Earlier tonight, I took my parents to eat here since I'd seen it on the TV show, "Bar Rescue". Â They were expecting Korean food so imagine their surprise when we were served by someone dressed up as a pirate. Â My parents a especially picky eaters and found their food to be delicious (they ordered the Steak on the Stone). Â I had the Caribbean BBQ sandwich with scimitar fries and was very happy with it. Â The server even gave us a brief history of pirates when my Dad asked why there was a samurai sword on the wall (apparently the first pirates were Japanese and Chinese). Â Regardless of what happened on "Bar Rescue", the reality is that it's a great place to eat and have a beer (Dad had a beer which he also enjoyed). Â The pirate music they played in background was loud enough to give the place atmosphere but low enough such that we could have a decent conversation without having to yell. Â I hope this place stays around for a long time and plan to eat here whenever I pass through town.
Review Source:This is a good place to go if you want to have a good time out in costume or want a nice bison burger (which I would go back for). However, the waitress was rude, and when my sister an her friends went over she was even rude to them. The vegetables were also garlicky, which I did not mind, but may be a turnoff for some. I do hope to one day go in pirate garb in hope of better service and a good time, but overall I say they're ok once you get past the rude server (the one who on Bar Rescue gave the "rescuer" hell). I highly recommend the bison burger for all the burger lovers out there.
Review Source:The restaurant itself is ok, but the location is completely wrong.
My wife and I went here after watching the Bar Rescue episode. Â The food menu was somewhat limited but the drink menu was huge. Â The service was good and the food wasn't too bad. Â The major problem for me is the location. Â A pirate themed bar would be a lot of fun in Key West, the Outer Banks, or anywhere else near the ocean that has some real pirate history. Â Once inside Piratz Tavern, it just felt awkward and out of place since we were in the middle of urban Silver Spring. Â Overall, I think the location took away from the experience that was intended with a pirate themed bar.
I am not sure what I was expecting, but this place was fun, pretty much through and through. Ok, I was expecting a sort of awkward Disneyland pastiche, and there's certainly some of that going on here, but overall, for goodness sakes, it's a Pirate bar in the most interesting corner of the one of the least interesting locations around DC (and that's saying something): and yet, people were having FUN in there, not awkwardly ogling, trying to act cool, nor watching sports on an obnoxious television (I was dismayed at the tv hanging on the wall, though it was off).
Drinks: the grog is a fun mess of rums and sugar and maybe ginger something? I sort of wish they did a "real" grog, just to taste it, but I like having a big pitcher of sweet alcohol to share.
Food: I had no food (having eaten quite well across the street at a certain Burmese joint). But I'd try some of the more simple looking things.
Customers were dressed up and no one seemed to be taking anything, much less themselves too seriously, and honestly, if the Quarry House is too full or too loud and you want to go to a fun bar, go to Piratz Tavern. Keep your expectations reasonable and go with an open mind, wound or two (and dare I say, heart).
Completely amateur suggestion for owners: Fewer historically-inaccurate tin signs, fewer arbitrary bar food items, more Caribbean pub vibe with maybe some historical artifacts or information (think playing old pirate movie/documentary dialog in bathrooms and that sort of thing).
Having seen this place on Bar Rescue, a buddy and I decided to seek it out and give it a try. Little did we know that we were setting sail on a sea of failure.
As mentioned in the show, this place would do great and make sense in Florida.. But in the middle of a busy office metro area? No.
Walked in on a Wednesday right at happy hour. We were the only two in the place. We sat at the bar where our bartender proceeded to attempt an English accent that she kept falling in and out of. I had a bottled beer, my friend had the Piri Piri chicken and grog.
The chicken was waaaay too garlicky and chewy.. However he did enjoy the grog, saying it was very strong.
The decor, again, is awesome if you're near the ocean but... I would have enjoyed this place much more if they had kept the changes the show made to it. Now they can't be making any booty with their current strategy.
Trying to follow your dream is one thing but if your ship is sinking you don't double down on the bullshit and hope it sails.
Oh, Piratz Tavern, and your tireless quest to fill a niche that may or may not exist. This is an update to my review that was based upon that period of time when they were Corporate Bar/Piratz Tavern/Both/Neither. Obviously that was a temporary situation, so the review should be temporary as well. On with the update!
I ventured back to PT for a happy hour for an ex-coworker's birthday. The first thing that I noticed was that the decor has been returned to its former swashbuckling glory and honestly looks a bit better than it did originally. The next thing was that a waitress kindly acknowledged me as I walked toward the back bar and said, "If you would like a table, please just let a pirate know." Win! They had already earned some points for courtesy.
I met up with my friend who was sitting at the bar, nibbling on a bison burger. He said that the burger was "okay" but he wasn't interested in finishing it. We migrated over to a table and ordered a couple of mugs of grog. To my bewilderment, the waiter told us that they were "out of grog." I honestly didn't know if he was joking or not, because of the state of things during my last visit. In fact, he was just being a bit snarky, as is befitting a pirate, I suppose. Were it not a pirate bar, I might have been a little offended, but he was attentive and I did appreciate his humor, despite it being as dry as a desert island.
The restaurant did fill up with customers as we sat and chatted over our mugs of grog. That was a nice change from the empty restaurant that hosted us last time. They also had the live band of minstrels walking around the bar, which could prove to be entertaining or annoying, depending on how you're feeling and if you're trying to have a conversation inside. It was a nice night, so we moved to the patio to talk some more and chat with some other patrons, as well.
I didn't try the food this time, so I'll reserve any judgement there for next time. Yes, next time, as in I am planning to go back! The grog is delicious, reasonably priced, and STRONG. (Word of warning: I'm not a lightweight, but two of the large mugs was more than enough for me! Way more.) One nice aspect of the floor plan is that the families with little pirates can enjoy dinner up front, while the rowdier bar and patio crowd can carouse in the back without feeling like they are intruding too much.
I would give the new/old Piratz Tavern a solid 3.5 stars based on the improved atmosphere, service, and unique drink menu. I'll kick in the extra half of a star, because I've found so few places in Silver Spring with any character. You still won't get a five star meal or the white glove treatment, but you honestly shouldn't be expecting it.
Cheers, me hearties!
I watched Bar Rescue and thought I'd check it out. The short review is it is a nice place, friendly staff and good food for the price. Â It is a shame that national publicity draws a lots of prank posts here on Yelp. Â I guess the best way to give you a feel for the bar is if you watched Bar Rescue. Â Nicole Taffer's reviewed the staff accurately they are very friendly.
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The three issues Bar Rescue mentions are concept, food and profitability. Â The places motif as Jon Taffer points out, the concept of pirates bar in downtown Silver Spring is highly unique. Â I enjoyed it but then again I like Rain Forest and other unique concept restaurants. Â Another issue was the fresh fish, watch Bill and Jen's scene carefully; you'll notice the multiple cuts, camera flips, switching of the waiters, the cook laughing at an order of Fresh Catch of the Day, and the changing portion sizes on their plates. Â It's a set scene on reality TV folks. Â Profitability as a customer is not really my issue. Â Downtown Silver Spring is a tough area with multiple chain restaurants in the area. Â Having worked with consultants before, I guess the owner knows better than a one week consultant who calls the Silver Spring public parking/metro area a corporate high-rise. Â (Look at Jon's area map. Those familiar with the area will get a laugh.) I love Bar Rescue, but I think Jon failed this one. If he would have help the Tavern improve the Pirate concept instead of putting it in direct competition with the nearby Red Lobster and Marconi Grill, I think it would have made a happier owner. Â Then again that would have made a less interesting and profitable reality show episode.
I will also point out Bar Rescue makes no issue of the places cleanliness so if you see a post talking negatively of cleanliness, it most likely a prank.
I sat at the back bar and had the grog. Â The staff warned me it's an acquired taste but I liked it. Â The steak on a stone was excellent and cooked to perfection. Â Then again since the steak is served English on a 400 degree stone, I'd only have myself to blame if it was poorly cooked. Â If I had to say something negative, not a lot of people on Sunday night and I found it disappointing that Piratz Tavern didn't serve spaghetti and meatballs. Â I mean you would think a pirate tavern would serve a dish called The Flying Spaghetti Monster. Summary... I'm a fan and will go back again.
This place is disgusting.
The people are unpleasant. The food is wretched. The service is unforgivably slow. The servers themselves are the type of people you avoid on the Metro. Â It's tacky. It's dirty. It might be the worst bar/restaurant I've ever been to.
I'll never go back. I might not even go back to Silver Spring. There's a reason I live in DC...the MD suburbs are a never ending nightmare.
Giving a second review since we stopped in for a beer since we were stuck in the area. Â We pushed our way past a group singing a sea shanty to get to the bar in back. Â After approaching the bar and ordering a beer the bartender asked if we wanted a table. Â We said sure, so he told us then we had to sit and wait for a server to take our order.
Seriously, he wouldn't take the order.
When the server came by we got our first two beers and drank them. Â The table next to us got their bill after what seemed like a significant amount of drinking and expressed shock at the amount. Â After some time of sitting with empty bottles we got up to leave, figuring if the server was never coming back we would just guess at how much we owed and pay the bartender. Â Luckily, then the server remembered we existed and gave us a tab.
This place is always empty, for good reason.
The food was inedible. I wont go into it, but i am insulted they asked for money. They will eventually deal with the Health Dept. Basically the fish still had freezer frost on it. I can forgive the food because the place and the wait staff look like they could possibly infect you with hepatitis, so why order anything, right? Â Just trust your instincts and stick to the drinks. Â
I, however, cannot and will not forgive anyplace that calls themselves a bar and cant mix a proper drink. The drinks were mixed very, very, very poorly. The bartenders fancy themselves pirate wench/groupies but honestly are just severe alcoholics who haven't quite hit rock bottom yet. Don't worry though, they're close. Rude, inebriated mouth breathers who don't even know much about actual, historical pirates although they do enjoy reciting occasional and incorrect facts they misread from wikipedia.
The drinks are stiff, but not the good kind of 'stiff'. 'Stiff' like an 18 year old High School SR. made them. I love drinks and can drink with the best of them, but they actually made the liquors taste bad. Grog is unbalanced, harsh and just unappetizing altogether. Think trash can punch with Robotussin. Â
You go in thinking its going to be fun, but you just get the feeling of sadness, loneliness, veteran PTSD and alcoholism. Â This place is all about drinking buddies hanging out with each other, not customer service. Bluntly, it's about their good time, not yours.
***
After reading about "Bar Rescue" I did some searching and found their video. It makes absolute sense that the owner is living with her family in her parents basement and is a million $ in debt. Â wow.
Piratz Tavern surely has ups and downs.
I like the kitschy atmosphere. I like everyone dressed in pirate garb. I like that they host fun events now and again. It's also nice that they are in a location that could use some unique spots. Â
They do not seem to have a plethora of vegetarian food/entrees, though. I've had both good and not great service. You'd think people dressed in pirate gear would perhaps be a bit more theatrical.
I'll kind of never forget how Piratz Tavern rather pointedly embarrassed me once though. I get how you have to be 21+ to get in and that people should be IDed to ensure they are legal. But it seems the common practice would be to ID people (anyone) as they come in. Not to come to a table of people, pick out someone who appears younger looking, and insist that only she provide ID. That was very ridiculous and embarrassing. I'm only mentioning my experience so that Piratz can correct it in the future.
All in all, I like the idea of Piratz, but the service could use some tweaking.
Much cleaner then you would ever expect out of Davy Jones Locker. Â The wait staff was so squashbuckling-ly kind they gave us a tour. Â All the people who worked there were dressed up in pirate outfits and though I didn't get to taste any food; the drinks were quite a treasure. Â Arrrrr-guably the best pirate tavern in Silver Spring, I'll update you soon once I eat thARRRRR!
Review Source:Grog? Check. Dim-lit corners? Check. Wait staff with a sense of humor? Check. An outdoor patio? Chizeeeck!
This place is way better than I expected.
Granted, I dropped by on a weeknight and consumed only a beverage. However, in our brief time spent here we had a great time.
There was literally no one around other than the waitress when we walked in. The front bar looked abandoned and there were no patrons in sight. Luckily, the waitress greeted us with spirit, humor and wits and made sure to lead us to the back where we found a clean, polished and dimly lit back area with just a few low key folks hanging out.
A friend and I dropped by here just to continue our conversation that we had started over at Quarry House, so the quiet back room was perfectly peaceful and great for carrying on a conversation. Yes, you have to make your own fun, but hopefully you're in good company.
Overall, I was so pleasantly surprised by my experience here. After hearing about Piratz for years, I think I was ready for the worst. I expected it to be dingy, run-down, obnoxious and corny but I found it to be none of the above.
Guess you've just gotta give it a shot and be ready for anything.
Grog is on deck for my next visit!
A fun Pirate themed bar. We sat in the front by the bar and only ordered drinks, no food. We actually meant to meet people for drinks at the Quarry House, but because it is sort of hidden across the street, we just ended up here. It might be fun to come here with a larger group for a party. I don;t know if is is for everyday, but for something a little out of the ordinary, it is fun.
They were also very strict on the ID policy. I forgot my ID in the car and we had to go back and get it before I could get a drink, I suppose it is good that someone might still think I'm under 21.
Went back with 4 co-workers. We were the only diners in the place. However, service was pretty good (although I didn't appreciate our server pocketing my change, since I already left a generous tip), food was awesome! A little annoyed that our server kept changing her mind on whether they did or didn't have ranch dressing.
One guy in our party only knew about it from BAR RESCUE, and he's definitely changed his mind about this place. While they still could use improvement on the service, it's so much better than 4 years ago. If you've never been, you should try it once, maybe at lunch time.
Please note: I have been to Piratz Tavern before and after the horrible Bar Rescue "makeover" and can honestly say that I am very thankful that they ditched the changes, which did absolutely nothing except make a very fun, interesting place into something generic and boring. I have always had a great experience here and was surprised to see that a renovation was even needed.
Because it's a bit of a drive, I don't get to visit Piratz Tavern as much as I would like to, but I've never once been disappointed. If you like pirates, friendly servers, fun decor and great food then this is the place for you! Pirates aren't usually my thing, but you can't help but have fun here. I usually go in a large group, sit at the outside patio and order a ton of appetizers and grog (and yes, if you go there you HAVE to try the grog...with ice, of course, as your server will suggest, because it is quite strong).
All of the appetizers are superb! Favorites include the shrimp mozambique, the cod fritters, the mussels and the coconut shrimp. The sauces are so good that you have to order extra bread to soak them up because wasting would be a sin.
I've never had bad service. The servers are knowledgeable, fun and all dressed in pirate attire.
My one complaint about the place is that I don't like the main room (closest to the front door). It feels a bit more stuffy and formal compared to the rest of the place. I much prefer the bar area & the outdoor patio (which is large and perfect for big groups and sunny days).
To summarize: Great food, great service, decent prices, grog, pirates, what's not to like? I can't recommend it enough.
If you have a sense of whimsy and humor, this will be one of your favorite places in the world. Feel like hearing a grown woman dressed as a wench sing sea shanties to you while you sip on grog? My friend, you are in luck, because you can get all that, and more, at Piratz Tavern.
I've never eaten the food there. I mostly stick to the things that pirates are passionate about, like dranks. They do have Woodchuck cider, for those gluten-free freaks among us, along with a fair selection of beers (including some more local options). I actually do like the grog - it's dangerous, though, so don't order it unless you plan on getting completely, black-outedly trashed.
Their back patio is really lovely. It's actually objectively a nice place to sit, plus you get men dressed like Jack Sparrow stopping by your table to chat. Seriously, guys, what more IS there in life than that?
Overall, the Piratz Tavern is a great place to go to if you can laugh a little bit and you enjoy a good freak show. If you're looking for a classy place, good first date spot, or something innocuous, this is not the place to go. But if you want to rub shoulders with human beings who consider themselves real life pirates (and often give bonus lectures on their backgrounds in the BDSM world), you have found one sweet, sweet haven.
Stopped into this place with friends because I saw it on Bar Rescue and I live 15 minutes away so why not? Place was mostly empty on a Sunday evening but that's to be expected, they had just finished a kids party.
Everyone was very nice, we had a new waitress and we met Archer from the show. He told us a little about how he is a Pirate Historian and has a vast collection of weaponry including some replica swords from The Princess Bride. All in all very nice people here.
The food was filling but the drinks a little sugary, I switched to beer after my first one. It's a great place for kids (minus the swearing) because they gave my friend's kid a small treat bag and were very accomodating on food choices.
I hope the tavern sticks around despite the bleak future depicted on Bar Rescue. I'll come back to try some other rmenu items and see some performances
Jonh Taffer will have the last laugh. I stopped by this place and it was amazing they destroyed everything John did for them. The place will fail with certainty now. The place is just lame in concept and execution all the way around.
Arrrrrggghhh...brings me the grog.....this is what the regulars actually yell at the waitresses (wenches). lol
I went to this place to experience the horribleness after seeing the episode of "Bar Rescue."  It was Sunday afternoon and the place was basically empty other than me and  three friends I'd convinced to come with me.  At some point, two other couples walked in (to experience the horribleness as well, I later found out when we got to talking).  The mixed drinks are toxic, so after one, I stuck to beer.  Eventually we all went to Quarry House, which was packed. Â
A couple weeks later was Talk like a Pirate Day, so I went back. Â This time the place was packed. Â It was a bit unreal, as most everyone (including me) was dressed up as pirates. Â It was really hard to get service and no one was even manning the front bar for awhile. Â My friend ordered the grog, which is the most disgusting thing ever created. Â I had some beer and shots, there was a fire show, and I met some nice people. Â
So I guess all in all I'd say that both times I've gone to Piratz Tavern, I've had a good time and made some new friends. Â Its a good environment for talking to people and provides an obvious conversation starter (such as, "why are you here?" "how bad are these drinks?" "did you see the bar rescue episode"). Â I expect I'll be back again in the future, sticking to the beer, making the same snarky observations. Â There are far better bars in the area, but Piratz is a place to check out and step into fantasy once in awhile.
Here's the thing about this place - it keeps me coming back because it is fun and it's a reasonable bar. It is a bit tacky, but honestly what do you really expect from a pirate themed bar. The drinks are OK, a girl friend and I always get the grog which will knock your socks off.
The food is really not good at all, the only thing I will eat here is the Cesar Salad which is decent, I won't order any of the other food because it's always disappointing.
The staff are really into the theme, and really ham it up, but if you're in the mood they are a giggle, and the service is normally OK. Although I will say that on occasions it's a bit slow.
The outside seating is one of the biggest draws, it's got plenty of seating and unlike many of the other outside seating options in Silver Spring it's quiet and really quite pleasant.
The take away from my experience here and going here with other people is you either love it or hate it, but there really isn't much in between. You will also go mad for theme and become one of the regulars, who will forgive the dodgy food so that you can dress up like a pirate occasionally, or the cheese factor will just put you right off. The fact of the matter is I'm going back and yes I may even dress up as a pirate one of these days.
Lame,
 Might be the worst place I have ever been too. Mistakenly walked into this sword shop after a meeting.  The staff and service was just awful, period.  I was told the drink to order was "The Grog". This was sugar and random booze.  I'm not even sure what flavor to describe it as.  It tasted like diabetes.  Between the awkward seats, the tiresome "acts", the dust on everything, and the disgusting drink....... I will not return.
 This place should be closed.  The staff is talentless at best for being pirates or talking with a pirate accent.  Whoever thought a Pirate would make a good waiter / waitress / bartender needs to regroup.
Maybe, a sexy female pirate themed place ? Â
Maybe, a place where everyone speaks in Scottish accents ?
Maybe, a place where the staff has to have a pet animal with them at all times ?
 Sincerely,
     Captain Never-2-Return III
Food is nasty. Â Got shrimp something something... over cooked shrimp. Â They were precooked cocktail shrimp cooked again. Â Sangria was ok.
The bar tender yelled across the bar to another employee -"get me some ciggs on your way back!!!" ewwww....Then the bar tender told me he could not give me change because he had no quarters. Â He said "do you mind if I don't give you .75 back, I have no quarters.... Â I was like, ummm..how about you give me a dollar asshole or perhaps nickels and dimes?? Â This place is a dump. Â Go do the firehouse, just across the street and up a block. Â Have some class.
PS. Â You don't have nice boobs, keep them IN your shirt, thanks.
I visited the Piratz Tavern shortly after they had their remake from [REDACTED]. Â I had never been there before, so I didn't have anything to base this one and only visit on. Â I met family there, and we were interested in the place mostly because of the TV show. Â The food was worth the price, the people were nice enough, but the shtick I didn't get. Â I enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean enough, but I can't imagine people would subject themselves to that atmosphere on a daily basis.
I understand that this may be a favorite hangout for some, as my new found friend Mitch T seems to love this place. Â That's fine, he gets it. Â I just don't. Â I like things like women without diseases. Â I am not planning on visiting this restaurant anytime soon. Â Nothing against Mitch, since I think I owe him a cup of coffee.
On a side note, I was telling a friend a joke that I told Mitch that involved Hipsters, and I learned why the tavern decided to undue their makeover. Â It explains a lot, and it makes sense. Â Ask anyone there about it. Â Its interesting.
As for my new buddy, have you ever thought about taking the passion that you have for Piratz Tavern, and use it for something good, like fighting cancer? Or people who leave gum under the tables at libraries? Â Just a thought.
As per my original review, if a pirate-themed bar doesn't sound like it would be a fun thing for you to check out, then it probably won't be.
The food has gotten mixed reviews. Â I've never had anything less than average there, and the garlic mussels are always a wonderful bargain. Â If you don't like tiki drinks (which I do), then order a beer - at cheaper prices than you'll find elsewhere. Â Not a fan of the grog, but maybe that's just me. Â Not bad, just not particularly tasty.
I note that, in the 24 hours since the "Bar Rescue" program regarding this tavern, a huge number of people from the west coast have suddenly reviewed this place - all giving 1-star reviews, most of which are their first and only Yelp! review.
Many admit they've NEVER been to the tavern. Â Others reference vague business meetings/vacations in "Silver Springs."
Not sure what that nonsense is about. Â While there may be a certain pathos in enjoying dressing as a pirate, venomously reviewing bars you've never been to is truly pathetic.
Maybe youy need to get out more. Â Ya know... actually go to some places, experience some things, and thereby have a basis to post reviews? Â Try it! Â It's fun!
My comments on the show: Â There are certainly some lessons to be learned, and I hope they are learned and applied. Â While the location might draw more revenue as a different kind of bar, I applaud the owner's courage and hope she can make it sustainable. Â
Personally, I'd go to the Quarry House across the street before I'd have gone to the "Corporate Bar & Grill." Â That screamer from NYC just doesn't know the Silver Spring crowd. Â Not all office workers are pretentious NY types :)
Good luck!!!!!!!
OMG!! Love this place. I have been coming here for at least 3 years and no I don't dress like a pirate. I come for the friendliness, food and happy hour.
I was first introduced to this place when having lunch with a girlfriend. It was quaint and friendly and the food was good. Â The servers really make you feel comfortable and at home. I came back one evening to see if this could become my new local watering hole... glad to say YES!!! Â The happy hour specials and drink varieties are unbelievable. Even to having a happy hour on Saturday (12 pm - 7 pm).
The servers get to know you and greet me every time I walk in. The food is wonderful. This is not fast food ( I don't expect lightening service) each dish is made to order. I like that personal touch.
Great place, Great fun, Great food!
I really like this place. Â There are many fewer cheesy decorations than before, and their post-Bar-Rescue makeover has really changed the ambiance to something I'm really happy in. Â Very woody and slightly medieval.
I'm skeptical of pub food and am into locally sourced meat, so I go straight for the bison burger. Â It has been excellent every time, and the fries have been GREAT. Â The potatoes and fish balls are pretty good too.
Overall, the atmosphere is really relaxed and pleasant -- a really nice happy hour experience.
This is one of my favorite DC area establishments. Â The Piratz Tavern is a lively restaurant that is definitely a cut apart -- and above -- your typical cookie cutter mainstream place. Â It's a place with personality and swagger bereft of the sterile atmosphere of a corporate chain.
Most of my chief complaints have been recently rectified. Â In the past, I was disappointed that there was no draft beer, the service inconsistent, and the food a bit pricey. Â There's now a nice bar in the front that serves Loose Cannon and Magic Hat #9, which are two of my favorite beers. Â The service has greatly improved. Â The food is still a bit dear, but the piri piri is worth the price. Â I recommend same with a side order of fries to dip in the radioactive hot sauce. Â If you like spicy, you'll enjoy this dish.
By the by, the grog is not for the meek. Â I've a self-imposed one grog limit. Â However, it might not be for everyone as the taste may be too bold for some palates.
Have I reviewed this before? I sure hope so.
I love Piratz Tavern. There are so many soulless restaurants in this world, and it baffles me (see my Cajun Experience review). Why would you do that? Running a restaurant is incredibly hard, and has so many moving parts, so why would you go forward with something you don't care about? At Piratz Tavern, you'll find, first and foremost, a wonderful and friendly staff, who care about the restaurant. I used to wait tables a lot, and would often dream of the various places of employment to burn to the ground or be raided by the health inspectors. Not so here.
The food's getting better, the grog is dangerously good, and the atmosphere is cheesy still, but lots of fun. Give Piratz your love, and they'll give it back to you.
I decided I would come to this bar after seeing Bar Rescue. I work in the central area and have passed this place hundreds of times but all my colleagues say "STAY AWAY", so I have until now.
I was a little apprehensive because of what I saw, but I was curious too.
The owners have no changed their attitudes, the food is ok, but looked so much fresher on TV. I dont think they are using fresh ingredients.
Over all my experience was one of the worse I have had in the area and will never return.
Its a shame that they were handed such a great opportunity and they threw it away. Sadly it is going to cost them everything as it looks like they are on the verge of closing their doors.
To be clear what we're talking about there are at least 3 incarnations of this bar.
1. Piratz 1: The Most Piraty Pirates Who Ever Did Pirate
2. Corporate Debacle
3. Piratz 2: Revenge of the Theme Restaurant
Piratz 1 was a little too much. Â It was like a Fridays where they have crap all over the walls but it's all pirate themed. Â
Corporate was awful. Â I've never seen Bar Rescue, but it seems like they just run around ruining things.
Piratz 2 is a lot better. Â Very nautical and piraty still, but it isn't overkill. Â Less skeleton things. Grog is delicious but stick with the smaller servings. Â It can sneak up on you. Â I like the saucy banter with the staff.
Sangria was just okay. Â I wouldn't get it again. Â Their pirate cocktails are pretty good. Â The Cannonball comes with instructions. Â
Been here for a few coworker birthdays and the staff is always game for helping you embarass the hell out of the birthday boy or girl. Â Once, They gave us a balloon octopus as a shaming hat for someone who was leaving early.
If you need a little nosh, especially during a happy hour I highly reccomend Peri-peri chicken and a starch. Â My favorite starch is the fries, but rice or mashed potatoes work, too. Dip fries in the spicy goodness, then swoon.
I'm tempted to steal the Ratouille Remy check spindle from the kitchen window every time I'm in here.
I discovered Piratz Tavern 5 years ago while looking for a fun New Years Eve spot. I wanted to get dressed up and go out. My husband and his friends wanted to sit around and drink. Â Low and behold, I found the tavern, made reservations, put on some garb (because, why not) and headed on up with a large group. We have been there every New Years since, with friends traveling from as far away as Georgia and California to go, plus we stop in ever so often for birthdays and a few times a year "just because."
This is a fun place where you can let go and not take yourself, or anything, too seriously. This isn't fine dining, nor is it supposed to be. It's meant to be kitchy and seedy and bonkers, and that's the draw. I've not experienced any other place in the DMV that has the type of camaraderie that I find when I come here. Find someone in costume, talk to them, and they'll likely be super fun.
I've never had a problem with the food. We always start with the Piri Piri chicken. Order it with sour cream and french fries. The sauce is really good for dipping the fries in. The Steak on a Stone is one of the best steaks you can get around here. It's a good sized hunk of high quality meat, plus two sides (either salad or veg, and fries or rice) and so the $23 price tag might seem like a lot, but I've had $23 steaks at fancy places throughout the area that do not compare. Plus, the experience of grilling it yourself on a super hot slab of marble adds to the whole thing. The pirate stew is good also
Drinks: The grog. Go with top shelf! The regular grog is harder going down, and has a stronger flavor. But the top shelf is really smooth, still spicy, but just way better. They have fun cocktails, as well. The bar is what keeps me from giving 5 stars to the place, though. Â It can be very slow. Its something that we've brought up, and the staff is working on it, especially after the whole renovation thing, so hopefully it gets pulled together.
The staff. Oh the staff! They have always been great to us, even when we've made reservations for a group of up to 20. I see a lot of reviews that say that the staff are rude. Its true, they can be rough around the edges. It IS a pirate bar and these guys and gals are pirates, and they play up their characters. You really expect a pirate waiter is going to be as polite as you'd get at a normal restaurant? Â They can push drinks, give you a hard time and be sarcastic. It's all part of the show. They also have belly dancers and musical entertainment on most nights, again, adding to the whole "performance" feel.
Piratz Tavern is a fantastically odd place, where you can let go of the ordinary and stuffy DMV and experience something really unique.
This restaurant has been incredibly popular with a *particular* variety of patrons who have visited it from near and far. Â I have friends in places like Alexandria VA and Baltimore Maryland, each about an hour away, who patronize it a couple times a week. Â Why? Â Because it is just that cool. Â In fact I've been present when visiting friends in town from several hundred miles away went there and told me they wished there was a place that cool near them. Â These people were all either into Renfaires, costuming or both.
Renfaires are not for everyone. Â Strip clubs are not for everyone. Â Horse races are not for everyone. Â The Piratz Tavern is not for everyone. Â If you like Renfaire, by all means, go to the Piratz Tavern and you will not be disappointed!
If you feel Renfaires are stupid, then please do the rest of us a favor; Stay away from the Piratz Tavern, and by all means keep your nasty opinions to yourself! Â Do I put down your stupid shiny bars? Â No, I don't! Â The least you can do is have a little consideration for those of us who are only permitted to enjoy Renfaire two months out of the year!
Now about the rumors of it being Gone or Replaced by Corporate Bar & Grill:
In my personal opinion that was a glorious mistake, but no worse than a kitchen fire. Â Even less so as it didn't entirely cause it to shut down for a month as kitchen fires tend to do. Â On the other hand, kitchen fires are covered by insurance, and I'm pretty sure the makeover will not be covered by insurance. Â
Within a week of the makeover, the Piratz was already struggling to transform itself back into the restaurant it was before. Â Perhaps learning a few lessons from the mistake and the feedback from its hundreds of adoring fans. Â Right now, the biggest threat to its survival are the prolific rumors that the Piratz Tavern no longer exists. Â It does, although the stupid Corporate sign on the front isn't helping.
Personally, I have been eating at this restaurant nearly every month since it opened about five years ago. Â For the mathematically impaired, that's about sixty meals. Â I've *never* had a bad meal there! Â In all this time, not one of my guests have ever reported having had a bad meal there. Â Very few of my guests have worn costumes, though occasionally some have, especially during "Talk Like a Pirate Week".
I ate at the Piratz Tavern shortly before and shortly after the "Corporate" makeover. Â Immediately after the makeover I could not buy any foods or drinks that I liked, so I left without buying anything. Â Within a week they restored the foods and drinks I liked and I've been eating there since. Â I'm disappointed that the familiar corny decor is *temporarily* gone, but I have it on good authority that it too will be returning.
For one week the Piratz Tavern resembled a "Corporate Bar" that Spike TV's reality show turned it into. Â As you might expect, it was awful. Â If I had to review *that*, I'd give it one star too, but if you look this is a review page for the Piratz Tavern which is turning itself back into the Piratz Tavern as fast as it can. Â
Today I've flagged FIVE off-topic reviews that reflected that temporary condition. Â Those reviews are not about the Piratz Tavern but rather the Competence of Spike's reality series, "Bar Rescue". Â I will continue to flag such off-topic reviews.
If you hate strange mixed drinks, don't order the Grog. Â The Grog is an acquired taste, and having acquired it, I love it. Â I tend to think they should offer a sample size for newbies. Â I may have to suggest that. Â I also think that just possibly there need to be two menus, one for landlubbers and one for more adventurous people. Â If you want a winner, order a Bison Burger, cooked "Medium" with Cheddar, Bacon and Scimitar Fries. Â If you are vegetarian, this is probably not the place for you either.
I like a wide variety of cuisines, though I'm not that fond of Thai. Â Do I go into Thai restaurants so I can go home and write about how much I disliked the Thai food? Â No! Â Do I attend restaurants with live music and then complain about how loud the music was? Â No! Â Those sorts of reviews accomplish nothing and are a disservice to those who love a particular type of restaurant; People like myself and my friends.
If you are annoyed only by SINGING Pirates, don't go there on a Weekend. Â Weekdays you will not encounter Singing Pirates, but you might encounter Belly Dancers. Â ;-)
To those of you who hate Pirate Theme bars, I ask that you have a heart and examine your actual feelings first. Â If you must post a negative review, just be honest about it! Â Your problem isn't really with the patrons, the waiters, the food, or the decor. Â Your problem is that you have no more business entering a Pirate Themed Bar that I have going to a Strip Club or a Horse Race.
This review is for Corporate Bar & Grill. I paid $15 for a burger, fries, and the soda. The burger was absolute crap. The patty was definitely one of those frozen types devoid of any and all flavor. They try to cover this up by topping it with a really soggy bacon and onion mixture. Our fries didn't come out until after we were almost finished with our burgers.
While we were there, we overheard the waitress telling someone they couldn't get the burger without onions because the bacon and onions are cooked together. It took an act of management to make that happen. Seriously?
We also overheard someone asking for draft beer. They said the old equipment was replaced with equipment they are not licensed to use. Again, seriously?
The pirate decor has been replaced with knock-off demotivational posters.
Listen, I'm an understanding guy. I went to Harry Potter World earlier this year for vacation. I started my bachelor party off at medieval times. So naturally, I'd like Piratz Tavern, right? Wrong.
Piratz was literally the only place that I have been to in my entire life where I couldn't get service. It's not clear when you walk in where you should go to be seated. Once you do find someone, no one really knows what's going on.
After standing around for 10 minutes with no direction or idea of what was going on, we left. This place has a reputation for only being friendly to regulars who dress up like pirates.
While I do enjoy going to places like Harry Potter World or a Renaissance Festival every now and then, the whole people-dressing-up-every-weekend-pretending-to-be-Âpirates things is a bit much. Piratz wasn't a place for people to occasionally escape reality, it was more for a place for people who don't want to be a part of reality. And the service seemed to only cared about the latter.
The place would be a lot better if they toned down the theme (especially the cheap Party City stuff), hired servers and bartenders who were there to be great servers (and not just because they want to work at a pirate bar) and had specific theme nights every now and then. It's one thing to have a pirate night once a month and quite another to expect every day to be pirate night (and not be welcoming to those who aren't there dressed like pirates).
Could a pirate themed bar actually work? Sure, if the service, food and drinks were good. And then the theme should more like a gritty English/Caribbean pub and less of like a run down place that you'd find a few miles outside of Disney hoping to attract Disney goers looking for a cheap meal one day after visiting the Magic Kingdom.
Note: This review is of Piratz. I'll re-review once I visit the new theme of Corporate Bar and Grill. Hopefully CBG has better service.
I just...I can't. Â Really? Â A pirate bar? Â In Silver Spring?
At least that's what I thought at first. Â But I was quickly put at ease by the Renaissance Faire-esque atmosphere, with roughly 1/4 of the patrons dressed as pirates (or piratz) on a Saturday night. Â It was just kitschy and fun! Â My friend and I hung out here and had a beer (or possibly a few beers) while admiring the decor and people watching. Â I kind of wished I'd brought my eye patch. Â
I'm highly amused by all the Yelp entries that hate on this place for being stupid and childish. Â If you're going to a pirate bar, what exactly are you expecting? Â I sensed some mild irony, given the location, and I liked it. Â Get a sense of humor, folks!
The beer and cocktail selection seemed quite good. Â The menu was extensive. Â The service was slow, and the bartender ignored us for quite some time, but we weren't in any terrible hurry, and they were busy. Â Â
Would definitely go back just to hang out on a weekend, but possibly in the spring or summertime, with the outdoor patio open....
My cousin got married this past weekend and she chose Piratz Tavern for the afterparty since it was only blocks from the hotel everyone was staying at. Boy, do we wish we checked out reliable Yelp! reviews beforehand. This place was absolutely horrible; I would say the 2.5 stars based on 98 reviews is being extremely kind and generous.
First, as our server was taking our orders, she grabbed credit cards from everyone to hold even if they were planning to pay in cash. Okay, how unnecessary! What if people didn't have credit cards?? DUMB. THEN, she proceeds to put the cards in her boobs. EWW that's just gross! We don't want our credit cards in your boobs!!!
Second, our drinks took OVER 40 minutes. On top of that, one of the drinks was wrong. Annoyed and frustrated, we had her bring us the correct order. That took so long we decided to cancel it. And when we canceled, she had the nerve to look annoyed at us! She explained that the bar was back up. Okay, if you made a mistake and put in the wrong drink order, you should have it fixed immediately! Why the heck would the order be put all the way on the bottom on the pile?
Third, the manager then approached us and told us we were still going to be charged for the drink we didn't get. She explained that the drink was made already and somebody had to pay for it; either us or the server. Well, how does it make any sense for us to pay for a drink that we didn't get and let alone, canceled? It doesn't. The manager continues to say that our large party had been sitting for two hours sipping on water. NOT TRUE, we order hundreds of dollars worth of appetizers that weren't at all good. And almost everyone was working on their second or third drinks. And she justified all of of this by saying we were taking up seats of other potential customers. You've got to be kidding! They're lucky we brought in this wedding or else the place would be empty. RIDICULOUS and very disappointing behavior from a manager.
Other side notes: they were stingy on their napkins. Yelled and pushed people to get out of the way. Ran out of Patron, Don Julio, Jose Quervo 1800 (this was all fairly early too, so I don't really believed they ever carried them). Decor was decent. Nice aquarium. Okay bathrooms. All in all, this place is simply AWFUL. Listen to the other yelpers, not just myself...STAY AWAY!
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