Sunday, July 27, 2008

Bardia's New Orleans Cafe

Bardia's New Orleans Cafe is a small hole-in-the-wall on the west side of 18th street. While not a traditional brunch place, the Cafe does have an extensive and inexpensive New Orleans-style brunch. It has the staples like French Toast and omelettes with various fillings from the ordinary (ham and cheese) to the N'awlins, like crabmeat creole or andouille sausage. We'd recommend the more traditional New Orleans fare. The Eggs Baton Rouge -- two poached eggs on top of fried catfish bites topped with creole sauce (a mildly spicy tomato sauce) -- is a really interesting mix of flavors that we enjoyed thoroughly, though it could use more sauce. The Eggs New Orleans -- two poached eggs with crabmeat on top of a fried oyster -- is another gem. Most dishes come with potatoes and a biscuit, which is superior to the usual Popeyes variety.

As for sandwiches, the "River Catch," which consists of flash fried catfish with remoulade sauce shouldn't be missed; in fact, all of the catfish-based dishes are generally well-prepared. The other sandwiches are ordinary. Their chicken sandwich, the "The Plantation" is no better than what you'd get at any deli. For dessert they have "beignets," which are similar to funnel cakes and topped with powdered sugar.

The service could be improved. You often feel rushed and they're not very attentive with water or coffee. The New Orleans-themed decor with jazz-inspired paintings is a nice touch but we think that they should complement that with some big band music in the background. The tables in the front face large windows that look out onto 18th street for those interested in people-watching.


Bardia's New Orleans Cafe
2412 18th St NW
Washington D.C. 20009
202-234-0420

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1 comment:

maryandmarcus said...

I live at 18th and S and have always wondered abou this place. Thanks for the info...looking forward to more on best bruch spots. Have you been to oohs and aahs? It's on my list a places to try out.