L'Enfant Cafe & Bar Restaurant - Washington, DC

L'Enfant Cafe & Bar

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Address:
2000 18th ST NW
Washington, DC 20009

Neighborhood:
Adams Morgan

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Cuisine:
French

Price: $30 and under

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L'Enfant Cafe & Bar Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.lenfantcafe.com
Email: lenfantcafe@me.com
Phone: (202) 319-1800
Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday: 12:00pm– 12:00am, Friday: 12:00pm – 1:00am, Saturday: 6:00pm - 1:00am. Sunday: 10:00am - 12:00am; Brunch: Saturday: 10:00am – 1:30pm, 2:00pm – 5:30pm (La Boum brunch), Sunday: 10:00am - 3:30pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: French, Belgian
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Bar Dining, Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Smoking Area, Smoking Area (patio only), View, Weekend Brunch

Getting there

Cross Street: Florida Ave./ U St.
Public Transit: 5 blocks from Dupont Circle Station
5 blocks from U St./ Cardozo Station
Parking: Street Parking

A word from L'Enfant Cafe & Bar

At L'Enfant café-bar, you'll feel more like you are on holiday in Paris, than in Washington DC. This casual and pleasant cafe-bar, with a lovely interior and a beautiful sidewalk garden patio is one of the city’s happiest places to visit. Our menu features a large selection of delicious starters, a… menu of Main Plates (like Beef Bourguignon, Roast Chicken and a sinful 3-Cheese, White Truffle Macaroni and Cheese), delicious savory crepes, the best and biggest French Dip sandwich in town, a cheesy French Onion Soup and our signature Croque Monsieur that will whisk you to the Left Bank with every mouth-watering bite. And no visit would be complete without a sampling of our menu of sweet crepes, where Nutella is king. Our candle-lit bar is cozy and friendly with a large selection of Belgium beers, fine French wines and champagnes, top shelf liquors and DC's most delicious cappuccinos, lattes and mochas.Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Diner Reviews

"Did the La Boum brunch this past weekend and it was a ton of fun! I have to say though, it was super expensive, which means I won't be back any time soon. I commend their business model though: there's a pre-fixe meal at $30, which does not include drinks. Then right after they food, the DJ starts up and they pretty much force you to get up on your chairs to start dancing. It was fun, but this is obviously more fun with champagne and I think the cheapest bottle was $48. So for for our group of 4, it was almost $500 , which is A LOT for brunch. So if you decide to check this out, just be prepared, and bring lots of money."
Dined on 3/2/2014
"Went to L'Enfant Cafe for the first time with a discount voucher. Once in the front door, I thought, wow, isn't this cute! While also thinking, wow, my husband is not going to be happy feeling like a sardine squished inbetween other diners. I was right on both counts. It is a really cozy place that would be romantic if they had more comfy chairs and more than six inches between tables. Food was very good...he had the short rib, I had the etouffe'. We were both very happy with both dishes. Wonderful service, attentive but not overbearing."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"Even though the neighborhood has changed a lot (and we have moved to a different part of D.C.) my boyfriend and I still enjoy going to L'Enfant Cafe & Bar for its charming ambience and wonderful service. While we were split on the food this time -- I thought my pot-au-feu was great, but he was so-so on the sole -- we were still in agreement that L'Enfant delivers a great night out."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"My fiance and I went to L'Enfant Cafe on a cold winter's night, and the space felt quite crowded and was often cold because we were seated right next the door. There were many folks at the bar and the tables were so close together that it felt claustrophobic. The service was friendly and attentive. Drinks were pricey particularly considering that they weren't all that well made and that the wine selection was pretty lacking for a French cafe. Best thing we had by far was the mushroom flatbread, which was mind-bogglingly good. The rest was good but not great between the various other plates we tried, including the frites, the Shrimp & Grits, and the goat cheese & mushroom crepe. Nice decor but it was really to packed to appreciate it."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"I have only been to this restaurant for the brunch party, La Boum, on a holiday Monday to celebrate my birthday with friends. Everyone had a wonderful time. The champagne was flowing, and everyone was getting loose, despite that it was like 3pm.Be sure to book in advance. Only thing...gratuity issues.Through my drunken haze I remember being charged a whopping 40% gratuity! The bill said 20% gratuity on one line (which I expected because of my large party) then on the line below said "HAPPY GRATUITY 20%".I don't know what that means&I was not happy with it, but I did not argue it b/c I was in no state to argue honestly. For that reason alone, I would only go back on a very special occasion. Otherwise, I had a great time."
Dined on 2/17/2014
"This review is for La Boum, specifically. Anyone who has given the La Boum experience more than 4 stars has not been to a proper party brunch. This pales in comparison to real party brunches like Bagatelle in NYC, yet it's EVEN MORE EXPENSIVE. This place is a little hole in the wall, yet charges outrageous prices for what it is. It was, overall, a fun enough experience, but not $250 worth of fun (cost was for 2 people). I will admit that their crepes were delicious and worth the $25 prix fixe; I would return to L'Enfant for a regular meal, but I will never be returning for a La Boum brunch. This is a wannabe party brunch; your money is spent better elsewhere. Save your money and go to NYC if you want a true and luxe party brunch experience."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"Perfect spot for a romantic occasion. The ambiance is cozy and quiet. The waiter was amazing! He was attentive, yet unobtrusive. They made sure to only let people in with reservations, which shows they care more about their guests experience rather than cramming people at the bar to make an extra buck. They obviously took the time to decorate and make the tables as intimate as possible in such a small venue. The food was delicious! The waiter took time to make sure the courses were not rushed and we had time to enjoy every bite. Supporting staff never let a dirty dish or empty glass sit for too long. Great overall experience, and we will definitely be back for more!"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"This restaurant is small but really convivial. Really good for brunch, lunch or diner ! Well located, good service and fresh food. The menu is not really original but simply good. I tried the fish of the day twice, and twice it was good ! The terrace is large and pleasant."
Dined on 9/20/2013
"Dined at the tiny L'Enfant Cafe and Bar this past Friday evening. Late dinner arriving around 9:30 PM. Restaurant was crowded with the small bar still full of patrons. We had the mussels - superb, the soup of the day - excellent, the crepe of the day - delicious, and the trout with spinach - very good. Overall an excellent meal and fun evening."
Dined on 1/31/2014
"Brunch turns dance party! Food good, drinks, great but pricy. Service was excellent. Call ahead for dietary restrictions - the notes in the open table reservations were missed. Overall, incredible experience, would absolutely go again!!"
Dined on 1/18/2014
"The food is good but they are trying too hard to be a French Bistro. I've dined in many classic French Bistros but their packing too many people into the tables for dinner makes it "un-elegant"."
Dined on 1/4/2014
"L'Enfant Cafe has the best atmosphere of any bar or restaurant in DC."
Dined on 1/4/2014
"What can be said. This is the best hidden place to spend NYE in town. And even if not a special occasion, every Saturday is a special occasion for their La Boum Brunch parties, legendary and known across the country."
Dined on 12/31/2013
"fries were great, duck crepe was dry and tired, cheap white wine in the kir"
Dined on 12/27/2013
"Went there for a surprise dinner with my wife, we loved it! Good food, good ambiance, good beer/wine selection."
Dined on 10/26/2013
"This isn't a brunch, this is a club in the middle of the day. We knew going into the day it was going to be nuts, but could have never anticipated something to this level. There were people there in costumes, one guy in a full on scuba suit. By the end of brunch we were all dancing on tables/chairs, popping bottles of champagne, watching strippers and singing to awesome oldies. Came with 3 friends at 2pm - no idea what time we stumbled out of there. Incredible. Be prepared to drop a lot of money."
Dined on 12/21/2013
"GREAT fun.... the most fun brunch you will find ANYWHERE!"
Dined on 12/15/2013
"Le enfant is a quant little bistro type restaurant with a good wine list, nice beer selection, and a great menu. My fiancé ordered the burger (which was amazing) and I ordered the pork. Pork was so moist and yummy. For dessert we shared the crepe. Yes. order the crepe. Order 10 of them! What really made our evening was the ambiance. We dined on a rainy late fall evening. We shared a small table in the corner overlooking the street. Just so romantic. Food, ambience, and booze. Yes. Very lovely experience. Would highly recommend."
Dined on 10/11/2013
"Hands down! Be open minded and ready to drink and dance!"
Dined on 11/10/2013
"I eat out pretty regularly and this was definitely one of the best meals I've had in DC!"
Dined on 11/8/2013
"L'Enfant's famed party brunch does not disappoint. Our party of three downed 4 bottles of champagne while dancing to the house DJ's eclectic pop mix. If you can get it, DON'T MISS IT! Reservations have to be made way in advance!"
Dined on 11/9/2013
"La Boum lived up to everything I had heard about it! In fact, the food was probably better. Perfect Eggs Benedict!"
Dined on 10/27/2013
"My sister and I have not been out in a while. We loved the food. Loved the owner and people who worked there all upbeat and willing t o happily serve. The scene was pretty relaxed but fun. Will be returning soon."
Dined on 10/27/2013
"Had a great time. It was quite the experience and would highly recommend it to a friend. Is there any way to get a fixed price for food and all you can drink alcohol? Other brunch restaurants are doing that!"
Dined on 10/19/2013
"Food was okay. Frites were more like match sticks. Special chicken pot pie was a bit deconstructed. More like chicken soup with a pastry puff in the middle."
Dined on 10/19/2013
"La Boum brunch is the most outrageous fun morning brunch you will every experience. The food was good, but truly this brunch is not about the food you eat. The music was perfect, the entertainment was perfect, the drinks were strong, and the spirits were high! I would absolutely recommend this brunch to anyone who is lucky enough to get a reservation. Just make sure dont have anything to get done after because all you'll really want to do is keep partying!"
Dined on 10/13/2013
"We went here for the boyfriend's birthday. He loved the food, the music and the burlesque skunk (you had to be there.) The food was okay - not your typical DC brunch status - but the party makes up for all of it. This place would be great for a big group of girlfriends or single friends to get down and funky. Hire a car or call an uber in advance...we don't remember getting home...great time!"
Dined on 10/12/2013
"I'm tempted to give this a horrible review in hopes of making it easier to get reservations in the future.... but alas, the owner and staff throw such a great party I have to give them 5 stars. Highly recommend La Boum for any special occasion where wild, naughty and outrageous behavior is what you're looking for."
Dined on 10/6/2013
"A warm Saturday night with friends sitting outside sipping rose champagne. Does is it get better than this? Yes . . add some matchstick pommes frites and diver scallops and it improves!"
Dined on 9/1/2013
"had a great time again at la boum brunch! it books a few months in advance, but it's worth the wait : )"
Dined on 8/31/2013
"Like most DC restaurants, the place is expensive featuring modest "French-style" portions and ambiance of a typical European restaurant. A friend and I enjoyed savory crepes, delicious sides, and a bountiful beer/wine list. Service was attentive and helpful."
Dined on 7/22/2013
"Out of everything on Bastille Day with only 1 server for the entire restaurant. May have well as closed for the day."
Dined on 7/15/2013
"Craziest, funnest, drunkest brunch experience I've ever been too. It's not your typical brunch and although the food was REALLY good, you come for the drinks and the party. The bottles rack up on your tab, so watch your bill, but it was definitely something to experience!"
Dined on 7/4/2013
"Might have been the most insane time I've had in an afternoon in DC. Will definitely have to come back again soon!!!"
Dined on 6/29/2013
"Great food, great service! Will definitely be going back!"
Dined on 6/28/2013
"We ordered leek entree and the steak entree and both were really really disappointing. My father ate the steak, but I had one bit of the leeks and decided to just eat french fries for dinner."
Dined on 6/27/2013
"I booked for a group at L'Enfant last weekend. I"ve dined there before and enjoyed it, though friends I was with had not. This went wrong from the point of arrival, where the hostess told me I was rude when I pointed out that the policy on the website about making outdoor table bookings was not the same as what she told me at the door (hence, we missed out on a table outside, which was the primary reason for choosing L'Enfant and I had specifically requested an outside table) Our server was delightful, and those of us that had burgers were pretty happy with them. However the other meals were less than stellar, and I don't think I'll be returning."
Dined on 6/23/2013
"Normally, L'Enfant is great. This time, however, the food was mediocre. The burgers were dry and not medium-rare as ordered. Two people ordered steaks medium-rare and one came out medium-rare to rare and the other was very dry. Despite one bad experience, I generally think highly of the restaurant and will go back and hope this was a one time fluke."
Dined on 6/16/2013
"Take the location out, it is a waist if money. You may get over the under/over cooked, but service is disastrous. The location is great though, and sitting outdoors when the weather is nice may pay back"
Dined on 6/15/2013
"We've been to L'enfant numerous times for brunch and loved it. We've been twice for dinner and each time they have been out of significant portions of the menu. In addition, the two food items i've had (shrimp and grits and the burger) have been average at best. We'll give them one more try for dinner and continue going for brunch. But, it has nothing on Bistro du Coin..."
Dined on 3/26/2013

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L'Enfant Cafe & Bar Details

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