Washington, D.C. Restaurants

Bistrot du Coin

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  

Bistrot du Coin Review

An instant hit in its Dupont Circle neighborhood, this moderately priced French bistro with a monumental zinc bar is noisy, crowded, and fun. The comforting, traditional bistro fare includes starter and entree portions of mussels in several different preparations. Steaks, garnished with a pile of crisp fries, are the main attraction, but you might also try the herb raviolis or magret de canard (a maple-infused duck breast with pepper-cream sauce). Wash it down with house Beaujolais, Côtes du Rhône, or an Alsatian white.

    Restaurant Details

  • Brunch weekends only.

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  
  • Food  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    A favorite place, consistently good

    If you like hanging out in crowded bistros in Paris you will probably enjoy this place that feels like it was lifted from the 11th and transplanted just north of Dupont Circle. Tables are pretty close together, thus noisy when crowded, but that's part of the charm. If you want quiet, subdued go elsewhere. But if you don't mind the background buzz, savor a delectable Salade frisée aux lardons or Maquereau fumé pommes à l'huile before tucking into your well executed moules-frites in any of several preparations (or steak frites or one of the many entrees on offer) and by all means check out the well constructed and reasonably priced wine list. I usually have no room for dessert but when I've overindulged or shared they were also quite good. Service is a la bistrot rather than fine dining but never had any problem with that understanding.

    by Seamus, 10/10/12
  • Food  
    Décor  
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    Bistrot du Coin Review

    Known for its consistent "Forget You" Service. The food's pretty good but the staff attitude has not changed over the years -- why should it? The volume in this restaurant is so high that training seems to be unnecessary. They won't seat you unless the full party has arrived, orders are frequently forgotten, reminding the waiter about the dessert got, "oh yeah," and one guy suggested his own tip. It's pretty, nice French food, but that cannot make up for the poor service and (in summer) lack of air conditioning. It lost a star with a local magazine precisely because of the crummy service, but as long as the tourists and dates keep rolling in,nothing will change.

    by KatheM, 1/18/10

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