and the portions were enough for two people. The beers on the other hand, are the reason to come here. The servers and bartenders are nice enough to give you samples before you make your decision. They'll also ask you what kind of beer you typically like to recommend something you might like. I ended up with the Shelter Pale Ale. It was smooth and went down easy...maybe a little too easy! It's a nice summertime beer. The atmosphere is relaxed. The seating is spacious. I hate going to places where you're sitting right on top of other diners. The servers were very attentive too. I'm looking forward to the one opening in Greenbriar in Fairfax. I want to venture back in the fall to try their pumpkin ale.
(3)
Victor G.
The food here was really good. I ordered the Mac and cheese with steak. It was a really big plate and will make for a nice breakfast today. They also have an amazing assortment of different beers that will suite to any beer lover. The only reason I give it 4 stars is because they automatically add gratuity on parties of 6 or more and the waiter was pretty slow. I really don't like when restaurants tell me what to give as a tip because normally for good service I will give in the 25 percent range but that doesn't mean I want to be told to give anything. Other than those two things the food and atmosphere was good and will defiantly go back.
(4)
Elie I.
This place is great! I'm a huge fan of Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA anyway, but I'm also a big fan of the bar food here. Let me note right away that my wife and I have only eaten at the bar here on the numerous times we've been. The bartenders here have always been super nice, which makes it that much better. The hamburger and fries are excellent. Not Ray's Hell Burger or whatever, but they're great. And the pepperoni pizza is always tasty. Don't listen to the other a-holes who think they're ordering a pizza in New York City. If you want that, don't even bother. It's a thin pizza, where the crust seems like a Dominos thin 'n crispy. Maybe it's a tortilla? Who gives a shit. It's good. Bottomline is that it has nice bartenders, great beer, delicious hamburgers, fries and pizza. A few hi-def, flatscreen TVs. That's all I want in a bar.
(4)
Robert P.
Cool, relaxed place. I tried their wings and they were pretty good. Beers here are excellent and the people there are really friendly. I can tell a lot of regulars frequent this place. I felt very safe here and not threatened at all. No need to bring a gun or anything. lol. I would definitely come back here to try their different beers...
(5)
David B.
I frequent DFA in Falls Church every 2 weeks it seems. If you like good beer and pizza. Stop reading and figure out a time to go. I only order the pizza when I go but everyone I go with comments on how good the food is. This maybe one of the only places in the DC area where you can get asparagus on your pie (you Euros know what I'm talking about). So in short: 1) Pizza is NY style with a very delicious smokey sauce 2) Toppings are abundant, minimal crust, and if you ask for asparagus, make sure you get it uncut. 3) The beer is awesome. Try the sampler...there's something for every beer lush. Some bush-leaguers were there the other day and ordered miller lite. Really? Free wifi is a plus! Only negative I can think of is the location. Right in the middle of a 7 corners and plenty of coppers around. So watch your intake or join me for a snooze in the parking lot!
(4)
Morgan D.
The Food: I had the rustic burger with Gouda and a side of fries. The burger itself was quite good, I thought. You could definitely taste the smokey flavor of the wood grill. The slice of cheese was a bit on the small side, but not so much so that I felt cheated. On the menu, the rustic burger was said to be served on focaccia bread, and it didn't seem to me like it was. The bun was good, and it did have a little bit of a more robust texture than a standard bun, but I wouldn't say it was focaccia. The fries were tasty and crisp and salted with coarse grain salt, which I like. The Beer: That said, I didn't really come here for the food. I'm from the Left Coast so we don't get Dogfish Head on tap (they're based in DE). We started with a sampler (6 beers, 5oz pour of each). They were: Shelter Pale Ale, 60min IPA, 90min IPA, Indian Brown, Raison D'etre, Chicory Stout. The shelter was a little lackluster and bland. I had never had the Indian Brown before and thought it was a nice creamy fusion of a nut brown and Scotch Ale. The 90min was, as usual, a great example of how a double IPA can be drinkable and not just a bitter mess. With the meal I ordered a black and tan (90min IPA and Chicory Stout). Delicious! I would highly recommend this, though it's not really for beer beginners as the flavors are very robust. After the meal I had the Old School Barleywine and my friend had the Fort, a strong (18%) ale with raspberries. Both were excellent, but both were served far too cold. Hold them in your hands for a few minutes to warm them up and allow the aroma out. Service/Other Info: The server was attentive, but accepting of the fact that we were going to spend a long time there (almost 3hr all told). We arrived around lunchtime on a Saturday and the restaurant was busy but not packed. Food service was pretty fast. Be prepared, these are not cheap beers. The standard stuff will run you $6-7 a pint, which is actually a pretty good deal when you consider that they're 6-8% mostly. The specialty stuff (Fort, 120min, etc.) is around $10 for an 8oz snifter. Again, worth it when you consider that they are 15-18%, 3x stronger than a typical beer. Don't bother with the bottles of their special run stuff, though. For some reason, they want $18 for a bottle of the 120min or World Wide Stout. You can get them at Whole Foods for $10 when they're in stock. Stick to the taps, which are much better priced. Check the website before you go if you want to know what they have on tap right now. Also, they have bottles to go but they only sell 3 or 4 of their beers because of liquor laws about the others being too high in alcohol.
(4)
Mike A.
Went here for dinner tonight and definitely enjoyed it. We got there just in time to catch the end of happy hour and saved a few bucks on our meals and first beer. I started with the Midas Touch, not one of my favorite beers but one that I will generally try whenever I see it on a menu. Most of DFH's beers aren't quite my taste so it's nice to have at least one that I can enjoy. We were in the mood for burgers so I got the Alehouse BBQ burger, which was enormous. The burger was very tasty and prepared exactly how I asked. The bun and other ingredients were excellent, but nothing really stood out. Overall, the food and beer on it's own was pretty standard and worth about three stars. The extra came from the service which was excellent. A manager came by at one point to see how we were doing and took a drink order while he was at it. Our waitress was very nice and attentive without being intrusive, definitely a plus. I'd go back to try some of the other beers and different food, just to get a better idea of what they have, but I'd also go back just for another burger and beer.
(4)
Stuart S.
I am a Dogfish Head-head. I love their beer and have been to both their Delaware brewery and brew pub. Naturally, when I moved to DC, I was sure to learn about both the Gaithersburg and Falls Church locations. For some time I had been planning to visit one of their "alehouses." A friend's visit found us making the trek out to Falls Church (tip: if you're doing this on public transportation, forget about the 4A/B/H from Rosslyn and just take the orange line to Falls Church and get a cab). The food is pretty good. The menu is somewhat locally inspired, and features a good deal of crab and other seafood. Entrees are dishes like pizzas, sandwiches, salads and burgers, all with some culinary twist. The beer selection was not what I was hoping (if anyone has DFH Theobroma, let me know where I can find it), but still solid. We started off with the Santo Palo ale, which was $12 for a bottle... needless to say that the final bill was way higher than I ever would have expected. This is why I am giving DFH three stars; while the food was pretty good, it was not worth the prices. The brewpub in Delaware had better food at lower costs. I realize that the DC area is more expensive, but I think this is an anomaly. Three stars for high prices, slow service and location. I will still be back here sometime, or maybe I'll check out the one in Gaithersburg.
(3)
Allyson P.
The food is definitely 3 stars-typical bar food, nothing special, but not bad. As far as the beer, I'd have to say that some of them are 4 stars and others are 2. Some of their beers are absolutely amazing. Raison D'Etre is definitely one of my favorite beers of all time. Their 60 minute IPA is also pretty good. The problem I've noticed with their beers is with the higher alcohol content ones. I generally love really strong beers, high alcohol content beers, but their's taste kinda like rubbing alcohol. I've given them several chances, and every single time I try any of them there, they just have a horrible aftertaste. Which I guess is actually good for me, since I always stick to their basic beers and aren't tempted by the way more expensive, more alcoholic beers.
(3)
Sara S.
After seeing a lot people recommend it on Twitter, I decided we should trek down to the alehouse for lunch and see what the hype was all about. The atmosphere was nice and the staff were pretty attentive. They seemed famous for their 90-minute IPA so I tried that and it was ok. Not great, but ok. The server told us about a new beer (red and white) which is a belgian white beer (my favorite) with a hint of pinot noir in it. This beer was also just ok which was pretty disappointing as they charged $10 for it and it wasn't that great. It was also more of a brown. To be fair, I moved back from Belgium last year and after having real belgian white beers for a couple of years, it is hard to satisfy that craving without going to Total Wine and picking up some Chimay Blanche. The food was pretty good. I had the pizza but took a bite of the bratwurst which was awesome. Next time I would definitely get the bratwurst instead of the pizza. It is served on a pretzel roll and is pretty damn tasty. In a nutshell, it was a good experience and I would go back again, but the beers didn't live up to the hype for me.
(3)
Alison S.
OK. I still love the Dogfish Head brews. I have no beef with that at all. But I had a serious urge to eat a good burger recently and came here to get my fixing. Boy, was it a major disappointment!! So bad I felt the responsibility to come back in and revise my review of this place so as to not mislead anyone else in going here for a meal. I do not know what happened here. Maybe they changed their head cook or it was just an awful day, but none of the food was worthy of being eaten. Believe me, I went to British boarding schools notorious for terrible, overcooked food. And I've had to force myself through meals I don't particularly like. So this is bad! I ordered the Gorgozola Burger with side of spinach instead of chips; thinking it would be a healthier option. The burger was all wrong. I don't think it was real gorgonzola at all .... some other blue cheese possibly. Everything over salted. The spinach was sauteed in way too much oil and had too much salt going on. Hubby got the fish n' chips that were all visibly overcooked. You know how fried stuff take on a rather brown, burnt look, rather than the golden crispiness? The chips were wilted and soggy looking. I was embarrassed as I was the one who insisted on coming here against hubby's protest. Don't think I will ever eat here again.
(1)
Ron U.
The fact that I live a few miles from this place and have only gone here a handful of time is a travesty. Been drinking their beer for a few years now, and when I heard about this place opening I was rather geeked. Their food compliments their beer almost perfectly. Rather heavy on the spice and flavor, topped off with one of their beers is just the way to go. My favorite go to is the brat platter along with a 90 min. It's easy on the wallet considering their prices in the grocery stores, so getting their drinks on draft is never an issue. Just have to remember not to drink too many of them.
(5)
Chris S.
Skip the Fajitas. I've been here twice and both times the beer has out shined the food x10. The staff is friendly and fast. A lot of good beers. Ill come back, maybe my food choices (brats 1st time & fajitas second) were just bad choices. My friend had one of the salads and loved it. Spinach dip appetizer was also very good.
(3)
Helen V.
Beeeeerrrr, but please don't bring me an overcooked tuna steak! I LOVE DOGFISH HEAD BEER! Raison D'Etre....you're my one and only! Next up, Chicory Stout and IPA, so great! We've been to the true brewery in Rehoboth Beach and the food was delicious then; so I thought it would be the same here. I ordered the Tuna Steak Sandwich and was quite disappointed. The menu reads 'sashimi/sushi grade,' then WHY oh WHY was my tuna steak cooked all the way through?!?! What a waste of good fish! :( My boyfriend's burger was just meh too...I guess food isn't award-winning yet. For now, we'll just stick to their specialty: beeeerrrs!
(3)
Antonio M.
***3.5 Stars*** Checked out this place the other day during a lunchtime outing with my buddy Steve L. Although I wanted to hit Bangkok Golden's AYCE Thai lunch again, I really I wanted to try out the Dogfish Head Ale's food and possibly one of their brews. While we were there, I checked out the menu and saw a lot of great looking food that would be perfect for those imbibing in some drinks as everything seemed hearty and a perfect compliment to a beer drinking visit. Umm...beer... The lunchtime menu had a variety of food ranging from sandwiches, burgers and salads to hearty entrees of gumbo and fish 'n chips. There's pretty much anything for everyone on the menu and they even had a good veggie friendly offering. After scanning the menu, I settled on the BBQ chicken salad (lunch special for that day) while Steve ordered a basket of fried goodies (onion rings, fresh potato chips and french fries) and a Garlic Caesar salad. When my salad arrived it, the presentation was quite nice. The beans, corn, BBQ chicken and green onions were each given 1/4 area of the salad bowl which looked very nice. I mixed up the ingredients and took a bite. The flavors and ingredients combined well and the BBQ sauce from the chicken gave the salad an extra tasty flavor. The only criticism I had about the salad was that they were a bit heavy handed with the dressing which made the salad super rich. I told myself that if I ever ordered a salad again at the Dogfish that I'd ask for the dressing on the side to control the amount of dressing that goes into my belly. :-) Steve's basket of fried stuff was a mountain of crispy goodness. On bringing out the huge basket of fried stuff, two large onion rings accidentally escaped the server's tray and fell onto the floor. The server was very apologetic and promised to make it up to Steve. A few minutes later he brought out a few more onion rings to replace the ones that had fallen from the basket of fried goodness. I must now talk about this basket. Wow! It was huge (that's what she said) and was filled to capacity with freshly fried potato chips, huge onion rings and French fries. The cool thing about the onion rings were that they were made with red onions which gave them a bit more flavor. Steve was kind enough to share the bounty of the basket and I happily dove in chomping down onions rings and fries. I definitely enjoyed my visit to the Dogfish and will be back! Looking forward to trying out some more of their beers. Oh yeah, I had a beer with my lunch...and it was tasty. Shhhh! Don't tell anyone!!! :-)
(3)
art f.
This pub has become very popular. Weekends you can wait 1 hour to be seated. We went on a Monday night and it was doing a fine business. I liked all of the 3 beers we shared. Our meal was a jambalaya ($17) and a tuna sandwich with wasabi mayo and fries. Good fresh shrimp in the jambalaya. I'll return.
(4)
Ali H.
love the 75, but poor selection of food
(4)
Casandra M.
I want to like this place, but it's essentially Applebee's with Dogfish Head beers--and not enough Dogfish Head beers! My husband and I made our second visit to this location on Sunday for a few beers, some football and a snack. We had pretty miserable table service last time, so we sat at the bar. I ordered (well, tried to order) a Poppaskull, which is a collaboration brew from Dogfish Head and Three Floyd's brewery in Indiana. The bartender looked at me like I'd asked for a flirtini and asked how to make it. I certainly don't expect bartenders to be experts on everything, but when you work at a Dogfish Head Ale House, knowing what Dogfish Head has released and distributed recently is definitely a perk. When I told him what it was, he seemed to get annoyed, pointed at the chalkboard with the beer list and walked away. Both my husband and I ended up ordering the Chicory Stout (which was pretty good), and we decided to split the nachos. Those nachos were some of the worst nachos I've ever had, and I'm married to a nacho-eating fiend. By the time they got to our table, the chili had turned the entire pile into a soggy mess. The bartender rarely came around, didn't ask about our nearly-untouched plate of food, our beers or anything, really. I think this place has great potential, but the staffing seems like an afterthought.
(2)
Polyphemus S.
Beware of some of the sandwiches. I got the french dip and have tried a number of the other sandwhiches, and they've all been horrible. Stick to the hamburgers (REALLY REALLY good) and individual pizza (huge and cheap and full of toppings and cheese!). My wife gets the salad all the time which is pretty good size, but for whatever reason, doesn't do it for me (not sure why but the flavor and fresh crispiness isn't there... don't know how to explain it). Great for families and after work drinks.
(3)
Jamison G.
Dogfishhead is awesome! Great food, great and unique beer selection and an enthusiastic and fun staff. The only con is it can get crowded but the wait is usually short. Try their special dinners.
(5)
Dan C.
We all know that Dogfish Head makes great beer but their food might be just as good. It's a must stop if you are ever in the area. I guess some consider this a "chain" restaurant so if that's the case than this might be one of my favorite "chains"...and there aren't very many on my list. Come for the beer and stay for the food....or is it the other way around?
(4)
Tina C.
AWESOME place! Anytime in the fall when I can get the Dogfish Punkin' Ale ON TAP, I am in heaven! I am not even really a beer fan but this beer is awesome!! Food was also very good as well! I had the ahi tuna sandwich and it was awesome! My friends got the crab and spinach dip and that was amazing as well. We went around 11:00 AM and got a bloody mary and it was spicy and delicious! Service was very good as well. I loved it and will defnitely be back! ;-)
(4)
Mark A.
4 star place, with a 5 star rating because it's like my version of "Cheers". I decided to write this review after visiting here again yesterday with my girlfriend and some friends of hers. They were talking about Yelp, and at one point, the server from my birthday stopped by to say hi. Yeah - this is my little bar. How me and my 2 roommates slept on this place for 2 years is beyond me. It's within WALKING distance of our house for crying out loud! Just the drunk-walk-home stories alone would make it worth 5 stars! Great atmosphere, and I haven't not been able to find a table at Happy Hour yet. Seat yourself. Busy, but not so busy it's a bear. The food is fantastic, but you go for the beer. Everything I've tried there, sans the pizza, is terrific. The pizza just doesn't cut it. You hope for some sort of wood-baked jammy from the decor, but alas - it doesn't show up. Just order ANYTHING else. The Mac n Cheese with steak will put you out. Trust me. And if the waiter tells you about a special burger that turned him into Sam Jackson after one bite, order it. But the beer... the beer is awesome. Their own brews, and they rotate. They're seasonal, and they're strong. Going out for "a beer" is fine here. Going out for "two beers" is not the same evening. I think everyone going for their first time should try the sampler. Why? Because it's a sampler. And a good one. And you'll not be unhappy with the results. After you become a regular, you'll probably go for their 60 or 90 quite a bit, but give their other brews a go. I tried the Black & Tan yesterday and thought it was pretty good. Not something I'd drink all night, but a delicious "one beer" choice. When you really feel up tot he task, download their app. LOL. They update their drafts - that way you'll be ready to order as you walk through the door. No reason to waste time. Use that time to find a good seat in front of one of their flatscreens. Friendly staff and good service. Definitely a go-to place for me and my cohort. Cheers.
(5)
James C.
Good food great beer and great service. Just go.
(5)
Claudia B.
Amazing wings and great beer! Try their old bay wings... To die for! It depends on the day service may be a little slower but this is a good place to watch games and get your beer on!
(4)
Greg M.
5 stars for beer, 2 stars for food. Of course I know that averages to 3.5. I'm rounding down because it's location just begs for drunk driving. Not a good thing when your bread and butter is 6-10% alcohol. Seriously though. I love Dogfish head products, but most of what they serve is readily available at other places if you know where to look. Furthermore, those other places probably have better food. The menu is...ummm...well...it's Applebees. Call me old school, but I like my bars to be dank dark hellholes.
(3)
Joe S.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in the DC area. It's clean, it's friendly, I've had at least half the menu and everything I've had has been delicious and the beers are top notch. Can't ask for more!
(5)
Rob R.
3.49 stars to be exact. The food is okay. You aren't here for it, so don't be surprised when it isn't awesome. It's okay. It's something decent to fill your gut as you have multiple beers. The service is okay. With every visit, my waiter has been very nice but not really on the ball.... very laid back. They love to talk beer with you, but the service isn't really the best. While he's talking beer with you, there are several tables that he's not working. Beer Selection -- The first thing you see as you walk in the door is a chalkboard with what they have with a bunch of items lined out. I expected more variety. What I have had was good.... but I want to try a lot more things that are unavailable. There is just as much selection of DFH brews at Total Wine. Just check out their website or their iPhone app to see what I mean. Unfortunately I found those resources after my latest trip to DFH. The beer needs to be on point when visiting an alehouse named after a brewery.... this place doesn't do that. I found myself asking the question, "What's the difference between going to DFH and going to Total Wine and grabbing some food on the way home?". The answer is not much, if anything at all. Now armed with the knowledge that I can check their website and iPhone app to keep up to date on what they have on tap, I think my next experience may go better. I would definitely consider going if they have something special that I can't find elsewhere.... or maybe if they have a multi-course beer paired dinner or something like that. Recommend for beer drinkers, but there is a lot of room for improvement.
(3)
Elina T.
Good food - I like the burgers especially - and great beer selection. They don't have the experimental beers like the Dogfish Head in Rehoboth, but their selection is very good nonetheless and my husband loves their beer. It can be a little pricier for certain beers, like the 90-min IPA, but they're really complex beers that have high-alcohol content and will fill you up quickly, it's worth the price. The location is a bit blah, but it is amazing how many good restaurants there are in the wasteland that is Seven Corners. You just have to deal with it.
(4)
Kyle P.
OMG the beers! I've been a big fan of Dogfish Head since I had the 90-minute IPA about 2 years ago. When I came to DC and saw there was a restaurant devoted to one of my favorite "craft" breweries I had to give it a try. The beer selection is outstanding; I discovered a whole new side to DFH. They have an entire series of beers focused on historical recipes, including the Midas Touch, which dates back over 3000 years and is based on chemical analysis of a cup found in an egyptian tomb. I finally got to try the 120-minute IPA i've heard about for so long and I've got to say it didn't disappoint. At 18% alcohol it packs quite a punch, I would compare it to a beer flavored liquor more so than a beer lol. The food is very good. Nothing outstanding but definitely worth coming back a few times to try multiple entrees. I especially love the beer pairings that acompany each item on the menu. If you're in DC and you love beer make time to visit DFH Alehouse, and try not to take more than 10 minutes deciding which beer to drink!
(4)
Caesar G.
We used to be huge fans of the original Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach. After driving by this place for several months, we finally stopped in for dinner. So glad we did! First, the food here is much better than at their Rehoboth location. Food is not an afterthought as it is at many brewpubs. My wife and I shared a steak entree (the portions are HUGE), and the kitchen kindly brought it out on two plates. The servers are super friendly, the restaurant is huge, and of course the beer. What else can I say? The beer is AWESOME! My favorite is the 60 Minute IPA. I'd go for the 90 if I didn't have to drive! I would avoid weekends as it was absolutely packed and people were lined up outside in the cold during our visit. Luckily we got there early. My only complaint is there were too many young kids in the bar area running around without supervision. So either go early, or go later after the family/silver fox club crowd. Also this one tool on a laptop was taking up an entire booth big enough to seat six people and he wouldn't share the booth; the staff should have politely moved him to the bar when it got too busy.
(4)
Matt G.
Awesome atmosphere, great food, and tasty beer. The alehouse provides excellent service. The focus is on food with a beverage. The beer is absolutely a must at this establishment. We visited with a large party. Not only was this not a problem, but we were served with care that felt like we were a small couple. Will return to this location, as it seemed better managed and maintained than other alehouses.
(5)
Lily S.
A salad as big as my head??? I'M IN! The food is quite good here, and I'm assuming the beers are too, but the service...well...the service could have been better. Maybe it was b/c we were in the bar area? I don't know...but they served flat pop and didn't really listen to what we ordered. (shrug)
(4)
Ashley W.
Went to dogfish head for the first time based on the recommendation of a friend. We got there at 5 pm and were seated right away. There is a beer for everyone here. I got the premium sampler for 14.95 which allowed you to pick any four beers on draft to sample. I got the raison d'être (my fav), the 60 and 90 minute ipa and chickory stout. I also got the old bay wings and crab dip which was amazing for bar food. I went with my husband and father who are "beer snobs" and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. My father left with 2 growlers of his favorite beers. If you are a beer lover you will be in heaven. We left at around 630 and the place was starting to fill up. I would recommend during your best to get here before the dinner rush.
(3)
Brian H.
Had takeaway from this place on a warm summer afternoon. The food (blackened chicken sandwich with fries) was excellent. One of the best chicken sandwiches I've had in metro-DC. Very well seasoned, two pieces of chicken and hefty helping of fries with different dipping sauces. And all that food was under $10, that cannot be beat. Very big lunch. Food was ready when they told me it would be and bartender was friendly in settling the bill. Can't ask for much more. Definitely give it a shot.
(5)
Dustin B.
They are frequently out of some of their best beers. This is not the restaurants fault, but in fact the brewery's fault, because of course the beers are not brewed here. For me personally I love how their beers pack a lot of flavor, but the sugar to hop ratio is often too high - expect on the 60 minute. However, their black and tan is off the chain. It's their 90 minute with their chicory stout. It's nothing short of fantastical. Also, the service is the best around. They are always friendly, introduce themselves, fun, knowledgeable, and eager to let you taste new brews. As far as the food, though this may sound pedestrian, their fries are the best around, and complement their beers wonderfully. Ask for a side of the Cajun ranch. Their new wing menu is also slammin'. Can't go wrong here. For me and most people I bring here, that's where the good stops getting good. This was what I found disappointing about the original Rehoboth location. Their sandwich menu falls super flat. From burgers, to Pork BBQ, to Rueben's, and Fried Fish - everything I've had tastes bland, is unexciting; and for the price, pretty underwhelming. The salad greens didn't taste washed, were bitter and the chicken and shrimp salad should just be called the chicken salad. The shrimp were too sparse to be considered in the name. This unfortunately, has turned me away from thinking about ordering an entree.
(2)
Yo L.
i used to go here twice a month or so for happy hours! i love their beer selection! get their IPA 60,75,90,120s! and their food is surprisingly good for bar food! upsacle bar food, with tradiontal bar and resturant seating! i love their steak babomb, grouper sandwhich, and their potpie. giving it 5 stars for the good memories, and mostly great booze!
(5)
Mike W.
I was visiting friends in DC and did not realize there was a location for Dogfish Head relatively close to where my friends live. Having known about the brewery for years, I decided I wanted to check out the restaurant. I was surprised how jumping this place was on a Friday night. Like a few of the reviews before me, my first impression of the place was "Man, this feels like a corporate chain restaurant." Kind of a bummer. We had a party of 4 and ended up waiting a solid 20 minutes in the bar area drinking beer before we were given a table. All of the staff was great we dealt with along the way despite being busy (which is a win). I was disappointed by the beer selection on draft. Raison D'Etre was not available nor was a couple other beers it seems they have normally. I ended up getting their barleywine and the Chicory stout. Both were great. The food menu was not extensive but had some nice variety. I had one of their plain burgers (boring - yes) and thought it was a very solid effort. I would give this place 5 stars if a) it felt a little less "corporate" (isn't this a company founded on creating that family feel/pushing the envelope away from structure in every way?) and b) they had more beers available to me. I see all these cool/crazy beers being made on Brew Masters. I just wonder why I couldn't get any of them at their Alehouse.
(4)
Barrett H.
We have friends from MA who relocated to DC and when we met them in town, they suggested the Alehouse as a spot for a nice, casual dinner. The inside is about what you'd expect from a brewpub of this size (Note: they don't actually brew on-premise). Booths around the perimeter with tables in the center. Decor was like a typical American chain restaurant but with a little soul. Beer menu was clearly posted in multiple locations. Beer: 90-Minute Imperial IPA. Very crisp beer for something in this ABV range (9%). The flavor is almmmmost creeping towards brandy, but it stops just short of tasting too much of alcohol. Nice balance of hops. A very good beer overall, and not something you can get just anywhere. Beware: even as a practiced drinker, four of these got me nigh-drunk. Appetizers: The women at the table both had an app in mind, so they got the Warm Three Cheese Crab Dip and the special Steak Spring Rolls. I didn't try the spring rolls since they weren't up my alley and didn't look great. The crab dip was fine, but I don't get crab dip anyway. I mean, I love crab and I love cheese, but crab is way too delicate of a flavor to pour on "roasted garlic, cheddar, marscapone, and herbed cream cheese". The dip was yummy, but the crab was lost. Just a fancy attempt to get you to pay $11 for a bowl of melted cheese. The homemade chips and baguette were heads and shoulders above the normal tortillas/bland bread that often comes with dishes like this. Entree: Jambalaya. Nothing about DC or an alehouse screams "Jambalaya!" to me, but I was drawn to it. Jambalaya is one of my favorite dishes and it's not something easily found in New England. It also happened that suggested beer pairing on the menu was the 90-minute IPA I had already ordered. Oddly enough, the Jambalaya was also available served over penne, which was terrifying, but I hoped that was something regional or something. I was equally un-terrified by the fact that it wasn't listed as "Cajun" or "New Orleans-style" or "Louisiana" Jambalaya. That always seems cheap to me. It's not as if there's some other kind. I don't know why that bothers me. Meh. Anyway, the Jambalaya was fantastic! Everything was in balance and the flavors were all there. Neither dry nor saucy. The rice has the excellent flavor that pasta cannot absorb. There was a nice degree of heat, but nothing too intense. I love spicy food, but I didn't feel the need to add anything to this. Our server was interesting. She had an Eastern European accent and seemed to misunderstand some of what we said.Like, she would ask if we needed more drinks and we would say: "I'll have some more water, please." "I'll have some water, too" "I'd like another beer, please. "Two waters, yes." I was sure that she didn't hear my beer, but it came right over. She sometimes looked confused or had us repeat things... yet everything came out right. I guess there's nothing to complain about if nothing went wrong. I've only had this one experience at the Dogfish Head Alehouse, but it was a good one. The menu seems a little large, but between the four of us we had a pizza, a burger, a sandwich and jambalaya, and everyone liked what they got. The next time we're in DC, it'll be hard for us to pass up the food and drinks at the Dogfish Head Alehouse!
(4)
Jim S.
Unbelievably bad general manager at DFH. Demeaning toward and cussing at the bartenders in front of customers. The owner should be made aware of the toxic environment for both the customers and the employees. Completely unacceptable for a great brand and clearly impacting the ability to retain staff. Lots of great people, but in this environment, they don't seem to stay around long.
(1)
Andrea H.
I've passed this place a gazillion times. But I never went in until the glorious day that a friend hosted a gathering there. The beer was good, the food was great, I'd definitely come back. I recommend the Namaste a beer. I got the Ahi Tuna burger, it was perfectly cooked. I also tried the crab dip as an appetizer it was great it gave me heartburn.
(5)
Shellie D.
After looking through the reviews on Yelp, we figured that most of the rave was regarding the bar and not the food. Nevertheless, we decided to try it out anyway. We were right. The food is okay. Not great, not bad... it is in the middle. We ordered the beer sample that came with nine different beers. We also had the steak salad and the fish tacos. The beer sample was okay... but do not expect me to give a good description on the beers. The steak salad was basic. It was good, but it was also something I could have made at home. The fish tacos were okay too. The kitchen initially cheated me out of the correct portion of fish. The manager had a look and brought out some more fish for me. It took about 15-20 mins after our food arrived to get the proper portion of fish for my taco. I appreciated management's response and them trying to rectify the situation. Overall, I would only come here for HH and appetizers. Not dinner.
(3)
Robert R.
Made a quick visit before the National Championship game, so it was quite busy yet. Overall, the service was very good. The food however was a mixed bag. The wings with old Bay seasoning were among some of the best that ever had. They were cooked properly and had a crazy amount of seasoning on them which I loved. On the other hand, the Reuben was a mess. It had way too much sauerkraut on it, not enough thousand island dressing, and the meat was flavorless. But, to wrap up the meal, had a bread pudding and it was pretty good.
(4)
Annie N.
Dogfish Head is probably one of my favorite breweries out there. I love all their unique and classic beers (like their 60 min IPA). I love this place for their beers and great food selection, BUT... I wish their happy hour deals were better, its only $1 off pints and certain apps..a dollar?? come on... I wish their growler fills weren't too expensive (start at $16 compared to other local breweries that start at $12) I wish they had more beers on tap, but I guess it's okay since they rotate it, but ehh, the more the merrier..or it's probably cause I've tried so many of their beers, that I wish they had more of the unique ones on tap Overall, a great place to grab beer AND great food (esp. their crab/cheesy dip), just not the most decently priced.
(4)
Mary Kate M.
Came here to meet a friend who's idea of fine dining is Olive Garden. God love him, but he chose to come to Dogfish Head Alehouse as our dinner outing. I was a bit skeptical about coming here since I don't particularly get excited for these sorts of places since I feel they are dime a dozen. This place is exactly what you think it would be -- American food, brews specifically from their Delaware brewery, and suburbanites. I didn't have any of their craft beers since I stuck to what I knew, but my dining companion ordered 3 beers. He frequents it here, and thoroughly enjoys it which is there nothing wrong with what you enjoy! Him and I ordered the a Santa Fe Salad a piece. It was a romaine salad with red onions, corn, black beans, grilled chicken, cheese, and lime vinaigrette. It was filling and decent. Carlos our server was nice. Overall service and the staff here are friendly. It is a welcoming environment and I did appreciate that. I doubt I would make a special trip out here again since this isn't my neck of the woods and it doesn't have that wooo factor for me, but I recommend it for people who enjoy Seven Corners and American pub fare is suburbia.
(3)
Valencia W.
Went again but this time I raved about this place to my family even though my experiences are mainly from the Fairfax location. I should've kept my mouth shut. POOR SERVICE and the food wasn't that good. Messed up part of our order with wrong beers (wouldn't have been a problem if they were free ) and completely did not place 2 of them. There were 5 of us and we spent quite a bit of time figuring it out. It was a pain I mean how do you mess up such simple orders? Oh I know by including 2 other parties on our bill. I absolutely will not come back to this location - quite frankly it sucks and the one on 50 is a better experience with food and much better service.
(1)
Ken M.
Glad the summer months are here, there is no wait at all for a table on a Friday night unlike the rest of the year when the wait can be up to 30 minutes. Very good food, fair price, decent portions, friendly wait staff, that remember you and greet you even if you're not their table that evening. The beer is good, and varied...something for everyone! Menu has good standard selections, but check out their specials for something different, like I did tonight...the brisket sandwich was great!
(4)
Mallory M.
One of the best burgers I've had in a long time! Cooked medium rare, just as requested and topped with caramelized onions -YUM! Everyone in my party enjoyed their food as well. They ordered the BLT and the fish tacos. Big portions with fries that are to die for. We all ordered the beer sampler - a great deal at just $9 for 6 4oz samples. Good service, good beer, great food!
(5)
Keith Z.
My favorite place in the seven corners area. Have frequented this place so many times they deserve a review. I've tried many of their items, probably everything on the menu and most of the specials they've offered. All have been enjoyable. One constant I have to order every visit is the buffalo wings. These are the best wings I've ever tasted. They have so much flavor, and I'm extremely picky about wings. Their bleu cheese is one of the best I've had as well. Service is always on point and has always been attentive, even when the restaurant is very busy. This place is busy all the time. Did I forget to mention they're a beer drinker's paradise? Well, after all, they are known for their beer. When venturing away from my usual 60 Minute IPA, they have delicious seasonal brews. This place is laid back, casual, with great atmosphere, food, and beer.
(5)
Daniel F.
The food in this place is great, nice service, do yourself a favor try the BBQ Burguer make sure to order onion rings, you won't regret it.
(5)
Brandon H.
The food was great!! Started with the calamari for appetizer and had the Dogfish Trio(come with a appetite!) and the Jambalaya. Everything was wonderful and you get your money's worth!! Our server was Fernando and he was outstanding!!! Will def be back!!
(5)
Cassandra H.
7:30-7:35 9/1/15 - arrived for my pickup order and was directed to the bar. found my take out order on the bar mat sitting next to about two dozen dirty glasses that were sitting next to what would have been clean glasses. after 5-10 minutes of trying to grab the bartender's attention (who was too busy collecting his cashouts to pay attention to anything else - including me and more piling of dishes next to my now cold food) I finally raised my voice and said, "excuse me, sir! is that my food sitting with the dirty dishes?" i caught his attention, he asked my name and responded, "yes it is"
(1)
Michael E.
Great food and great service!! The roast beef burger was the greatest burger I've ever had!!
(5)
Mina C.
The food, not so great here (well what I tried). The beer is where it is at! We ended up here on a random Wednesday and halfway through some drinks and food, someone started to set up for a trivia night. Me and a friend decided to stay and play. It took the better part of two hours, fairly lengthy. WE DID PLACE though. The guy running the show said it was good for us, a 2 person team playing against all the larger teams. SOOOOOO I'll be back for beer and trivia night.
(3)
Hannah H.
About a 2-2.5: Most of my husband's friends always has birthday get-togethers at Dogfish. I was excited to try this place out as there always seem to have long lines and it looked like a happening place! We came here for some dinner, and I had a cupe of the IBA Alehouse Chili (sauteed beef, red kidney beans, onions, peppers, celery, tomato, Indian Brown Ale, topped with Gorgonzola bleu cheese, sour cream on the side, and a huge mound of tortilla chips; I was not a fan of this chili as it had a weird taste to it - it was sweet, but very heavily tomato-based, but watered down and not hot - I don't think I was a fan of the ale combination); my husband had the Roasted Garlic Caesar Salad (Romaine lettuce, house croutons, Paremsan, and a Caesar dressing - the dressing was not creamy, but it was more like a thick dip-like consistency, so you had to slather it all on your lettuce and chicken (that was an additional fee that was too dry and unflavorful); I would probably get this vegetarian-style with extra side of dressing (as the lettuce was not fully dressed); I had the Dogfish Trio (Shelter Pale Ale battered grouper, code, shrimp, all fried, and served with 'beach fries' (which were hand-cut fries), in-house cole slaw, tartar and remoulade sauce and a cup of ketchup for the fries; the batter was perfect as it was very nice and crispy; I was more of a fan of the grouper as it was nice and flaky, and the shrimp and the cod were both okay; I did like the french fries as it was nicely seasoned and served freshly fried; I preferred the tartar sauce rather than the remoulade, as it was slightly tangy and crunchy and a good sauce to dip the fish in). For dessert, we shared the Punkin Cake (considered the Alehouse tradition; a pumpkin cake with thick vanilla icing, topped with 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream; this was a great way to end our meal as the pumpkin cake was nice and moist, and even though there seemed to be a lot of icing, it complemented well with the scoops of ice cream; I was a fan as I enjoy pumpkin desserts in general!). Our server, Pierre, was friendly and checked up on us frequently; the manager also was seen walking around to ask how the experience was, which I thought was very nice! I was excited to receive a special St. Patty's Day pint glass with each entree purchase, so that was pretty awesome! :D I saw a lot of people downing their house year-round brews that were available, watching the game, and just having a good time at the bar. This restaurant seems a favorite for friends, couples, as well as for families. I am glad I was able to try this place out! +fried grouper +good french fries +Punkin Cake dessert
(3)
Renee N.
Love this place. Have been twice now and thoroughly enjoyed the food both times. Their burgers are perfect - perfect size so it doesn't fall apart while you're eating it, perfect cooking so grease doesn't kill the lower bun. Highly tasty. Dessert is definitely worth the splurge as well. Don't drink beer,so can't comment on the alehouse aspect, but the place seems very popular for good reason.
(5)
Timothy C.
I have been going to this location for several years. I have always enjoyed the food, the service and the ambiance. I am a restaurant professional with over 20 years experience. I have been a waiter, a bartender, a manager and a GM of several large restaurants in the DC area. This was the first time I've had a bad experience and it is all due to the GM, Gerry...or Jerry, or whatever. The bartenders were great. After the "GM" came on shift, and he made it clear he was friends with the idiot who started conversation with me at the bar, he told the bartender he didn't like how I spoke to his friend. The word "fuck" was used a few times on my part in the conversation, but was quite germane to the conversation at hand. After I settled with the bartender, the GM confronted me at the front door. He was super rude. He had no sense of customer service or hospitality. He had no idea how to talk to a guest. I've worked in retail as well as restaurants and wholesale sales, and have been supporting Dogfish Head for many years, but after the way this incompetent manager dealt with me over such a personal (for him) matter, I'm not inclined to ever frequent any DFH establishment again, nor support their products in my future ventures. I do not wish this review to negatively affect the staff, as they were superlative. This has solely to do with the lack of connection of the "GM" on this shift. I hope the establishment can move passed this out of touch manager and get back to what they used to be. Until then, I cannot, in good conscience, go back to this restaurant. It is a shame, as I used to enjoy going there.
(2)
Lauren Z.
Great food/beer and amazing service. After a late night at work we were looking for a quick bite. Sat at the bar and Matt recommended the best food I've had yet. Matt and Zach were incredibly attentive and personable, very knowledgable on beer and were spot on in recommending beers we would like. BBQ burger & pork chops (with homemade apple sauce) highly recommended.
(5)
Jon B.
Good food, staff and beer but the growler prices are absurd. I certainly have tried DFH a number of times and this venue doesn't disappoint. The staff is good and likewise with the food. The beer is the star attraction. However avoid filling a growler here. $48 for two growlers was ridiculous. Mad Fox or other venues offer as good beers and more sane pricing.
(2)
Michael L.
$20 growler refills, is robbery. Not an employee, but any area Total Wine has growler refills, wider variety and better beer, at almost half the cost.
(3)
Ghita E.
Great service. If you like pizza order their pesto crab pizza. to die for!!!!
(5)
Yulia L.
Great food! Great place to go if you love good beer. Food comes out on time, bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable, there is never wait for your check. Kids friendly too.
(5)
Donna W.
Great place to have beers with friends and be able to have a conversation without it being too loud. I especially enjoyed their IPA and the chicken pot pie! The pot pie crust was amazing. It's puff pastry that sits on top of a pile of moist chicken pot pie filling. The ambience is not bad, nothing super special, but I appreciated it being not so rowdy and loud. Illne back to try other dishes and beers for sure!
(4)
R. H.
We came on a Tuesday at about 7. The place was hopping--they were sponsoring a silent auction for a school, and kids were zipping around everywhere. We sat at the bar rather than wait 20 minutes for a table. Service was friendly and prompt. We split the grilled pork chop special, which was ample food for two 50-somethings. We like hoppy beers. The one with "75" in the name is a blend of their 90-Minute and 60-Minute IPAs. We loved it. Note that the booths around the bar are considered bar seating. If one is vacant, you can grab it and not wait in line for a table elsewhere. Is this place good for groups? Maybe if you come at a less busy time.
(4)
Keegan Z.
Went here to celebrate my father's birthday last Friday. I have dined here on two other occasions as well, though I will stick to my recent experience to judge by. Pros: The food was absolutely amazing. The crab dip we had for an appetizer as well as the burger, pizza, and steak my parents and I enjoyed were all incredible. The beer was naturally stellar as well. Everything looked picturesque in its appearance and attention was clearly paid to aesthetics. The restaurant itself is beautiful and well designed. You get a good feeling when you come here. Cons: Not surprisingly, this restaurant is quite expensive, relegating it to be a special occasion venue for most people (sadly, that includes me). You can't make reservations or be put on a preferred seating list, so be prepared to wait regardless of how good of a planner you are. It was quite busy when we went and was extremely loud as a consequence, possibly a deterrent to those with sensitive hearing (or those of us not accustomed to loud concerts or frequent yelling). My past experiences had excellent service, though service this recent time was lackluster: the server was emotionless and made few callbacks which is anathema in food service (I was a manager/bartender/server for three years, you have to smile and be around when you're needed). Overall, I very much like this place, and if you go when it's not terribly busy, the nice servers are on shift, and you've just had a good financial windfall, it will very likely be your favorite restaurant in the metro area.
(4)
Mrs. O.
We were on vacation and stopped in at this place after a visit in Washington DC. The food and drinks were fabulous! We had a little mishap happen and the waitress and manager took care of us right away. I would HIGHLY recommend this place. We had the spinach salad with Salmon, Crab Cakes, Crab Soup & Lobster Roll - ALL were very good.
(5)
David T.
Fans of Dogfish Head know the company's motto of "Off Centered Ales for Off Centered People". Dogfish began brewing unique beer back in the 1990's when the craft beer scene was scarce. They became a cult favorite by incorporating flavors from around the world while taking chances on beers that were unrecognized by the masses. The company started with a brewpub restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The restaurant has become an epicenter for the company featuring test beers, great food, and lively entertainment. Much of what makes Dogfish so great is its experimental nature and its willingness to take risks to build brand loyalty. I went to the Dogfish Head Alehouse in Falls Church with high expectations after visiting the brewery in Milton, DE and the brewpub in Rehoboth Beach, DE. My initial impression was that the Alehouse was tastefully decorated. I was excited to be in an environment that embraces one of my favorite beer brands. I arrived around 6:45 and the restaurant still had a happy hour special which included $2 off drafts and discounted appetizers. I quickly ordered a Pumpkin Ale along with some nachos. The beer is always good at Dogfish. If you are unfamiliar, the average Dogfish beer is brewed with approximately 9% alcohol content. The Pumpkin Ale is smooth with hints of pumpkin and spices. The nachos were typical bar food. Afterwards, I ordered the Habenero Gelee Burger. The burger has a marmalade like sticky consistency that lacks the habanero taste. I ordered the burger medium and the cook did a good job of cooking the meat at the right temperature. The bun was tasty with grill marks on top. The habanero gelee was a miss and the quality of the meat was average. I would say the cook did a good job with the ingredients he was provided with. I followed my pumpkin ale with an Alehouse 75, which is a mixture of the Dogfish 60 minute IPA and the 90 minute IPA. Wow! This is a great beer and a great value. Very smooth and extremely satisfying. The end of my visit culminated with an inquiry on growler fill pricing. I proudly brought my Dogfish Head growler expecting to fill it with fresh beer. Unfortunately, the growler fill prices were literally through the roof. For example, a 64 ounce growler fill of Dogfish 90 minute IPA is $38. The alehouse sells a 4-pack or 48 ounces of 90 minute IPA for $12. It does not take a mathematician to figure out that the growler pricing is misaligned. I asked the bartender why the pricing was so disproportionate and she said Virginia law requires them to buy Dogfish through a distributor instead of through the brewer. Regardless, the math still does not make any sense and I believe the Alehouse is missing a huge opportunity to create a local following by offering competitive growler pricing to beer fans. I would give the Alehouse a three out of five. Obviously, it is the beer that makes this place. I will come back for the beer. Moreover, the happy hour beer special of $2 off a draft is one of the better deals around. Dogfish loyalist will be happy, yet unsatisfied because the Alehouse comes up short. The essence of Dogfish is not captured. The uniqueness and passion are missing. There is no fair comparison to the Rehoboth Beach brewpub and the licensed Alehouse restaurants. Go for the beer, but temper your expectations.
(3)
Cathy F.
This review might be biased, because we visit about once every week or so and have grown to love this place. I honestly can't remember having a bad experience here, food or service related. The beer is fantastic and really introduced me to the craft beer world a few years ago. Nowadays, I just stick with Indian Brown, but all of the other beers are worthy of a try. For food, they have an excellent variety ranging from standard pub food, to wood grilled pizza, to pasta and more hearty choices. The pizza is always worth a try, as is their crab dip and jambalaya. The bartenders are always friendly and helpful when you are not sure which beer to order. Sometimes on the weekend they have live music, which can be hit or miss depending on who they've booked for the evening.
(5)
Philip L.
Loved this spot from the first time I went there. Beer is on point but that's not a surprise. Went for dinner couple of times and it was great.
(5)
Jan S.
Service was good but the food was less than meh. Granted you come here for the beer but they should really work on their food too. We ordered the kids' fish and chips for the kid and after one bite she said "thanks but no thanks." I had the mahi mahi tacos AKA 2 small pieces of fish covered in lots of cabbage?!?! Not much flavor either, hubs had the steak and said it was just OK but the veggies tasted like they came straight out of the freezer. I could've told him that based on the green beans' radioactive color. Bottom line the beer was great, so I guess they got that part right. I won't be back but I'm sure the hubs will.
(3)
Agarista H.
Absolutely dismal service. The food is good, and their standard beers excellent. The seasonal beers tend to be offensive in their attempts at "new" flavour. The server did not know the menu, took her time doing anything, and could not answer why the Etruscan beer was "ancient Etruscan" while the Phrygian beer hailed from "ancient Turkey." Why not say the Etruscan beer is Italian to completely confuse ancient cultures? Perhas it would be too difficult for the servers to comprehend.
(2)
Brittany M.
Omg the food was amazing. The beers were pricey, but for the alcohol content of them, it was just right. The mac and cheese with steak was ridiculously rich and creamy. The steak was cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth. The loaded beer brat with kraut and pepperchinis on pretzel bun was so flavorful. It came with 2 brats and homemade chili and tortilla chips. The food portions were large and definitely able to be split. The spicy calamari with pepperchinis was not very spicy. It was cooked perfectly with an oily sauce at the bottom of the dish, which was I assume the spicy part.
(5)
Ryan F.
We just got home after eating here for maybe the 12th time. Bar or not and beer or not. The food is great. The service is great and the atmosphere is fun. We almost always have our kids with us and the experience is always consistent. The beers are fantastic but so is the food. I strongly recommend the place. I've had fish, fried fish, chicken, ribs and a few salads. It's all been fantastic.
(5)
Elias B.
Best beer around as you'd expect. Food also surprisingly good. Can get crowded during peak times with waits for a table. But get a beer and relax. No problem.
(5)
Jennifer M.
Pub / sports-bar environment. Lots of choices of beer on tap. The food is good, but wouldn't be coming here just for that. They have appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas. They usually have daily specials as well. Check their chalk boards and beer menu for available beers on tap that day. Can't choose? Servers are happy to help. Food-wise, crab-cake grilled cheese sounded better in my head than it really was. Wasn't your typical ooey-gooey Panini-like grilled cheese. This was more of a sandwich with crab cake, slice of cheese, tomatoes and fresh lettuce. Fries were tasty though, and I love their honey mustard sauce. Pizzas, you can build your own or try their signature ones. We had the Cajun one with sausage, chicken, and a milieu of veggies atop an alfredo sauce. Pretty good and tasty. Great place for beer with good company; try their food only if you're hungry, otherwise, save the money for more beer.
(3)
Caroline E.
The giant pretzel appetizer is AWESOME. Portions are super big though - I took half of my entree home for lunch the next day.
(4)
Joey B.
I've been here three times now, and a couple of things stood out to me: Bartender: my bartender for the evening was friendly, cheerful, and attentive. 5 stars. Pizza: worth the 5 dollars I paid during happy hour. I had the pepperoni pizza, and it was nothing special. Mahi mahi tacos: nothing special, way too much slaw, inconsistent amounts of fish. The fish tasted like it had been frozen, and was dry. My initial comments to my server and someone (large, tall, plaid shirt) who I can only guess was a manager had no effect. Bbq platter: I thoroughly enjoyed my brisket, I would order this again. Beer: all of the beer I've sampled here has been fine, but I didn't find it to be exemplary. That doesn't mean I won't keep trying though! Overall, I love the atmosphere, the food is fine, and I still have yet to find the beer that will keep me coming back. 3.5 stars (but I rounded up)
(4)
Alexa H.
Consistently fantastic food and beer and great atmosphere. This is my go to place every time someone is here from out of town. I just love it. Their trivia nights are great too.
(5)
Jessica S.
This place is great! The service was friendly and prompt. The manager was walking around during our meal and checking-in with the customers to see how things were going. I am not one for beer but the wine selection was great as well! And the food was so tasty. Definitely go for the crab dip appetizer and plan to take home half of your meal.
(5)
Herve J.
Always loved Dogfish beer (Burton Baton is my favorite, just enjoy it slowly, it's a 10% ale...) but found out the food was pretty good. I'm of two minds about hearty pub fare Dogfish offers (4000 cal type of meal) but stumbled upon the Jambalaya: great tasty food, not too heavy and perfect to wash down your ale. Nice service, right on the Pike, friendly atmosphere.
(4)
Maria-Elena T.
We arrived on a Sunday evening after the gym and sat at the bar. Our bartender Ben suggested tasting the two beers we ordered. We did and then switched to the 60 min Ale. Very good. We started with the artichoke appetizer. It consisted of 3 large artichoke halves. The balsamic juice ran down your arm as you scraped each leaf between your teeth. It came with a basil mayo for dipping but I didn't try it. I would order this dish again. It was delicious and cooked to perfection. For my main, I ordered the Spring salad with the salmon on top with the balsamic dressing. I ordered a side of black beans and a side of Mac and cheese (which is not on the menu). My salad was excellent and is going to be my go to for a good salad. The lettuce was fresh and crisp- no hint of brown. The candied pecans were very small so you got a piece in almost every bite. There were a lot of apples. The dried cranberries were tart and the feta cut to the same size. The portion was huge. The salmon on top was perfectly grilled and also very large. The Mac and cheese "side" was actually the kids portion. It was very good but I have to come back and get the adult version which I hear is even more rich. The side of black beans were smoky flavored and I took them home. Lenny the manager checked in on us and made sure we were enjoying our food. I will be back!
(5)
Jack H.
Great beers, have tried them all and have my favorites (75 min). Gets busy on weekends and doesn't do reservations. Also can be quiet loud and hard to talk easily if you come with a large group (tables are lined up next to each other). 40 minute waits after 6 are common on weekends. Manager, Jerry, was very accommodating for our large party of 11 (thanks Jerry). Food can be hit or miss. The beef stew over night was filling and very good (lots of potatoes). Another night and it was good (few potatoes). Crab cake sandwich sub par. Cheese pizza subpar. Burgers are often quite good. Jambalaya is also good and filling. Overall food is decent enough and the real reason to come afterall is the beer so I recommend. Its also close to a homebrew store if you are into that.
(4)
Joshua P.
Great food and love the variety! A little something for everyone. Like the beer sampler. The dogfish appetizer it great too! (yes, its real dogfish)
(5)
Ningxi X.
3.5 stars. But it's a beer place, which probably influenced my biased rating. I asked to have a taste of wine to help me with selecting a glass, but was told they'd only do paid tastings. I understand this ain't the place for wine, so fine. You also have to depend on your luck when getting a beer since they have a rotating menu and some brews aren't available on certain days. There's a diverse menu, but the food I had didn't taste that fresh. Last time I had the jambalaya and crab dip as an appetizer. I asked for a glass of the chardonnay from the bottle they'd most recently opened - since they wouldn't let me taste it first - but it was still "meh." Typical bar food, just served in a slightly different setting. I like the ambiance though, and the place is spacious. I can totally see why you're into it if you're a beer snob. Plus, it's in a strip mall; sort of a refreshing spot considering the neighboring boring chain restaurants and nondescript ethnic outposts.
(3)
Bacchus F.
This place is as good as it gets when it comes to beer. Tonight my wife and I had the Noble Rot and the Sixty-One. If you like wine, but are suspicious of beer, please try these beers. Your life will be enriched. The brownie sundae was good, but nothing special.
(5)
Pegah Y.
I visited Dogfish Head Alehouse in Falls Church with my boyfriend on Labor Day (thankfully it was open that day!) and we both had a great experience. It has a fun tavern feel to it but also has excellent food. If you aren't a big fan of beer, the drinks at this place may not be for you (they specialize in a lot of darker/stronger beers - think IPA), but the food is still quite delicious. And I was pleasantly surprised by all the seafood options, as I love seafood. I ordered the Jambalaya, which came with shrimp, andouille sausage, chicken, peppers, tomatoes, and red onions in a cream-based Creole sauce served over rice. It was one of the best jambalaya dishes I've ever had. My bf ordered the Ahi Tuna, which came with Fresh ahi tuna steak pan-seared medium rare in a soy ginger lime sauce. We also ordered the warm three cheese crab dip and spicy calamari as appetizers - so delicious! It was a great meal and we were both very satisfied. I highly recommend this place, as the service was very friendly as well.
(4)
Jerry T.
Good food, excellent service, and, of course great beer. Cudos to Stan for fast and efficient service.
(5)
Sarah S.
Rotten service, extremely loud, bad acoustics, beef stew from a can; crab dip that is cream cheese with a little crab meat and cheddar sprinkled on top; tuna medium, not seared, and thin. Server was unconcerned. The noise in the restaurant was so loud you couldn't hear what the server said, nor could he hear us. After a boring dinner with unappealing presentation, we declined dessert, which you would think would trigger the arrival of the check. Nope. Couldn't even get the attention of any staffer by waving, and yelling was drowned out by the now live music. Horrible place. I've been to others that's were ok, pub food, but with good service and better quality. The canned beef stew was the evenings special. Nothing special about it. I won't be back, I'll tell my friends to avoid. So many other good places to eat within a mile. Save your time and money, go somewhere else..
(1)
Greg F.
I stopped in to meet up with an old coworker who is now working in the area. I tasted the peach beer which was rather tart and then asked for a taste of another beer that was very dark, but just not right for me. When I told the bartender I was not a huge fan of hops (leaving out any IPA) he recommended the Midas Touch which is brewed with no hops. This was a very unique yet wonderful brew. It was almost fruity. Very good. As I was hungry, I also ordered a burger. I ordered Dave's Border Burger. OMG! It was a huge burger packed with deliciousness. It had a seasoning that was perfect, cooked perfectly, topped with fried jalapenos & avocado. The beer prices are a little pricey, craft beer or not. For happy hour my beer, served in a small wine style glass was $7.75. So for one beer that was about 7 ounces and a honking burger I paid just under $20 with tax. I will be back, and I will conquer this bread pudding I hear so much about.
(4)
Emily C.
I LOVE Dogfish Head...LOVE! We just moved away from NOVA and I'm lamenting the loss of our beloved Dogfish Head. During the 4 years we lived in NOVA we came here a lot. Here are a few reasons why... 1) The beer - Obviously Dogfish Head is first and foremost a brewery so the main reason we came was for the beer. They have such an eclectic assortment, there's always something new and interesting to try as they are always rotating what they have in stock as well as offering brand new brews. Some of my favorites were: Alehouse 75, Apriohop (spring), Punkin Ale (fall - **If they have the Punkin and the Chicory Stout on tap ask for the Chunkin!**), and the Sah Tea. A lot of their beers are pretty strong so it doesn't take long before you're feelin pretty happy. They also offer free samples which is super helpful since they have so much to choose from. 2) The food - We would still come here even if there was no amazing beer because the food is amazing as well. My two favorite menu items were the Roasted Garlic Caesar Salad Over The Top, the Crab Cakes and the Lamb Burger. My husbands favorites were the El Cubano and the Alehouse BBQ Burger. Our favorite appetizer was the Buffalo Chicken Dip. The food was very consistent in our experience, always came out hot and tasting delicious. 3) The beer.... 4) The atmosphere - This is just a fun place to hang out. It's all exposed brick with a lot of memorabilia on the walls. It could get a bit loud in there at times but it didnt keep us from going. The servers are always friendly and attentive. 5) ...and the beer We will miss this place so much!
(5)
Taylor E.
My husband and I go to Dogfish every once in awhile, but usually on a weekday, to avoid the crowd. We decided to go on a Friday night, at dinnertime, and although it was a mad house we were actually seated right away since it was just the two of us. It took a litter longer than normal for our waitress to come get our drink order but we were okay with that since the place was a zoo. Our waitress, Wren, was super nice, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. After the initial mini-delay, she was super on top of things. Our food came out fast and hot and our every need was met. The food here always hits the spot. I usually stick to sandwiches, but have had the salads too and it's all been solid. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because I wish it was less child-friendly. I'm sure if you go after 8pm you can avoid screaming babies, but when I go to an alehouse I prefer an adult-only type experience. We'll definitely be going back--probably after 8pm on a weekday.
(4)
Heidy D.
Reliable and delicious food and beer. It's a solid standard for dinner because I love beer and my girlfriend has celiac disease, and requires gluten free (GF) options. They have a GF menu, their own GF beer, and the staff is always great about answering gluten related questions and considering menu adjustments. The bar staff is knowledgeable about the beer they offer, and patient when people don't know what they want.
(4)
Ash S.
I ordered the Fish and Chips and thought it was kind of "meh." Billed as a huge portion sure to satisfy, it wasn't huge nor was it satisfying. The batter tasted ever so slightly overdone, not burnt but more like the fryer oil needed to be changed. The fish also wasn't crispy enough... again, not horribly soggy or anything, but strictly "meh." Considering our bill for Fish, pizza, fries ring & chips app, and 2 beers came out to over $50 I feel like this place has gotten away from its original concept of decent beer and cost effective, but good, food.
(3)
Rachel N.
We eat here frequently because its convenient and they have the best chicken wings with Thai sauce EVER! The atmosphere is chill and they can get pretty busy in evenings and on weekends. We've waited numerous times. The cesar dressing they use on their salad is AMAZING. Heavy in garlic which I love! I got the cheese pizza once (also 3$ off 4-7 on weekdays) and it was pretty greasy. It also lacked a robust flavor. I probably won't order it again. Only one time we had dodgy service and they won't seat you until half of your party is there if its a larger party (5-6 or more). Other than that we have no complaints! Seriously though, if you like chicken wings, get them with Thai sauce!
(4)
Sam S.
Great food. Great service with an attentive wait staff. Of course great beers! I'll keep going back. I've yet to be disappointed!
(4)
Aron G.
On the road with three under 6. Just had one of the best burgers I've had at a restaurant: the Border Burger (avacado, Gorgonzola, jalapeños). Alehouse 75 IPA was perfection. Kids had fantastic chicken tenders and delicious fries. Do not miss this place!
(5)
Mattie C.
Both the fiance and I LOVE Dogfish Head and have always been excited to come here. We just happened to be running errands in the area the other day and in the mood for beer so decided to stop by. I would say the worst thing about this place right off the bat is location, 7 Corners is really annoying and confusing to get around. This is obviously not as good as their flagship brewpub up in Delaware, but they had a good selection of Dogfish Head beers and a unique/creative-ish menu. They had Sahtea, my favorite, but I decided to try some new ones - Theombra, which is based on an old Aztec recipe and had a delicious, chocolate-y finish, and Palo Santo Marron, a dark beer with vanilla notes and a strong whiskey finish - that was a strong beer! Luckily I wasn't the driver. Along with that we had two appetizers - a roasted mushroom pile that was fantastic, and another small appetizer that had bacon in it but I forgot exactly what it was. The hot roasted mushrooms were the best! We weren't eaten dinner but there were some great sounding options on the main menu. Ambiance of the place is OK, not much different to me than an Applebee's or that place Hops over by Potomac Yards. And again, location is kind of meh. I wish they were in Old Town Alexandria so we could walk there and try an assortment of beers and not have to worry about driving. In the end, I think 4-stars is appropriate. Come here if you really enjoy trying different, unique beers along with decent to good food, or if you love Dogfish Head. I would definitely go back for a quick stop next time we are in the area.
(4)
Laura W.
We finally went here, after discussing going for some time. Like MacRae, we tend to avoid chain restaurants, but I have been wanting to check out DFH for some time. I had low expectations regarding the food and wasn't too far off. My "two bratwust" plate was one sausage cut in half - not a big deal as I'm not that big of an eater and coudn't finish it anyway, but it certainly wasn't *two* brats. It desperately needed a good pub mustard, which they didn't have. Our spinach dip to start WAS quite tasty - very spinachy and not super heavy and reliant on the cheese like so many places make it. Husband got the mac-n-cheese without bacon (he's vegetarian) which was good once we sent it back to have the vegetables on top actually *cooked* instead of just this side of raw. The biggest disappointment, though, invovled the beer. First of all, the sampler. If you get their "regular" one, it's 6 beers samples for $9 and you get five of their year-round drafts (chosen by them) and a seasonal. If you want to make your own sampler, you only get four and it's $14.50. WTF?? Worse, we brought a growler from home to fill up but they won't fill it with just any of the beers they have, only a select few, none of which we wanted. We actually wound up going straight from here to Mad Fox Brewing up the road to fill our growler. NOT a good sign. Won't be back.
(2)
Albert L.
Being a native Delawarean, there's a sense of pride when it comes to DFH. It's amazing how a brand from my small state could become one of the most recognized craft breweries in the nation. This alehouse location is great and spreads the love to northern VA. One caveat is that the lines here are almost always long. Come on any given night, especially during regular dining hours, and you'll probably have to wait at least 15 minutes. If you're lucky, grab a seat at the bar or at one of the bar tables. The service is friendly and good about getting your order right. People come here for the beers, and of course, it's all DFH. Not much to say except that every beer is great. If you haven't had any DFH before, I'd recommend starting out with the 60 minute or a Namaste as an easy intro. Definitely go for the seasonals and limited editions if you're really into craft brews. The food here is always excellent as well. It's mostly American fare, and sometimes they throw in some Tex-Mex or Asian-inspired specials on. The burgers are solid (not the best I've had but good nonetheless), their sandwiches are good, and their salads are fresh as well. The fries are DE beach-style fries, which is cool. All in all, I come here mostly for the beer and a taste of home. The food is solid, so it's never a bad idea to come here just for food either, though I don't know if it would be worth a long wait.
(5)
Alexander M.
Found the Dogfish Alehouse on a drive by and HAD to stop in and I was not disappointed. Great craft beers and awesome food! The bartenders were very nice and personable. I will definitely be stopping in again soon.
(5)
Samantha G.
It's Dogfish Head beer from the tap. Do you really need to know more? This spot can get quite crowded on the weekend, but you rarely have to wait and can usually snag a stool at the bar. Overall, the ambiance, menu, and staff pale in comparison to the Rehoboth location. But as this location is much closer, it will take care of my Dogfish Head cravings. I particularly enjoy the buffalo chicken dip. The chicken is breaded and fried, which adds a whole new level of awesomeness. And it's much more creamy than at other places. All in all, this place won't disappoint and they pour some of the world's most awesome beer.
(4)
James W.
We've been coming here since it opened in 2008 and we usually hit the pub food and pizzas hard (the steak bomb, alehouse burger, and chicken & shrimp club are rockin). Tonight we branched out and ordered the jambalaya and Memphis chicken platter. The chicken platter held its own and is worth ordering again, but the jambalaya is world class and rivals those found in the French Quarter. The beer speaks for itself unless you are brainwashed by the big name breweries. Come for the beer, but your night will thrive with beer and food combo.
(5)
Robert G.
I've eaten there 3 times. Each time the food was great. The problem I had was with the general manager. The first time a customer had a problem with her food. The GM came out to see what the problem was and then he walked away shaking his head like he was annoyed with customer. Second time I ordered french fries and asked for them not to be cooked hard. The fries came out cooked hard. I sent them back. The GM brought them out to me he did not sit them in front of me, never looked at me and did not say anything to me. He just turned his back and walked away. So today a friend and I came in and seated ourselves at the bar area. The GM was standing at the bar drinking a soda. He was about 15 feet away and he did not acknowledge us he turned his back toward us. Our waiter showed up about 5 minutes later. Then we notice the GM went into the severs prep area and made himself a sandwich and got a glass of milk, proceeded to walk around in the prep area eating and drinking. At one point he was back there picking his noise.
(2)
Jenna L.
Food here: pretty good. Calamari was awesome, fries are the type I want at an alehouse. Although, my burger could have used a bit more flavor. Service was good, beer was good. Main complaint: the beer is kind of expensive given that I'm sure the restaurant does not pay even full retail for it.
(4)
Jim C.
Fantastic choice of craft beers. The jambalaya is really good. My wife really liked the mahi tacos. Wings are very good. Service was great, even during busy part of Friday night. I give this a solid "A" minus. My son says "A".
(4)
Deirdre B.
Normally, I would give this place 4 stars. However, today I received a clear kitchen rebuke for my special order. I love, love, love the crab cake sandwich but recently they started serving it on a ludicrously small bun. The bun is 1/4 the size of the crab cake. I asked for it on bread that was appropriately sized for the crab cake. I received it on bread twice as big as needed and my fries were the small broken end pieces. My kids got normal fries. Really? I'm so disappointed.
(3)
Leigh D.
Felt compelled to write a review as I was driving home from Dogfish Head Ale feeling angry the whole way back to Alexandria. The food and beer were decent; nothing exceptional. However, it was the service that got me more annoyed as the night went on. A group of nine of us were sitting at two tables already together from the previous customers who were leaving when we arrived. At the beginning, the server seemed decent. After asking him about the $4 beers on Happy Hour, he named those beers naming one of the five twice. He offered to bring a sample of the peach one that I was considering between two choices, which was the one positive I can say about him. Ultimately, I picked the Raison L'Etre beer and not the peach one. It took a while to get the beer and close to 30 minutes to even order food. I ordered the $6 wings Happy Hour asking about the Old Bay and Thai sauce, which he recommended the Thai and what I got. When the wings came out, there were celery sticks but no ranch. So, I add to ask for ranch. Additionally, some people like myself like to dip their wings in the ranch. The wings themselves were mediocre. HERE WERE THE PARTS THAT ANNOYED ME (besides the slow service): 1. When we got our checks, me and anyone who got wings as well as my friend, Ray, who got the $3 off pizza, got charged the regular price. This should not have been an issue, and we shouldn't have needed to ask. Mine should have been $10 plus 50 cent tax for a total of $10.50 (not $13 plus tax & 18% gratuity). 2. I thought the server deserved a below average tip for below average service. The second annoying thing was that a below average 15% tip wasn't possible since 18% gratuity added. This tends to annoy me when restaurants add gratuity to larger parties because there is no accountability for bad or unfriendly service. Often times the tip I will add exceeds the gratuity amount. However, in this case, it especially annoyed me since the amount I felt was warranted for a tip was under the gratuity amount. 3. Then, after the amount was corrected to reflect the Happy Hour wings, the gratuity did not change. Calm, I told the server the gratuity was not changed. 18% of the subtotal $10 is $1.80. I didn't care about his feelings because he had gotten on my nerves for slow service and not remembering orders. 4. Minutes later a manager came over to tell me that the amount was subtracted off the bill, but he was cold and unfriendly about it, and I don't think he apologized. 5. After I saw the bill, I paid with my credit card. When the amount came back, the total amount was correct. However, they still kept a $2.34 gratuity amount, which meant the restaurant took off the cost for themselves. This offended me because I was NOT complaining about the price or quality of the food but the service. I did not approve giving the guy more than $2, but I didn't say anything about it because I was with friends. However, the more I thought about it driving home, the more angry I got in addition to the other negatives for the night. Despite my negative experience, I wouldn't mind giving them a second chance. I wanted to get the pizza this time, which I tried half a slice and felt was a lot better than the wings. Plus, I liked the trivia night.
(2)
Ami F.
This review is based on a dinner I had during restaurant week. My boyfriend and I came to DFH on a Tuesday night specifically to order their "cajun night" restaurant week menu, which was 2 beers, turtle soup, frog legs, and alligator tacos for $50 (not including tax). I thought it sounded fun, and hopefully tasty. Plus for the DC area, I thought the price was actually a pretty good deal. After waiting about 30 minutes for a table (please take reservations!), our waiter came over quickly and took our orders. He seemed excited that we ordered the cajun night menu, since no one else had yet (really?!). I'm glad we did. Everything was meaty and tasty. Both the soup and the tacos were great. We weren't as impressed with the frog legs - tasted a bit fishy and the sauce served with it was just eh. But really, the food overall was very tasty. The portions weren't huge but neither of us left hungry. The beers were great of course. And our server was super friendly. The manager also stopped by to ask how we liked the cajun meal. If they have this special again, it's definitely worth ordering... go for it!
(4)
Christopher P.
If only this place was not located in 7 corners, I'd come here all the time. If you like dogfish head beer, then you will love this place. The food portions are huge and done well. The fried fish trio is amazing. I wish they would open one in DC and close to a metro.
(4)
Raquel N.
Finally swung by this place after wanting to for quite sometime! I am soooo happy to say I have a kick-ass place to get some much needed wings n beer. Enjoyed sitting at the bar. It was very comfortable. Service was nice and the food is just awesome. Will hopefully try to make this a weekly place and try to hit this up for happy hour (would love to save a couple of $ to spend on more beer/food)
(4)
Leslie J.
The guacamole and chips are unbelievably and surprisingly good here! The guacamole is super fresh (which is rare at most restaurants unless you ask them to make it right in front of you) and the chips come out warm and freshly made as well. They are super addicting, so you have been forewarned. The good thing is that they're bottomless so ask and you shall receive. =) Must-Try/Haves: - Chips & Guacamole - Maryland Bay Wings - Garlic Parmesan Wings - Thai Style Wings (I forget the name, but it has sriracha, and it was bombdotorg!) DHA offers many local brews on tap, build-your-own burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, and many bar type offerings. Our server was very attentive and checked on us frequently as we sat near the bar area to catch the Giants vs. Niners game. Quite tasty bar food, nice beer selection, and chill atmosphere -- a great choice on game-days!
(4)
Denise C.
I've been here too many times to count. It's our go-to place for pub food. You can pretty much order anything off the menu and know it's going to be good. Favorites are the roast beef sandwich that comes with horse radish and au jus to dip in and the steak bomb. I had a soft shell crab sandwich (not on the regular menu) here that was amazing! Reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that some of the beers are pricey. While I enjoy some dfh beers, I don't think they're that wonderful that they're worth $10 a draft. Service is always very friendly. Love this place!
(4)
Johanna A.
Unfortunately, I'm a year shy of being legally able to drink, so I wasn't able to order a drink to go with my meal. That being said, I'll probably be coming back when my birthday does roll around to I can make a proper review. I went here for lunch with my dad and I ordered the lunch special of new york strip served with mushrooms and fries. We also ordered their calamari (it's our family tradition. If it's available, we order it). I ordered my meat medium rare, but it came out medium well. I'm particular about my steak, so that was a let down. The calamari was a little over cooked, but it was seasoned well and it was only slightly noticeably chewy. The atmosphere of the restaurant kind of reminds me of a more rustic Joe's Crab Shack. The ceiling beams are beautifully exposed along with the brick walls. They have tie-dye shirts on display and have an eclectic mix of lighting appliances being used. It feels very comfortable being there. Our waiter was also really nice and attentive. I just wish my food lived up to the decor and service.
(3)
Keren S.
The food was really solid. The beer is really fun and quite good-I could even drink it! And our server was fantastic. Defiantly worth the try.
(4)
Woody S.
My wife and I come here for date night almost once a week in the middle of the week, and we always end up getting good service, good beer, good food, and great interesting new stuff all the time. Once they had fried twinkees and they were AMAZING. This is good ol' fashioned American food, and they got some good burgers here! If you're a fan of Dogfishhead beer then you will love the amazing beers they offer too! We like to get the beer sampler.
(4)
Daniel H.
First time here and it was a good experience. Whenever I see Ahi tuna sandwich on the menu I am incline to try. Their sandwich had a side serving of wasabi mayo which was a must on the sandwich. It also had onions and tomatoes, I think it would have been better without the onion but the sandwich would be 3.5/5 stars. The services makes me bump the review to 4 stars. I did not have any beer because Im not an IPA fan but if I go again I would try a flight.
(4)
Sean L.
I've only been here for afternoon beers and appetizers on the weekend but I have been pleasantly surprised every time. Very friendly and knowledgeable bartenders make it easy to navigate the impressive beer menu. The entree and sandwich items appear to only come in one size (GINORMOUS) so we have stuck with just small starters. The wings are a cut above your usual pub offerings. The fried items are about what you'd expect but they are never overly greasy. Some day I'll come in for a proper meal but for now, this is the perfect pit stop after a Home Depot visit in the nearby Seven Corners shopping center.
(3)
Jason N.
The beer is always top notch and the food is really consistent. Always try the seasonal beers and do the samplers if you can't decide on just one. The bar staff tends to be a little on the corporate side, so if you are looking for that personal touch you find at smaller restaurants, this is not the place to set up shop and have a drinking "session".
(5)
Emanuel C.
The food was overall okay. The Fish and Chips were delicious along with the Brownie Sundae. They serve lipton iced tea which had a funny aftertaste too it when they could have served a better grade of iced tea at their establishment. The waiter didn't bring soup as requested but did make up for it. They did give us free glassware. It wasn't the worst place I have ever eaten at but it could have been better.
(3)
Gary B.
Located in a crowded shopping strip mall. Crowded and loud on a Saturday at 1pm. Others visits tend to be just as crowded. I think the walls need some banners. The norm for women seems to be holding stools at the bar using purses. The staff will not call them on that behavior. A good mix of Dogfish Head beers on tap and bottles, including several of the rarer releases. Growler fills are overly expensive, by about 33%. The Dogfish 75 mix is available because of the tap availability. The staff is fast and polite. The food is good higher end pub food, Good to really good quality and taste, but priced as such.
(4)
Christi K.
Overall, nothing much to rave about - good or bad. The food was fine. Nothing exciting but not too bad. The service was ok. Our server was a bit inconsistent and slow. He forgot a bunch of stuff that I asked for and then I couldn't find him for quite some time. The selection of beer was diverse and tasty.
(3)
Taylor M.
My wife and I love this place. We were there again just last night. When you walk in, the smoky smell of food cooking over wood makes your mouth water before you can even find the hostess. We prefer to sit in the bar and enjoy the ordered chaos of happy hour revelers. You can't go wrong with the beers, and the Chesapeake pizza alone is worth a looooong trip to get here. I knocked it down a star for my (admittedly) minor complaints: the beers at this brewery-founded establishment are pricey. Yes, they're great, but at $10 for a snifter of their higher gravity beers, you can run up a large bill even as the delicious food is reasonably priced. Also, the selection can be hit-or-miss. I prefer a few pints to swirling snifters like a wine connoisseur, so I like my 60 Minute IPA or Shelter Pale Ale. Sometimes, they only have the 60 Minute on tap in that category - not like that's punishment. It has a fun, lively atmosphere and a solid staff who will do right by you with samples or menu suggestions. Go have fun!
(4)
Donna Y.
Bar review: We came during an off time sometime between lunch and dinner and just wanted a place to relax and talk. This is the perfect place for just that. In a small enclave on the right (from the front) there is a large open space for the bar and a few booths. I tried the sampler ($10) which is great since it's a little bit of everything including the popular 60...90 ipa.
(4)
Darren R.
I've been to the one in Rehoboth, DE and this is WAY better. Our appetizers were yummy, the entrees were excellent, and the apple crisp for dessert was Da Bomb!! Went back another time for lunch and got a salad, which didn't measure up quite as well, but was still very good.
(4)
Jessica G.
We've only been to Dogfish Head a couple of times for a regular meal, but we've gone to several of their beer dinners. It's a brilliant and fun idea. The staff is very knowledgeable and they enjoy sharing their information with customers. These dinners are a great activity to do with friends. When we combine with our one set of friends, we make for a complicated situation. Our one friend doesn't drink and I'm a vegetarian, but the staff has always been very accommodating and welcoming. They go out of their way to make sure we are all able to enjoy the dinner, while our special needs are met.
I was really looking forward to Dogfish Head Alehouse. I really like beer and thought this would be a great place to grab food and have some beers. The restaurant itself felt old. The service was mediocre. A lot of people will probably disagree with me here, but I was really disappointed in the the Dogfish Head beer. I've had some of their beers before, but I guess I didn't remember that I didn't like them that much. The weird thing is that I am a fan of IPAs--just not these. If you are a big fan of Dogfish Head beer, then I would definitely recommend you come here...but if you aren't, I'd definitely skip it.
(3)
Br. S.
Highly recommend the Cajun egg rolls.
(5)
Chase M.
Always awesome beer list and great food. The service is always friendly. I highly recommend the pizzas (Chesapeake) and burgers.
(5)
Paul L.
Our party of 8 met up at Dogfish Head in Annandale for a late lunch and some brews. The staff were helpful and attentive, and when my wife and I got there early, the bartender was able to recommend some great DH beers to match our tastes. I had the Raison d'être - it's got a lot of fall flavor. We were seated comfortably with a reserved area which was ready on time, and service was generally good. I had the Dave's Border Burger which was delicious. Pico, pepper jack, and jalapeños make this burger a treat. Fries were excellent as well. Located in a convenient shopping center, this location was a great place for a group or to unwind with a partner. Medium-loud, TVs in the bar area if you want to watch the game.
(4)
Eliseo M.
Best burger in the area hands down. The seasoning was great and if you like IPAs they had a great selection. Happy hour is pretty great. The wife got a pizza for $6.50! And $2.00 off any pint, pretty good deal. If you go have a great time!!
(5)
Suzzette M.
Beer of course is GREAT! A bit higher priced than if you were to buy them at the store, but they are worth it! Food is great. Buffalo Chicken Dip was a great app. Good size place so there should be too long of a wait, if any. If you are in the area...check this place out for sure!
(5)
Audra B.
I had the pumpkin ale at happy hour. It was 4.00 for a pint instead of 6.00. It was bold, spicy and delicious. I would definitely get it again. I also had the crab dip appetizer that came with homemade chips and crusty, grilled bread. All aspects of the appetizer were fresh and tasty. The only negative is that there isn't outside seating and it was really dark inside the restaurant for it only being 4pm.
(3)
Martina D.
We had a quick stop in Falls Church to visit a friend and after pondering where to go, he suggested Dogfish Head Alehouse. We started with the buffalo chicken dip - i've made it at home with chopped chicken, but their version used fried buffalo chicken in the dip, which I think really added a little something. A friend ordered wings and said they had a great flavor and where crispy. The BBQ Alehouse burger was the menu item of choice, it was big, really tasty and came with your choice of a side - for about $10. And lets not forget the beer! Our server offered us a tasting of our original choices and then we all seemed to switch to something another person tasted. We settled on Namaste, Brown Ale, and Pumpkin Ale. The Namaste was my pick of the bunch.
(4)
Laura V.
I went there for lunch today. The people were extremely nice and our waiter was attentive. Sadly, the food wasn't as good. I ordered the steak bomb sandwich and I do not know what was wrong with it but I had the worse case of food poisoning! I will not be coming back.
(2)
N S.
Pros: awesome variety of beer Descent food, nothing gourmet but definitely better than average. Sports games playing on TVs Good atmosphere. Cons: it gets packed... Uncomfortably packed, on weeknights! Long waits if u don't call ahead. Doesn't seem pricey but after four beers, appetizer and entree it MAY reach close to 60 per person! If bill is large, tip is included. So add another ten bux. All in all, great place.
(4)
Monica V.
I love this place! This is home to some of my favorite beers! 75 min ipa and burton are delish! Food is surprisingly good. Linnie, the manager, can cook up some delicious dishes! Some of my favs are the egg rolls and the steak bomb sandwich. This is a great place to come and enjoy good company while drinking a huge selection of an interesting hand crafted beers.
(5)
Kyle E.
Clearly you come here for the beer, and it won't let you down, but I've found the food menu to be disappointing enough I have no desire to return. I feel like if I order food in a restaurant I want some effort to make it better than I can do at home, and this is not what you get here. Just enjoy the beer, don't bother with food.
(2)
Ange M.
I've tried IPAs before, but never a Dogfish Head beer. My brother is a major fan, and convinced me to go when they were having their Free Pint Glass night on a Wednesday in November. No offense, but why the heck is everyone comparing this place to a Chilis or Applebees?? I mean come on, it's not really the place itself that feels like this, it's more of the people coming. If you're going to bring your screaming kids and decide to sit in a booth rather than at the bar at the DOGFISH HEAD ALEHOUSE, then it's kinda your own fault. It's really a shame if you don't sit at the bar, actually. Just cuz the bartenders are EXTREMELY nice and knowledgeable about the beer and where it comes from and how it's made and everything. I feel bad cuz I honestly don't remember either of their names, but both of the guys serving us were awesome and happy to talk to us. I had the Punkin Ale (just cuz I was in the spirit of autumn) and I'm pretty sure my brother had the 60 IPA. Man, both were pretty damn good. Only reason I knocked off a star is cuz I didn't try much of the food, so I'm not sure how it is. We had the spicy calamari I think it's called? It was good, not great, and not bad. Check this place out and PLEASE sit at the bar! :)
(4)
Geraldine V.
This place has the best wings I've had in a long, long time. I wish I would've gotten them as an entree. Not to say that my Chicago style salad wasn't good - it was! but next time I'm doing the wings and the beer sampler. My boyfriend had two beers (black & tan and Indian Brown Ale) both were excellent. The portions are huge so come with an apetite. This is a great, low-key place. Great for families. Def coming back!
(4)
Sean T.
Five stars for the beer, two stars for the food - I visited DFH Alehouse last Friday during happy hour, and thought it was fairly decent overall. A good selection of their beers was offered, both on draft and in bottles. I was disappointed that the 120-minute IPA wasn't available, but I recovered quickly when I spotted the World Wide Stout on the beer list. The prices for the more common draft beers seemed fairly high considering the cost of other local craft beers around the DMV area (and considering what I paid for draft DFH pints after they had been shipped over to the Pacific Northwest), but perhaps I'm not yet accustomed to area beer prices. The food was not quite on par with what one would expect from your neighborhood TGIChiliBees - substandard and disappointing. In the future, I'll venture across the parking lot to Hong Kong Palace for great food either before or after hoisting pints at DFH.
(3)
Taryn L.
I'm scoring food. I don't drink beer ( I just taste other drinkers' since there's no way I could down my own), but if I did, I'd go for the Raison d'Etre almost every time (maybe a seasonal pumpkin ale now and again.) Chateau Jiatu was much too sweet, and Palo Santo will knock your socks off. Should almost be classified as a whiskey. The pinot noir -- whatever it was -- was smooth and rich. The food is fine. Nothing to write home about, but more than good enough that I'd go back happily to satisfy the beer drinkers in my life. :) We started with the hummus plate, which came with cucumbers, carrots and pita. Regular hummus and a "chef's hummus," which was horseradish. Both were good, and the pita (prrrrrobably not made in-house) was warm, chewy and crispy in all the right places. My fiance had the cheddar and bacon burger, which it sounds like he enjoyed and had nothing to complain about. I had the ahi tuna at the recommendation of the server when I asked for something healthy. It was huuuuge! And cooked medium rare as advertised, but a little bit fattier than what you'd get at a more upscale joint. Steamed veggies were okay, heavy on the carrots (sorry, I'm so tired of carrots!), and wild rice was also fine. So ... fine. Not outstanding. Same goes for our dessert, which our server recommended as the best - the apple crisp. Maybe I just prefer crust over "crisp," but I was not super impressed. Ice cream was a freezer burnt in spots. Serving was big enough for two. Our server was very sweet. He was double sat with a 10-top and 2-top at one point, so was MIA, but the manager picked up the slack, and the server comped us our dessert without us saying a word. I'll give it another change - I think it's capable of 4 stars.
(3)
Elise S.
While I'm sure it helps that the bf and I live less than a mile from here, we're here ALL the time - probably every other week or so. Our service, food, and beer have always been consistently good. It's a brewpub, so don't come expecting fancy European cuisine or various ethnic dishes. It is what it is, and it's good at it. Notice the smoked smell from the outside? THAT is what you should be ordering. As long as you stick with anything that could come off that smoker/grill you'll be golden.
(4)
Kacey C.
I've been to the Chantilly location twice and this one most recently for a friend's out of the way birthday dinner. Why did his girlfriend pick this place when we all live near Clarendon?? But we went, even if we did get stuck in traffic on the way. I won't even talk about the beer because everyone knows dogfish head if they're heading there already. There are plenty of drafts worth trying. We were all seated between 5:30 and 6pm (about 8 of us) and the bar and restaurant was already packed with a line out the door. It was the by-week between the playoffs and the Super Bowl so I wasn't too sure why the place was packed that early on a Saturday. Then I heard all the kids. Then our waiter started disappearing and reappearing dripping sweat. He was friendly but he was sweating on me! The food is so-so, its been about the same at both locations. I like their artichoke and spinach dip, not really a fan of the chips over bread but I'll survive with a few less carbs. I don't like their only vegetarian entree - a sandwich with melted cheese, sauteed red peppers, mushrooms.. it comes out way too greasy and soggy. Overall, the food is pretty typical fare, nothing really stands out about it and I myself see no need to go there when I can get an equally good beer within walking distance at Lost Dog.
(3)
Cara R.
This was my first trip to Dogfish. I ordered a bacon cheddar burger and a beer. The burger was okay and I definitely chose the wrong beer. Next time I will skip Dogfish - there are too many other places to get a fantastic burger and a beer.
(3)
Spencer S.
Good service, nice people, great beer, but not so good food. I'll come back, but only for the beer.
(3)
Matt O.
Order the buffalo chicken dip (one of the best apps I have ever had) and get an Indian Brown to wash it down. You won't be disappointed. The sandwiches are all pretty awesome (favorite is the steak bomb), as is the pizza. And of course, there is the beer...OMG...the beer. As far as chains go, you will be hard-pressed to find one that does it better than DHA.
(4)
Rebecca L.
We went to Dogfish for the Punkin Ale release party in mid afternoon with a group of friends. At one point, someone called Jerry came over to our table and implied that the restaurant would no longer serve us. We responded that friends had arrived and departed while we had been there, so no one had been overserved (we did the math after he left, and had averaged far less than one drink per person per hour. Our waitress, who had left during the shift change, had no problem with our table). We asked Jerry if he wanted us to leave, assuming the restaurant might have wanted to make more money off of our table (despite the fact that we had continued ordering both food and beverages). He would not respond, and instead implied that we were the rude ones for asking the question. We felt very uncomfortable, and were offended by Jerry's rude interjection and lack of explanation. No one from our table was loud or unruly, and we continued ordering both food and drinks during our time there. Because of Jerry's tactlessness, we are unlikely to dine at the restaurant again.
(1)
Jennifer B.
Good buffalo chicken dip,good quality house salad too.
(5)
Jake K.
This place is seriously just another installment in the long line of chain breweries that serve their own product. Can't complain about the beer - the only thing that sucks about the joint is the insane crowd there. The food is ok - we've had the chili and the bratwurst. They honestly went down easy but then were regrettable in the morning. I'd say go for just the beer - the 60 and 90 minute IPAs are great but you'll be "Fenny L. Drunk" in short order.
(3)
John I.
Terrible server! Another server actually checked on me more than he did. I stopped in on my way to a meeting. This place has good reviews. I was very disappointed. I won't be back.
(1)
L J.
I eat here just about every other week. They are kid friendly! Have great drinks! And they have delicious blackened salmon and a fried chicken salad and coleslaw that are soo yummy! My only negative is that even though I'm such a regular the manager nor the waiters ever seem to remember us... i'd love more of a "welcome back" feel, but hey good food, drink, and kids allowed. I'm there.
(5)
Kara S.
This was our second time there. The first time the food was great (hamburger and mac and cheese dish). Of course, their beer there is great too. The service was okay, seeing as about 4 servers started us out before we actually ended up with one. When we went the other day, I was not a fan of the pulled pork sandwich or the chips and spinach dip. Also, the service was not good, again. Our server was super enthusiastic at first but that soon dwindled. Whenever we asked for something (more water, chips, ketchup) it took at least 10-15 for him to come back with what we needed....and the place was not busy at all. You could tell he kept forgetting about us. My boyfriend had the Texas hotdog ($10 for a hot dog is def a rip off), but he really liked it. However, I would be willing to give the place another chance, maybe we just had bad luck with servers. They def have a big menu so I'd try something else next time.
(3)
Jimmy J.
Let me start off by saying that if you are a fan of beer especially those with "light" or "lite" in their names, this may not be your cup of tea. That being said, it may also awaken your senses and palette to one of the craft beer industries favorite brewery, Dogfish Head and their unique selection of beers. If you are a fan of craft beer then you already know what to expect here. You'll find DF's seasonal and sometimes hard to find brews either on tap or in bottle. Sadly, I have yet to see their 120 min IPA on tap or even in bottle here. With all this beer you'll need something to fill that stomach up to absorb some of the alcohol as these are high ABV (alcohol by volume) beers. The menu is typical pub fare. There are some stand outs like the spicy shrimp appetizer (if it's not on the menu you can still ask for it) as well as the Jambalaya which is spicy but will keep you digging back for more. Their sandwiches are pretty darn tasty as well and the side of fries are nice tasty and appeared to be fried twice for that nice crunch and texture. I'm not a big fan of their pizzas, their crust needs a little work but one pie does stand out and that's the Chesapeake which consists of pesto sauce, lump crab, asparagus, tomatoes, fresh basil, provolone blend and parmesan cheese. A very delicious pie for one or to share. Honestly, the beer is what draws the crowds here but those few gems do come through. Update 11/15/2011 Since initially posting my review I can say that I have been able to get 120 min IPA on tap. It was a brief encounter as it only lasted about two hours before it was all gone. They do have 120 in bottle but at $18 a pop. Well worth it if you've never had it. Also their curry chicken dish recently impressed the heck out of me. Spicy and delicious it was on point another entree to check out. Buen Provecho!
(3)
Brendan H.
1) The beer is good. 2) I've tried a few of their appetizers and liked them(Sausage Egg Rolls, Crab Soup). 3) Every main dish I have tried always leaves me disappointed. I have been back a few times because 1) the beer is good. I have tried the pasta, crab cake sandwich, mac and cheese. All of these dishes ended up being bland. I will come back but I will be at the bar drinking beer and eating apps.
(3)
John D.
OK, first off...you should be going here for the beer. That being said, the food is sort of a side item. I found the food to be acceptable, and I'd eat there again. I had the catfish with some sort of mustard breading, and it was great. I'm a bit of a seafood snob, being from Cape Cod. Well, catfish is freshwater, but anyway. My girlfriend got the ahi burger, and she enjoyed it. We had the bread pudding for dessert, and that was great too. The reason why I can't give it four stars is because they don't offer reservations or call-ahead seating. That's a problem, because I don't enjoy waiting 45 minutes to eat dinner after I arrive somewhere.
(3)
Carla D.
Solid 4 stars. I love Dogfish. It is exactly what you want from a bar; good beer, fun ambiance, and awesome bar food. I normally shy away from ordering food at a bar but here, you know that they are using good fresh ingredients and it shows in the food. Also great service. Buffalo chicken dip- I want to eat this with a spoon and lick the bowl when I'm done. It is so good that I always order it. Every time I come, and then I get a little greedy with it. All their burgers are excellent, and I'm a fan of the bratwurst. Pizza is unremarkable so skip it. Salads are great too, my only qualm is with the Wood Grilled Chicken, Bacon, And Shrimp Salad- give me more shrimp, damnit! Also the crab cakes are a solid choice. A bit pricey but very good. Overall I am never disappointed with Dogfigh so I will keep coming here.
(4)
Mark G.
Mmmm....beer. Delicious food. Pizza was fantastic, crab dip made me want to marry it, and the beer was damn good. My favorite is the 75min IPA, which is a nice mix between the session beer, the 60 min, and the heavier 90 min IPA. GO THERE - GO THERE NOW!
(5)
Kristopher W.
I have been a fan of Dogfish Head for a long time and was excited when I saw this pop up on Yelp while I was visiting DC. Like a lot of people say the location and the outside decor is nothing special at all. It looks like a Applebee's. Inside we sat in the bar area so we were seated right away. We started off by getting the beer sampler which gives you six beers to sample. The beers were awesome no surprise there. I got a burger to eat which was delicious, and my wife had a turkey, bacon, avocado sandwich which she loved. I got another beer with my meal and we walked out spending like $24. If you like beer and go
(4)
Dee J.
Fantastic beer selection, reasonably priced food, great ambience and service--make this a regular. Pair your meal with one of the great beers on tap. Fries are simply the best...could make a meal of those alone.
(4)
Chris C.
A spot for dads who think they're adventurous. Great place for Wine-O's who recently discovered beer. Ales speak for themselves. The food: mediocre at best. They also sell stickers for your car, to say you were there first.
(2)
Ryan M.
Secret insider tip: get a combo beer - 50/50 festina peche &90 min ipa. Awesome. And they're more than happy to give samples of anything. Awesome fries. Wood grilled chicken and shrimp club sandwich. With bacon! Done and done.
(4)
Terrence M.
I've been here several times and its never disappointed. Try the cream of crab soup, it's amazing. The brews are very good and the menu's huge. Service is usually pretty fast and it's clean, friending dining so you really can't beat that. They have a burger of the day which ranges from really creative to wtf?! Good times, if you're in the area then stop by.
(5)
Michele W.
Dogfish Head Alehouse gets my vote for best family-friendly restaurant in the area. The atmosphere is casual. The servers are welcoming and attentive to kid needs. The children's menu has generous portions. Heaps of stellar fries accompany a good burger and a top-notch grilled cheese (cheddar on brioche.) To balance out the fries, we always order a side dish of sauteed vegetables (usually carrots and green beans) for the table. For the adults, the menu is just fine, with hearty burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The fish tacos are my favorite. My husband sometimes orders steak. (I do recommend steering clear of specials that stray too far from straightforward American fare.) The beer deserves 5 stars. Namaste (a white beer made with orange, coriander, and lemongrass) goes really well with those fish tacos. Other favorites of mine include Raison d'Etre, 60 Minute IPA, and Burton Baton, but part of the fun of going to Dogfish is trying different brews from their extensive repertoire. Don't hesitate to ask for a taste, particularly if one of their Ancient Ales is on offer. My son would want me to mention the sports playing on TV screens on one side of the restaurant. That's not usually a plus for me, but, if it keeps the kids happy, I'm fine with it.
(4)
Dan F.
The beers are 20 stars of course, but you have to take into account the food and atmosphere. As a previous reviewer said, it's like an Applebee's in a Safeway parking lot. Not the prettiest interior. The best reason to come is they have dogfish head beers that I've never seen anywhere else. We tried the chips and guac (good guac, but not remotely spicy) and the pizza (pretty good! wood-grilled with a nice flavor). So come for the beer, have a snack, but don't come for a full-on meal. The service was a bit inattentive and slow. I could see the bartender pour the beers we ordered but the server would hang out in the kitchen instead of getting our beers, and then he'd come back to the table and ask if we wanted another beer, then suddenly remember that we had already ordered beers and go get them. (it was not a busy night). It would be a good bet to sit at the bar if you want decent service.
(3)
Jeff G.
Great fish tacos, beer and service. Bartenders have been good but I mostly come here with my wife and toddler and service is good in dining too
(5)
Joseph G.
the beer choices are brilliant, the food is pretty good, avoid the bacon popcorn its really not that great but everything is else like food and service is awesome.
(4)
Ryan K.
Love this place - it is exactly what you hope it will be - good beers and great pub style food. Our favorite is the Dave's Border Burger with the Beach Fries - It's a staple for me everytime we go.
(4)
Steve L.
Great digs all right...enough said. I have been coming to this place off and on for four years. A fellow beer drinker took me to this place and I have to come here when I visit Falls Church and man they still deliver the bomb. The fish and chips are great and the crab soup was awesome. The Ahi Tuna sandwich with a cold glass of beer will melt your stress away. Simply, the best food and hand crafter beers on the east coast.
(5)
Sarah S.
I had the ahi tuna, and it was fantastic. Will be back for sure.
(5)
Mike R.
I've always loved their beer and when they opened this place a couple years back I was so excited about this place. I must say the first few visits were a little on the disappointing side, but not so much that we wouldn't go back and I'm glad because I've really seen improvement. The last handful of times we've been we've really enjoyed our meals. Bottom line is this is bar food, nothing fancy here, but it is bar food done well. When you are in the mood for some greasy apps and a sandwich or pizza then this is the place for you. Normally I would try to review some of the food, but like I said, it's bar food, you know what you are going to get. I will say that we tried the buffalo chicken dip last night and it was very good...different...which is saying a lot since bar food is pretty standard. A note on the beer. While I love dogfish head beer, I am always a little disappointed that they don't have anything rare on draft. I can get everything they have at Total Wine. I feel like a place like this could really capitalize on the beer geek market by serving some of the rarities that they have in Delaware. My guess is that these restaurants are only loosely affiliated with the brewery or their Rehobeth location, but if there is anyway that they can get some of the odd stuff they serve there then I think they should.
(4)
Cheryl H.
Ok atmosphere, more open floor plan, not quaint and cozy. Great beer selections! Decent food. Many selections...something for everyone. I saw that other reviewers were not as happy with the food but when I went it was good, I had one of the pizzas though. Ingredients were fresh and nice, thin, crispy crust.
(4)
John S.
The food and beer here is always fresh and comes out fast. I especially enjoy their dinner sized salads. They make a very nice crabcake salad, and finding decent crabcakes isn't always easy even in this area. Many yelpers compare Dogfish to Great American. I think the food and service is better than Great American. Last time I went to Carlyle they ran out of bread! PLEASSSE!
(4)
Paul G.
I love the food, service, and beer. Everything I have tried on the menu was awesome. Best thing to eat is the BBQ Ribs, which fall off the bone. It is one of my favorite restaurants.
(5)
L. A.
I have been here several times, and the food and beer are always great. I'll say that again, AWESOME beer. But what prompted me to write this review was that I recently pre-planned a lunch here for a large party, and Dogfish Head handled it absolutely FLAWLESSLY! The one and only screw-up of the event was one that I MADE MYSELF (I'll save face and spare details), and even then, the manager was so nice about it- he truly could not have been nicer from the time I made the reservatoin until the whole thing was over. He made actually made me feel like they appreciated our business, which is rare these days. Service was fantastic. All of the orders came out quickly, and at the same time, and all 14 orders were error-free despite several special requests for substitutions. Even the "To Go" order I had put in for a coworker at the very beginning was brought out at the end without me having to remind the server - which was great because by then I had forgotten about it! As always, the food was excellent. Portions were very generous, and I have never had such tender chicken in my life as what was on my delicious salad. Not a single person in my party had a complaint. Everyone had fun and enjoyed their food. We can't wait to go back!
(5)
Brittany H.
If you remember nothing else....remember their beers and killer buzz.... their beers are fantastic, endless varieties and various levels from low to high alcohol content. I tried the honey beer, Midas Touch (9%), which is the only strange tasting beer for me.... cross over b/t a really white dry wine, but still has that beer taste. In any event, I like them both much, but separate pls. Their food sucks...but if you are into TGIF, Ruby Tuesdays, AppleBees, then you'll probably like their food...or maybe I just made the mistake of ordering seafood. And seriously, if you don't know what Dogfish Head is...you don't know your beer son.
(4)
Anne S.
The Warm Three Cheese Crab Dip is outstanding! We have been there a couple of times and have been delighted with the service (Jamie!) and quality of the food. I also like the little touches like a place to hang your coat. We will go back soon!
(4)
Jacob C.
I hate to give a two star review to anything Dogfish related, they are my favorite brewery after all. But my experience at the Alehouse was less than stellar. Sure they had just about every Dogfish beer you could imagine, but the up-charge seemed a bit ridiculous. So I opted for one beer and got the 120 IPA since its illegal in North Carolina. They did not have it on tap, which was 9 dollars...so I got a bottle for 18. I fought with myself for nearly 30 minutes before buckling and buying it. Seeing how I had always wanted the 120 IPA. I paired that with a surprisingly bland pizza. I forget the name of said pizza but it had pesto AND red onions, yet still managed to taste like paper. The beer itself was great, 18 dollars great i'm not sure. I guess if I had more money then I could see myself giving Dogfish Head's AppleBees a better score. But I can't, my food was abysmal.
(2)
Tyler B.
As a restaurant alone, this joint probably merits 3.5 stars. Decent food done well, with good burgers and quick, attentive service. They'd probably keep their doors open if the food was all they had to recommend them, but they would have some stiff competition. They are like a fully-realized Chilis (much more so a Chilis than an Applebees) and for your $1-2 extra per entree, you get better service, slightly more thoughtful preparation and presentation, and a decent variety of options. But the beer, oh the beer... No one in DC has a better Dogfish Head beer selection, as you might imagine. A good selection of Dogfish Head is something people make pilgrimages for. Every year at the Great American Beer Festival, people are lined up for blocks to drink rare and esoteric DFH beers, and this joint has them all ON TAP. The list of what's on tap is maintained on a chalk board, a picture of which is always current on their web site (or on the 3rd party dogfish head alehouse app). This is beer good enough to stand in line for, drive across the country for, and code a free app for. Beer of this caliber, in this kind of quantity, paired with a friendly, comfortable eating establishment cannot be missed. This place is a national treasure.
(5)
Betsy S.
This place is a no-brainer. If you need a restaurant for the in-laws, a first date, a tenth date, or maybe it was snowing too hard to go to the wineries ...Dogfish Head was the Grade A, Plan B. 7 of us were seated promptly and our waitress was decked out like a peacock. Very festive. She was v attentive with drink orders and waters and coke refills, and our glasses were rarely empty. I ordered a punkin ale and a hamburger with mushrooms and onions with a side of asparagus. The medium burger was cooked perfectly and the onions and mushrooms were heaped on very high, with the second bun perched on top of the deliciously tasty toppings. But the asparagus was so thick it was impossible to cut with a normal knife, nor was it very well seasoned. My dining companions were pleased to varying degrees with their food - one hamburger was ordered 'medium' and came back extraordinarily pink, another ordered rum jerk wings, and ended up ordering a Reuben sandwich since the wings were apparently too soft (read: not crispy) for his liking. But elsewhere, a plate of ribs was devoured, a veggie sandwich disappeared, and a bowl of buffalo chicken dip pronounced 'amazing'. One girl said she was always weary of the food served at such beer heavy establishments, but it was her first time at Dogfish Head, and she was very happy with her plate. Of course I'd come back! I love the 60 min IPA and the punkin ale, and think I'll go for a pizza and a beer tasting next time I return.
(4)
S. Paul L.
I'll be honest, the food is mediocre. However, the beer is just as good as any Dogfish Head beer you could ask for.
(3)
Peter P.
Came here for a work event. Had a good time with the flights. If an IPA fan definitely stop by. If you are not sure what you want then the flights are a great start. Did not eat here but heard the food was good as well
(4)
Charles S.
Come here all the time, they are a bit on the pricer side but you get great beer and the food is consistently good.
(4)
Chris G.
I've been here once or twice before, but I came here the other day with a group of coworkers for lunch. It wasn't super speedy like you'd want for a lunch break when the bosses are around, i.e. the whole trip took about 1.5 - 2 hours, but it was a good lunch. I always test a place by its reuben if possible, and I was pretty happy with the one I got. There was plenty of thin-sliced corned beef, sour kraut, and thousand island dressing, and the fries were surprisingly good. We were a bit disappointed with the beer selection, oddly enough; they only had maybe 5 beers available at the time, but it wasn't a deal breaker because it was the middle of the workday, after all. It's nice to have options, though. We got there around 11:45, I believe, and the place was relatively empty. By the time we left it was pretty full, so plan your lunch break accordingly. As I said, it wasn't super speedy like you'd want for a restaurant catering to a working lunch crowd. The hostess and waiter were very nice, but the latter could have been more proactive in trying to speed up the process for a group that was obviously from an office. Little things like asking us if we need boxes earlier (i.e. when people start finishing their meals), having our checks ready for us when we finish (as opposed to us finishing, waiting for him to clear some plates, and then waiting for him to process and bring out the checks after asking him for them), etc., could have cut the lunch down to a manageable time. Unfortunately, though the food was good, I doubt we'll be coming back for lunch due to the time it takes. I'd definitely check it out, though. For an alehouse, the food is pretty good.
(4)
Christine T.
I'd give this place 3.5 stars. I have to agree with the other yelpers good burgers at this place. And if you like craft brews then you'd probably love this place and think I was nuts for giving this place only 3.5 stars. I'm not a huge beer drinker although I did try one of the lighter beers and it was ok but sort of had a bitter aftertaste which I didn't particularly care for. The location is a bit odd in the midst of this shopping center. At any rate one certainly doesn't have anything to lose by giving this place a try if you haven't been.
(3)
Ben W.
If you include, price, value and quality this is one of the best the DC area has to offer. I've been going here fairly regularly for over three years now. Everything I've had on the menu has been excellent. Sandwiches, pizzas, entrees and their Dogfish Head beer is regarded by many as some of the best in the country. Dogfish is primarily known for their beer which can be bought all over the east coast in bottles. They have a list of staple beers that they carry year-round and a handful of seasonals that rotate every few months. All of it is very good stuff. My personal favorite is their stacked roast beef sandwich with au jus sauce. The atmosphere is great, and sometimes they have live music on the weekends, but it's never too loud or overbearing. The service has always been good at the very least. I'd give this place an A overall. The only thing that would keep me from giving it an A+ is the fact that it's not within walking distance of a metro and is kind of in a busy traffic area. The bar area is great to hit for major sporting events.
(5)
Cliff W.
This place is like crack, after the first hit you'll do just about anything to get another piece of the action. I've been here a few times, and every time has been unbelievably awesome, and I'm not saying this because I'm a full blown drunk, but rather because I'm a picky full blown drunk. The beers are excellent, and the choices are plentiful in that there's something for everyone, from the novice beer drinker to the self proclaimed armchair micro brew expert. Alas, a good beer selection does not a good restaurant make, and this is where I dive into the menu. Starting off, I'd recommend the crab dip and/or the Calamari. The crab dip is, hands down, the best in the area that I've had. It's all killer and no filler, it's not like the bs some places try to pass off with artichoke mixed in. The Calamari is also some of the best in the area I've had as well. I know I know, from an alehouse?!?!?!? Yeah, I was a bit caught off guard too but once the "shock: and "awe" passed it was like "hell" and "yeah". I've had the burger here, which was pretty good, and my most recent experience I ordered the fish n chips, which were very good and a plate that I had to cover up so I could stop myself from eating. My girlfriend got the NY Strip which I had a bit of and which I will be having the next time I go. I've got to be honest, I haven't had anything off of their menu that I wouldn't order again. It's nice and refreshing in this day and age to go to someplace that is the complete package, and thus, Dogfish Head Alehouse earns 5 stars from this yelper. Cheers.
(5)
Melanie M.
I go here at least once every 2 weeks. My favorite place to hang out in Arlington. The crab soup is wonderful. Also like to get the calamari served "naked". My favorite beer is midas touch. My sister is a big fan of the 75 min IPA. Love the beer!
(5)
Joanna T.
Eric at the Falls Church Dogfish Head Brewery provides the best service I've ever experienced at a restaurant. Ever. He makes believable suggestions (as in, you believe he actually loves the dishes he recommends, not just reciting a script), he remembers us every time we come in, and he is ultra-attentive without being annoying. I think he seriously has a special talent for service! It makes me love going to that restaurant.
(5)
Cyn D.
Great place to go if your wife refuses to drink anything but IPAs, as mine does. Their food selection isn't too shabby either. I was impressed by the variety in the menu - it beat out most pub menus. However, there aren't too many veggie options. Another great perk is the proximity to Hong Kong Palace across the street.
(4)
Nicholas D.
I end up at Dogfish about twice a month and have never been let down. I have tried (and enjoyed) about half the items on the menu although lately I keep coming back to the IPA Grouper sandwich which comes on this yummy pumpernickel bread. Of course, the beers are awesome and like many other reviewers I love the Raison D'Etre. Most of the standard Dogfish brews are $5.50 each so I don't feel bad getting a couple of them. Crowds can be a deterrent on weekend nights but otherwise it's pretty easy to grab a table.
(5)
David K.
I have always been a fan of craft brewers. Dogfish Head is out of Delaware and is generally well regarded. When I heard they had opened a new location in Falls Church, I felt compelled to try it. It is a bit out of the way for those living close into the city, but it is certainly not restrictively far. Note that it is nowhere near the Metro however if that is an issue. It was very crowded on a Friday evening and we hung out at the bar for about half an hour. They serve exclusively Dogfish Head brews, and they have many seasonal beers as well. Unfortunately, it was winte brew season. I'm partial to the summer seasonals, and tend to find the winters to be too hoppy. I'd also say that winter ales generally are not as "girl friendly" as summer hefeweizens and wheats. This was unfortunate as my fiance didn't enjoy the beers very much. The food was good. My fiance raved about her crab cake, and my andouille pizza was spicy and flavorful. The service was very welcoming. I was also partial to the Raison D'Etre beer as well. It was very Oktoberfesty and very filling. I'd enjoy coming back to Dogfish Head this summer to try the summer seasonals. It pairs well with having to come to the big box stores located at Seven Corners as well.
(3)
Joel B.
I want to like this place since it's so close to my house. The beer is great even though it's not brewed on-site. The food on the other hand is just so-so but the price is on the higher end. Been there about ten times trying to find somethng that I'd really like but just doesn't seem to be happening.
(3)
Dan J.
Went to Dogfish Head Alehouse on a busy Saturday night and had a terrific time! We had to wait about 30 minutes to get a table, but that just gave us some time to wander over to the bar and try out some of the house brews. We tried the 60 and 90 IPAs and they were both excellent! After we were seated at our table, the food and the service was excellent from the appetizers to the dessert! Can't recommend this place highly enough!
(5)
Dennis S.
Excellent beer. Average food. Good beer helps almost any food! The choice of beers is impressive. I enjoy the 60 and 90 Minute IPA. The beer sampler is a nice way to test a few different styles. Too bad it is located in Seven Corners... close to so many but oh-so-hard to get to.
(4)
Daniel B.
Good beer (though I am not an IPA fan (the horror) the rest of the beers were awesome and great to have from the tap. My friends said that the IPA's were top notch). Food was acceptable (given that none of the plates went back with food on them). Nice facility. Definitely better than some of those other chain restaurants out there.
(4)
Jennifer G.
It's early Sunday evening and R and I can't decide what to do for dinner. I've been on the road a lot lately for work and I've gotten out of the habit of home cooking. R suggests going out for dinner rather than ordering in and I thought it was a wonderful idea. We're moving to Silver Spring in the next couple of months when construction on our house is done so we're in a hurry to try out places near our apartment before we move. R asks for suggestions for dinner and I mentioned Dogfish Head Alehouse (DHA). It's been on my bookmarks list for ages and it seemed to fit the bill for a casual Sunday evening meal. We arrive and there are a good amount of people dining at DHA but it wasn't crowded. We were able to grab one of the high top tables outside the bar area. We seated ourselves and took a look at the drink menu. I'm not the greatest fan of micro-brew beer so I stuck to cocktails. I was torn between the margarita and the rum punch, so I went with our servers suggestion that the margarita was very good. R took some time to look over the beer menu. For those not familiar with Dogfish Head beer, there is a description of their beers on the back of the drink menu. After a bit of conversation with our server about the types of beers R settled on the Shelter Pale. The drinks arrived in good time and I was very pleased with my margarita. R was happy with his beer. We ordered the Cajun Andouille Egg Rolls as an appetizer. While waiting on our appetizer we admired the inside of DHA. It smells like a fireplace and looks like one with all the brick. I mean this in a good way though. It's a cool place. The atmosphere was casual, R and I were able to chat without having to yell to be heard. Our egg rolls showed up and we attacked them (we were pretty hungry). They were fresh out of the fryer so it was hard to eat them without burning your mouth, but they were so tasty you couldn't help yourself. They're stuffed with yummy goodness and each bite features a different flavor- roasted peppers, cheese, sausage, chicken...yummmm. The dipping sauce was also a winner. R commented that he wished they were spicier (he likes spicy food) but I felt they were sufficiently spicy. They had just enough kick for you to enjoy and not start sweating or anything. Our entrees arrived a short time later. One thing I really appreciated about DHA was that we had time to finish our appetizer before our entrees arrived. It's been so long since I've been out for a meal and didn't have that happen! I hope this is a standard at DHA and not just a coincidence since they weren't too busy. R had the steak bomb sandwich. I tried to talk him into switching half of his sandwich for half of mine but he wasn't budging. It looked delicious. Thick tender cuts of grilled steak are topped with grilled onions, roasted red peppers, and pepperjack cheese and served on a grilled piece of french bread with chipotle mayo. Are you drooling? I sure was. I'm getting this the next time we go. I ordered the turkey club with avocado. I added gouda cheese to it. Next time I wouldn't bother because the sandwich had so much flavor you didn't taste the gouda. Serious amount of smoked thin sliced turkey along with bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado were piled between two slices of grilled brioche with aioli. Yum. You know how people say "Bacon makes everything better"? I subscribe to this notion but would like to add that bacon plus avocado makes everything f-ing awesome! It was a delicious sandwich. Both our sandwiches were enormous. Neither one of us completely finished them. The sandwiches come with "Beach Fries". R pondered what beach fries were and how they could be different than regular fries. When our sandwiches arrived I realized that beach fries are Boardwalk Fries! If you've ever been to the Jersey Shore and ordered fries from one of the food vendors you'll know what I'm talking about. These are potatoes that are cut with the skins on and dumped in hot oil. They are delicious. They reminded me of home! I am so happy that there is a DHA in Gaithersburg so that R and I can keep enjoying their delicious food. I'm dying to try the crab soup and the crab dip. Also the Slow Roasted Roast Beef sandwich sounds amazing and their pizzas look tempting as well. Cannot wait to go back!
(4)
Derek H.
I've been here twice and had good experiences each time. This is exactly what you're looking for in a contemporary American microbrew/restaurant. Since they are all the rage in the Northern Virginia area, I'd rate Dogfish right behind the world wide leader, Sweetwater Tavern. It definitely rates higher than Gordon Biersch or Capitol City Brewing, for my money. The Alehouse does everything good (not great). That is the motto; do a lot of things well, but don't excel in any one category to limit yourself. So you have a really great selection of Dogfish microbrews, a nicely assorted menu where everything is pretty standard for an american restaurant, and a nice atmosphere full of dark, almost ski-lodge-like, wood tables. The wood-draped atmosphere definitely makes this a great place to go during the winter. Next time you're there, though, try and spot the leftover furnishings from when the same building was a Pizzeria Uno. You'll never be able to not notice the green pipes again. The Alehouse has been really crowded every time I've been, with a wait of at least 15 minutes during normal dinner hours. Not a big deal since you can do to the full-bar and get one of their microbrews. Service is solid; there isn't anything heavenly going on here to worry about. It has the feel of a big chain restaurant without necessarily being one (I think there's only a few Alehouses.. so far). Really, my only issue with the place is the location -- being in Seven Corners, you have to deal with a clusterf* of gigantic strip mall traffic/people to get there. Further, for people who live in Arlington, it is something of a hike compared to places you can cab or even walk to in the Ballston/Clarendon/Courthouse corridor. That sort of sucks, because I would come here as an early evening starter on weekends a ton if it was in the usual haunting grounds. I hear they are opening another one near the Nationals Stadium soon; that should be an awesome stop before or after games.
(4)
Kristen W.
Fact: guys, especially married guys, are obsessed with craft beer. Fact: more people are out in Seven Corners on a Friday night than you might think. Fact: food, beer, and wine tastes better when you have to work for it. And by that I mean, drive out to Seven Corners, find a parking lot, and wait out the crowd for a table. It's harder than it sounds (looks?). We had plans to go out for dinner with another couple closer to where we all live, but when my husband saw Dogfish Head Alehouse on our way to Jo-Ann Fabrics (you read that right), the boys decided to make the push and try it out for dinner. Both the husbands had been wanting to check it out, because men love craft beer. And if you don't mind making the hike out to Seven Corners for dinner, DFA is actually a really cute and tasty restaurant. It was a typical Friday night in the suburbs, so the restaurant was packed with families. Strollers, high chairs, and senior citizens galore. If you're looking for young and hip vibe, this probably isn't the place for you. That being said, the menu is really nice. They have something for everyone - tons of appetizers, probably 8-10 salad options, pizzas, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, etc. Everything was delicious and VERY generously sized. It's basically all standard American fare, but somehow I liked it eating it here whereas I would have felt disgusting eating the exact same food at an Applebee's. The beers were good but not awesome. In fairness to DFA, the waitress told us 10+ times that the taps had gone haywire, so I'd be willing to try again on another night. On that note, service was great. Our waitress was so sweet and attentive, and she was very apologetic about the issues at the bar. I'd come back. But someone else has to drive me.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Berdi P.
Great selection of Beer. The food is ok. They can get away with ok food in Rehoboth because there isn't a big selection of freshly brewed Beer there. But in Falls Church we have the Great American places with great food AND beer! But the beer is worth the trip!
(3)Keeley M.
I've been here many times and have not had a bad experience. Do they have a lot of comfort and fattening foods? Um, yes. But is it tasty? Certainly. (Sometimes it was too greasy for me) I think I've tried most of their salads and all pretty tasty. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly and the beer selection (so I've heard) is decent--I've only dabbled in their cider. Would for sure come back here.
(4)Lee O.
I came here with 2 adults and a kid. The service was prompt and friendly. The drinks were amazing - I suggest the beer sampler. The food was spectacular - I had the ribs and ate every bit of it. Overall this is a fantastic place to go grab a meal and some drinks.
(4)Melissa G.
i don't drink beer. i LOVE this place. the wine is wine, but it comes in something resembling the size of a pint glass (slight exaggeration), so i have no complaints! i've eaten there on a number of occasions and always get the same things... because i love them. split between two people these are a fantastic complement for one another... the calamari comes with banana peppers (YUM) and a cocktail sauce that tastes like it should (not a sugar cube, but pureed tomatoes with horseradish, although it looks like ketchup). the seafood platter (on the "specials" menu) is the perfect partner for the calamari and, as a crabcake snob, theirs gets two thumbs up. i hardly know where to begin, this dish is so consistently delicious. the asparagus smokes with flavor, the salmon is always tender, the shrimp are divine, and the rice is wild & yummy. i can hardly believe i can get most of my favorite things, split between myself and another, all in two dishes AND with a vat of wine! (there is a house pino that isn't too shabby for a house red.) on the seating: if you don't want to wait for a table you can sit in the high-tabled bar seating and still avoid the immediate bar area. on the weekends the wait can be long, but that's to be expected in this area if the food's good, which it is. last night i met my parents there and we commented about the din and its unobtrusiveness... although it was noisy we didn't need to shout to hear eachother. my father said "wood ceiling." i don't know what that means, but maybe it's what absorbs the noise? the servers have always been attentive, pleasant & welcoming. my first encounter with the host/ess staff was bizarre... there was a small herd of them at the front and when we walked in they looked like a herd of deer in the headlights... but since then, they've always been pleasant and attentive. perhaps one of the herd got hit and the rest learned. cheers.
(5)d c.
Man walks into a bar, says, "What do you have in flavorless light beers?" The Bartender pauses and looks confused, "we have the lawnmower light which is ...um..lighter." Man says, "I'll have that." the beer arrives and the man takes a sip and says, "ewwwwwwwww, that's a bit strong." Then he sets aside the beer indicating he has no plans to finish it or pay for it and without missing a beat says "What have you got for wine?" The moral to the story is - don't go to Dogfish if you don't like good beer. That is what they do. The beer is very tasty. I really liked my uber-cheesy pizza with pesto sauce. My friends had portabello sandwiches that looked very good. The expert pizza chef with us commented on his pizza, "good base, but didn't quite live up to it." Try the sampler for fun, but...it seemes to get a bit drippy at some point for some reason. Condensation combined with a wooden sampler holder maybe.
(4)Casey G.
Great selection of experimental beers. I highly recommend getting the sampler. It's five 3 oz glasses of their popular beers and a premium sampler that includes four 3oz samples of their specialty beers. The beers include ingredients like Aztec coco, ginger root, honey and such. All and all dogfish makes great beer. The food was awesome too, all their selections complement the beer. They use dogfish beer as an ingredient in the food which is cooked over a wood stove. If they had one in Texas I would definitely be a regular. I gave it 4 stars because I did think the food was a little pricy.
(4)Sean C.
Our friendly waitress Gretel (I asked and she does not have a brother named Hansel, so I have saved you the trouble of asking her this again) was very attentive and good at guiding us through the menu. Of course the beer (the main attraction) is excellent and there are several variations here that I have not seen in any other bar or beer store. We opted for the Punkin on our inaugural visit and it did not disappoint. The food was quite good as well. They have a wood fired grill and have a number of selections of meats, fish and pizzas made on it. I had a paella and my wife had the "over the top" salad with crabcake, both were good choices, but there were many other tempting choices as well. The kids get crayons and paper with fun facts about dogfish as well as a fairly typical kids menu, e.g., pasta with marinara, chicken fingers, hamburger, etc... My only unfulfilled wish was that, at the moment, I was most in the mood for a pasta dish and there really isn't one on the menu (except for a Jambalaya with penne, which I don't consider a truly pasta dish). All in all a good experience.
(4)Olga C.
Great place with a decent selection of beer and food. The staff is friendly, and food is good too. I'll definitely visit again.
(4)Mike T.
Wouldn't accept my temporary VA license because I could "type it up on my computer and stamp it to fake it," although the temporary license, which I obtained after sitting in the DMV for most of a day, says that it plus my voided out of state license are acceptable identification. Probably won't be back when the hard copy of my license comes in the mail this week.
(1)Richard V.
I know it looks like one of those chain restaurants that seem to anchor every mall in the USA and yes there are multiple locations although don't know if franchised outside the state. So sometimes I avoid those places but this is not one of those places to avoid. Why? Because they may have the whole chain formula down pat what I also know is they are damn good at making beer and food. Their 60 minute IPA is phenomenal - perfectly balanced with hops and citrus notes. Their grilled tuna steak is great and so was the rice that came with it. Every bite was delicious and flavorful.
(5)Dominion O.
Worst pizza in town, the pizza dough must be frozen and the whole thing just tastes bad and looks unappetizing. Fortunately the sizzling fajita dish was ok.
(1)Kristine K.
I don't know what it is but there's something about Dogfish that makes me love this place. Been here several times and service is consistently good and I like the energetic vibe their colorful Dogfish t-shirts give off lol. Calamari appetizer - Yes you can get this at almost every restaurant but Dogfish calamari is exceptionally delicious. Fried Grouper Sandwich - Yummy and huge! Loved the cole slaw inside the sandwich that complemented the warm, crispy fish that was well-seasoned. Onion rings that came with it were good as well. Mac & Cheese - This is one item on the menu to AVOID!! I honestly thought they accidentally forgot the sauce on my dish because it was so dry and bland. If I wanted to be a complete pain in the butt I would've sent this dish back. Even the shrimp added for extra $ didn't help this sad, sad mac & cheese. Beer Sampler - Generous portions of 6 different beers! I'm not a beer person at all but some of them were really good.
(4)Garrett S.
Dogfish Head is always a good choice. Our server Nico (hope I spelled it correctly!) was great. While they were out of my first two choices for beer, he suggested others and knew the nuances of different beers. He also brought us samplers so we could taste and make good choices! Our food was good! We had the rings, fries and chips with the phenomenal cajun ranch sauce. If there was ANYTHING that was off for the entire meal, the onion rings weren't piping hot, but our fries were. The chips were also fresh and crispy. Our burger and portobello mushroom sandwiches were awesome, and so were the beers. The Alehouse 75 and Shelter Pale were my choices, and solid ones! My date had the Raison D'Extra which she enjoyed. Our server got on the subject of homebrewing, and he mentioned myLHBS across the street. Being a brewer, and having just come from there... We were pleased he offered a discount with our receipt for brewing supplies. This is a great restaurant, and if you're as big acraft beer fan as I am, you know how DFH is a powerhouse and truly a pioneer and advocate for modern craft brews. I always feel great coming here, and never leave hungry! Prost!
(5)Kristen A.
Arrived the day of the Punkin season release, love love love! Awesome food, great vibe, good prices!
(5)Leila T.
Very laid back and cozy atmosphere. Bar is downstairs, with dining both downstairs and upstairs. The food was pretty great- I ordered a pizza with port. mushrooms and spinach. Bread was not too dough-y, crisp and the kind of pizza where you actually eat the crust. To start we had the crab dip served with slices of foccocia and house made chips. My brother ordered the crab cakes, my mom ordered fish+chips, and my husband ordered the lamb burger with the beer sampler. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals. Service was EXCELLENT. Our waiter was super friendly and helpful
(5)Chrystalle B.
This is one of Kate K.'s fave places! She had told me about it even before I left for DC, so when my husband and I found our stomachs growling while in its neighborhood, we decided to check it out. We always choose to sit at the bar, and thankfully it wasn't crowded on a Saturday afternoon. We were greeted promptly, and started to peruse the beer options. We both decided on a flight. The chalkboard was a bit hard to read as it was on the back wall, but our bartender was very helpful. This was my 1st time trying their Festina Peche (love it!). We both decided on hotdogs. My husband got his usual "plain" and I had one w/ backed beans mustard and onions. We were both very satisfied. We haven't seen them on the menu since, but hope they'll be back for summer. Now that we live in the neighborhood, I plan to visit this place more often.
(4)Ally G.
We frequent this location and so far so good. Constantly great service and food. I like that we can come out on a date, take our time, get dinner, drinks, and desert. Or we can also come out with three hungry kiddos and be in and out in a half hour.
(4)Erica Y.
We live closeby, but we are not beer drinkers so don't come here often as the food is very much just pub fare. Highly recommend the crab soup (loaded with crab meat), calamari app, and most of the sandwiches. Not impressed with their salads or pizza. Wings are over fried (super dry). Fish and chips are horrible (think fishsticks from your school cafeteria). Stick with the appetizers and sandwiches, which is probably all you need with your beer! Service great, they also have diet dr pepper. Expect a wait on weekend dinner time.
(3)Jenny T.
Haha a friend who I recommended this place to pointed out my not-so-great first review about never coming back and noticed I have multiple check-ins... Whoops. So here's the story: when I first came here I was rating on the food. Then a couple times later... I found the first beer that I've EVER enjoyed. No. Seriously. I'm a Wino till the day I die and never thought I'd ever enjoy beer. Dogfish did it. And they deserve another star for it because even though their food is typical bar food, their service has actually been great aside from my first visit and I now have a matured appreciation for their vast and delicious beer selection.
(4)Jess K.
I'm a dogfish fan, so I'm really happy that I can get a lot of their beers on draft. If you're not familiar with their beers, they have a sampler with the basics and their seasonal. Wait staff was generally helpful with recommendations, but I wouldn't quiz them too much. Food is decent, above average for a pub but nothing fantastic. If you're looking for somewhat healthy options, you'll be glad to know that not everything is deep fried/covered in cheese and you can get veggies/salad/fruit instead of fries.
(4)Chris L.
Definitely worth a visit for a $9 flight of 6 fine Dogfish Head beers. Five-star beer, three star food and service, two star pizza. And I was a bit disappointed at how many of the choices were mixes, like 60 min IPA + 90 min IPA = 75 min IPA; oh that was tasty but it's hardly something special mixed up by the brewmaster. So the flight choices at the Alehouse: $9 gets you 6 short pours of the "standard" beers meaning they pick what you get; $14.50 gets you 2 standards plus 4 of your choice so you can overdose on the esoteric, high-gravity beers. The theobroma was on tap that evening and the menu promised chocolate nibs and chili pepper; what came was a golden Belgian ale that was utterly yummy but without even the slightest hints of chocolate or pepper. Oh we asked to make sure and our server suggested perhaps the pizza had spoiled our palates. Huh. Gosh gee thanks man, guess we just can't handle bland cheese pizza. Sheesh. The food is basic pub grub, not too expensive, don't expect much. The pretzel app comes with a white cheese sauce and a coarse sweet mustard, both are great. Chips, rings and fries app was a HUGE pile of perfectly fried onions and potatoes, four of us just barely finished. Side salads at $3.50 are a great choice. Pizza: meh. Our server promised they were made in a wood-fired oven but based on the uncharred thickish crust I simply don't believe it. I like a thin-crust pie with bubbles and some black marks on the bottom, dead opposite of what I got here, it was perfectly average pie, don't bother. Vegetarian rating: 3 stars for the fairly solid options: hummus app, salads, make-your-own pizzas and a wood-grilled veggie sammich; no veg burger. Some good stuff to go with the great beer!
(3)Tiffany X.
I love this place so much that I drive about an hour away through DC traffic to eat here on the regular. Food is amazing, beer is incredible, and customer service is top notch. Atmosphere is very open and fun - not too noisy to hold a conversation!
(5)Nicole J.
The beer is the best part of the alehouse. There are so many options on tap and I went with the Raison D'etre and the 90 minute IPA. Service is quick and attentive. The food on the other hand is mediocre. I tried the sriracha chicken fritters and an appetizer and the wood-grilled salmon sandwich. There was a lot of potential for the chicken fritters and it fell short. The avocado dipping sauce tasted like generic ranch and the fritters tasted like chicken dosed in wing sauce. Unfortunately the salmon sandwich was overpowered by the gorgonzola cheese and I couldn't stomach the rest of my meal. I'd come back for drinks for friends just because I love Dogfish Head that much -- but I'm not sure if it's worth going for dinner. Happy hour runs between 5-7pm Monday through Friday where you get $1 off pints and appetizers.
(3)Jill C.
Jen the bartender was great but their Happy Hour menu is misleading. Advertise 1/2 price wings which is a great deal since it is a pound of wings, originally $9 but what you get is 6 wings for $4.50. In addition the NACHOs also advertised at 1/2 price is really 1/2 portion at 1/2 price of regular. With that, probably won't go back!
(2)Padraic C.
Wood fire entrees to delight your pallette, great fish and chips, pasta of sumptuous varieties, bar that has personable staff *Amanda *Tony * Super Sid all take the experience like family sitting around you . Enjoy and keep it zagat rated level.
(5)Matt L.
The only thing better than the Dogfish Head Alehouse is the real Dogfish Head Brewpub in Rehoboth Beach, DE - and unfortunately,I don't drive 3 hours to Rehoboth for beer very often. The huge selection of Dogfish Head beer is really what brings me here, but the food is really good as well. They actually cook your burgers how you order, and not overcooked like I usually find. The wood-grilled bread is delicious. Make sure you look at the specials - they've always got great food popping up there, like a peach-glazed chicken breast and mahi-mahi tacos. Unless you're going with at least 4 people, stay away from the $6 fried appetizer platter with fries, onion rings, and chips - it's great, but it's probably the largest plate of fried anything that I've ever seen. You'll be feeling way too full before you entrees even come. I try to come back every time a new beer is introduced on tap - I just can't stay away from good Dogfish Head beer.
(5)Brianne C.
3.5 stars. It was a momentous occasion. My companion had finished riding the C&O Canal Towpath in 24 hours, and as his lips gently caressed a cigarette, the warm rain cloaking our arms as a sea of Georgetown graduates ambled past, he proclaimed that he needed a beer. As he greatly enjoys the Dogfish 120 Minute IPA, I suggested the Dogfish Alehouse for our group. Popping three caffeine pills and shaking out his limbs after an invigorating shower, my companion was ready to ingest a mountain of breads and sugars. Friends were already waiting in the enormous adirondack chairs that grace the front patio, and surprisingly, the wait for our party of 9 was 40 minutes on a Saturday evening. Raucously, we made our way to a large table in the back, admiring the spiffy beach shack decor but underwhelmed by the average bar. A small beer bible awaited us, filled with IPAs, house raison d'etres, brown ales, and a host of spicy, fruity, old European-style beers. Our overworked but friendly server gave a couple of insightful recommendations, and glasses (and snifters) shortly commenced sailing toward our table. Now, I am not a beer aficionado, but I like the dark raisin flavors and lingering spices that are characteristic of some of the brews. The Dogfish beers also have a consistent, balanced quality that I enjoy, with flavors that meld. The diversity of beers available practically guarantees that one will match your palate, or at least your meal. And, there was the meal. Smoothly battered onion rings, thick fries with skins, and crunchy kettle chips arrived with a flourish, an indulgent platter of golden finger foods lightly tasting of yeast, salt, and pepper, and lacking an oily aftertaste. The buffalo chicken dip, while generous and genuinely spicy, was an exploration of jarring textures, as the chicken had been baked and then broken into hunks, and the jack cheese that cloaked the ramekin had both melted and congealed, so that each bite featured smooth, chunky, and coagulated elements. The jambalaya was also slightly disappointing, with kielbasa sausage standing in for andouille, and sliced chicken breasts that enjoyed an overlong session on the wood-fired grill. However, the sandwiches were gorgeous, stuffed with lightly grilled grouper, succulent corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and piquant cole slaw. Bites of each yielded intense satisfaction. The Dogfish Alehouse is great for a group of beer lovers or bike riders jolted with adrenaline looking for a casual night out in a suburban setting. Recommended, though mostly for the beers.
(4)Becky C.
absolutely love coming here. great food, great beer, usually great service. always reliable. and their new wings are awesome!!
(4)C Q.
Since we've never been to Dogfish before, I didn't know what to expect. The place was really casual. All the waitstaff wore t-shirts and shorts. Our waitress was really friendly. We ordered Buffalo Chicken dip, spicy caramari and a pulled pork sandwich. The food was enjoyable, but not great. The Buffalo Chicken Dip was a rich cheesy dip with Buffalo Chicken chunks in the middle. The pulled pork sandwich was little different than I expected. It was pulled pork, ham, pickle and cheese in a baguette, pressed and grilled. Both the dip and the sandwich were salty enough, but did not have enough flavor to it. The caramari was pretty good, but some of the pieces were over-fried. And the marinara sauce was just meh. We really liked the friendly service. The food was not bad, but not great.
(4)Adam C.
Great beer, good food. It's hard to find a place that delivers in both the drinks and food category. Many places have one or the other. Dogfish Head has great beer and their food is what you'd expect from a pub. If you are looking for a fancy meal, head to a place like Sweetwater, but for a large selection of craft beers and solid food, Dogfish Head can't be beat. I would pick this place over Mad Fox any day, and if I wanted a steak I'd head to Sweetwater but for a sandwich and a beer, its Dogfish Head.
(4)Nikki W.
Great beer, food and pretty decent service! If you have never been here, I recommend trying the beer sampler. The burgers and pizza are really yummy! Oh and I like the hummus appetizer. The bar area can get kind of busy, don't worry, it's worth the wait!
(4)Next G.
Great casual atmosphere. Fantastic beers! A great go to place in the area.
(4)Scott G.
Anyone that compares this place to a chain restaurant has their head up their ass. Dogfish Head won my love when I first tried their limited release, Dogfish Head Prescription, in Boston. Anyone that has a palate for good beer knows Dogfish Head is quality. As for the food, I was excited when they opened the Alehouse here since I had been to the one in Rehoboth before. This place has consistently surprised me as having some of the best food in the area. Coming from a small town where home cookin and ethnic foods dominate, my standards are high. Unfortunately, in the DC metro area, great food is near impossible to find. I feel sorry for all of you who think half of these 5-star rated restaurants are great. Your great is our OK. Anyway, back to Dogfish Head... Everything is cooked fresh daily, never frozen. Mind you, everything has an amazing, fresh woodgrilled taste. Again, people comparing this to a chain restaurant are morons. Yes, it's a little on the not-so-hot-for-you side in terms of being health conscious, but when you are feeling the cheat, go here. The blackened chicken sandwich with chipotle mayo is to die for.
(5)Karl H.
love the food but they overcharge for their own beer. also the old uno's layout can get mighty cramped.
(4)Christine R.
pleasantly surprised. I'm writing this via the Strayer student lounge in Arlington (waiting on a friend to get out of class) after a wonderful meal and many heaven and hells at Dogfish. I ended up ordering the Alehouse mac and cheese with medium steak after debating between that and the salmon. I made the right choice. Though a friend didn't have any complaints about his salmon I was looking for the more devilish dish :) I really enjoyed the atmosphere here and will more than likely return without question. And off I go to explore more places!
(4)New to San Pedro C.
The food was better than we expected. Maybe we went in with low standards. They sat us towards the back windows surrounded by screaming, whiny kids. There were tons of kids in the restaurant when we went-5:30 on a Sunday night. That ruined it for us. To pay $60 and have kids screaming around you is not right. My husband did try the beer sampler and loved it though! We all agreed that it was just too loud in there for us (again, Sunday night) and won't be back. It reminded me of Applebees/Chilis like the other reviewer said but pricier.
(3)Brandon H.
The beer here is amazing and the bartenders will pretty much let you sample anything, however, it is cheaper to just go to total wine and buy 6 packs of it. Even with a wait usually you can pop in the bar and find a stool to sit at. Place is not real cheap but if you want really good food and good beer then I highly recommend it. One of my favorite places in the area.
(5)Julie R.
The shrimp tacos new on the menu, are recommended. Amanda and Sid are a great team behind the bar.
(4)Kevin S.
The fish and chips, atmosphere and beer selection won't disappoint! I was pleased there was a nice alternative option outside of the chain breweries in the area.
(4)Stephen S.
This place has good food, especially the burgers, and obviously their beer is great. It has a good atmosphere and good service. I'm a fan!
(4)Eric K.
This place was packed, considering it was a Wednesday night. This was my 2nd trip to this facility, and the food was fairly decent both trips. The wait for a table was rather short. The many types of beer are a big draw to this place... (it is an alehouse after all). I was surprised at the speed of the service based on the crowd that was present. All in all, a worthwhile trip.
(4)Jon B.
I'm new to the area, and have been searching for my 'comfort spot'... my neighborhood bar that I would feel comfortable brining my girl, my best friend, or going to alone. If this place was just a little closer, this would be that place. The obvious perk is the beer selection.... something for everyone. I think the food is great, and the staff and crowd make this a terrific neighborhood bar. If someone knows a better place to grab a beer in the west Falls Church area, I'd love to hear it.
(4)EdWord E.
Absolutely loved this place. Service was great, selection of beer was fantastic (if you are a dogfish fan) and the roast beef with Au Jus was perfect. One of the better roast beef sandwiches I have had this side of Chicago and NYC. A great time was had by all and I recommend this place. 3.5 stars.
(4)Vivian C.
A wonderful place for beers. I actually can't remember what the food was like, but the beers were Awesome. I had the 120 Min IPA and if you are not used to strong alcohol beverages you might want to eat a big plate of bacon before you start drinking this IPA.
(4)Daniel M.
The decor is cute, the place is clean. The food is good, the wings are GREAT! Some of the best I've had and I've been to the Anchor Bar. The beer is among my favorite craft brews. But I have to say, the service is terrific. From the managers to the wait staff, they're always checking to see how you're doing. The 7-Corners location seems like an odd place to put this place, but it gets the job done. The Bethesda one is good too. Pretty soon there will be one in South East DC. I also like that they're a local business. Cheers!
(4)Caroline L.
Love this place - been twice now. The beer is good, the atmosphere is laid back, the food is really great too. The staff seems genuinely interested in sharing their beer recommendations and are knowledgable about them. I suggest the beer sampler - it's so cool, and I liked being able to try so many. Also you can ask for a sample of any beer on tap, which is really nice because it can be hard to decide from the extensive list. Minus one star only because I kind of wish it was an adults only kind of place, lol. Both times I was there though, it was actually a more adult crowd. Also my husband had the mac and cheese, and it seriously is amazing.
(4)D A.
Good drink and food. The Cajun spring rolls. Never had a bad meal there.
(4)Somer P.
This location is WAY better than the one in Maryland! The ambiance is welcoming and fun, and the staff are always nice. Even better - the food and beer are GREAT. I haven't had a meal at Dogfish Head that I didn't love, I especially like the eggrolls appetizer and the Memphis BBQ platter, and their burgers and pizzas are always a good choice! One of my favorite places to eat/drink out!
(5)Quentin B.
Good, all around, consistent place. Staff is generally friendly. Food is better then most bar/pubs. And of course the beer. enough variety to satisfy everyone.
(4)damon n.
F anyone who doesn't love this place. wood fired grill/oven, great beer, fantastic crab cakes..., they need to serve their own alcohol i know they make it!
(5)Frank W.
If you like good (!) beer you need to go here!
(4)Jane P.
Recently enjoyed a weeknight dinner here with friends. As a native Delawarean, I was excited to see that Dogfish Head had expanded beyond the confines of a small brewery in lower-slower-Delaware. I'm a bit behind the times, I know! I was also excited to see that they claim to make the food fresh, not frozen - and they grill a lot of the items on their wood grill. Not in the mood for a large meal, I stuck with veggies and the crab soup. Enjoyed the soup - 4 stars. Good chunks of crab in it, though I think they added the crab after the fact, rather than simmering it into the soup. My friend had the ceasar salad with shrimp - "over the top Ceasar" - and while I didn't think it was that crazy with only 4 shrimp, he enjoyed it. And that's what matters. The menu is interesting, with delicious-sounding twists on old favorites. Decent vegetarian options, too. The chips, fries, and onion rings are all made in-house. The beer selections sound appetizing, and wow, are there a lot of options! I've been told I must return to try the wood-grilled entrees, and I will. For now I'll stick with 3 stars, with the option to add more after my next visit.
(3)TheTruthTeller CheeseEater D.
The food was tasty. The beer was probably OK. My husband and I had a weird interaction with an older gentleman that worked at the restaurant. Couldn't tell if he was manager or owner. Either way I'm in No rush to return. Not like the beer is from Belgium. What I mean to express is your normal brew pubs tend to attract your more..hmm. No way to say without offense. This does not attract your normal brew crowds.
(2)Evan F.
Obviously, this place has a great beer selection. The food on the other hand is good, but could use some work. Its basically like a Friday's or an Applebee's, except they use fresh ingredients, so its a little better for you. The Nachos appetizer was delicious, though. The prices are definitely reasonable. If you want good beer and decent food, come here.
(4)Mike E.
The beer and food are both great at this place, but the real star is the beer. The 60 Min is fantastic and they have a rotating selection of beers to choose from. However, I can't even begin to tell you how much I hate having to go through Seven Corners to get to Dogfish; it has to be the worst intersection in America.
(4)Ernie A.
Had the Chicory Stout (seasonal) and the mac & cheese with steak. Both were delicious. They had live music on this particular night, which was a nice touch. A solid 3-3.5 stars. Nothing crazy over-the-top good, but nice reliable food.
(3)Dan G.
Wife & I debate over which is better Dogfish or Sweetwater! Well, Dogfish has the best beer & the food is gradually catching up on Sweetwater. However, you are going to a brewery, right!?! The Dogfish beer is the best brewery beer in the Northern VA area (sorry Gordon Biersch, Hops, & Sweetwater). I try to make it to Dogfish at least once a month if not more often. They also have live music on certain evenings although sometimes they forget people are actually trying to eat & converse so the volume is cranked up too loud. But you come to a brewery for beer, right? This beer is awesome!!
(5)AngelinaM L.
I'm happy to have this place around the corner from my house...you can get a good beer AND take the kids. The food is fine, alehouse food. I think the one thing it's lacking is a little bit of soul. Don't get me wrong, it's far superior to an Applebee's or a Friday's. But Dogfish is not a big enough chain, yet, to be so...chain-like. Good place for families, a big group, watching the game and drinking a beer. I saw a family with four little ones absolutely trash the place on a busy Sunday night and the servers were completely chill. But if you're going for a date or just wanting something "local,"...Dogfish just needs to connect to its heart a little bit more.
(3)Kris R.
Great Place!! Very relaxing!! Will be going there again!! Walked in around 6:30 this Saturday evening; my wife and I put our name in for a table for two. With a wait of 15-20 min we moved to the bar and found two empty seats on the back side. The bartender staff was outstanding, very courteous and attentive. We are both Miller Lite snobs, so the wide array of brews, IPA's and such did not mater to us. I did have a Boston Iced tea, a spin on a LIT, and my wife had a Malibu n Coke. Very good drinks from a great bar staff. After 20 min, the lights and good vibrations announced that our table was ready. Our server was not only friendly but professional, and on the ball. We decided to start off with the "warm 3 cheese crab dip", and for the main course, "12 ounce NY strip" and the "Mac n Cheese." The dip was excellent, the steak was cooked perfectly (medium for our taste) and the Mac was awesome! The waiter kept the cocktails rollin and one of the managers stopped by to check on our overall experience. After a warm brownie sundae (excellent!) we were on our way. I am not a food critique or a restaurant owner, but I was a waiter for about seven years and very picky about service and experience. Get down there, check it out, have a drink at the bar, order the crab dip and have a good time. Thank you Dogfish, we'll be back, with friends!
(5)Owen P.
Can't go wrong with Dogfish Head beer! I love that stuff. The food here was on par with the beer!
(4)Erin F.
I think this place is great! They have food ranging from pizza to salads to steak dinners - great variety. Great beer. Great atmosphere. Great live music.
(5)Lisa Y.
I love their beer, especially the Midas Touch, which isn't in season right now. I usually go to the one in Gaithersburg, which maybe accounts for the difference in the food, but everything I've had there has been very good. The beach fries are terrific, and the fish and chips are excellent. I really like their slow roasted french dip sandwhich. I've liked everything I've tried there. I haven't tried their wines (they're known for their beer, so why criticize the wine?) or their mixed drinks.
(4)David R.
Dogfish Alehouse is a great addition to the northern Virginia brewpub scene (joining Rock Bottom, Gordon Biersch and Capitol City). The beers need no introduction--anyone who knows about beer knows about Dogfish. The restaurant and bar is in an old Uno's location, in a large unsightly strip mall near Seven Corners. But you don't come to a place like this to take in the sites. (Plus, you can always stumble out and pick up breakfast food for the next morning at Shoppers Food Warehouse). The smoke-free policy is awesome and I love the set up of the bar....a large rectangle with good views on all sides. The service is good (not fantastic), and the food is way above average. Their version of a light beer (Lawnmower) blows every lite beer away.
(4)Jane Z.
Fabulous food, beer, atmosphere, and prices! Best of all, this business gives back to its community. My family and I went to Dogfish Head to attend a fundraiser for Barrett Elementary. It was our first time there, but it won't be our last! Thanks Dogfish for supporting our school -- your food, beer, value, and community spirit have won us as regular customers!
(4)Suzanne M.
Great restaurant, went a couple of times with different groups. Really like the drink menu. Each time I went they had live music. The staff was always nice. The food was alright, I probably didn't order the right thing because everyone I have gone with has really enjoyed there food. Went for St. Patrick's Day last year and had a wonderful time. Very fun and family type atmosphere.
(4)Suzanne P.
This location is the best of the DC metro area. I enjoy the Aprihop beer in the spring and the Pale Ale, Peche, or light in the summer. The food is always good- I've sampled burger, kabobs, pizza and salads, salmon. The woodgrill flavoring is the best part. Look out for some of the beers- they can cost upwards $12 a glass. Monday is $5 burger night. Excellent beer, great food, loudish atmosphere. Nothing to complain about!
(5)Kit R.
Incredible beer, really good food and atmosphere. I'd go with five stars if the locale was a litle more accessible to public transportation, but really that's a minor point. They've done a great job replicating the vibe of the Rehoboth Beach brewpub, and frankly I think the food here has surpassed what I've had in Rehoboth the last few visits. If you're a fizzy yellow beer lover and/or or you don't have an appreciation for extreme brews, this is not the place for you.
(4)Mindy D.
My husband loooooves their beer and was so happy when they opened this restaurant. The beer selections is great for DFH lovers and the food is better than your average TGIF type. My fav is their woodgrilled pizzas. Great place to hang out with friends over strong beers.
(4)Joe L.
Of all the American craft brewers in the ever-expanding scene, Dogfish Head is probably one of the most daring and adventurous, which also might make them the most polarizing. I suspect you either really want to try a beer based on a thousand-year-old recipe found in some Mayan excavation or you really don't. Even their "normal" beer offerings outside the IPAs tend to have some unusual flavor additives like chicory and licorice. I'm not an IPA drinker, but I know theirs are generally considered among the class of that field, for what it's worth. If you come here, you'd better like Dogfish Head beers, since they don't offer any other brands, but they have a wide enough variety that you should find one that pleases you, and they offer sampler flights if you don't fancy a whole pint. The food menu is basic pub fare but it's of a much higher quality than the average dive bar and has lots to choose from, including veggie and gluten-free and whatever other silly dietary restriction you might have. The decor is nothing special, also reminiscent of a thousand chain pubs you might find anywhere. The real draw here is the opportunity to try Dogfish Head beer, including some of their large bottle rarities. For the dedicated craft beer drinker, that alone should make this worth the trip. If you're into wine or cocktails, keep driving to somewhere else in the 'burbs.
(4)Joanna M.
I have not tried the food here or any other Dogfish Head Alehouse location but if you like beer and you like Dogfish Head Ales, you gotta come have a beer! Sunday Football and beer. Great excuse to procrastinate and divert from grocery shopping! Love their beer and friendly bartenders.
(4)Devon M.
A regular spot for us, we love the beer, the food, the company and the staff. They have frequent delicious beer dinners and always have fun and innovative food specials. I highly recommend the blackened chicken in any form, it is out of this world! You can't forget the main reason for stopping by - the BEER! They always have a great selection of DFH craft brews and you can bring in growlers to fill also. The bar area is large, and they have plenty of space to bring your crowd with you too. Highly recommend!
(5)Michael G.
I went to dogfish today to partake in its Happy Hour, feeling like a beer and pizza at their reduced prices. I hadn't been there in a few months and checked their website to read that all HR apps were $2.00 off, including pizza. Upon being seated and asking for the happy hour menu, I was told that only wings and nachos were on reduced price, contrary to what I had just read on their website. Perplexed, I asked ... "Are you sure? I understood that pizza was included." The waiter insisted that such was not the case. After drinking my beer and on the way out, I asked a member of their host desk about the disparity of the website and the waiter's response, and the host said the waiter was wrong. I could have gone to a dozen different establishments for HR. The next times I will.
(2)Kirk S.
This place could quite literally sell dog poop and, as long as they sold their beer, I'd be stoked. Good thing the food is also pretty tasty. Real talk: you literally cannot screw up a Dogfish Head beer selection. Even as someone who fervently hates IPAs and the hipsters who drink them, the Dogfish Head 60-, 90-, and 120-minute IPAs are masterpieces in their own right. Their worldwide stout is life-changing. Hell, you could randomly point at a beer on their menu and have a life-affirming experience. The beer is that good. The food is pub fare, but that doesn't mean it isn't good. Their crab cake sandwich is pretty awesome. Everything is appropriately greasy to go well with the beer, which you should order with reckless abandon. If I weren't a beer person, I could see giving this place a 3 stars, so be warned - outside the drinks, this place is pretty average. But, c'mon, this is Dogfish Head, you shouldn't be going here unless you're stoked on beer in the first place.
(5)Roberto L.
Love the burgers and appetizers! Good choices of beer to pick or you can try a sample which is the best choice if it is your first time trying Dogfish head. Service is really good! Highly recommended!
(5)Jill G.
I live close to hear and was always curious driving by so we stopped in for a Friday night. We like to drink beer but are not "beer people", so the review is for everything but what they're known for I guess! Large, clean restaurant with friendly, quick service. We ordered and shared the buffalo chicken dip and BBQ burger and left feeling stuffed. It's good, American comfort food. A step above an Applebee's or TGIF's, but nothing too special. An easy place to stop if you're needing a fill.
(3)Daniel T.
Went here in a party of 8 on a weekday. For the most part, they have great reviews for their beers. My review is for their food and service. They messed up 3 of our orders - forgot to add mushrooms in a burger, added incorrect topping on a pizza, overcooked meat. The service was OK for the most part. I did not like the fact that there were a small group of servers standing around nearby our table. I don't like being "watched" while I eat. The food was pretty good for "bar food." Would I return? Only if there were no better options present and I was really hungry.
(3)Megan E.
Maybe I'm bitter, but I expected something more from dogfish head. I expected a least one or two beers on tap that I can't get in the store. The menu is pretty decent as long as your not vegan. If you are vegan there are only a few options for you. The hummus which was delicious and came with yummy grilled pita bread, and then I had a salad. I wanted to get black beans but they are soaked in chicken? Idk some sort of broth. The t-shirts are hung in a manner that if there is a crowed you can't see them. I guess I thought Dogfish would be more user friendly. I've been to some bigger name brewery/pubs and they just have a whole different feel. Dogfish head FELT like I was at any other chain restaurant that just happened to have dogfish head on draft.
(3)Euge L.
I've been here at least 30 times and bring my family, visiting friends and Uncle Joe. I come for the beer and for the food. The beer is one of my favorites. I could drink Raison D'etre all day long (well not REALLY but you know what I mean) and the food is consistently good. The decor is fun- a mix of beer posters and fishing gear. It's whimsical but not over the top; you don't poke your eye out walking past a swordfish or have to stare at a 80's LP cover. The place is kept clean. They have a bar and a restaurant side. If you are swinging through town and need a comfortable place with kick ass beer, this is the place. Or if you are like me and live nearby, this restaurant is worthy of being your neighborhood haunt. The service is always cheerful and quick. You get recognized as regulars by most of the waitstaff and often get a nice hello and how are ya? Standouts include Carlos and Napoleon, servers par excellence. The servers seem to stay and work here for a while which is a good thing. The beer, well they specialize in beer. The servers can really talk about the beer and will give you free sips to try it out. I like the beer samplers where you get a 4oz glass of Indian Brown Ale, 60 Minute IPA, 90 Minute IPA, Raison D'Etre, Chichory Stout and a seaonal brew. They really go out of their way to develop interesting beers that are made for the love of beer, not to sell beer. They made beer from ancient recipes from Egypt and China, Ta Henket and Chateau Jiahu respectively. They have a great Pumpkin ale every year as well as a peach brew. Mmm Dogfish Head Beer. The food is consistently good. I have not gone here and had a bad meal. What I like is to be able to return again and again and have a the same awesome burger. I could go right now and have a BBQ burger that *always* satisfies. I have had their BBQ burger about 15 times and boy it rocks. The appetizers are filling and tasty. The kids meals are big. My kid gets the pasta or the steak. You can ask for applesauce too! For apps the calamari and the spring rolls never last on the table. The wings they rolled out in the past couple years, with a bunch of different sauces, and pretty darn good. The humus plate is huge! Share it or you'll fill up on pita and carrots! I could go right now and have a BBQ burger that *always* satisfies. I have had their BBQ burger about 15 times and boy it rocks. The burgers are always perfectly grilled, nicely appointed with cheese, bacon and BBQ sauce and the tasty fries are crisp and soft. The mac and cheese and the jambalaya are yummy and filling. It's not always a heart attack- we have enjoyed the grilled artichoke appetizers on more than one occasion but ask for the balsamic on the side and make sure the chokes are a little charred. The salads are big and tasty, but not rave worthy. I guess they don't go well with beer. ;) But the lettuce has been always clean and not wilty. Dogfish Head offers special every night that come and go but usually stick around for a week or two. There is a burger special of the week which are interesting and worth a try. In the spring there is a St Patty's lean to the specials with delicious corned beef and cabbage and shepherd's pie. You may also come in and they have a special on fish tacos. Those fish tacos may be so popular that it becomes a regular on the menu. Oh wait that did happen. :) So, clearly the chefs think about their offerings, listen to the feedback from the servers and customers and adjust their menu accordingly. So come for the great beer, yummy food, friendly staff and just overall good vibes of this restaurant. You'll be back! Oh, and Thursday are often FREE PINT GLASS NIGHT! RUN!
(5)Chow N.
Go for the beer, not the food. I had the pulled pork sandwich. It was quite blah.
(2)Zach H.
God, this place is good. I tried the beer sampler, which included seven glasses (way bigger than the 4oz advertised) of pure heaven. The 120 minute IPA was overwhelmingly good. Also, I had a burger that blew my mind, I believe it had gorgonzola on it, but at that point I was about six samples in and I was wasted out of my face hole. I haven't spent much time in the DC area, but my impression was that of $9 drinks and snotty asses in suits and cellophane, so this was particularly refreshing. Go there and be sure to peruse the seasonal beer menu - it's awesome.
(5)Juliet K.
the service was great and the food was great. we ordered the crab dip since it was receommended but it definitely DID NOT compare to mike's american grills. and then i ordered the rockfish which was absolutely to die for. and my bf ordered the prime rib, which im really not a fan of... so i didnt like it that much, but he thought it was tasty. all the sides that came with the dinner was absolutely great too. i would def recommend this place and i plan on returning to try other things on the menu that sounded yummy!!!
(4)Mandy S.
Stopped here during a business trip. Food was good. I went on the recommendation of the bartender, grouper sandwich. And fresh made potato chips. Both were awesome! There was a lot food. The beer was pretty good too. I did the flight that was a nice array of their beers. Overall, good place with a good atmosphere.
(4)Rob B.
So let's start with the location, it's sooo over due for something intriguing and worth going to, thank you Dogfish Partners for opening this unit! Well, I stop in here for a quick beer so I could say that I was first to Yelp. In return, I ended up having a few more with a DFHA partner and chatting about the business. You should know by my star rating that I will have no negative remarks, The Beer is some of the best the East has to offer, no questions asked! This once small brewery has now grown into a restaurant partnership that will have no problem with growth in the future. If you have been to the Delaware store then you know the food is an 8.5-9, that is how DFHA serves their product (food). Now, keep in mind that they just had their soft opening, meaning service may not be a ten. In short, they have a great menu and it will match most customers taste. Personally, I'm going to dinner there this weekend and will report back after. PS. No Smoking Update 09-28-07 So I took the day off and ended up having lunch at DFHA. On the menu for me was the Bacon Cheddar Burger cooked over a wood fire grill to a medium rare temp. In my opinion it should have BBQ sauce serve on top or on the side. Besides that, it was perfect for a pub burger; the bun is also wood grilled to. So when chatting with a manager, he inform me that in his opinion, the fish dishes are some of the best products they serve, umm a must try for next time. Also on the menu is their wood oven pizza's, now to be honest I haven't try the pizza but they do sound great. My only wish is that DFHA would start a mug club here so I could feel like I'm part of the wave. Wow, looking at the time and I've been here for two in a half hours drinking many beers and probably should get out of here before HH at 4pm. That's all for now, get out here and enjoy some DFHA house dinning! PS. DFHA Unsecured Wireless Network, plus Punkin Ale on draft!
(5)Allan N.
Much better than the previous occupant, Uno's Pizza. The wide selection of fantastic beers is very nice. Happy hour is a pretty good deal, $1.50 off all drafts. Get here early if happy hour is your plan because it gets packed. At least it was packed yesterday evening (friday). I'm sure monday - wednesday isn't as bad. This is a good alternative to Sweetwater, but it could stand to use a little more bar space. But since it took over an existing space, what can you do? I had a grilled chicken salad so I can't really comment on food. It was a decent salad, but my chicken portions were quite small. I'm used to the mound of salad & chicken you get at Sweetwater. My friend, a beer nerd, almost had an orgasm after every beer he had. Don't come here for Miller Lites.
(4)Kristen B.
Fantastic beer, and great "beer food" I'm a huge fan of dogfish beers (60 minute is probably my favorite. . .always have it on hand at my house!) There black and tans are amazing, strong coffee tones. I really enjoyed their chili which has an interesting spin with added blue cheese. The burgers are also good and even the veggie portabella mushroom burger was tasty. Their beer menu can be quite overwhelming and the staff is very helpful when it comes to explaining the menu and giving advice on the best beer for your palate.
(5)Eric P.
I love the beer, but was unsure what to expect with the food. How good can a brewery's restaurant chain possibly be? Well, needless to say, I thought it was pretty damn good. I almost forgot I was in a strip mall in NOVA!
(4)Rachel P.
it was deelicious! for a thursday night, the place was quite full, but the wait wasn't long at all. i tried going on a weekend one time, and the wait was at least an hour. my friend and i split the chateau jiahu beer, which was quite fancy! it came in a bottle like wine. it was a really nice, smooth, medium beer. not too carbonated, but it was pretty strong, hehe. i highly recommend it. we were disappointed the pumpkin ale, their fall beer, was apparently already out of stock. i hope the waiter just meant for the time, and not for the season already! then we all split some calamari as appetizer, and i have to say it was very mediocre. they're the very small ringed calamari, which isn't the type i prefer. i probably wouldn't order that appetizer again, but will try another in the future. i had the dogfish trio, which i really liked. two types of fish, and huge shrimp, all deep fried, comes with cole slaw and fries. it was a VERY generous plate. i was starving, and i could barely finish it. i actually kept eating, b/c it was so yummy. i probably could have stopped halfway and have been satisifed, not to mention have some leftovers. it's a bit loud in the restaurant, but in a way it makes for cozy, atmosphere b/c everyone seemed to be having a very good time. there was even some shouting and clapping coming from the bar :) all in all, a great dinner at a great new restaurant. can't wait to go back and try other dishes!
(5)Lindsay S.
we hit this place up a few times a month. great beer and solid food. the beers change, but the standards are always there. my hubby loves the raison d'etre and i like the midas touch. as far as the food goes....good wings, good salad, good pizza. the mac and cheese is delish. as is the burger. annnd the fries, they are great. stay away from the pulled pork sandwich, it was kind of dry and not very tasty.
(4)meghan M.
Dogfish Head beer is a great brewery and this restaurant usually has a good variety on tap. I've been once or twice when they've been out of 2 or 3 on their list, which is a bummer. The food is pretty good too. I like the pizzas and the salmon sandwich. It always seems to be crowded (a lot of families) but I've never had to wait more than 15 minutes for a table, even with a larger group. It's in Falls Church which means it's not that close to a metro but worth it for a beer or two and a decent dinner.
(4)Andrew F.
Love it! Very good food, excellent beer (75 Minute is my favorite), and very reasonable prices.
(4)Marie T.
I originally wanted to go here because I thought that this place had good bread. Turns out they don't serve bread at all!! I did not hold that against them. Though I heard the beer is pretty good, the food was mediocre. I had the salmon and my fiancee had the NY strip. Both were pretty bland. Also, they didn't really have any good bar food or appetizers either.
(2)Alan P.
I like the place, but TONS of food. Good value but you feel guilty not eating the GIGANTIC portions. Salads are bigger than your head. Good food and nice servers, though. There are worse things to complain about than large portions. . .
(4)Lily Z.
The beers are great. I usually go for the IPA and my husband likes the Raison d'Etre. I thought their crab dip was good, but the pizza didn't do it for me. The onion was almost raw and the crust was thin but it resembled more like a tortilla than neapolitan pizza crust. Its also right by Hong Kong Palace, so its nice to go for the happy hour and then head to Hong Kong Palace for some authentic Sichuan cuisine.
(4)MARY T.
This place is LOUD, otherwise I'd give it more stars. You really can't hear across the table, but the food is so good, I don't really care. Let me say, I'm not a beer lover, but I LOVE this place. The waitstaff is really knowledgeable about the brew selection and, heck, if you don't know, get a flight for $9 (that's a lot of good beer, folks). I have never ordered anything I didn't like, but I like some things more than others, namely: (1) crab dip - if this dish were a woman, I'd be jealous of my husband's affections for it (2) Alehouse BBQ burger - it's for two people, seriously - bacon, bbq sauce, two patties, fried onions...hello, heaven (3) any of their wood-fired pizzas. Who knew carbon could taste so good?
(4)Adam R.
I usually stop at Dogfish once a week for their happy hour after work. Their parking lot fills up quick, so you might be forced to park in the dreaded Shoppers parking lot - avoid it at all costs. I usually drink the 60 minute because it has that bold flavor with a crisp aftertaste. The alcohol content in these beers is quite high, so keep that in mind before you start putting them down like water! Burgers are $2 off on Mondays and they are worth every penny. They put a nice sear on the burger so you get some good flavor. I've had the salmon before and wasn't the biggest fan (I think I can make it better :P) but it was good. The staff are extremely nice and for as many times as I have been there, I can't recall having any complaints about the service. Great place, moderately high prices but definitely a better choice than TGI Fridays or Ruby Tuesday's.
(3)Christopher H.
Having experienced the joy of Dogfish Head beer and having passed by this restaurant on Rt. 7, I said to myself, "Self, we need to go there." So tonight a couple friends of mine and I did just that. We were not disappointed. Far from it! They had been there before, but I had not. We got a great server (Stacy) who was very fun, knowledgeable about their beer and their food menu, patient as we waited for one of our party, and just overall pleasant. I was unsure as to which beer I should get and she generously brought out "taster" portions of two of them which aided my decision. I had described to her what I liked and she was able to suggest one (Palo Santo Marron) that really fit the bill. I had read the reviews about the food and was skeptical (but unhesitant to visit the restaurant simply due to the stunning beer!). I got the Steak Bomb Sandwich and my friends got a burger and the chicken breast. There were no complaints... my sandwich was perfectly delightful and the "beach fries" were perfection (and I don't say that lightly). Now, I've been to the Sweetwater Tavern nearby in Merrifield and enjoyed that as well (a much larger place, great beer, delicious food)... someone else mentioned Hops as being better than Dogfish Head, though, and I couldn't disagree more. Hops used to be wonderful but went way downhill several years ago such that I'd never return. I'll definitely go back to Dogfish Head Alehouse though!
(4)Elaine K.
I'm in love. It's rare that I return to a restaurant over and over again, but Dogfish Head Alehouse has me coming back whenever I can. The beer is awesome. They have a few staples that are always there, and they rotate seasonals/more rare brews. Happy hour is great, and the beer specials are available at all of the tables as well as at the bar. They have everything from the Lawnmower ale (light beer that's actually good) to their World Wide Stout and 120 minute IPA that are about 18%abv. Of course, 60 minute and 90 minute are always on tap. I'm a huge fan of their beer. It's mostly real beer with strong flavors... Sam is a genius brewmaster. The food is fantastic. There's a lot of variety, and they have specials that change regularly. I've enjoyed everything I've eaten there. There's everything from sandwiches, salads, full entrees and pizzas. They're good with substitutions and food allergies, too. The staff actually seems to care! I've been there when someones meal came with the sauerkraut they asked be left off. The waitress realized her mistake, fixed it, and took our appetizer off the check... We didn't even complain or ask her to do it. I've also been there when service was slow because they were hellishly busy, and had a round of beers taken off the check, again without complaint. They really strive to keep the customer happy without waiting for complaints to fix things. That's simply amazing customer service that you just can't find most places. That is one of the huge factors that gets my repeated business.
(5)Ghengis K.
Their beer is delicious (try the Raison D'Etra). I'm always on the lookout for craft brewery-type restaurants, and even though this place doesn't brew the beer on-site, it is still very tasty. The food comes in at a close second to Sweetwater Tavern, and they have a large menu. Waiters are a little pushy with trying to get you to buy appetizers and drinks, but other than that, a great place for a casual evening.
(4)Stephen P.
Go here for the beer, but I highly recommend skipping the food
(3)Michelle S.
The crab soup is awesome! Lots of crab and lots of flavor! We also shared the chicken & shrimp sandwich which was also very good. The beer was fantastic! Nice choices - there is something for everyone if you're not sure which one to have order a sampler or just ask for samples they'll let you try them. Everyone was friendly - staff and other patrons!
(4)Karena B.
One of the best Brew Pubs in the US of A... I went to the one in Rehoboth and it was to die for. The food was succulent- I recomend The Warm Crab Dip, the Calamari, The Dogpile And I had a Woodgrilled Pizza for the dinner portion. I tired all the beers in their sample sizes, and then settle on a couple of them. The atmosphere, the pub mentality, and the earthiness of the place was the kicker. I recommend, do you hear me - RECOMMEND you go. I plan on visiting the resturant in 7 Corners very soon. Stay tuned for my review of that location.
(5)Sean F.
Our Neighborhood Watering Hole! We visit this place at least once a week, since it is the only decent non-ethnic restaurant anywhere near our house. The service is great, although the servers maybe hitting the bong a little too often, as they ask us "First time here?" even though we had the same server the night before. Just saying. Good for kids too. Food is good, and they change the specials every few weeks. Happy hour prices make for good deals on beer, pizza and wine by the glass (But not the bottle). Parking can be tight on busy nights, but you can just go further into the parking lot and then run for your life to avoid being mowed over by the bad drivers that frequent the local Shoppers. Best part? The beer, of course. I prefer the 60 or 90 - throw down a few of those and a healthy buzz awaits you.
(4)Robert R.
A perfectly adequate alternative to Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday's, or TGIFriday's. With much much better beer available. Service is about the same as what's listed above. The food is again, about the same. Not fresh, not delicate, just hearty average fare. But the beer, good God almighty the beer. They've got everything, including several beers you can't find anywhere else. Normally I would give such a place two stars, but the beer pulls it up a decent way. Prices, however, are not as low as they should be. I wouldn't mind paying more for the beer, but they hit you with the regular food too, and it's just not worth it. Good for hop heads, otherwise don' t bother.
(3)Loesje T.
Add me to the list of affecionados. It has the best beer in America, great food and wonderful employees. The regular patrons are welcoming and it's always fun. The bartenders are the best in the area and you can be sure we will nominate them for an award when the time comes. Love the salmon caesar salad. One of the best caesar salads I've ever tasted. A great, local spot that is expanding due to a die-hard following!
(5)phleg m.
I wish I'd had a better experience here. I really wanted to because I love the comfy vibe, the decent beer, the bar crowd... But after enduring a truly sh_tty menu for visit after visit (a hockey puck burger; a bag salad, and truly POS beef stew)...I just can't overlook the obvious. The service is friendly and affable, ...but slow and a bit clueless. There are much better choices in the neighborhood or just a short drive away.
(2)David M.
I ate lunch here with co-workers. This is a great environment, nice interior. They make their own beers and have many seasonal selections of beers listed. I want to come back for drinks if I can. But we were here for lunch. The food was really just OK. I had their beer battered fish and chips. I expected traditional beer batter but found it was thick hard batter on the fish. I did not even eat it all. They supposedly use fresh fish, but the fish was thin and soaked in oil. Not too good. My fries were acceptable, a co-workers were burnt. You could tell just by looking at them. Their 'house made' cole slaw was just so-so. Everyone agreed the food was just 'meh' OK. I would not return for the food though I would like to try their beers. Service met my expectations.
(2)Peter M.
It is ridiculous to mention, but the beer is quite excellent. So no matter what, if you like great beer you will enjoy the visit. The food is really great, too. The burgers get recommended by the staff and they are a treat. For me, the icing on the cake is the smokey smell that permeates the parking lot and the interior. It is Pavlovian to the salivary glands. Finally, if you go, have your friend's pregnant wife drive. The beers range in alcohol from 4.5% through 12% plus and you will surely want to sample them all!
(4)Rob S.
Love that the meal I shared with my wife was split and brought out on 2 plates. Great service and friendly!
(5)Marc L.
Solid 4 stars. The Namaste on tap (belgian style white) was really tasty and a little pricey, but that didn't stop me from having 4. Some of the best bar food Ive had in a long time- both in Atlanta and the DMV. The old bay wings with blue cheese were cooked perfectly and full of flavor; finger licking good. Thank god for the little wet nap. The reuben was just as good. Service at the bar was attentive and the guys were friendly. Will definitely be back.
(4)Jeff W.
Dogfish Head is the very definition of overrated. People come in here and think that the beer is good just because of the pompous "beer geek" vibe that they saturate the place with. First off, if you don't like IPAs then you probably won't find much here. Every single beer is some kind of IPA, or a blend. I'm a big beer fan, but don't like overly hoppy beers, and that seems to be all that they serve here. Also, the bartenders have a bit too much of the cool guy asshole thing going for them. No one is friendly or helpful and many can come across as insulting and condescending if you don't prove that you're a beer geek who gets off on beer that tastes like battery acid. Food is adequate, but horribly overpriced. The appetizers are a good deal, but anything else is a waste of money. If you must order food, I'd suggest just sticking with appetizers. The hummus dip was pretty good, and they give you a lot of pita wedges. My final complaint is their absurd beer pricings. They show a list of the beers they have, and you kind of assume that, like other brewpubs, it's all the same price. Well that's a false assumption because the beer I ordered happened to be $10.25 while everything else was $5. I couldn't believe it when the bill came and when I asked about it, cool guy asshole gave me a very formulaic "I apologize" and briefly gave me the beer geek pricing scheme, where anything over a certain percentage alcohol was a little higher. Well, gee, thanks for informing me that I'd be paying $10.25 for a tiny snifter of beer before I ordered. They really need to make it clear when a premium will be charged. I likely never will return here as I can buy pretty much all of their offerings at Total Wine. Not that I'd have any interest in their overpriced battery acid anyway.
(2)Laura V.
Not bad. Not bad a'tall. Interesting place, this Dogfish Head in the middle of a 7 Corners strip mall... So I recently came here with a date at his suggestion. I had never been, heard great things, and plus, it's got beer. I like beer. We get lucky and snag a table pretty quickly. Now, let's get down to the business of the beer. Side note: Prior to coming here, my date and I had made a wager over something. The loser had to tell the server, "I have a hairy ass." Shortly after we're seated, our server comes to greet us. He looked like he was hardly old enough to be driving, let alone serving us beer, but I digress. My date informs him that he has a hairy ass. Server takes it in stride and make a crack about knowing a good waxer. Bonus points for our server. He turned out to be extremely knowledgable about their beers, how they were made, and had some fantastic suggestions. He rocked. So, I got the Alehouse 75. It's a blend of their 60 minute and 90 minute IPAs. Delish. Wonderfully hoppy, slightly caramelly, absolutely great. Date has the pale ale and his was also good. Food was fantastic. I was expecting bar type food, but this was really good. I had one of the most interesting sandwiches I've tasted. It was basically a blackened Mahi-mahi reuben. All the fixings of a reuben with perfectly cooked mahi-mahi instead of corned beef. This sandwich was heaven. It was gloppy and messy and delicious. My date had the blackened chicken sandwich, which I'm assuming was good since I only saw it on his plate for about 4 minutes. Both sandwiches were huge and one would definitely be enough for two people to share if you wanted to start with an appetizer, soup, or a salad. After we both went through enough napkins to kill about 3 trees, we decided to order another round of beers instead of dessert. Heck, that Alehouse 75 WAS treat enough to be dessert. Prices were reasonable. Atmosphere was really cool. I look forward to coming back here in the future. Great beer, yummy food, cool servers that go along with your bad jokes...Definitely a spot I would give my repeat business.
(4)Vinicio C.
Good Chili and Salad.
(3)Amanda M.
The food and beer are awesome! I'm not a beer drinker but I love their beer!! The atmosphere is upbeat. My favorite thing on the menu is the jambalaya. I love the sauce so much I'd eat it over anything!
(5)Dave S.
The beer was good, unique, plenty of quality choice. The food was acceptable, however...... After finishing the fried calamari (second time around after returning the first cold batch) we noticed something on the bottom of the dipping sauce cup. It was a fry. We didn't have fries! A throw away apology from the bar staff, no comp or consideration so we made good with a bunch of their fancy coasters. We may stick with getting the beer from the shop but leave the restaurant alone. If you venture here, dig deep on the sauce cups before eating or leave a Halloween finger in there and watch for the next post.
(1)Kathy P.
My hubby and I went to this place cause he is a major beer guy and had to try some of what they offered. The beer was decent... but not worth the much dinero spent on it. The food... ah that leaves much to desired. We ordered a Calamari for an appetizer and it was total rubber- like hard to even chew and choke down. We did talk to the manager and he promptly replaced it, sadly with another rubbery calamari. Then he jsut removed it from the check. The service here, for us, was stellar, the beer good, the food sucked.
(3)Danforth Ridgewell Rutherford V.
Very solid. Went here with three coworkers and got three very positive responses on the food they were eating. The fourth was a "ya, it's pretty good" type of a review, which I immediately removed from the average because it was a guy eating a salad. Here's what I can vouch for -- the chicken sandwiches, and the portobello mushroom sandwich. The calamari was excellent -- they serve it with banana peppers, and the breading seems better than most places. The beer got kudos all around. Definitely recommend when you are looking for decent quality pub food with some real beer.
(5)Joye P.
Only beer connoisseurs should be allowed in the door. When I walked in, the place smelled wonderful - faintly of smoking barbeque or baking bread, and newly chopped wood. It's all about the beer, folks. Dogfish Head is a regional brew; it's made in Milton, Delaware, just a stone's throw from Dewey Beach debauchery. The irreverent attitude is apparent in the high-alcohol beers. Note that many regular beers are about 5% alcohol by volume. I went last night and tried the Old Skool Barley Wine (15.05% abv) and the Indian Brown Ale (7.2% abv). The barley wine was served in a snifter glass. It was sweet, smoky, and had hints of dates and dried fruits. The nose was very perfumey. The Indian Brown Ale had a wonderful toasty flavor. It's dark, but not too heavy. I tasted the pizza named "Simple Inquiry," that had a thin, crispy crust, pesto, and sliced tomatoes. It was good. Really, it IS all about the beer. DFH is a brewery, so the food is secondary. I think that their beers are better than anyone else's. The brewers take painstaking care in their craft. They use centuries-old recipes. They make experimental kegs with wild flavors. Almost all are tasty. I highly recommend and can't wait to go back!
(5)Dustimothy W.
Always delicious food and the beer is sponge worthy. Staff is always super attentive and friendly as well. I recommend the spring salad and fish and chips.
(4)shawn g.
The Dogfish Alehouse is a great place to meet up with friends, and we managed to get a party of ten seated in under an hour. We had time for about two pints at the bar, and they had our table ready. Service was really good considering how packed the place was. Don't expect to get a seat anywhere without a wait on a Saturday evening. Menu is pretty standard, and it's best to have at least one beer before ordering. Live Music sometimes too!
(4)Freddy P.
This place has great food. O yeah the beer.
(5)Rod C.
Excellent quality-crafted beers, but eat later because the food is horrible. HAPPY HOUR from 4-7 on weekdays. Drinking only spot. The beers are made with quality ingredients and well designed. They are nice and strong ranging from 5-18%. Excellent beers in contrast to the amateurish sugary crap beers sold at places like Capitol Brewery, Rock Bottom, Gordon Birsch etc.
(4)Jesse W.
The beer here deserves a 5 however the food brings it down to a three. I find the food to be hit or miss except for the fries which for the most part are always bad. With that said there are some consistent hits such as the Crabcake sandwich and the Mac and Cheese.
(3)Jessica T.
I had such a disappointing night here. I heard they had a great gluten free menu, and even brewed their own gluten free beer. I was so excited to go, that's a real treat for someone with celiac. We get there and I order the gluten free beer. Waiter comes back, they are out. I reluctantly order the cider. Waiter comes back, out of that as well. So, I get to enjoy diet Pepsi. Then I order a burger which was what I was really looking forward to, and of course, the waiter comes back and they are out of buns! Seriously?! So I get the menu again and have to order something I don't really even want. I ordered the crab dip, but tell the waiter I only want it if he can bring it out with tortilla chips; I asked him if he could check on the chip ingredients. I ever hear back from the waiter, and I get hot crab dip with carrots. Seriously. Gross. When I'm hungry, I get near weepy, I couldn't even handle this series of events at this point. I just took the crab dip home and stopped at Westover for chips and gluten free beer so I could eat at home. We spent $100.00 for our family of four, and I couldn't even eat mine. And no manager in site. Such a terrible experience, I wouldn't in a million ever go back.
(1)alissa j.
The staff at this location makes it. Sit in the bar area. I love going there for a few beers and a nice WELL made salad after work. Great for a Beer date and they seem to be really accomodating for larger groups. I really enjoy my times spent at DFH.
(5)Ralph F.
Went in already knowing I love Dogfish Head beers, so I was biased from the get-go, but I was extremely impressed with this place. Draft beer selection was top-notch, service was quick, efficient, and friendly, and the food was outstanding. Midas Touch on tap? YES please.
(5)Juan G.
Good ol American craft beer. Good food. Chill setting.
(5)Boui K.
came here for a friends bday. They had a great selection of beers and I wasn't much a fan of IPA's until my friend ordered me the 90min, WOW! that was a great tasting beer. It was really packed on a saturday night too so I didnt want to order any food so I just stuck with the beers. I look forward on coming back for another friend's bday.
(4)Ben V.
I loved this place. It was packed on a Thursday night when we went and we waited for 45 minutes to get a table, but it was worth it. The food was top notch and of course the beer was amazing. It was loud because of all the people but once the band started it got a bit more mellow (also could be all the beer I drank that made me think that or just not care). Really great waitress. Can't wait to go back or try the other DFH alehouses.
(5)Jennifer C.
Kind of just a typical bad food and beer joint. Nothing special, but nothing terrible either.
(3)PC W.
Dogfish Head beers have an excellent reputation. As a non-beer drinker, I can't comment. As a yelper, I can certainly comment on the food and service. It was a lackluster experience. I had a light dinner earlier in the evening so I ordered a bowl of the cream of crab soup. Whatever little bit of crab meat that topped the soup was seasoned with old bay, blech. The soup itself had no crab in it, it was pure filler - I tasted bits of onion and celery. It had the consistency and taste of a clam chowder without the clam and potatoes. I could only get through half of it, I couldn't bring myself to ingest anymore. I also asked for a water when I put in my order. It took about 25 minutes for the waiter to come back with it. This was after I finished the soup. When it was time to get the check, we had to wait a good while and flag the waiter down. It wasn't even busy at that point in the night. Anyways, here's some useful information if you've read this far: - it's a non-smoking establishment - Happy Hour is Monday - Friday 4 - 7 pm * $1.50 Off all Drafts * $1.00 Off all Dogtails, Dogtinis, Bottled Beer and Wine * $2.00 Off All Appetizers and Pizzas
(2)andrew h.
It's great not to have to drive to the Delaware beaches to drink, fresh, unpasteurized goodness of Dogfish Head beers. We sat in the quasi-bar space and had a couple of sandwiches and a couple of beers before heading off for brewing supplies across the street at MLHBS(review here yelp.com/biz/my-local-ho… ). The Reuben was a bit disappointing, mostly just the bread as I guess I've gotten used to the greek diner version which is slathered with margarine and grilled on a griddle. Service was attentive and friendly and we were in and out quickly. An excellent way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Note that we saw a pile of small kids (with their folks) there on a Saturday at 3 pm, so it looks plenty family friendly, if your not there late
(4)C J.
Gotta say I think this place is overrated! I went here on the opening weekend, so of course it was REALLY busy. We sat at the bar (which we would have done anyway) and started with a beer or two (the beer is quite decent, if you come here, let it be for the beer!). We then ordered food, which is expensive for what it is AND it wasn't very good AND it made both of us sick the next day. AND they double charged our credit card. All of this maybe could have been forgiven if the customer service was stellar... but it was not. So sorry Dogfish Head Alehouse, you might have good beer, but you can't stand on that alone!
(2)K B.
Great food, great service. The service is fantastic and very kid friendly. The food is varied and I've never had anything I didn't like. The kid options range from pizza and burgers to buttery noodles and mac and cheese - an it's all fantastic. My favorite fish sandwich on the east coast - the IPA Grouper.
(5)Steve P.
If you are a beer lover, than the Dogfish Head Alehouse is where you want to be. It's a converted UNO's that has a mesquite fragrance radiating throughout the restaurant from the kitchen; the smell won't stick to your clothes in this non-smoking establishment. They offer a beer sampler which I would recommend if you've never tried their brews. I started with the 90 minute IPA since it's the hoppiest they have. I've heard that in a recent study, hopps has more antioxidants and cancer fighting agents than vitamin E; this is reason enough for me to drink. The hoppiness comes from its title since it's fermented in hopps for 90 minutes. I would consider it a sipping beer that contains 9% alcohol, so you can get banged up pretty easily after a couple of these tasty beverages. The price is a little steep, $6.50 for half a draft...this is worse than what Daniel Snyder charges for a beer at a Skin's game; however, the quality of the 90 min. IPA is far superior. The next beer I tried was the Chateau Jiahu. The recipe for this beer with a bite is a 9000 year old Chinese one that's brewed with rice, honey and fruit. While the fruit and honey gives it its initial sweetness, the rice flavor gives the aftertaste a bit of a bite. I would almost compare it to a sweeter coconut wine that's common in the Philippines called Tuba. Other beers I samples include the Midas Touch and Raison Detre. Both are sweet beers with lots of flavor. I would consider the Raison Detre the best bang for the buck based on the alcohol %: price ratio. For dinner I had the Turkey Club with Avocado Sandwich. In general I would describe their entre selections as high end bar food. All that being said, I can't wait to go back for more!!!!
(4)Anson P.
The beer here is pretty good. Good alcohol content. The food, however, is nothing to write home about. If you come here, come to get your drink on. The black and tan was pretty good and the aprihop was both strong and had a hint of fruit flavor. I had a fried chicken salad that was ok. The bbq chicken salad is better at Cheesecake Factory. My friend had a burger. He said it was alright. Most of the menu is typical bar fare. There is plenty of parking but all of Seven Corners sucks at rush hour. This is a good place to hide out until rush hour dies down. The beer is priced at around 5 dollars per pint glass but the happy hour knocks it down to about 3.25 for select drafts. Not bad. Come for the beer not for the food.
(3)Thomas N.
Great beer. Decent food.
(4)Bayly U.
The food at Dogfish head is traditional pub fare with a bit of a twist. My particular favorite is the alehouse mac and cheese. There's a mix of cheeses and I think it includes smoked gouda! You can order it with chicken or skirt steak which is thinly sliced and great quality. Of course, the real attraction here is the beer. I love the Midas Touch for its malty, sweet flavor. Raison D'Etre is also great. My boyfriend's favorite is the Chicory Stout which is seasonal. There's sometimes a bit of a wait to sit but I've never had a problem with the service. Enjoy!
(5)Andrew I.
Delicious Beer. Very Good Food. A great Local Restaurant which bucks the trend of the chain restaurants in the area - including the Great American Restaurant Chain. Try the Jambalaya if you are in the mood for a spicy dish. For the Beer Drinking - there is an interesting selection of micro-brews. Give the black and tan a good try if you enjoy Guinness.
(4)Vee L.
My family and I was in the area and decided to drop in for lunch. Let's say Saturday afternoon around 2 pm and it was not full. First timers at this restaurant. My husband had the Salmon and he was ok with it, not fantastic. I had the burger and I "love" a juicy burger and it was darn near perfect. My daughter had the chicken sandwich and she was ok with it. BUT!!! I do have to say the fries are worth going to just get them. The fries were really good. Not sure if I will return but the prices are reasonable and the service was quick.
(3)Trace D.
Food is great, beer is excellent and the idea that you can get Dogfish Sponsored stuff when they're so small, I love it. You go Dogfish!
(4)Miss E.
I like Dogfish Head. The beer is great. Do yourself a favor and get a flight so you can try their most popular beers. The 60-minute IPA is my fave. I'd like to give more stars, but I've found that the service and food are inconsistent. Example: This past weekend, I had an amazing Cuban sandwich. My date, however, had a disgusting beef stew. There was so much black pepper in it you couldn't taste anything else. Also, our waiter started out attentive but ended up disappearing half way through the meal. I'm hoping management reads these reviews, because it seems I'm not the only one having this problem. Give Dogfish Head a try. Hopefully, you'll catch it on a good day.
(3)Eileen O.
Definitely overrated. I went with my roommate, and we were not impressed. I can't comment on the beer, as I am allergic to barley, but generally I can get something else worthwhile to drink. Not here. Poor wine selection, and nothing to make a mixed drink that is not on their limited cocktail menu. All that I remember of the food was salt. Even the next day I could tell that I'd had a lot of salt the night before. I will say that their homemade chips are fantastic - but we only got a handful with our salty crab dip.
(3)Mickey C.
I have been here twice. Both times, I got a Reuben which is HUGE and fantastic. Had to take a dog bag for the remainder. Friend had a great burger, another couple had been there before and SPLIT a Reuben, another had a great salad. excellent attentive wait staff that was timely and efficient. Music not too loud like most places. Like Arnold says, "I'll be back"!!
(4)Andrea R.
Best fish and chips in the US. Come to think of it, better fish and chips than some places in the UK. If you are there and want to share with a friend, they will happily plate one order on two plates, which still works out to a generous serving each. And then there is the beer. I'm not a beer expert, but I love their beer and can take or leave anyone else's, so I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it is the best craft brew available on the eastern seaboard. The company goes out of its way to do things right, up to and including brewing ancient recipes using traditional methods to astounding results. Finally, the customer service is consistently good and you'll get at least one manager visit every time you are there. Lennie is particularly engaging and goes out of his way to make sure you have what you need. Basically, it's good food and good people and amazing beer. Really, what else could you ask for? Oh, and there is remarkable consistency in quality between their Gaithersburg and Falls Church locations. I haven't been to any of the other restaurants.
(5)Melinda S.
Food is fine, beer saves it. Same story as most people. Definitely go if you like Dogfish; they have a solid beer selection and are generally nice people serving as waitstaff. I'd probably go with a burger or something similar? Pairs well with the beer, and honestly--it's hard to be disappointed with a burger.
(3)Jonathan V.
So I am a huge beer lover which should be obvious since I frequent this place as often as I can. Before I can review the beers I will review the food. It is fantastic. I have been here about five times since I discovered it a few months ago. I have had everything from the ribs to burgers to fish and chips. They hit a home run every time. My fiancee has had the above plus the salmon which was also killer. On to the beers. My favorite beers come from the Ancient ales line up. The Midas touch is my go to, but last night I tried the Ta Henkat. Low alcohol, but a great flavor. Not a fan of the India Brown, but everything else I have tried has been amazing. The Alehouse 75 is my go to if I feel like having a few beers, but if I want something special the Raison d' etra and Midas Touch our wonderful. Have a nice dinner and throw down some great craft beer. You won't be disappointed. (Oh yes they have Sunday brunch $6 got me a plate of eggs, crispy bacon, toast, and home fries. It was wonderful.) Just go. That is all.
(5)Brian G.
Great beer and decent food! We went out on Sat. night, without a reservation and a group of 6 at 7pm. Normally a horrible idea, but we waited for not that long before being seated. Our server was quick to greet us and take our drink order. Got a beer... God, I love that 60 minute IPA! Ordered the "Steak Bomb Sandwich" and as Rob R. stated in an earlier review it was "ok". I could be that I am from the sandwich Mecca of Philadelphia, but for an Arlington S'wich it was good. The fries on the other hand should be called the "bomb". Nice and crisp, and lightly salted. Perfect. I even caught my GF snagging a couple since she went for the healthy side of veggies. (bad choice!) All in all good evening out!
(4)Matthew H.
Popped into this place after stopping at the local homebrew shop across the street for some lunch with my wife. The place is a bit more casual than the one in Gaithersburg but it was a lot of fun. The place is completely covered in DFH stuff, glasses, tshirts, beer posters. My wife and I ordered a couple of sandwiches, I had a burger she had a Reuben. The food portions are illogically huge, to an annoying extent. Neither of us finished our food and we agreed that next time we would order something to share. They had a different draft menu (slightly) than the DFH pub in Gaithersburg, so it was nice to see a little variation in the beer selections from place to place, but the selections didn't have anything DIFFERENT or NEW, just the same DFH beer, just a few ones that weren't at the other on draft that were on draft here. Our waiter was gregarious and attentive and even brought an unprompted sample of the Punkin for my wife to try before she ordered it. Overall a good experience.
(4)Jessica C.
Food: way too rich but that is sometimes ok if you are in the mood for it. Everything is loaded with butter and salt. That is what you get a mid-level almost Outback-style restaurant. Beer: Excellent except they are often out of specific beers, which sucks. Also, be prepared to wait 30-50 minutes on a weekend night.
(3)Heather H.
I did not try any of their beer, which may have helped them rate a little higher......the food, I must say, was not that great. After waiting a ridiculous amount of time for a table on a Monday night, we were given a free appetizer, a nacho platter, which was a little cold, soggy, and not very tasty. The main fare was mediocre at best; I ordered a Hawaiian pizza that had burnt crust, and it was obvious that the toppings had been thrown on after the pizza had come out of the oven. The portions are also massive, so I suggest sharing. Someone in our group also ordered the fish and chips, making it the first time I have ever seen fish sticks served in a restaurant. In conclusion, I would go back to try the beer, but that's about it.
(2)Aaron J.
I'm a fan of Dogfish's beers, however this place is basically a TGI Fridays with Dogfish Head beer. For some reason they didn't even have any special edition beers available, which is standard in a true 'Alehouse'.
(2)Jessica B.
This place is fine, but nothing overly special. I do like the atmosphere. I've had a decent burger here before, but nothing that I'd recommend anyone go out of their way for. It's definitely fun for a happy hour, but for a meal, I'd probably rather spend my money elsewhere.
(3)Drew S.
I've been here three times now, and each time the food and service are fantastic. The wait staff is knowledgeable of the food and beer, they have specialized beer experts to talk to you about what you like and what they have that matches, and the beer is absolutely wonderful. I mean really, the 90 Minute IPA.... Fill it up again! God, thats good. It's so good. Once it hits your lips, it's so good!
(4)Chris V.
I've become increasingly disappointed with this place over the past year. I was psyched when they opened - Falls Church really needs more specialized bars of this type - but it's never been totally 100% "right." My main gripes are as follows: - Their available tap brews have become more limited over time, and are weighted towards the mainstream lighter stuff. The last time I went they had NO dark beers whatsoever on tap. None. I understand that the average Joe prefers lighter ales and lagers, but come on - you're a microbrew for chrissake! You need to have at least one stout or porter available. - The bar is too small and there's no standing room. I've been here at 4PM on a Tuesday and there were only one or two stools available. They really need to take out a booth or two and expand the bar, or at least provide somewhere to stand. As for the food, the appetizers are good to very good, but the entrees are OK at best. I recommend people get two apps (or split a few if with other people) and forego an entree. On the good side, the bartenders are generally excellent, with one or two exceptions (no real problems, just lack of knowledge about the beers). Wait staff in the dining area have been fine as well. Bottom line - the owners need to decide whether they want the place to be a sports bar or a brew pub. They're leaning pretty far into the sports bar side of the equation at the moment. That's fine for them, but it's not really my cup of tea, and it will dilute the Dogfish Head brand identity.
(2)Dan K.
Bratwurst was really good and so were the Punkin Ale and Black and Tan. Service was ok, the chili was kinda gross. I thought the price was a bit high for food, but not bad. I found it odd that they had all the TVs turned to golf and baseball on college football's opening weekend.
(4)Elizabeth M.
Come here for the beers. Dogfish Head is one of the rulers over the craft brewery scene, and for good reason - they have a great variety of beers that never disappoint. They're always coming up with some sort of new wacky recipe, and this originality is why I love them. I have to admit, though - I'm a little surprised people are raving about the food. It's fine, but not great. I would liken it to a more upscale version of Chili's - I've liked my food well enough, but come on, I'm there for the delicious beer. We came last weekend for the release party for their Punkin Ale, which was absolutely delicious. We also had the calamari starter, which was not great (overly breaded and fried, making the calamari a little too chewy), a salad and a sandwich, which were... fine. However, I've heard the pizza is pretty good, though I haven't tried it. Overall, a 3 for the food and 5 for the beer = 4 for the restaurant as a whole. Oh, and yeah, it gets crowded. Also, expect to find every child in the general Falls Church area under the age of 10 in this restaurant. I guess it must have a great children's menu.
(4)Hannah K.
The best for beer and food in the area. I'd been drinking dogfish head beer for years. Then I moved into Falls Church. After a long day of moving and heavy lifting, and very little eating, I went looking out for a place to eat. I had the best steak sandwich of my life, and some of the fabulous 60 minute IPAs. I'm a bit IPA fan, and I still haven't found one that beats Dogfish Head. I went back a few months later when my partner's parents were in town to visit and discovered just how wonderful their service was. My partner's parents wanted to try the 75 minute IPA on tap, and to their chagrin, there was none. So, the manager opened up a bottle of the 60 minute and a bottle of the 90 minute, mixed them together, and charged them the draft price. Twice. It was an extremely generous move that, coupled with the phenomenal burgers, has solidified this place as one of my stand bys in the area.
(5)A A.
Yet another spot in my neighborhood that I've driven by on route 7 time and time again for a couple years now and I never noticed it there. I just recently got around to visiting and I've now been twice in two weeks. It's refreshing to have a Pub/Restaurant like this in my neighborhood so close by. Obviously, being an alehouse, their highlight is their beer. It's not brewed on site but at their brewery in Delaware. If you're not sure where to start, ask for "The Sampler " and you can try 6 four ounce samples of their house brewed beers. If you don't want to commit to a sampler, ask your waiter to bring you samples of a few beers to try out in tiny shot size glasses and you can choose from those. Everyone at our table seemed to agree on the 60 minute I.P.A. (6%) and the 90 minute Imperial I.P.A. (9%) being the better choices and leaving The Lawnmower for last - the equivalent of a watered down Bud Light type of beer. I did notice a $25 bottle of beer on the menu (would love to hear about this from anyone who has tried it) and I also noticed there was a bottle of beer (a forty) that was more expensive than the most expensive bottle of wine. I found the food to be pretty good, bar style. The pizza is just OK. It has that round thin frozen pizza crust that turned me off. I personally feel they could really do so much more with the pizzas having the wood burning ovens. The fish and chips is a good choice, the burgers are HUGE but tasty, and the the mac & cheese was the highlight at my table on my most recent visit. The wait staff is friendly and the place has a locals pub feel to it. I recommend this spot to watch sporting events since the tvs are all in high def! There is plenty of parking but unfortunately cabs are tough to catch there - so if you're relying on cabs, have the local cab company number handy.
(4)Sarah S.
The food, beer, and atmosphere here are great, as is the wait staff. I've been several times, and only once was the food not-so-great. Overall, I'm a fan!
(4)Valarie G.
Amazing beers (obviously since it is Dogfish head) and very good food. I've always had good service. The food menu is mainly burgers, pizza, and all things fried which is fine for a brewery since the focus is on the beers. If you don't know, Dogfish Head tends to make beers that are different from the norm - they test the boundaries. I for one love it, but start your tasting expecting something different from the everyday. Overall this is a great place to go, but don't expect to stick to a diet..very little healthy options.
(4)Mika M.
This place used to always be a good bet for food. They had a nice selection of dishes and I used to feel assured that I would enjoy pretty much anything I ordered. However the last few times I've tried to eat here, regardless of the time of day, everything is terrible except the burgers. My husband always orders a burger, I never learn and order something like chicken salad in pita... that time, the chicken was super dry and bland, the lettuce had next to no dressing on it, and the pita was stale in some parts and mushy in others. I also used to LOVE Dogfish Head Beer, and I dunno if it's just that my palate has changed or if Sam Calagione's expanding his brewery too fast, but I also feel that the quality of the beer has started to fade in recent years, too...
(3)Stephanie K.
Love,love, LOVE the food here! Everything is always delicious and well prepared, and service has always been great. The beers are the reason we first started coming here; there is usually something new to try, along with the regular selections we have grown to know and love. I highly recommend sampling anything seasonal!
(4)Gibbet T.
Pardon my seemingly neanderthal review. The food is so-so by pub-grub standards. The beer is good beer, but there is so much good (and better) beer out there at bars that serve better food. The service is good. Atmosphere is nice too. Let's give credit where it is due. Bottom line is that you will be delighted with the place if your normal haunts are Ruby Tuesdays/ Applebees/ TGI Fridays, because it is a good step above those, but if you already have solid, numerous, and diverse bar/ restaurant credentials under your belt, not to mention some imagination, then you will recognize this place for the suburban white hype that it is, and probably already know about places that have better food, and better drinks.
(2)Kim H.
Avoid the pizza at all costs. Ick!!!! Fake cheese that is just way too thick. Jaws probably couldn't even chew his way though it. The pepperoni was dripping with oil. I would recommend coming here just to drink. They have a good selection of brews - some have 18% alcohol (yeahhhh more bang for the buck!). I also enjoy their seasonal brews - especially pumpkin.
(2)Kay P.
I love that their three cheese crab dip appetizer comes with potato chips! i get so tired of dips and cheeses only coming with bread. holy crap! this salad is bigger than my head! even bigger than two heads! i seriously didn't finish it. but it was very good... it was the woodgrilled(?) chicken, shrimp, bacon salad. played the game "hunt for the bacon". i won. loved that it was actual chunks of bacon, not bacon bits. maybe i'll try the beer sometime, but unfortunately for me, i can't have wheat, so i'm kinda screwed. woe is me.
(4)Andrea M.
The food and beer is awesome. Our waitress Stacey was the best! She knew everything about the beers and helped us pair our choices with the food. Everything was exceptional.
(5)Emma S.
This is the first time I have been to Dogfish Head and I loved it. The service was the best I have had in a long time. Chris never let us sit with empty beers, he was quick to offer suggestions and samples, he was nice and attentive and you just felt welcomed and appreciated. The wings and crab soup were outstanding and so was the beer. It was a little noisy but it was a Saturday with a live band and preseason football. Also, yeah, the location is random and it's sad that you can't drink 9 beers because you're most likely driving. However it's totally worth it and the fact that it is off the beaten path means people are there because they want to be, not because they wandered into any ole place.
(5)Greg S.
Look, there's already a couple hundred reviews, so you don't really need mine. But hey, crowdsourcing works so I'll add my two cents. We got seated almost immediately with a group of 4 during a busy time of the week. We then got ignored by our waiter for a good 10 minutes without anyone even saying hi and offering waters. Apparently the two waiters in our zone were confused as to who was taking us. Once they got that sorted out, we were all set. We got the requisite 90 Minute IPAs, which were amazing as always. Two of us had burgers, one had a sandwich and one had fish and chips. Everything was delicious, and the portions were pretty big too. Gotta love Dogfish Head. We'll go back, and you should too.
(4)Tu-van L.
Something for everyone if everyone is looking for good beer and good bar food. Bar food is good for bar food, but I wouldn't write home about it. And don't bother getting the crab cakes from here - crab meat is shredded with borderline too much breading. Regardless the food is well-priced and tasty - well worth the money. I have to admit, you don't come here just for the food. You come here to try their many varieties of beer. For those new to the Dogfish Head Ales, I highly recommend the sampler. Unfortunately, my most favorite beer from the sampler was the seasonal pumpkin ale which was only offered in the fall. Besides the sampler and the standard beers they also have their specialty brews that are of varying range of prices, but overall very very tasty. The ambiance is laid back and the wait staff is overall attentive. If you get the lanky white guy with the massive dreds for your waiter, consider yourself lucky. He was the best waiter we've had while we were there. Overall this place is a great place to take beer lovers for some good beer and some good times.
(4)Tiffany C.
Great customer service! That always makes your experience better. More restaurant managers should train their staff to cater this way. Even the hostess strikes a light conversation with each group she seats. The food was great. I had the Ahi Tuna Sandwich. Wasabi mayo had just the right creaminess and spice. The fries were a bit greasy but my friend liked it. He had the salmon with orzo rice. He said it was really good too. It's a bit far but will definitely go back if I'm ever in the area again. This time to have some beers.
(5)Laura M.
More like 3.5. Pluses: the excellent mustard-grain house vinaigrette they make... generous enough portions to take home half or more of the meal... and lots of vegetarian options.... salads with some variations on the usual themes--it's nice to see apples tossed in one. The shrimp in the salad were tasty too, if sparse given that I'd paid extra for them. That said, some of the vegetarian options are greasy--oil seems to be applied with a heavy hand. Even the roasted veggie sandwich seemed to have over-oiled veggies. The fish too seems to be cooked in a lot of butter or oil. The servers seem to go to great lengths to emphasize how special the place is, but there aren't any unique touches or signatures to help show that. The attention given is good, though. Every time I've been a manager or supervisor has come by to check in and see how everything is. At a recent visit I asked for coffee to take back to work. The coffee itself was disappointing--probably just Folgers. When I asked to take it with me, they didn't have any kind of portable cup but offered me a wax kids' cup, which wasn't insulated.
(3)Jessica L.
Go for the beer, not the food. The food is pure crap -- think Chili's or TGI Fridays. I had a Greek salad that had decent ingredients, but was swimming in dressing. Hubby had a chicken sandwich that was no big deal. Nothing on the menu appealed to me, so I ordered a cheese pizza. How can you mess up a cheese pizza? If you're Dogfish Head Alehouse you can mess up a cheese pizza plenty. "Wood fired" my ass. It was like enriched white pita bread loaded with a bag of shredded Kraft cheese (of which I scraped half off), then microwaved. The crust was so limp I had to eat it with a knife and fork. I've had better pizza from the front desk of my college dorm. This place seems to be super popular with the suburban, over-eater crowd who don't mind waiting an hour for buffalo wings (the stench was almost too much) and fast-food quality fare. Bad food makes me angry. Paying for bad food makes me angrier. We will not be back.
(1)Thaya K.
I wish I could give separate reviews for the beer and the food. The beer is amazing. There are the basics (lager, porter, IPAs) and these are all solid. There are also the weird, experimental, often delicious beers (Midas Touch is fantastic), and you can get a flight so you can see if you really do want a whole glass of something with funky wild yeast, or just want to try it for the novelty. The food, however, is very meh. I would come here to drink and maybe have a snack, but for dinner, there are plenty of better options.
(4)M B.
Great service, our waiter was friendly. We went on a Saturday night and it was packed, and we were seated and got our food in a timely manor. The food was good ... average American. Nothing to get too excited about. The beer is very flavorful and potent. Definitely a solid place to have a casual night.
(3)Laurel D.
Went here with 5 friends and didn't have to wait too long for a table. While we waited, we sat on comfortable benches chatting and the time passed very quickly--they hand out those buzzers that make your hands go numb if you hang on to them too long. The beer was good--the guys I was with are into the whole beer thing and, even if I didn't trust their judgement, I liked the ones I tried. They were reasonably priced and the sampler let me experience the range of what they offered without getting drunk in the process. (I split it with my best friend, and everyone else at the table may have also tried it. This was a few weeks ago.) Our waitress was great--kept our drinks full and brought our food quickly, even with the large crowd. My only complaint is that the food just wasn't that great. It wasn't terrible, but I'm not exactly craving a second trip up there. My sandwich was a bit dry and there really wasn't much flavor there. Actually, the music was way too loud, too. It inhibited conversation. I think, at restaurants, the music should be slightly more background. I want to talk to my dinner companions, not worry about my brain bleeding out of my ears.
(3)Travis P.
Great place and you better bring a DD, because these beers are high-test! I have been here several times and it is always the beer that keeps me and my friends coming back. We also recently noticed that they have stepped up there game in the chicken wing category. I recommend the Spicy Thai wings that come with "Rooster" sauce and a 60 or 90 minute IPA, unless they have the Punkin Ale on tap, then I would go with that. In my humble opinion, it is the best pumpkin beer out there. The only negative thing about this place is it does get pretty crowded and the parking lot can be like a Japanese subway/metro push situation. I guess that comes with the territory and as they say, "It's all relative".
(5)Ramiro M.
In the mood to try different kinds of beer? This is the place. No bud light here. One of my favs is the Midas Touch. Dogfish recreated a sample of beer that was found in King Midas' tomb. Food is good. I'd stay away from the pizza. It's ok but there are many other better options. The steak bomb sandwich is great.
(4)John K.
Same affair as the Dogfish Head in Gaithersburg. Same menu, same beers. Some gripes: 1) They never have the Chicory Stout. Their black and tan is always with Guiness... 2) No happy hour specials. We come here quite often for team happy hours, but they need to offer some specials during happy hour.
(3)Al R.
Food is mediocre--not much of a selection. None of us had anything that was better than cafeteria fare. Service was fairly non-existent, and there did not seem to be any management on site. after asking several times for our check, we still had to wait for our server to finish her chat in the kitchen. Never again!
(1)Stephanie B.
The beer here is fantastic. If it's your first time, definitely go for the flight of six to try all of the different flavors. The food is pretty good too. Their grown up twist on the mac and cheese is excellent. They don't take reservations, but you can call ahead. I suggest you do that if you're trying to come at dinner time rush hour - especially on weekends.
(4)Michelle P.
I have to admit i'm almost a little dissapointed i'm not the first to Yelp! I thought for sure going opening weekend i would be :-P Anyway, my parents and i used to be regulars at Old Dominion Brew Pub and ever since they went under new ownership, it hasn't been as much fun. We were estatic when we heard about Dogfish opening in seven corners because not only did we know they would have great beer, but we were hoping for the same friendly atmosphere. And thats what we got! My Mom had been in a few days before and so when we entered we were met with "hey welcome back! Nice to see you!". Everyone is friendly and really happy to be in Virginia. I really reccommend sitting at the bar.... the barstaff (esp Sid and Chad) are great and willing to chat when the bar isn't that busy. if you're not familiar with the beers of Dogfish--- sit at the bar! They will definitely help you out! I had the Shelter Pale Ale and the 60 minute IPA (which i feel is the best east coast IPA) and both were fabulous. They pretty much have every style of beer you could want, plus multiple mixed drinks, wine and even have bud, miller and heineken (side note-- the bartender said on opening night they served over 1000 pints and 9 miller lites... drink their beer!). And the food... it was great! We had two appetizers... the rings, chips and fries which were great. The onion rings were so light and crispy and the fries tasted similar to what i'd find on the delaware boardwalk. My parents ate the cheese/crab dip and said it was phenomenal. They definitely wanted more! We were there so long we ended up getting dinner too! I had the ceasar salad, which was great. I have to say one of my favorite parts is that their ceasar and "house" salad come with the choice of steak, chicken, shrimp, mahi mahi or salmon, which is so nice for anyone who likes that option (like me) Overall, i can't wait to go back. it was just what i wanted!! A friendly place with great food and fabulous beer! The only drawback is that since they dont brew on premise, they can't serve growlers. Guess that just gives us a reason to go up to Rehobeth! IF you like good beer, CHECK THIS PLACE OUT! I want to make sure they dont go anywhere!
(5)Amanda R.
Went here with my roommates for our first official "girl's night out". The service was great, and the food even better. I'm an Eastern Shore girl, and even I thought the crabmeat was pretty good. If you can win over a crab-snob, then you're definitely worth 4 stars!
(4)John P.
Same as everyone: GREAT beer and decent food. If you like/love Dogfish Head brews, a good spot. If not, save your cash.
(4)Kyle V.
Good food. Excellent and exciting beers. Wicked-expensive though.
(4)M H.
Great restaurant! Very family friendly, comfortable atmosphere and helpful staff. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about all the menu items and patient with our many questions! The menu has just the right mix - the food we ordered was really good. i'm just mad at myself for taking so long to try it. Definitely recommend! (the crab/chicken dip is a must have!!)
(4)Leigh L.
I went in here with average expectations. We knew there would be a wait since it was 7:00 on a Friday night and after being told the wait would be 20 to 30 minutes we were pleasantly surprised when our pager buzzed 15 minute later. We had our little guy with us and he was very hungry so we order the buffalo chicken dip for us and a kid's burger for him (with no cheese or bun and the fries on a different plate because he doesn't eat them) and asked for them to be brought out at the same time. The waiter had no problem with that and everything came out perfectly. The buffalo chicken dip was very very good! It had just the right amount of heat and I loved dipping the celery in it. For dinner, I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with fries. Their fries were great, salty, crispy and hot! The sandwich was not the best, the pork itself had been cooked down into a mushy texture and I did not enjoy that at all but the flavor was good and the bun was great. I only took a few bites though before the texture got to me. My husband ended up eating the rest and giving me half of his blackened chicken sandwich which was way better! That sandwich really redeemed the pulled pork sandwich. Our waiter was very attentive, food was quick and hot and they had no problems with our crazy requests for our little guy.
(4)Nish p.
this my friends 2nd home.. i like it too
(5)lura m.
Yummy - excellent food, beer and service.
(5)v c.
Beer - 5 Dogfish Head is one of my favorite craft beers. Long before I live close enough to a Dogfish Head Alehouse, I drove from GA to DE just to have the brew, fresh at the brewery. So I may be biased, but definitely a 5 star for the beer. Food - 3 I suppose the food is typical for a bar/brewpub, burgers, fish and chips, pizza, etc. It's a bit greasy for my taste, but the portion is generous and comes out hot every time. Ambiance - 4 on weekend lunch, 3 in the evening Weekend lunch is when I typically come with my wife and kid, the place is usually about half full and we don't have to worry about bothering other customers. We're always greeted promptly and served quickly. We've been here for happy hour/dinner a few times, but the place is way over crowded and long waits.
(4)C S.
I'll keep this short and sweet. The food here is very good. The beer is awesome. The service staff is professional. I do like this place a lot. The requirement to love this place is to be a fan of IPAs. If you are not a fan they have some good mild beers, but you won't love this place unless you like IPAs.
(5)Kristy W.
This place makes me wish that I lived in the area, rather than in DC. The food is excellent, the beer is amazing, and the servie is always great (disclaimer: I always sit at or in the bar). The buffalo chicken dip is out of this world, and their pizzas are wood fired and tasty. I also really like the grilled chicken cesar, but this is not date food. My breath stinks for a day after eating it, that's how much garlic is in their dressing. The portions of all of them are nice and appropriate for the price, and I've never had something I didn't like there. As far as beer goes, their Indian Brown is my favorite, as I feel like it's the best brown ale I've had--a lot of flavor, but not such a heavy body that it's more like a stout. The IPAs are fantastic, and the bartenders are more than willing to let you try a couple to figure out what beer is your favorite.
(5)Brittany M.
I get that this place is a brewery and that craft beer can be more expensive, but I think there's also something to be said for things being cheaper at the source. Beef is cheaper in Texas because we have cattle ranches. Beer ought not cost an arm and a leg at a brewery. My fiance and our pal got a bottle and a tiny draft for $19.50. $19.50! They then both ordered the samplers, 4, 4-oz. drafts ranging from light to dark, for $14. The Indian Brown Ale of that was pretty good. The food was surprisingly awesome. We brought our appetites and ordered the killer buffalo chicken dip (not at all spicy for folks like me!) and the Chesapeake pizza (lump crab, asparagus, pesto) and were in heaven during appetizer time. Come entree time, our friend got the Memphis chicken platter, which has 3 full chicken breasts, some yummy onion rings, and whatever sides you ordered. My fiance got a chicken and shrimp club, which he described as good enough to get again, and finally, I originally ordered the Ahi tuna sandwich, because it was only $11 (+ .50 to sub veggies for fries.) It arrived looking diiisgusting. I love ahi tuna, but only when it's done right. It's really a hit or miss thing, and they definitely missed. The waiter was understanding and subbed me a crab cake sandwich out instead. The foccaccia-like bread that it came on was disgusting, but by this point, I was so full, that I just ate the crab cake and my tiny side of veggies. Our service was top-notch. Despite a 30 minute wait, we truly enjoyed dining here as our server was funny, engaging, and took time to build some rapport with my fiance and his BFF even though he was slammed with other tables. I don't remember his name but he has a VA Born and Raised tattoo on his forearm. Give that guy some props. Overall: Pricy beer. Cheap food. Great service. Go.
(4)Jason B.
Service was very nice from Adelle. The bacon cheddar burger came out rare instead of medium rare. There is a huge difference, but I was too hungry to send it back and wait for another one. The Onion rings were cold, as in they were probably sitting from another order. The chicken Caesar dressing was good and garlicky and one of the better dressings I've had. The chicken tasted like it was cooked partially earlier and then finished off to go with the order. I'm sure it will not be acknowledged but after working in restaurants this does happen. Not a hoppy beer fan so I did not have one since there is little else on the menu unless you want heavy dark beer. My wife enjoyed the 60 minute ipa.
(2)Ann P.
Great beer selection, friendly service. Food was tasty, combo of fried fish/shrimp was excellent. Crab dip is a must try.
(4)Phillip S.
So I stopped in at the ale house after doing my grocery shopping. Great atmosphere and was able to sit right at the bar. Started off with a 60 minute IPA and went from there. It was smooth as you expect. I tried the bacon burger and it just came like thrown together. No quality to what you expect a place who is built on quality beer. The bartenders were extremely knowledgable and to be honest I could drink there all day. Really wish they got the 120minute IPA more often.
(4)Karen M.
I understand the great reviews for the beer. Dogfish does make some damn good brew. Food is so-so. Tis the season for the Punkin Ale...so the boyfriend and I headed here for some brews and food. I've only been here a few times, and each time I'm hesitant to come because the place is so cramped and small. There is always a wait and when I'm hungry...I'm HUNGRY. So, it was a Sunday night and we figured it wouldn't be too bad. On a Sunday night at 7:30, there was still a pretty good crowd, but at least there wasn't a wait. So, beer consumption started immediately, and the food was not far behind. I had my favorite meal of all time: Ahi Tuna Salad. It was good, but the dressing was very bland. It was a citrus vinegrette of some sort...but I've had better. But the Punkin Ale? Yes, I'll have another please :)
(3)Dan I.
This is one of our favorite restaurants in the area. It's always a good meal and sometimes nears greatness. Their standard menu has a lot of tasty, reasonably priced options. And their specials are also often fantastic - just this weekend, we ordered our appetizer and entrees both off the specials menu. I've never had a bad meal at Dogfish. Of course, the beer is the main attraction here. At this point, Dogfish Head is nationally known for its innovation and quality. I haven't loved every beer they've produced, but I've loved more than I have disliked, and the rest are all merely excellent. I almost always do tasters when I go, because it's tough to pick just one beer (except when the Punkin is in season - then it's easy). And on that note, unless I'm crazy (and I could be) I think they increased the price for their deluxe beer flight recently. These days, it runs $14.50 for 4 tasters. That's a bit steep. I'm pretty sure it used to be 6 tasters. So that's sad, but it won't stop me from going to DFH. Another small gripe is that I wish they took reservations or at least had call-ahead seating. At peak times, there's always a wait. And during the winter months it can get crowded in the indoor waiting area. But small complaints aside, I'm always psyched for a trip to Dogfish. The food is always solid and the beer is pretty much unbeatable.
(4)Drew F.
The food at Dogfish Head is typical pub fare, and the quality's nothing to write home about. The beer, though...the beer is superb. I wouldn't bother going if you're not planning to drink one or four, but if you're a hop enthusiast, welcome to heaven. I recommend the 90 Minute IPA, which I think is one of the greatest beers money can buy. 5 star beer, 2.5 star food. Four stars overall, as long as you keep your priorities in line.
(4)Regina H.
Great beer and great food - what else could you ask for? Came with a group of friends and had a great dining experience. We came on a Saturday at 6:30 pm and was told there would be a 30-45 minute wait. Apparently, there's usually an hour wait around 7 pm, but at least you'll be hungry when you're finally seated! We sat at the bar for a bit to grab a beer while we waited for our table. The bartender was very friendly and you can taste any of the beers before ordering. They have a huge selection of beers (obviously all Dogfish Head), but they also serves wine and cocktails if beer's not your thing. They even a gluten free beer, Tweason Ale, which tasted a little weird to me. When we were seated, a server promptly brought out waters, menus and took our drink orders. We ordered three plates of wings (spicy Thai and Maryland old bay), which were delicious! I could've eaten a whole plate myself, but had to save some room for my entree. My friends said the burgers here are excellent and I'll definitely have to try one on my next visit, but I opted to order mac and cheese with steak. The mac and cheese was a hefty portion topped with slices of steak, squash and zucchini. A little heavy, but no regrets! Everyone else seemed happy with their food as well. They have suggested beer pairings with some of the entrees, which is nice if you can't decide which beer to order. I'll definitely be back, and hopefully soon!
(5)T B.
The best thing this place has going for it are the Thai wings. The burgers are ok, not as good as elevation burger but without question better than IHop. I ordered the shrimp pizza once and was happy. The crab cakes are not very good however. Obviously reheated from frozen and I also received about 4 asparagus stalks. Yay. The fries here are also good, a little over done but generous portions and nicely salted. The atmosphere is also great. Dim, subdued and very laid back. The waitstaff is helpful and focused. Just getting the wings and Barleywine next time, everything else is underwhelming and obviously reheated from frozen. Not great but not horrible.
(3)Doug S.
Solid 3.75 stars. The calamari was good, really liked the peppers in it. But it had a little too much breading. Good, though. I had the blackened chicken sandwich - very good. MDC had the chicken pot pie which she raved about. Next time I need to try some of the beer, which is fantastic.
(4)Karisa D.
The only reason you don't get five stars is because you're not near a beach. Though if there was a beach in Falls Church Va....but I digress. Dogfish Head has some excellent food and beer. The waiters are awesome and really know their menu. They gave my friend and I some great suggestions of what to order for food and drinks. I love their Warm Three Cheese Crab Dip. I may order it as my main meal the next time I go. Another thing, Dogfish Head is always busy, doesn't matter what night during the week. If you don't want to wait for a table, I suggest going at on off-hour time. So you should go. And don't give me the, but I can buy Dogfish Head at the store excuse. It's not the same. You can't get every type they brew and it's better on tap anyways!
(4)Rodrigo M.
The best burger I've had in years. Went there for the first time today and had the burger of the day. A lamb burger with a feta cheese sauce and white onions. The first thing that went through my head as I bit into it was the smoke flavor of open wood grilling. I was immediately transported to the Shenandoah mountains, among fall trees and open wood cooking, the burger had a perfect blend of smoky wood and beef, I took in every bite and by the end I was returned to the booth where I sat enjoying my meal. This was no charcoal grill, I asked the waiter to find out what woods they used and the kitchen said a combination of oak and hickory. I recently moved to the area and I'm sure I have found my local favorite. I can't wait to take my wife back to try the rest of the menu. Highly recommended!
(5)Alison M.
Went for dinner on a Friday night. Service was really friendly. The menu looked great, prices were pretty good for big sandwiches, burgers and salads. The booths were comfy, ambiance was a little loud, but still a great place for conversation. Food was really good, but service was so ridiculously slow. We probably waited over 45 minutes after ordering for our sandwich and burgers! I think I'd go again if I was drinking a lot and didn't mind the wait for food, but not just again for dinner.
(3)Jihad B.
Beer is good here, all microbrew as I'm sure you know. The appetizers are also delectable, but the entrees are hit and miss. The Burger of the Day I had was roasted jalapenos and avocado. Was lacking very much in flavor, but I've had the Alehouse BBQ Burger and it's one of the better bacon cheddar/bbq/burgers I've had.
(3)Eric W.
I was here a few weeks ago for a happy hour with co-workers. It was a Thursday night, which can be crazy in some places, and while there were a good number of people here, it was not out of control. In addition, they were able to put together a table for us that seat a dozen people--without a reservation. The food was good, with some interesting takes on the traditional. The beer was good, though I was surprised that in the late spring they didn't have any wheat beer.
(4)Jay G.
Great burgers. Great beer. I've been here a handful of times and the serve could have been better once or twice. And a couple of times my burger was undercooked. These weren't big deals but the reason why I knocked it down a star.
(4)Mike C.
Haven't reviewed DFH at 7 Corners in years but since opening this place is still awesome. The whole bar tending crew is outstanding and managment is top notch. Food is always excellent (much better than regular bar food trust me) and the beers speak for themselves. The bands that come in to play though are a bit suspect, you never know what you're gonna get. The DJ though that plays there (think his name is YZ) ;) during special events however is amazing. Mostly Funk music, 70s and uptempo breaks and stuff. Always a good time.
(5)Ellen L.
Loved the place! Had a great waiter, Pierre! Wish I lived closer. Their stout beer rocked!
(5)Seth J.
I wasn't particularly impressed with their selection of dark beers, which I love. One amber ale and one imperial stout that they sell by the snifter for $9+. For food I got a rack of baby ribs which was very delicious. One thing that struck me odd was that they don't provide a pack of moist toilettes to clean your hands after eating ribs. I had to ask for them and they weren't sure they had any. Otherwise, everything was great, including service.
(4)Mike C.
(Scroll down to bottom for a quick summary) My GF and I went there on our 6 month anniversary thinking that the GREAT reviews on Yelp and recommendations from friends would provide for a fun/happy start to our night. Unfortunately after dinner, our night was off to a disappointing/crummy start. The Wait: We waited ~30 minutes for a table for 2. While we hadn't really eaten much that day, the wait was worth it as the hostess was kind enough to give us our own booth. The Ambiance: It was loud, crowded, very noisy and the sound of crying babies in the background was more than it's share of annoying. The Appetizer: We ordered the crab dip appetizer with chips which I thought was great (as I love anything with a TON of salt) but my GF didn't agree and compared it to any cheese dip you'd get as an appetizer. In hindsight, the taste was reminiscent to Tostidos Queso dip you could get at the grocery for $2. Crab dip unfortunately costs more than $11. Drinks: Overpriced-- I understand DogFishHead thinks they're God's gift to man, but $9 for 12oz of a beer that was decent AT BEST was just a pure waste of money and value. Main Course: Next, we both ordered burgers to keep everything simple-- I mean, how can you F up a burger? There are ways to F it up, as I would soon learn.... She ordered the lamb burger while I got the border burger. I ordered mine medium and confirmed the word "MEDIUM" with my server, yet it came very well done, so I sent it back. My GF's burger showed up very much looking/tasting like something from burger king, with no condiments, being over cooked itself too. She subbed mash potatoes for the default fries and the potatoes were absolutely tasteless... it was as though someone cooked potatoes, did an acceptable job peeling them, mashed them up, put them in a bowl (without any seasoning/flavoring, including salt), let any warmth they had seep away, then serve them cold and bland. She is less of a complainer and just silently ate everything. Throughout the meal, she would quietly remind me, "WE'RE DONE WITH THIS PLACE..." My burger eventually came back from the kitchen after my GF had eaten most of her dinner (eating small snacks and waiting for a good anniversary dinner all day plus the 30 min wait at the restaurant for a table can really make someone hungry, even if the food is terrible). The burger I ordered this time was actually OK (not good, but not bad) and was something I wouldn't mind spending around $12 for. The fries were new as well, but they were from what seemed the bottom of the fryer as they were mostly burnt, still drenched in oil and all about the size of my thumbnail, if not smaller. I would say they were more like 1/4 french fries than anything. The manager checked up, said the burger was free, offered a dessert on the house, and gave us a $10 gift card. THIS IS THE ONLY REASON I GIVE THIS BUNGHOLE OF A RESTAURANT 2 STARS. After he left, I realized we never got any new silverware as the first set was taken away with the first overcooked burger. So I sat there for around 5 minutes twiddling my thumbs while my GFs food got even colder and I waited for some sign of our server so I could ask him to bring a new set of silverware. Payment: At this point, we decided to skip the free dessert, ask for the bill, cut our losses, and try to move on with our anniversary. With budgets being tight these days, it's hard to turn down free dessert, especially on your anniversary, but you need to understand that our experience up to that point was soooo utterly disappointing that WE JUST WANTED TO LEAVE. After getting the check from the server, I noticed that the burger the manager promised to comp for us WAS STILL ON THE BILL. I'm thinking "WTF mate?" At this point, if cutting off my right index finger and leaving it there as payment would get us the heck out of there, I would have considered it. My better half calmed me down however and after another 10-15 minutes waiting to find the server, having him amend the receipt and finally running my credit card, BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE MANAGED TO LEAVE..... HALLELUJAH!!!!!!! sing with me, HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH!!!!!! Signing that receipt felt like the John Adams signing the Treaty of Paris, and walking out of there was like the Jews fleeing pharaoh from Egypt across the Red Sea. WE WERE FINALLY FREE! Short Summary: The reviews on Yelp seem to make this place out to be the Garden of Eden. They are sadly wrong. The food was below average (bland, and/or overcooked), the server charged us for a comped item and he was very hard at times to find, the wait (for such a sub-par establishment) was quite unreasonable for the value, and the prices for what we received were absurd. For providing an overall crummy experience on my anniversary, I WILL NEVER AGAIN step foot in this place. Frankly, I wouldn't wipe my butt with the $10 gift card they gave me, let alone use it at one of their restaurants.
(2)Ruth C.
To say that happy hour on Friday was crowded would be like saying gravel is crunchy. Service was four-stars attentive considering how long we were there once we got seated; the wooden patio chairs outside are prime real estate for the waiting crowd. Nick chatted up two regulars who evidently take a bus and walk here to avoid the terrible phenomenon known as Seven Corners. Lots of kid-populated families in the foot-traffic through the door, which kind of morally deterred me from getting an early start at the bar while waiting on my hour-late friends. My four companions were fantastic company, which is a good thing since we crammed ourselves into a booth table and proceeded to be obnoxious jerks who knocked on fellow customers at adjoining tables. Oh wait that was just me. Man, I'm a real tool when I'm drunk. Midas Touch was by far my favorite. The Raison D'Etre certainly had its own praises to be sung, but the seasonal Punkin Ale (yes my friends, this is how far behind on posting my reviews I am) beat it to kiss Midas's heels as a close second-favorite. After this night of drunken debauchery I proceeded to ambush my local booze joint monthly to partake of each batch of Midas 4-packs, and to sample other choice selections, namely the unique Sah'tea and the universally pleasant Red&White. White Dragon had the alehouse reuben, of which I snuck at least two bites from because holy goodness that is some good drunk food. My alehouse bratwurst was equally well-prepared bar food of only slightly lesser appreciation. Hyunoo revealed his devious plan of feasting upon the chicken tenders "for lil eaters": great value even if he couldn't possibly pass as my son, and enough food to feed a child into obesity. I want to say Andrew had the Dogfish trio, but he inhaled it so fast my slow-munching drunk self almost missed his food being set down, and Nick enjoyed his rustic burger enough to lick his fingers with obscene smacking sounds afterwards. Splitting the bill was no problem after some good natured drunk math. I left drunk and immensely satisfied.
(3)Trevor F.
Last night my girlfriend and I dropped in for a last minute bite to eat and a few beers. The host let us know there was a wait but that there were some high tops available if we didnt want to wait. We snagged a high top checked out the available beers and were greeted by our server Katie. From start to finish she was awesome. Great beer recommendations, fun stories of our trips to the brewery and history behind some of the beers. We ordered our beers and food and unfortunately a few minutes later a manager popped by to let us know they were out of the hummus we ordered. No problem threw in the crab dip and it was amazing. The rest of our food came out perfect and the beers are good as always but the highlight on a busy Thursday night was the staff. From the host to the managers, we could not have asked for a more enjoyable (and her first) experience. As someone that has been in the industry for years, I tip my hat to the staff on a job very well done. Cheers!
(5)Shaz H.
Seriously - this is my home away from home. Love this place... love the food... love the atmosphere and the waitstaff are also pretty awesome. I am not a heavy meat eater but the chicken wings are amazing, the blackened chicken dishes are also pretty incredible and the onion rings are pretty darn good. As for beers - midas touch, namaste, and their seasonal ales are among my favorites. I love everything about Dogfish...
(5)Leichardti F.
Decent prices, big portions. I had the Dogfish Trio (fried grouper, cod, & shrimp), I think they're oil needed to be changed out, but I also had the chili which was awesome! For some reason, it seems like they give chili and tortilla chips with everything.
(3)Jessica H.
The service here is great and the beer is better than I expected. The wings were okay, the crab soup gloppy, the chicken pot pie inedibly salty, and the bread pudding very dry. So... maybe better just for happy hour.
(3)Al M.
It is a great place to hang out and have a beer with your friends. Don't forget to try their fries.
(4)Sabrina B.
Food was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo GOOD! Will definitely be going back!
(5)Mischita H.
Two friends and I decided to visit this Alehous on January 21st. Overall it was a good experience with respect to service and the food was ok - the staff was friendly and prompt. For Great Beginnings two of us share the Warm Three Cheese Crab Dip - phenomenal! The third person had the Andouille Cajun Eggs Rolls...judging by the rate at which they dissappeared and the lack of complaints, I'd say that they must have been superb. For dinner I had the IPA Grouper sans 1000 island dressing, it was ok - the cole slaw left a few things to be desired. My friends tried the Burger of the Week (something with bleu cheese?) and the Wood Grilled Chicken and Shrimp Club. I was told that the burger was good however the amount of shrimp on the club was disappointing and the sandwich was a litte dry (they requested some mayo, i believe, to remedy this second issue). I'm not sure which ale that one of my friends had but they didn't complain about it. Overall, I think that we would return at least to try some different menu items.
(3)Brittany W.
Went here for my friends birthday last week. It was alright. I had a beach rum punch-it wasn't strong at all,but I wasn't a fan of the flavor. I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich-standard sandwich with lettuce, tomato, pickle, bacon and two chicken breasts. The sandwich was good except the bacon wasn't crispy enough for my liking.
(3)Todd P.
We used to live around the corner from Dogfish Head Alehouse, so we have been going to it since it opened. Not so much lately because we moved a little further away and if you don't hit it at the right time, the wait and the parking are really bad. I had an out-of-town guest who likes beer and it was 5:30PM, so I thought we'd give it a shot and we lucked out. The lot wasn't full yet and we were seated immediately. Things went downhill from there... Though there were plenty of open tables, the hostess sat the two of us at a table of four next to two mothers with three obnoxious children. I know they can't really keep people with unruly children from their restaurant, but they could have used discretion and kept a "buffer" around them by seating us away from them. I really hate when self-absorbed yuppie parents insist on taking babies and ill-behaved children to bars and restaurants that cater to adults, or at least focus on adult beverages. These three boys were crawling under their table, running in and out the space between their table and ours, roughhousing on the booth seat that adjoined ours, would hang on our table and my chair, and the two mothers just sat there eating their food and kibitzing like nothing was happening. Not Dogfish Head Alehouse's fault, though any employee witnessing this could have said something. My real issue though was the service. Our waiter had such a heavy accent, it was nearly impossible to understand what he was saying, especially when it got louder. He would disappear for long periods of time, so buy the time we were done with the meal, we had been there 1 hour 45 minutes, and we had only had an appetizer, two entrees and my guest had two beers. The food is above average. We got the alehouse chili nachos, which aside from being a little cold when we received them, have a good chili, lots of cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream and sliced jalapenos. Because of the disappearing waiter, it took a while to get some hot sauce to go with it. My friend tried to decide between the crab cake and the Chesapeake pizza, ultimately going with the pizza which he said was okay but he should have gotten the crab cake. I got the blackened chicken with a salad instead of fries, which is always a winner with me. My friend also got their "Aprihop" seasonal beer and brown ale, neither of which impressed him. He thought the Aprihop tasted like "hibiscus tea" and the brown ale was "okay". The other thing about Dogfish Head Alehouse is that their prices aren't particularly good except on the sandwiches and burgers. The happy hour is only $1 off of drinks and appetizers, but the beers are $5.50 and the appetizers tend to be $8-10. The sandwiches and burgers are a good value in the $9-11 range, but they nickle and dime you by charging $0.75 to get a salad instead of fries. I'm glad for the healthier option and the salad is good, but they really don't need to upcharge for it. The entrees skew more pricey, from $15-20 and frankly I don't trust the kitchen enough to shell out $20 for a steak.
(2)Eric J.
The calamari was, average
(2)Nina B.
I'm very happy with my one time visit here. First of all, the beer selection is beyond what I expected. I just thought it would be a typical brew house that had 4-5 different beers on tap. But, the selection is quite extensive. And, they had my favorite Punkin' Ale, which is exactly what I'm in the mood for when October rolls around. I also thought I'd be treated as I'm treated in most bars I go to. Like a stranger. But, the bartenders here went out of their way to introduce themselves and their fellow bartenders, so you could talk to them throughout the night. They made you feel like a local right away. It was pretty awesome, and a unique experience. If only it were more metro accessible, I'm sure I'd be here more often.
(5)Marcus H.
I went here expecting subpar food, but found that this place (although really just bar food) was not bad. I was really surprised. The beer was great and the food was good. I had the Ribs, my partner had the grouper sandwich, both were pretty decent. Again, surprising!
(4)Gerald H.
Great beer and food selection. To come here and not try their IPAs would be a travesty. We initially sat down at a table for dinner. The waiter was great even during the peak dinner service. His recommendations were spot on!
(4)Pablo A.
This place is the worst place i ever went to drink and have food, the beer is way to overpriced and the food sucks i order the rustic hamburger i have more bread than meat and they give you this tiny glasses to drink and they charged you about 8 bucks for it my bill for 4 beers was like 60 BUCKS this is ridiculous for that amount i can go to any bar and have much more than that and the service was terrible too they took like 20 minutes to somebody to come to our table I will never go to this place again period
(1)Meg H.
4 stars for food and beer 2 stars for service Went on a friday night around 8, waited in the bar for probably 15 minutes. Sat down and waitor was pretty slow getting our drink orders and taking our orders. we probably waited 15 minutes for just our beers. My boyfriend had the midas touch, which he really liked. I had the Namaste which was pretty good as well. We had the chicken club sandwich and the bacon cheeseburger, both were very good. We ordered an Irish Whiskey cake for dessert which was really good as well. Cons: The server was a total space case on us, and we were seated right by the kitchen and saw him coming by often just not to check on us. We each had 2 beers and the beer was double the amount of our actual food, so that was kinda pricey. I mean it was good, but i'm not sure it was 40 bucks for beer good. Overall the ambiance was fun, the food and beer were good, but the service just kind of put a dent in the evening.
(2)Joni H.
I came here with a large group on Saturday. Since it was around 9pm, we were able to get a table relatively quickly. The food was delicious, especially the Philly Cheese Steak Rolls appetizer. The waiter was excellent, he split our check so that each person got a single check for what they ate, and he didn't make any mistakes on our checks. That so rarely happens when I go out with a large group.
(5)Beth H.
A must for beer lovers and those who like it paired with great food and amazing service (amazing service). At Dogfish they wait on you hand to foot from their beers to their regular menu to the service of both. Watch out for a wait during "prime time" hours. If it is a popular dinner hour, there will be a wait, but you can choose to sit it a high top "bar-like" area. Again, the more prime the time the harder to find a seat in the overflow area, but keep your eye open and you can usually find something. A favorite with my kids and as I say, one of the few things I'd drive to the other side of 7 corners for.
(5)Stefanie F.
I absolutely love this casual spot for baller brews and delicious eats. The bar is full-stocked with craft beers from the Dogfish Head brewery in Milton, Delaware. The staff is really knowledgeable about the beer and can easily make recommendations for any beer preference. My favorites are the high-octane beers like the Burton Baton and Olde School Barley Wine, which run around $10 for a snifter but are totally worth it. If beer isn't your thing, there is a cocktail menu and wine list that should tickle your fancy. The food is your typical All-American fare, with staples like crab cakes, fish and chips, a fabulous Reuben sandwich and a Burger-of-the-Week. If you want to feel like a total badass, order the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich off the secret menu, which also includes boneless Buffalo tenders. Aside from the on-point pints and the satisfying menu, the true beauty of the Dogfish Head Alehouse in Falls Church are the friendly and off-centered staff. I'd recommend this place to anyone and everyone.
(5)Evelin M.
The likely chance of me returning to this restaurant is.... Ummm.. NEVER! The customer service was great, the waitress was helpful. I had no idea which beer I wanted to try and she brought some samples similar to beers I really enjoy. But! Other than that, I can't say anything good. The day I went they had a St. Patty Day Menu, so I decided to order the corned beef sandwich. Maybe I just expected too much, but I personally thought this was a chance for the chef to maybe get creative and he/she failed miserably. It was literally 2 pieces of bread and corned beef in the middle. No mayo, or cabbage, coleslaw, NOTHING! Are you kidding me!? You're going to charge me $10 for a crappy sandwich! So disappointed. Oh, We also ordered the nachos as an appetizer and lets just say... Save your money! It's definitely not worth it.
(1)Nicole C.
I came here with friends and co-workers while on a business trip more-so for the beer than the food but the food is the reason I plan on coming back! I had their burger with caramelized onions and it was perfectly cooked and absolutely flavorful and delicious. I live 4 hours away and crave this burger all the time. Totally makes the 4 hour drive for my business meetings well-worth it!
(5)Tom H.
I know the beer is good. I've been to their brewery in Delaware. The 60-minute IPA is awesome. I hear the food is good, too. I wouldn't know though. Unfortunately, I didn't get to experience much of either tonight when I visited. I sat at the bar around 6PM. Despite it being happy hour, the bar was somewhat slow and the dinner crowd hadn't seemed to hit yet. I was greeted immediately by a very cordial bartender named Greg. He was polite and got me my 60-Minute quickly, along with the menu and specials. Things were looking up about this new place. It has a very nice aesthetic to it and the beer is obvious delicious. I was thinking that I may be making this one of my favorite watering holes. Then, Greg must have gone on break. The other bartender (whose name I didn't catch) began tending the bar. I'm using the words "tend" and "bar" loosely. I mean that in the sense that he wished that he were tending this attractive young woman on top of the bar. He completely ignored me and other bar patrons. Myself and other patrons attempted to get his attention to no prevail. Eventually Greg came back to the bar and there was an "oh shit" moment amongst them when Greg noticed that there were three waitresses waiting at the end of the bar for their customers' drinks. After about five minutes of hustling to catch-up with the restaurant patrons, this bartender went immediately back to this woman whom he was apparently trying to... well, you know. After several more minutes, I gave up on trying to order another drink and went straight to paying for the one that I had had. I dropped my credit card in front of me and was literally waving cash at him. He turned and gave me the the international sign for "give me one second," while he continued to swoon over this woman. Finally, after 20 minutes of waiting (no exaggeration; I came in at 6, had one drink, and by the time I was losing it it was 6:40) the manager came by the bar. I waved my money at him and he came over and asked if I wanted my tab and tapped the bartender on the shoulder. The bartender jumped into action and got me my tab immediately, at which point I did (ever so slightly) flip-out. The manager did buy my (one) beer, but by that point I was so aggravated that I left and had to come back for my coat. Good food and good beer only matter if you can actually get served.
(1)Adrian R.
The service was great, very attentive and fast. Went on a Sunday afternoon, not too crowded. I had their burger and calamari which were good, no complaints. I would go again.
(5)Yemaya L.
my phone died so I couldnt take pics on my visit but the pizza was okay the crab dip was so-so and the beer was delicious... Id give them one more try
(2)Donald P.
Finally came here after being on my radar for a long time and after seeing them featured on some TV documentary on beer. Met with several of my former company employees. So anyway we all get together to celebrate the departure of yet another employee. Everything went well and drinks were good. Interesting that you can bring home a pack of your favorite beer too.
(3)Steve L.
Thank you Antonio M. for making the decision to eat here instead of Bangkok Golden in the same shopping center. You know I have no willpower when it comes to good, cheap Thai food! Thanks to him I could finally give Dogfish Head a chance like I've always wanted to! I will note that service was pretty slow and inattentive even though it was lunchtime and the place was very empty. But...on to the food! $6.00 will net you a ginormous plate of Fries, Rings, and Chips. They are all cut in-house and deliciously fried and enough to feed two large, hungry males even without ordering anything else. The fries were crispy throughout and definitely better than Five Guys fries! The chips were delightful, but the onion rings were awesome! In an unexpected twist, they use Red Onions for their onion rings! The ale-battered rings were delicious and the only thing Antonio and I managed to clear off this heaping pile of deep fried goodness. To counter all the deep fried deliciousness I ordered the Roasted Garlic Caesar Salad. That backfired. Like Antonio noted, the salads seem to have too much dressing on them. I don't think I finished the salad because of this. Furthermore, they weren't kidding about Roasted Garlic. The garlic flavor is IN YOUR FACE! The manager made his rounds among the tables to check on everyone's lunch. He seems to be a very amiable gentleman. I'd come back.
(3)H R.
My girlfriend and I had a great time at Dogfish Head Alehouse! We went on a Saturday night and were greeted with great service and live music. They have an awesome beer selection and interesting mixes and combinations with beers. The food was good. The only reason they didnt get 5 stars is because we ordered muscles as an appetizer and the server came back to our table and said they were out for the night. Overall great experience. We will be back again!
(4)DW S S.
Tried again but seems as if intimidation is the management process in play at his establishment. The guests are treated well by the servers but at no time have I witnessed adequate management skills used. Staff seems to be left to "handle" situations that are not their job and the shift managers disappear when needed. Large turnover results in the staffing. What are the hours? If you post them stick to the posted hours, shortening shifts to enhance the bottom line is ludicrous as a business practice. i will give another try in 3 months and hope for improvement as there is plenty of room for just that ......... a neighbor.
(1)Derek B.
So good. If you are in the Falls Church area this is the place to go for food and drink. While the place can get packed and therefore a little noisy, its worth it. If you are looking for a place to go with a group of friends this place is perfect for you. I wouldn't recommend it for a first date or anything like that, but definitely go if you want a nice hangout. Their IPA's are good. The 90 minute might be the best I've had in a while. I'm not a fan of fruity beers and theirs pack a lot of fruit in it. But if that's your thing then you might like it.
(5)Matthew H.
Nom Nom Burrito was actually good, beer was great. The Burton Baton & Midas Touch are great choices
(5)Alex O.
Look, I love Dogfish Head beers. Their 60-minute is essentially my de facto six-pack. I usually always have some around the house and I've been known to leave one convenience store and drive to as many as need be if the first does not have Dogfish Head. Furthermore, I love their experimental beers and make it a point to always try whatever new concoction they turn out. I even have two frickin' Dogfish Head shirts. However, IMO, the alehouses are lame. Sure, it's great to have Dogfish Head ales on tap, but in DC, that's not too hard to find at many bars with a good tap selection. Furthermore, the selection is usually about what you'd be able to find at any decent beer store, so it's not like you can't find these beers anywhere else (well, except for the Lawnmower, which is sort've underwhelming). Also, as has been noted, they seem to run out of certain beers far more than an "alehouse" should. I've been to the Falls Church location four or five times, almost always with an out of town guest who wanted to go or someone from the area who likes the place. The ambiance is basically that of an Applebees or TGI Fridays. For a brewery that lives by the motto of unconventionality, the alehouses are the very definition of characterless, generic suburban chain restaurant. That being said, I will give props to the service - it has always been polite, enthusiastic, and attentive. Although the thoroughly generic feel may be the biggest disappointment, the food is right up there. There is nothing original about this stuff. It's ginormous servings of generic bar food - lots of cheese, salt, fat, and fried crap. I'm going to say something that will piss a lot of folks off, but the massive servings are actually a problem IMO. A half-pound burger is just too damn big. Why are there two(!) chicken breasts on a chicken sandwich. I've said it time and again, but quantity trumps quality in today's dining world. People complain when they order an entree and they don't get enough to make a complete second meal out of it the next day at lunch. It's no wonder that obesity is the new normal. In terms of specific dishes, the BBQ pork sandwich could be mystery meat swimming in gallons of mediocre sauce. The fish and chips taste like generic fried fish paired with slightly better-than-average french fries. The jambalaya doesn't even taste much like jambalaya. The salmon is really your best bet, and even then, it seems over-priced for the quality. Like I said, I wish this place was better because I love the beers. However, the alehouse is as generic and uninspiring as a sixer of half-cold Budweiser.
(2)Lindsay H.
Love Dogfish Head! My husband and I frequent here and they have yet to disappoint. From the amazing brews and epic food, you've gotta try it. I had my husband's birthday party catered by them and the manager could not have been nicer. They made extra food (by accident) when making my order and just gave me the extra for free--and the manager carried all the food (and there was a LOT) out to my car for me. The food was a smashing success and everyone raved about it. Thank goodness I didn't have to make it myself. The only downside is that it is very packed on Friday and Saturday nights but can you blame people? It's great food in a fun atmosphere (the service is usually always good and attentive) so it comes with the territory.
(5)Donita H.
I'd say I've been here about 5 times, last night being one of them. One of my close friends was returning to Chicago and wanted to come here one last time. I do like this place. The wings are great (not too fried), the crab pizza is fricking awesome (orgasmic, actually) and $12 for a ton of LOCAL crab, basil and asparagus. We sat in the bar, which was great for people and sports watching. The beers are great and don't need to be mentioned. The help? Not so much. We were there on a Tuesday night, and while busy at first, cleared out after 8:00. I was not a fan of Greg the bartender. He is very chatty, to the point of ignoring other customers. I was raised in the South so I say "thank you" for everything. But, having to ask for salt and pepper, napkins, etc., with a food order is lax, but even worse trying to get his attention to do so. I did say "thank you", where he replied "you're so welcome," which rang insincere. At one point, I had to tap the empty glass on the bar to get his attention, which didn't work. Finally, my friend called him by name and got his attention. Guess I need to move back to a major metro. I've found, unfortunately, that the majority of the bartenders in the 'burbs couldn't care less about cultivating regular customers.
(3)Les D.
Met a friend here to catch up on old times. After I ordered a fantastic cup of lentil and sausage soup, I told him I'd watched Forks Over Knives and was going to drastically cut my meat consumption. Then, he talked me into ordering the Alehouse BBQ burger describing how delicious it is. He didn't order anything. Enabler. Delicious bun (which makes the burger great), and I like the concept of two small patties instead of one thick one. Just a big, sloppy burger mess. Of course, Dogfish Head is known for it's delicious beers and they're all here, including some you can't get elsewhere. The food certainly complements. Be warned. The food is very rich and heavy. You're not going to save by settling for a salad either. So prepare to engorge. This is bar food at it's best. Also, this place can get incredibly loud. Nonetheless, Dogfish is a cut above casual dining and a great value.
(5)Tracy S.
Had a chance to check this place out for the first time. I'd heard a bit about it, and when I found myself randomly in Seven Corners with a friend last week around dinner time, we thought we'd check this place out. The atmosphere was nice and the decor was fairly run of the mill. Reminds of Bennigans from back in the day. There were plenty of hightop tables available near the bar without a wait, so that was a plus. They also had plenty of big screen TVs, so they were comfortable and easy to watch from pretty much anywhere in the bar area. Our waitress was nice, although when we each asked her on separate occasions what she would recommend there, or what was a "can't miss" meal, she couldn't come up with anything! Not a big selling point. Since I'm not a big beef or pork eater (which was pretty much what she suggested after several blank stare moments), I settled on the crabcake sandwich. It was good, tasty enough, but you definitely had to have the sauce with it. Without the sauce, it just tasted like something was missing. Overall, it was a good experience. I won't be running back here, but it was good for a random early evening dinner in Seven Corners.
(4)Sean L.
Amazing.....so good. Great service. Beer and food are so good. great prices. try the dogfish head 90 on draft, amazing depth.
(4)Christina D.
We come to Dogfish in Falls Church for the food. The beer seems to be the main attraction of course but the food is really excellent. This location has a very talented Chef - the changing specials are delicious and the dishes are always consistently tasty and delicious. We've tried the food at the Rehobeth and Gaithersburg locations and Falls Church far exceeds the others. The salads are always great, not over saturated with too many flavored but a perfect mix of seasoned toppings and veggies. The burger specials are great as well as the fish tacos, appetizer specials and happy hour menu. If you want a great meal check out Dogfish at Falls Church. The stew they serve during the winter is savory with a nice kick as well.
(5)Karla P.
I love their variety of beers... Awesome burger portabello and Gorgonzola
(4)Adam K.
Good, normal tavern food and all the quality dogfish head beer you can handle. Excellent business model.
(4)Chris L.
"An Ode to Dogfish," by Chris L. Though I did not try your food I'd drink your brewskies in the nude Your 90 Minute IPA Goes down smoothly every day Your IPA, 60 Minute Is too hoppy for me to finish But, oh I love your Midas Touch So sweet and soft, it makes me blush "Can I taste your Palo Santo?" Let me think...no you can't, ho. "How 'bout a sip of Chicory Stout?" Bitches be trippin' when I go out. One more drink, Shelter Pale? Raison D'Etre never fails Festina Peche? Indian Brown? I'll buy it all when I'm in town Chateau Jiahu, with rice and honey That Punkin Ale sure is money One of each and then two more Whoops, I just puked the floor...
(3)Doug A.
Love dogfish head. The food is always consistently great. Probably been there at least 20 times. Service has always been great. Fun atmosphere, great food, and great beer. Never want to leave!
(5)Matt D.
Speciality burgers for each day of the week and beer is the only thing you should eat here. Everything else I've had on the menu is below par. 75 minute ipa is always a good match for the burgers
(3)Mac O.
Damn you, Dogfish Head Alehouse! You make it near impossible to remain anti-chain-ite. [Yes, I admit it. I'm chain-ist. No good reason, really, I just like to be difficult. Wait, I meant "different."] But back to your siren song, DHA. It's the ever-changing lineup of draught (and bottle, but mostly draught) beer that so pleases me. I am a *yooge* fan of the Ancient Ales series. It's nice to be able to sample them all. And why does the food have to be better-than-decent? So annoying when I want to hate you. You can actually cook surprisingly fresh ahi tuna to a beautiful rare, your fish tacos are composed nicely, your pizzas satisfy. Also, despite usually being crowded, your cadre of dewy hostesses are models of efficiency. Again, I say: damn you.
(4)Erica G.
The reviews that say this place is the same as Applebees and TGI Fridays are wrong. I think those places are gross, and while I wouldn't say the food here is gourmet by any means, it is certainly a step up from those nasty chains. This is a local chain, which only has 3 locations- it's not some pre-packaged national chain. Sometimes I order a salad here (the one covered in chicken and bacon of course, but it's still a "salad"), and it's been very good (no gross wilted old lettuce like you usually get in chains). I think it's good for what it is- a beer pub. The ahi tuna sandwich is pretty good (the wasabi mayo is YUM) and the tuna is smoked, which gives it a nice flavor. I normally wouldn't even order fish at a pub, so the fact that the tuna is not only fresh, but delicious says something. The fries are good, the burgers are good, the apps are good (those fried rolls with sausage and cheese are pretty awesome), but I would not recommend the pizza (go to Pia Tanza if you want real brick oven pizza). We go here mostly because of the great beer selection (my step-dad friggin loves this beer), but the food is quite yummy enough for all of us. Like I said, I'm not rating this place at the same level as fine dining establishments, because that's not what it is...it's a pub, and it's a pretty darn good one. I'm big on FRESH food, and I have never had any problems here- I cannot say the same for similar "pub-like" establishments.
(4)Harry M.
Meat loaf sandwich drenched in BBQ sauce. Really? They have the nerve to call it BBQ Gravy. There is no part of this preparation that qualifies as Gravy. On a cold rainy night, meat loaf and mashed potatoes with gravy would have been perfect.
(2)Jeff S.
Pros: Great food - had buff chicken dip, old bay wings (outstanding), spicy calamari, and the Border burger. Beer - really good Punkin Ale. Have had a few others which are great. Love this beer. Atmosphere was awesome as well. Cons: The service was VERY slow. Was not terrible busy. Our server just seemed to forget about us. This wont prevent me from coming. Just wanted to note it. Will go back. Will recommend.
(4)Sopheak S.
What a great experience at the Dogfish Head Alehouse. My girlfriend and I travelled coast to coast; we saw big beautiful cities, the grand canyon at sunset, saw and smelled lake Michigan early in the morning, took the subway in NY, ate a Chicago Pizza in Chicago... yet.. this was my favorite experience... We met up with our old friend, Joe and had no trouble finding a seat. The wait staff was very pleasant and helpful. That beer menu can be overwhelming!! I knew exactly what I wanted beer-wise because I have been exciting to eat at this place for a long long time. The Gf and i shared a macaroni and cheese with steak on top. Absolutely outstanding! Mac and cheese was well made and the steak was well marinaded and fork tender. I'm not even going to talk about the beer because every beer I tried was just... dude its dogfish head. its gonna be good. We even got to order pints of the punkin ale, and this was before the release date! Heads up though, these are strong beers, so you would not be able to order these by the pitchers. This was great and it makes me excited to go back. Next time I venture out there, I will try to go to the original in Delaware!
(5)Samantha W.
I've already written a review for the location in Chantilly and I'm proud to say that I can write an equally rave review for the Falls Church location. I have been preaching about this place since it first opened and am so happy to follow Dogfishhead wherever it goes. The food never disappoints and we are always met with excellent service. This is not your normal, greasy pub food that you wash down with a miller lite. Great beers, great food ... you really can't ask for anything more! Last night, we enjoyed the crab dip (served with bread AND house-cut potato chips), jambalaya and the fish sticks. Crab dip - piping hot and LOVED that they offered two different dipping selections ... extra points there! Jambalaya - just the right amount of spiciness and the perfect consistancy for the biggest jambalaya critic in the NOVA area, aka my boyfriend (he literally orders it wherever we go) Fish Fingers - meaty and flavorful, fried to perfection. We accompanied our meals with a black and tan (their 90 minute IPA was floated perfectly and paired exceptionally well) and the season Punkin Ale. Matches made in heaven. The perfect end to a long day!
(5)Mai T.
This place is always a good default when you can't think of anywhere else to go. However, go at the wrong time and the wait can be up to 1 1/2 hours. Great variety of beers and the sampler is a good choice when you don't have a particular beer in mind. Fries are always great and burgers are juicy. I heard the lamb burger is good but keep in mind they don't serve it at every location. The steak salad is nothing special but done well. They are also kid friendly with good selections including salmon. And don't forget the wings.
(4)John S.
I already knew the beer was good so I had to check out the food. I ordered the turkey club and was not disappointed. The avocado was a nice touch. The service was great and place was clean. The 90 minute IPA cannot be beaten.
(4)Hayley Q.
This is one of our favorite places in NOVA. Beer is awesome and food is delicious! The best craft brewery on the east coast!! Brewmaster knows what he's doing. The service is always good. Sometimes there is a wait on the weekends, but always worth it. Very family friendly, pretty casual, but a cute date spot. Good for large groups. We have recently moved and miss this place!
(5)Ken E.
Great Beer + awful strip mall location + even worse Applebee's decor = 2.49 stars rounded down to 2. Huge Dogfish fan but my inner snob prevented me from totally enjoying the experience. The setting and staff come across as 2nd tier, and not reflective of the first rate beer they serve. Next time, I'll head to MadFox or make the trek to Dogfish ground zero in Delaware. Total Wine carries most of their line, so I cannot recommend unless you just have to try out a seasonal not available in stores or other beer establishments in town.
(2)Justin L.
I liked it OK. The food is standard mid-range restaurant fare, the sliders were very good, the meat was a bit dry on the fajitas. Service was good, but a bit rushed, the waitress asked us what we'd like for dessert about midway through our entrees, which is even rushed for American standards. The beer menu isn't quite as expansive as you'd like from a place known for their beers. Almost everything on the menu was on the strong flavored, and high alcohol content side. I'm not sure how the patrons drink more than 1 of those double IPA 8% alc. beers and then drive home? Would be nice to have a few more light, summer seasonal beers on the menu and a more relaxed approach to service. Not a bad option for a meal though, and seemed to be family friendly.
(3)Erin K.
Mmmm... Hubby and I have only ever sat at the bar when we go and we've never had to wait to find seats. The bartenders are always super friendly and attentive. I love their fish tacos. I've also had their reuben (yum!) and hubby had their chili and seemed to really like it. Obviously the real reason we go is for the delicious beer, though. Can't say enough great things about the unique brews at DFH. Yum yum yum! But even if you're not a huge beer fan, their food stands alone in being a worthwhile reason to make a visit.
(5)Susan L.
Love this place. This is my 10th time going there so I finally thought I'd write a review. This is one of my favorite American restaurants over Fridays, Applebees, or Tuesdays. The service is impeccable. Waitstaff, hostess, manager, etc are all fantastic. The manager seated us, asked us how our day went--truly personable. The food has always been delicious. I usually get any of the burgers, Turkey/Avocado sandwich, or wings--and of course, their speciality beers on draft. The prices are pretty decent (roughly $10-15) an entree. Their special beers are roughly $8-10 but they are good beers and not your watered down-pee tasting ones that come in your 40 packs. This one recent occasion, the chef cooked my burger well done even though I asked for medium. No pink at all. The waiter came by and noticed that I wasn't happy. However, I told him I was fine eating it. I didn't want to waste food and it wasn't often they do this. The waiter must have gone to the manager who came around and apologized. I was shocked. He agreed that my burger was definitely on the overly dead side than medium and insisted that I get a new one. He wouldn't take no for an answer. I didn't even wait that long in getting a new one. It came out quicker than my first burger! The waiter and him came back a few times to ask if the burger was better this time. They don't mess up with me often, but when they do, they sure know how to take care of you! This is a great, casual, family-friendly, and price-friendly place to eat. The food is yummy American. Portions sizes are plentiful.
(5)Yoeun P.
Actually more like 3 stars, but I voted 2 to pull down the average rating for this place. DHA is great micro-brewed beer ruined by boring Applebees quality food. No thanks. Instead of DHA, go to a restaurant that you like that you know also serves Dogfish Head beer. You can thank me later. Or better yet, buy a plane ticket to Portland, Oregon, visit Deschutes Brewery and see what a REAL brew pub should be like. Amazing beer. Amazing food. Amazing decor. Amazing atmosphere.
(2)G. E.
I love this place. Their chips and queso appetizer is a must: house made queso and tortilla chips. So simple but perfectly executed. My friend and I usually default to their burgers, which are always excellent. One of the best places in the area for a consistently good meal.
(4)Chantelle A.
If I ever come back to this location, I'm only coming for the beer. Ordered the Burger of the week (with a house salad), Jerk Chicken Wings and the 90 IPA...the best thing about our meal....yup, you guessed it...the house salad. They fried the hell outta of those wings, the burger was pretty sad, and the house salad was....a house salad. Plus, our waitress was so sweet but, just kinda blonde. I was very disappointed with Dogfish Head Alehouse. Again, if I ever come back to this location, I'm only coming for the beer. BTW...I loved the 90 IPA
(3)E J.
We were already a huge fan of their beer, but we didn't know how good it could get. Between their taps and their bottles there was (almost) too much to choose from. We made due and tried a number of different brews, some we'd had and some we hadn't. I was particularly impressed with the Namaste being a fan of all things Belgian. In addition to the delicious beers, the food was outstanding. I really wouldn't expect anything less. When you put that much thought into your beer, I doubt you'd slack on the food. We started with the crab soup which was full of crab meat and had a great flavor. We both ordered from their seasonal offerings. I had the arugula salad and the fish tacos. Both were great, but the fish tacos really stood out. They were loaded with fish and not fried which, though that's how I would expect them to be served fresh on a beach in Mexico, is hard to find. Light and tasty and some of the best I've had. Dessert was the real treat. We enjoyed the Strawberry Shortcake (another seasonal item). Made with a biscuit and not the spongy, rubbery thing you usually encounter, it was wonderful by itself... However, we enjoyed it paired with a bottle of the limited release Theobroma for a truly amazing experience. Probably one of the best dessert/drink pairing I've had. I'll be thinking about it for months, if not years.
(5)Marcus D.
Just be warned: you will go broke hanging in this place. I also HATE chains, but read on: We came in here for dinner the other night. The food was not nearly as spectacular as the beers - not saying the food wasn't good, but it just paled in comparison to the libations. I tried to stick with a dead ales motif - I know they call them Ancient Ales, but I was feeling like a scholar of the Greek/Latin/Arabic/Hebraic school after coming here. I got the Midas Touch, Ta Henkat and Sah'tea ales. Our server knew the back stories behind each ale and explained them to me - very informative and convincing, I'd gladly spend hundreds here, and we almost did, but that's besides the point. I drank a few other offerings, such as the Palo Santo - makes you want to eat sometrhing chewy afterwards (very good). Keep an eye open for the 120 Minute IPA!
(5)Eric S.
Ok, ok I know it's an "Ale house" but the menu is unique and the brew selection is fantastic. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable regarding their beers and food. The wings are awesome and the chicken souvlaki is great. A relaxed atmosphere with great food and beverage selections.
(4)Terra G.
Service was fine, but the food was just so-so. I ordered fajitas and they were dry and a bit overcooked. They didn't taste fresh.
(3)Chris D.
I've been here three times and am now able to boil it down to very simple ratings. Food - 2 stars Service - 2 stars Beer - 5 stars I love their beer, but everything else drives me nuts. Do yourself a favor by just sitting at the bar and drinking. Anything else isn't worth the trip.
(3)Jay W.
Always good to great food. Great beer and have I've always had a nice bartender when I sit at the bar who will give you a quick taste of any beer on tap if you ask,
(4)Mariah V.
I love coming here to get secretly drunk while eating dinner with my parents. This is one of the places that I really don't mind waiting for a table, because you can just go over to the bar and grab a beer. Of course they have the year-round brews, but sometimes they'll have the seasonal/special beers. So it's a great chance to try something new/cool. Plus if you aren't sure if you'll like a beer, you can sample it if it's on tap before getting a full glass. The Pangea was ginger-y and delicious. You can buy six/four-packs of their beers to go from your waiter, which is awesomely (dangerously?) convenient. The food is pretty good, but because the beer is great I'm giving DFHA 4 stars. Plus everyone who works there is pretty chill and friendly which is also just the vibe that Dogfish Head gives off anyway.
(5)Kristy G.
If you like beer at all, I don't really know how you can't like Dogfish beer. There's something for everyone. That being said, this isn't the most outstanding restaurant ever. But seeing as I can get a ton of my favorite beers under one roof, it's suddenly one of my favorite spots. The food is actually pretty decent, and the atmosphere lends itself well to watching the game on Sunday or just chatting with a friend over the two 60 Minute IPAs it takes to get me drunk (sad, I know). I usually go for the Shelter, mostly so I don't have to drive home drunk. But the "Fries, Rings and Chips" platter is good and greasy and helps with that anyway. Without the beer it only gets 3.5 stars, but seriously the beer is amazing. Four stars.
(4)Leslie L.
4.5!!! I went after work with some co-workers to try this place out. I'd had the beer before so I was very excited. It was happy hour so we checked out the Happy Hour specials and we all ended up ordering the chili dog with the side of crab soup. I unfortunately (for me) ordered the Festina Peche which- while pretty good albeit a little tart for my liking- tasted TERRIBLE with the chili dog! The India Brown or the Raison D'etre would have been far more appetizing. The chili was good and did not make the whole thing soggy and the crab soup was thick and creamy with real crab on top. I had the onion rings for my side which were crispy and not too much breading. I can't give this place a 5 until I eat there again, but rest assured I'm sure it'll get there.
(4)Eloise C.
Never a bad experience but never blown away either. The food is not bad, not great, I think bland is a good word. I've probably eaten here 20 times, so i'm not new to it, and I come here often because I live so close. Not bad, I would come here any day, but don't expect something amazing.
(3)Joaquin G.
The beer is amazing and the reason I came looking for Dogfish while here for work. The atmosphere is great and the again the beer is amazing! Did I say that twice? Well it's because it's true. I started with the 90min IPA moved to the 120 and then finished with dark ale. I had the Ahi tuna dinner and it did not disapoint. I really can't wait to come back to the DC area again for work. I know where i'll be eating dinner again. Or just drinking beer!
(4)Matthew H.
I believe in democracy. I believe in equality. I believe in a lot of touchy-feely BS (at least publicly) but for those people who rated this place under 4 stars have seriously got issues and they need to be deported (France maybe?) First of all, I'll start by saying that Dogfish Head is in the top 5 brew-pubs in America (sharing that honor with the likes of Stone - and if you don't know who that is, then you probably also gave this a 2 star and should go back to your Miller Lite, Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Appletini.) Secondly, I have been here twice and my meal wasn't just good - it was fabulous. Yes it's loud - IT'S A BREW PUB!!!!!! Would you give a bad review of a movie theater because it was dark?! Bottom line - this is one of my absolute favorite places to eat out at any price point based on service, selection quality and taste. 90 minute for life.
(5)Rich M.
Dogfish beers are popular even on the west coast. You can't do better than having a large selection of their beers and good food as well.
(5)Kim N.
Mmm, I like Dogfish beer and the many different varieties! Bummer that there are no happy hour specials. The crab dip is quite delicious. It's that nice blend of cheesy and creamy, but with a good amount of crab mixed in. Pizzas were standard. I would have loved to have my bday celebration here, but on a Saturday night, they close at midnight, a bit too early to end a party, me thought.
(4)Hyunoo P.
One of the things I cherish are bars that have good prices, good beer, good food, and non-threatening clientele. Dogfish Head Alehouse (not named after any kind of aquatic mutation mind you) is a good example of this. Though they don't offer beef carpaccio, they definitely do justice to American bar food. Whenever I want a a good ale (or a great pale ale!) with a juicy "cooked-to-my-doneness" burger I come here. The prices are reasonable~ $7 for a basic burger, $.75 for cheese (they offer gouda, gorgonzola, cheddar, etc etc), and draft beer prices between $4.75 and $6.50. Easy to walk out of here with a tab under $15 and a belly full of cheer. I haven't had any of their salads or entrees, but I can vouch for the burger and pizza. The burger comes on a nice kaiser bun with fresh L&T. There isn't anything that stands out about this. It's just a good, simple 10 ounce burger. But the handcut french fries that it comes with are an entirely differnet matter! I don't know what it is they do, but their cirspiness is near perfect. Pair that with minimal oiliness, perfect seasoning, and a delicate collapsing center and you have yourself an excellent fry. The pizza? Kind of a let down. LIke eating a quessadilla covered in cheese and put in an oven. For beers I recommend having the Raison D'etre ($5.50), 70min and 90min Pale Ales ($6?). The Raison D'etre is brewed with belgian yeast and i'm always a sucker for that quasi banana taste. I typically don't like bitter beers, but their 60 and 90 minute IPAs are quite pleasing. I suppose it's the continuous hopping~ brings out the flowery, spiced, and complex flavors of hops without an overpowering bitterness. Oh yeah, most beers are above 7%. Definitely come for happy hour~ $1.25 off draft beers. Service is good, free mints on your way out, and it never seems like there is enough parking. Edit: Sometimes they play George Harrison and John Lennon. Sid the bartender will hum along to My Sweet Lord long after it's over
(4)Nancy T.
Went here with a group of friends. It reminded me of a TGIF or any restaurant of that ilk. No better, no worse. It was also extremely packed and loud inside with lots of children around. Not a good place for old friends to catch up since you had to shout to be heard. The food was mediocre. I was expecting a little more sophisticated and cozy brew pub. I would not go back.
(2)Jon B.
I love Dogfish Head beer. Love it. When I learned that Dogfish Head had a restaurant really close to my place, I was excited. When I read the Yelp reviews and saw the 4 star rating I was really excited. I wanted to love Dogfish Head restaurant as much as Dogfish head beer. The problem? And again...not talking about the beer. The food here? It just isn't great. It's boring. Its plain. The pizza is something you'd get out of your own oven (if you went cheap). The bacon on the burger was great...but the burger itself - blah. I have a habit of asking waiters what is good. Why? Because maybe there is something really outside the box the place is known for that I normally wouldn't get. The waiter here? I should have known from his responses that the food typified "Meh. I've experienced better. "What would you recommend...the fries or onion rings." "They are both ok." I can't speak of the onion rings but the fries were indeed "ok." Look the beer - is great. Go get a six pack to go. Go home and make some good food and enjoy. The food? Don't waste the calories on it - just drink more beer.
(2)Chris F.
The fact that Dogfishhead can produce beer this good in quantities like they do is a testament to the pride in their craft. Frankly, you won't find beer this good anywhere. Period. With a caveat: if you like your beer weak, without bite or subtle flavors, you might not like it. Anyone who grew up on Pabst, Coors or Natty Light will barely recognize this as beer. Me, I never liked that stuff, so I thought I didn't like beer. Growing up a few miles from Milton, DE, I can literally say Dogfishhead changed my life. I didn't know it was a chain restaurant until I moved here recently. At this location, the beer is every bit as good as in Delaware. The atmosphere is lively, I'm here on a football Sunday and the bar and restaurant are packed with fans cheering their teams. The food is good for a brewpub. The quality is good, but the menu is pretty uninventive. That's okay. Within a short walk you can get pretty authentic ethnic food from about 40 countries in this UN type neighborhood. But choose this local chain over a franchise. By the way, the menu at the Rehobeth location is much more creative...or at least it was a few years ago.
(4)Frank O.
The wife and I saw it driving through Seven Corners one day and decided to go back and give it a try. Soooo... we gave it a try one night. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it...hence the 3 star review. The service was awful to be honest. They rang our buzzer for our table, only to inform us our table wasn't ready. Five minutes later they buzzed us again, and took us back to a different table... and it was dirty, plates still on it. It hadn't been cleaned yet. Niiiice. So they cleaned it and we ended up sitting in nice wet seats. Our waiter was not too attentive to us throughout our dinner either. The appetizers and soups were better than their main courses. We enjoyed the Andouille Cajun Eggrolls, the chili and the cream of crab soup. The entrees though, were merely fair. I had the pork tenderloin, and don't get me wrong, it was good. I just was expecting a bit more out of it. The beers are ok. The sampler is completely predetermined, and contained three IPAs on it. This is good I guess if you like IPAs. I am not a big IPA fan, and they refuse to substitute on the samplers. So if you want to sample beers there, you better like IPAs or you're not going to like half of the sampler. But some of the other beers that they offer are good. Overall, it's an OK place. I won't be rushing to go back though.
(3)Heather H.
Go here for the beer not the food. I wasn't impressed with the food here. It was typical bar food/Applebee's fare, not anything special. I will say that the portions for the price is good. I got a pizza and my boyfriend got a sandwich and the portions were enough for two people. The beers on the other hand, are the reason to come here. The servers and bartenders are nice enough to give you samples before you make your decision. They'll also ask you what kind of beer you typically like to recommend something you might like. I ended up with the Shelter Pale Ale. It was smooth and went down easy...maybe a little too easy! It's a nice summertime beer. The atmosphere is relaxed. The seating is spacious. I hate going to places where you're sitting right on top of other diners. The servers were very attentive too. I'm looking forward to the one opening in Greenbriar in Fairfax. I want to venture back in the fall to try their pumpkin ale.
(3)Victor G.
The food here was really good. I ordered the Mac and cheese with steak. It was a really big plate and will make for a nice breakfast today. They also have an amazing assortment of different beers that will suite to any beer lover. The only reason I give it 4 stars is because they automatically add gratuity on parties of 6 or more and the waiter was pretty slow. I really don't like when restaurants tell me what to give as a tip because normally for good service I will give in the 25 percent range but that doesn't mean I want to be told to give anything. Other than those two things the food and atmosphere was good and will defiantly go back.
(4)Elie I.
This place is great! I'm a huge fan of Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA anyway, but I'm also a big fan of the bar food here. Let me note right away that my wife and I have only eaten at the bar here on the numerous times we've been. The bartenders here have always been super nice, which makes it that much better. The hamburger and fries are excellent. Not Ray's Hell Burger or whatever, but they're great. And the pepperoni pizza is always tasty. Don't listen to the other a-holes who think they're ordering a pizza in New York City. If you want that, don't even bother. It's a thin pizza, where the crust seems like a Dominos thin 'n crispy. Maybe it's a tortilla? Who gives a shit. It's good. Bottomline is that it has nice bartenders, great beer, delicious hamburgers, fries and pizza. A few hi-def, flatscreen TVs. That's all I want in a bar.
(4)Robert P.
Cool, relaxed place. I tried their wings and they were pretty good. Beers here are excellent and the people there are really friendly. I can tell a lot of regulars frequent this place. I felt very safe here and not threatened at all. No need to bring a gun or anything. lol. I would definitely come back here to try their different beers...
(5)David B.
I frequent DFA in Falls Church every 2 weeks it seems. If you like good beer and pizza. Stop reading and figure out a time to go. I only order the pizza when I go but everyone I go with comments on how good the food is. This maybe one of the only places in the DC area where you can get asparagus on your pie (you Euros know what I'm talking about). So in short: 1) Pizza is NY style with a very delicious smokey sauce 2) Toppings are abundant, minimal crust, and if you ask for asparagus, make sure you get it uncut. 3) The beer is awesome. Try the sampler...there's something for every beer lush. Some bush-leaguers were there the other day and ordered miller lite. Really? Free wifi is a plus! Only negative I can think of is the location. Right in the middle of a 7 corners and plenty of coppers around. So watch your intake or join me for a snooze in the parking lot!
(4)Morgan D.
The Food: I had the rustic burger with Gouda and a side of fries. The burger itself was quite good, I thought. You could definitely taste the smokey flavor of the wood grill. The slice of cheese was a bit on the small side, but not so much so that I felt cheated. On the menu, the rustic burger was said to be served on focaccia bread, and it didn't seem to me like it was. The bun was good, and it did have a little bit of a more robust texture than a standard bun, but I wouldn't say it was focaccia. The fries were tasty and crisp and salted with coarse grain salt, which I like. The Beer: That said, I didn't really come here for the food. I'm from the Left Coast so we don't get Dogfish Head on tap (they're based in DE). We started with a sampler (6 beers, 5oz pour of each). They were: Shelter Pale Ale, 60min IPA, 90min IPA, Indian Brown, Raison D'etre, Chicory Stout. The shelter was a little lackluster and bland. I had never had the Indian Brown before and thought it was a nice creamy fusion of a nut brown and Scotch Ale. The 90min was, as usual, a great example of how a double IPA can be drinkable and not just a bitter mess. With the meal I ordered a black and tan (90min IPA and Chicory Stout). Delicious! I would highly recommend this, though it's not really for beer beginners as the flavors are very robust. After the meal I had the Old School Barleywine and my friend had the Fort, a strong (18%) ale with raspberries. Both were excellent, but both were served far too cold. Hold them in your hands for a few minutes to warm them up and allow the aroma out. Service/Other Info: The server was attentive, but accepting of the fact that we were going to spend a long time there (almost 3hr all told). We arrived around lunchtime on a Saturday and the restaurant was busy but not packed. Food service was pretty fast. Be prepared, these are not cheap beers. The standard stuff will run you $6-7 a pint, which is actually a pretty good deal when you consider that they're 6-8% mostly. The specialty stuff (Fort, 120min, etc.) is around $10 for an 8oz snifter. Again, worth it when you consider that they are 15-18%, 3x stronger than a typical beer. Don't bother with the bottles of their special run stuff, though. For some reason, they want $18 for a bottle of the 120min or World Wide Stout. You can get them at Whole Foods for $10 when they're in stock. Stick to the taps, which are much better priced. Check the website before you go if you want to know what they have on tap right now. Also, they have bottles to go but they only sell 3 or 4 of their beers because of liquor laws about the others being too high in alcohol.
(4)Mike A.
Went here for dinner tonight and definitely enjoyed it. We got there just in time to catch the end of happy hour and saved a few bucks on our meals and first beer. I started with the Midas Touch, not one of my favorite beers but one that I will generally try whenever I see it on a menu. Most of DFH's beers aren't quite my taste so it's nice to have at least one that I can enjoy. We were in the mood for burgers so I got the Alehouse BBQ burger, which was enormous. The burger was very tasty and prepared exactly how I asked. The bun and other ingredients were excellent, but nothing really stood out. Overall, the food and beer on it's own was pretty standard and worth about three stars. The extra came from the service which was excellent. A manager came by at one point to see how we were doing and took a drink order while he was at it. Our waitress was very nice and attentive without being intrusive, definitely a plus. I'd go back to try some of the other beers and different food, just to get a better idea of what they have, but I'd also go back just for another burger and beer.
(4)Stuart S.
I am a Dogfish Head-head. I love their beer and have been to both their Delaware brewery and brew pub. Naturally, when I moved to DC, I was sure to learn about both the Gaithersburg and Falls Church locations. For some time I had been planning to visit one of their "alehouses." A friend's visit found us making the trek out to Falls Church (tip: if you're doing this on public transportation, forget about the 4A/B/H from Rosslyn and just take the orange line to Falls Church and get a cab). The food is pretty good. The menu is somewhat locally inspired, and features a good deal of crab and other seafood. Entrees are dishes like pizzas, sandwiches, salads and burgers, all with some culinary twist. The beer selection was not what I was hoping (if anyone has DFH Theobroma, let me know where I can find it), but still solid. We started off with the Santo Palo ale, which was $12 for a bottle... needless to say that the final bill was way higher than I ever would have expected. This is why I am giving DFH three stars; while the food was pretty good, it was not worth the prices. The brewpub in Delaware had better food at lower costs. I realize that the DC area is more expensive, but I think this is an anomaly. Three stars for high prices, slow service and location. I will still be back here sometime, or maybe I'll check out the one in Gaithersburg.
(3)Allyson P.
The food is definitely 3 stars-typical bar food, nothing special, but not bad. As far as the beer, I'd have to say that some of them are 4 stars and others are 2. Some of their beers are absolutely amazing. Raison D'Etre is definitely one of my favorite beers of all time. Their 60 minute IPA is also pretty good. The problem I've noticed with their beers is with the higher alcohol content ones. I generally love really strong beers, high alcohol content beers, but their's taste kinda like rubbing alcohol. I've given them several chances, and every single time I try any of them there, they just have a horrible aftertaste. Which I guess is actually good for me, since I always stick to their basic beers and aren't tempted by the way more expensive, more alcoholic beers.
(3)Sara S.
After seeing a lot people recommend it on Twitter, I decided we should trek down to the alehouse for lunch and see what the hype was all about. The atmosphere was nice and the staff were pretty attentive. They seemed famous for their 90-minute IPA so I tried that and it was ok. Not great, but ok. The server told us about a new beer (red and white) which is a belgian white beer (my favorite) with a hint of pinot noir in it. This beer was also just ok which was pretty disappointing as they charged $10 for it and it wasn't that great. It was also more of a brown. To be fair, I moved back from Belgium last year and after having real belgian white beers for a couple of years, it is hard to satisfy that craving without going to Total Wine and picking up some Chimay Blanche. The food was pretty good. I had the pizza but took a bite of the bratwurst which was awesome. Next time I would definitely get the bratwurst instead of the pizza. It is served on a pretzel roll and is pretty damn tasty. In a nutshell, it was a good experience and I would go back again, but the beers didn't live up to the hype for me.
(3)Alison S.
OK. I still love the Dogfish Head brews. I have no beef with that at all. But I had a serious urge to eat a good burger recently and came here to get my fixing. Boy, was it a major disappointment!! So bad I felt the responsibility to come back in and revise my review of this place so as to not mislead anyone else in going here for a meal. I do not know what happened here. Maybe they changed their head cook or it was just an awful day, but none of the food was worthy of being eaten. Believe me, I went to British boarding schools notorious for terrible, overcooked food. And I've had to force myself through meals I don't particularly like. So this is bad! I ordered the Gorgozola Burger with side of spinach instead of chips; thinking it would be a healthier option. The burger was all wrong. I don't think it was real gorgonzola at all .... some other blue cheese possibly. Everything over salted. The spinach was sauteed in way too much oil and had too much salt going on. Hubby got the fish n' chips that were all visibly overcooked. You know how fried stuff take on a rather brown, burnt look, rather than the golden crispiness? The chips were wilted and soggy looking. I was embarrassed as I was the one who insisted on coming here against hubby's protest. Don't think I will ever eat here again.
(1)Ron U.
The fact that I live a few miles from this place and have only gone here a handful of time is a travesty. Been drinking their beer for a few years now, and when I heard about this place opening I was rather geeked. Their food compliments their beer almost perfectly. Rather heavy on the spice and flavor, topped off with one of their beers is just the way to go. My favorite go to is the brat platter along with a 90 min. It's easy on the wallet considering their prices in the grocery stores, so getting their drinks on draft is never an issue. Just have to remember not to drink too many of them.
(5)Chris S.
Skip the Fajitas. I've been here twice and both times the beer has out shined the food x10. The staff is friendly and fast. A lot of good beers. Ill come back, maybe my food choices (brats 1st time & fajitas second) were just bad choices. My friend had one of the salads and loved it. Spinach dip appetizer was also very good.
(3)Helen V.
Beeeeerrrr, but please don't bring me an overcooked tuna steak! I LOVE DOGFISH HEAD BEER! Raison D'Etre....you're my one and only! Next up, Chicory Stout and IPA, so great! We've been to the true brewery in Rehoboth Beach and the food was delicious then; so I thought it would be the same here. I ordered the Tuna Steak Sandwich and was quite disappointed. The menu reads 'sashimi/sushi grade,' then WHY oh WHY was my tuna steak cooked all the way through?!?! What a waste of good fish! :( My boyfriend's burger was just meh too...I guess food isn't award-winning yet. For now, we'll just stick to their specialty: beeeerrrs!
(3)Antonio M.
***3.5 Stars*** Checked out this place the other day during a lunchtime outing with my buddy Steve L. Although I wanted to hit Bangkok Golden's AYCE Thai lunch again, I really I wanted to try out the Dogfish Head Ale's food and possibly one of their brews. While we were there, I checked out the menu and saw a lot of great looking food that would be perfect for those imbibing in some drinks as everything seemed hearty and a perfect compliment to a beer drinking visit. Umm...beer... The lunchtime menu had a variety of food ranging from sandwiches, burgers and salads to hearty entrees of gumbo and fish 'n chips. There's pretty much anything for everyone on the menu and they even had a good veggie friendly offering. After scanning the menu, I settled on the BBQ chicken salad (lunch special for that day) while Steve ordered a basket of fried goodies (onion rings, fresh potato chips and french fries) and a Garlic Caesar salad. When my salad arrived it, the presentation was quite nice. The beans, corn, BBQ chicken and green onions were each given 1/4 area of the salad bowl which looked very nice. I mixed up the ingredients and took a bite. The flavors and ingredients combined well and the BBQ sauce from the chicken gave the salad an extra tasty flavor. The only criticism I had about the salad was that they were a bit heavy handed with the dressing which made the salad super rich. I told myself that if I ever ordered a salad again at the Dogfish that I'd ask for the dressing on the side to control the amount of dressing that goes into my belly. :-) Steve's basket of fried stuff was a mountain of crispy goodness. On bringing out the huge basket of fried stuff, two large onion rings accidentally escaped the server's tray and fell onto the floor. The server was very apologetic and promised to make it up to Steve. A few minutes later he brought out a few more onion rings to replace the ones that had fallen from the basket of fried goodness. I must now talk about this basket. Wow! It was huge (that's what she said) and was filled to capacity with freshly fried potato chips, huge onion rings and French fries. The cool thing about the onion rings were that they were made with red onions which gave them a bit more flavor. Steve was kind enough to share the bounty of the basket and I happily dove in chomping down onions rings and fries. I definitely enjoyed my visit to the Dogfish and will be back! Looking forward to trying out some more of their beers. Oh yeah, I had a beer with my lunch...and it was tasty. Shhhh! Don't tell anyone!!! :-)
(3)art f.
This pub has become very popular. Weekends you can wait 1 hour to be seated. We went on a Monday night and it was doing a fine business. I liked all of the 3 beers we shared. Our meal was a jambalaya ($17) and a tuna sandwich with wasabi mayo and fries. Good fresh shrimp in the jambalaya. I'll return.
(4)Ali H.
love the 75, but poor selection of food
(4)Casandra M.
I want to like this place, but it's essentially Applebee's with Dogfish Head beers--and not enough Dogfish Head beers! My husband and I made our second visit to this location on Sunday for a few beers, some football and a snack. We had pretty miserable table service last time, so we sat at the bar. I ordered (well, tried to order) a Poppaskull, which is a collaboration brew from Dogfish Head and Three Floyd's brewery in Indiana. The bartender looked at me like I'd asked for a flirtini and asked how to make it. I certainly don't expect bartenders to be experts on everything, but when you work at a Dogfish Head Ale House, knowing what Dogfish Head has released and distributed recently is definitely a perk. When I told him what it was, he seemed to get annoyed, pointed at the chalkboard with the beer list and walked away. Both my husband and I ended up ordering the Chicory Stout (which was pretty good), and we decided to split the nachos. Those nachos were some of the worst nachos I've ever had, and I'm married to a nacho-eating fiend. By the time they got to our table, the chili had turned the entire pile into a soggy mess. The bartender rarely came around, didn't ask about our nearly-untouched plate of food, our beers or anything, really. I think this place has great potential, but the staffing seems like an afterthought.
(2)Polyphemus S.
Beware of some of the sandwiches. I got the french dip and have tried a number of the other sandwhiches, and they've all been horrible. Stick to the hamburgers (REALLY REALLY good) and individual pizza (huge and cheap and full of toppings and cheese!). My wife gets the salad all the time which is pretty good size, but for whatever reason, doesn't do it for me (not sure why but the flavor and fresh crispiness isn't there... don't know how to explain it). Great for families and after work drinks.
(3)Jamison G.
Dogfishhead is awesome! Great food, great and unique beer selection and an enthusiastic and fun staff. The only con is it can get crowded but the wait is usually short. Try their special dinners.
(5)Dan C.
We all know that Dogfish Head makes great beer but their food might be just as good. It's a must stop if you are ever in the area. I guess some consider this a "chain" restaurant so if that's the case than this might be one of my favorite "chains"...and there aren't very many on my list. Come for the beer and stay for the food....or is it the other way around?
(4)Tina C.
AWESOME place! Anytime in the fall when I can get the Dogfish Punkin' Ale ON TAP, I am in heaven! I am not even really a beer fan but this beer is awesome!! Food was also very good as well! I had the ahi tuna sandwich and it was awesome! My friends got the crab and spinach dip and that was amazing as well. We went around 11:00 AM and got a bloody mary and it was spicy and delicious! Service was very good as well. I loved it and will defnitely be back! ;-)
(4)Mark A.
4 star place, with a 5 star rating because it's like my version of "Cheers". I decided to write this review after visiting here again yesterday with my girlfriend and some friends of hers. They were talking about Yelp, and at one point, the server from my birthday stopped by to say hi. Yeah - this is my little bar. How me and my 2 roommates slept on this place for 2 years is beyond me. It's within WALKING distance of our house for crying out loud! Just the drunk-walk-home stories alone would make it worth 5 stars! Great atmosphere, and I haven't not been able to find a table at Happy Hour yet. Seat yourself. Busy, but not so busy it's a bear. The food is fantastic, but you go for the beer. Everything I've tried there, sans the pizza, is terrific. The pizza just doesn't cut it. You hope for some sort of wood-baked jammy from the decor, but alas - it doesn't show up. Just order ANYTHING else. The Mac n Cheese with steak will put you out. Trust me. And if the waiter tells you about a special burger that turned him into Sam Jackson after one bite, order it. But the beer... the beer is awesome. Their own brews, and they rotate. They're seasonal, and they're strong. Going out for "a beer" is fine here. Going out for "two beers" is not the same evening. I think everyone going for their first time should try the sampler. Why? Because it's a sampler. And a good one. And you'll not be unhappy with the results. After you become a regular, you'll probably go for their 60 or 90 quite a bit, but give their other brews a go. I tried the Black & Tan yesterday and thought it was pretty good. Not something I'd drink all night, but a delicious "one beer" choice. When you really feel up tot he task, download their app. LOL. They update their drafts - that way you'll be ready to order as you walk through the door. No reason to waste time. Use that time to find a good seat in front of one of their flatscreens. Friendly staff and good service. Definitely a go-to place for me and my cohort. Cheers.
(5)James C.
Good food great beer and great service. Just go.
(5)Claudia B.
Amazing wings and great beer! Try their old bay wings... To die for! It depends on the day service may be a little slower but this is a good place to watch games and get your beer on!
(4)Greg M.
5 stars for beer, 2 stars for food. Of course I know that averages to 3.5. I'm rounding down because it's location just begs for drunk driving. Not a good thing when your bread and butter is 6-10% alcohol. Seriously though. I love Dogfish head products, but most of what they serve is readily available at other places if you know where to look. Furthermore, those other places probably have better food. The menu is...ummm...well...it's Applebees. Call me old school, but I like my bars to be dank dark hellholes.
(3)Joe S.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in the DC area. It's clean, it's friendly, I've had at least half the menu and everything I've had has been delicious and the beers are top notch. Can't ask for more!
(5)Rob R.
3.49 stars to be exact. The food is okay. You aren't here for it, so don't be surprised when it isn't awesome. It's okay. It's something decent to fill your gut as you have multiple beers. The service is okay. With every visit, my waiter has been very nice but not really on the ball.... very laid back. They love to talk beer with you, but the service isn't really the best. While he's talking beer with you, there are several tables that he's not working. Beer Selection -- The first thing you see as you walk in the door is a chalkboard with what they have with a bunch of items lined out. I expected more variety. What I have had was good.... but I want to try a lot more things that are unavailable. There is just as much selection of DFH brews at Total Wine. Just check out their website or their iPhone app to see what I mean. Unfortunately I found those resources after my latest trip to DFH. The beer needs to be on point when visiting an alehouse named after a brewery.... this place doesn't do that. I found myself asking the question, "What's the difference between going to DFH and going to Total Wine and grabbing some food on the way home?". The answer is not much, if anything at all. Now armed with the knowledge that I can check their website and iPhone app to keep up to date on what they have on tap, I think my next experience may go better. I would definitely consider going if they have something special that I can't find elsewhere.... or maybe if they have a multi-course beer paired dinner or something like that. Recommend for beer drinkers, but there is a lot of room for improvement.
(3)Elina T.
Good food - I like the burgers especially - and great beer selection. They don't have the experimental beers like the Dogfish Head in Rehoboth, but their selection is very good nonetheless and my husband loves their beer. It can be a little pricier for certain beers, like the 90-min IPA, but they're really complex beers that have high-alcohol content and will fill you up quickly, it's worth the price. The location is a bit blah, but it is amazing how many good restaurants there are in the wasteland that is Seven Corners. You just have to deal with it.
(4)Kyle P.
OMG the beers! I've been a big fan of Dogfish Head since I had the 90-minute IPA about 2 years ago. When I came to DC and saw there was a restaurant devoted to one of my favorite "craft" breweries I had to give it a try. The beer selection is outstanding; I discovered a whole new side to DFH. They have an entire series of beers focused on historical recipes, including the Midas Touch, which dates back over 3000 years and is based on chemical analysis of a cup found in an egyptian tomb. I finally got to try the 120-minute IPA i've heard about for so long and I've got to say it didn't disappoint. At 18% alcohol it packs quite a punch, I would compare it to a beer flavored liquor more so than a beer lol. The food is very good. Nothing outstanding but definitely worth coming back a few times to try multiple entrees. I especially love the beer pairings that acompany each item on the menu. If you're in DC and you love beer make time to visit DFH Alehouse, and try not to take more than 10 minutes deciding which beer to drink!
(4)Caesar G.
We used to be huge fans of the original Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach. After driving by this place for several months, we finally stopped in for dinner. So glad we did! First, the food here is much better than at their Rehoboth location. Food is not an afterthought as it is at many brewpubs. My wife and I shared a steak entree (the portions are HUGE), and the kitchen kindly brought it out on two plates. The servers are super friendly, the restaurant is huge, and of course the beer. What else can I say? The beer is AWESOME! My favorite is the 60 Minute IPA. I'd go for the 90 if I didn't have to drive! I would avoid weekends as it was absolutely packed and people were lined up outside in the cold during our visit. Luckily we got there early. My only complaint is there were too many young kids in the bar area running around without supervision. So either go early, or go later after the family/silver fox club crowd. Also this one tool on a laptop was taking up an entire booth big enough to seat six people and he wouldn't share the booth; the staff should have politely moved him to the bar when it got too busy.
(4)Matt G.
Awesome atmosphere, great food, and tasty beer. The alehouse provides excellent service. The focus is on food with a beverage. The beer is absolutely a must at this establishment. We visited with a large party. Not only was this not a problem, but we were served with care that felt like we were a small couple. Will return to this location, as it seemed better managed and maintained than other alehouses.
(5)Lily S.
A salad as big as my head??? I'M IN! The food is quite good here, and I'm assuming the beers are too, but the service...well...the service could have been better. Maybe it was b/c we were in the bar area? I don't know...but they served flat pop and didn't really listen to what we ordered. (shrug)
(4)Ashley W.
Went to dogfish head for the first time based on the recommendation of a friend. We got there at 5 pm and were seated right away. There is a beer for everyone here. I got the premium sampler for 14.95 which allowed you to pick any four beers on draft to sample. I got the raison d'être (my fav), the 60 and 90 minute ipa and chickory stout. I also got the old bay wings and crab dip which was amazing for bar food. I went with my husband and father who are "beer snobs" and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. My father left with 2 growlers of his favorite beers. If you are a beer lover you will be in heaven. We left at around 630 and the place was starting to fill up. I would recommend during your best to get here before the dinner rush.
(3)Brian H.
Had takeaway from this place on a warm summer afternoon. The food (blackened chicken sandwich with fries) was excellent. One of the best chicken sandwiches I've had in metro-DC. Very well seasoned, two pieces of chicken and hefty helping of fries with different dipping sauces. And all that food was under $10, that cannot be beat. Very big lunch. Food was ready when they told me it would be and bartender was friendly in settling the bill. Can't ask for much more. Definitely give it a shot.
(5)Dustin B.
They are frequently out of some of their best beers. This is not the restaurants fault, but in fact the brewery's fault, because of course the beers are not brewed here. For me personally I love how their beers pack a lot of flavor, but the sugar to hop ratio is often too high - expect on the 60 minute. However, their black and tan is off the chain. It's their 90 minute with their chicory stout. It's nothing short of fantastical. Also, the service is the best around. They are always friendly, introduce themselves, fun, knowledgeable, and eager to let you taste new brews. As far as the food, though this may sound pedestrian, their fries are the best around, and complement their beers wonderfully. Ask for a side of the Cajun ranch. Their new wing menu is also slammin'. Can't go wrong here. For me and most people I bring here, that's where the good stops getting good. This was what I found disappointing about the original Rehoboth location. Their sandwich menu falls super flat. From burgers, to Pork BBQ, to Rueben's, and Fried Fish - everything I've had tastes bland, is unexciting; and for the price, pretty underwhelming. The salad greens didn't taste washed, were bitter and the chicken and shrimp salad should just be called the chicken salad. The shrimp were too sparse to be considered in the name. This unfortunately, has turned me away from thinking about ordering an entree.
(2)Yo L.
i used to go here twice a month or so for happy hours! i love their beer selection! get their IPA 60,75,90,120s! and their food is surprisingly good for bar food! upsacle bar food, with tradiontal bar and resturant seating! i love their steak babomb, grouper sandwhich, and their potpie. giving it 5 stars for the good memories, and mostly great booze!
(5)Mike W.
I was visiting friends in DC and did not realize there was a location for Dogfish Head relatively close to where my friends live. Having known about the brewery for years, I decided I wanted to check out the restaurant. I was surprised how jumping this place was on a Friday night. Like a few of the reviews before me, my first impression of the place was "Man, this feels like a corporate chain restaurant." Kind of a bummer. We had a party of 4 and ended up waiting a solid 20 minutes in the bar area drinking beer before we were given a table. All of the staff was great we dealt with along the way despite being busy (which is a win). I was disappointed by the beer selection on draft. Raison D'Etre was not available nor was a couple other beers it seems they have normally. I ended up getting their barleywine and the Chicory stout. Both were great. The food menu was not extensive but had some nice variety. I had one of their plain burgers (boring - yes) and thought it was a very solid effort. I would give this place 5 stars if a) it felt a little less "corporate" (isn't this a company founded on creating that family feel/pushing the envelope away from structure in every way?) and b) they had more beers available to me. I see all these cool/crazy beers being made on Brew Masters. I just wonder why I couldn't get any of them at their Alehouse.
(4)Barrett H.
We have friends from MA who relocated to DC and when we met them in town, they suggested the Alehouse as a spot for a nice, casual dinner. The inside is about what you'd expect from a brewpub of this size (Note: they don't actually brew on-premise). Booths around the perimeter with tables in the center. Decor was like a typical American chain restaurant but with a little soul. Beer menu was clearly posted in multiple locations. Beer: 90-Minute Imperial IPA. Very crisp beer for something in this ABV range (9%). The flavor is almmmmost creeping towards brandy, but it stops just short of tasting too much of alcohol. Nice balance of hops. A very good beer overall, and not something you can get just anywhere. Beware: even as a practiced drinker, four of these got me nigh-drunk. Appetizers: The women at the table both had an app in mind, so they got the Warm Three Cheese Crab Dip and the special Steak Spring Rolls. I didn't try the spring rolls since they weren't up my alley and didn't look great. The crab dip was fine, but I don't get crab dip anyway. I mean, I love crab and I love cheese, but crab is way too delicate of a flavor to pour on "roasted garlic, cheddar, marscapone, and herbed cream cheese". The dip was yummy, but the crab was lost. Just a fancy attempt to get you to pay $11 for a bowl of melted cheese. The homemade chips and baguette were heads and shoulders above the normal tortillas/bland bread that often comes with dishes like this. Entree: Jambalaya. Nothing about DC or an alehouse screams "Jambalaya!" to me, but I was drawn to it. Jambalaya is one of my favorite dishes and it's not something easily found in New England. It also happened that suggested beer pairing on the menu was the 90-minute IPA I had already ordered. Oddly enough, the Jambalaya was also available served over penne, which was terrifying, but I hoped that was something regional or something. I was equally un-terrified by the fact that it wasn't listed as "Cajun" or "New Orleans-style" or "Louisiana" Jambalaya. That always seems cheap to me. It's not as if there's some other kind. I don't know why that bothers me. Meh. Anyway, the Jambalaya was fantastic! Everything was in balance and the flavors were all there. Neither dry nor saucy. The rice has the excellent flavor that pasta cannot absorb. There was a nice degree of heat, but nothing too intense. I love spicy food, but I didn't feel the need to add anything to this. Our server was interesting. She had an Eastern European accent and seemed to misunderstand some of what we said.Like, she would ask if we needed more drinks and we would say: "I'll have some more water, please." "I'll have some water, too" "I'd like another beer, please. "Two waters, yes." I was sure that she didn't hear my beer, but it came right over. She sometimes looked confused or had us repeat things... yet everything came out right. I guess there's nothing to complain about if nothing went wrong. I've only had this one experience at the Dogfish Head Alehouse, but it was a good one. The menu seems a little large, but between the four of us we had a pizza, a burger, a sandwich and jambalaya, and everyone liked what they got. The next time we're in DC, it'll be hard for us to pass up the food and drinks at the Dogfish Head Alehouse!
(4)Jim S.
Unbelievably bad general manager at DFH. Demeaning toward and cussing at the bartenders in front of customers. The owner should be made aware of the toxic environment for both the customers and the employees. Completely unacceptable for a great brand and clearly impacting the ability to retain staff. Lots of great people, but in this environment, they don't seem to stay around long.
(1)Andrea H.
I've passed this place a gazillion times. But I never went in until the glorious day that a friend hosted a gathering there. The beer was good, the food was great, I'd definitely come back. I recommend the Namaste a beer. I got the Ahi Tuna burger, it was perfectly cooked. I also tried the crab dip as an appetizer it was great it gave me heartburn.
(5)Shellie D.
After looking through the reviews on Yelp, we figured that most of the rave was regarding the bar and not the food. Nevertheless, we decided to try it out anyway. We were right. The food is okay. Not great, not bad... it is in the middle. We ordered the beer sample that came with nine different beers. We also had the steak salad and the fish tacos. The beer sample was okay... but do not expect me to give a good description on the beers. The steak salad was basic. It was good, but it was also something I could have made at home. The fish tacos were okay too. The kitchen initially cheated me out of the correct portion of fish. The manager had a look and brought out some more fish for me. It took about 15-20 mins after our food arrived to get the proper portion of fish for my taco. I appreciated management's response and them trying to rectify the situation. Overall, I would only come here for HH and appetizers. Not dinner.
(3)Robert R.
Made a quick visit before the National Championship game, so it was quite busy yet. Overall, the service was very good. The food however was a mixed bag. The wings with old Bay seasoning were among some of the best that ever had. They were cooked properly and had a crazy amount of seasoning on them which I loved. On the other hand, the Reuben was a mess. It had way too much sauerkraut on it, not enough thousand island dressing, and the meat was flavorless. But, to wrap up the meal, had a bread pudding and it was pretty good.
(4)Annie N.
Dogfish Head is probably one of my favorite breweries out there. I love all their unique and classic beers (like their 60 min IPA). I love this place for their beers and great food selection, BUT... I wish their happy hour deals were better, its only $1 off pints and certain apps..a dollar?? come on... I wish their growler fills weren't too expensive (start at $16 compared to other local breweries that start at $12) I wish they had more beers on tap, but I guess it's okay since they rotate it, but ehh, the more the merrier..or it's probably cause I've tried so many of their beers, that I wish they had more of the unique ones on tap Overall, a great place to grab beer AND great food (esp. their crab/cheesy dip), just not the most decently priced.
(4)Mary Kate M.
Came here to meet a friend who's idea of fine dining is Olive Garden. God love him, but he chose to come to Dogfish Head Alehouse as our dinner outing. I was a bit skeptical about coming here since I don't particularly get excited for these sorts of places since I feel they are dime a dozen. This place is exactly what you think it would be -- American food, brews specifically from their Delaware brewery, and suburbanites. I didn't have any of their craft beers since I stuck to what I knew, but my dining companion ordered 3 beers. He frequents it here, and thoroughly enjoys it which is there nothing wrong with what you enjoy! Him and I ordered the a Santa Fe Salad a piece. It was a romaine salad with red onions, corn, black beans, grilled chicken, cheese, and lime vinaigrette. It was filling and decent. Carlos our server was nice. Overall service and the staff here are friendly. It is a welcoming environment and I did appreciate that. I doubt I would make a special trip out here again since this isn't my neck of the woods and it doesn't have that wooo factor for me, but I recommend it for people who enjoy Seven Corners and American pub fare is suburbia.
(3)Valencia W.
Went again but this time I raved about this place to my family even though my experiences are mainly from the Fairfax location. I should've kept my mouth shut. POOR SERVICE and the food wasn't that good. Messed up part of our order with wrong beers (wouldn't have been a problem if they were free ) and completely did not place 2 of them. There were 5 of us and we spent quite a bit of time figuring it out. It was a pain I mean how do you mess up such simple orders? Oh I know by including 2 other parties on our bill. I absolutely will not come back to this location - quite frankly it sucks and the one on 50 is a better experience with food and much better service.
(1)Ken M.
Glad the summer months are here, there is no wait at all for a table on a Friday night unlike the rest of the year when the wait can be up to 30 minutes. Very good food, fair price, decent portions, friendly wait staff, that remember you and greet you even if you're not their table that evening. The beer is good, and varied...something for everyone! Menu has good standard selections, but check out their specials for something different, like I did tonight...the brisket sandwich was great!
(4)Mallory M.
One of the best burgers I've had in a long time! Cooked medium rare, just as requested and topped with caramelized onions -YUM! Everyone in my party enjoyed their food as well. They ordered the BLT and the fish tacos. Big portions with fries that are to die for. We all ordered the beer sampler - a great deal at just $9 for 6 4oz samples. Good service, good beer, great food!
(5)Keith Z.
My favorite place in the seven corners area. Have frequented this place so many times they deserve a review. I've tried many of their items, probably everything on the menu and most of the specials they've offered. All have been enjoyable. One constant I have to order every visit is the buffalo wings. These are the best wings I've ever tasted. They have so much flavor, and I'm extremely picky about wings. Their bleu cheese is one of the best I've had as well. Service is always on point and has always been attentive, even when the restaurant is very busy. This place is busy all the time. Did I forget to mention they're a beer drinker's paradise? Well, after all, they are known for their beer. When venturing away from my usual 60 Minute IPA, they have delicious seasonal brews. This place is laid back, casual, with great atmosphere, food, and beer.
(5)Daniel F.
The food in this place is great, nice service, do yourself a favor try the BBQ Burguer make sure to order onion rings, you won't regret it.
(5)Brandon H.
The food was great!! Started with the calamari for appetizer and had the Dogfish Trio(come with a appetite!) and the Jambalaya. Everything was wonderful and you get your money's worth!! Our server was Fernando and he was outstanding!!! Will def be back!!
(5)Cassandra H.
7:30-7:35 9/1/15 - arrived for my pickup order and was directed to the bar. found my take out order on the bar mat sitting next to about two dozen dirty glasses that were sitting next to what would have been clean glasses. after 5-10 minutes of trying to grab the bartender's attention (who was too busy collecting his cashouts to pay attention to anything else - including me and more piling of dishes next to my now cold food) I finally raised my voice and said, "excuse me, sir! is that my food sitting with the dirty dishes?" i caught his attention, he asked my name and responded, "yes it is"
(1)Michael E.
Great food and great service!! The roast beef burger was the greatest burger I've ever had!!
(5)Mina C.
The food, not so great here (well what I tried). The beer is where it is at! We ended up here on a random Wednesday and halfway through some drinks and food, someone started to set up for a trivia night. Me and a friend decided to stay and play. It took the better part of two hours, fairly lengthy. WE DID PLACE though. The guy running the show said it was good for us, a 2 person team playing against all the larger teams. SOOOOOO I'll be back for beer and trivia night.
(3)Hannah H.
About a 2-2.5: Most of my husband's friends always has birthday get-togethers at Dogfish. I was excited to try this place out as there always seem to have long lines and it looked like a happening place! We came here for some dinner, and I had a cupe of the IBA Alehouse Chili (sauteed beef, red kidney beans, onions, peppers, celery, tomato, Indian Brown Ale, topped with Gorgonzola bleu cheese, sour cream on the side, and a huge mound of tortilla chips; I was not a fan of this chili as it had a weird taste to it - it was sweet, but very heavily tomato-based, but watered down and not hot - I don't think I was a fan of the ale combination); my husband had the Roasted Garlic Caesar Salad (Romaine lettuce, house croutons, Paremsan, and a Caesar dressing - the dressing was not creamy, but it was more like a thick dip-like consistency, so you had to slather it all on your lettuce and chicken (that was an additional fee that was too dry and unflavorful); I would probably get this vegetarian-style with extra side of dressing (as the lettuce was not fully dressed); I had the Dogfish Trio (Shelter Pale Ale battered grouper, code, shrimp, all fried, and served with 'beach fries' (which were hand-cut fries), in-house cole slaw, tartar and remoulade sauce and a cup of ketchup for the fries; the batter was perfect as it was very nice and crispy; I was more of a fan of the grouper as it was nice and flaky, and the shrimp and the cod were both okay; I did like the french fries as it was nicely seasoned and served freshly fried; I preferred the tartar sauce rather than the remoulade, as it was slightly tangy and crunchy and a good sauce to dip the fish in). For dessert, we shared the Punkin Cake (considered the Alehouse tradition; a pumpkin cake with thick vanilla icing, topped with 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream; this was a great way to end our meal as the pumpkin cake was nice and moist, and even though there seemed to be a lot of icing, it complemented well with the scoops of ice cream; I was a fan as I enjoy pumpkin desserts in general!). Our server, Pierre, was friendly and checked up on us frequently; the manager also was seen walking around to ask how the experience was, which I thought was very nice! I was excited to receive a special St. Patty's Day pint glass with each entree purchase, so that was pretty awesome! :D I saw a lot of people downing their house year-round brews that were available, watching the game, and just having a good time at the bar. This restaurant seems a favorite for friends, couples, as well as for families. I am glad I was able to try this place out! +fried grouper +good french fries +Punkin Cake dessert
(3)Renee N.
Love this place. Have been twice now and thoroughly enjoyed the food both times. Their burgers are perfect - perfect size so it doesn't fall apart while you're eating it, perfect cooking so grease doesn't kill the lower bun. Highly tasty. Dessert is definitely worth the splurge as well. Don't drink beer,so can't comment on the alehouse aspect, but the place seems very popular for good reason.
(5)Timothy C.
I have been going to this location for several years. I have always enjoyed the food, the service and the ambiance. I am a restaurant professional with over 20 years experience. I have been a waiter, a bartender, a manager and a GM of several large restaurants in the DC area. This was the first time I've had a bad experience and it is all due to the GM, Gerry...or Jerry, or whatever. The bartenders were great. After the "GM" came on shift, and he made it clear he was friends with the idiot who started conversation with me at the bar, he told the bartender he didn't like how I spoke to his friend. The word "fuck" was used a few times on my part in the conversation, but was quite germane to the conversation at hand. After I settled with the bartender, the GM confronted me at the front door. He was super rude. He had no sense of customer service or hospitality. He had no idea how to talk to a guest. I've worked in retail as well as restaurants and wholesale sales, and have been supporting Dogfish Head for many years, but after the way this incompetent manager dealt with me over such a personal (for him) matter, I'm not inclined to ever frequent any DFH establishment again, nor support their products in my future ventures. I do not wish this review to negatively affect the staff, as they were superlative. This has solely to do with the lack of connection of the "GM" on this shift. I hope the establishment can move passed this out of touch manager and get back to what they used to be. Until then, I cannot, in good conscience, go back to this restaurant. It is a shame, as I used to enjoy going there.
(2)Lauren Z.
Great food/beer and amazing service. After a late night at work we were looking for a quick bite. Sat at the bar and Matt recommended the best food I've had yet. Matt and Zach were incredibly attentive and personable, very knowledgable on beer and were spot on in recommending beers we would like. BBQ burger & pork chops (with homemade apple sauce) highly recommended.
(5)Jon B.
Good food, staff and beer but the growler prices are absurd. I certainly have tried DFH a number of times and this venue doesn't disappoint. The staff is good and likewise with the food. The beer is the star attraction. However avoid filling a growler here. $48 for two growlers was ridiculous. Mad Fox or other venues offer as good beers and more sane pricing.
(2)Michael L.
$20 growler refills, is robbery. Not an employee, but any area Total Wine has growler refills, wider variety and better beer, at almost half the cost.
(3)Ghita E.
Great service. If you like pizza order their pesto crab pizza. to die for!!!!
(5)Yulia L.
Great food! Great place to go if you love good beer. Food comes out on time, bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable, there is never wait for your check. Kids friendly too.
(5)Donna W.
Great place to have beers with friends and be able to have a conversation without it being too loud. I especially enjoyed their IPA and the chicken pot pie! The pot pie crust was amazing. It's puff pastry that sits on top of a pile of moist chicken pot pie filling. The ambience is not bad, nothing super special, but I appreciated it being not so rowdy and loud. Illne back to try other dishes and beers for sure!
(4)R. H.
We came on a Tuesday at about 7. The place was hopping--they were sponsoring a silent auction for a school, and kids were zipping around everywhere. We sat at the bar rather than wait 20 minutes for a table. Service was friendly and prompt. We split the grilled pork chop special, which was ample food for two 50-somethings. We like hoppy beers. The one with "75" in the name is a blend of their 90-Minute and 60-Minute IPAs. We loved it. Note that the booths around the bar are considered bar seating. If one is vacant, you can grab it and not wait in line for a table elsewhere. Is this place good for groups? Maybe if you come at a less busy time.
(4)Keegan Z.
Went here to celebrate my father's birthday last Friday. I have dined here on two other occasions as well, though I will stick to my recent experience to judge by. Pros: The food was absolutely amazing. The crab dip we had for an appetizer as well as the burger, pizza, and steak my parents and I enjoyed were all incredible. The beer was naturally stellar as well. Everything looked picturesque in its appearance and attention was clearly paid to aesthetics. The restaurant itself is beautiful and well designed. You get a good feeling when you come here. Cons: Not surprisingly, this restaurant is quite expensive, relegating it to be a special occasion venue for most people (sadly, that includes me). You can't make reservations or be put on a preferred seating list, so be prepared to wait regardless of how good of a planner you are. It was quite busy when we went and was extremely loud as a consequence, possibly a deterrent to those with sensitive hearing (or those of us not accustomed to loud concerts or frequent yelling). My past experiences had excellent service, though service this recent time was lackluster: the server was emotionless and made few callbacks which is anathema in food service (I was a manager/bartender/server for three years, you have to smile and be around when you're needed). Overall, I very much like this place, and if you go when it's not terribly busy, the nice servers are on shift, and you've just had a good financial windfall, it will very likely be your favorite restaurant in the metro area.
(4)Mrs. O.
We were on vacation and stopped in at this place after a visit in Washington DC. The food and drinks were fabulous! We had a little mishap happen and the waitress and manager took care of us right away. I would HIGHLY recommend this place. We had the spinach salad with Salmon, Crab Cakes, Crab Soup & Lobster Roll - ALL were very good.
(5)David T.
Fans of Dogfish Head know the company's motto of "Off Centered Ales for Off Centered People". Dogfish began brewing unique beer back in the 1990's when the craft beer scene was scarce. They became a cult favorite by incorporating flavors from around the world while taking chances on beers that were unrecognized by the masses. The company started with a brewpub restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The restaurant has become an epicenter for the company featuring test beers, great food, and lively entertainment. Much of what makes Dogfish so great is its experimental nature and its willingness to take risks to build brand loyalty. I went to the Dogfish Head Alehouse in Falls Church with high expectations after visiting the brewery in Milton, DE and the brewpub in Rehoboth Beach, DE. My initial impression was that the Alehouse was tastefully decorated. I was excited to be in an environment that embraces one of my favorite beer brands. I arrived around 6:45 and the restaurant still had a happy hour special which included $2 off drafts and discounted appetizers. I quickly ordered a Pumpkin Ale along with some nachos. The beer is always good at Dogfish. If you are unfamiliar, the average Dogfish beer is brewed with approximately 9% alcohol content. The Pumpkin Ale is smooth with hints of pumpkin and spices. The nachos were typical bar food. Afterwards, I ordered the Habenero Gelee Burger. The burger has a marmalade like sticky consistency that lacks the habanero taste. I ordered the burger medium and the cook did a good job of cooking the meat at the right temperature. The bun was tasty with grill marks on top. The habanero gelee was a miss and the quality of the meat was average. I would say the cook did a good job with the ingredients he was provided with. I followed my pumpkin ale with an Alehouse 75, which is a mixture of the Dogfish 60 minute IPA and the 90 minute IPA. Wow! This is a great beer and a great value. Very smooth and extremely satisfying. The end of my visit culminated with an inquiry on growler fill pricing. I proudly brought my Dogfish Head growler expecting to fill it with fresh beer. Unfortunately, the growler fill prices were literally through the roof. For example, a 64 ounce growler fill of Dogfish 90 minute IPA is $38. The alehouse sells a 4-pack or 48 ounces of 90 minute IPA for $12. It does not take a mathematician to figure out that the growler pricing is misaligned. I asked the bartender why the pricing was so disproportionate and she said Virginia law requires them to buy Dogfish through a distributor instead of through the brewer. Regardless, the math still does not make any sense and I believe the Alehouse is missing a huge opportunity to create a local following by offering competitive growler pricing to beer fans. I would give the Alehouse a three out of five. Obviously, it is the beer that makes this place. I will come back for the beer. Moreover, the happy hour beer special of $2 off a draft is one of the better deals around. Dogfish loyalist will be happy, yet unsatisfied because the Alehouse comes up short. The essence of Dogfish is not captured. The uniqueness and passion are missing. There is no fair comparison to the Rehoboth Beach brewpub and the licensed Alehouse restaurants. Go for the beer, but temper your expectations.
(3)Cathy F.
This review might be biased, because we visit about once every week or so and have grown to love this place. I honestly can't remember having a bad experience here, food or service related. The beer is fantastic and really introduced me to the craft beer world a few years ago. Nowadays, I just stick with Indian Brown, but all of the other beers are worthy of a try. For food, they have an excellent variety ranging from standard pub food, to wood grilled pizza, to pasta and more hearty choices. The pizza is always worth a try, as is their crab dip and jambalaya. The bartenders are always friendly and helpful when you are not sure which beer to order. Sometimes on the weekend they have live music, which can be hit or miss depending on who they've booked for the evening.
(5)Philip L.
Loved this spot from the first time I went there. Beer is on point but that's not a surprise. Went for dinner couple of times and it was great.
(5)Jan S.
Service was good but the food was less than meh. Granted you come here for the beer but they should really work on their food too. We ordered the kids' fish and chips for the kid and after one bite she said "thanks but no thanks." I had the mahi mahi tacos AKA 2 small pieces of fish covered in lots of cabbage?!?! Not much flavor either, hubs had the steak and said it was just OK but the veggies tasted like they came straight out of the freezer. I could've told him that based on the green beans' radioactive color. Bottom line the beer was great, so I guess they got that part right. I won't be back but I'm sure the hubs will.
(3)Agarista H.
Absolutely dismal service. The food is good, and their standard beers excellent. The seasonal beers tend to be offensive in their attempts at "new" flavour. The server did not know the menu, took her time doing anything, and could not answer why the Etruscan beer was "ancient Etruscan" while the Phrygian beer hailed from "ancient Turkey." Why not say the Etruscan beer is Italian to completely confuse ancient cultures? Perhas it would be too difficult for the servers to comprehend.
(2)Brittany M.
Omg the food was amazing. The beers were pricey, but for the alcohol content of them, it was just right. The mac and cheese with steak was ridiculously rich and creamy. The steak was cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth. The loaded beer brat with kraut and pepperchinis on pretzel bun was so flavorful. It came with 2 brats and homemade chili and tortilla chips. The food portions were large and definitely able to be split. The spicy calamari with pepperchinis was not very spicy. It was cooked perfectly with an oily sauce at the bottom of the dish, which was I assume the spicy part.
(5)Ryan F.
We just got home after eating here for maybe the 12th time. Bar or not and beer or not. The food is great. The service is great and the atmosphere is fun. We almost always have our kids with us and the experience is always consistent. The beers are fantastic but so is the food. I strongly recommend the place. I've had fish, fried fish, chicken, ribs and a few salads. It's all been fantastic.
(5)Elias B.
Best beer around as you'd expect. Food also surprisingly good. Can get crowded during peak times with waits for a table. But get a beer and relax. No problem.
(5)Jennifer M.
Pub / sports-bar environment. Lots of choices of beer on tap. The food is good, but wouldn't be coming here just for that. They have appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas. They usually have daily specials as well. Check their chalk boards and beer menu for available beers on tap that day. Can't choose? Servers are happy to help. Food-wise, crab-cake grilled cheese sounded better in my head than it really was. Wasn't your typical ooey-gooey Panini-like grilled cheese. This was more of a sandwich with crab cake, slice of cheese, tomatoes and fresh lettuce. Fries were tasty though, and I love their honey mustard sauce. Pizzas, you can build your own or try their signature ones. We had the Cajun one with sausage, chicken, and a milieu of veggies atop an alfredo sauce. Pretty good and tasty. Great place for beer with good company; try their food only if you're hungry, otherwise, save the money for more beer.
(3)Caroline E.
The giant pretzel appetizer is AWESOME. Portions are super big though - I took half of my entree home for lunch the next day.
(4)Joey B.
I've been here three times now, and a couple of things stood out to me: Bartender: my bartender for the evening was friendly, cheerful, and attentive. 5 stars. Pizza: worth the 5 dollars I paid during happy hour. I had the pepperoni pizza, and it was nothing special. Mahi mahi tacos: nothing special, way too much slaw, inconsistent amounts of fish. The fish tasted like it had been frozen, and was dry. My initial comments to my server and someone (large, tall, plaid shirt) who I can only guess was a manager had no effect. Bbq platter: I thoroughly enjoyed my brisket, I would order this again. Beer: all of the beer I've sampled here has been fine, but I didn't find it to be exemplary. That doesn't mean I won't keep trying though! Overall, I love the atmosphere, the food is fine, and I still have yet to find the beer that will keep me coming back. 3.5 stars (but I rounded up)
(4)Alexa H.
Consistently fantastic food and beer and great atmosphere. This is my go to place every time someone is here from out of town. I just love it. Their trivia nights are great too.
(5)Jessica S.
This place is great! The service was friendly and prompt. The manager was walking around during our meal and checking-in with the customers to see how things were going. I am not one for beer but the wine selection was great as well! And the food was so tasty. Definitely go for the crab dip appetizer and plan to take home half of your meal.
(5)Herve J.
Always loved Dogfish beer (Burton Baton is my favorite, just enjoy it slowly, it's a 10% ale...) but found out the food was pretty good. I'm of two minds about hearty pub fare Dogfish offers (4000 cal type of meal) but stumbled upon the Jambalaya: great tasty food, not too heavy and perfect to wash down your ale. Nice service, right on the Pike, friendly atmosphere.
(4)Maria-Elena T.
We arrived on a Sunday evening after the gym and sat at the bar. Our bartender Ben suggested tasting the two beers we ordered. We did and then switched to the 60 min Ale. Very good. We started with the artichoke appetizer. It consisted of 3 large artichoke halves. The balsamic juice ran down your arm as you scraped each leaf between your teeth. It came with a basil mayo for dipping but I didn't try it. I would order this dish again. It was delicious and cooked to perfection. For my main, I ordered the Spring salad with the salmon on top with the balsamic dressing. I ordered a side of black beans and a side of Mac and cheese (which is not on the menu). My salad was excellent and is going to be my go to for a good salad. The lettuce was fresh and crisp- no hint of brown. The candied pecans were very small so you got a piece in almost every bite. There were a lot of apples. The dried cranberries were tart and the feta cut to the same size. The portion was huge. The salmon on top was perfectly grilled and also very large. The Mac and cheese "side" was actually the kids portion. It was very good but I have to come back and get the adult version which I hear is even more rich. The side of black beans were smoky flavored and I took them home. Lenny the manager checked in on us and made sure we were enjoying our food. I will be back!
(5)Jack H.
Great beers, have tried them all and have my favorites (75 min). Gets busy on weekends and doesn't do reservations. Also can be quiet loud and hard to talk easily if you come with a large group (tables are lined up next to each other). 40 minute waits after 6 are common on weekends. Manager, Jerry, was very accommodating for our large party of 11 (thanks Jerry). Food can be hit or miss. The beef stew over night was filling and very good (lots of potatoes). Another night and it was good (few potatoes). Crab cake sandwich sub par. Cheese pizza subpar. Burgers are often quite good. Jambalaya is also good and filling. Overall food is decent enough and the real reason to come afterall is the beer so I recommend. Its also close to a homebrew store if you are into that.
(4)Joshua P.
Great food and love the variety! A little something for everyone. Like the beer sampler. The dogfish appetizer it great too! (yes, its real dogfish)
(5)Ningxi X.
3.5 stars. But it's a beer place, which probably influenced my biased rating. I asked to have a taste of wine to help me with selecting a glass, but was told they'd only do paid tastings. I understand this ain't the place for wine, so fine. You also have to depend on your luck when getting a beer since they have a rotating menu and some brews aren't available on certain days. There's a diverse menu, but the food I had didn't taste that fresh. Last time I had the jambalaya and crab dip as an appetizer. I asked for a glass of the chardonnay from the bottle they'd most recently opened - since they wouldn't let me taste it first - but it was still "meh." Typical bar food, just served in a slightly different setting. I like the ambiance though, and the place is spacious. I can totally see why you're into it if you're a beer snob. Plus, it's in a strip mall; sort of a refreshing spot considering the neighboring boring chain restaurants and nondescript ethnic outposts.
(3)Bacchus F.
This place is as good as it gets when it comes to beer. Tonight my wife and I had the Noble Rot and the Sixty-One. If you like wine, but are suspicious of beer, please try these beers. Your life will be enriched. The brownie sundae was good, but nothing special.
(5)Pegah Y.
I visited Dogfish Head Alehouse in Falls Church with my boyfriend on Labor Day (thankfully it was open that day!) and we both had a great experience. It has a fun tavern feel to it but also has excellent food. If you aren't a big fan of beer, the drinks at this place may not be for you (they specialize in a lot of darker/stronger beers - think IPA), but the food is still quite delicious. And I was pleasantly surprised by all the seafood options, as I love seafood. I ordered the Jambalaya, which came with shrimp, andouille sausage, chicken, peppers, tomatoes, and red onions in a cream-based Creole sauce served over rice. It was one of the best jambalaya dishes I've ever had. My bf ordered the Ahi Tuna, which came with Fresh ahi tuna steak pan-seared medium rare in a soy ginger lime sauce. We also ordered the warm three cheese crab dip and spicy calamari as appetizers - so delicious! It was a great meal and we were both very satisfied. I highly recommend this place, as the service was very friendly as well.
(4)Jerry T.
Good food, excellent service, and, of course great beer. Cudos to Stan for fast and efficient service.
(5)Sarah S.
Rotten service, extremely loud, bad acoustics, beef stew from a can; crab dip that is cream cheese with a little crab meat and cheddar sprinkled on top; tuna medium, not seared, and thin. Server was unconcerned. The noise in the restaurant was so loud you couldn't hear what the server said, nor could he hear us. After a boring dinner with unappealing presentation, we declined dessert, which you would think would trigger the arrival of the check. Nope. Couldn't even get the attention of any staffer by waving, and yelling was drowned out by the now live music. Horrible place. I've been to others that's were ok, pub food, but with good service and better quality. The canned beef stew was the evenings special. Nothing special about it. I won't be back, I'll tell my friends to avoid. So many other good places to eat within a mile. Save your time and money, go somewhere else..
(1)Greg F.
I stopped in to meet up with an old coworker who is now working in the area. I tasted the peach beer which was rather tart and then asked for a taste of another beer that was very dark, but just not right for me. When I told the bartender I was not a huge fan of hops (leaving out any IPA) he recommended the Midas Touch which is brewed with no hops. This was a very unique yet wonderful brew. It was almost fruity. Very good. As I was hungry, I also ordered a burger. I ordered Dave's Border Burger. OMG! It was a huge burger packed with deliciousness. It had a seasoning that was perfect, cooked perfectly, topped with fried jalapenos & avocado. The beer prices are a little pricey, craft beer or not. For happy hour my beer, served in a small wine style glass was $7.75. So for one beer that was about 7 ounces and a honking burger I paid just under $20 with tax. I will be back, and I will conquer this bread pudding I hear so much about.
(4)Emily C.
I LOVE Dogfish Head...LOVE! We just moved away from NOVA and I'm lamenting the loss of our beloved Dogfish Head. During the 4 years we lived in NOVA we came here a lot. Here are a few reasons why... 1) The beer - Obviously Dogfish Head is first and foremost a brewery so the main reason we came was for the beer. They have such an eclectic assortment, there's always something new and interesting to try as they are always rotating what they have in stock as well as offering brand new brews. Some of my favorites were: Alehouse 75, Apriohop (spring), Punkin Ale (fall - **If they have the Punkin and the Chicory Stout on tap ask for the Chunkin!**), and the Sah Tea. A lot of their beers are pretty strong so it doesn't take long before you're feelin pretty happy. They also offer free samples which is super helpful since they have so much to choose from. 2) The food - We would still come here even if there was no amazing beer because the food is amazing as well. My two favorite menu items were the Roasted Garlic Caesar Salad Over The Top, the Crab Cakes and the Lamb Burger. My husbands favorites were the El Cubano and the Alehouse BBQ Burger. Our favorite appetizer was the Buffalo Chicken Dip. The food was very consistent in our experience, always came out hot and tasting delicious. 3) The beer.... 4) The atmosphere - This is just a fun place to hang out. It's all exposed brick with a lot of memorabilia on the walls. It could get a bit loud in there at times but it didnt keep us from going. The servers are always friendly and attentive. 5) ...and the beer We will miss this place so much!
(5)Taylor E.
My husband and I go to Dogfish every once in awhile, but usually on a weekday, to avoid the crowd. We decided to go on a Friday night, at dinnertime, and although it was a mad house we were actually seated right away since it was just the two of us. It took a litter longer than normal for our waitress to come get our drink order but we were okay with that since the place was a zoo. Our waitress, Wren, was super nice, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. After the initial mini-delay, she was super on top of things. Our food came out fast and hot and our every need was met. The food here always hits the spot. I usually stick to sandwiches, but have had the salads too and it's all been solid. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because I wish it was less child-friendly. I'm sure if you go after 8pm you can avoid screaming babies, but when I go to an alehouse I prefer an adult-only type experience. We'll definitely be going back--probably after 8pm on a weekday.
(4)Heidy D.
Reliable and delicious food and beer. It's a solid standard for dinner because I love beer and my girlfriend has celiac disease, and requires gluten free (GF) options. They have a GF menu, their own GF beer, and the staff is always great about answering gluten related questions and considering menu adjustments. The bar staff is knowledgeable about the beer they offer, and patient when people don't know what they want.
(4)Ash S.
I ordered the Fish and Chips and thought it was kind of "meh." Billed as a huge portion sure to satisfy, it wasn't huge nor was it satisfying. The batter tasted ever so slightly overdone, not burnt but more like the fryer oil needed to be changed. The fish also wasn't crispy enough... again, not horribly soggy or anything, but strictly "meh." Considering our bill for Fish, pizza, fries ring & chips app, and 2 beers came out to over $50 I feel like this place has gotten away from its original concept of decent beer and cost effective, but good, food.
(3)Rachel N.
We eat here frequently because its convenient and they have the best chicken wings with Thai sauce EVER! The atmosphere is chill and they can get pretty busy in evenings and on weekends. We've waited numerous times. The cesar dressing they use on their salad is AMAZING. Heavy in garlic which I love! I got the cheese pizza once (also 3$ off 4-7 on weekdays) and it was pretty greasy. It also lacked a robust flavor. I probably won't order it again. Only one time we had dodgy service and they won't seat you until half of your party is there if its a larger party (5-6 or more). Other than that we have no complaints! Seriously though, if you like chicken wings, get them with Thai sauce!
(4)Sam S.
Great food. Great service with an attentive wait staff. Of course great beers! I'll keep going back. I've yet to be disappointed!
(4)Aron G.
On the road with three under 6. Just had one of the best burgers I've had at a restaurant: the Border Burger (avacado, Gorgonzola, jalapeños). Alehouse 75 IPA was perfection. Kids had fantastic chicken tenders and delicious fries. Do not miss this place!
(5)Mattie C.
Both the fiance and I LOVE Dogfish Head and have always been excited to come here. We just happened to be running errands in the area the other day and in the mood for beer so decided to stop by. I would say the worst thing about this place right off the bat is location, 7 Corners is really annoying and confusing to get around. This is obviously not as good as their flagship brewpub up in Delaware, but they had a good selection of Dogfish Head beers and a unique/creative-ish menu. They had Sahtea, my favorite, but I decided to try some new ones - Theombra, which is based on an old Aztec recipe and had a delicious, chocolate-y finish, and Palo Santo Marron, a dark beer with vanilla notes and a strong whiskey finish - that was a strong beer! Luckily I wasn't the driver. Along with that we had two appetizers - a roasted mushroom pile that was fantastic, and another small appetizer that had bacon in it but I forgot exactly what it was. The hot roasted mushrooms were the best! We weren't eaten dinner but there were some great sounding options on the main menu. Ambiance of the place is OK, not much different to me than an Applebee's or that place Hops over by Potomac Yards. And again, location is kind of meh. I wish they were in Old Town Alexandria so we could walk there and try an assortment of beers and not have to worry about driving. In the end, I think 4-stars is appropriate. Come here if you really enjoy trying different, unique beers along with decent to good food, or if you love Dogfish Head. I would definitely go back for a quick stop next time we are in the area.
(4)Laura W.
We finally went here, after discussing going for some time. Like MacRae, we tend to avoid chain restaurants, but I have been wanting to check out DFH for some time. I had low expectations regarding the food and wasn't too far off. My "two bratwust" plate was one sausage cut in half - not a big deal as I'm not that big of an eater and coudn't finish it anyway, but it certainly wasn't *two* brats. It desperately needed a good pub mustard, which they didn't have. Our spinach dip to start WAS quite tasty - very spinachy and not super heavy and reliant on the cheese like so many places make it. Husband got the mac-n-cheese without bacon (he's vegetarian) which was good once we sent it back to have the vegetables on top actually *cooked* instead of just this side of raw. The biggest disappointment, though, invovled the beer. First of all, the sampler. If you get their "regular" one, it's 6 beers samples for $9 and you get five of their year-round drafts (chosen by them) and a seasonal. If you want to make your own sampler, you only get four and it's $14.50. WTF?? Worse, we brought a growler from home to fill up but they won't fill it with just any of the beers they have, only a select few, none of which we wanted. We actually wound up going straight from here to Mad Fox Brewing up the road to fill our growler. NOT a good sign. Won't be back.
(2)Albert L.
Being a native Delawarean, there's a sense of pride when it comes to DFH. It's amazing how a brand from my small state could become one of the most recognized craft breweries in the nation. This alehouse location is great and spreads the love to northern VA. One caveat is that the lines here are almost always long. Come on any given night, especially during regular dining hours, and you'll probably have to wait at least 15 minutes. If you're lucky, grab a seat at the bar or at one of the bar tables. The service is friendly and good about getting your order right. People come here for the beers, and of course, it's all DFH. Not much to say except that every beer is great. If you haven't had any DFH before, I'd recommend starting out with the 60 minute or a Namaste as an easy intro. Definitely go for the seasonals and limited editions if you're really into craft brews. The food here is always excellent as well. It's mostly American fare, and sometimes they throw in some Tex-Mex or Asian-inspired specials on. The burgers are solid (not the best I've had but good nonetheless), their sandwiches are good, and their salads are fresh as well. The fries are DE beach-style fries, which is cool. All in all, I come here mostly for the beer and a taste of home. The food is solid, so it's never a bad idea to come here just for food either, though I don't know if it would be worth a long wait.
(5)Alexander M.
Found the Dogfish Alehouse on a drive by and HAD to stop in and I was not disappointed. Great craft beers and awesome food! The bartenders were very nice and personable. I will definitely be stopping in again soon.
(5)Samantha G.
It's Dogfish Head beer from the tap. Do you really need to know more? This spot can get quite crowded on the weekend, but you rarely have to wait and can usually snag a stool at the bar. Overall, the ambiance, menu, and staff pale in comparison to the Rehoboth location. But as this location is much closer, it will take care of my Dogfish Head cravings. I particularly enjoy the buffalo chicken dip. The chicken is breaded and fried, which adds a whole new level of awesomeness. And it's much more creamy than at other places. All in all, this place won't disappoint and they pour some of the world's most awesome beer.
(4)James W.
We've been coming here since it opened in 2008 and we usually hit the pub food and pizzas hard (the steak bomb, alehouse burger, and chicken & shrimp club are rockin). Tonight we branched out and ordered the jambalaya and Memphis chicken platter. The chicken platter held its own and is worth ordering again, but the jambalaya is world class and rivals those found in the French Quarter. The beer speaks for itself unless you are brainwashed by the big name breweries. Come for the beer, but your night will thrive with beer and food combo.
(5)Robert G.
I've eaten there 3 times. Each time the food was great. The problem I had was with the general manager. The first time a customer had a problem with her food. The GM came out to see what the problem was and then he walked away shaking his head like he was annoyed with customer. Second time I ordered french fries and asked for them not to be cooked hard. The fries came out cooked hard. I sent them back. The GM brought them out to me he did not sit them in front of me, never looked at me and did not say anything to me. He just turned his back and walked away. So today a friend and I came in and seated ourselves at the bar area. The GM was standing at the bar drinking a soda. He was about 15 feet away and he did not acknowledge us he turned his back toward us. Our waiter showed up about 5 minutes later. Then we notice the GM went into the severs prep area and made himself a sandwich and got a glass of milk, proceeded to walk around in the prep area eating and drinking. At one point he was back there picking his noise.
(2)Jenna L.
Food here: pretty good. Calamari was awesome, fries are the type I want at an alehouse. Although, my burger could have used a bit more flavor. Service was good, beer was good. Main complaint: the beer is kind of expensive given that I'm sure the restaurant does not pay even full retail for it.
(4)Jim C.
Fantastic choice of craft beers. The jambalaya is really good. My wife really liked the mahi tacos. Wings are very good. Service was great, even during busy part of Friday night. I give this a solid "A" minus. My son says "A".
(4)Deirdre B.
Normally, I would give this place 4 stars. However, today I received a clear kitchen rebuke for my special order. I love, love, love the crab cake sandwich but recently they started serving it on a ludicrously small bun. The bun is 1/4 the size of the crab cake. I asked for it on bread that was appropriately sized for the crab cake. I received it on bread twice as big as needed and my fries were the small broken end pieces. My kids got normal fries. Really? I'm so disappointed.
(3)Leigh D.
Felt compelled to write a review as I was driving home from Dogfish Head Ale feeling angry the whole way back to Alexandria. The food and beer were decent; nothing exceptional. However, it was the service that got me more annoyed as the night went on. A group of nine of us were sitting at two tables already together from the previous customers who were leaving when we arrived. At the beginning, the server seemed decent. After asking him about the $4 beers on Happy Hour, he named those beers naming one of the five twice. He offered to bring a sample of the peach one that I was considering between two choices, which was the one positive I can say about him. Ultimately, I picked the Raison L'Etre beer and not the peach one. It took a while to get the beer and close to 30 minutes to even order food. I ordered the $6 wings Happy Hour asking about the Old Bay and Thai sauce, which he recommended the Thai and what I got. When the wings came out, there were celery sticks but no ranch. So, I add to ask for ranch. Additionally, some people like myself like to dip their wings in the ranch. The wings themselves were mediocre. HERE WERE THE PARTS THAT ANNOYED ME (besides the slow service): 1. When we got our checks, me and anyone who got wings as well as my friend, Ray, who got the $3 off pizza, got charged the regular price. This should not have been an issue, and we shouldn't have needed to ask. Mine should have been $10 plus 50 cent tax for a total of $10.50 (not $13 plus tax & 18% gratuity). 2. I thought the server deserved a below average tip for below average service. The second annoying thing was that a below average 15% tip wasn't possible since 18% gratuity added. This tends to annoy me when restaurants add gratuity to larger parties because there is no accountability for bad or unfriendly service. Often times the tip I will add exceeds the gratuity amount. However, in this case, it especially annoyed me since the amount I felt was warranted for a tip was under the gratuity amount. 3. Then, after the amount was corrected to reflect the Happy Hour wings, the gratuity did not change. Calm, I told the server the gratuity was not changed. 18% of the subtotal $10 is $1.80. I didn't care about his feelings because he had gotten on my nerves for slow service and not remembering orders. 4. Minutes later a manager came over to tell me that the amount was subtracted off the bill, but he was cold and unfriendly about it, and I don't think he apologized. 5. After I saw the bill, I paid with my credit card. When the amount came back, the total amount was correct. However, they still kept a $2.34 gratuity amount, which meant the restaurant took off the cost for themselves. This offended me because I was NOT complaining about the price or quality of the food but the service. I did not approve giving the guy more than $2, but I didn't say anything about it because I was with friends. However, the more I thought about it driving home, the more angry I got in addition to the other negatives for the night. Despite my negative experience, I wouldn't mind giving them a second chance. I wanted to get the pizza this time, which I tried half a slice and felt was a lot better than the wings. Plus, I liked the trivia night.
(2)Ami F.
This review is based on a dinner I had during restaurant week. My boyfriend and I came to DFH on a Tuesday night specifically to order their "cajun night" restaurant week menu, which was 2 beers, turtle soup, frog legs, and alligator tacos for $50 (not including tax). I thought it sounded fun, and hopefully tasty. Plus for the DC area, I thought the price was actually a pretty good deal. After waiting about 30 minutes for a table (please take reservations!), our waiter came over quickly and took our orders. He seemed excited that we ordered the cajun night menu, since no one else had yet (really?!). I'm glad we did. Everything was meaty and tasty. Both the soup and the tacos were great. We weren't as impressed with the frog legs - tasted a bit fishy and the sauce served with it was just eh. But really, the food overall was very tasty. The portions weren't huge but neither of us left hungry. The beers were great of course. And our server was super friendly. The manager also stopped by to ask how we liked the cajun meal. If they have this special again, it's definitely worth ordering... go for it!
(4)Christopher P.
If only this place was not located in 7 corners, I'd come here all the time. If you like dogfish head beer, then you will love this place. The food portions are huge and done well. The fried fish trio is amazing. I wish they would open one in DC and close to a metro.
(4)Raquel N.
Finally swung by this place after wanting to for quite sometime! I am soooo happy to say I have a kick-ass place to get some much needed wings n beer. Enjoyed sitting at the bar. It was very comfortable. Service was nice and the food is just awesome. Will hopefully try to make this a weekly place and try to hit this up for happy hour (would love to save a couple of $ to spend on more beer/food)
(4)Leslie J.
The guacamole and chips are unbelievably and surprisingly good here! The guacamole is super fresh (which is rare at most restaurants unless you ask them to make it right in front of you) and the chips come out warm and freshly made as well. They are super addicting, so you have been forewarned. The good thing is that they're bottomless so ask and you shall receive. =) Must-Try/Haves: - Chips & Guacamole - Maryland Bay Wings - Garlic Parmesan Wings - Thai Style Wings (I forget the name, but it has sriracha, and it was bombdotorg!) DHA offers many local brews on tap, build-your-own burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, and many bar type offerings. Our server was very attentive and checked on us frequently as we sat near the bar area to catch the Giants vs. Niners game. Quite tasty bar food, nice beer selection, and chill atmosphere -- a great choice on game-days!
(4)Denise C.
I've been here too many times to count. It's our go-to place for pub food. You can pretty much order anything off the menu and know it's going to be good. Favorites are the roast beef sandwich that comes with horse radish and au jus to dip in and the steak bomb. I had a soft shell crab sandwich (not on the regular menu) here that was amazing! Reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that some of the beers are pricey. While I enjoy some dfh beers, I don't think they're that wonderful that they're worth $10 a draft. Service is always very friendly. Love this place!
(4)Johanna A.
Unfortunately, I'm a year shy of being legally able to drink, so I wasn't able to order a drink to go with my meal. That being said, I'll probably be coming back when my birthday does roll around to I can make a proper review. I went here for lunch with my dad and I ordered the lunch special of new york strip served with mushrooms and fries. We also ordered their calamari (it's our family tradition. If it's available, we order it). I ordered my meat medium rare, but it came out medium well. I'm particular about my steak, so that was a let down. The calamari was a little over cooked, but it was seasoned well and it was only slightly noticeably chewy. The atmosphere of the restaurant kind of reminds me of a more rustic Joe's Crab Shack. The ceiling beams are beautifully exposed along with the brick walls. They have tie-dye shirts on display and have an eclectic mix of lighting appliances being used. It feels very comfortable being there. Our waiter was also really nice and attentive. I just wish my food lived up to the decor and service.
(3)Keren S.
The food was really solid. The beer is really fun and quite good-I could even drink it! And our server was fantastic. Defiantly worth the try.
(4)Woody S.
My wife and I come here for date night almost once a week in the middle of the week, and we always end up getting good service, good beer, good food, and great interesting new stuff all the time. Once they had fried twinkees and they were AMAZING. This is good ol' fashioned American food, and they got some good burgers here! If you're a fan of Dogfishhead beer then you will love the amazing beers they offer too! We like to get the beer sampler.
(4)Daniel H.
First time here and it was a good experience. Whenever I see Ahi tuna sandwich on the menu I am incline to try. Their sandwich had a side serving of wasabi mayo which was a must on the sandwich. It also had onions and tomatoes, I think it would have been better without the onion but the sandwich would be 3.5/5 stars. The services makes me bump the review to 4 stars. I did not have any beer because Im not an IPA fan but if I go again I would try a flight.
(4)Sean L.
I've only been here for afternoon beers and appetizers on the weekend but I have been pleasantly surprised every time. Very friendly and knowledgeable bartenders make it easy to navigate the impressive beer menu. The entree and sandwich items appear to only come in one size (GINORMOUS) so we have stuck with just small starters. The wings are a cut above your usual pub offerings. The fried items are about what you'd expect but they are never overly greasy. Some day I'll come in for a proper meal but for now, this is the perfect pit stop after a Home Depot visit in the nearby Seven Corners shopping center.
(3)Jason N.
The beer is always top notch and the food is really consistent. Always try the seasonal beers and do the samplers if you can't decide on just one. The bar staff tends to be a little on the corporate side, so if you are looking for that personal touch you find at smaller restaurants, this is not the place to set up shop and have a drinking "session".
(5)Emanuel C.
The food was overall okay. The Fish and Chips were delicious along with the Brownie Sundae. They serve lipton iced tea which had a funny aftertaste too it when they could have served a better grade of iced tea at their establishment. The waiter didn't bring soup as requested but did make up for it. They did give us free glassware. It wasn't the worst place I have ever eaten at but it could have been better.
(3)Gary B.
Located in a crowded shopping strip mall. Crowded and loud on a Saturday at 1pm. Others visits tend to be just as crowded. I think the walls need some banners. The norm for women seems to be holding stools at the bar using purses. The staff will not call them on that behavior. A good mix of Dogfish Head beers on tap and bottles, including several of the rarer releases. Growler fills are overly expensive, by about 33%. The Dogfish 75 mix is available because of the tap availability. The staff is fast and polite. The food is good higher end pub food, Good to really good quality and taste, but priced as such.
(4)Christi K.
Overall, nothing much to rave about - good or bad. The food was fine. Nothing exciting but not too bad. The service was ok. Our server was a bit inconsistent and slow. He forgot a bunch of stuff that I asked for and then I couldn't find him for quite some time. The selection of beer was diverse and tasty.
(3)Taylor M.
My wife and I love this place. We were there again just last night. When you walk in, the smoky smell of food cooking over wood makes your mouth water before you can even find the hostess. We prefer to sit in the bar and enjoy the ordered chaos of happy hour revelers. You can't go wrong with the beers, and the Chesapeake pizza alone is worth a looooong trip to get here. I knocked it down a star for my (admittedly) minor complaints: the beers at this brewery-founded establishment are pricey. Yes, they're great, but at $10 for a snifter of their higher gravity beers, you can run up a large bill even as the delicious food is reasonably priced. Also, the selection can be hit-or-miss. I prefer a few pints to swirling snifters like a wine connoisseur, so I like my 60 Minute IPA or Shelter Pale Ale. Sometimes, they only have the 60 Minute on tap in that category - not like that's punishment. It has a fun, lively atmosphere and a solid staff who will do right by you with samples or menu suggestions. Go have fun!
(4)Donna Y.
Bar review: We came during an off time sometime between lunch and dinner and just wanted a place to relax and talk. This is the perfect place for just that. In a small enclave on the right (from the front) there is a large open space for the bar and a few booths. I tried the sampler ($10) which is great since it's a little bit of everything including the popular 60...90 ipa.
(4)Darren R.
I've been to the one in Rehoboth, DE and this is WAY better. Our appetizers were yummy, the entrees were excellent, and the apple crisp for dessert was Da Bomb!! Went back another time for lunch and got a salad, which didn't measure up quite as well, but was still very good.
(4)Jessica G.
We've only been to Dogfish Head a couple of times for a regular meal, but we've gone to several of their beer dinners. It's a brilliant and fun idea. The staff is very knowledgeable and they enjoy sharing their information with customers. These dinners are a great activity to do with friends. When we combine with our one set of friends, we make for a complicated situation. Our one friend doesn't drink and I'm a vegetarian, but the staff has always been very accommodating and welcoming. They go out of their way to make sure we are all able to enjoy the dinner, while our special needs are met.
(5)Katie H.
My fiancé and I watched the TV docu-series about Dogfish Head (Brew Masters) a few years ago, and have been intrigued by the brewery ever since. We came here for dinner and a beer sampler. The server was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, and quickly pointed out some menu items that he recommended for me (non-meat eater). We shared the core sampler, which was $9 and comes with a selection of their popular brews. (The other sampler is $14 and you can select anything they have on tap.) It was fun to finally taste the 60 minute and 90 minute IPAs side-by-side, the summer Festina Peche tasted like a refreshing mix of cider and a sour ale. We used that to decide which beers to order with our meal (I went with the Indian Brown Ale and he went with the 60 minute, but we both thought about getting the Raison d'être). I got the salmon burger with fries, and the salmon had a smokey, fresh-off-the-grill taste that I loved. It also had some kind of sweet mustard sauce on the buns that added flavor to the sandwich. Overall, very good. My fiancé had the lamb burger and fries. He is a french fry connoisseur, and he approved of the fries. Overall, this is a fairly typical, nice chain-style restaurant. The food is good but kind of typical and expensive for what it is. The atmosphere is nice, laid-back brew pub style, but feels calculated and somewhat fake. It's nice, but definitely not like a brewery. We might be back for their special dinners or to sample more beers, but I don't see it becoming a favorite place.
(4)Clifford D.
I was really looking forward to Dogfish Head Alehouse. I really like beer and thought this would be a great place to grab food and have some beers. The restaurant itself felt old. The service was mediocre. A lot of people will probably disagree with me here, but I was really disappointed in the the Dogfish Head beer. I've had some of their beers before, but I guess I didn't remember that I didn't like them that much. The weird thing is that I am a fan of IPAs--just not these. If you are a big fan of Dogfish Head beer, then I would definitely recommend you come here...but if you aren't, I'd definitely skip it.
(3)Br. S.
Highly recommend the Cajun egg rolls.
(5)Chase M.
Always awesome beer list and great food. The service is always friendly. I highly recommend the pizzas (Chesapeake) and burgers.
(5)Paul L.
Our party of 8 met up at Dogfish Head in Annandale for a late lunch and some brews. The staff were helpful and attentive, and when my wife and I got there early, the bartender was able to recommend some great DH beers to match our tastes. I had the Raison d'être - it's got a lot of fall flavor. We were seated comfortably with a reserved area which was ready on time, and service was generally good. I had the Dave's Border Burger which was delicious. Pico, pepper jack, and jalapeños make this burger a treat. Fries were excellent as well. Located in a convenient shopping center, this location was a great place for a group or to unwind with a partner. Medium-loud, TVs in the bar area if you want to watch the game.
(4)Eliseo M.
Best burger in the area hands down. The seasoning was great and if you like IPAs they had a great selection. Happy hour is pretty great. The wife got a pizza for $6.50! And $2.00 off any pint, pretty good deal. If you go have a great time!!
(5)Suzzette M.
Beer of course is GREAT! A bit higher priced than if you were to buy them at the store, but they are worth it! Food is great. Buffalo Chicken Dip was a great app. Good size place so there should be too long of a wait, if any. If you are in the area...check this place out for sure!
(5)Audra B.
I had the pumpkin ale at happy hour. It was 4.00 for a pint instead of 6.00. It was bold, spicy and delicious. I would definitely get it again. I also had the crab dip appetizer that came with homemade chips and crusty, grilled bread. All aspects of the appetizer were fresh and tasty. The only negative is that there isn't outside seating and it was really dark inside the restaurant for it only being 4pm.
(3)Martina D.
We had a quick stop in Falls Church to visit a friend and after pondering where to go, he suggested Dogfish Head Alehouse. We started with the buffalo chicken dip - i've made it at home with chopped chicken, but their version used fried buffalo chicken in the dip, which I think really added a little something. A friend ordered wings and said they had a great flavor and where crispy. The BBQ Alehouse burger was the menu item of choice, it was big, really tasty and came with your choice of a side - for about $10. And lets not forget the beer! Our server offered us a tasting of our original choices and then we all seemed to switch to something another person tasted. We settled on Namaste, Brown Ale, and Pumpkin Ale. The Namaste was my pick of the bunch.
(4)Laura V.
I went there for lunch today. The people were extremely nice and our waiter was attentive. Sadly, the food wasn't as good. I ordered the steak bomb sandwich and I do not know what was wrong with it but I had the worse case of food poisoning! I will not be coming back.
(2)N S.
Pros: awesome variety of beer Descent food, nothing gourmet but definitely better than average. Sports games playing on TVs Good atmosphere. Cons: it gets packed... Uncomfortably packed, on weeknights! Long waits if u don't call ahead. Doesn't seem pricey but after four beers, appetizer and entree it MAY reach close to 60 per person! If bill is large, tip is included. So add another ten bux. All in all, great place.
(4)Monica V.
I love this place! This is home to some of my favorite beers! 75 min ipa and burton are delish! Food is surprisingly good. Linnie, the manager, can cook up some delicious dishes! Some of my favs are the egg rolls and the steak bomb sandwich. This is a great place to come and enjoy good company while drinking a huge selection of an interesting hand crafted beers.
(5)Kyle E.
Clearly you come here for the beer, and it won't let you down, but I've found the food menu to be disappointing enough I have no desire to return. I feel like if I order food in a restaurant I want some effort to make it better than I can do at home, and this is not what you get here. Just enjoy the beer, don't bother with food.
(2)Ange M.
I've tried IPAs before, but never a Dogfish Head beer. My brother is a major fan, and convinced me to go when they were having their Free Pint Glass night on a Wednesday in November. No offense, but why the heck is everyone comparing this place to a Chilis or Applebees?? I mean come on, it's not really the place itself that feels like this, it's more of the people coming. If you're going to bring your screaming kids and decide to sit in a booth rather than at the bar at the DOGFISH HEAD ALEHOUSE, then it's kinda your own fault. It's really a shame if you don't sit at the bar, actually. Just cuz the bartenders are EXTREMELY nice and knowledgeable about the beer and where it comes from and how it's made and everything. I feel bad cuz I honestly don't remember either of their names, but both of the guys serving us were awesome and happy to talk to us. I had the Punkin Ale (just cuz I was in the spirit of autumn) and I'm pretty sure my brother had the 60 IPA. Man, both were pretty damn good. Only reason I knocked off a star is cuz I didn't try much of the food, so I'm not sure how it is. We had the spicy calamari I think it's called? It was good, not great, and not bad. Check this place out and PLEASE sit at the bar! :)
(4)Geraldine V.
This place has the best wings I've had in a long, long time. I wish I would've gotten them as an entree. Not to say that my Chicago style salad wasn't good - it was! but next time I'm doing the wings and the beer sampler. My boyfriend had two beers (black & tan and Indian Brown Ale) both were excellent. The portions are huge so come with an apetite. This is a great, low-key place. Great for families. Def coming back!
(4)Sean T.
Five stars for the beer, two stars for the food - I visited DFH Alehouse last Friday during happy hour, and thought it was fairly decent overall. A good selection of their beers was offered, both on draft and in bottles. I was disappointed that the 120-minute IPA wasn't available, but I recovered quickly when I spotted the World Wide Stout on the beer list. The prices for the more common draft beers seemed fairly high considering the cost of other local craft beers around the DMV area (and considering what I paid for draft DFH pints after they had been shipped over to the Pacific Northwest), but perhaps I'm not yet accustomed to area beer prices. The food was not quite on par with what one would expect from your neighborhood TGIChiliBees - substandard and disappointing. In the future, I'll venture across the parking lot to Hong Kong Palace for great food either before or after hoisting pints at DFH.
(3)Taryn L.
I'm scoring food. I don't drink beer ( I just taste other drinkers' since there's no way I could down my own), but if I did, I'd go for the Raison d'Etre almost every time (maybe a seasonal pumpkin ale now and again.) Chateau Jiatu was much too sweet, and Palo Santo will knock your socks off. Should almost be classified as a whiskey. The pinot noir -- whatever it was -- was smooth and rich. The food is fine. Nothing to write home about, but more than good enough that I'd go back happily to satisfy the beer drinkers in my life. :) We started with the hummus plate, which came with cucumbers, carrots and pita. Regular hummus and a "chef's hummus," which was horseradish. Both were good, and the pita (prrrrrobably not made in-house) was warm, chewy and crispy in all the right places. My fiance had the cheddar and bacon burger, which it sounds like he enjoyed and had nothing to complain about. I had the ahi tuna at the recommendation of the server when I asked for something healthy. It was huuuuge! And cooked medium rare as advertised, but a little bit fattier than what you'd get at a more upscale joint. Steamed veggies were okay, heavy on the carrots (sorry, I'm so tired of carrots!), and wild rice was also fine. So ... fine. Not outstanding. Same goes for our dessert, which our server recommended as the best - the apple crisp. Maybe I just prefer crust over "crisp," but I was not super impressed. Ice cream was a freezer burnt in spots. Serving was big enough for two. Our server was very sweet. He was double sat with a 10-top and 2-top at one point, so was MIA, but the manager picked up the slack, and the server comped us our dessert without us saying a word. I'll give it another change - I think it's capable of 4 stars.
(3)Elise S.
While I'm sure it helps that the bf and I live less than a mile from here, we're here ALL the time - probably every other week or so. Our service, food, and beer have always been consistently good. It's a brewpub, so don't come expecting fancy European cuisine or various ethnic dishes. It is what it is, and it's good at it. Notice the smoked smell from the outside? THAT is what you should be ordering. As long as you stick with anything that could come off that smoker/grill you'll be golden.
(4)Kacey C.
I've been to the Chantilly location twice and this one most recently for a friend's out of the way birthday dinner. Why did his girlfriend pick this place when we all live near Clarendon?? But we went, even if we did get stuck in traffic on the way. I won't even talk about the beer because everyone knows dogfish head if they're heading there already. There are plenty of drafts worth trying. We were all seated between 5:30 and 6pm (about 8 of us) and the bar and restaurant was already packed with a line out the door. It was the by-week between the playoffs and the Super Bowl so I wasn't too sure why the place was packed that early on a Saturday. Then I heard all the kids. Then our waiter started disappearing and reappearing dripping sweat. He was friendly but he was sweating on me! The food is so-so, its been about the same at both locations. I like their artichoke and spinach dip, not really a fan of the chips over bread but I'll survive with a few less carbs. I don't like their only vegetarian entree - a sandwich with melted cheese, sauteed red peppers, mushrooms.. it comes out way too greasy and soggy. Overall, the food is pretty typical fare, nothing really stands out about it and I myself see no need to go there when I can get an equally good beer within walking distance at Lost Dog.
(3)Cara R.
This was my first trip to Dogfish. I ordered a bacon cheddar burger and a beer. The burger was okay and I definitely chose the wrong beer. Next time I will skip Dogfish - there are too many other places to get a fantastic burger and a beer.
(3)Spencer S.
Good service, nice people, great beer, but not so good food. I'll come back, but only for the beer.
(3)Matt O.
Order the buffalo chicken dip (one of the best apps I have ever had) and get an Indian Brown to wash it down. You won't be disappointed. The sandwiches are all pretty awesome (favorite is the steak bomb), as is the pizza. And of course, there is the beer...OMG...the beer. As far as chains go, you will be hard-pressed to find one that does it better than DHA.
(4)Rebecca L.
We went to Dogfish for the Punkin Ale release party in mid afternoon with a group of friends. At one point, someone called Jerry came over to our table and implied that the restaurant would no longer serve us. We responded that friends had arrived and departed while we had been there, so no one had been overserved (we did the math after he left, and had averaged far less than one drink per person per hour. Our waitress, who had left during the shift change, had no problem with our table). We asked Jerry if he wanted us to leave, assuming the restaurant might have wanted to make more money off of our table (despite the fact that we had continued ordering both food and beverages). He would not respond, and instead implied that we were the rude ones for asking the question. We felt very uncomfortable, and were offended by Jerry's rude interjection and lack of explanation. No one from our table was loud or unruly, and we continued ordering both food and drinks during our time there. Because of Jerry's tactlessness, we are unlikely to dine at the restaurant again.
(1)Jennifer B.
Good buffalo chicken dip,good quality house salad too.
(5)Jake K.
This place is seriously just another installment in the long line of chain breweries that serve their own product. Can't complain about the beer - the only thing that sucks about the joint is the insane crowd there. The food is ok - we've had the chili and the bratwurst. They honestly went down easy but then were regrettable in the morning. I'd say go for just the beer - the 60 and 90 minute IPAs are great but you'll be "Fenny L. Drunk" in short order.
(3)John I.
Terrible server! Another server actually checked on me more than he did. I stopped in on my way to a meeting. This place has good reviews. I was very disappointed. I won't be back.
(1)L J.
I eat here just about every other week. They are kid friendly! Have great drinks! And they have delicious blackened salmon and a fried chicken salad and coleslaw that are soo yummy! My only negative is that even though I'm such a regular the manager nor the waiters ever seem to remember us... i'd love more of a "welcome back" feel, but hey good food, drink, and kids allowed. I'm there.
(5)Kara S.
This was our second time there. The first time the food was great (hamburger and mac and cheese dish). Of course, their beer there is great too. The service was okay, seeing as about 4 servers started us out before we actually ended up with one. When we went the other day, I was not a fan of the pulled pork sandwich or the chips and spinach dip. Also, the service was not good, again. Our server was super enthusiastic at first but that soon dwindled. Whenever we asked for something (more water, chips, ketchup) it took at least 10-15 for him to come back with what we needed....and the place was not busy at all. You could tell he kept forgetting about us. My boyfriend had the Texas hotdog ($10 for a hot dog is def a rip off), but he really liked it. However, I would be willing to give the place another chance, maybe we just had bad luck with servers. They def have a big menu so I'd try something else next time.
(3)Jimmy J.
Let me start off by saying that if you are a fan of beer especially those with "light" or "lite" in their names, this may not be your cup of tea. That being said, it may also awaken your senses and palette to one of the craft beer industries favorite brewery, Dogfish Head and their unique selection of beers. If you are a fan of craft beer then you already know what to expect here. You'll find DF's seasonal and sometimes hard to find brews either on tap or in bottle. Sadly, I have yet to see their 120 min IPA on tap or even in bottle here. With all this beer you'll need something to fill that stomach up to absorb some of the alcohol as these are high ABV (alcohol by volume) beers. The menu is typical pub fare. There are some stand outs like the spicy shrimp appetizer (if it's not on the menu you can still ask for it) as well as the Jambalaya which is spicy but will keep you digging back for more. Their sandwiches are pretty darn tasty as well and the side of fries are nice tasty and appeared to be fried twice for that nice crunch and texture. I'm not a big fan of their pizzas, their crust needs a little work but one pie does stand out and that's the Chesapeake which consists of pesto sauce, lump crab, asparagus, tomatoes, fresh basil, provolone blend and parmesan cheese. A very delicious pie for one or to share. Honestly, the beer is what draws the crowds here but those few gems do come through. Update 11/15/2011 Since initially posting my review I can say that I have been able to get 120 min IPA on tap. It was a brief encounter as it only lasted about two hours before it was all gone. They do have 120 in bottle but at $18 a pop. Well worth it if you've never had it. Also their curry chicken dish recently impressed the heck out of me. Spicy and delicious it was on point another entree to check out. Buen Provecho!
(3)Brendan H.
1) The beer is good. 2) I've tried a few of their appetizers and liked them(Sausage Egg Rolls, Crab Soup). 3) Every main dish I have tried always leaves me disappointed. I have been back a few times because 1) the beer is good. I have tried the pasta, crab cake sandwich, mac and cheese. All of these dishes ended up being bland. I will come back but I will be at the bar drinking beer and eating apps.
(3)John D.
OK, first off...you should be going here for the beer. That being said, the food is sort of a side item. I found the food to be acceptable, and I'd eat there again. I had the catfish with some sort of mustard breading, and it was great. I'm a bit of a seafood snob, being from Cape Cod. Well, catfish is freshwater, but anyway. My girlfriend got the ahi burger, and she enjoyed it. We had the bread pudding for dessert, and that was great too. The reason why I can't give it four stars is because they don't offer reservations or call-ahead seating. That's a problem, because I don't enjoy waiting 45 minutes to eat dinner after I arrive somewhere.
(3)Carla D.
Solid 4 stars. I love Dogfish. It is exactly what you want from a bar; good beer, fun ambiance, and awesome bar food. I normally shy away from ordering food at a bar but here, you know that they are using good fresh ingredients and it shows in the food. Also great service. Buffalo chicken dip- I want to eat this with a spoon and lick the bowl when I'm done. It is so good that I always order it. Every time I come, and then I get a little greedy with it. All their burgers are excellent, and I'm a fan of the bratwurst. Pizza is unremarkable so skip it. Salads are great too, my only qualm is with the Wood Grilled Chicken, Bacon, And Shrimp Salad- give me more shrimp, damnit! Also the crab cakes are a solid choice. A bit pricey but very good. Overall I am never disappointed with Dogfigh so I will keep coming here.
(4)Mark G.
Mmmm....beer. Delicious food. Pizza was fantastic, crab dip made me want to marry it, and the beer was damn good. My favorite is the 75min IPA, which is a nice mix between the session beer, the 60 min, and the heavier 90 min IPA. GO THERE - GO THERE NOW!
(5)Kristopher W.
I have been a fan of Dogfish Head for a long time and was excited when I saw this pop up on Yelp while I was visiting DC. Like a lot of people say the location and the outside decor is nothing special at all. It looks like a Applebee's. Inside we sat in the bar area so we were seated right away. We started off by getting the beer sampler which gives you six beers to sample. The beers were awesome no surprise there. I got a burger to eat which was delicious, and my wife had a turkey, bacon, avocado sandwich which she loved. I got another beer with my meal and we walked out spending like $24. If you like beer and go
(4)Dee J.
Fantastic beer selection, reasonably priced food, great ambience and service--make this a regular. Pair your meal with one of the great beers on tap. Fries are simply the best...could make a meal of those alone.
(4)Chris C.
A spot for dads who think they're adventurous. Great place for Wine-O's who recently discovered beer. Ales speak for themselves. The food: mediocre at best. They also sell stickers for your car, to say you were there first.
(2)Ryan M.
Secret insider tip: get a combo beer - 50/50 festina peche &90 min ipa. Awesome. And they're more than happy to give samples of anything. Awesome fries. Wood grilled chicken and shrimp club sandwich. With bacon! Done and done.
(4)Terrence M.
I've been here several times and its never disappointed. Try the cream of crab soup, it's amazing. The brews are very good and the menu's huge. Service is usually pretty fast and it's clean, friending dining so you really can't beat that. They have a burger of the day which ranges from really creative to wtf?! Good times, if you're in the area then stop by.
(5)Michele W.
Dogfish Head Alehouse gets my vote for best family-friendly restaurant in the area. The atmosphere is casual. The servers are welcoming and attentive to kid needs. The children's menu has generous portions. Heaps of stellar fries accompany a good burger and a top-notch grilled cheese (cheddar on brioche.) To balance out the fries, we always order a side dish of sauteed vegetables (usually carrots and green beans) for the table. For the adults, the menu is just fine, with hearty burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The fish tacos are my favorite. My husband sometimes orders steak. (I do recommend steering clear of specials that stray too far from straightforward American fare.) The beer deserves 5 stars. Namaste (a white beer made with orange, coriander, and lemongrass) goes really well with those fish tacos. Other favorites of mine include Raison d'Etre, 60 Minute IPA, and Burton Baton, but part of the fun of going to Dogfish is trying different brews from their extensive repertoire. Don't hesitate to ask for a taste, particularly if one of their Ancient Ales is on offer. My son would want me to mention the sports playing on TV screens on one side of the restaurant. That's not usually a plus for me, but, if it keeps the kids happy, I'm fine with it.
(4)Dan F.
The beers are 20 stars of course, but you have to take into account the food and atmosphere. As a previous reviewer said, it's like an Applebee's in a Safeway parking lot. Not the prettiest interior. The best reason to come is they have dogfish head beers that I've never seen anywhere else. We tried the chips and guac (good guac, but not remotely spicy) and the pizza (pretty good! wood-grilled with a nice flavor). So come for the beer, have a snack, but don't come for a full-on meal. The service was a bit inattentive and slow. I could see the bartender pour the beers we ordered but the server would hang out in the kitchen instead of getting our beers, and then he'd come back to the table and ask if we wanted another beer, then suddenly remember that we had already ordered beers and go get them. (it was not a busy night). It would be a good bet to sit at the bar if you want decent service.
(3)Jeff G.
Great fish tacos, beer and service. Bartenders have been good but I mostly come here with my wife and toddler and service is good in dining too
(5)Joseph G.
the beer choices are brilliant, the food is pretty good, avoid the bacon popcorn its really not that great but everything is else like food and service is awesome.
(4)Ryan K.
Love this place - it is exactly what you hope it will be - good beers and great pub style food. Our favorite is the Dave's Border Burger with the Beach Fries - It's a staple for me everytime we go.
(4)Steve L.
Great digs all right...enough said. I have been coming to this place off and on for four years. A fellow beer drinker took me to this place and I have to come here when I visit Falls Church and man they still deliver the bomb. The fish and chips are great and the crab soup was awesome. The Ahi Tuna sandwich with a cold glass of beer will melt your stress away. Simply, the best food and hand crafter beers on the east coast.
(5)Sarah S.
I had the ahi tuna, and it was fantastic. Will be back for sure.
(5)Mike R.
I've always loved their beer and when they opened this place a couple years back I was so excited about this place. I must say the first few visits were a little on the disappointing side, but not so much that we wouldn't go back and I'm glad because I've really seen improvement. The last handful of times we've been we've really enjoyed our meals. Bottom line is this is bar food, nothing fancy here, but it is bar food done well. When you are in the mood for some greasy apps and a sandwich or pizza then this is the place for you. Normally I would try to review some of the food, but like I said, it's bar food, you know what you are going to get. I will say that we tried the buffalo chicken dip last night and it was very good...different...which is saying a lot since bar food is pretty standard. A note on the beer. While I love dogfish head beer, I am always a little disappointed that they don't have anything rare on draft. I can get everything they have at Total Wine. I feel like a place like this could really capitalize on the beer geek market by serving some of the rarities that they have in Delaware. My guess is that these restaurants are only loosely affiliated with the brewery or their Rehobeth location, but if there is anyway that they can get some of the odd stuff they serve there then I think they should.
(4)Cheryl H.
Ok atmosphere, more open floor plan, not quaint and cozy. Great beer selections! Decent food. Many selections...something for everyone. I saw that other reviewers were not as happy with the food but when I went it was good, I had one of the pizzas though. Ingredients were fresh and nice, thin, crispy crust.
(4)John S.
The food and beer here is always fresh and comes out fast. I especially enjoy their dinner sized salads. They make a very nice crabcake salad, and finding decent crabcakes isn't always easy even in this area. Many yelpers compare Dogfish to Great American. I think the food and service is better than Great American. Last time I went to Carlyle they ran out of bread! PLEASSSE!
(4)Paul G.
I love the food, service, and beer. Everything I have tried on the menu was awesome. Best thing to eat is the BBQ Ribs, which fall off the bone. It is one of my favorite restaurants.
(5)L. A.
I have been here several times, and the food and beer are always great. I'll say that again, AWESOME beer. But what prompted me to write this review was that I recently pre-planned a lunch here for a large party, and Dogfish Head handled it absolutely FLAWLESSLY! The one and only screw-up of the event was one that I MADE MYSELF (I'll save face and spare details), and even then, the manager was so nice about it- he truly could not have been nicer from the time I made the reservatoin until the whole thing was over. He made actually made me feel like they appreciated our business, which is rare these days. Service was fantastic. All of the orders came out quickly, and at the same time, and all 14 orders were error-free despite several special requests for substitutions. Even the "To Go" order I had put in for a coworker at the very beginning was brought out at the end without me having to remind the server - which was great because by then I had forgotten about it! As always, the food was excellent. Portions were very generous, and I have never had such tender chicken in my life as what was on my delicious salad. Not a single person in my party had a complaint. Everyone had fun and enjoyed their food. We can't wait to go back!
(5)Brittany H.
If you remember nothing else....remember their beers and killer buzz.... their beers are fantastic, endless varieties and various levels from low to high alcohol content. I tried the honey beer, Midas Touch (9%), which is the only strange tasting beer for me.... cross over b/t a really white dry wine, but still has that beer taste. In any event, I like them both much, but separate pls. Their food sucks...but if you are into TGIF, Ruby Tuesdays, AppleBees, then you'll probably like their food...or maybe I just made the mistake of ordering seafood. And seriously, if you don't know what Dogfish Head is...you don't know your beer son.
(4)Anne S.
The Warm Three Cheese Crab Dip is outstanding! We have been there a couple of times and have been delighted with the service (Jamie!) and quality of the food. I also like the little touches like a place to hang your coat. We will go back soon!
(4)Jacob C.
I hate to give a two star review to anything Dogfish related, they are my favorite brewery after all. But my experience at the Alehouse was less than stellar. Sure they had just about every Dogfish beer you could imagine, but the up-charge seemed a bit ridiculous. So I opted for one beer and got the 120 IPA since its illegal in North Carolina. They did not have it on tap, which was 9 dollars...so I got a bottle for 18. I fought with myself for nearly 30 minutes before buckling and buying it. Seeing how I had always wanted the 120 IPA. I paired that with a surprisingly bland pizza. I forget the name of said pizza but it had pesto AND red onions, yet still managed to taste like paper. The beer itself was great, 18 dollars great i'm not sure. I guess if I had more money then I could see myself giving Dogfish Head's AppleBees a better score. But I can't, my food was abysmal.
(2)Tyler B.
As a restaurant alone, this joint probably merits 3.5 stars. Decent food done well, with good burgers and quick, attentive service. They'd probably keep their doors open if the food was all they had to recommend them, but they would have some stiff competition. They are like a fully-realized Chilis (much more so a Chilis than an Applebees) and for your $1-2 extra per entree, you get better service, slightly more thoughtful preparation and presentation, and a decent variety of options. But the beer, oh the beer... No one in DC has a better Dogfish Head beer selection, as you might imagine. A good selection of Dogfish Head is something people make pilgrimages for. Every year at the Great American Beer Festival, people are lined up for blocks to drink rare and esoteric DFH beers, and this joint has them all ON TAP. The list of what's on tap is maintained on a chalk board, a picture of which is always current on their web site (or on the 3rd party dogfish head alehouse app). This is beer good enough to stand in line for, drive across the country for, and code a free app for. Beer of this caliber, in this kind of quantity, paired with a friendly, comfortable eating establishment cannot be missed. This place is a national treasure.
(5)Betsy S.
This place is a no-brainer. If you need a restaurant for the in-laws, a first date, a tenth date, or maybe it was snowing too hard to go to the wineries ...Dogfish Head was the Grade A, Plan B. 7 of us were seated promptly and our waitress was decked out like a peacock. Very festive. She was v attentive with drink orders and waters and coke refills, and our glasses were rarely empty. I ordered a punkin ale and a hamburger with mushrooms and onions with a side of asparagus. The medium burger was cooked perfectly and the onions and mushrooms were heaped on very high, with the second bun perched on top of the deliciously tasty toppings. But the asparagus was so thick it was impossible to cut with a normal knife, nor was it very well seasoned. My dining companions were pleased to varying degrees with their food - one hamburger was ordered 'medium' and came back extraordinarily pink, another ordered rum jerk wings, and ended up ordering a Reuben sandwich since the wings were apparently too soft (read: not crispy) for his liking. But elsewhere, a plate of ribs was devoured, a veggie sandwich disappeared, and a bowl of buffalo chicken dip pronounced 'amazing'. One girl said she was always weary of the food served at such beer heavy establishments, but it was her first time at Dogfish Head, and she was very happy with her plate. Of course I'd come back! I love the 60 min IPA and the punkin ale, and think I'll go for a pizza and a beer tasting next time I return.
(4)S. Paul L.
I'll be honest, the food is mediocre. However, the beer is just as good as any Dogfish Head beer you could ask for.
(3)Peter P.
Came here for a work event. Had a good time with the flights. If an IPA fan definitely stop by. If you are not sure what you want then the flights are a great start. Did not eat here but heard the food was good as well
(4)Charles S.
Come here all the time, they are a bit on the pricer side but you get great beer and the food is consistently good.
(4)Chris G.
I've been here once or twice before, but I came here the other day with a group of coworkers for lunch. It wasn't super speedy like you'd want for a lunch break when the bosses are around, i.e. the whole trip took about 1.5 - 2 hours, but it was a good lunch. I always test a place by its reuben if possible, and I was pretty happy with the one I got. There was plenty of thin-sliced corned beef, sour kraut, and thousand island dressing, and the fries were surprisingly good. We were a bit disappointed with the beer selection, oddly enough; they only had maybe 5 beers available at the time, but it wasn't a deal breaker because it was the middle of the workday, after all. It's nice to have options, though. We got there around 11:45, I believe, and the place was relatively empty. By the time we left it was pretty full, so plan your lunch break accordingly. As I said, it wasn't super speedy like you'd want for a restaurant catering to a working lunch crowd. The hostess and waiter were very nice, but the latter could have been more proactive in trying to speed up the process for a group that was obviously from an office. Little things like asking us if we need boxes earlier (i.e. when people start finishing their meals), having our checks ready for us when we finish (as opposed to us finishing, waiting for him to clear some plates, and then waiting for him to process and bring out the checks after asking him for them), etc., could have cut the lunch down to a manageable time. Unfortunately, though the food was good, I doubt we'll be coming back for lunch due to the time it takes. I'd definitely check it out, though. For an alehouse, the food is pretty good.
(4)Christine T.
I'd give this place 3.5 stars. I have to agree with the other yelpers good burgers at this place. And if you like craft brews then you'd probably love this place and think I was nuts for giving this place only 3.5 stars. I'm not a huge beer drinker although I did try one of the lighter beers and it was ok but sort of had a bitter aftertaste which I didn't particularly care for. The location is a bit odd in the midst of this shopping center. At any rate one certainly doesn't have anything to lose by giving this place a try if you haven't been.
(3)Ben W.
If you include, price, value and quality this is one of the best the DC area has to offer. I've been going here fairly regularly for over three years now. Everything I've had on the menu has been excellent. Sandwiches, pizzas, entrees and their Dogfish Head beer is regarded by many as some of the best in the country. Dogfish is primarily known for their beer which can be bought all over the east coast in bottles. They have a list of staple beers that they carry year-round and a handful of seasonals that rotate every few months. All of it is very good stuff. My personal favorite is their stacked roast beef sandwich with au jus sauce. The atmosphere is great, and sometimes they have live music on the weekends, but it's never too loud or overbearing. The service has always been good at the very least. I'd give this place an A overall. The only thing that would keep me from giving it an A+ is the fact that it's not within walking distance of a metro and is kind of in a busy traffic area. The bar area is great to hit for major sporting events.
(5)Cliff W.
This place is like crack, after the first hit you'll do just about anything to get another piece of the action. I've been here a few times, and every time has been unbelievably awesome, and I'm not saying this because I'm a full blown drunk, but rather because I'm a picky full blown drunk. The beers are excellent, and the choices are plentiful in that there's something for everyone, from the novice beer drinker to the self proclaimed armchair micro brew expert. Alas, a good beer selection does not a good restaurant make, and this is where I dive into the menu. Starting off, I'd recommend the crab dip and/or the Calamari. The crab dip is, hands down, the best in the area that I've had. It's all killer and no filler, it's not like the bs some places try to pass off with artichoke mixed in. The Calamari is also some of the best in the area I've had as well. I know I know, from an alehouse?!?!?!? Yeah, I was a bit caught off guard too but once the "shock: and "awe" passed it was like "hell" and "yeah". I've had the burger here, which was pretty good, and my most recent experience I ordered the fish n chips, which were very good and a plate that I had to cover up so I could stop myself from eating. My girlfriend got the NY Strip which I had a bit of and which I will be having the next time I go. I've got to be honest, I haven't had anything off of their menu that I wouldn't order again. It's nice and refreshing in this day and age to go to someplace that is the complete package, and thus, Dogfish Head Alehouse earns 5 stars from this yelper. Cheers.
(5)Melanie M.
I go here at least once every 2 weeks. My favorite place to hang out in Arlington. The crab soup is wonderful. Also like to get the calamari served "naked". My favorite beer is midas touch. My sister is a big fan of the 75 min IPA. Love the beer!
(5)Joanna T.
Eric at the Falls Church Dogfish Head Brewery provides the best service I've ever experienced at a restaurant. Ever. He makes believable suggestions (as in, you believe he actually loves the dishes he recommends, not just reciting a script), he remembers us every time we come in, and he is ultra-attentive without being annoying. I think he seriously has a special talent for service! It makes me love going to that restaurant.
(5)Cyn D.
Great place to go if your wife refuses to drink anything but IPAs, as mine does. Their food selection isn't too shabby either. I was impressed by the variety in the menu - it beat out most pub menus. However, there aren't too many veggie options. Another great perk is the proximity to Hong Kong Palace across the street.
(4)Nicholas D.
I end up at Dogfish about twice a month and have never been let down. I have tried (and enjoyed) about half the items on the menu although lately I keep coming back to the IPA Grouper sandwich which comes on this yummy pumpernickel bread. Of course, the beers are awesome and like many other reviewers I love the Raison D'Etre. Most of the standard Dogfish brews are $5.50 each so I don't feel bad getting a couple of them. Crowds can be a deterrent on weekend nights but otherwise it's pretty easy to grab a table.
(5)David K.
I have always been a fan of craft brewers. Dogfish Head is out of Delaware and is generally well regarded. When I heard they had opened a new location in Falls Church, I felt compelled to try it. It is a bit out of the way for those living close into the city, but it is certainly not restrictively far. Note that it is nowhere near the Metro however if that is an issue. It was very crowded on a Friday evening and we hung out at the bar for about half an hour. They serve exclusively Dogfish Head brews, and they have many seasonal beers as well. Unfortunately, it was winte brew season. I'm partial to the summer seasonals, and tend to find the winters to be too hoppy. I'd also say that winter ales generally are not as "girl friendly" as summer hefeweizens and wheats. This was unfortunate as my fiance didn't enjoy the beers very much. The food was good. My fiance raved about her crab cake, and my andouille pizza was spicy and flavorful. The service was very welcoming. I was also partial to the Raison D'Etre beer as well. It was very Oktoberfesty and very filling. I'd enjoy coming back to Dogfish Head this summer to try the summer seasonals. It pairs well with having to come to the big box stores located at Seven Corners as well.
(3)Joel B.
I want to like this place since it's so close to my house. The beer is great even though it's not brewed on-site. The food on the other hand is just so-so but the price is on the higher end. Been there about ten times trying to find somethng that I'd really like but just doesn't seem to be happening.
(3)Dan J.
Went to Dogfish Head Alehouse on a busy Saturday night and had a terrific time! We had to wait about 30 minutes to get a table, but that just gave us some time to wander over to the bar and try out some of the house brews. We tried the 60 and 90 IPAs and they were both excellent! After we were seated at our table, the food and the service was excellent from the appetizers to the dessert! Can't recommend this place highly enough!
(5)Dennis S.
Excellent beer. Average food. Good beer helps almost any food! The choice of beers is impressive. I enjoy the 60 and 90 Minute IPA. The beer sampler is a nice way to test a few different styles. Too bad it is located in Seven Corners... close to so many but oh-so-hard to get to.
(4)Daniel B.
Good beer (though I am not an IPA fan (the horror) the rest of the beers were awesome and great to have from the tap. My friends said that the IPA's were top notch). Food was acceptable (given that none of the plates went back with food on them). Nice facility. Definitely better than some of those other chain restaurants out there.
(4)Jennifer G.
It's early Sunday evening and R and I can't decide what to do for dinner. I've been on the road a lot lately for work and I've gotten out of the habit of home cooking. R suggests going out for dinner rather than ordering in and I thought it was a wonderful idea. We're moving to Silver Spring in the next couple of months when construction on our house is done so we're in a hurry to try out places near our apartment before we move. R asks for suggestions for dinner and I mentioned Dogfish Head Alehouse (DHA). It's been on my bookmarks list for ages and it seemed to fit the bill for a casual Sunday evening meal. We arrive and there are a good amount of people dining at DHA but it wasn't crowded. We were able to grab one of the high top tables outside the bar area. We seated ourselves and took a look at the drink menu. I'm not the greatest fan of micro-brew beer so I stuck to cocktails. I was torn between the margarita and the rum punch, so I went with our servers suggestion that the margarita was very good. R took some time to look over the beer menu. For those not familiar with Dogfish Head beer, there is a description of their beers on the back of the drink menu. After a bit of conversation with our server about the types of beers R settled on the Shelter Pale. The drinks arrived in good time and I was very pleased with my margarita. R was happy with his beer. We ordered the Cajun Andouille Egg Rolls as an appetizer. While waiting on our appetizer we admired the inside of DHA. It smells like a fireplace and looks like one with all the brick. I mean this in a good way though. It's a cool place. The atmosphere was casual, R and I were able to chat without having to yell to be heard. Our egg rolls showed up and we attacked them (we were pretty hungry). They were fresh out of the fryer so it was hard to eat them without burning your mouth, but they were so tasty you couldn't help yourself. They're stuffed with yummy goodness and each bite features a different flavor- roasted peppers, cheese, sausage, chicken...yummmm. The dipping sauce was also a winner. R commented that he wished they were spicier (he likes spicy food) but I felt they were sufficiently spicy. They had just enough kick for you to enjoy and not start sweating or anything. Our entrees arrived a short time later. One thing I really appreciated about DHA was that we had time to finish our appetizer before our entrees arrived. It's been so long since I've been out for a meal and didn't have that happen! I hope this is a standard at DHA and not just a coincidence since they weren't too busy. R had the steak bomb sandwich. I tried to talk him into switching half of his sandwich for half of mine but he wasn't budging. It looked delicious. Thick tender cuts of grilled steak are topped with grilled onions, roasted red peppers, and pepperjack cheese and served on a grilled piece of french bread with chipotle mayo. Are you drooling? I sure was. I'm getting this the next time we go. I ordered the turkey club with avocado. I added gouda cheese to it. Next time I wouldn't bother because the sandwich had so much flavor you didn't taste the gouda. Serious amount of smoked thin sliced turkey along with bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado were piled between two slices of grilled brioche with aioli. Yum. You know how people say "Bacon makes everything better"? I subscribe to this notion but would like to add that bacon plus avocado makes everything f-ing awesome! It was a delicious sandwich. Both our sandwiches were enormous. Neither one of us completely finished them. The sandwiches come with "Beach Fries". R pondered what beach fries were and how they could be different than regular fries. When our sandwiches arrived I realized that beach fries are Boardwalk Fries! If you've ever been to the Jersey Shore and ordered fries from one of the food vendors you'll know what I'm talking about. These are potatoes that are cut with the skins on and dumped in hot oil. They are delicious. They reminded me of home! I am so happy that there is a DHA in Gaithersburg so that R and I can keep enjoying their delicious food. I'm dying to try the crab soup and the crab dip. Also the Slow Roasted Roast Beef sandwich sounds amazing and their pizzas look tempting as well. Cannot wait to go back!
(4)Derek H.
I've been here twice and had good experiences each time. This is exactly what you're looking for in a contemporary American microbrew/restaurant. Since they are all the rage in the Northern Virginia area, I'd rate Dogfish right behind the world wide leader, Sweetwater Tavern. It definitely rates higher than Gordon Biersch or Capitol City Brewing, for my money. The Alehouse does everything good (not great). That is the motto; do a lot of things well, but don't excel in any one category to limit yourself. So you have a really great selection of Dogfish microbrews, a nicely assorted menu where everything is pretty standard for an american restaurant, and a nice atmosphere full of dark, almost ski-lodge-like, wood tables. The wood-draped atmosphere definitely makes this a great place to go during the winter. Next time you're there, though, try and spot the leftover furnishings from when the same building was a Pizzeria Uno. You'll never be able to not notice the green pipes again. The Alehouse has been really crowded every time I've been, with a wait of at least 15 minutes during normal dinner hours. Not a big deal since you can do to the full-bar and get one of their microbrews. Service is solid; there isn't anything heavenly going on here to worry about. It has the feel of a big chain restaurant without necessarily being one (I think there's only a few Alehouses.. so far). Really, my only issue with the place is the location -- being in Seven Corners, you have to deal with a clusterf* of gigantic strip mall traffic/people to get there. Further, for people who live in Arlington, it is something of a hike compared to places you can cab or even walk to in the Ballston/Clarendon/Courthouse corridor. That sort of sucks, because I would come here as an early evening starter on weekends a ton if it was in the usual haunting grounds. I hear they are opening another one near the Nationals Stadium soon; that should be an awesome stop before or after games.
(4)Kristen W.
Fact: guys, especially married guys, are obsessed with craft beer. Fact: more people are out in Seven Corners on a Friday night than you might think. Fact: food, beer, and wine tastes better when you have to work for it. And by that I mean, drive out to Seven Corners, find a parking lot, and wait out the crowd for a table. It's harder than it sounds (looks?). We had plans to go out for dinner with another couple closer to where we all live, but when my husband saw Dogfish Head Alehouse on our way to Jo-Ann Fabrics (you read that right), the boys decided to make the push and try it out for dinner. Both the husbands had been wanting to check it out, because men love craft beer. And if you don't mind making the hike out to Seven Corners for dinner, DFA is actually a really cute and tasty restaurant. It was a typical Friday night in the suburbs, so the restaurant was packed with families. Strollers, high chairs, and senior citizens galore. If you're looking for young and hip vibe, this probably isn't the place for you. That being said, the menu is really nice. They have something for everyone - tons of appetizers, probably 8-10 salad options, pizzas, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, etc. Everything was delicious and VERY generously sized. It's basically all standard American fare, but somehow I liked it eating it here whereas I would have felt disgusting eating the exact same food at an Applebee's. The beers were good but not awesome. In fairness to DFA, the waitress told us 10+ times that the taps had gone haywire, so I'd be willing to try again on another night. On that note, service was great. Our waitress was so sweet and attentive, and she was very apologetic about the issues at the bar. I'd come back. But someone else has to drive me.
(4)