L'Auberge Chez Francois

[Anonymous]

Is this place worth it? I see entrees running $60+, which obviously doesn't even include apps, drinks, dessert etc. Yes, I see the pre-fixe menu at $110 or so, but these prices seem astronomical. I've been to Michelin starred restaurants for a lot less. Why is French food always so ridiculously pricey? It's not better than say any Asian food, for example and that costs 1/3rd of the price. Please tell me this place is worth it.

[Anonymous]

Yes! This place is wonderful. I think Julia Child would approve. A classic French restaurant. Our family goes there for special occasions. We have had wonderful experiences every time. It is worth the price.

[Anonymous]

The prix fixe is like 6-7 courses. Food is excellent. But it’s classic old school French. If you are looking for Asian fusion this is not the place for you.

We go regularly and went to the bistro last week. It’s less expensive so maybe a way to try it out. Entrees in the $30-40 range.

[Anonymous]

Yes, this place is amazing. Have been going there for years... We celebrate our most special occasions there -- including my daughter's birthday tonight! L'Auberge Chez Francois is the BEST restaurant in DC as far as I'm concerned. Elegant and delightful.

[Anonymous]

I’ve been several times and it’s not been my experience that it’s wonderful. It’s like the locals in Great Falls go there and want it to be the place to go. Food is rich and not special; decor is dated and Grandma like (most uncomfortable chairs). There are much better places to go and feel like the experience is special. You’ll watch the chef/owner walk around and schmooze with the Great Falls regulars like you are attending someone else’s event.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been several times and it’s not been my experience that it’s wonderful. It’s like the locals in Great Falls go there and want it to be the place to go. Food is rich and not special; decor is dated and Grandma like (most uncomfortable chairs). There are much better places to go and feel like the experience is special. You’ll watch the chef/owner walk around and schmooze with the Great Falls regulars like you are attending someone else’s event.

You don’t know anything about Great Falls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been several times and it’s not been my experience that it’s wonderful. It’s like the locals in Great Falls go there and want it to be the place to go. Food is rich and not special; decor is dated and Grandma like (most uncomfortable chairs). There are much better places to go and feel like the experience is special. You’ll watch the chef/owner walk around and schmooze with the Great Falls regulars like you are attending someone else’s event.

You don’t know anything about Great Falls.

+1 People come from all over to dine there.

[Anonymous]

It is a fine, and expensive, restaurant. It is neither avant-garde nor trendy in both menu and setting. Food is classically French, with a focus on the Alsace region. It is a "special occasion" restaurant for many.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is a fine, and expensive, restaurant. It is neither avant-garde nor trendy in both menu and setting. Food is classically French, with a focus on the Alsace region. It is a "special occasion" restaurant for many.

This. People who think it’s just Olive Garden for the Great Falls set are out of their minds.

[Anonymous]

My husband and I do like that place. We’ve been 2x but about 12 years apart. We don’t necessarily need to go more often than that. It’s a lot of food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My husband and I do like that place. We’ve been 2x but about 12 years apart. We don’t necessarily need to go more often than that. It’s a lot of food.

Me again - it’s also quite a hike for us - 40 mins.

[Anonymous]

I prefer the brasserie to the upstairs restaurant. The food is fine.

[Anonymous]

Love L'Auberge! We've been going for decades (and my parents used to go to the original Chez Francois in D.C. in the fifties & sixties). We celebrate birthdays and anniversaries there. It's old school, impeccably-made classic Alsatian fare.

[Anonymous]

DH and I both thought the place went downhill when we went recently. We’d gone a few times in the 2000s and it was very good back then. The service is still impeccable but the food was only so so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been several times and it’s not been my experience that it’s wonderful. It’s like the locals in Great Falls go there and want it to be the place to go. Food is rich and not special; decor is dated and Grandma like (most uncomfortable chairs). There are much better places to go and feel like the experience is special. You’ll watch the chef/owner walk around and schmooze with the Great Falls regulars like you are attending someone else’s event.

I think you’ve missed the entire vibe of this restaurant. It is a charming, traditional, Alsace restaurant. It does not pretend to be or advertise itself to be modern, trendy, or anything other than traditional old school French food. It’s not at all a local Great Falls neighborhood hang out. But there are a lot of return guests so yes, the owner does tend to greet familiar faces.