Belga CafeBirthday TreatBelga Cafe was a perfect way to treat a friend on his birthday. The service was fantastic with the waiter suggesting outstanding beers and even helping all the way to the end with dessert selections! He also had a great sense of humor which I appreciated. The food was also very good - I had the halibut and my friend had a mussel pot. We sat outside and enjoy the summer evening with good food and each other's company. I highly recommend Belga Cafe!6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time for brunch at thisFirst time for brunch at this favorite on Capitol Hill. Excellent waffles and omelets. Only drawback was the lack of AC where we sat--in front next to doors open to heat and humidity outside.6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent BruchConsistently very good, had brunch here twice now and both times been very satisfied. Its a tad pricey but the quality is so consistent that its worth it. It's been very bizzy both times we've dined there and have had to wait with reservations for our table to open, other than this minor inconvenience the foods great, consistent quality and very enjoyable.6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Service & FoodBelga is one of our neighborhood favorites for brunch. Service was great--they paid close attention to special dietary needs. Food is always great, with plenty of options on the menu. Love their patio. It can get kind of loud inside, but outside is very low key and relaxing.6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMLunch at Belga CafeI went to the Belga cafe for lunch. I enjoyed the 3-course menu, especially the cheese croquettes that were light and savory.
The mussels were good, but the french fries were fried too much. The dame blanche was excellent, with a bit of speculoos (Belgium's best cookies) on the side.
One drawback: the list of draft beers is mediocre, at best, with all the least appealing (or most banal) Belgian beers, from Stella to Palm. This list should include at least an abbey beer (a Chimay for instance). I had to order a bottle beer, which is too expensive (10 $ minimum for a Gouden Carolus and 12 or 13$ for a Rochefort, which sells for half that price in any bar in Brussels, including on the Grand'Place).6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMNot quite Belgium, but interestingNice choice of interesting tastes. Not quite like anything I had when I lived in Belgium but the dinner was prepared well, delivered timely, and the waiter was very attentive. The Duck was a little tough, and the Beef Bourguignon had too strong a taste of the wine. Presentation was excellent though. I would go again, but probably not for a special occasion.6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMWaffles are so yummy.Perfect from brunch with a spectrum if yummy waffles. All delicious.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Food, Small PortionsGood, Belgian-inspired food. Ideal for brunch. Very crowded. The "bucket of bacon" is misleading, it's two pieces of translucent bacon on a plate.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMA piece of exquisite tasteI like this place for it's friendly and efficient service. The food is a celebration of taste. Every time I was happy to discover the changes in menue. It is like a hidden gems game to play. I will come again and I can recommend this place without fear of disappoint.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMA brunch favoriteOne of my favorite neighborhood spots - the food never disappoints!6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful Belgian food, asWonderful Belgian food, as always. I had the lamb burger, a bit messy but excellent. My colleague enjoyed waffles and quiche. The chocolate mousse dessert was delicious. Very attentive service.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMBelga is a great casual brasserieBelga is a great casual brasserie in the true northern European style: relaxed, friendly, enrgy abounds with all ages and groups coming together for fun, food and beer. While it can be noisy (not recommended for a quiet, elegant dinner) the noise contributes to the overall atmosphere of good times. The menu is innovative and everything harkens to the Belgian roots of the chef: solid meat dishes with Asian flourishes - a touch from the chef's days at the Dutch Embassy, Dutch food influenced by their former Indonesian colonies. As a Belgian myself, I enjoy the place tremendously as a bit anchored in DC.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMLovely foodWe went to spend a night of quality time. We really enjoyed the food (a huge mussels pot and the ribeye special of the day). It was delicious, and my one "complain", probably, is that the portions were a bit too big --what can be a problem when you are looking forward to the dessert!--. A couple of glasses of wine (the selection of wine --by the bottle-- and beers is looong), plus coffee and grappa and we were still in $100.
We will repeat. Definitely.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth trying and returning toA very carefully chosen offering that is both creative and respectful of traditional Belgian gastronomy. The entire menu is solid, from some original takes on starters (escargots like I've never before seen presented) to deserts (asparagus in 3 sweet forms). Good beer selection and excellent mussels. Surprisingly, I think DC now has better Belgian than French food at reasonable prices.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMLove this placeMussels are great - beer list is great - frites are great. Had a wonderful dessert - asparagus beignets. Only issue is the back of the restaurant can get really hot because you're right by the kitchen. Try for outside or towards the front.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous againThe Belga Cafe on Thursday evening was as always, fabulous. My husband and I always order the white wine and the curry mussels which were plump and delicious. We had only an hour as we were going to the Folger, but that was not a problem. The drinks and food came quickly and we did not have to rush through our dinners. Next time, I am going to try the mussels with the lobster sauce as our server said those were her favorite.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMTwo couples celebrating twoTwo couples celebrating two birthdays. Nice size, a full croud for a weekday evening. Service was very good, wait staff very knowledgable. It is a place I will keep on the to of my "go-to places".5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMSuprisingly tasty and pleasantI am writing several weeks after going to Belga. I chose it because I was taking out-of-town guests who were staying on Capitol Hill to dinner. They are world travellers and I wanted to bring them to something a bit different. I had anticipated the mussels/fries combinations but was delighted with the interesting presentations/plating and combinations of lighter fare, such as the duck. It is not a good place for eaters who want a large portion or an inexpensive repast but was otherwise, excellent. As we were not drinking, I cannot comment on their extensive beer selection. We ate inside during a downpour and the space was not too noisy. Service was pleasant and efficient. When on the Hill, I would return.5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, huge beer menuOn my first few visits to Belga Cafe, I ordered mussels, as they are known to be a Belgian specialty. They are excellent, but recently, I've branched out and tried other dishes, including scallops and beef, which I've also enjoyed. The first course salads are delicious and unique. No matter what I order, I have to have a side of frites. I'm not usually a big beer drinker, but every time I've been to the restaurant, the bartender or server has recommended one that I have liked (different every time). The wine is good too, although the wine by the glass selection is limited, and they are a little expensive. The service is always very professional, and the lively atmosphere makes you feel like you are in a bistro in Europe.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent experience fromExcellent experience from choice of beer and wine to the imaginative menu, preparations and presentation. Would definitely go back.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was awesome and theThe food was awesome and the KAsteel beer was unbeleivable,.5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMBelga - 5 star serviceIf you are not familiar with the server named Didier inside of Belga Cafe, he is probably 1 of the better and more attentive servers in all of Washington, D.C. If you go to Belga (yes, the food is very good too) then you should ask for Didier.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMBrunch with the girls!Our french waiter was very nice. However, water refills took a while to get. Had the french toast as a brunch entree which was delicious but a little too hard on the edges and you will need to order an additional side to fill up. The cappuccino was a total hit!5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMTastyfood was delicious. Atmosphere good but not great. Tables for 2 are too small to fit a meal, bottle of wine and water. Asked to sit at a 4 top but was refused so we sat at the bar and had a great time.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMCapitol Hill GemBelga Cafe is one of the best restaurants in the city! The food and service are wonderful. It is a wonderful neighborhood spot as well as a destination restaurant. The street scene outside is vibrant and fun for people watching. Five stars all around!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMMuscles with Jalapenos - Yum!Belga is creating different variations for their Muscles which is excellent. The one with jalapenos is was superb. Keep up the great dishes.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMBelgian reviewExcellent menu card. Very good food and wel prepared! It felt like dining at home. Great choice off Belgiums finest Beers.
We didn't have to wait long to get our food. Specials thanks to our Waiter DUC. He was very friendly and attentive!5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat as alwaysexcellent food and drinks, perfect for special occasions5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMBelga a surprising taste of BelgiumI was surprised at the range of foods, tastes and textures. We went for Mother's Day Brunch--had to wait longer than I'd like for a table for three but it was incredibly crowded so it was understandable. We had regular waffles, the crab stuffed waffles and a cheese omelette with Belgian fries (tiny and crispy) for the three of us. Tcrab stuffed waffle was the more unique offering, warm, savory, crunchy, a bunch of great textures. The regular waffle was of course Belgian, with whipped cream and fruit--just fine.
I was the only one to order dessert, a rarity for me. I ordered the Lovely Trio which was like three tiny desserts. I wish I could have taken one home but alas had to eat them all!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMVIP TreatmentI made a reservation to take my parents to my favorite brunch spot on Mother's Day. It was pretty windy out so while we wanted to be outside it wouldn't have worked, but it can get a bit stuffy inside since it's such a small place. One of Belga's staff came out to tell me since I'm such a VIP (I eat there once a month or every 2 months) that they'd place us on their small back patio/roof deck that just opened. It was great, less wind and beautiful weather.
The service and food have always been great.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMMother's Day Brunch: Worth the WaitWe had a reservation for 11:45am on Sunday and arrived just ahead of that. There was a line out the door and we were seated at the bar until a table was cleared (45 minutes). To accommodate for the tardiness, our drinks were complimentary. The waitstaff and hostess were more than apologetic and very kind during our wait and throughout the meal. Now to the food. EVERYTHING was amazing. I had the Belgian brioche French toast and a side of scrambled eggs. Perfect. My husband had the pulled pork waffle. The in-laws had the crab stuffed waffle with fries and the traditional Belgian waffle with a side of sausage & eggs, respectively. Not a morsel was left on anyone's plate. Literally. Waiting aside, we could not have enjoyed brunch more!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMNot the same ol thingBelga Café delivers an experience hard to find just anywhere. Beer menu includes a dizzying variety of Belgian & Belgian-influenced brews: tripels, trappist ales, abbey ales - more than enough to satisfy any aficionado. Food offerings feature uniquely Belgian-style dishes, many flavored with sauces or marinades made from those great beers. We really liked the large variety of tempting seasonings in which they serve "mussel pots." The short ribs were quite good, thought not quite worthy of raves. The mushroom & leek soup was great! A tad small, but with good upscale casual ambiance. Not crazy about the two-seat tables that are very close to other diners & force 1 person to face the wall, but that had minor impact on the overall experience5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMBelga BrunchI had brunch at Belga Cafe with my friends on Mother's Day. I was able to make a reservation the preceding Friday and Belga Cafe was very understanding in adjusting my reservation to include more diners. My brunch was delicious! I made some changes to the original order (switched one item for another) and our server was very accommodating about it and did not charge me extra for it. I will definitely go again if I am ever in town.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMSurprisingly deliciousWe have been in Belga before, but this time the duck confit and sage waffle blew up our minds. All food was really good and my kids and we love it. I am rating the service as good, but beware that we were there in Mother´s Day with all its usual craziness. Despite the fact that I do not see this as a place for kids, the restaurant staff was really good with my daughters and I would def try it again. It is very narrow inside, so just be mindful bringing strollers.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMMother's Day brunchHad a reservation and was seated about 45 minutes after our time. No big deal...we're patient people and it was in fact, probably one of the busiest brunch days of the year. We were finally seated on the super-secret still-undr-construction patio on the roof. It was really messy up there and it looked like it was set up in about 15 minutes. No silver on the tables. No glassware. No server for about 15 minutes after we sat. We were close to just leaving, but the server came and took our order. What can I say? The fabulous drinks, surprisingly fast, expertly-prepared food and our patient attitudes saved our day. Will definitely return, but on a regular, non-holiday weekend. Felt bad for the staff...they were working their butts off5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Food- High Energy spotReservations are a must on the weekend. Great Belgian beer list. Limited wine selection though. Vegetable stew & beef stew were both excellent. Menu had so many great-sounding choices it was hard to decide. I would go back in a heartbeat.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMLove Belga Cafe as always!Came here for brunch. Sevice was a bit slow this time. Food was excellent as always. Love the shrimp croquettes with the North Sea grey shrimp!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMBrunch HotspotGreat place to take guests, parents, in-laws for brunch on the weekend. The unique and tasty waffle selections make this unlike anyplace they've been.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMnice dinner outAnother good dinner at the Belga. Tried a different mussel preparation (mussels green) which was okay. Had too much chopped spinach in it for my taste. Husband had his usual steak and frites which was very good. Also tried the escargot fritters which I recommend.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMFood delish but service lackingThis is one of my favorite restaurants on the Hill. Great curry mussels, best beet salad I've had and really extensive selection of beers. The only downside was the service. We went here on a busy Friday so I will admit that it was a little noisier than usual. But the server made us repeatedly yell our orders and was very curt.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was special and veryThe food was special and very tasty. Nice welcome.
I would come back if we were in the city again.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMexcellent Belgian cuisine;excellent Belgian cuisine; notable beer list!!
great for lunch and for dinner5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat restaurant!I went here with a group of coworkers (we were in town from Kansas City). LOVED this restaurant! Fabulous!4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMAs always, Belga's brunchAs always, Belga's brunch completely satisfies. They have such deliciously savory waffles and eggs - Belga is in the top 3 for brunch in DC in my opinion. Be smart and make a reservation, lines get long for their brunches!4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat for dinner/brunch, huge menuWas steered toward Belga by a friend of a friend who lives on Capitol Hill and she was not wrong: fantastic food, fast service, nice atmosphere, very extensive menu and MASSIVE beer list. Despite being fairly full when we arrived early for a 7:15 reservation (we were sightseeing and my wife got cold) the host accommodated with a nice window table. On a Saturday. With an 80% full house. While our particular waiter was a little spacey on drink service, he seemed fairly new and was being lightly supervised by the attentive host. So I'll give the benefit of the doubt and leave it at "very good." We're coming again, we're bringing friends, and we're warning them to read the menu online so we don't have to wait all night for them to decide.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMBrunch was very good. ThereBrunch was very good. There was an initial mixup in my order (I apparently received someone else's order) but that was cleared up in a few minutes. Mixed a sweet wafel with some savory frites. The green eggs meal my partner had was also very tasty. Mimosas were a bit expensive compared to other neighborhood places, but Belga's were gussied up a bit.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply outstanding in everySimply outstanding in every catagory. I will be headed back.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMMussels and BeerMy "go-to" stop in DC whenever I can arrange it! Love bringing friends here because they love it too. Food is excellent and true to the Belgium cuisine. The beer list is amazing and filled with spectacular beers you don't often find other places. Service is excellent too. Very attentive and the right level of friendly. LOVE everything about this place - except I wish I lived closer and come here more often.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious food and excellentDelicious food and excellent service. My only qualm about the whole meal was the decision to open the shades halfway through our meal.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat restaurantThe service was excellent and the food quality very good at Belga. The beer list is magnificent but pricey.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AM