Chef Geoff's

Reviewed by Thomas Head

This casual, creative American spot is the epitome of a neighborhood restaurant.

Chef Geoff's - Downtown

1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202-464-4461

Cuisines:
Fusion/Eclectic, Pizza, American, Modern

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
Metro Center
Federal Triangle

Price Range:
Moderate

Dress:
Informal

Crowd:

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Recommended

Special Features:
Late Night, Party Space, Weekend Brunch, Kid Friendly

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Best Dishes
Crab-stuffed shrimp; calamari with aioli; tuna sashimi; chipotle chicken empanadas; cumin-crusted salmon; hamburger.

Price Details:
Lunch appetizers, $6.95 to $10.95; entrees, $9.95 to $17.95.
Dinner appetizers, $6.95 to $10.95; entrees, $13.95 to $23.95.
Three-course Sunset Special (served daily between 4 and 6:30 PM), $19.95.
Sunday brunch entrees, $9.95 to $14.95.

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From November 2004

"It's Tuesday night," I thought. "No need to make a reservation." How wrong could I be? Every table and every seat at the bar at chef Geoff Tracy's New Mexico Avenue eatery was occupied.

Chef Geoff's popularity is evidence of the dearth of restaurants in this largely residential neighborhood, but more than that, it's a testimony to how well he has gauged his customers. They can order a full meal or just a sandwich or salad. The atmosphere is right for a casual meal after a hard day at the office. Service is prompt and friendly.

The menu is up-to-date without being demanding. Shrimp stuffed with crab, accompanied by a roasted-corn salsa, makes a good appetizer, as do the mildly spicy chipotle chicken empandas. On a recent visit, cumin-crusted salmon with black beans was very good; pan-roasted duck, a bit undercooked, was less so. But on the whole, a visit to Chef Geoff's is likely to encourage customers to return. Another appealing feature is a list of well-chosen wines, all priced at $25 a bottle.