Bistrot Du Coin — Restaurant in Washington

Extremely disappointing experience at Bistrot du Coin this last weekend. Came for a birthday dinner, asked in the reservation notes for an “intimate table away from another two-top or a large party”. Host acknowledged the birthday…then tried to first seat us right next to another 2-top, then next to a 10-top, before we politely requested a table out of the way (though still in a clearly open section) which was reluctantly given. Pictures online are very misleading. Wall decor was crooked and placed thoughtlessly. Lighting was overly dimmed, not in an aesthetic way. Table “cloths” are cheap plastic and tacky.

We tried the French onion soup to start, which was fine. We also had the potage parmentier which was runny and had diced tomatoes that tasted oddly like they were picked out of a precut box of pico de gallo…for entrees we had the boeuf bourguignon which was similarly unmemorable and was offered on pasta? The waiter did kindly offer mashed potatoes, though this was only served to the side and came a few minutes late. Vegetables were tender, meat was overcooked, sauce was fine. We also had the steak maison, which I ordered medium rare but was served medium well. Char on the steak was overpowering and the bernaise sauce was terrible (luckily to the side). Seemed like a fine quality of meat. Fries to the side were completely unsalted. I was charged $1.00 for a 2oz ramekin of mayonnaise (was not told upfront) and had to ask for ketchup.

Drinks were also disappointing—a flat Diet Coke which the server almost refused to take away and insisted on getting “fresh” until I insisted it wouldn’t come out any differently since the CO2 was clearly out. A bland, unbranded Pinot noir that was fine and the Bisou de Paris, which was good if you like a dry champagne-based cocktail that isn’t overly sweet.

Overall, I felt embarrassed to bring my partner here and completely misled by reviews, pictures, and descriptions. We didn’t even mention her birthday, since they clearly didn’t care, and just rushed to pay the bill and leave. I am leaving two stars because the service was passable and some elements of the food were fine. Maybe there are better menu options? I felt like these were pretty run-of-the-mill as far as starter and entree options go. I’m shocked why anyone would pay these prices for this quality of food and atmosphere when there are ample alternatives within walking or...

I have mixed feelings about Bistrot du Coin these days. But in summary, the food was good (not great) and quite filling.

(As a reminder, I only rate places based on the food and nothing else like service or price. But I will mention them if notable and could be helpful to potential visitors.)

I visited the restaurant the first time 10 years ago and it was delicious! I went multiple times with friends, family, and a few dates. The escargot was always my favorite. I would alternate my meals between mussels, coq au vin, or something new.

So I was very excited to visit the bistro again after a 6 year hiatus and I ordered the escargot of course and the coq au vin. I was not blown away as I once was, unfortunately! The food was good, don't get me wrong, but it was not the same quality as I remember it being. Freshness was likely the culprit. The food didn't taste like fresh ingredients were used and more like it was made way ahead of time and heated up again. I still ate it all and I was satisfied but it really wasn't a meal to write home about. Maybe it was just an off night. Or maybe their fresh produce supplier changed or something like that.

If I'm in the Dupont area again, maybe I'll give it another try because I really loved the place way back when I moved to DC. It would be really sad if this is the norm but small businesses should be supported and I understand there are bad days and good days. I hope this was just a rare bad day.

On a side note, although it doesn't impact my review of the place, the service was pretty atrocious. I don't know if they will continue getting return customers if the service we experienced recently is also the new norm.

For anyone looking for other French cuisine options in the area I highly recommend Central Michel Richard (Downtown DC, kinda pricey), Bistro du Jour (at DC wharf, great French onion soup), Josephine (in Old Town Alexandria, everything so good and very fresh tasting, kinda pricey), and my favorite Bistro Sancerre (in Old Town Alexandria, great escargot, food in general very good, amazing desserts, and price is very...

The food was good but a bit of a wait and it wasn't that busy I would give it a 3 for service and and a solid 4 on what I had. Other table mates of mine had a mixed bag. It started with waiting a while before we were asked to order. They had a lemonaid on there menu with another flavor they charged $8 my friend was intrigued thinking it was made fresh. It was some bottled drink. It tasted good but I found a large bottle of the drink at Target for $5 and that bottle for $2.50. it was something I could do with out knowing. thanks d rather they just have poured it in the back they would save money that t way too... Anyway... I had Escargot a delicacy I can only get at 1 restaurant near me and it's rarely done right. This Escargot was wonderful already out of the shell and seved in beautiful garlic butter sauce. I was asked if I wanted as a meal or appetizer I had also ordered the 1/2 potato dish In The same section as the Escargot. I said together but sure enough it came out separate. We were given French bread that was very good . We got out meal after 35-40 minutes of being there. My potato dish was a bit Swiss cheese tasting for my liking but that was on mem it was very balanced. My husband got the steak and fries. It was cooked beautifully but the spice rub was unevenly distributed. The fries were very good. My friend odered the beef stew with pasta it tasted very good the red wine brought out the brightness be in the meat it was a very large dish. Both my husband and my friend ordered dessert there special which was a biscuit layed with cream and chocolate moose. It also had blue while and red icing. I liked everything but the icing I had creme brulee it was very tasty. All in all we were there for 2 hours. The total for 3 meals lemonade and 3 desserts was I. The $125 range. Overall the food was good staff was very...