Where to Order Steak Frites

by Eater Staff Jul 7, 2014, 10:30am EDT

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Bearnaise

| Photo: R. Lopez

by Eater Staff Jul 7, 2014, 10:30am EDT

1 comment / new

Belgium and France are well-known for bringing their culinary traditions of rich, heavy cooking to the rest of the world. But think beyond waffles, crepes and croissants. The real hero here is steak frites, the European equivalent of the classic American meat and potatoes meal.

While the combination may sound underwhelming, the formula of crispy, thin fries and juicy, tender steak has made this dish a staple menu at many Belgian and French restaurants. Some restaurants that have recently popped up around town are so dedicated to steak frites it's the only choice available.

From quiet neighborhood cafes to buzzing bistros, these Washington restaurants can satisfy even the most serious of steak cravings.
—Travis Mitchell

Editor's Note: No. 82 Steak Out has since closed and has been removed from this list.

Béarnaise

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Steak frites remain the centerpiece of Spike Mendelsohn’s Capitol Hill French bistro. Diners here can opt for the $28 flat iron steak or splurge on the $42 filet mignon. No matter what, there are unlimited fries.

315 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC, D.C. 20003

(202) 450-4800

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Bistrot Du Coin

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This long-standing an unassuming Dupont Circle bistro oozes French charm, making it a quintessential location for a no-frills plate of grilled steak and fries ($18.95).

1738 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20009

(202) 234-6969

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Brasserie Beck

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Since opening in 2007, the McPherson Square location of Robert Wiedmaier’s Belgian brasserie has been plating up N.Y. strip steak and crispy Belgian-style fries ($36) with a variety of dipping sauces. The extensive beer program has help set this destination apart from the crowd. There is a new location in the Kentlands development as well.

1101 K St NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20005

(202) 408-1717

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Cafe Deluxe

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Swing by the new West End location of this casual cafe for a flat iron steak served with shoestring fries atop a focaccia crostini—the perfect partner for absorbing all the juicy steak goodness ($18.95).

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2200 M St NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20037

202-524-7815

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Chez Billy

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In a neighborhood lacking the fine dining options of downtown, Petworth residents can come and enjoy the steak frites at this upscale, Paris-inspired bistro ($25).

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3815 Georgia Ave NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20011

(202) 506-2080

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Le Chat Noir

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This two-level Tenleytown bistro plates up this classic dish with a slab of steak, fries and plenty of butter. If the dining room feels too small, head upstairs to the wine lounge ($21.95).

4907 Wisconsin Ave Nw, Washington DC, D.C. 20016

(202) 244-2044

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Le Diplomate

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There’s a reason that the buzz is still white-hot at this Logan Circle French restaurant. If you can manage to get a reservation, go for the hanger steak frites and enjoy it in the meticulously designed dining room ($28).

1601 14th St NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20009

(202) 332-3333

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L'Enfant Café

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Adventurous diners can nosh on steak frites at the famous Saturday “La Boum” brunch at this Adams Morgan cafe. The steak here is finished off with sweet onion jam and ruby-port butter and a poached egg during brunch hours. Those looking for a more leisurely atmosphere can get it at dinner as well ($21).

2000 18th St NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20009

(202) 319-1800

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La Piquette

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The chalkboard menu at this neighborhood spot varies from day to day, but there's a good chance of traditional entrecôte steak frites making the cut ($26).

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3714 Macomb St NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20016

(202) 686-2015

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Medium Rare

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Steak frites is the only entree offered here, making an affinity for beef is a requirement for dining here ($19.75 for prix fixe). Weekends also feature bottomless brunch. Locations in Cleveland Park and Capitol Hill.