Thanks all. Wound up at Et Voila - it was perfect.

Black Salt in Palisades

Thumbs down on redwood. Won't even bother listing all of the reasons why

I strongly suggest Black's Market Bistro in Garret Park. Perhaps more of a drive for you, but consistently the best of their resturants. DO NOT GO TO REDWOOD. It is horrible.
Mussel Bar is fine for a laid back night. It is a bar.

What about Ardeo or Palena in Cleveland Park, or the new Rasika in the West End? If you like French, Praline Cafe in Bethesda is good, but not trendy.

Had one the best meals of my life at Black's last Feb.

Anonymous wrote:If you want mussels try Et Voila in Palisades. Much better and quieter thatn Mussel Bar.

An enthusiastic +1. I LOVE Et Voila.

I like to sit outside at Blacks and have a drink and some oysters and then move on from there - but I am a grazer.

If you want mussels try Et Voila in Palisades. Much better and quieter thatn Mussel Bar.

We want to take a quick date night with my MIL in town. We're tired of our usual option (Blacksalt) and looking to other places we've never tried in Bethesda or Georgetown. Can't get a res at my first choice (Rasika West End). Any views on Redwood, Blacks, Mussel Bar, or Bourbon Steak? Will the wait be long at Mussel Bar on Tues night? Thanks.