Profile: L’Enfant Cafe on 18th Street
L’Enfant sits at the northwest corner of 18th and Vernon Streets NW, just north of Florida Avenue. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Alejandra Owens at One Bite At A Time
Bonjour!
I thought for our next profile I’d check out everyone’s favorite neighborhood French/crepe/brunch place. At least, it’s one of my favorite French/crepe/brunch places. Unlike some supposed crepe establishments (I’m looking at you, Georgetown), they don’t sell bubble tea. And there are no college kids in sweatpants.
No, no. L’Enfant Cafe attracts a young crowd, but a discerning one. Spring and fall attract a patio loving crowd while summer and winter bring those seeking refuge from the weather and a Stella Artois to cup in their hands.
Even if you came for the crepes your first time (it’s okay, I did, too), you come back for the Belgian Beer happy hour (Tuesdays), weekend brunch (10 am to 3:30 pm) and delicious, comforting foods (french onion soup, hello!).
Are you a L’Enfant regular?
- Where Am I Going: 2000 18th St. NW (aka that mess of an intersection at 18th St./Florida Ave./U St.)
- When Am I Going: Monday to Thursday 6 pm to midnight, Friday 6 pm to 1 am, Saturday 10 am to 1 pm (brunch 10 am to 3:30 pm), Sunday 10 am to noon (brunch 10 am to 3:30 pm).
- Paycheck Pain: You can go easy on your pocketbook with soups and crepes ranging $8 to $12. Or you can go all out for steak frites for $20. Other entrees will run you in the $15-$18 range.
- Say What?: I’ve been here for quiet, boozy brunches, but I’ve also been here for loud, “WHAT!?” style dinners. Let’s just say, Tom Sietsema would be appalled with the evening decibel level. I say it brings everyone closer together… you’ll bond over the early-90s pop music playing.
- What You’ll Be Eating: French food! Crepes! French onion soup! A few well thought out pasta dishes. Filling salads. And… did I mention crepes?
You can check out L’Enfant on their Facebook page and on Twitter for specials, happy hour deals and more.
