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R+D Kitchen
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
R+D Kitchen
8.3
Part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group, R+D Kitchen serves elevated American comfort food in a sophisticated yet approachable setting. Known for their artisanal sandwiches and inventive cocktails, this Montana Avenue fixture has been a neighborhood favorite for business lunches since opening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Chopped Salad with Blackened Chicken, Sicilian Sliders
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Hillstone's consistent excellence meets Montana Avenue sophistication
Who should go: Business diners seeking upscale American comfort
When to visit: Weekday lunch for business, evenings for cocktails
What to order: Ding's Chicken Sandwich, chopped salad, craft cocktails
Insider tip: Walk-ins only, arrive early for lunch seating
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Montana Avenue (2-hour meters until 6pm), easier on side streets. No valet but usually manageable within 1-2 blocks
Dress code: Smart casual - business attire for lunch crowd, nice jeans and button-downs work for dinner
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly, quieter booths available
Weekend wait: 60-90 min typical Friday/Saturday, best to arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm
Weekday lunch: 20-30 min peak hours (12-1:30pm), immediate seating before noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several salads, veggie sandwich, pasta options available
Vegan options: Very limited - salads can be modified, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Yes - proteins and salads available, but limited GF bread/bun options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - sophisticated but not stuffy, good lighting, booths offer privacy, and the no-reservation policy makes it seem spontaneous
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's walk-in only - no reservations taken. Best strategy is arriving right at 11:30am for lunch or 5:30pm for dinner to minimize wait
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate good food. No kids menu, but they'll modify dishes. Weekend brunch is most family-friendly time
Best For
Better for: Consistent quality and service that outshines most Montana Avenue spots, plus cocktails that rival dedicated cocktail bars
Skip if: You want ethnic cuisine, need reservations for a large group, or prefer trendy Instagram-worthy dishes over classic execution
R+D Kitchen
8.0
Part of the Hillstone group, this bustling Montana Avenue spot grinds their burger meat fresh each morning. The atmosphere combines neighborhood charm with upscale casual dining, offering substantial burgers alongside craft cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Ground Burger, Ahi Tuna Burger, Veggie Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Daily fresh-ground beef in an upscale setting
Who should go: Montana Avenue locals and business diners
When to visit: Weeknight dinner after shopping Montana
What to order: House burger, craft margarita, truffle fries
Insider tip: No reservations for parties under four
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging on Montana after 5pm, metered until 6pm. Small lot behind restaurant usually full. Budget 10 min for parking
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans and button-down works, many in business attire at lunch
Noise level: Energetic buzz but conversation-friendly - booths better for intimate talks
Weekend wait: 60-90 min typical, bar seating sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min during peak 12:30-1:30pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger, multiple salads, sides can make a meal
Vegan options: Very limited - salads can be modified, call ahead recommended
Gluten-free options: Yes - burger can be lettuce-wrapped, dedicated fryer for fries
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - upscale casual vibe is polished but not stuffy, booth seating offers privacy, bar area good for drinks first
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually yes with short wait. Dinner walk-ins should expect 45+ min wait or try bar seating. They don't take reservations for groups under 4
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (8+) - no kids menu but will do plain burger/grilled cheese. High chairs available but atmosphere leans adult
Best For
Better for: Consistent execution and service over trendy burger spots, cocktails superior to most burger joints, actually gets you seated unlike Father's Office
Skip if: You want creative burger toppings or a casual vibe - HiHo or Plan Check better for innovation, Hinano for laid-back
R+D Kitchen
8.2
Part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group, R+D Kitchen delivers reliable upscale American comfort food in a sophisticated yet approachable setting. The walk-in-only policy creates a buzzy bar scene where Montana Avenue locals sip martinis alongside perfectly executed meatloaf and rotating sandwich specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Artichokes, Hawaiian Ribeye
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Hillstone's signature consistency meets neighborhood charm
Who should go: Montana Avenue regulars seeking upscale comfort
When to visit: Early evening for shorter wait times
What to order: Dip Duo appetizer, rotating sandwich special, martini
Insider tip: No reservations taken - add name to list early
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8 or metered street parking on Montana - arrives before 6pm for easier spots
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans with nice top works, locals lean polished casual
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly, bar area louder
Weekend wait: 60-90 min typical Friday/Saturday, no call-ahead allowed
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min during peak 12-1:30pm, walk right in after 2pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger, salads, sides can make a meal
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly salad modifications, call ahead
Gluten-free options: Yes - proteins and salads easily modified, no dedicated fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you time it right - buzzy atmosphere takes pressure off, but no-reservation policy means potential awkward wait. Go at 5:30pm or after 8:30pm
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's walk-in only - no reservations taken ever. Put name on list and grab a drink at the bar. Shortest waits weekday lunch or dinner before 6pm
Is it kid-friendly? Yes but better for older kids (8+) - no kids menu but will do simple modifications. High chairs available, gets loud enough to mask kid noise
Best For
Better for: Consistency you can count on - when other Montana spots are hit-or-miss, R+D delivers the exact same quality every time
Skip if: You want creative chef-driven cuisine or need guaranteed seating for business meetings