The Occidental

Hilda Kroll

A nice, quiet place to have lunch and a challenge to remember the names of the famous people whose portraits are hanging everywhere. The short rib grilled cheese sandwich had lots of tender meat and was oozing with cheddar and Bel paese cheese. What made it unique and special was the radicchio-citrus marmalade. Reasonably priced with great service thanks to Chanel.

antoinette rodney-celestine

Food was good. Pleasantly surprised by the cornbread. I was expecting the usual starter bread. The cornbread was served in an iron skillet so it stayed warm longer! I had the pasta special which was pasta made on site with lobster and clams. It was not heavy at all! I also had the Occidental salad which was also light and good. Normally with a meal this size I walk out of the restaurant feeling like I had a ton of bricks in my stomach because I was so full but not here. Decor is interesting. Many pictures on the walls of influential people in Washington. Waiter was attentive!

Khoi Nguyen

Came here for lunch with some coworkers. We had some oysters, angus burger, crab cake sandwich and the fried green tomato BLT. Everything here was delicious. Oysters were so good we had to order another dozen. The burgers and sandwiches are a must order. The crunch from the thick cut bacon and fried tomato in the BLT was definitely the highlight. The crab sandwich was cooked perfectly and the added water crest added some great texture. This is a great place to people watch. The outside patio is perfect when the sun is out. Food and ambience here is great. If you want seafood and American food this is one of the best spots around the mall.