Comments on: Axis on U Street Becomes Bistro La Bonne

By: Nate

Nate — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:16:17 +0000

Why are all the haters dissing the new Bistro without checking it out? It is ACTUALLY really good and authentic, AND yes beer guzzlers, you can still drink microbrews here and talk to the friendly knowledgeable bartender! Jeez!

By: DCster

DCster — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:32:28 +0000

It looks like Bistro La Bonne is going to be the real deal though and the other will be Ulah “Bistro.” I’ve liked Ulah the times I’ve went, but I believe it’s run by some Tunisians and does not specialize in French food.

By: Todd

Todd — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:32:21 +0000

I echo Eric @2:12′s post. I’ve never had a large gathering there, but U street most certainly did not need another generic (and by the look of the awning, it can’t get much more generic) “bistro”. This was a great neighborhood institution / bar that wasn’t overwhelmed with poseurs. Sad state of affiars when such a great bar needs to appeal to the generic masses in order to make a better profit.

By: sean

sean — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:32:12 +0000

for the longest time i avoided that bar because it made me think of Nazi’s.
i avoided Tobaq too, because of its name.

i have too much baggage i guess.

By: Eric

Eric — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:12:42 +0000

I celebrated my birthday at Axis last year. We crammed what had to have been about forty people in the small upstairs area, which had no bar. So that meant that the server—and there was only one—had to run up and down the stairs non-stop for several hours. A daunting task, no doubt. But the server, who was the bartender/manager, I think, killed it. Not only did he keep people’s glasses full throughout the night, he gave people separate checks. Totally above and beyoned what we expected and well worth the hefty tip we left. I only wish we’d gone back a bit more. While it’s reassuring that the staff and management have been retained, I think it’s unfortunate that an otherwise solid bar has been transformed into exactly what the area doesn’t need: another unnecessary “bistro.” Sorry to disagree, PoP.

By: Jamal Jenkins

Jamal Jenkins — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:40:16 +0000

Axis did not carry Cognacs, specifically Henny, as a means of crowd control. After learning this, I didn’t frequent it anymore. Glad there’s something else in its spot!

By: Mister Knucklz

Mister Knucklz — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:33:57 +0000

AXIS was there like 2 years? Get over it people, it’s not like it was a neighborhood institution or anything. The new menu looks pretty good, a reasonably priced place to grab a bite. I hope they will offer a selection of wines by the glass, not just by the bottle. I agree with the comment about the awning — pull it down and start over.

By: TheTim

TheTim — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:48:19 +0000

So you’re saying I don’t have to mourn the loss of a great beer bar?!?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:20:56 +0000

I agree, and unfortunately, outside West Africa, “upscale” and “West African” do not mix.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:14:03 +0000

RE: “I think this is great news.”

I believe all the employees from Axis (I’m friends w/ a few) kept their jobs, and the same owners are running the new bistro, so sadness should be for the loss of the spicy chicken penne and the chopped salad, not for a business folding; it is just changing faces.