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About
The Imperial
Welcome to The Imperial, a culinary gem nestled at 2001 18th St NW in Washington, DC. This vibrant establishment expertly marries the new American dining experience with the lively atmosphere of a bar, offering both seafood delights and innovative cocktail creations. The Imperial has quickly made a name for itself, not just for its menu, but for the ambiance—an inviting and modern space that sets the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.
As you step into The Imperial, you're greeted by high ceilings and a contemporary vibe that exudes warmth and hospitality. The reviews from guests reflect a shared sentiment: it truly feels like a hidden gem, waiting to be discovered amidst the bustling streets of Adams Morgan.
- Cocktails: For those 21 and over, the cocktail menu is a standout feature. You must try the espresso martini, especially if you've never enjoyed one before—the hype is real! Options like the G&T Bombay Sapphire and MuleTide Grog deliver delightful twists that elevate the traditional cocktail experience.
- Small Plates: The food philosophy here embraces small plates that encourage sharing. Whether savoring the Oysters Rockefeller, indulging in beef Wellington, or relishing scallops, every dish is crafted with attention to flavor and presentation. Although some reviews mention the portions being on the smaller side, diners recommend ordering a selection to fully appreciate the diverse offerings.
- Inclusivity: The Imperial’s commitment to excellent customer service shines through its attention to dietary needs. Guests with dietary restrictions appreciate the annotated menus and the willingness of staff to accommodate modifications.
- Ambiance: The atmosphere is enhanced by friendly, attentive service. Diners praise the attentive staff who elevate the dining experience, whether they’re recommending wines during happy hour or ensuring guests are comfortable.
With glowing endorsements from regulars and newcomers alike, The Imperial is definitely a contender for those seeking quality dining in a laid-back setting. With Michelin recognition already on its résumé, it is clear that The Imperial is not just another restaurant; it is a culinary experience that beckons the food lover in all of us to explore and indulge.
So next time you're in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, don’t miss out on this delightful destination. Whether you're in the mood for a crisp cocktail or a plate of expertly crafted seafood, The Imperial promises to deliver an unforgettable dining adventure.
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“ Had great service, food, drinks, and ambiance on a Saturday night! I think this is a hidden gem. I say hidden bc it is at the south end of the 18th St business strip and at the western end of U St (Florida Ave NW). Def worth a visit. Cocktails are spot on. The food was small portions (small plates) so if you get a few you can share. They probably have larger portions too, we stayed small: Oysters Rockefeller, Beef Wellington (it's like 5 oz), and scallops (you get 2). ”
“ Had a great time at the Imperial for restaurant week!! Their espresso martini was the first espresso martini I've liked!! I finally get the hype! The food portions were probably fitting for a nice restaurant (small), so I was glad to get to go for a Restaurant Week lunch! The staff were very friendly! That being said, all the food was fantastic, I wanted more of everything! Pictured are the espresso martini, BLT, hangover bowl, and apple pie cinnamon roll that came with the Restaurant Week lunch! ”
“ This review reflects my experience dining out with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that requires me to maintain a diet free of gluten (including cross contact). SERVICE: 5/5 stars DRINKS: 4/5 stars FOOD: 4/5 stars AMBIANCE: 3.5/5 stars VALUE: 4/5 stars OVERALL RATING: 4/5 stars I may be biased, but The Imperial is my favorite restaurant in Adams Morgan. I love stopping in and grabbing a drink at the bar--while busy, it's rarely too crowded to grab a seat. Happy hour offerings are generous, and the staff are great. Most recently, I had brunch at The Imperial with friends. When I told the server I was gluten-free, he provided a menu annotated to indicate which items were safe for me to consume (many with modification). While I had anticipated ordering a series of sides, I was able to modify the Imperial breakfast to include only those items free of gluten and without cross-contamination (which is what I wanted to order anyway). To accompany my breakfast, I had a classic mimosa. It was larger, in size, than a standard pour and tasted fresh--no sitting on the sidebar, decarbonating, while waiting to be ordered. I will be back to The Imperial soon! ”
“ We live less than a block from the Imperial but somehow never got around to eating there until last week. It's a beautiful interior with high ceilings and a modern vibe. Despite the mixed reviews, we had a great meal. The service was very friendly and attentive. The crab cake sliders were delicious- we order one to share as an appetizer and my dad liked it so much he ordered another one for his dinner! I really liked my fish and chips, definitely one of the better values on the menu (thanks to our server for recommending it!). I was a tad disappointed by the crab claw appetizer (not the big claws but the tiny legs!) and the beef skewer appetizer (a bit tough and not a ton of flavor). The scallops were tasty but on the small side, and the steak was good but not memorable. I'll definitely be back for happy hour wines (loved the albarino) and the fish and chips! ”
“ Whatever service hiccups led to some low reviews on here have clearly been sorted out by management. We had a prhenomenal experience at The Imperial last week. We aren't surprised at its mention in the Michelin Guide, and frankly it deserves Bib Gourmand. We tried a huge portion of the menu: shaved Caesar, red oak salad, crab claws (two kinds), rockfish, beef Wellington, Parker house rolls. We would order any of those again in a heartbeat. Same with the cocktails. On the service side, they were instantly responsive when I mentioned that my wife was cold in the main dining room. They moved us up to the rooftop and didn't miss a beat. They also deftly handled a few menu alterations. The miracle is that you can still generally get a table, which is tougher at some nearby spots that we (frankly) don't think punch at Imperial's weight. If you live in Admo, DuPont, or really anywhere in NW DC, you're doing it wrong if Imperial isn't in your regular rotation. ”
“ Pretty good food! We came in on a Friday on a whim and were able to get seated right away. The staff was really attentive and helpful at recommending items and everyone seemed really happy. Onto the food, the food was actually pretty good! We started with the Parker house rolls and the scallops and then ordered their rockfish and steak. The rockfish was really nice and light, but didn't have too much flavor. I didn't mind that personally, since that's kind of what I wanted anyway. Loved the steak. The interior is gorgeous and really bright. Kind of feels art deco-y. ”
“ If you are looking for a speakeasy ambiance and an incredible happy hour in Adams Morgan, look no further than The Imperial. We only tried two things on their happy hour food menu, but we will be back for more! We got the lobster deviled eggs and the blackened blue claws. The blacked blue claws were succulent and perfectly cooked, I could have eaten 20 of them, especially with the Alabama white sauce! The deviled eggs were perfect. To drink, I had an espresso martini and a manhattan. The espresso martini was perfectly balanced with a great foam, and only $12 on happy hour! They have a few whisky drams also on happy hour, and you can get any of them made into either an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. I opted for the rye made into a Manhattan, which was delicious. You can sit anywhere in the restaurant for happy hour, and it runs from 5-7. We decided to go to the basement speakeasy, which was dimly lit and exquisitely decorated. The bartender was incredibly knowledgeable and helped my partner pick out several drams of whiskey according to his preferences. It is clear that the staff here are incredibly passionate about what they do, and I cannot wait to sample more of their delicious menu! ”
“ I had the most amazing brunch experience at The Imperial! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was inviting and the service was top-notch. The variety of food options made it hard to choose, but we started off with the flavorful crab claws, though they could have been a tad warmer. However, the taste was impeccable. The mimosas were flowing, and while we had to remind the waiter a couple of times, they were always prompt and accommodating. As for the main course, the burger was outstanding - tender beef, crispy fries, and a bun so soft it practically melted in my mouth. The Imperial is definitely a must-visit spot! ”
“ Came here for happy hour on a Sunday. Not too crowded. Hnfoetunately as of Sprinf 2024 happy hour no longer includes ousters. Staff super friendly, food had small portions but was tasty. The sandwiches were the best deal on HH menu Lobster roll - 4/5 delicious and perfectly buttery but very small Beef Au sus - 5/5 not pictured Blue crab claws - small portion Beef wellington - 3/5 again small ”
