Clout Southern Cuisine Lounge

Clout offers fantastic food that is both flavorful and delicious. However, they really need to improve their service. I've been to this restaurant several times, and during my last visit, I arrived at noon but didn’t receive my meal until 1:45 PM. I ordered the chicken and waffles, while my nieces had crab fries and shrimp and grits. The place wasn't even close to being packed, with only about 20 customers present. I can't understand why the wait was so long. If they open at noon, the food should be prepped in advance, and the pans should be hot and ready to go. It's frustrating to support a local business and have such a lengthy wait.

I attempted to go for dinner today (Sunday) around 5 PM, and it was extremely crowded. They were charging a $20 entry fee! The security staff, who had a mustache, searched us as if we were in prison—going through our bags outside. The food is quite good, but the customer service leaves a lot to be desired. Their mixed drinks aren't well made, so you're left with straight shots, and the wine is inexpensive. The bar area is attractive but small. On a positive note, the music is fantastic. However, the smoking section needs better ventilation. The clientele feels quite rough, typical of a more gritty part of DC. They also don’t keep their Facebook page or menu updated. I’ve visited this place four times now (on Sundays, Saturdays, and karaoke Tuesdays), and I probably won’t be returning.

I just waited over an hour for a Door Dash Order that I placed at 9pm. The order was canceled at 10:20pm. According to their website they are open until 2am. Help me understand. No reason was given. Yes, I got my money back, but SERIOUSLY? Why wait that long to cancel it? This was first time trying them. Guess I won't get the chance because this was it for me!

I really used to enjoy Clout.. but after my experience last night, I don't think I'll be going there anymore. There's a $10 fee to enter, but the service was pretty bad. I sat at the table for almost 30 minutes, with no wait staff coming to take my order. After I got up and spoke to the hostess, eventually, a waitress came over.. she brought back our drinks, and my girlfriend's crab fries (which were not hot), but I didn't get my cornbread, which I asked for.. she didn't come back to see if we wanted anything else. The young ladies next to us were smoking hookah, and blowing it directly at us. And the photographer was rude as hell, he was up in our space taking pictures of a group of young guys, and wouldn't wait for us to get up and leave. I asked him if we could get up, and he said no. Not how I'd like to spend my money. And..I feel cheated, I want my $10 back.

I heard that this place has been shut down, and I truly hope it's true. When you deceive and take advantage of others to achieve success (looking at you, Dave), this is the result you face.