100 Best Restaurants 2008: Bistro Bis

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Reviewed by Todd Kliman , Ann Limpert , Cynthia Hacinli , Dave McIntyre

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No. 27: Bistro Bis

Bistro Bis

15 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-661-2700

Cuisines:
French, Breakfast

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
Union Station
Judiciary Square

Price Range:
Expensive

Dress:
Business Attire

Crowd:
Powerbrokers from the Hill and beyond.

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Recommended

Special Features:
Party Space, Weekend Brunch

Parking:
Valet

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Best Dishes
Quail stuffed with foie gras mousse and truffle risotto; potage gascogne; duck-liver parfait with pickled cherries; pork belly with spaetzle and mustard greens in pork-and-mustard-green jus; caramelized-apple tarte normande with goat’s-milk ice cream.

Price Details:
Lunch appetizers, $8.75 to $11; entrees, $13.75 to $23.50.
Dinner, appetizers $9.50 to $13; entrees, $22.50 to $31.50.
Brunch appetizers, $9 to $11.50; entrees, $11.50 to $18.
Three-course prix fixe brunch, $29.50.

Reader's Rating:

4 out of 5

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Cuisine: Contemporary French bistro cooking—robust flavors, light sauces—at high prices.

Mood: Warm woods, a roaring fireplace, and attentive servers make this subdued hotel restaurant feel cozy even when it’s nearly empty. The bar/lounge is a happening scene when Congress is in session.

Best for: Congressional types on the make, denizens of Capitol Hill, and diners who can’t get enough of those French classics.

Best dishes: Duck-liver “parfait” topped with fig compote; mussels steeped with linguiça sausage, roasted peppers, and cilantro; garlic-and thyme-perfumed duck confit over gigantes; an unconventional boeuf bourguignon, the meat braised in a mini-slab and served over house-made noodles; crispy French fries; tarte normande with caramelized apples; toffee-and-chocolate bread pudding; vanilla ice cream that tastes like frozen custard.

Insider tips: Parking in the garage across the street is free with restaurant validation in the evening; handing the car off to the hotel valet will cost $22. The markup on wines by the glass makes half bottles and bottles savvier choices.

Service: •••½

Bastille

Black Market Bistro

Reader ReviewsWrite your own review

Great Food, Overpriced Wine

BetanDP — June 25, 2009 7:24 AM

Bistro Bis' menu is what you would expect from a French restaurant at this level. Appetizer and entree selections were high-level quality and presentation, with the food reasonably priced. My only major complaint is that Bistro Bis radically More ...

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Pleasurable dining experience

AlexandrianFoodie — February 23, 2009 8:48 AM

This is my second time at Bistro Bis and again, I was not disappointed. Service was outstanding, and food was quite good. Coq du Vin with lardons had great flavor and texture. Appetizer was flavorful and beautifully carmelized French onion soup. More ...

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