Diners Tout the Avenue as a Welcome Addition to Chevy Chase

The Avenue, a 6,000-square-foot restaurant situated on upper Connecticut Avenue, gave the neighborhood a new eating and drinking option last month.

The eatery at 5540 Connecticut Avenue NW comes from Tim Walsh (partner in Sixth Engine and Town Hall) and serves up baby back ribs, poutine, and crab balls in a patriotic-themed setting designed by Maggie O’Neill of Swatchroom.

The three-story space includes a recently-renovated upper private event space for 100; a kid-friendly, downstairs den with a projector for a “Murray Monday” movie series featuring flicks starring comedic legend Bill Murray; and a 30-seat outdoor patio.

Read on to hear what the customers are saying:

The 411 News: Yelper Leigh F. notes the “great neighborhood vibe, service was good and the food far exceeded my expectations! The poutine was ridiculously good and I got a good old fashioned burger, which was cooked to perfection and topped perfectly ... prices were also more than fair.” Facebook user Ty Tydings notes the “food is great. Both floors were spotless and the staff was friendly. Welcome to the neighborhood!” [Yelp, Facebook]

The Photo Friendly News: Instagram user @meghanfranciscreative writes, “I photographed this cheeseburger and my first thought was, ‘holy cow, I cannot wait to Instagram this!’” [Instagram]

The Tweaks Needed News: Facebook user Gladstone Payton notes it’s a “very competent start at decent prices. Great decor, nice, if still improving service. Kid friendly but not a kids place. Too much bread on a very tasty pork sammie, but overall good.” Facebook user Kristi Tampio says “the server forgot to tell us the specials ... the filet mignon was very tasty but the artic char was super plain.” Yelper Jeff K. says “it took forever for our server to show up, for drinks to arrive, and then one of our orders was botched.” [Facebook, Yelp]

The New Hangout Spot News: Yelper Eric M. says the “basement bar could probably be my new hang. Great service all around from servers to kitchen to bar especially Katie. Great place for after work.” Yelper Nick D. says it’s a “great new neighborhood place. Good prices. Highly recommend their basil Hayden Old Fashioned (Only 10 bucks).” [Yelp]

The Recs News: Facebook user Anne-Marie Staples “highly recommends the dry rub wings! The atmosphere is warm and comfortable.” Yelper Gladstone P. says “the poutine was excellent! It was well executed and the gravy was smashing. Our main courses were good — I had the shrimp and their take on a Jambalaya. Very tasty and the shrimp were cooked perfectly.” [Facebook, Yelp]