The Red Hen

Italian Restaurant $$ 4.5 (816)


The Red Hen stands out for its authentic Italian offerings, particularly its fresh pasta and seasonal dishes, creating a cozy dining experience. Many diners appreciate the intimate ambiance and attentive service, although some note that portion sizes could be a bit small compared to prices. Overall, it is a celebrated spot for both locals and visitors seeking a genuine taste of Italian cuisine.

Overall:

4.7

(664 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.5


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (202) 525-3021

Address: 1822 First St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Curbside Pickup Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" We decided to celebrate a special occasion at The Red Hen. I had been trying to book a table, and it definitely lives up to the hype! The ambiance is perfect for a celebration—intimate and warm. The food was impressive; I could not get enough of the Squid Ink Pasta! They really know how to create different textures and flavors; it was just divine. Service was attentive, and the staff were genuinely nice. We ended our night with the delicious Affogato, which put a sweet finish to our meal! All in all, I can't wait to come back—there's so much on the menu I want to try! " (*Curated Review*)

" I had high expectations for The Red Hen based on its reputation, and I was not disappointed! The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a date night. I started with the Burrata, which was fresh and flavorful. My main dish was the squid ink linguini, and though it was rich, it lacked a bit of seasoning. The dessert, however, made up for it—the hazelnut torte was pure bliss! I appreciated the attentive service and the knowledgeable staff who made great recommendations. While I did feel that portion sizes were on the smaller side, I would definitely recommend this place for its quality and overall experience. " (*Curated Review*)

" This was my first visit to The Red Hen, and I have to say it was delightful! The setting is cozy and inviting, perfect for a Friday night out. I ordered the Whipped Ricotta Crostini for starters, and it was heavenly! For my main, I went with the Mezzi Rigatoni, which packed a flavor punch; I could see why it’s a signature dish. The drinks were superb, with a great selection, and the server was both knowledgeable and attentive. While the wait time for a table can be long, it's worth every minute for such a memorable dining experience. I will definitely return! " (*Curated Review*)

" I finally got to experience The Red Hen after hearing about it for ages! The food is exceptional. I ordered the squid ink pasta, which was surprisingly not overwhelming and full of flavor. I also had the ricotta crostini as an appetizer, which was so satisfying! They really know how to combine tastes. Our server was attentive and recommended a fantastic wine to go with our meal. The ambiance is nice, fitting for a cozy dinner. I would certainly recommend it though be aware that getting a reservation can be quite the task! " (*Curated Review*)

" I had a wonderful dinner at The Red Hen last week! The place was vibrant and bustling, making for an exciting atmosphere. I had the mezzi rigatoni and it was honestly some of the best pasta I've had—the flavors were spot on! The staff were very accommodating and friendly, making sure everything was as it should be. I ended my meal with their famous tiramisu, which was rich and truly indulgent. While I had to wait for a table, it was definitely worth it—I'll be back soon to try more! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (654)

" I recently visited The Red Hen for a friend's birthday, and it was fantastic! The atmosphere was lively and perfect for celebration. We started with the Burrata with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt—it was creamy heaven! For mains, we chose the Mafalde and Mezzi Rigatoni, both were simply delicious and hearty. I appreciated the friendly service; our waiter knew the menu well! By the time dessert came around, we were fully satisfied but couldn’t resist their famous Tiramisu—we shared and boy, it was perfection! Definitely a quality experience; I would suggest this place for anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine! " (*Curated Review*)

" The Red Hen is indeed a gem! The rustic decor and ambiance set the mood perfectly for a comfortable dining experience. I had their Rigatoni and it was by far some of the best pasta I’ve ever tasted—perfectly cooked! The service was prompt and warm, which really enhanced our night. I also had to try their Tiramisu, and it didn’t disappoint; it was creamy and satisfying, not overly sweet. I’m definitely coming back to explore more of their menu! Just a heads up, it’s smart to make reservations ahead! " (*Curated Review*)

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