| Address | 2000 18th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Mon; 4:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Tue; 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Wed & Thu; 6 p.m.-12 a.m. Fri; 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Sat; 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sun |
| Phone | (202) 319-1800 |
| Website | www.lenfantcafe.com/ |
great place to sit outside and have half-priced beer and a plate of cheese and fruit on tuesdays. to sit, chill, talk with friends, belgian beer.
L'Enfant Cafe tries to bring the ambience of a French cafe to DC. It is a small but funky place. It is definitely more friendly that a Parisian cafe. They have special events listed on their website but haven't updated it in ages and ages.
Much improved.
While I enjoyed the outdoor space for drinks many times, I was disappointed in all the food except that yummy tomato soup. A recent return yielded a revised menu. The crepes were more interesting, and did not suffer from an overload of one ingredient (as had been the case). Even the waitstaff seemed more even, though its odd when they admit to not having tried something on the menu.
As with any good neighboorhood hang out, weekends are crowded, but I have good luck getting there late for one last drink.
Love the draught Belgian beer and food. The crepes are a little different here. Outdoor patio is a joy. Indoor decor transports to a European experience. My half dozen visits have always been a happy experience.
Great food and beer selection!! The kitchen is small, so it takes a while for food to come out. If you don't mind knocking back a couple belgian beers while you wait, its a great find.
The location of this cafe is its only real strong point...the sidewalk seating offers an excellent view of the passing 18th Street crowd on a weekend afternoon.
Disappointing crepes make up most of the menu. I've had the classics (ham and gruyere, mushroom, chocolate and banana etc) on a few occasions and won't be eating them again. They are too thick, but still too small in terms of area, to justify their price tag...given that this place aspires to be a crepier, they should be able to make a decent crepe.
Chez Antoine up the street is twice as good and has a few great French ciders available. Crepes in France & Belgium are traditionally accompanied with cold, dry cider rather than beer.
The other item I have tried on the menu, fritata, suffered from a lack of seasoning. I think I'll avoid this place altogether. On my last visit friends of the hostess were seated before us, even though we had been waiting at the bar and ordered somewhat expensive drinks.
Their crepes are such a nice change from the regular workday lunch. They also have a great outdoor seating area. We shared two crepes between the four of us, but they were so good, we swore that no sharing would be going on next time!!!
I go to L'Enfant at least once a week and am never disappointed. The menu changes regularly, and features great sandwiches and interesting crepes. The outdoor patio is wonderful, and on Tuesday nights, they have half-price Belgian beer during happy hour. On the last Wednesday of each month, they have a "wig" night where those willing to wear hair enhancements get half-price wine. L'Enfant is a fun, friendly restaurant. It's always a treat.
My cousin visited from out of town and I wanted to enjoy the first warm day of the season with outdoor eating so I brought him to L'Enfant (formerly Franklin's). A mob had already descended, but the host remained optimistic and we were seated in about 15 minutes outside in an area without an umbrella (unfortunately). While we baked, they brought our drinks and a carafe of water, although part of the French/Belgium flare of the place must require that they never use ice. Still, I enjoyed my ham and asparagus fritata with its light cheesey flavor, large chunks of ham, and a bottom layer of thinly sliced red potatoes. My cousin's egg bake looked substantial, and he said it was good although admitted it might have been too early for a side of canalope. The crowds must have overwhelmed our waitress; she literally disappeared after we asked if we could move to an umbrella seat. Eventually, we had to duck inside to recover from the strong sun and ask after the check. Overall, the food and atmosphere would make me want to try it again for brunch or for their advertised Belgium beer happy hour.
Very French Belgian assortment of items- crepes (both dessert varieties and meat-and-cheese varieties), Croque Monsieur, brie, etc. Their tomato-basil soup is incredible. They also offer huge mugs of malted hot chocolate and cider. Happy hour includes Belgian beers and champagne(!). Very nice atmosphere and a pleasant outdoor patio with a view of the bustling intersection of 18th, U, and Florida.
Are we in Paris? You easily could be. This place is the real thing - or at least the closest Adam's Morgan will ever get to a Parisian hot spot. Tap water in glass bottles? Yes please. More Crepe choices than you can think of? I'll take two! Please note, the only reason the bill was so expensive is due to a "free dinner for two and bottle of wine" my friend had and thus we went all out and ordered more than we could handle. The average dinner for two will run you a mere $60 including tip. By the looks of the line outside on Sunday mornings, their brunch is unforgettable. The service is friendly and laid back, you never feel rushed despite the fact that ten people are waiting to be seated. Good tastes and times will be had by all. Viva La France!
Fun, hip place for brunch. Unique options for food. Casual and friendly atmosphere. My ham and gruyere sandwich was amazing!
We stopped in at L'Enfant hoping to find a reliable neighborhood joint that we could count on to provide good, cheap eats in a cozy atmosphere. Well, two out of three ain't bad. L'Enfant is a wonderfully cozy little place -- dark and woody, with lots of candlelight. And the service was extremely helpful and polite, without being cloying.
The menu emphasises the crepes, which are the place's specialty. They're inexpensive, but they aren't exactly a great value, as they just aren't very good. My chicken and gruyere crepe was dry and uninspired, and the crepe itself was somewhat rubbery; my companion originally received the wrong crepe -- when she received the crepe she ordered, a goat cheese and sausage crepe, it was clear that she should have stuck with the crepe she was originally served. Although the goat cheese and sausage were both fresh and tasty, the dish needed something else to spice it up.
All in all, L'Enfant is a decent neighborhood restaurant, but leaves you wanting a bit more.
