I have a new favorite bistro in Washington, DC's Georgetown neighborhood: Chez Billy Sud.
Tucked along a side street between Georgetown's busy but pleasant waterfront and the human hellscape that is M Street, Chez Billy is in a sparkling little townhouse with a side patio set quietly back from the street, a rarity in Georgetown.
The kitchen has been dead-on during our visits. The Croque Madame is a cheesy hammy delight, with a Salvador Dali fried egg draped across the top. The rich onion soup -- made, oddly, with chicken stock -- was [nonetheless] one of the best we've tried. The mussels are tinged with that French liqueur Pastis, adding a touch of anise.
If there was one misstep, the frites didn't stay crisp very long.
The drink list is full of original craft cocktails that have good sport with Chartreuse, and the [of course] very French wine list includes some decent half-bottles, a good touch.
We love the feel of Chez Billy Sud, indulge the sharp, sometimes funky decor -- check out the bathtub in the courtyard and the racy French nudes in the bathrooms -- and both the menus and the kitchenwork are great. It's pricey at dinner. Brunch, offering a mimosa bar, is a bargain.
Chez Billy Sud, 1039 31st Street NW, Washington, DC. chezbillysud.com. See the website for parking advice.