Brightwood is one of Washington’s up-and-coming neighborhoods, but Daymon Anderson and Michael Walters couldn’t help but notice what it lacked: a stable, high-quality, sit-down restaurant. So earlier this year, they decided to do something about it in the form of Brightwood Bistro at the corner of Georgia and Missouri avenues.
Anderson formerly ran the Logan Circle Sports Restaurant, while Walters cut his culinary teeth in the kitchens of D.C. superstars Michel Richard and Roberto Donna, before going on to win accolades of his own in Tampa, Fla.
The pair, plus four other partners, “all grew up together in the neighborhood … all within walking distance of the restaurant,” Anderson said.
The Scene: Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, natural light dominates the space, which occupies the first floor of a condo building. Cool colors of blue and green make up the palette, from the walls to the cushions on the chairs. And blue tiles give the bar area a jolt of color.
The Pour: The wine list here is compact and modest. Most bottles check in between $25 and $50, and all are available by the glass. A smart array of classic and creative cocktails round out the bar offerings.
The Taste: What Walters’ menu lacks in coherence — it skips around from French to Asian to Southern American — it makes up for in execution. A shrimp and noodle soup would be at home on many a Thai menu in town. Louisiana frog legs get the Buffalo treatment with a spicy sauce and bleu cheese (don’t worry; if you’re not that adventurous, they also offer chicken wings). A burger is worth its $15 price tag — house-ground, homemade bun, pickles and red pepper mayo. A hot dog is available too, complete with a toasted roll, corn relish and sweet ketchup. But the pick among sandwiches is the BLTE, a classic BLT (with heirloom tomatoes) that adds a fried egg and béarnaise sauce. Oven-roasted chicken is crispy and juicy all at once, and the grilled pork chop with fried apples is a nice touch for autumn.
The Touch: Things can get a little rocky here in the service department. I’ve seen the dining room seriously understaffed and I’ve also had servers get my order wrong multiple times. Still, the affable management, including Walters himself, tends to put smiles on guests’ faces as they work the room.
Don’t Miss: Happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. daily and until 8 p.m. on Thursday, when most appetizers are half-off, and specials are available on cocktails and draft beer.
Why You Won’t Go: If you’re not a local, transportation can be tricky. The Metro doesn’t go nearby and valet is only available on the weekends (although Anderson said he’s adding it on Thursday nights as well).
Why You Will Go: Walters’ Southern-inspired Sunday brunch, when he dishes out treats like Cajun-style eggs Benedict and banana pancakes made from a family recipe.
If you go
Brightwood Bistro
5832 Georgia Ave. NW
(202) 545-5014
www.brightwoodbistro.com
Hours: 5 to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; Sunday brunch — noon to 6 p.m.
Prices: Appetizers $7 to $12; sandwiches and salads $8 to $15; entrees $17 to $24; most appetizers half-off during happy hour.
Bottom Line: An ambitious bistro in a neighborhood that needs one.
