There's perhaps no more storied institution in modern D.C. than Le Diplomate, the French bistro that's presided over a corner of 14th St. NW—and D.C.'s social scene—since 2005. No matter the year or the season, uber restaurateur Stephen Starr's brasserie, Le Dip as it's affectionately (or venomously) called, never seems to lose its tarnish or status as one of the hottest tables in town. The warm, bistro-like dining room is always full, and more often than not at least one of the faces in the crowd is a famous one.
Yet despite its starry pedigree, Le Diplomate still manages to feel like a neighborhood watering hole, and just as many tables are filled with friends catching up, tourists popping in to see what the fuss is about, and locals celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.
The vibe: This is the kind of place where you try to eavesdrop and scan the room for visiting celebs. It's the kind of place where a "Real Housewives" dinner might happen—after all, one was famously accused of (allegedly) dining and dashing here. The restaurant is loud and lively, but still welcoming and comforting.
The food: The extensive menu covers all the bases of classic French bistro fare, so how you navigate it largely depends on how you'd like to feel when you emerge from Le Dip's storied walls. Refreshed and ready to conquer the afternoon/evening? Maybe the Warm Shrimp Salad or the escargot, both great options for some decadence that doesn't overwhelm. Stuffed to the gills but need to end on something sweet? Get the tender Steak Frites and the Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée. Just popping in for a sweet treat or a snack? Opt for the Milk Chocolate Pot de Crème, or pair the pommes frites (deliciously thin fries) with something more filling like the gooey Macaroni au Gratin or Onion Soup Gratinée. Celebratory? It's gotta be the seafood tower.
The drink: There's nothing like perching at the packed bar and swilling an extra dirty martini. In the summertime, split a bottle of wine or ask for the house white on the patio.
Time Out tip: Remember, you can always ask for more bread and French butter. And you absolutey should do that here, because the housemade bread is actually that good.