By now most have heard about Red Hen, which opened in 2013 in the ‘up & coming’ area of Bloomingdale neighborhood.
After putting Red Hen on a sticky note I was finally able to remember to suggest it for dinner one evening. So off we ventured. We put our names in with the hostess then hovered around until bar seats became available. The space is semi-small so tables and bar seats require a small wait (unless you had prior reservations).
I would describe the interior to be minimal/rustic with lots of wood-everywhere, with a negative being that the space gets extremely loud and the lighting is rather low (as you will see from the photos).
We first ordered the salt cod brandade with chives and garlic toast. I was not actually sure what this would be and have to say I would never order it again. It was similar to fish tasting mashed potatoes…. 😉
We followed with bowls of pasta. Though a small portion for someone with a large appetite, it was a perfect portion size for me. The pasta was fresh and something I would recommend trying, potentially as an appetizer before ordering a larger plate.
Though I did not get a photo of it, one of my favorite parts of this dining experience was that Red Hen and DC Brau (basically DC’s golden child when it comes to District breweries) had done a beer that was brewed with wine leaves and it was this wild combination of beer/wine tasting. I have never had anything like it and would certainly trek back to Bloomingdale just to have it again if it was on the menu. As far as the rest, ehh, it was okay. Worth trying at least once.
Details:
The Red Hen
Neighborhood: Bloomingdale
1822 1st St NW
Washington, DC 20002
202.525.3021
Serving: Dinner
Price Range: $5.00 – $25.00
Eating Out In DC/NoVA 