Washington Restaurant Guide

I live near Annie's and go there several times a week, usually for lunch/brunch. Since the renovation of both the restaurant itself and the menu, the only reason i continue to go there is because of the wait staff and because I have gotten to know some of the other diners. They have taken some of my favorite dishes off the menu and the prices are too high. $21 for an omelet and tea (including tip) is way too high. In speaking with other customers, I have heard the same thing - they don't like the menu or the prices, and I think we all kind of liked the old "funky" look. I hope they will pay attention to their loyal customers and give us back some of the things that brought us to Annie's in the first place.

As a long time patron I must say that I disappointed in the quality of food as of late, especially breakfast. In fact, I am going to City Diner from this point forward for breakfast. WHY DID THE CHEF REPLACE THE BREAKFAST POTATOES/HASH BROWNS WITH THOSE HORRIBLE FRIED POTATO SLICES? AND IS IT MY IMAGINATION OR DID THE BREAKFAST SAUSAGES SHRINK?

However, the recent remodeling is an improvement that adds an invitingly different ambience, although I also liked it when it was more on the gritty side like an all nite diner should be.

This place has gone completely colorless, pleasant, and boring. Annie's has changed for the worse. I won't be going back anytime in the evening, perhaps for brunch, but I won't be recommending it to anyone either.

As long time (11 years) habitues of Annie's, we can tell you that we will not be returning there again. The place has changed and not for the better. We had been forewarned that the place was trying for a more "upscale" dining experience and, therefore, had raised their prices. We enjoy fine dining and have no problem with that as long as the quality and service is there. Unfortunately, the food we received last night was no more than frozen industrial-made cuisine. Albeit, since it was 11pm, we only had appetizers (calamari, scallops and fried jalopenos). But the three appetizers were so obviously not fresh and barely micro-waved. We were shocked that Annie's would be serving Mrs. Paul's considering the outrageous prices they were charging for them. This is not an upscale change. This is a desperate attempt for a place to be something that it is not. We will be looking for another late night eating place. Annie's has lost it.

We are from another state but friends recommended this place to us. First, the host sat us way in the back at a very small cramped table after we asked for a booth...we moved ourselves much to his dismay. Our waitress was wonderful as we asked her way too many questions. She was the only saving grace about this place. We ordered the prime rib and the petite fillet with seafood. The salad was OLD...had to pick out half of the blackened, wilted mess. The bread was stale. Asked for the prime rib to be med rare...came out very rare which would have been OK if it wasn't COLD !! The seafood was all FRIED and VERY over cooked. Not the type of person to send food back but wished I had after we got the bill. Probably would not go back nor recommend this place.

Until 11/08/08, it had been awhile since I was at Annie's. I liked the remodeling they did but they have ruined the menu selections. Many of my old favorites are now gone along with the bread. The meal took forever to get to us and the place wasn'teven that crowded. Plus the order was incorrect but we overlooked that since we were hungry and didn't want further delays.

All the things Annie's has been rightfully famous for over many decades--relaxed atmosphere, good value, nice variety of comfort food and steaks--has recently been tossed away in favor of making it an "upscale dining destination."

The homey booths--gone
Reasonable prices--also gone
Food--the same basic quality, or less. Tarted up on new china and marked up in price. No longer attractive at that cost.

There's better value on 17th Street at this point. Truly sad--I'd enjoyed the traditional Annie's experience for many years...

I had to wait to get a table, and man was it ever worth it! So many people just throw some home fries on the side, and they're red from sitting in grease, but these home fries were really cared for. Cooked to perfection, soft enough to mash with your fork, and seasoned perfectly! Someone actually cared about these home fries, and it came through in the taste! The bacon? Fantastic! I asked for mine crispy, but this bacon was so savory, and again, cooked to perfection - not too crispy, not too chewy, just the way bacon should be. My scrambled eggs were fantastic, and they have American cheese. The eggs were not runny, and the portion was large. I can't wait to come back!

Every 3 months I'm there!

The menu hasn't change in 30 years and the ambiance is warm and caring. Always a delightful place for drinks and dinner.

I only want to review the host.
As you walk into annies with a smile on your face at midnite with freinds and have had a few drinks, laughing, it soons turns sullen as the host, who just stands there and glares at you approaches you. he just says."what?" no kidding!
This is the rudest person I ve ever come across on a number of occasions. I ve had it, i just cant take being greated like that. The food isnt that great and there are too many choices in DC. NO ONE should be treated like this at any time day or nite at any restaurant.
I dont know why the management havn't noticed this?? He needs an attitude adjustment! big time.
as for the food, its not too bad. just be clear what you tell the staff, its very loud and they may not hear you.
The food is always hot late nite and big portions which is nice, but, I wont experience that again because of the host. horrible, horrible man. He does NOTHING to help out a swamped waitstaff person. He just stands at the door, his only job with his leg up on the stand with a frown on his face
this is late friday/saturday nites that I have noticed.

Annie's is a landmark in the nation's capital. It is a gay establishment that is friendly and is frequented by a lot of straight patrons and families. The waiters joke with the customers because it is a neighborhood type of restaurant and it is only natural that if the waiters get to know you they will joke with you.

When the restaurant is rather busy the waiters can't possibly see to everyone but they are very nice always. I have been going to Annie's for the past 10 years and what I can say is that if you are looking for a fancy and quiet ambience and gourmet food this isn't that kind of place.

Annie's is a place for friends where you can get a great meal at a very good price, terrific steaks and most important, you can mingle out loud with your friends, that's what Annie's is all about. Highly recommended.

best food i have ever had anywhere!!!!

Every time im in D.C. i make it a MUST to go to Annies, not only is the food fantastic, but the atmosphere is incredible. The staff is always friendly and i always have the best time when im in town. Being a corporate world traveler, I'd give this place a Ten star rating. There are not enough places that not only serve great food, but also make you feel like your part of their family. I wish all resturants would show the same respect and welcome that i recieve when i go here. Thanks Annies, for giving this worldly traveler a place where the foods the best and i feel completely at home!

too much nasty talk between the staff and other customers. waiters are not very attentive. i know this is a gay establishment but i would not take my children in there after my last experience. the staff is too clicky with customers. everyone should feel welcomed the same my money is just as good as a regular customers. cleanliness could be alot better especially under and around tables. to include silver ware and glasses. a new dish washer might help. but i will go back.

Steaks are the best thing on the menu; only issue is they can occasionally be a little tough. Very cordial neighborhood place