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Cuisine: American |
Located in restaurant-heavy Shirlington, Carlyle is a must-see for fans of the Great American Restaurants chain. This Northern Virginia restaurant, cousin to such local favorites as Mike’s American Grill and Sweet Water Tavern, caters to a slightly more upscale crowd, but the menu is strikingly similar. That is nothing short of a compliment, as the menus at Carlyle’s contemporaries have long been favorites of this diner. Carlyle might not exist on the same plane, at least to this discerning eye, but the quality of food is certainly not at issue.
Thanks to the recent remodeling, additional space has opened up on the restaurant’s lower level. The livelier of the two levels, the first floor offers the establishment’s bar as well as a spacious waiting area. The decibel level here contrasts sharply with the hushed tones exhibited upstairs. While Carlyle fills up quickly on weekends – do not expect to walk in after six o’clock – the feel is more of a quiet, dimly-lit restaurant. Two of the few patrons there when we entered, my dining companion and I were startled to realize that the entire upper floor was full when we left.
As is the case throughout the Great American Restaurants chain, various breads are served with each meal. This merits mention because, thanks to the Best Bun Bread Company, another member of this chain, one would expect bountiful supplies of some of the finest breads. While this has often been the case at the chain’s other members, bread at the Carlyle was at a premium, arriving in small quantities and shoddily prepared even after requesting it. The appetizer selection is standard if unspectacular, with most falling in the $7-10 range.
Steaks and fish stand out on the Carlyle’s menu, although some have been known to highlight the thick, juicy pork chops at the locale’s true highlight. The grilled salmon, served with delicious redskin mashed potatoes, goes down easily, while the filet mignon, accompanied by parmesan potatoes, is equally tasty. Most dinner items fall in the $16-22 range, with a small selection of dinner salads rounding out the lower end. This makes for a meal that leaves a warm aftertaste without leaving a terrible dent in the wallet. Swing by the Carlyle for a bite, but only after paying a visit to Mike’s. Remember that all restaurants are not created equal.
Submitted 11/18/03.