Check it Out: Cafe La Ruche

As far as certain types of restaurants are concerned, stereotypes are all but unavoidable. When I say rib joint, (I'm guessing) your first thought is not lace tablecloths and oyster forks, nor does the mention of a sushi bar conjure up an image of self-serve, buffet style dining. To the extent that this is true though, no cuisine carries more baggage than that of the French. Perhaps it's a little self inflicted, perhaps its entirely unfounded, but in the mind of the masses, pomp and pretension go with French food like peanut butter goes with jelly.

There is nothing wrong with that of course, a little refinement never hurt anyone (or any meal for that matter), but there is also something to be said about a warm, "eating in the company of friends" kind of atmosphere, and to an extent, the two aren't mutually exclusive. Located in Georgetown, south of Wisconsin, on 31st street, Cafe La Ruche is a shining example of that fact. As the name might suggest, it is in fact a purveyor of French cuisine, but surprisingly (to me at least) the atmosphere was anything but stodgy. From the walls bedecked with Parisian street signs, to the flags hanging from the rafters, the vibe is much more local watering hole than anything else. That, coupled with the presence of apparent regulars reading books while waiting for their meal, or shooting the shit with the friendly proprietor, is enough to make one believe that they are off at some tavern in the French countryside rather than sitting squarely in the heard of urban Washington.


As far as the food goes; for starters, it being a French restaurant, I enjoyed a bowl of onion soup (a personal favorite of mine), and then as an entrée I had a pork chop. Both were hearty, delicious, and most importantly unencumbered by any frivolity or over-the-top presentation. Good food; nothing more, nothing less. The prices aren't all that awful either (especially for Georgetown) so if your looking for a nice spot to spend a night out, head on over to Cafe La Ruche for a meal that ought to satisfy your soul as well as your stomach.