Lew H.
Yelp
OMG - I cannot believe I am writing a review about the The Admiral, a down & dirty bar in Dupont Circle that smells of beer and has lots of young urban professionals standing around looking for their next hook-up. But, I tell you, I have had some of the best bar food at this place. I am not ashamed. I am not regretful and who are you to judge me anyway???
The Admiral has been a mainstay in Dupont Circle for a long time. I have seen it for years. People standing around, acting crazy, guys showing off for girls, girls preening for guys - it definitely is NOT my kind of place from the outside.
But, a few weeks ago, we were very hungry after work. It was also FREEZING cold after work and this place is a good halfway point between the office and home. So, we decided to throw caution to the wind and check it out.
Well, my opinion of this place has certainly changed.
The burger hits all the places in your mouth that you want. There is a good sear on the outside but the inside is moist and juicy. It is a messy hamburger that warms your soul. The beef has a good flavor and the accompaniments compliment the burger very well. The fries are adequate. I wish they gave you ketchup in a bottle instead of a small ramekin because you will definitely run out.
I have also had the Chicken #2 sandwich - outstanding! Okay, so it could use a little more moisture on the sandwich itself. Some flavored mayonnaise perhaps - or some sort of juiciness to balance out the density of the chicken. But the overall flavor is - as I said - outstanding! This is a messy sandwich so be forewarned. The bun stands up to the necessary biting and pulling; in fact, the bun is very good. Bravo to the bun supplier!
Service??? You would think the service at a place like this is an afterthought. But each time I have been here we have had Caroline as our server. She is great!. Friendly, fast, attentive and very nice to talk to. She even remembered us this last time (no doubt, because we were so much older than everyone else)!
Who knew that a place that has no paper towels in the bathroom and where you have to suffer through people's butts alarmingly close to your dining table could be so good???
I have no more fear of The Admiral. You shouldn't either. It doesn't matter that I was the oldest person in that dining room. The hamburger and the Chicken #2 made me happy and Caroline took care of my every need.
So, I can recommend The Admiral for a casual meal if you are in Dupont!