Mannequin PIS   

I am glad that some research was done before I tried here. The reviews about this place did not disappoint me at all. Me and my husband didn't have any reservation when we went there on a saturday afternoon. (We were just casually checking out the place.) The reception guy explained that usually they take reservations at least one week advance for dining on weekends, but he was generous to seat us in a table near the window. The waiter was friendly and he seemed to have a lot of knowledge about the food and drinks served there. We learned that each type of Belgian beer comes with its own distinct shape of cup which was really interesting. You would want to revisit there just to try all the beer. But it's not just the beer, you'd want to revisit there to try all their different style of mussels, too. We tried the Red Devil, and I was happy that European dishes could be spicy enough to satisfy an Asian like me. Then one after another, everything summed up to be a smooth dining experience. A little after we got there, the restaurant was getting packed, but the service still remained promt and good. The food may seem to be served on the slow side, but the food told how careful it was prepared. The cream of wild mushroom soup, potted chicken entree, and grilled monkfish and scallops entree were all divine. My husband's tastebuds can be difficult to please, but he was commenting how his dish is so good and now he is getting into herbs, etc. One thing I did not like was that they didn't have any diet sodas. I think it would be nice to have some diet sodas for diabetics like me. Oh, and they had some funny music, but others might like it. Anyways, me and my husband are very happy we found this place. I am very careful when I try ordering lamb dishes, since lamb can be cooked right only by good chefs. Next time, I think I will try their lamb chop.

When we first arrived outside this place I was a little wary. Shame on me for doubting the quality of the food because it was in a strip mall! Once inside it felt like we could have been anywhere downtown. A very nice atmosphere if a little crowded. We didn't have a reservation but fortunately got a table after a 10 minute wait. We started with the mussels because it seems you can't go there and not try them. We were not disappointed, they were delicious. Although their daily specials sounded wonderful we both ordered entrees off the menu and they were also quite good. The pommes frites were crispy and not greasy, we loved them. We didn't try any belgian beer but plan to next time. We had dessert there and while it was good, we we'll probably pass on it in the future. The service was very friendly and prompt. The prices were what one would expect for the quality of the food and portion size. You certainly won't leave hungry. We would recommend this place to anyone looking for great food, fun atmosphere and something away from DC traffic.

First off, it's worth the drive...it's all the way up in Olney, off Georgia Ave (Rte97). As you enter the door, you are greeted by a replica of the famous tourist spot in Brussels, Le Manneken Pis. The restaurant is small and gets packed on the weekends -- I suggest to make reservations days in advance. The staff provides great service and they are all friendly. Most of the items on the menu are scrumptious, but I would highly recommend the specials of the day. The moules-frites are so good, you would want to take some bread just to soak up the bottom of the pot. While perusing their selection of Belgian beers and other wines, you will hear authentic Jacques Brel from the sound system. If I may suggest going there on a weeknight or if it has to be during the weekend, go there for a late dinner, that way you can leisurely enjoy the meal, without getting evil stares from the hungry people waiting at the door. A great Belgian bistro puts Olney on the map for me. I'm sure it will do the same for you.