Frommer's Review
You will be happiest here ordering something steakish, whether onglet, a boneless French cut hanger steak, steak au poivre, steak tartare, New York sirloin, or some other cut; all come with frites, which are a must. The menu isn't all beef, but it is classic French, featuring cassoulet, confit de canard (duck leg slow-cooked in its own fat to crispness), escargots, onion soup, choucroute garnie (melange of smoked pork, sausages, and sauerkraut), and an irresistible frisée aux lardons (a savory salad of chicory studded with hunks of bacon and toast, smeared thickly with Roquefort). If you spy something on the menu that's not Gallic, ignore it. Les Halles, bowing to Washingtonians' ghastly work schedules, started serving breakfast Monday through Friday, opening at 7am; choices range from a simple French croissant to a big American plate of steak and eggs and home fries.
Les Halles is big but charmingly French. The banquettes, pressed-tin ceiling, mirrors, wooden floor, and side bar capture the feel of a brasserie. A vast window front overlooks Pennsylvania Avenue and the awning-covered sidewalk cafe. Every July, from the 4th to the 14th, Les Halles hosts its Liberty Festival, to celebrate America's Independence Day and France's Bastille Day (July 14). The celebration culminates in the annual Bastille Day races, for which the city actually closes a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue that serves as the racetrack. The event turns into a wild block party.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
