The Evening Star is that rare find: a comfortable neighborhood restaurant with outstanding cuisine. It's no secret to the folks in Del Ray or Alexandria. The place is usually full, even in the middle of the week, and the back-room bar is a good place to wait for your name to be called. The menu is generally American, with gourmet touches worthy of the finest DC restaurants. Always a delightful dining experience; with friendly service and excellent wine choices.    [21 Jul 2004 23:02:36]

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Recommended Dishes: The beef tenderloin on Cheddar mashed potatoes, the lamb with feta gratin

     ­Anonymous   

Cool Restaurant in a Cool Neighborhood
Evening Star Cafe is a quirky little restaurant in a quaint little quirky neighborhood. The atmosphere is sophisticated and a little nutty (the royal "thrones" at the standalone tables, for one).

The two bar areas are kitschy/funky and offer a relaxed atmosphere.

But all is serious with the food. My husband was delighted with the veal shanks, and my sea scallops were perfectly translucent with tender asparagus tips over creamy risotto. The service was professional and timely.

Take a postprandial stroll a few blocks down Mt. Vernon Avenue for the best frozen custard in town at the Dreamery.

Moderately priced and child-friendl    [21 Jul 2004 23:05:25]

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     ­Anonymous   

Great Food
This place has great food in a neighborhood environment. The bar is great too, but don't expect to get any fancy cocktails here. The beef tenderloin was great, as were the crabcakes. You will have to wait for a table, though, because this place is always packed!    [21 Jul 2004 23:07:46]

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Recommended Dishes: crab cakes, beef tenderloin

     ­Anonymous   

Bad Service
My boyfriend and I thought we'd try this restaurant since we have enjoyed others in the Del Ray area. What a mistake. They crammed people in - I felt like I should be having a conversation with the people next to me. The waiter was horrible - had such an attitude. We noticed everyone enjoying this hot crusty bread - everyone but us. We had these nasty cold rolls. When we asked for the other bread, we were told, in a nasty tone, "the bread you get is whatever is out at the moment." Wrong answer. The food was okay. There is more effort put into the presentation than in the flavor of the food. There are better restaurants to spend your money in Del Ray than this on    [07 Feb 2005 18:50:06]

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     ­Laura   

Great Food, Wine Service in Casual Neighborhood Environment
Food: I ordered the beef tenderloin medium rare (I like my steak to produce a semi-clear juice when pierced with a fork). The steak was tender -- you could almost cut it with a fork -- and was served with assorted winter vegetables. The Food was served hot.

Service The service was excellent. I was celebrating a birthday with my newphew who had returned from overseas and the staff was sensitive to our deliberate pace. We challenged the staff to find us a wine to match our tastes (we suggested some wines tending toward spicey reds) and they made two discerning choices (A moderately priced Liberty School and another more expensive California wine). I suspect that the wine store next door explains the knowledgeable and varied choices.

Ambiance: The decoration is offbeat and inviting. Although the restaurant can be busy we caught a quiet table at the end of the Sunday afternoon shit.

Other: I would definitely recommend reservations but last-minute guests can peruse the menu in the lounge while they wait.    [22 Feb 2005 19:42:50]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: beef tenderloin, exceptional wine selection

     ­rioguia, www.substantis.com