carlyle

overrated. the carlyle has a nice atmostphere, so whoever designed the interior deserves kudos. the menu however is not the award winning, high review receiving, hyped up food offering that everyone seems to be convinced of. first of all, the lobster rolls? yeah, they're great until you take a big bite only to find that they have shrimp in them. for someone with a severe shrimp allergy it's pretty pathetic that the menu of such an "upscale, elegant restaurant with an attentive staff" can omit the fact that there is shrimp in the lobster rolls. the staff also forgot to mention it, so after i ate a couple and found a shrimp, then i had the pleasure of waiting for a hives outbreak. awesome.

secondly. the best fish ever? the greatest steak in dc? really? has anyone who's been to the carlyle eaten at morton's? or the serbian crown? or the wharf? or anywhere else in dc, arlington, alexandria that just simply has better food and a less obnoxious menu? just because something has 300 ingredients doesn't make it tasty and quite frankly, costco has the same exact lamb shank in its frozen food aisle for less than the carlyle charges. the great american company or whatever it's called has a great idea in that they serve a wide variety of choices their menus, but the choices lack the simplicity and grace of a truly high quality restaurant that respects the ingredients it uses and respects the clientele.

why doesn't this place take reservations??? what is a "call ahead"? why do we have to sit around for hours while you allow more and more people to flood your doors instead of managing the customers in an organized fashion? this restaurant isn't the worst, but it's not worth the hype its received by the public or by the critics.

by far my favorite restaurant. i'm a long-time patron of the carlyle restaurant nestled in the village at shirlington just off i-395 in arlington. over the past 15 years, it remains a personal favorite. why? because of the consistency in the quality of food, service and overall brand.

the carlyle is an increasingly upscale and elegant bistro and one of the flagships of the great american restaurants chain in the dc area. the craftsmanship throughout the interior is exceptional; the marble floors, the décor, the lighting, the intricate woodwork and vaulted ceilings, all blend perfectly to create a cozy environment that invites suit and t-shirt wearing clientele alike.

while the bar and downstairs dining area could be considered more of a café/bistro, follow the beautiful marble staircase to the second floor where a large and more elegant dining area can be found. the restaurant is remarkably clean. the staff is friendly, inviting and knowledgeable. the carlyle also offers an interesting methodology with their "team service". their servers work as a team, meaning you may have several servers throughout your dining experience. one server may greet you, while another may take your order, and another may ring up your final bill. it's very different than any restaurant i've ever been to. i have to admit that it works, and surprisingly well. no longer do i have to track down a specific person to refill a beverage, deliver the check or take a dessert order. with the team service, you can basically ask any of the staff and they will gladly help.

i sat outside on the sidewalk patio a beautiful night last week for dinner with a co-worker and his wife. our server immediately greets us, delivers the nightly specials and takes our drink order. he returns promptly with our drinks and a variety of [complimentary] fresh baked bread at the restaurant's best buns bread company next door.

for an appetizer, we shared the tex mex eggrolls; smoked chicken, corn & black beans wrapped in a cheddar tortilla served with avocado dipping sauce. it was very good and a fine beginning to the meal ahead.

undoubtedly, my favorite item on the menu is the jambalaya pasta with sauteed shrimp, chicken, andouille sausage & penne pasta in a spicy creole sauce. i've had this dish and have craved this dish a countless number of times over the years. this visit was no exception. it was as delicious and flavorful as the times before. the sauce used for the jambalaya is a chicken/seafood base with a hint of cream and tomato. it has more on an "old bay seasoning" flavor than a "spicy hot" flavor. it's absolutely wonderful! and to quote an episode of the simpsons, "there's a party in your mouth and everyone's invited."

i have to mention, however, that one of our three entrees was delivered late. our server somehow forgot to submit the third entrée in our food order. he apologized as soon as he realized the error. he explained that the kitchen was quickly preparing the meal but it would be a short wait. he offered a complimentary bowl of their homemade rustic cream of mushroom soup or another cocktail but my understanding co-worker simply decided to wait. a short time later, a manager returned and again apologized for their error. she also offered a complimentary cocktail or dessert. this time around, my co-worker obliged and ordered the warm flourless chocolate macadamia nut waffle with vanilla ice cream.

it arrived, shortly after finishing our meal. it was devoured in a matter of minutes and ended our dining experience on a sweet note.

salmon!. carlyle is one of our favorite restaurants. the price is reasonable and the food is fabulous! my favorite is the smoked salmon salad special ordered with no potatoes, no onions, and add warm goat cheese, and have the salmon cooked well done! mmmmmmmm so tasty!

the best all around. great food, great people, awesome atmosphere

brunch is delightful! no reservations. call ahead or arrive early.

one of my favorite 'gluten friendly' restaurants is carlyle, located in shirlington (a neighborhood in arlington). i've always loved the food here and the staff is so helpful in accommodating my needs. the managers are extremely knowledgeable about gluten

new menue please!. i think carlyle has not changed any, any thing on there menu for years, and being a local its gotten old and boring. this is sad because the other restaurants in the great american restaurants groups change there menu regularly, and that really nice seasonal food.

love this place. i live near carlyle and must go three to four times a month. i have never had a bad meal there. the staff can be over attentive at times, but are really helpful in case a problem arises. love!

good eats. my visit at carlyle was fantastic! the service was excellent, the atmosphere was cozy and clean. i can't get that steak off my mind. eveything was a 10 at carlyles. i can't remember the waiters name, but he also gets a 10. if you haven't been there yet, you better run.

carlyle is one of the great american restaurants , a familiar group that includes arties, coastal flats, mike's american, sweetwater tavern, silverado, and best buns bread co. the restaurant is in shirlington, a place little known to the metro-dependent,

i really like carlyle, and seem to run into people i know, randomley, almost every time. the atmosphere is upscale but comfortable, and the prices aren't too bad. i really recommend their bruch - the squibnocket eggs are one of my favorite things anywhere.

wow. omg this place is just awesome. the burgers are great. the lobster roll is incredible. the brunches are to die for. the ribs are top notch. the service is always personal and professional. just excellent.

classy meals served in fine style. dress well and leave the farm at home.

to die for. the crab cakes are the best in this area including eastern shore. i was born here and have lived here for 5 decades and eaten in about every credible resturant from va to md including annapolis and bmore and the carlyle crab cakes can not be touch...they are the bomb!

chicken tortilla soup. carlyle is a great restaurant!! the management is excellent and the food is great. please bring back the chicken tortilla soup!!! we miss it!!