The Red Hen

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1822 1st St NW Washington DC, 20001  |  202-525-3021

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t See Your Question Addressed Below?

Feel free to give us a call at 202-525-3021

Do you take reservations?

Yes, we reserve a portion of our tables. Due to our small space, we cannot accommodate parties larger than 8 guests. Reservations can be made by clicking on the reservations link at the top of the page. Reservations open 30 days in advance at 8 AM.

If you have any issues or questions, a host is available by phone every day from 3:00 pm-5:00pm. Our number is 202-525-3021.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

We ask for guests to please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel. As of December 2022 we have added a $25/person cancellation fee to all reservations. Late cancellations and changes in party size upon arrival will trigger the fee.

If you are running late for your reservation, please give us a call. We will hold your table for 15 minutes after your reservation time.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes, we always keep a portion of our tables for walk-ins. Parties of 6-8 should call to check availability as we have limited large tables.

If you encounter a wait for a table, our bar is always first-come, first-serve and offers the full dinner menu.

How does the wait list work?

If you encounter a wait when you walk in, you can place your name and cell phone number on our wait list. Then you are free to wait at our bar or go elsewhere as we will text you when the table is ready. If you leave, we will hold on to your table for 15 minutes while you make your way back.

Please note, we cannot add guests to the waitlist by phone.

When is the best time to walk in?

We suggest walking in before 7:00 or after 9:00 to avoid our highest wait times.

Do you offer takeout?

We do! We just ask that you come in to place your order at the bar in person. Orders are typically ready within 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the order and how busy the kitchen is. For shorter wait times we recommend coming in as we open to place your order. We are unfortunately unable to accept advanced orders due to our limited kitchen capacity.

Do you have a dress code?

No, casual is fine!

What is parking/public transport like?

There is free street parking throughout the neighborhood.  Please note that most neighborhood streets are permit parking only on one side of the street or another.

Our nearest metro stations are Shaw/Howard on the green and yellow lines or NoMa on the red line. Both are about a 15 minute walk from us.

Can you accommodate children?

Absolutely!  Please note that while our bar is welcome to all ages, we ask that children under the age of 4 be seated between two adults in your party or at the end of the bar.  (We even have a bar-height high chair!)

I have a dietary restriction. Can you accommodate?

Yes, we will do everything in our power to provide you a dish you can eat! Most of our pasta dishes can be substituted with Jovial brand gluten-free pasta. Many dishes can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Are you open for brunch?

No, we are open seven nights a week for dinner.

Do you allow outside wines or desserts?

Yes, you may bring in up to 2 bottles of wine that are not on our wine list. There is a corkage fee of $35 per bottle.

If you bring in dessert there is a fee of $4 per person. Please note: Our desserts are made in house and are delicious!

Can I host a private event with you?

We love being a part of special occasions! Our largest table in the dining room is bookable via Resy for up to 8 guests. If you are interested in hosting a larger group we can offer a full restaurant buyout for the evening, bookable up to 30 days in advance. For more information about how to reserve our dining room for a private event please email info@theredhendc.com. You may also consider our sister restaurants All Purpose in Shaw or Capitol Riverfront or Aventino in Bethesda who may be better equipped to accommodate your group.

Where are you located?

We are located at 1822 First Street NW DC, 20001 which is south of Rhode Island Ave NW and just west of First St. NW in Washington DC.  We are west of the McKinley Technology High School and 2.2 miles north of the United States Capitol Building.

What are The Red Hen's hours?

We serve dinner seven nights a week: Monday through Thursday from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Hours are subject to change, so check Resy or give us a call.

What kind of food does The Red Hen serve?

The Red Hen is an Italian-American restaurant in DC’s Bloomingdale neighborhood. Our menu centers on housemade pastas, meats and seafood, and seasonal vegetables, with an Italian-leaning wine list and a full cocktail bar.

Who is the chef at The Red Hen?

Chef Michael Friedman, a James Beard Award semifinalist, opened The Red Hen in 2014 and still leads the kitchen. The Red Hen was named one of Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best Restaurants in 2026. Chef Friedman is also behind Aventino and AP Pizza Shop in Bethesda and All Purpose Pizza and Fossette Focacceria in Shaw.

What is the rigatoni everyone talks about?

That would be our mezzi rigatoni with fennel sausage ragu, on the menu since day one and the dish guests travel across town for. It pairs well with just about everything on our wine list.

Do you have a happy hour?

Yes! Join us at the bar for happy hour with deals on drinks and snacks, Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

Is The Red Hen near a Metro station?

We’re in Bloomingdale at 1822 First Street NW. The closest Metro stations are a 13 minute walk from Shaw-Howard U (Green/Yellow lines), a 21 minute walk from NoMa-Gallaudet U (Red Line), and a 25 minute walk from Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood. Rideshare and the G8 bus along Rhode Island Avenue are also easy options, and there is free street parking throughout the neighborhood.

Do you have vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes, our menu always includes vegetarian pastas and vegetable dishes, and many items can be made vegan with adjustments. Tell your server about any restrictions and the kitchen will take care of you.

Is The Red Hen related to Aventino or All Purpose?

Yes, The Red Hen is part of the same restaurant family as Aventino and AP Pizza Shop in Bethesda, All Purpose Pizza in Shaw, and Fossette Focacceria. The Red Hen was Chef Michael Friedman’s first restaurant.

Do you sell gift cards?

We do! Gift cards are available online.

Are you wheelchair accessible?

Are you wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The entrance, dining room, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Please note any accessibility needs on your reservation and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash and all major credit and debit cards as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Where can you earn and redeem points with the All Purpose Hospitality Rewards Program?

You can earn and redeem rewards points at every All Purpose Hospitality restaurant. Whether you’re dining in, ordering takeout, or placing a qualifying online order, you’ll earn points that can be redeemed across all participating locations. Your rewards travel with you, so you can enjoy benefits at The Red Hen, Aventino Cucina, Boundary Stone, All Purpose Shaw, Fossette Focacceria, and AP Pizza Shop Bethesda. Simply use your Rewards account when ordering to earn points and redeem available rewards. The All Purpose Hospitality Rewards Program makes it easy to earn points on your favorite pizza, pasta, sandwiches, cocktails, catering, and more while enjoying the flexibility to redeem rewards at any of our restaurants. Sign up for the All Purpose Hospitality Rewards Program to start earning and redeeming today.