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In today’s review… we’ll cover the Union Market Americana tavern where the delectable steaks reign supreme and you’ll enjoy the classically-old, yet modernly-styled patriotic ambiance.

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The Ratings

Our simple & honest checklist covers a restaurant’s key ingredients:
Ambiance, Service, and Food.

9/10

Union Market is a burgeoning neighborhood dotted with delicious eateries. While most of the restaurants are stacked on top of each other, St. Anselm owns the less densely packed corner of Morse Street NE and 5th Street NE. As soon as you enter the restaurant, you feel it: the classically-old, yet modernly-styled patriotic ambiance. The Americana references and decor give you the impression you’ve travelled back in time, yet are tasting grilled meats that take decades to perfect. If you’re looking for a rustic spot with leather chairs, wall-mounted antlers, bear rugs, and presidential portraits, St. Anselm is your scene.

8.5/10

The service was on point for a restaurant of this caliber and the waiter provided great recommendations and background on the locally sourced meats. The wine selections paired well with our meal and the pacing was good. All to be expected from prominent restauranteur Stephen Starr — who also owns the famous Le Diplomate.

8.5/10

Whet your palates and lick your lips! St. Anselm delivers. As Tierney Plumb, editor of Eater DC, describes it, this restaurant is a “meat mecca” and we agree. Despite the restaurant also having delicious non-meat options, we must recommend your outing include some of the fantastic beef, lamb, and pork.

Yet, before you even truly commence your meal, let’s talk about the bread. Quite good, right? Well, that’s because the fresh bread you’re enjoying shares the same recipe and origins as Le Diplomate’s. And guess where you can get your hands on the same incredible loaves? Bread Alley. And where might this alley of bread be? Right behind St. Anselm. You’re welcome (and don’t forget to get us some goodies while you’re out there).

Back to our meal. There used to be a Tomatoes and Whipped Ricotta appetizer. Unfortunately, this tasty little starter has vanished from the menu… we hope only temporarily. The whipped ricotta was so smooth and creamy… and yes, when smeared on the toasted slice of bread and combined with the cherry tomatoes, was quite the bite.

For hungry first timers, we would nudge you towards the Ax Handle Ribeye - one of the restaurant’s specialties. To accompany your steak, any of the sides will do. But, we happen to think the Creamy Spinach is the way to go — although the portion is quite small and you may end up ordering multiple rounds.

To close out your meal, St. Anselm has some decent (but, nothing to rave about) desserts. While seasonal and not always on the menu (i.e. the changing Scoop of the Day), we remember the Sweet Corn Ice Cream with caramel drizzle and a handful of popcorn.

Reservation & Menu: