Mussel Bar & Grille Bethesda

I’ve been here twice - once in the summer seated outside for happy hour and recently in the winter seated inside for dinner. The food is decent and the beer list is good but what bothers me is the lack of attention to detail which to me, reflects the establishment priorities, lacking authenticity and ignoring the customer experience. - This is a Belgian restaurant which is clearly not run or staffed by Belgians or native French speakers. The menu is riddled with French spelling typos. - There is a giant daily menu special listed on a prominent board. This board is for decoration only and you can’t actually order off this menu. Why is this even here? Are you too lazy to take it down? - My biggest gripe is the evening lighting. The spotlights are harsh, uneven and feel like I’m eating in so

i make sure to stop by mussel bar & grille every time i am in the area. the technical execution is high and they clearly pay attention to every little detail in the kitchen and the service. the mussels are awesome and easily the best part of the menu. i have plenty of places i could visit in dc to go eat, but this is one i go to every time. truth in reporting, they just don't miss on the details and it shows in the quality of the food and the environment.

If you like mussels, you'll love this place. Mussels are big and juicy and cooked to perfection. You have the classic white wine sauce but they also have fantastic other favors. The Thai is flavorful and light and just a tad bit spicy; the Mediterranean has goat cheese which works quite well, this is a pretty feeling dish and so is the Bolognese with its egg and parmesan cheese. I also tried the charbroil oysters which were a bit too bread. The chocolate mousse is amazing as is the dessert cheese. The cocktails are expertly made! The restaurant is clean and bright as it is lined by windows. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.

The oysters were phenomenal, the mussels very closed to the one we eat in Europe. The service and the host person very professional and welcoming. Only one thing just 1 desert having spent more than 20 years in the restaurant business you want to sell more offer the choices. We will be back for sure.

My family really loves eating here! The staff especially the maitre d’ is super kind. The Mediterranean mussels with the merguez sausage is amazing. I want to come back and try the Thai mussels next time.