Cafe La Ruche

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Cafe La Ruche
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Cafe La Ruche

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Address:
1039 31st Street NW
Washington, DC 20007

Neighborhood:
Georgetown

Getting there ›
Cuisine:
Contemporary French

Price: $30 and under

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More Details ›

Cafe La Ruche Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.cafelaruche.com
Phone: (202) 965-2684
Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday: 11:30am - 12:00am, Friday: 11:30am - 1:00am, Saturday: 10:00am - 1:00am, Sunday: 10:00am - 12:00am
Payment Options: AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Contemporary French
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Beer, Cafe, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Getting there

Public Transit: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue and Orange lines), Dupont Circle (Red Line)
Parking: Public Lot
Parking Details: Meter Parking or there is a parking garage across the street from the restaurant.

A word from Cafe La Ruche

La Ruche is French for Beehive. And Café La Ruche is aptly named. You'll often find my bistro abuzz with laughter, convivial conversation, and good cheer. Of course, I make sure that's all punctuated with wonderful food, the best espresso and cappuccino in town, and our signature pastries. A bit of… Paris on the Potomac. If you've not dropped by in a while, I invite you back. We'll work hard to make you a regular.Continued

Cafe La Ruche

3.7

65 $30 and under restaurant

Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerGreat for Brunch
Diners' Choice WinnerOutdoor Dining

Featured Reviews

More Reviews ›

Reviews from OpenTable Diners Learn More

66 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Very Good) 3.8 / 5

Food

(Very Good) 3.8 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 3.7 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

66 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Very Good) 3.8 / 5

Food

(Very Good) 3.8 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 3.7 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

Filter Reviews By:

Diners classify this restaurant as:

neighborhood gem(35)
great for brunch(24)
great for outdoor dining(20)

fit for foodies(13)
good for groups(11)
great for lunch(11)

Current OpenTable.com Diner Reviews (66)

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

My only recommendation would

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/09/2012

2008

Dined on 04/09/2012

2008

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"My only recommendation would be to add umbrellas to the outside tables. the sun felt wonderful at first but since the outdoor space is sandwiched between 2 buildings, there is no breeze and it gets very hot (there were shady tables as well). Otherwise, it was wonderful! I want to come back for happy hour sometime!"

Dined on 04/09/2012

2008

Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem

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Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Wonderful Sunday Brunch

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/08/2012

2011

Dined on 04/08/2012

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"This was by far one of the best neighborhood spots for Sunday brunch. We sat outside and had mimosas and enjoyed the delicious foods prepared with enchanting flavors. The desserts too were amazing. My husband already is making plans to return here next time we are visiting our daughter in DC."

Dined on 04/08/2012

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem

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Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

brunch

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/01/2012

2010

Dined on 04/01/2012

2010

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Save room for dessert. The pastries look enormous, but there are layers of air in between the uncountable layers of pastry. The sound of a fork cutting through the crisp pastry under heavy fruits of the fruit tart is an essential part of the experience. Who knew sound could be a sense involved in loving a dessert?
Eggs benedict served just right (not runny) so that you could taste the muffin, the bacon, the eggs and the rich sauce. Mimosas that were really tasty. Not your typical mimosa at all. Can't wait to go back."

Dined on 04/01/2012

2010

Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem

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Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Have been a customer for many

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/31/2012

2012

Dined on 03/31/2012

2012

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Have been a customer for many years --always love Cafe la Ruche. My only complaint... this last time I noticed a major price increase on some items (mostly their irresistible desserts). I think for the first time I walked out of the restaurant without enjoying one... Other than this, I really enjoy their outdoor seating area during the summer months, and their interesting menu."

Dined on 03/31/2012

2012

Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem

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Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Well prepared and presented

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/25/2012

2012

Dined on 03/25/2012

2012

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Well prepared and presented food, attentive and respectful wait-staff. Filet mignon delicious, good cut meat with flavorful sauce. Salmon cooked precisely with great flavor."

Dined on 03/25/2012

2012

Special Features: romantic, special occasion

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Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A Taste of Paris

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/24/2012

2009

Dined on 03/24/2012

2009

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Really enjoyed my visit to Cafe La Ruche with my fiancee. The cafe is cozy and very colorfully decorated. With had the escargot starter which was delicious and both had fish (her salmon, me rainbow trout). The pinot grigio we had with it was very good and the servers were all very attentive and welcoming. We rounded it all off with some excellent espresso. The atmosphere was very lively with conversation from neighboring tables but the noise level wasn't particularly high. Definitely recommend this for a romantic evening. Feels like going to a real Parisian bistro without having to leave D.C."

Dined on 03/24/2012

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

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Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

The food was average. I want

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/23/2012

2010

Dined on 03/23/2012

2010

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The food was average. I want really wow'ed by anything we ate. The outside seating was lovely."

Dined on 03/23/2012

2010

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Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great find!

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/11/2012

2009

Dined on 03/11/2012

2009

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I took some friends from out of town there on a Sunday for Brunch. We had a reservation so didn't have to stand in line; the owner met us at the door with a warm welcome. The service was very good and they had a brunch special that included dessert and a mimosa. Although the main courses were not very good - the desserts were exceptional. I think it's a great place for a lazy weekend afternoon."

Dined on 03/11/2012

2009

Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch

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Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great brunch!

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/11/2012

2012

Dined on 03/11/2012

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Went to Cafe La Ruche for Sunday Brunch. Nice menu and very good food!"

Dined on 03/11/2012

2012

Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot

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Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A DC Standout

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/06/2012

2009

Dined on 03/06/2012

2009

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Went for an early dinner on a weeknight to have a reunion with out-of-town friends I haven't seen for years. We wanted a place with great food, good wine list and good service so we could have a long talk - and we got our wish. The signature dish (coq au vin) and dinner specials were enjoyed by all. Cafe la Ruche has been one of my favorites for a long time - sometimes when it's crowded the service can be slow, but the outdoor seating and desserts make it a real DC standout."