Sou’Wester

I am from the South and visited there with friends who are from AZ. We all LOVED it! We sat outside at lunch time, so we were able to enjoy the beautiful view of the courtyard and what we could see of the waterfront. The staff were very courteous, and the food was amazing! I highly recommend the chicken sausage sandwich and the FABULOUS hushpuppies with honey butter! It was a great reminder of home!

Always quality food but nothing has wowed me for the price. It’s not a destination place but the best option for a sit down meal for blocks around in that area. Very good service. Waiters and staff are always on point.
It’s now called muse or muze…

Just a so-​so blah-​zay hotel restaurant dining experience.
We ordered the Chicken fried steak & eggs, but it paled in comparison to what we can get at a diner in Charlotte!

For the Mandarin Oriental, the Sou’Wester is HIGHLY disappointing. Yes, the food is decent and the price is reasonable, but you can’t just take southern American cuisine plate it on fancy plates and think that it is worth placing inside a Hotel with the name of the Mandarin Oriental.
If you are planning to commit such blasphemy then they should have done it properly and upgraded general southern cuisine to match that of Haute Cuisine… not slathered some Paula Dean recipe on a pretty plate. Aside from that overall I did not find the whole dining experience abhorrent and the staff at least knew how to provide decent service. Thus I give this Sou’Wester at 3… despite its short comings

Sou’Wester is a solid lunch option if you’re in the barren culinary wasteland that is the 12^th St. area.
THE GOOD: The mussels appetizer is fabulous (that green curry broth! Yum!), and my lunch partner had a great experience with his crab cake burger. The bread basket was fresh and fluffy, definitely went well with my amazing mussels broth. The dining room is looking right out of the water; it’s open, airy, nicely lit.
THE BAD: They serve fries as a side with a lot of their dishes, and it costs a $ 3 to sub those fries with a healthy side-​salad, which seems a little unreasonable to me. The portions are really small for how much they cost. For example, the ceviche appetizer, which was acceptable but overall really basic (basically salsa with fish mixed in) was $ 14. Seemed unnecessary. And it was served with corn chips.
THE BOTTOM LINE: these prices would NEVER fly in a more crowded area. The Mandarin Hotel knows it has a lock on this area and that many of its customers are hotel guests who will eat there anyways. If you’re going to be in the area and you need somewhere good, go with Sou’Wester but seriously guys, Penn Quarter and Capitol South are only a couple Metro stops away!

I think this place is wayyyyy too expensive for what it offers. My high expectations (the place is inside of the completely gorgeous Mandarin Oriental hotel) were completely shattered right after having one bite of food.
I had crab soup ($ 13) for appetizer and grilled sweet potato with onion rings and spinach salad with mushrooms ($ 22) for entrée during lunch.
Was my lunch worth $ 35??? I certainly don’t think so. I didn’t have to pay for the meal, but I felt so bad afterwards. I just kept thinking that I should not have ordered the soup at least… or I should have ordered something cheaper on the menu because I felt like I totally wasted so much money on something that was not even great.
The biggest problem with this place is that it is just too expensive for what it has to offer. The soup was extremely salty, so I barely ate a half of it. The bread was hard, so it was difficult to chew.
The grilled sweet potato was not worth $ 22. It was mediocre, and again, it was just too overpriced for what I got! I mean, seriously… how could you charge $ 22 for a piece of buttered up grilled sweet potato with 2 onion rings (rock hard) and some spinach salad???
With a cup of coffee, I think it was over $ 40 per head, and for that price my meal should have been phenomenal… especially FOR LUNCH. The $ 18 lunch special I had at Capital Grille was probably 10 times better than this, and for $ 40, I would have rather gone to Capital grille and ordered filet mignon or something.
I understand that this is located inside a fancy hotel. However, for this price, I think Blue duck tavern or Juniper, which are also located inside hotels and have amazing décor, is at least 5 times better.

There are not many upscale dining options in SW DC but the Sou’Wester definitely stands out. My wife and I enjoyed dinner there on a Friday evening after work.
The ambiance is very romantic with low lighting. To start our meal, we enjoyed their mini corn muffins. For my main course, I had rockfish which was very tasty. For dessert, I ordered the apple pie a la mode (pastry pocket filled with apples). It was served piping hot and ended the meal in a nice way.
I used a Living Social deal ($ 50 deal for $ 25) so the price was right. As a bonus, on Friday evenings, a small jazz group plays in the Mandarin Oriental hotel’s bar area. We stayed to listen for a few minutes which capped off the night nicely.

This is one of my favorite places to go for a nice, reasonably priced dinner in DC. I almost always take out of town guests here when they visit. We also use Savored when booking our reservation to get a 30% discount, which makes it even sweeter.
The first time I ate at Sou’wester I was blown away. We had great service, appreciated the extensive wine list, couldn’t get over the bread basket and (as a picky beef eater from Oklahoma) had a great, well cooked steak (don’t remember the cut). We’ve been back 4 or 5 times since and while the food changes a bit, it’s always solid. My steak (ordered medium) was overcooked and bland once, but that is the exception and not the rule.
Fish dishes are usually a stand out choice, and the pan fried oysters are a delicious appetizer.
To make a fun date of it, stop by the Empress Lounge on your way out for an expertly shaken cocktail and some Jazz.

We decided to try this place for dinner as we were staying at the hotel for the night and it was just convenient.
We made a reservation earlier in the day. The lady at the entrance was very friendly and reserved a table for us with a great view. She asked us what the occasion was and we mentioned it was our anniversary celebrations.
We were seated promptly by the friendly lady who took our reservations. We got a menu that said ‘Happy Anniversary’. We were impressed with their thoughtfulness. However, the service went downhill from there. We were greeted by one lady who asked us what we wanted to drink. Then another guy (he seemed new) came to take our order after we were waiting for 10 minutes. When I told him I was a vegetarian and if the chef could make something for me, he went inside to check. Then another guy came to our table who took our order all over again. He said he could make me a veggie pasta, which seemed great to me.
We ordered the following:
— Carrot Ginger Soup: This was good.
— Hush Puppies: Decent
— Customized Veggie Pasta: Horrible
A different lady got my soup and bread. As we ate, my husband’s entrée arrived. He was waiting for mine to arrive, which didn’t. After 10 minutes of waiting, we asked the waiter for my pasta. He said he had to go check in the downstairs kitchen. We weren’t sure why both the entrees were not brought together. My husband started eating as his food was getting cold, and I stared at him waiting for my food. In the meantime, no one came over to our table to ask for a drink refill and if we needed anything. At this point, I just wanted to get up and leave. Then my pasta arrived along with the hush puppies (we had totally forgotten about these). The pasta wasn’t all that, but at this point we were already turned off by the service. The waiters were friendly, but oh so not attentive.
As we were paying the bill, the waiter got us a cookie from the chef wishing us a happy anniversary. Even though we appreciated the gesture, the dinner was not really a great experience. When you are in a fancy hotel and a fancy restaurant paying a decent amount of money, the least you expect is attentive service.
I dont think I’ll be dining here again. The Empress Lounge in the hotel was fabulous, so I’ll probably just stick to that place next time around.

So, DC Metro and all taxis are cut off, and you are starving, so what do you do? Go downstairs in the lobby of your hotel, and find something to eat. Last Monday, thats what I did for a late lunch.
Getting seated immediately, I got a nice view of the Tidal Basin as it was getting hit hard with wind and rain– it was interesting watching the boats rock hard back and forth…
I was being served by Daniel, a friendly gentleman who is also a «cicero» (a sommelier in beer terms) — I knew we could get along just well. Now being in the Mandarin Oriental, it warmed my heart to see they had PBR and High Life for sale– I would have NEVER have thought in a million years– and even better– they served it on a silver tray (I think I uploaded the pic)!
The menu was simple but impactful, I decided to start off with a bowl of oyster stew ($ 14), which honestly, I wasn’t too impressed– it only had 2 oysters, the celery was cut too thick, and it was more of a broth than a stew. The old bay crackers were the best part of that.
On the flip side– I got the day’s special– Lamb French Dip with broccolini on the sandwich. When I tell you it was hands down the best french dip I have ever had, I shit you not. In fact, it was one of the top 10 sandwiches I have ever had in my life– I still have the flavors lingering in the back of my mouth. The jus was seasoned perfectly. So that made up for the soup.
I was told the pastry chef was a finalist on «Top Chef: Just Desserts» and had some killer desserts, but I never tried it. Damn– it sounded good!
Service was great, I liked the interior, and for the most part, the food was spot on. Will def have to come back– I begged them to keep that Lamb French Dip on the norm!

I wish Unilocal let us give half stars since 3.5 would be just right. This place is in the back of the Mandarin Oriental hotel and be sure to ask for a table where you can have a view of the water. I was here on a Thursday night at 6:30 and it was fairly empty so make a reservation but it probably isn’t necessary. Service was very friendly and attentive but that may have been helped by the lack of customers.
They have a fairly limited and often changing menu which features Southern food. I started with the Virginia Peanut soup, which was enjoyable and interesting. If you are a peanut fan you’ll enjoy this. My entrée was the pork medallions over a bean ragout, which I enjoyed and was warned by the waiter they are salty. I like country ham and these were less salty than that, but if you don’t like salty food I’d choose something else. I ordered this with a side of excellent hush puppies and those may have just been the highlight of the meal so be sure to give those a try. I had an old fashioned with peach infused bourbon with my meal and if you like peach and bourbon you’ll enjoy this drink. I finished the meal off with a banana pudding sundae which was excellent (hey I’ve gotta get my money’s worth from my Living Social coupon).
I enjoyed my meal (with a Living Social coupon) and am glad I give this place a try, but thought it was somewhat overpriced for what we received. The portions aren’t necessarily gigantic depending on what you order and would consider returning here with a coupon but I’m not sure whether I would return at full price.

It was a gorgeous night and we ambitiously walked to and from Sou’Wester from Dupont Circle, you can pat me on the back now or later for walking over 4 miles round trip for my dinner. Your choice. Let me tell you something, 2 drunk miles is much longer than 2 sober miles. But I digress.
So, the food. You know sometimes when you go to a restaurant and you get the menu, and just nothing really excites you at all. This was us. We had a hard time figuring out what the hell to order. Our expectations were low, but we were happy to see Goose Island Matilda’s on the drink menu, at least the beer would be good… and we both get ID’d…yeah, we’re 30. (the guy then congratulated my husband on looking so young, thanks ahole, what about me!)
We eventually decided on the market vegetable salad as one appetizer and a side order of hush puppies as the other. (great idea on my part, if I do say so myself). They split the salad for us in the kitchen and it was really good, simple, lots of fresh veggies and a nice light dressing. The hush puppies are the man here. They are soooo good. Find a way to include them in your meal. Seriously.
For entrees, I had the grilled jumbo shrimp over okra strew. There was also a great tomato jam on top of some saltine pancakes that was like a very delicious barbecue sauce. The husband ordered the pork medallions over a bean ragout. Everything was really very good, properly cooked and well seasoned. The pork medallions were literally cooked perfectly. I love a restaurant that’s not afraid to send out medium rare pork. The husband was quite pleased about this.
We also got a side of french fries (they were good, could have been a bit crispier for me), with something they call a marie rose sauce. I call it fancy Russian dressing.
Perhaps since our expectations were low, we enjoyed it more than if we have been pumped about the menu, but I really think it was just a straight up good meal. Nothing spectacular, but definitely solid.
I don’t know if I would trek down here again specifically to eat (well, I would for City Zen), but I would dine again at Sou’Wester if such an opportunity presented itself.

A rare journey into South West DC to visit Sou’Wester (still not sure how to pronounce this!?) for a very nice early dinner before a show at the Arena Stage.
The service was grand, the view was excellent and the food was great; locally inspired cuisine. I thought the menu was fairly limited, but the crab cakes were top notch… some of the best we’ve ever had.
They also have a excellent selection of wines by the glass and also an extensive desert selection!

This restaurant is in the mandarin oriental tucked away in sleepy southwest. There must have been a conference happy hour at the lounge because it was packed! On the other hand the Sou’wester was basically empty. Which I guess is why they offered a livingsocial deal I purchased.
First of all, the service was impeccable here. 5 star service! My friend needed to blow her nose and they rushed over with a tissue, so she didn’t have to excuse herself. Somehow they make you feel important and so relaxed, as the Mandiran advertises.
Another thing my friend and I really enjoyed, tho this might be a flaw to others, is that we felt like we were in a fancy hotel. The al fresco seating, manicured lawn, and atmosphere make you believe you are on a vacation outside of DC.
The food:
The bread basket was decent, although the butter was either unsalted or very lightly salted. Feeling adventurous my friend and I both decided to try oysters for the first time. I actually liked them, as odd as it was! I got the Rockfish which was certainly good but not amazing. What was amazing however was the skinny margarita. This cocktail was sneakily potent and insanely delicious. I LOVED this cocktail and I can’t believe it was only 130 calories. Unlike most «skinny» cocktails where you get less alcohol and more water, more alcohol and no mixer, or any terrible combination this drink didn’t taste strongly like alcohol (though it was strong) and didn’t lack in flavor.
So the downside to the Sou’wester, and the reason for the 3 star rating is the lack of bang for your buck. Two tiny cocktails, 6 oysters, two entrees (one chicken and one fish) totaled at 100. The service is great and its very pretty, but the food is not exceptional for the price.

This place is beautiful with great service. (Which is kind of strange… lately I have been finding restaurants with great service but mediocre food. However, it’s usually the other way around.)
The food was nothing to brag about. It was a group dinner with an older couple (50’s) and they love this place and come here about once a month. However, nothing really stood out to me. I had the grilled chicken, which wasn’t bad but it had little taste. The portion is small. The prices range from 24 – 35 dollars, which wouldn’t be that bad if the food had more flavor.
The bread was okay. The cornbread was better.

I AM a FAN! The restaurant is (in the hotel) on the waterfront. There is a nice view– you can see the harbor, and the freeway, the 12^th St bridge. The valet parking is up da wazoo– so don’t do that. You can take the bus (H4/​H2 if coming from 14^th St). or the place is conveniently located near MANY different metro lines. We took the green line to L’Enfant and walked for 8 mins.
Okay– now that you are there— Sou’Wester is on the first floor of the hotel. We requested a window view in our reservation and received it upon arrival. I ordered my vodka martini with blue cheese stuffed olives. yum! Bread basket was good, corn muffins and biscuits. Tasty, and the butter is flavored. We split the beet salad with chicken fried goat cheese (good for two). The salad was pretty bomb– a flavorful combination. Entrée was the sheepshead fish on a bed of jambalaya. Delicious, and a good pairing of light (white fish) and filling (jambalaya). My BF ordered the jumbo shrimp on grits; this was also a satisfying meal, however a small portion (good thing we got that salad). All entrees are over $ 23. My standard martini was $ 14, and their speciality cocktails $ 12.
Our waiter was superb– no problems here. Our food and cocktails arrived on time. The bathroom here is also a treat. with offerings of fragrant soap and wash clothes instead of paper towels. Romantic little spot– depending on where you live in the city, you will feel like you are on vacation for a few hours (hotel feel and all).

This place was a huge dissapointment for the very grand Mandarin Oriental. I guess you can’t expect much from a «budget» restarant tucked in the back of the hotel, but I definitely thought it could have been better.
Been here twice since it’s near my work, and the only good thing about this place is the cornbread. But you don’t even need to pay for it.
Things you shouldn’t get: roasted brussel sprouts with bacon– way greasy. Foie gras torchon — way terrible.
Things that were ok but forgettable: Roasted sheepshead fish and grilled chicken «under a brick»
Ambiance wise the place is great, with a great view of DC and very classy yet southern. But. The food. Is not good.

this is for lunch. I amend. a SPECTACULAR lunch. everything was delicious, from the well thought out wines by the glass (thank you, whoever it was who priced these glasses reasonably), to the tender juicy pork panini, to the perfectly fried hush puppies. cannot forget to mention the Crack Sauce enrobing those clams. service was diligent, attentive and non intrusive. The water-​pourer/​table-​clearer/​busboy in particular won the table’s undying affection.
just minus one star for the saltiness of all the dishes, including the (otherwise perfectly cooked) sides. I love salt so much I asked Santa for a salt lick, but I could. not. guzzle the buttery clam broth as I wanted. le sigh.

I read reviews on this restaurant after I made my reservation; there was a mix of good or blah. Yes, its Restaurant week and sometimes dining during this week doesn’t always bring out the very best in the quality of food or server but I cannot agree with any review that states this restaurant or food is disappointing. We loved the entire experience. Starting from our view, to the décor, our server, and finally our amazing deserts; what a delightful evening with my friends.
We arrived for an early reservation and had an amazing view of the wharf on a beautiful evening. Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and how the dishes were prepared. Her recommendations were spot on, she was courteous, polite, friendly, and everything you want in a server.
The courses as a whole were wonderful! While my chilled tomato soup was just OK, the Cheddar and scallion hush puppy was absolutely amazing. I’ve never had such a moist hush puppy. I also couldn’t get over the creaminess of the grits. The shrimp was seasoned perfectly with just enough spice as to not overwhelm the flavor of the seafood but I tasted a hint of kick.
The «under a brick» Chicken was killer! Yes, I sampled my guests food and they sampled mine! The extra virgin olive oil gave the skin a crispiness but not the chicken wasn’t dry. The potatoes were crispy but not overcooked; simply scrumptious is all I can say.
I think my desert was by far the best; Blackberry cornbread buckle with Sweet Corn Ice Cream. Whoever came up with combining blackberry & cornbread (which I have never heard of cornbread buckle) and sweet corn ice cream is an evil genius.
Our menu items
Mine:
Chilled Tomato Soup with Cheddar and scallion Hush Puppy
Grilled North Carolina Shrimp with Anson Mills Grits, Roasted Tomato, Pearl Onions, Felts Country Ham Sauce
Blackberry cornbread buckle with Sweet Corn Ice Cream
Guest 1:
Chilled Iceberg Wedge Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Bacon Bits with Herb-​Buttermilk Dressing
Grilled Ayrshire Farms Chicken «under a brick» Extra Virgin Olive Oil Braised Spinach, Crispy «Smashed and Fried» Potatoes, and Lemon-​Rosemary Jam
Cheesecake with Raspberry Sorbet
Guest 2:
Summer Melon and Felt Country Ham Salad with Burrata Cheese and Aged Balsamic
Grilled Ayrshire Farms Chicken «under a brick» Extra Virgin Olive Oil Braised Spinach, Crispy «Smashed and Fried» Potatoes, and Lemon-​Rosemary Jam
Harris Orchard Blueberry Shortcake with Blueberry Compote, Sweet Cream
I would recommend this restaurant everyone.

Last year, this location was a Japanese restaurant that I found unimpressive, especially their sushi. I was amused that with the change in restaurant, the Mandarin Oriental had no oriental restaurant on-​site.
The restaurant may have changed, but I am still unimpressed. Granted, I live in the heart of the Southwest so my standards for this type of cuisine are higher. Ordered the sauteed «red snapper». Red snapper in quotes because I wasn’t sure this was actual red snapper or some other redfish substitute* considering the relatively low price of the dish and lack of flavour. It’s served over a bed of salty mashed potatoes and chowder. However when you mix everything together, the dish came out okay, and the fish retained its texture.
I also ordered the cold bean salad which was something I never had before despite living and eating out regularly in the southwest. The only place I ever saw this dish before was in cafeterias such as Luby’s or Wyatt’s. It tasted like a fresher version of those pickled green beans in a jar.
Service was uneven. The waiter who took my order was rude, scowling as he asked for my ID, but the person who brought my food and drinks was nice.
*Red snapper is overfished and scarce in the Gulf of Mexico leading restaurants in the region to serve «mislabeled» fish. See
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