Bistro Bis
| Address: | 15 E St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA |
| Phone: | +1 202-661-2700 |
| Site: | bistrobis.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 7–10:30AM 7–10:30AM 7–10:30AM 7–10:30AM 7–10:30AM 7–10:30AM 7–10:30AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
BL
blue sky
I think of Bistro Bis mainly as a work breakfast place, but Ive tried it out for lunch a few times, and overall, its a fine location for a business lunch, but its overpriced there are better French restaurants in DC. Even though this restaurant is technically located inside a hotel, I get the sense that most of the diners are not staying there. The breakfast crowd is somewhat busy, but the lunch crowd when Congress is in session is completely full. I imagine that when Congress is not in session, the place is definitely not as busy. The breakfast here is not very "French." Its just general egg dishes and stuff like that, and its fine for a working breakfast. The lunch has more "French" highlights, and most recently I ordered the beef bourguignon. Honestly, for $19 I expected something more substantial. Compared to Le Diplomate, this one pales in comparison. The beef was cooked very well, but it was more sized like and appetizer and not an entrée. So if you just ordered this dish, like I did, you dont leave very full. For tourists, I think this restaurant is overpriced. Overall, this is a business restaurant. The service is punctual and rather formal, but its a nice place.
JU
Julie Laird Johnson
My wife and I went to Bistro Bis for our anniversary and they made it a wonderful one. They had a special booth reserved for us when we got there. We arrived about 1/2 and hour before our reservation and were seated immediately. Our waiter was very gracious and was around just the right amount -- there when you need, but not constantly hanging around. We got the halibut and the Duck au Rhubarb. The Halibut was good, but not as flavorful as we had expected. The Duck was wonderful! A very creative unique blend of flavors. The watercress soup was a scrumptious appetizer and served beautifully at the table. Though we only ordered one soup to share, the waiter gave us a second soup free. Also, the chef sent out a free serving of delicious baked macaroni and cheese. On top of all of that the waiter sent us a complimentary desert plate with "Happy Anniversary" written in chocolate syrup on it. All in all, this was a wonderful restaurant and I would recommend it to anyone. The only thing that was less than stellar in any way was that the restaurant was a bit noisy, but not so much that it was terribly distracting.
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Brett Berry
I was in town for technical training, and was dining on the company dime, so price wasnt that much of a detriment. I had read great reviews on this restaurant online, and had elected it as the final dinner on my trip (I like to save the best for last). When I arrived, a waiter engaged me. I explained that this was my first trip to a French restaurant, and that I was looking for the complete immersion experience. He suggested a 7 course sampler meal, which ended up being more of an event. I cant readily recollect every serving which was set in front of me, but each was a delight. My final dish was Bananas Foster, and let me tell you... the s**t was bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s (aint that right Gwen). I dont think they could have presented a better delicacy. It was the perfect compliment to the previous six courses. Swoop Says: How do you say Bon apptit in French? I am all compliments. They even used a tiny broom to sweep the crumbs from my table. How precious is that?
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Ho Anh
Take my rating to mean "awesome." I went here during Restaurant Week. It was a work outing and lets be real. This place had service. I dunno what it is, but most places these days wont seat you until the whole party has arrived. I think it has something to do with the economy and trying to seat as many parties as possible to eat. Bistro Bis doesnt do that. They were patient and accommodating. The food was excellent. They do need to learn how to pour a beer. There was more head on the Duvel than beer itself. Duck Hash Landaise was great. Well seasoned and fresh. Is the food good? Sure. Is the place suitable for a date? Not that I was on one, but yeah, if you were one of those government types trying to seal a deal that either gets you some action or youre trying to exploit your constituents. Would I go here again? Not really my regular style. Ask me again during the next Restaurant Week. People thought your review was: Funny 2
A
A Private User
After eating here multiple times, and using it as a foodie escape from the nearby law school, I have come to some fairly solid conclusions. The place is either excellent, or decent, with very little area in between. The duck, in whatever form, always stands out. Any old classics, such as the boeuf bourguignon, are elevated to art. The seafood is normally perfect. The burgers are wonderful! However, some types of meat are just good. The rabbit is always a little dry. The service is usually excellent, but sometimes it gets crowded, and a smaller table can get lost in the mix. It is certainly worth going. And, it has saved my sanity quite a few times. A mid-afternoon meal coupled with an excellent martini has been a welcome respite quite often. However, make sure that you avoid the rabbit, and try to stick with either the duck or the classics. Youll be safely delicious if you do.
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Derek Bernett
First, my family and I had an amazing breakfast and awesome service. Getting ready to leave we had our water glasses refllled with bleach. We had no idea until we stopped drinking that mouthful and my throat burned and now 4 hours later after many mints and drinking a quart of water my taste buds still taste the chlorine and my stomach is still queasy. Ruined an amazing meal, expected to have the yummy taste of corned beef and holandaise after instead its an upset stomach. Been coming here once a year for 12 years, and never had an experience like this.
A
A Private User
Great place to spot politicians and power brokers loosening up over a few glasses of very fine single malt scotch. . . Lunch offers the classics with some twists - Salade Nicoise come with seared rare ahi tuna, Steak Frites, Boeuf Bourguignon (very rich and labor intensive beef stew with wine, bacon, mushrooms & veggies), an Endive, Pear & Walnut Salade & Duck Liver Parfait (duck liver with pickled morello cherries, toasted brioche and Cumberland sauce (fruit & wine sauce - chutney like flavor).
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Greg Scheig
Caught it on restaurant week. $36 three course menu sounded good, but most items had an up charge. Ordered steak tartar, ok but wished I had a skillet.... The pfoie gras was also ok, but after a $15 extra charge, not that good for a piece the size of my finger. We wanted to add a soup, a l carte, and were surprised that it was 12.50, 1/3 the price of the entire 3 course package. The beef bourginion was made with short ribs, it was enjoyable. Deserted nicest part of meal.
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James Lee
Been there twice and I have to say...they remain an underrated restaurant, despite the amount. Hosts were friendly, waiters knew their stuff (even recommended against getting something), I enjoy the spicy Korean meal every now and again, but its a cop out when quality foods are over-spiced and flavored and true flavors are hidden (ie bacon wrapped scallops er bacon wrapped anything for that matter). Great work, well definitly be coming back there soon.
