Summary: Cool Patio! Unfortunately, there's a trend that the better the buildout and patio... the worse the experience lately.
Overall: Underwhelming, bad service, nothing to write home about regarding the food, and a missed opportunity for them to get a regular. SOLD OUT of croissants. Fries are crispy.. but don't go out of your way for just that. There are better places for some golden fries. Tight tables and Good place to be forgotten about (maybe helpful if you need to kill time?).
1 star for crispy fries
1 star for the patio
Rounding up to 3 since the mussels being at least cooked well (bit under seasoned). Puffs were good. Champagne was nice
Full review:
1:30pm Father's Day. Never tried Bistro Du Jour but decided to give it a try today. Really wanted to like this place because they had a cute patio, is always packed, looked promising, right?
Walked in and within a few minutes they had an outdoor table. We had come for the croissants but we were told "Nope. sold out." The waitress was a little short about it too. No apologies or other menu suggestions. I get they were probably asked this all day at a lot of tables... but it's not an out-of-the-box question to ask at a French restaurant where many of the things on the menu involve a croissant and they push the bakery items. Frankly, the waitress was pretty pushy when we weren't ready (after just finding out the thing we came for was no longer an option).
The croissant was literally all my friend had wanted and last minute he ordered a glass of champagne & a black coffee. Literally, the server was just a touch impatient and hovering her hand over the handheld screen. It felt a lot like a timed thing when you want a kid to "just pick something already". Oat milk latte for me and Mussels, and the cheese puffs for the table. This was all put in to the POS handheld at the same time.
The champagne came out first, then cheese puffs came out with the latte.
I received my latte then had to ask the next time she came by for the sugar/sweeteners. There was no spoon for the latte. I figured it would take a bit more so I just used my butter knife, but I saw a couple of other tables had either a stirring straw, small spoon, or sugars for their coffees.
A few minutes later, we eventually flagged the server back down since she forgot my friend's black coffee. We had to ask for that (which kind of put the server out). I was relieved I'd made the choice to not ask for the spoon or straw. At this rate it would have taken another 10-20 mins and I was still waiting for the mussels.
20 min wait or so on the mussels after the coffee/champagne/puffs. The fries that came with it were 5/5 on crispiness and seasoned correctly. There was no bread to dip with the mussels (which would have been a nice touch) or spoon. We both had forks though so not a total deal breaker. Noting- I've recently seen mussels on the menu other places in DC with 1-2 pieces of bread for $18. Du Jour's were $23. Some of this might just be location but other places on the wharf are a bit lower on mussels.
Weak seasoning on the mussels. Nothing to write home about. Frankly this confirmed if I'm at the wharf, just walk on down to Rappahannock Oyster Bar (sit down) or the Jessie Seafoods (more casual) to get a lot more flavor for a comparable seafood dollar. You'll get checked on and have flavorful food & full glasses.
Waited a bit more to be checked on. By that time the coffees and champagne were almost gone. One water refill on one of the glasses in the full time. No apologies for the wait or the understandable "Sorry we're a little understaffed today."
At this point, our server was nowhere to be found. I get it might have been a busier day (or training new people) but most weekends are pretty packed at the Wharf. I'd think they have had time to work the logistics and staffing out by now?
Finally flagged the server for the check. Took about 5 mins to get back to us with the handheld to get the bill.
To be honest, I don't think I would ever go back. Du Jour has plenty of people in due to the location. After this experience it was confirmation there are too many other great restaurants/bars in the Wharf (or DC in general!) to alternatively go to (with wayyy better service and croissants!). Credit where it's due, Du Jour is part of the Knead hospitality group. The Gatsby near the Nats ballpark is under the Knead umbrella. Better food there (it's been a bit since I've been but the lavender chicken pot pie is incredible).
Also, the people next to us literally got an omelette only to share and we ordered within 5 mins of each other. In that time we were done with drinks and almost done with mussels, they were just getting the omelette. Rush feeling of trying to get you in & then slow service.
Conclusion: just skip and go to Jessie's Seafood or Rappahannock if you're looking for a nice bite in that section of the Wharf or have more set timeframe. read more