BISTRO DU JOUR — Restaurant in Washington

Our hostess was very friendly when we entered. She told us it was happy hour at the bar and the lounge areas. We had never been to this location, nor do we frequent bars, so she took us around the corner to see the lounge, so that we could choose between that and the dining room. We immediately chose the lounge! The atmosphere was cozy We sat down, got comfortable, and were prepared to have a nice evening. But then... JP (tall, beard, tattoos). I can honestly say he was the worst waiter I have ever had since moving to DC. We sat down, and as he walks over to give us our menus, he placed them on the table (which was wet with puddles of water), mumbles something about the happy hour, and walked off. I could feel the tension that was directed at us and I wasn't sure why considering we hadn't done anything to him. When he comes back and asks for our drink order, my husband orders a cappuccino, and I attempted to order a matcha latte with vanilla and oat milk. If it sounds like a pretentious drink, it's only because I was introduced to it at the Wharf location (a kind waiter there recommended it and I fell in love with it). JP didn't know what I was talking about. It seemed as though he had never heard of matcha, which is totally fine. Although he says he could ask, and goes on to yell Justin's name across the room, he says to me: "I'm a bartender not a barista" and slinks away with his continuing bad attitude. Our last interaction with him was when he proceeded to wipe our table free of water...or tried to? He does one pass over a small section and stinks away again (check your cameras if you don't believe me). Maybe he was having a bad day, or maybe he didn't like my husband's Cowboys hat, but whatever was going on with him, he need not take it out on me.

Luckily, the day was saved by JUSTIN!!! Justin truly turned around our dining experience (I made sure to tell him directly). He was patient with our drink order, recommended a great dessert, and wiped down the table (fully). He was super friendly and welcoming. It was funny, because I think a manager came to check on us (a nice woman in a red suit) and I wanted to tell her everything about our dining experience, but we had yet to receive our food so I didn't want to risk it.

If I did something to you, personally, JP, I apologize. Thank you again, Justin, for saving...

Based on good reviews, went here for brunch after picking up husband from Union Station, 1:00 pm Saturday. All told - extremely disappointing. We waited a loooooooong time just to place an order after the lovely hostess sat us. The waitress didn't show the slightest cognizance of French; not so much as Bonjour. He ordered French Onion Soup. Inoffensively bland, which shouldn't apply with this soup. I ordered quenelles (steamed cod dumpling, lobster sauce). FAR too salty. At first we ordered just that, for sharing, but the waitress said they were too small. They weren't. No bread. We had to ask. Choices were sourdough and what she said were four chopped baguettes, with garlic sauce. Seemed like a lot of bread but we just wanted baguette. It wasn't four baguettes, chopped. It was 4 SLICES of baguette, no sauce, covered inseparably in green garlic butter. NOT the plain bread we thought we'd get for dipping with soup and lobster sauce, and too strong a flavor for the intended use. Worse, by the time the bread finally arrived, the appetizers we'd requested it for were almost done, though we'd held back awaiting bread. He ordered steak frites, medium well. It was close to rare -- quite pink -- inside. I ordered Oeufs Sur Le Plat. Fine. I also ordered an Earl Gray tea. It never came. THAT characterized the entire service experience -- molasses slow, inattentive, largely indifferent to the point of coldness. This, in spite of the fact that at that time of the day few tables were occupied and many servers and host-appearing people buzzing about. Finally, even after we asked for the cheque, it took an age to get it. He said it before I did: not coming back. Subtotal $101. and change. A lot of money for a completely unimpressive meal and...

Such a wonderfully pleasant French bistro located in an ideal location in Washington DC. The friendly service, the amazing food without being too heavy, and the excellent cocktails here were the highlights!

The food was simply amazing. We tried the quiche, some steak, and some hors d’oeuvres, everything was simply amazing from presentation to taste to just having the right amount of food that makes for a great lunch or even dinner. The food is French style, but there are some American options if you’re looking for it. They have a variety of seafood, steaks, and even stuff for those who don’t eat meat.

The cocktails were also excellent. They have some amazing liquors on sale, and there’s something here for everybody. If you want to come in here and spend a lot of money, they have some excellent cocktails and high class liquors that you can purchase. They have something for everybody, so really, anything I tried it was just excellent.

The service was also amazing. Hans, our server, was super friendly, attentive, and explained everything that they had to offer. He constantly checked on us without being too intrusive, answered our questions, and just had a pleasant demeanor. Top class service here.

The location here is nice. It’s tucked under a hotel I believe, and you might have to park nearby, but it’s well worth the travel. The Union Station metro isn’t too far away, a short walk.

Highly recommended if if you’re looking for a great place to go with your coworkers during lunch, or even enjoying a fancy dinner. There’s something here...