The Red Hen
Italian restaurant · Bloomingdale
1822 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20001
![The Red Hen by The Red Hen [official]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wheSuz4yySLQNtXj6WyOpbChUh8=/0x0:2048x1365/1200x800/filters:focal(957x226:1283x552)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68667569/Mike_Friedman.0.jpg "The Red Hen by The Red Hen [official]")
![The Red Hen by The Red Hen [official]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JOhlEiVELoba4aomK1vPWtII_k0=/0x0:2048x1365/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:2048x1365):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22235389/garganelli2.jpg "The Red Hen by The Red Hen [official]")
![The Red Hen by The Red Hen [official]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LiwZpwWkszOoK17c-sKRTRWuKTs=/0x0:2048x1365/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:2048x1365):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22235384/Short_rib.jpg "The Red Hen by The Red Hen [official]")
Highlights
Creative wood-fired Italian eats in an airy, rustic-industrial space
Creative wood-fired Italian eats in an airy, rustic-industrial space
"A 92-year-old bar known for hosting live country music and line dancing may have to close because of a dispute with its landlord. The disagreement stems from the landlord, Ruoxi Zhang, ending an informal agreement that allowed the owner, Dominic Shim, and a neighboring bar to split trash collection costs; Shim said the change would cost the bar $40,000 a year. In response Shim fired off a late-night "emotional" email to Zhang, who then issued a notice to terminate the month-to-month lease. Zhang told the Times that "I remain hopeful that the situation can be resolved peacefully — including if the tenant is willing to discuss a future lease respectfully and in good faith." If an agreement isn't reached, the bar will have to leave at the end of July." - Harry Cheadle
"If you live in Bloomingdale, count yourself lucky to call The Red Hen a neighborhood restaurant. Come here to catch up with friends over glasses of orange wine and crispy fried arancini—and soon enough, you'll be basking in the warm glow of the red brick room. The entrees, like slow-cooked beef cheek pappardelle, are delicious, and do that thing that good Italian food does which makes you feel like you’re eating at someone’s home. Just make sure y'all don't start feeling so comfortable that your friends start kicking off their shoes and undoing their belts. You’re still in public." - omnia saed, allison robicelli, mekita rivas
"Chef Mike Friedman’s rigatoni with fennel sausage ragu and pecorino romano is the definition of comfort food, and its popularity only skyrocketed after the President and First Lady famously ordered the same dish during a date there in 2023. The seasonal Italian hit in Bloomingdale also keeps a prized dessert on the menu — a roasted maple panna cotta with caramelized hazelnut crumble and whipped cream." - Tierney Plumb
"There are lots of reasons to take a date to The Red Hen in Bloomingdale, like the open kitchen and stacked firewood that make the space feel like that cabin you’ve been eyeing for your next vacation. Or the menu, which is full of very good Italian food perfect for sharing. Make a reservation or come early, but if you’re stuck waiting, grab a drink from the bar and discuss how many pastas you should order." - tristiana hinton, omnia saed
"The mezzi rigatoni with fennel sausage and pecorino from this Bloomingdale standby is one of D.C.’s most iconic dishes — as well as a date-night favorite of the President and First Lady. Crispy arancini cacio e pepe with herb aioli hits the spot, as will chef Mike Friedman’s squid ink linguini loaded with calamari. Friedman recently expanded to Maryland with the opening of Roman-styled Aventino and AP Pizza Shop in Bethesda." - Mekita Rivas
