The Red Hen
📍 1822 First St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Weighted rating from:
Google: 4.5 • TripAdvisor: 4.5
JetlyGo Score
Score calculated from online mentions, review sentiment, and dining indicators across Washington. Trust this score to find where to eat, drink, and dine in Washington.
Available amenities(6)
Based on verified guest experiences
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Located in the heart of Washington, The Red Hen is a charming Italian restaurant that embodies a cozy neighborhood feel, making it a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. With a warm ambiance accentuated by candlelit tables, it's an ideal destination for a romantic date night or a family gathering. The menu boasts a variety of Italian classics, with the rigatoni and pappardelle being standout favorites. Diners rave about the attentive service, particularly at the bar, where patrons can enjoy a delightful selection of wines. The restaurant is always bustling, so a reservation is highly recommended to secure your table. With a solid 4.5-star rating on both Google and TripAdvisor, The Red Hen is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in D.C.
Signature Dishes
- •Rigatoni with fennel sausage
- •Pappardelle with braised rib
- •Chicory salad
- •Charred broccolini
- •Ricotta toast
- •Arancini
Overall rating 4.5 / 5 (1,179 reviews)
Google: 4.5 (822 reviews)
TripAdvisor: 4.5 (357 reviews)
Customer Reviews
Delicious pasta, amazing service, and a good selection of wine that paired perfectly with the evening. I was a walk-in on a Thursday night, and the place was packed. After being told there would be an hour wait, I was offered wait for a spot at the bar, where I was seated in less than two minutes. The bartender handed me a menu and shared some recommendations. They were incredibly helpful in choosing a wine that paired beautifully with my rigatoni. The rigatoni arrived quickly and was simply magnificent—a perfect end to my evening in DC. I finished my meal with a dessert wine, and the bartender was attentive, frequently checking in and refilling my water. For a walk-in, I had a wonderful experience, but I’d definitely recommend making a reservation since The Red Hen always seems to be packed.
We have been to Red hen many times and it does not disappoint. Hard to get reservation, book a week in advance. They do take walk-ins though. The food is superb and the deserts are divine. We ordered bread as one of our starters and that was just ok, rest everything was 5 star.
Fine for a local, but not worth traveling for… pasta was good the rest average. You can’t hear yourself think, service is perfunctory as best… waitress seemed angry and annoyed. I have no issue paying good money for excellent food and service… this was neither.
Good atmosphere, good service, food not so great. Burned grilled bread left burned taste in my mouth that ruined the rest of my dinner. Chicken was ok, but not great. Most expensive chicken dinner in my 76 years on this planet, but this is DC.