The culinary landscape of Adams Morgan is set to shift as one of its brightest stars, the Michelin-starred Tail Up Goat, has announced its impending closure at the end of the year. This news will undoubtedly sadden food lovers across the District and beyond, especially those who remember a time when the neighborhood was more synonymous with late-night bites than refined dining.
Opening its doors in February 2016 on a quieter stretch of Adams Mill Road, Tail Up Goat quickly carved out a niche for itself. Founded by chef Jon Sybert, his wife Jill Tyler, and their friend Bill Jensen – all alumni of the esteemed Komi and Little Serow – the restaurant offered an approachable yet ambitious dining experience. Sybert's initial vision, as he shared with the Washington Post's Tom Sietsema, was to cook the food he loved, with a particular focus on exceptional breads and pastas.
While the pandemic's impact undoubtedly played a role in the decision, as chef Sybert noted to Axios, the team is choosing to close this chapter on their own terms. "Tail Up Goat is my proudest accomplishment," Jill Tyler shared with Eater. "We are so fortunate to have been joined along the way by the best team in the game. We feel incredibly lucky that we get to choose to close this chapter on our terms, while there is still so much joy in this place."
Tail Up Goat’s success is undeniable. Just a year after opening, it earned its first Michelin star in the inaugural D.C. guide in 2017 and has consistently maintained it since. The restaurant has garnered praise not only for its inventive dishes – think a vibrant crudité with white miso dip, a perfectly seared strip steak with a crunchy potato pavé, and their unique take on baba au rhum – but also for its warm service and inviting atmosphere. The accolades extended beyond the food, with Jill Tyler winning the 2024 D.C. Michelin Guide Service Award and Bill Jensen receiving the city’s Michelin Sommelier Award in 2021.
Interestingly, the team also opened the nearby pasta and wine bar, Reveler’s Hour, in 2019, which thankfully will continue to operate. This provides a glimmer of hope for fans of the Tail Up Goat team's culinary prowess.
Looking back on the early days, Sybert told Eater that one of the biggest rewards was the sense of responsibility he felt for his team, while Jensen cherished "being able to play a meaningful part in people’s day-to-day life as a more casual restaurant."
While the closure at the end of December marks the end of an era for Adams Morgan's dining scene, the Tail Up Goat team isn't slowing down. Jill Tyler shared that they have "a lot to look forward to" in their remaining months, including a special dinner series collaborating with other admired operators.
"We’ll push to be the very best version of ourselves until our last service in December," she affirmed.
So, if you've been meaning to experience the magic of Tail Up Goat, or if you're a longtime admirer wanting one last taste, now is the time. This Michelin-starred gem will be deeply missed in the Adams Morgan landscape, but its legacy of exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a touch of unexpected charm will undoubtedly linger.