Profoundly disappointing. The portions are small and the dishes themselves lackluster and flat. There are too many restaurants in the area to have to resort to one as uninspired as this particular place. Needless to say, we're not returning.
(1)
Jenn B.
This place is fine, I guess. I've been here a handful of times and the experience is basically a toss-up. The food is fairly consistent -- I've tried their French onion soup (fine but not memorable), their bistro salad (just a fancy way of saying mesclun mix with a couple radishes), and a few of their burgers. The burgers are good but not fabulous; it's a good place to go for lunch, unless... you stumble in there on a day where the service is abysmally slow. I've had experiences with one waitress a few times who was pretty good, attentive, took orders quickly and food arrived as soon as it was ready. I also had more than one experience with a waiter who was seemingly never in the dining room. After not seeing him for 10 minutes on my visit yesterday - and it's a tiny place, so where could he possibly be? - I actually stood up to find him to get our check, and found him standing in the kitchen, busily texting. Even if I had unlimited time for lunch (I don't; I have to get back to work, as I imagine that other people do too), this would be infuriating, but with a time constriction, it's actually worth writing this review as a warning. On the whole, I think the food is not bad, and if they could have more consistent service I'd probably be here more often.
(3)
Bryan M.
Nice little space, in central Morristown. Met up with a friend visiting NJ on business. So, he, me, and my wife sat lazily in our corner table, and unhurriedly caught up over a 3.5 hour dinner. Paul, our waiter, did an excellent job of reading our intentions ... as well as a nice job of leading us through the food portion of the evening. In fairness, this was on a Wednesday night - I'm not sure of how the tempo changes on weekends. Decently broad menu. I went with the chipotle pork chop, medium rare [living on the edge], and the spicy grits. Tasty! And, the portions were also well balanced - not too fru-fru. I started with a kale salad that was also a great combination of textures and flavors - I'm sorry that I can't remember the other components. And, the three of us shared a shrimp appetizer with a great corn-based dressing. Both my friend and my wife went with fish - a sea bass [with a capital C] and the salmon. They both enjoyed their respective entrees. The sea bass was good sized, and Paul did a nice job of clarifying different aspects of the restaurant's offerings. We finished with desserts. Of the 8, or so, options - all but one are made in-house. My lemon mousse cake was also tasty. My wife allowed me a small sampling of her creme brulee. Comfortable decor. Probably a dozen to fifteen tables. If crowded, it might be a bit cozy. Interesting art work on the walls - many [if not all] of the pieces are priced to sell. Morristown has a number of good offerings, and this is among my favorite options.
(4)
Michael G.
My girlfriend and I were here for dinner on a Sunday evening. Great service with terrific food recommendations from our server. Entrees are paired nicely with a great mix of flavors. The wilted kale and brussel sprout salad was phenomenal. I had skirt steak with bourbon BBQ glaze and polenta; spicy to counter the sweet BBQ. My partner had the cod pie which was quite flavorful. We ended with dessert...sipsap pudding. Highly recommend!
(4)
Jenny F.
This place is excellent, the food is amazing and the service was impeccable. The pork chop is so delicious and the kale salad is a must try, yum all the way
(5)
Flora D.
Went to the Washington street Bistro tonight with my hubby. Recently I learned that I have a gluten sensitivity and was so pleased to find that the menu items listed which were gluten free. Our server, Paul, was most attentive and very professional. He offered excellent descriptions and recommendations. The food choices were unique but not weird. Plus, I liked the original art work on the walls. I will try and go back soon with friends.
(4)
C Z.
well i went based on the reviews of yelp and Paul who seemed to be the best server and I planned on asking for his table well unfortunately he was not there on Saturday nite our server was Dan he was just wonderful knew what was on the menu gave recommendations made sure our 1st experiences was great!!! the only reason I did not give it a 5 stars is the acoustics were not great and being so small it was a bit loud Food was inventive and delicious
(4)
J B.
just returned home from this place. rest was busy due to restaurant week. two words of advice. STAY AWAY. poorly managed is an understatement. reservation @ 8 sat down 8:45. ran out of bread and got some toast. first course came 9:45 main course @10pm. left 10:30. food was colonial food which is self explanatory why it is no longer popular. so poorly managed it is comical. only thing missing was manuel the waiter and basil faulty. will be surprised if it is still in business next year. sorry but wanted to give zero stars but yelp minimum is one star. but i want to give zero.
(1)
Jim B.
Had a buisness dinner with 4 guests. The dinner was fantastic and our server Pail was wnderfull
I've lived in Morristown my whole life and never knew this place existed--it literally looks like a hole in the wall. I went here with my boyfriend one Friday when they were short wait staffed. Our waitress still made sure our visit was enjoyable--plus the food was amazing!
(5)
Pamela C.
Wash St Bistro is featured in this month's "Edible Jersey" with a write-up on the Wilted Kale & Brussel Sprout salad. I went recently on a chilly Sunday evening and had the perfect comfort food meal. Started with the Kale & brussel sprout salad, served warm with a maple hazelnut dressing. Wow - delicious! I'd go back just for this dish. For an entree I had the the meatloaf with smashed potatoes. The meatloaf is beef, pork and veal so lots of flavor. The restaurant is BYOB and I think that a red from California /Oregon would work with most of the dishes on the menu.
(5)
John K.
We had a nice dinner for four. The service was friendly and accommodating. The meatloaf wrapped in bacon and cod pie were particularly good. All salads were nicely prepared. We enjoyed the kale salad the best. The Resteraunt is tight but cozy.
(3)
Jane B.
On an excruciatingly cold night we ventured out for a much-needed TGIF dinner. Washington Street Bistro offers several soup options so it was hard to choose. I went for French Onion and my husband opted for sweet potato. My broth was deeply flavored and the Gruyere was sharp and nutty. Pete loved his sweet potato soup but it was far too sweet for my taste (I'm sure there was no sweetener added). Our entrees were halibut nestled on a generous bed of shiitake mushrooms and shaved leeks and a beautiful deeply flavored shiitake broth. The fish was perfectly medium with a firm seat on both sides. Pete's duck breast looked great (I didn't taste). It was accompanied by a glazed radish the size of a small apple. We both forgot what the menu said it was. The firm texture and peppery flavor had me flummoxed, so I had to ask our lovely waiter Paul. Of course!
I rarely post reviews but I felt this was necessary. With many food intolerances the waiter and chef were able to come up with something I could eat, and it was DELICIOUS. The chef later came out and walked around and said hello to some tables and came by our table. He is a genuinely nice person. We were so happy we decided to try washington street bistro and will definitely be going back!
(5)
Jeff P.
Cute little restaurant that we almost passed if not for the sign. The day we went they were short staffed but our waitress still made sure we received excellent service as she ran around watching all the tables. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. The dinner menu isn't to large but the food is good. Definitely would recommend trying this place to a friend
(5)
Stevo A.
Had dinner here before the ballet. Friendly staff met Ray (the chef) had a hardy meal at a small Morris bistro. Cassoulet was reminiscent of old world eatery. I had the chipotle seared pork chop w smoked Gouda grits moist and tender chop hint of chipotle and pillowy cheesy grits on a chilly evening. . Started with pouched oysters in a bacon spinach cream sauce. My date had steamed muscles steamed in shallot and fresh ginger. Surrounding tables concurred we will be returning.
(4)
A S.
Attentive Service, food was above avg. Came in for a light dinner and had the following: Wilted Kale & Brussels Sprouts- superb! definitely get this. Bistro Cassoulet- a bit too salty. nothing special.
(3)
Dave B.
Had such great expectations for this establishment, especially with the level of positive reviews. Quite possible they had an off night? Not sure, yet I won't give this a second shot. The establishment is cute, small, and absolutely inviting. Service was decent, yet our server rushed thru the specials and never returned during the course of dinner to ask how the meal was. Minor complaint I suppose. I started with the grilled shrimp and corn relish appetizer. Was the grill not cleaned, or was it just the ridiculously heavy hand of black spices which coated each baby shrimp, leaving the charcoal residue on my hands, and that lingering flavor of backyard Budweiser grilling with your friends. Probably the uncleared grill. Corn relish was bland, and actually hidden beneath a bed of mixed field greens. Dish did not work. Moving onto the main course (pan seared duck breast with persimmon chutney and glazed radishes). Simply average. Glazed radishes were awkward in flavor, and extremely sweet. Odd. Persimmon was nice, yet only about one tablespoon on plate, so not enough to work with the small medallion sliced pieces of duck. Duck was cooked to requested temperture, however lacked seasoning and did not stand out. Not what it was 'quacked' up to be. See what I did there? Anyway, price point is fair and expected for a quaint bistro in Morristown, and the menu reflects some intriguing dishes. However I cannot get past a basic grilled shrimp dish being presented the way it was, and being down right boring. Friendly staff and again, possibly they were off their game on Saturday night? Just more misses than hits.
(2)
Cara P.
this place is an extraordinary gem. (and if you are gluten free, they have choices for you clearly indicated on the menu). for starters i had the Wilted Kale & Brussels Sprouts (Apple wood smoked bacon and warm maple hazelnut vinaigrette). i don't like kale and i LOVED this. plenty of bacon and smokey flavors. and the portion was good. i could have stopped here, but thankfully i kept going. Grilled Maple Chipotle Glazed Pork Chop With​ smoked gouda grits... this was tricky. i like a very lean cut of meat. this was not. a substantial portion was fat. some people like that. the gouda grits were outstanding though. so cheesy and good. they are fine the next day too. for desert i had the gluten-free chocolate cake. it's dense chocolate was indulgent. our server was very helpful, knowledgable, and sympathetic to how crummy the week was going for myself and dining compatriot. we felt better after our outstanding meal. this restaurant is byob, and they also have AWESOME sodas (Wild Bill'S Old Fashion Soda Pops Traditional recipe, locally made, with pure cane sugar). i had the vanilla cream and it was like a dessert in and of itself. you may want to make a reservation because they do not have many tables. it is a small and intimate dining space. go here! : )
(5)
Lee H.
This place is tiny, but man is it good. These guys are doing things right with a small well engineered menu and outstanding service. Our wait staff was second to none and the quality and presentation of the food was near as good as I have ever seen. Admittedly it took a while to get our food, but the taste made up for it. Perfection, I suspect, is not something that can be done in just a few minutes. This location is great for a night out with a small group of friends. Don't give this place a second thought. It is reasonably priced but with accompaniments that rival much more expensive five star restaurants.
(5)
Jessica O.
A group of us came here for a graduation dinner. I heard great things about the food here and thought it would be a great place to try. We experienced excellent service and the food was very good. A few of us had the specials of the night and some of us got the skirt steak. Everyone enjoyed their meal very much and the sauces complimented each meal very nicely. One thing that turned me off was the fact that about 30 minutes before our reservation we received a call from the restaurant advising that we only had a set amount of time to eat since they had another group after us and needed our specific table. I thought that this was very unprofessional and have never heard of a place like this limiting you before you even arrived (unless it is a holiday of course). We ordered food for each course from appetizer to dessert. When the dessert was served they told us they needed the table and asked us to wrap up. I thought it was very unprofessional.
(3)
Ryan K.
We had a reservation last night for 6:15. When we sat down (after arriving ON TIME), the hostess told us that we had to be finished by 8. I understand that restaurants need to turn tables around to make money, and that there was another reservation after ours. But basically every restaurant in existence deals with this reality, and manages to handle it in a tactful manner. So we ordered our food. The meatloaf wrapped in bacon was (obviously) delicious, the skirt steak looked amazing, and the salmon, although not in a sauce I personally liked, was not bad. The service was fine. We declined dessert, and when the check came, I said to the waitress something along the lines of "look, I know this isn't your fault, but when we sat down, the hostess told us that we had to be finished by 8. That seems a little inappropriate at a restaurant. We enjoyed our food, but it's not great to feel rushed. Just thought you might want to pass this along." And then she was like "Ok, thanks for telling me. Maybe next time you'll get some appetizers and dessert." She said it in such a nice tone that only one person in our party realized how passive aggressive it was. Pro-tip: if you want people to take their time and order appetizers and dessert at your restaurant, maybe don't tell them that they have to vacate the premises after an hour and 45 minutes. If it had just been the hostess's comment, I would written it off as a bit awkward and given this place the 3 stars that it deserves. However, the fact that the waitress seemed to be on the same page with the hostess leads me to believe that whoever is running this show is giving the staff marching orders to hurry people in and out and not even bother being subtle about it. No bueno.
(2)
Erica M.
Went on Wednesday for my anniversary. Being a celiac, I was very pleased with the many options of gluten free meals. The restaurant is cozy, but very welcoming. My husband and I will go back again.
Food: the bacon-wrapped meatloaf was delicious. Cheapest and probably best item on the menu! The pan-roasted salmon itself was quite good, but the sauce and veggies it came with were not great. I didn't like that the salmon was nearly drowning in the sauce. I didn't taste the steak, but it looked good. Service: needs serious improvement. We hadn't even taken our coats off, and the hostess told us we would have to be finished by 8 (we arrived at 6:15). Plenty of restaurants manage back to back reservations and it is highly likely we would have been done by 8 without her telling us we would need to be out by then. When the waitress brought us the check, my boyfriend very kindly told her that we thought it was odd the hostess gave us a time limit on our dinner reservation. She seemed receptive and apologetic on behalf of the hostess, but then added, "we hope you'll come back and order appetizers and dessert next time!" Lady, maybe we would have ordered appetizers and dessert had we not been given a time limit on our dinner! We will not be going back.
(1)
Steve B.
Wife and I went for a Sunday dinner. I had skirt steak with fried palents (grits) and mashed patatoes while my wife had duck. All was perfect. Excellent dishes at a reasonable price. I highly recommend it. Also the location is BYOB (bring your own beer or alcohol).
(5)
Paula L.
I liked the feel of this restaurant for connecting with an old friend after 10 years - small, quiet and cozy. Our waitress was very good and knowledgable about the menu. However, the food was disappointing and expensive. I don't think I'll go back.
Had lunch here. Ambiance, food, service all excellent. Small and elegant. Good art on the walls, all for sale. All our entrees were carefully prepared. Inventive, well plated. Everything was great. This is an absolutely go back to place. Absolutely. The cost was about $80 for 4 entrees, 4 coffees and 2 deserts. Considering the excellence of the food, I thought it was a good value.
(5)
Susan H.
Washington Street Bistro is a delicious addition to the Morristown dining scene. We have SO many Italian restaurants (all great), so it's a real treat to find a menu that is very different without being weird. I would call the food here "French inspired." I had the brussel sprout kale salad, which sounds like something only a hard-core vegan would eat, but in fact it's got bacon in it (bacon makes everything better) and it's quite tasty. Then I had the duck confit over pasta, which was also deliciously different. For the less adventurous, there is meatloaf and chicken. Our waitress was friendly and the atmosphere was cozy, but not cramped. We will go again!
(5)
Mindy C.
Made a reservation for Saturday night at 8:30pm without a problem on Open Table (via Yelp). When we arrived, there were two couples waiting in front of us and no hostess in sight! Odd... who receives the patrons and checks them in? One couple was turned away for not having reservations. The other couple, who arrived a couple minutes before us, were seated after about 10 minutes of waiting for their reservation. When the waitress finally acknowledged us, she asked us if we had reservations, to which we answered Yes at 8:30pm. She brusquely apologized and explained that they were over booked due to some kind of error on Open Table, and that she didn't know when we would be able to be seated. I've never had that happen to me before (error on Open Table??) and was pretty discouraged. We were trying to catch a 10pm movie that we already had tickets to.. After a few more minutes of waiting, my bf asked the other waiter about getting a table; he said we could be seated at the 6-person table that just opened up. We were seated at 8:35, and the waitress was clearly PISSED that we got a table. Even after being seated, we weren't actually waited upon for about 10 minutes. I have never felt so UNWELCOME in a restaurant EVER, like we were some major inconvenience.. I was ready to get up and leave because I felt so uncomfortable. Right as we were about to do so, the waiter (Paul, who seated us initially) finally came over. He apologized for the bad introduction and assured us it was a very abnormal night. From there the service was pretty good. Our appetizer (wilted kale and brussel sprouts salad) came out quickly, and our entrees (bison steak, cod pie) came out shortly after. Our drinks were continually refilled, along with the bread basket. We skipped dessert in the interest of time. The food was very good actually; it was just a shame to have the experience tainted by one waitress's poor attitude. She was clearly flustered the whole night and I could hear her muttering under her breath. Again, I felt very unwelcome and uncomfortable until Paul took care of us. Thanks for keeping your cool, Paul!! A well-deserved tip!
(3)
Joe Q.
Disappointed; we were celebrating a nice quiet rainy evening. Only one of the four entries was acceptable and our server was always in a rush. Yet, this place has the right setting to be a "good" restaurant. We are not rushing back
(1)
Barbara S.
Delicious find in Morristown. The kale & Brussels sprout warm salad was excellent. I needed to sop up the delicious cream sauce after enjoying the poached oysters in cream sauce. The coqauvin special had a deep rich sauce that was yummy! I highly recommend trying this place!
(5)
Cherylyn D.
I came here with a group of 8 for dinner. I had heard great things. I was shocked that is was so tiny inside but they made our table as spacious as possible. The entire staff was very friendly and incredibly helpful and attentive. The menu is great. It Has the savory comfort food to the light. I got the Thai mussels and wild boar with pasta and was very happy with my choice. Our table also got the scallops (which were superb), the skirt steak, and the meatloaf. All of it was great. Everyone was very happy with our choices. The food is well worth the price! I would eat everything on their menu and recommend it to anyone. I think there is something for everyone on that menu! I also loved that it was BYOB.
(5)
Chris L.
This small but elegant restaurant offers skillfully cooked interpretations of early American food in a quiet, nicely appointed room. A great choice for date night and BYO wine. But the pace was really slow, I think Washington himself would have dishonorably discharged a chef that made him wait this long for food! We visited the Washington Street Bistro on a quiet Monday evening. Brick walls are decorated with local artist work, all for sale. The tables are draped in white cloths, the floors are covered by oriential-style carpets and there are regular ceiling tiles so it was very calm and quiet. We started with a very small basket of an interesting, slightly sweet bread, maybe a batter bread? Plus butter. Oddly no bread plates, it just felt wrong to make a mess on the nice table but we got over that :) No alcohol here but they will sell you a Wild Bill soda, if that's your kind of thing. Pick your favorite protein! The menu offered beef, pork, bison, chicken, duck, cod, salmon, oysters and mussels. Alas, no lamb the night we visited. Plus one veggie option, a gluten-free pasta. Apparently the early Americans were big on bacon, and bacon appears in many of the selections, including desserts. A few unusual words on the menu required some explanation from our server, who was happy to clarify. The "collops of salmon" are chunks, basically. When it finally was brought out, beet salad was a very nice selection of orange and red beets served with bleu cheese on arugula, in a balsamic dressing, light and delicious. After another long wait the aforementioned collops arrived as a pot pie with a hugely puffy crust, stuffed with veg and fish, perfectly baked and very yummy. A filet mignon special was a nicely grilled piece of bouef on a bed of perfectly sliced and arranged garlic potatoes plus some spinach and bearnaise sauce, outstanding. A side of haricots vert plus mushrooms was excellent, a bit peppery, beans just right and not at all mushy. Dessert menu brought another word puzzle: Snippet pudding. If you guessed bread pudding, you get the General Washington award :) this is the dessert with bacon in it. But we had no room so had to pass on the snippets and the orange cake too. So yeah, very slow service from the kitchen was a big turn-off. If I'm out with 6 friends and a few bottles of wine then I'm fine with sitting a while without food, but on a weeknight, a nearly empty dining room, an obviously long-married couple dining, uh .. bring us dinner before the wife kills something, ok? Prices were very much in line for the classy setting, attentive service and interesting food, about 10 for an appy or salad plus another 15-25 for an entree.
(3)
Kristi C.
Quaint spot for some tasty bistro fare. Wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The meatloaf was amazing as was the Cauliflower Leek Gratin. The daily soups were cream of wild mushroom and a puree of parsnip. Both were rich and delicious. It's BYOB so bring along your favorite libation.
(4)
D K.
The Bistro is almost hidden - a small storefront - just off The Green, but once inside the wonderful experience begins. The restaurant is small and cozy, and the tidy table settings and attentive waitress - Kelly - suggest that the dining experience will be worth the trip. And indeed it was. The menu offered several unique entree options and our party of four ordered the cassoulet, meatloaf, and two salmons. Thumbs up from everyone, ditto desserts. All things considered, particularly being a BYOB, and quality of food and service, I would rate five stars for value. The Bistro is a small gem in downtown Morristown. Gotta' go.
(5)
Barry W.
I was pleasantly surprised by this hard-to-find new rising star in Morristown. I'd heard quite a few people talk about it and haven't heard anything bad, which is unusual. Their menu is a very eclectic culinary mix and I don't think there's anything like it in town. I say it's hard to find because even though it has a storefront right on Washington Street (across from the Frog and below Nagano), they don't have much signage to attract your attention during a drive-by. That could be a good thing, though, since it might keep it a great local secret. It's small and quiet, but you're not on top of everyone else. It's got the kind of menu that upscale foodies would love, but it's still a casual and relaxed atmosphere. And it's a BYOB.
(5)
Michael B.
This is not really a moderately priced restaurant; it's a bit more pricey than that, but they don't gouge you. Example, coffee at $2.00, a good deal. Bread; just baked and good. Now to the review; The menu seemed well thought out, and not run of the mill. The food was good, promptly served, hot when served, desserts excellent, waitress knowledgeable and experienced. One advantage, you can somewhat balance out the cost of a meal here by not having to overpay for liquor or wine; you bring your own. Nevertheless, meal for two, with one appetizer, one side dish, one coffee and one shared dessert, tax and 15% tip equals about $100. We would go back, as long as it was payday.
(4)
Kimberly T.
Really enjoyed this place. It's a small place but it's a hidden gem in Morristown :) it's a plus that this place is BYOB. I ordered the duck confit orecchiette pasta - it was amazing! My boyfriend got the roasted chicken which was also good but no where near the duck! Service was excellent too - highly recommend if you are in the area.
(4)
Pimp D.
Excellent but tiny bistro. Great lamb burgers. Good service. BYOB a huge plus. Great addition to Morristown.
I've been to Washington Street Bistro twice - once as a part of two and most recently as a part of six. Both experiences were quite good. This space used to be a Cuban restaurant, which I was saddened to see go, but happy that something equally as good has arrived in it's place. On both of my visits, Paul was our server. Paul is very knowledgeable about the menu and quite attentive. He saw to our every need without being obtrusive in the small space. To start, I had the wilted kale and brussels sprouts salad with hazelnuts. As I said to my dining companions, I could be happy just eating a heaping bowl of that for my dinner. It was amazing! Well dressed and incredibly flavorful, this salad is a keeper. For my entree, I had the cassoulet, a specialty of the house. Never having had cassoulet, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was not disappointed. It was a cold and snowy night, and this dish was comfort food at it's best and really hit the spot. The food here is too good and at a great price point for it to be nearly empty most of the time. Check it out!
Dined here 3 times in the past few months and each time it's been a 4 star experience. It's really a nice little gem tucked away off the green across from the Grand Cafe. Food is interesting. It's a generalized take on what our founding fathers might have enjoyed if they had the appliances of the 21st century. We've gotten everything from the duck to pork chops to cassoulet and meatloaf. Recommend the sippet pudding for dessert (bread pudding). BYO and parking is across the street. Prices are very reasonable, the only issue is the service is sometimes spotty.
(4)
Keith S.
Excellent service and I really liked the menu options, which contained a few unique entries and appetizers. The food was very tasty, but not over done. BYOB is always a plus. Gouda grits = Awesome. The place is small and cozy, maybe a little too, seats/tables are very close together and tight along the walking paths of the staff. I wouldn't recommend for large parties but great for date night.
(4)
Cheryl P.
Came on a Monday night. Small intimate setting. I was there for a business dinner so maybe should have selected a better place. The waitress was pleasant but kept sneezing, coughing and complaining of allergies. Not too appetizing. Grilled shrimp appetizer was spicy but good. Scallops were very good and flavorful. The flank steak was terrible. The sauce was goopy and too strong. Prices are fair.
(3)
Michael P.
I often lament that there aren't any really good restaurants in our area. That changed on a sleepy Sunday evening. Came in with high hopes given the other reviews, and we weren't disappointed. The red snapper (catch of the day) with sea beans were excellent, and the seared sea scallops were perfectly prepared. Pleasant and attentive service. Will definitely go back.
(5)
Brent W.
I would give Washington Street Bistro 3.5 stars. My wife and I knew it opened up about a month ago and went for dinner the other night. It's about a block away from the Morristown Green. The menu has a variety of meats including bison and duck along with some pasta and fish. We shared a poached oyster app special which was very tasty and reminded me of chowder without all the cream. My wife had the pan seared chicken and it was good, although it could have used some salt. I was adventurous and tried the codpie. Think of shephard's pie but with cod, and it was good except i hoped for some more texture. They offer sides like potatoes or vegetables but the entree portion was good. We'll come back and with a bottle of wine (BYOB). We grabbed some menus and the lunch menu sounds great! They have some of the dinner like entrees and a great looking list of burgers and sandwiches. If I worked in town, I would give this place a try. They can hold private events on Saturday and Sunday until 3pm and they also do catering. Lunch M-F 11-4, Dinner Sun-Th 4-9, F-Sat 4-10 #973-267-7425
(3)
Jazzy N.
Wow!!! Just amazing! Was going to the John Fogerty concert at MAYO Arts center and was in a pinch to get some good grub and quick! Kelly was our server and she made it happen. OMG, the French onion soup was delish as well as the beet salad. For entrees we had salmon and scallops, both awesome. Will go again when I can have some time to savor the amazing dinner. Thank you Catherine and Kelly for the wonderful service! xox
(5)
Noreen L.
I found The Washington St Bistro on Yelp & chose it because of all the good reviews. I was not disappointed. The atmosphere was charming. Very small place but very clean. Staff was very nice. I had the pork shank special which was served with cabbage in a sweet & sour sauce. It was excellent! My friends said their respective meals (halibut special & meatloaf from the menu) were also wonderful. We split the cauliflower and leeks with 3 cheeses side & wished we had more. We also split the sippet pudding dessert. Our bill was under $90 - an excellent value in my opinion! I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)
Matthew B.
Food was delicious. I liked the theme. Service was great, but it wasn't too crowded. Braised Berkshire Pork Shank was fall of the bone tender and had a great sauce. Bistro Cassoulet was even better. Snippet Bread Pudding dessert was the best dessert that I have had in a long time.
(4)
Dana G.
Service was outstanding, food was delicious. We had the cheese plate, pumpkin soup (a special), orchiette pasta with duck, the Brussel sprout salad (outstanding), scallops and the pork chop. Everyone absolutely loved this quaint little byo! We will absolutely be back.
(5)
Kris M.
Three-and-a-half stars for interesting, thoughtful food but painfully slow service. We were here for a slightly late dinner during the week, which could have been why we were one of only two tables in the dining room. The restaurant itself was small but cute, and would work well for a business meal or date night. The menu was far from vegetarian-friendly; nearly everything from appetizers to entrees was focused on some form of meat or seafood, and even my salad had bacon on it (the wilted kale and Brussels sprouts salad, which was served warm and was delicious). I also had the gluten-free pasta, since there wasn't a single other entree that featured vegetables; the walnut pesto was lovely, but the dish overall was something most of us could have assembled at home. He had one of the cold soups, which he enjoyed quite a lot, and the orecchiette with duck confit, which was tasty. The menu felt really heavy, so I'd recommend a visit in any season but the summer. The service though. While the other table left partway through our meal, it seemed like the waiter (a very polite, very young man) was also bussing tables and doing something else that kept him back in the kitchen for quite a while. We spent at least two hours in the restaurant, and it had been such a long meal that we didn't even want to glance at the dessert menu, just wanted to head home. Since we were very literally the only pair inside, we were mystified by the increasing lengths of time it took to get our meal, wait for our check, and go.
Wow! This place was really a find. My husband and I decided to have dinner here on Thursday night after walking by it many, many times over the last two years. The food was delicious. Our server Paul could not have been more friendly or helpful when it came to ordering from the menu. I ordered the stuffed chicken thigh and it was excellent. Really juicy and tender. Stuffed with spinach, shiitake mushrooms, and goat cheese over a very savory Israeli couscous. My husband had the halibut special with a grapefruit citrus sauce. The halibut was crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. The meal could not have been better. We started off with the mussels in a Rum and coconut milk sauce. The mussels were firm and they would burst with flavor in your mouth. I had the wilted kale and shredded brussel sprout salad. It was warm and very flavorful. The chef Ray came out and greeted each table. He was a pleasure to talk with and really knows what he is doing in the kitchen! Highly recommend this place. We will be back many more times.... Oh and did I mention it's BYOB!
(5)
Ryan T.
A great little place. Food is quality and server was very attentive. I highly recommend and will definitely be back.
(4)
Catherine S.
Although the place is a bit small the overall ambiance is fantastic. I ordered the special soup of the day a chilled tomato soup and it totally blew my top off!! It was fantastic! The wilted kale and brussell sprout salad was to die for and although my fish could have used a little bit more salt it was still very delicious. I highly recommend Jonathan as a server as he is very knowledgeable about the menu and daily specials and he makes great recommendations. Overall this was a great first experience and I look forward to going back and tasting the new summer menu.
(4)
Christine F.
Saturday night , we were a group of 8 and had a fantastic experience ! Great service ( some of the other posts said it was slow - we did not experience that). Great food ( definitely try the Brussel sprout / kale salad ) My hubby had a perfectly cooked bison steak and I had a wonderfully prepared John Dory fish dish ( both were specials ) . Small restaurant , but they did not rush us. We would definitely return !
(4)
Megan S.
The Bistro has a great ambiance and energy. They have clearly cultivated a staff that is professional and attentive. The food is well-prepared, classic bistro fare with really quality flavors. BYO is a plus - bring wine that will stand up to hearty and rich flavor. Definitely will return!
(4)
Elisabeth A.
"American food" doesn't capture how singular the food, concept, and comfortable ambiance are at WSB. Chef Ray describes the food as "Colonial" -- a term that has a hazy meaning for most diners. Let me assure you, there is nothing hazy about the distinctive flavors one can enjoy from this menu. I had a velvety tomato soup with rich aromas of fennel and garlic. My main course was a succulent, thick lamb chop resting on a bed of savory white beans and tomato. The day was crisp so the richness of tastes were stimulating and comforting. I chose Bourbon-poached apple for dessert. Every "swoonful" made me pause and appreciate its many delightful flavors. Needless to say, my cup of coffee stood up to the rest of my delicious meal.
(5)
A J.
Out to celebrate a birthday we chose the Washington St. Bistro, based on recommendations from friends. What a find in Morristown! We were seated immediately for our reservation and provided with menu's. We were also asked if we'd like the champagne, which we brought, opened and poured - we did. So far so good. Additional glasses were brought to the table for the wine we brought along. It was a birthday celebration, so libations were in order. Water magically appeared, as it should. The menu offers a variety of American inspired bistro offerings. Between the 5 of us we ordered 3 appetizers (two were the same), a couple of salads and 5 entrees (two of which were the same). For appetizers: the mussels were well prepared with a nice broth to sop up with provided bread. The cheese plate, offered as a special appetizer, had a variety of very good cheeses, breads and fresh fruits - my only complaint here is that the cheeses weren't described on the menu or by our server when delivered. I guess I could have asked what the cheeses were. Both salads were well prepared with light dressing - I'm not a swim in dressing type of person. All of the entrees were outstanding!. We had the evening's special pork chop done "Jerk" style. It was well seasoned, cooked perfectly without being overpowered by spice. The birthday guy chose the Maple Glazed Pork Chop, nicely done and surprisingly moist, with to die for gouda grits. Two of us had the Orecchiette with Duck Confit - a rich but not too rich pasta with perfectly cooked duck and roasted squash swimming in duck jus - that didn't have a speck of grease, not sure how they did that. It was amazing! Just a small warning, the squash makes the dish on the sweeter side, so if that's not to your taste move onto something else. The last of us had the Bistro Cassoulet, which I didn't sample so I can't speak personally about it, but he seemed to really enjoy as did the others who tried it. We couldn't decide on what to order for dessert of the 4 offerings, so we ordered them all to share. All of them were good and the standouts for me were the creme brulee and the chocolate cake. Service was attentive, personable and readily available. Our food was delivered hot, to the right person and almost at the same time. It was good enough to leave what for us is a generous tip (over 20%). The restaurant is charmingly set up in a very small space, with enough privacy from other diners. The exposed brick wall and oriental rug make it feel like an American Bistro and some eclectic art bring it squarely into the 21st century. We'll be back.
(4)
Ping P.
Pleasant room that gets so loud you have to shout to be heard across the table. Competent if painfully slow service. Mediocre food: cassoulet baked in a ramekin until it's way too dry, overcooked bouillabaisse served barely tepid, oysters that were too strong yesterday, ... Do not have sippet pudding for dessert. It's awful.
(2)
Rob S.
I wish I had time to write a detailed informative review. The wife and I have been here 3 times now. Each time has been fantastic. It's apparent that Ray loves to cook. This is a new treasure in Morristown. Go find out why for yourself. Bring your favorite craft beer or wine and Ray will help you pair it.
We had the Apple Butternut Squash soup and the Kale and Brussel sprout salad with warm hazelnut maple vinaigrette. Both were very good but the soup was chilled and the salad was warm. An unexpected combination but delicious. We had the Bistro Cassoulet and Orichettte both with Duck Confit. Again both we're very tasty. The Cassoulet had a nice hot spice to it. The Orichette was very good too....not too hot or spicy. The BYO is always a plus. Service was very good. Nice and quiet atmosphere. Will definitely go back.
(4)
Dan C.
A very nice restaurant, and a bit of a well-kept secret in town. Nice atmosphere, and excellent service (thanks Paul!). My wife and I had terrific dinners -- I had the duck from the regular menu, and my wife had a humongous and very tasty pork chop from among that evening's specials. Highly recommended, and we'll be returning!
(5)
Deborah T.
What a wonderful find ! Fabulous food , nice atmosphere , wonderful knowledgable service and a BYOB ! There is a hint of French food : cassoulet, cheese board etc. that I loved. Will definitely go back again . Chef came out and introduced himself , very personable. All in all very nice experience.
(4)
Hank M.
I really wanted to love this place. A casual, high-end BYO. What's not to love? Well, the experience was mixed. Some dishes, like my bouillabaisse, the kale and bean soup, and the mussels, were very good to great. But, my wife's chop was overcooked and tough and was sent back. The orecchiette with duck confit was just OK. Our waiter was a really nice guy. But, service was slow and we had to ask for everything all night - water, more bread, an ice bucket, and on and on. The overall verdict was that we will definitely go back, but this visit didn't wow us. But, there was enough potential to try one more time.
(3)
Athena W.
This place is a must-go in Morristown. The service is excellent and the #1 thing to order is the Wilted Kale salad. It's a lovely blend that includes bacon (can't go wrong with that!), hazelnut vinegrette and yes, the real hazelnut!
(4)
Susan S.
My husband, whose office is nearby, raves about this place. I have now been there twice for lunch and I agree. It is outstanding. Their menu is extensive, interesting, and modestly priced. I had a homemade lentil burger each time. First with potato wedges, next time with brined cole slaw( no mayo). Everything was fresh and well prepared with just the right amount of spice. Although we live an hour away, we will return to try dinner. It will be worth the trip.
(5)
Gail B.
Morristown gem. Excellent service. Tastefully prepated food. Try the brussel sprouts side dish. Even veggie haters will love it. Best kept secret in Morristown.
(4)
Daniel L.
The complete package. Creative menu. FRESH good food. friendly, knowledgable waiter, reasonable prices. We had a great meal last night. I had the scallops appetizer and the orecchiette w/ duck confit. Unique and delicious, and a big portion! My wife had the french onion soup and the maple glazed pork chop, a nice big hunk of meat perfectly cooked. We split the brussel sprout kale salad, which is a warm salad. . So, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, a salad and desert, and it was like $80 before tip. Very reasonable in my book. Other people have mentioned the waiter Paul and yes, he was there and a good guy. This place is a keeper. We'll be back.
(5)
Meghan B.
We tried again and service was much better this time around and food was great.
(4)
Thomas S.
Nice space, nice atmosphere. Polite and courteous waiter. Good menu. No wine by the glass, bottles only, so not a good place if you travel for work or are single, and like a glass of wine. I ordered a special, glazed flank steak which was fair. I think there are better options in Morristown.
(2)
Gary C.
Had lunch there twice. First time, good food, good service, good value. Second time, slow kitchen, burnt burger and burnt fries. Ordered soft drink, never arrived. Okay, that can happen, but how does a kitchen send out a burger and sweet potato fries that are literally black on the outside? And if the kitchen somehow is oblivious, shouldn't the server catch it?
(2)
Robert S.
Solid bistro style food in a pleasant atmosphere. Morristown has needed a place like this for some time! Try the wilted kale & Brussels sprouts salad, not light with its bacon lardons but utterly delicious! Coq au vin special was of Julia Child quality, traditional style deep braised flavors with a base of homemade noodles. Yummy! Had "Sippet" for dessert which was a light bread pudding with a creme Anglaise sauce. An excellent finish, coffee is great too. BYOB
(4)
Pierre S.
Was there for late dinner on Valentines Day. The venue is small and intimate. They serve sophisticated comfort food, prepared perfectly. We started with poached oysters and kale, brussels sprout, bacon salad. My bbq skirt steak was flavorful and cooked as ordered. My wife's lamb special was cooked perfectly and flavorful. We could not resist desert and shared the sippet (bread) pudding with maple anglaise. They should invest in an espresso machine but the regular coffee is better than average. Service was great too. Can't wait to go back
Great atmosphere, excellent service. Classic American food, Mussels in porter beer, Brussel Sprout Hash, Pan-seared chicken, all excellent. Highly recommended.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage, Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Luiza G.
Profoundly disappointing. The portions are small and the dishes themselves lackluster and flat. There are too many restaurants in the area to have to resort to one as uninspired as this particular place. Needless to say, we're not returning.
(1)Jenn B.
This place is fine, I guess. I've been here a handful of times and the experience is basically a toss-up. The food is fairly consistent -- I've tried their French onion soup (fine but not memorable), their bistro salad (just a fancy way of saying mesclun mix with a couple radishes), and a few of their burgers. The burgers are good but not fabulous; it's a good place to go for lunch, unless... you stumble in there on a day where the service is abysmally slow. I've had experiences with one waitress a few times who was pretty good, attentive, took orders quickly and food arrived as soon as it was ready. I also had more than one experience with a waiter who was seemingly never in the dining room. After not seeing him for 10 minutes on my visit yesterday - and it's a tiny place, so where could he possibly be? - I actually stood up to find him to get our check, and found him standing in the kitchen, busily texting. Even if I had unlimited time for lunch (I don't; I have to get back to work, as I imagine that other people do too), this would be infuriating, but with a time constriction, it's actually worth writing this review as a warning. On the whole, I think the food is not bad, and if they could have more consistent service I'd probably be here more often.
(3)Bryan M.
Nice little space, in central Morristown. Met up with a friend visiting NJ on business. So, he, me, and my wife sat lazily in our corner table, and unhurriedly caught up over a 3.5 hour dinner. Paul, our waiter, did an excellent job of reading our intentions ... as well as a nice job of leading us through the food portion of the evening. In fairness, this was on a Wednesday night - I'm not sure of how the tempo changes on weekends. Decently broad menu. I went with the chipotle pork chop, medium rare [living on the edge], and the spicy grits. Tasty! And, the portions were also well balanced - not too fru-fru. I started with a kale salad that was also a great combination of textures and flavors - I'm sorry that I can't remember the other components. And, the three of us shared a shrimp appetizer with a great corn-based dressing. Both my friend and my wife went with fish - a sea bass [with a capital C] and the salmon. They both enjoyed their respective entrees. The sea bass was good sized, and Paul did a nice job of clarifying different aspects of the restaurant's offerings. We finished with desserts. Of the 8, or so, options - all but one are made in-house. My lemon mousse cake was also tasty. My wife allowed me a small sampling of her creme brulee. Comfortable decor. Probably a dozen to fifteen tables. If crowded, it might be a bit cozy. Interesting art work on the walls - many [if not all] of the pieces are priced to sell. Morristown has a number of good offerings, and this is among my favorite options.
(4)Michael G.
My girlfriend and I were here for dinner on a Sunday evening. Great service with terrific food recommendations from our server. Entrees are paired nicely with a great mix of flavors. The wilted kale and brussel sprout salad was phenomenal. I had skirt steak with bourbon BBQ glaze and polenta; spicy to counter the sweet BBQ. My partner had the cod pie which was quite flavorful. We ended with dessert...sipsap pudding. Highly recommend!
(4)Jenny F.
This place is excellent, the food is amazing and the service was impeccable. The pork chop is so delicious and the kale salad is a must try, yum all the way
(5)Flora D.
Went to the Washington street Bistro tonight with my hubby. Recently I learned that I have a gluten sensitivity and was so pleased to find that the menu items listed which were gluten free. Our server, Paul, was most attentive and very professional. He offered excellent descriptions and recommendations. The food choices were unique but not weird. Plus, I liked the original art work on the walls. I will try and go back soon with friends.
(4)C Z.
well i went based on the reviews of yelp and Paul who seemed to be the best server and I planned on asking for his table well unfortunately he was not there on Saturday nite our server was Dan he was just wonderful knew what was on the menu gave recommendations made sure our 1st experiences was great!!! the only reason I did not give it a 5 stars is the acoustics were not great and being so small it was a bit loud Food was inventive and delicious
(4)J B.
just returned home from this place. rest was busy due to restaurant week. two words of advice. STAY AWAY. poorly managed is an understatement. reservation @ 8 sat down 8:45. ran out of bread and got some toast. first course came 9:45 main course @10pm. left 10:30. food was colonial food which is self explanatory why it is no longer popular. so poorly managed it is comical. only thing missing was manuel the waiter and basil faulty. will be surprised if it is still in business next year. sorry but wanted to give zero stars but yelp minimum is one star. but i want to give zero.
(1)Jim B.
Had a buisness dinner with 4 guests. The dinner was fantastic and our server Pail was wnderfull
(5)Satoshi N.
Really really great experience here. On a whim I was stopping in the area for a quick dinner and decided to see what my choices were. Right off the bar this place struck me as perfect, and damn was it. The decor is cute and cozy, the waiter was *extremely* helpful and friendly, and the food was killer. Ordered the Bistro Cassoulet with a side of the sautéed brussel sprout mix... just wow. I could have gone for a double portion of both! The salads also looked quite tasty, but I was full as it was. Highly recommended! BYOB.
(5)Catherine M.
I've lived in Morristown my whole life and never knew this place existed--it literally looks like a hole in the wall. I went here with my boyfriend one Friday when they were short wait staffed. Our waitress still made sure our visit was enjoyable--plus the food was amazing!
(5)Pamela C.
Wash St Bistro is featured in this month's "Edible Jersey" with a write-up on the Wilted Kale & Brussel Sprout salad. I went recently on a chilly Sunday evening and had the perfect comfort food meal. Started with the Kale & brussel sprout salad, served warm with a maple hazelnut dressing. Wow - delicious! I'd go back just for this dish. For an entree I had the the meatloaf with smashed potatoes. The meatloaf is beef, pork and veal so lots of flavor. The restaurant is BYOB and I think that a red from California /Oregon would work with most of the dishes on the menu.
(5)John K.
We had a nice dinner for four. The service was friendly and accommodating. The meatloaf wrapped in bacon and cod pie were particularly good. All salads were nicely prepared. We enjoyed the kale salad the best. The Resteraunt is tight but cozy.
(3)Jane B.
On an excruciatingly cold night we ventured out for a much-needed TGIF dinner. Washington Street Bistro offers several soup options so it was hard to choose. I went for French Onion and my husband opted for sweet potato. My broth was deeply flavored and the Gruyere was sharp and nutty. Pete loved his sweet potato soup but it was far too sweet for my taste (I'm sure there was no sweetener added). Our entrees were halibut nestled on a generous bed of shiitake mushrooms and shaved leeks and a beautiful deeply flavored shiitake broth. The fish was perfectly medium with a firm seat on both sides. Pete's duck breast looked great (I didn't taste). It was accompanied by a glazed radish the size of a small apple. We both forgot what the menu said it was. The firm texture and peppery flavor had me flummoxed, so I had to ask our lovely waiter Paul. Of course!
(4)Maggie V.
Went for a quick lunch, and the service was great. Washington Street Bistro is quaint in size and can easily be overlooked unless you look for their sign hanging outside of the establishment. For our appetizer, we shared the Wilted Kale and Brussel Sprouts, it had applewood bacon and you know everything with bacon always tastes better. We ordered the Shaved Prime Rib And Bree Sandwich with deep fried potato wedges and Steamed Mussels with a ginger/coconut broth. Both entrees were good but the Shave Prime Rib Sandwich was definitely the star of the show. For dessert we ordered the seasonal Crème brûlée for which was lavender. It was lackluster but the lavender flavor was unique and was not too overpowering. I had doubts that the service would be slow considering the past reviews for lunch but it was quite the opposite. Our waitress was attentive and helpful with the recommendations. Our meals came out at the appropriate time and were on point. I would definitely come back for the relaxed yet classy atmosphere. The artworks on display throughout the restaurant is also available for purchase means they support the local artist community. Lastly a tip: The establishment is BYOB, so feel free to bring something to accompany your meal. For parking, metered street parking is available but if you can't find any the Dalton Public Parking Garage is around the corner from the establishment and comes out to $1.25 more than street for 1.5 hours.
(4)Chelsea H.
I rarely post reviews but I felt this was necessary. With many food intolerances the waiter and chef were able to come up with something I could eat, and it was DELICIOUS. The chef later came out and walked around and said hello to some tables and came by our table. He is a genuinely nice person. We were so happy we decided to try washington street bistro and will definitely be going back!
(5)Jeff P.
Cute little restaurant that we almost passed if not for the sign. The day we went they were short staffed but our waitress still made sure we received excellent service as she ran around watching all the tables. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. The dinner menu isn't to large but the food is good. Definitely would recommend trying this place to a friend
(5)Stevo A.
Had dinner here before the ballet. Friendly staff met Ray (the chef) had a hardy meal at a small Morris bistro. Cassoulet was reminiscent of old world eatery. I had the chipotle seared pork chop w smoked Gouda grits moist and tender chop hint of chipotle and pillowy cheesy grits on a chilly evening. . Started with pouched oysters in a bacon spinach cream sauce. My date had steamed muscles steamed in shallot and fresh ginger. Surrounding tables concurred we will be returning.
(4)A S.
Attentive Service, food was above avg. Came in for a light dinner and had the following: Wilted Kale & Brussels Sprouts- superb! definitely get this. Bistro Cassoulet- a bit too salty. nothing special.
(3)Dave B.
Had such great expectations for this establishment, especially with the level of positive reviews. Quite possible they had an off night? Not sure, yet I won't give this a second shot. The establishment is cute, small, and absolutely inviting. Service was decent, yet our server rushed thru the specials and never returned during the course of dinner to ask how the meal was. Minor complaint I suppose. I started with the grilled shrimp and corn relish appetizer. Was the grill not cleaned, or was it just the ridiculously heavy hand of black spices which coated each baby shrimp, leaving the charcoal residue on my hands, and that lingering flavor of backyard Budweiser grilling with your friends. Probably the uncleared grill. Corn relish was bland, and actually hidden beneath a bed of mixed field greens. Dish did not work. Moving onto the main course (pan seared duck breast with persimmon chutney and glazed radishes). Simply average. Glazed radishes were awkward in flavor, and extremely sweet. Odd. Persimmon was nice, yet only about one tablespoon on plate, so not enough to work with the small medallion sliced pieces of duck. Duck was cooked to requested temperture, however lacked seasoning and did not stand out. Not what it was 'quacked' up to be. See what I did there? Anyway, price point is fair and expected for a quaint bistro in Morristown, and the menu reflects some intriguing dishes. However I cannot get past a basic grilled shrimp dish being presented the way it was, and being down right boring. Friendly staff and again, possibly they were off their game on Saturday night? Just more misses than hits.
(2)Cara P.
this place is an extraordinary gem. (and if you are gluten free, they have choices for you clearly indicated on the menu). for starters i had the Wilted Kale & Brussels Sprouts (Apple wood smoked bacon and warm maple hazelnut vinaigrette). i don't like kale and i LOVED this. plenty of bacon and smokey flavors. and the portion was good. i could have stopped here, but thankfully i kept going. Grilled Maple Chipotle Glazed Pork Chop With​ smoked gouda grits... this was tricky. i like a very lean cut of meat. this was not. a substantial portion was fat. some people like that. the gouda grits were outstanding though. so cheesy and good. they are fine the next day too. for desert i had the gluten-free chocolate cake. it's dense chocolate was indulgent. our server was very helpful, knowledgable, and sympathetic to how crummy the week was going for myself and dining compatriot. we felt better after our outstanding meal. this restaurant is byob, and they also have AWESOME sodas (Wild Bill'S Old Fashion Soda Pops Traditional recipe, locally made, with pure cane sugar). i had the vanilla cream and it was like a dessert in and of itself. you may want to make a reservation because they do not have many tables. it is a small and intimate dining space. go here! : )
(5)Lee H.
This place is tiny, but man is it good. These guys are doing things right with a small well engineered menu and outstanding service. Our wait staff was second to none and the quality and presentation of the food was near as good as I have ever seen. Admittedly it took a while to get our food, but the taste made up for it. Perfection, I suspect, is not something that can be done in just a few minutes. This location is great for a night out with a small group of friends. Don't give this place a second thought. It is reasonably priced but with accompaniments that rival much more expensive five star restaurants.
(5)Jessica O.
A group of us came here for a graduation dinner. I heard great things about the food here and thought it would be a great place to try. We experienced excellent service and the food was very good. A few of us had the specials of the night and some of us got the skirt steak. Everyone enjoyed their meal very much and the sauces complimented each meal very nicely. One thing that turned me off was the fact that about 30 minutes before our reservation we received a call from the restaurant advising that we only had a set amount of time to eat since they had another group after us and needed our specific table. I thought that this was very unprofessional and have never heard of a place like this limiting you before you even arrived (unless it is a holiday of course). We ordered food for each course from appetizer to dessert. When the dessert was served they told us they needed the table and asked us to wrap up. I thought it was very unprofessional.
(3)Ryan K.
We had a reservation last night for 6:15. When we sat down (after arriving ON TIME), the hostess told us that we had to be finished by 8. I understand that restaurants need to turn tables around to make money, and that there was another reservation after ours. But basically every restaurant in existence deals with this reality, and manages to handle it in a tactful manner. So we ordered our food. The meatloaf wrapped in bacon was (obviously) delicious, the skirt steak looked amazing, and the salmon, although not in a sauce I personally liked, was not bad. The service was fine. We declined dessert, and when the check came, I said to the waitress something along the lines of "look, I know this isn't your fault, but when we sat down, the hostess told us that we had to be finished by 8. That seems a little inappropriate at a restaurant. We enjoyed our food, but it's not great to feel rushed. Just thought you might want to pass this along." And then she was like "Ok, thanks for telling me. Maybe next time you'll get some appetizers and dessert." She said it in such a nice tone that only one person in our party realized how passive aggressive it was. Pro-tip: if you want people to take their time and order appetizers and dessert at your restaurant, maybe don't tell them that they have to vacate the premises after an hour and 45 minutes. If it had just been the hostess's comment, I would written it off as a bit awkward and given this place the 3 stars that it deserves. However, the fact that the waitress seemed to be on the same page with the hostess leads me to believe that whoever is running this show is giving the staff marching orders to hurry people in and out and not even bother being subtle about it. No bueno.
(2)Erica M.
Went on Wednesday for my anniversary. Being a celiac, I was very pleased with the many options of gluten free meals. The restaurant is cozy, but very welcoming. My husband and I will go back again.
(4)Mark C.
Meh...is what I can say about the food! Ambience is really pretty though. I had the quail and flavor was okay. Fiancé had the skirt steak with BBQ marinade and it really wasn't what I expected as far as flavor wise. The polenta was fried and pretty bland. The artichoke was pretty tasteless. The muscles were really good. Pumpkin soup was outstanding! Meatloaf was okay but it had a weird gamey taste to it. All in all its a hit or miss... We all have different pallets and maybe you should try it for yourself at least once. You may have a better experience.
(3)Geraldine L.
Food: the bacon-wrapped meatloaf was delicious. Cheapest and probably best item on the menu! The pan-roasted salmon itself was quite good, but the sauce and veggies it came with were not great. I didn't like that the salmon was nearly drowning in the sauce. I didn't taste the steak, but it looked good. Service: needs serious improvement. We hadn't even taken our coats off, and the hostess told us we would have to be finished by 8 (we arrived at 6:15). Plenty of restaurants manage back to back reservations and it is highly likely we would have been done by 8 without her telling us we would need to be out by then. When the waitress brought us the check, my boyfriend very kindly told her that we thought it was odd the hostess gave us a time limit on our dinner reservation. She seemed receptive and apologetic on behalf of the hostess, but then added, "we hope you'll come back and order appetizers and dessert next time!" Lady, maybe we would have ordered appetizers and dessert had we not been given a time limit on our dinner! We will not be going back.
(1)Steve B.
Wife and I went for a Sunday dinner. I had skirt steak with fried palents (grits) and mashed patatoes while my wife had duck. All was perfect. Excellent dishes at a reasonable price. I highly recommend it. Also the location is BYOB (bring your own beer or alcohol).
(5)Paula L.
I liked the feel of this restaurant for connecting with an old friend after 10 years - small, quiet and cozy. Our waitress was very good and knowledgable about the menu. However, the food was disappointing and expensive. I don't think I'll go back.
(2)Lesley D.
I was really looking forward to eating here. It happens to be restaurant week, so I ordered the pre fix 3 course meal, the cod pie as my entree. After waiting for over 40 minutes for our food, I went to take a bite, and the fish was completely raw. By the time we got the waitresses attention after going up to see the hostess, my fiancé was almost done with his meal. No manager came over to apologize and they also had the nerve to charge $8 for a very small house salad.... Needless to say I will not be coming back, and do no suggest coming here, ton of over great byob places in Morristown.
(1)David B.
Had lunch here. Ambiance, food, service all excellent. Small and elegant. Good art on the walls, all for sale. All our entrees were carefully prepared. Inventive, well plated. Everything was great. This is an absolutely go back to place. Absolutely. The cost was about $80 for 4 entrees, 4 coffees and 2 deserts. Considering the excellence of the food, I thought it was a good value.
(5)Susan H.
Washington Street Bistro is a delicious addition to the Morristown dining scene. We have SO many Italian restaurants (all great), so it's a real treat to find a menu that is very different without being weird. I would call the food here "French inspired." I had the brussel sprout kale salad, which sounds like something only a hard-core vegan would eat, but in fact it's got bacon in it (bacon makes everything better) and it's quite tasty. Then I had the duck confit over pasta, which was also deliciously different. For the less adventurous, there is meatloaf and chicken. Our waitress was friendly and the atmosphere was cozy, but not cramped. We will go again!
(5)Mindy C.
Made a reservation for Saturday night at 8:30pm without a problem on Open Table (via Yelp). When we arrived, there were two couples waiting in front of us and no hostess in sight! Odd... who receives the patrons and checks them in? One couple was turned away for not having reservations. The other couple, who arrived a couple minutes before us, were seated after about 10 minutes of waiting for their reservation. When the waitress finally acknowledged us, she asked us if we had reservations, to which we answered Yes at 8:30pm. She brusquely apologized and explained that they were over booked due to some kind of error on Open Table, and that she didn't know when we would be able to be seated. I've never had that happen to me before (error on Open Table??) and was pretty discouraged. We were trying to catch a 10pm movie that we already had tickets to.. After a few more minutes of waiting, my bf asked the other waiter about getting a table; he said we could be seated at the 6-person table that just opened up. We were seated at 8:35, and the waitress was clearly PISSED that we got a table. Even after being seated, we weren't actually waited upon for about 10 minutes. I have never felt so UNWELCOME in a restaurant EVER, like we were some major inconvenience.. I was ready to get up and leave because I felt so uncomfortable. Right as we were about to do so, the waiter (Paul, who seated us initially) finally came over. He apologized for the bad introduction and assured us it was a very abnormal night. From there the service was pretty good. Our appetizer (wilted kale and brussel sprouts salad) came out quickly, and our entrees (bison steak, cod pie) came out shortly after. Our drinks were continually refilled, along with the bread basket. We skipped dessert in the interest of time. The food was very good actually; it was just a shame to have the experience tainted by one waitress's poor attitude. She was clearly flustered the whole night and I could hear her muttering under her breath. Again, I felt very unwelcome and uncomfortable until Paul took care of us. Thanks for keeping your cool, Paul!! A well-deserved tip!
(3)Joe Q.
Disappointed; we were celebrating a nice quiet rainy evening. Only one of the four entries was acceptable and our server was always in a rush. Yet, this place has the right setting to be a "good" restaurant. We are not rushing back
(1)Barbara S.
Delicious find in Morristown. The kale & Brussels sprout warm salad was excellent. I needed to sop up the delicious cream sauce after enjoying the poached oysters in cream sauce. The coqauvin special had a deep rich sauce that was yummy! I highly recommend trying this place!
(5)Cherylyn D.
I came here with a group of 8 for dinner. I had heard great things. I was shocked that is was so tiny inside but they made our table as spacious as possible. The entire staff was very friendly and incredibly helpful and attentive. The menu is great. It Has the savory comfort food to the light. I got the Thai mussels and wild boar with pasta and was very happy with my choice. Our table also got the scallops (which were superb), the skirt steak, and the meatloaf. All of it was great. Everyone was very happy with our choices. The food is well worth the price! I would eat everything on their menu and recommend it to anyone. I think there is something for everyone on that menu! I also loved that it was BYOB.
(5)Chris L.
This small but elegant restaurant offers skillfully cooked interpretations of early American food in a quiet, nicely appointed room. A great choice for date night and BYO wine. But the pace was really slow, I think Washington himself would have dishonorably discharged a chef that made him wait this long for food! We visited the Washington Street Bistro on a quiet Monday evening. Brick walls are decorated with local artist work, all for sale. The tables are draped in white cloths, the floors are covered by oriential-style carpets and there are regular ceiling tiles so it was very calm and quiet. We started with a very small basket of an interesting, slightly sweet bread, maybe a batter bread? Plus butter. Oddly no bread plates, it just felt wrong to make a mess on the nice table but we got over that :) No alcohol here but they will sell you a Wild Bill soda, if that's your kind of thing. Pick your favorite protein! The menu offered beef, pork, bison, chicken, duck, cod, salmon, oysters and mussels. Alas, no lamb the night we visited. Plus one veggie option, a gluten-free pasta. Apparently the early Americans were big on bacon, and bacon appears in many of the selections, including desserts. A few unusual words on the menu required some explanation from our server, who was happy to clarify. The "collops of salmon" are chunks, basically. When it finally was brought out, beet salad was a very nice selection of orange and red beets served with bleu cheese on arugula, in a balsamic dressing, light and delicious. After another long wait the aforementioned collops arrived as a pot pie with a hugely puffy crust, stuffed with veg and fish, perfectly baked and very yummy. A filet mignon special was a nicely grilled piece of bouef on a bed of perfectly sliced and arranged garlic potatoes plus some spinach and bearnaise sauce, outstanding. A side of haricots vert plus mushrooms was excellent, a bit peppery, beans just right and not at all mushy. Dessert menu brought another word puzzle: Snippet pudding. If you guessed bread pudding, you get the General Washington award :) this is the dessert with bacon in it. But we had no room so had to pass on the snippets and the orange cake too. So yeah, very slow service from the kitchen was a big turn-off. If I'm out with 6 friends and a few bottles of wine then I'm fine with sitting a while without food, but on a weeknight, a nearly empty dining room, an obviously long-married couple dining, uh .. bring us dinner before the wife kills something, ok? Prices were very much in line for the classy setting, attentive service and interesting food, about 10 for an appy or salad plus another 15-25 for an entree.
(3)Kristi C.
Quaint spot for some tasty bistro fare. Wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The meatloaf was amazing as was the Cauliflower Leek Gratin. The daily soups were cream of wild mushroom and a puree of parsnip. Both were rich and delicious. It's BYOB so bring along your favorite libation.
(4)D K.
The Bistro is almost hidden - a small storefront - just off The Green, but once inside the wonderful experience begins. The restaurant is small and cozy, and the tidy table settings and attentive waitress - Kelly - suggest that the dining experience will be worth the trip. And indeed it was. The menu offered several unique entree options and our party of four ordered the cassoulet, meatloaf, and two salmons. Thumbs up from everyone, ditto desserts. All things considered, particularly being a BYOB, and quality of food and service, I would rate five stars for value. The Bistro is a small gem in downtown Morristown. Gotta' go.
(5)Barry W.
I was pleasantly surprised by this hard-to-find new rising star in Morristown. I'd heard quite a few people talk about it and haven't heard anything bad, which is unusual. Their menu is a very eclectic culinary mix and I don't think there's anything like it in town. I say it's hard to find because even though it has a storefront right on Washington Street (across from the Frog and below Nagano), they don't have much signage to attract your attention during a drive-by. That could be a good thing, though, since it might keep it a great local secret. It's small and quiet, but you're not on top of everyone else. It's got the kind of menu that upscale foodies would love, but it's still a casual and relaxed atmosphere. And it's a BYOB.
(5)Michael B.
This is not really a moderately priced restaurant; it's a bit more pricey than that, but they don't gouge you. Example, coffee at $2.00, a good deal. Bread; just baked and good. Now to the review; The menu seemed well thought out, and not run of the mill. The food was good, promptly served, hot when served, desserts excellent, waitress knowledgeable and experienced. One advantage, you can somewhat balance out the cost of a meal here by not having to overpay for liquor or wine; you bring your own. Nevertheless, meal for two, with one appetizer, one side dish, one coffee and one shared dessert, tax and 15% tip equals about $100. We would go back, as long as it was payday.
(4)Kimberly T.
Really enjoyed this place. It's a small place but it's a hidden gem in Morristown :) it's a plus that this place is BYOB. I ordered the duck confit orecchiette pasta - it was amazing! My boyfriend got the roasted chicken which was also good but no where near the duck! Service was excellent too - highly recommend if you are in the area.
(4)Pimp D.
Excellent but tiny bistro. Great lamb burgers. Good service. BYOB a huge plus. Great addition to Morristown.
(4)Lee S.
We finally got a chance to try this fine restaurant, and we're glad we did. I was also really glad to see that every table was full, because I'd like this place to stick around for a good long time. We opted for two entrées from the specials board and also enjoyed the cheese and fruit platter to start. In hindsight, we should have picked a different starter and ordered the cheese for dessert. I'm very familiar with Bobolink dairy, the purveyor of the cheese they serve, and know it is of exceptional quality, so it was quite a treat to savor the three selections offered that evening. I only wish that the three were a little more different from each other... perhaps one soft, one semi-soft, one hard... or more variance in flavor. They were all quite excellent, just the same. Wonderful ambiance, great service, and the added bonus of byo, so bring your favorite bottle and enjoy, along with this finely crafted food.
(4)Juliet B.
RARELY do I give 5 stars and never in Morristown would I expect to find such an establishment. Washington Street Bistro looks to our colonists to lend inspiration and creativity to modern day dishes that are perfectly executed. Back in the day George Washington would have been visiting Le Cirque. First I would like to address the 1-3 star people. 1.) the portion sizes are perfect. If you are looking to satisfy an abnormal appetite then I suggest a family style dinner at one of the 20 Italian restaurants in Motown. 2.) painfully slow? When I go to dinner - I go to dinner to savor the flavors and enjoy my company. I am not looking to be served one meal on top of another. It's such an American bad habit to gorge oneself in an hour and leave bloated with little conversation involved because of a constant stuffed mouth. However, I can sympathize with the lunch crowd. If it is longer than 45-50 minutes that could be problematic for people on a one our lunch break. Now for my review. When my husband and I arrived appx. 7:30 there were 2 other couples and a table of 4. I noticed there was a rather large table set for appx. 10 people. We waited a moment when a cheerful yet apologetic server came out to seat us. It turned out that she was the only waitress and I became a bit concerned,especially after seeing the potential of an office party taking her and the kitchens full attention After being seated we were given menus and our wine was opened (BYOB as most places in Motown). The party of 10 came in and I was beginning to think this is going to be a terrible experience. Our server, Lydia, came back and went through the specials and answered some questions that we had about the menu. There are some old English colonist terms that were pretty cool to learn about. We placed our appetizer and entrée orders and I asked Lydia to not place our entrée order until we had fully completed our appetizers. She graciously complied. For appetizers we had the mussels with coconut rum milk with a beautiful bouquet of ginger and Thai basil and undertones of sweetness from the coconut, a hint of garlic and spice (red chili I later learned). But I did find this Asian dish odd in a colonial based restaurant. My husband ordered onion soup that was very tasty with loads of caramelized onions. Our only negative was that the cheese appeared to be a store bought square slice dropped on top and not fully melted under a broiler. Once our appetizers were cleared we had time to digest - which is where some people might complain about length. But for my husband and I it was our opportunity to sip our wine have a nice conversation and take note of the various artistic pieces for sale in the restaurant. It was hardly painful. Next came our entrées. My husband had the Arctic Char (which is a landlocked cousin to salmon) served over a wild rice with a clementine, rosemary, thyme Beurre Blanc. The fish was prepared beautifully and the skin was crispy. The Beurre Blanc offered the perfect citrus and creaminess that finished the dish off. I had the Pork Shank. OMG it was amazing. Braised in what I can only describe as a liquid apple pie along with a side of cabbage that had also been simmered with this incredible juice. The perfect dish for a cold night. Now back to Lydia and my concern about service with the large party. I forgot about my initial concern. Never once did she miss a beat. Somehow she managed to make sure our wine glasses were full and when I asked for some more bread to soak up the yumminess I thought for sure she'd forget. Nope- she came out with the warmed bread right away. After she cleared our plates I asked to save the bone for our dog Gus. We learned Lydia had a mastiff that was in the same breed as mine. Her baby is Atticus. But I digress. Lydia gave us dessert menus and went along bustling tables. She came back shortly after to take our orders. We learned that they make a Crème Brûlée of the day. This day it was Limoncello. It was fabulous with just a hint of lemon. I also ordered their mulled cider. The fragrance exuded hints of apple, orange and lemon peel with a slight scent of fall spices. My suggestions to readers is to take a flask of rum to give it a shot and really elevate the drink. While finishing dinner we met Ray, who is the chef and owner (I assume). He explained that many of the flavors and spices we use today are from our forefathers travels from Europe and Africa through the various ports. This explained the mussels and coconut. Ray was very knowledgeable and cordial. We are looking forward to returning with friends to savor more of the flavors of Washington St. Bistro.
(5)Kevin K.
I've been to Washington Street Bistro twice - once as a part of two and most recently as a part of six. Both experiences were quite good. This space used to be a Cuban restaurant, which I was saddened to see go, but happy that something equally as good has arrived in it's place. On both of my visits, Paul was our server. Paul is very knowledgeable about the menu and quite attentive. He saw to our every need without being obtrusive in the small space. To start, I had the wilted kale and brussels sprouts salad with hazelnuts. As I said to my dining companions, I could be happy just eating a heaping bowl of that for my dinner. It was amazing! Well dressed and incredibly flavorful, this salad is a keeper. For my entree, I had the cassoulet, a specialty of the house. Never having had cassoulet, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was not disappointed. It was a cold and snowy night, and this dish was comfort food at it's best and really hit the spot. The food here is too good and at a great price point for it to be nearly empty most of the time. Check it out!
(4)Calvin H.
Very cozy restaurant with nice atmosphere. Came in for lunch with the fiancée; got the lamb burger and turkey burger with cranberry sauce. Prices very reasonable for the quality of food. Good for a relaxing lunch
(5)Daniel L.
Dined here 3 times in the past few months and each time it's been a 4 star experience. It's really a nice little gem tucked away off the green across from the Grand Cafe. Food is interesting. It's a generalized take on what our founding fathers might have enjoyed if they had the appliances of the 21st century. We've gotten everything from the duck to pork chops to cassoulet and meatloaf. Recommend the sippet pudding for dessert (bread pudding). BYO and parking is across the street. Prices are very reasonable, the only issue is the service is sometimes spotty.
(4)Keith S.
Excellent service and I really liked the menu options, which contained a few unique entries and appetizers. The food was very tasty, but not over done. BYOB is always a plus. Gouda grits = Awesome. The place is small and cozy, maybe a little too, seats/tables are very close together and tight along the walking paths of the staff. I wouldn't recommend for large parties but great for date night.
(4)Cheryl P.
Came on a Monday night. Small intimate setting. I was there for a business dinner so maybe should have selected a better place. The waitress was pleasant but kept sneezing, coughing and complaining of allergies. Not too appetizing. Grilled shrimp appetizer was spicy but good. Scallops were very good and flavorful. The flank steak was terrible. The sauce was goopy and too strong. Prices are fair.
(3)Michael P.
I often lament that there aren't any really good restaurants in our area. That changed on a sleepy Sunday evening. Came in with high hopes given the other reviews, and we weren't disappointed. The red snapper (catch of the day) with sea beans were excellent, and the seared sea scallops were perfectly prepared. Pleasant and attentive service. Will definitely go back.
(5)Brent W.
I would give Washington Street Bistro 3.5 stars. My wife and I knew it opened up about a month ago and went for dinner the other night. It's about a block away from the Morristown Green. The menu has a variety of meats including bison and duck along with some pasta and fish. We shared a poached oyster app special which was very tasty and reminded me of chowder without all the cream. My wife had the pan seared chicken and it was good, although it could have used some salt. I was adventurous and tried the codpie. Think of shephard's pie but with cod, and it was good except i hoped for some more texture. They offer sides like potatoes or vegetables but the entree portion was good. We'll come back and with a bottle of wine (BYOB). We grabbed some menus and the lunch menu sounds great! They have some of the dinner like entrees and a great looking list of burgers and sandwiches. If I worked in town, I would give this place a try. They can hold private events on Saturday and Sunday until 3pm and they also do catering. Lunch M-F 11-4, Dinner Sun-Th 4-9, F-Sat 4-10 #973-267-7425
(3)Jazzy N.
Wow!!! Just amazing! Was going to the John Fogerty concert at MAYO Arts center and was in a pinch to get some good grub and quick! Kelly was our server and she made it happen. OMG, the French onion soup was delish as well as the beet salad. For entrees we had salmon and scallops, both awesome. Will go again when I can have some time to savor the amazing dinner. Thank you Catherine and Kelly for the wonderful service! xox
(5)Noreen L.
I found The Washington St Bistro on Yelp & chose it because of all the good reviews. I was not disappointed. The atmosphere was charming. Very small place but very clean. Staff was very nice. I had the pork shank special which was served with cabbage in a sweet & sour sauce. It was excellent! My friends said their respective meals (halibut special & meatloaf from the menu) were also wonderful. We split the cauliflower and leeks with 3 cheeses side & wished we had more. We also split the sippet pudding dessert. Our bill was under $90 - an excellent value in my opinion! I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Matthew B.
Food was delicious. I liked the theme. Service was great, but it wasn't too crowded. Braised Berkshire Pork Shank was fall of the bone tender and had a great sauce. Bistro Cassoulet was even better. Snippet Bread Pudding dessert was the best dessert that I have had in a long time.
(4)Dana G.
Service was outstanding, food was delicious. We had the cheese plate, pumpkin soup (a special), orchiette pasta with duck, the Brussel sprout salad (outstanding), scallops and the pork chop. Everyone absolutely loved this quaint little byo! We will absolutely be back.
(5)Kris M.
Three-and-a-half stars for interesting, thoughtful food but painfully slow service. We were here for a slightly late dinner during the week, which could have been why we were one of only two tables in the dining room. The restaurant itself was small but cute, and would work well for a business meal or date night. The menu was far from vegetarian-friendly; nearly everything from appetizers to entrees was focused on some form of meat or seafood, and even my salad had bacon on it (the wilted kale and Brussels sprouts salad, which was served warm and was delicious). I also had the gluten-free pasta, since there wasn't a single other entree that featured vegetables; the walnut pesto was lovely, but the dish overall was something most of us could have assembled at home. He had one of the cold soups, which he enjoyed quite a lot, and the orecchiette with duck confit, which was tasty. The menu felt really heavy, so I'd recommend a visit in any season but the summer. The service though. While the other table left partway through our meal, it seemed like the waiter (a very polite, very young man) was also bussing tables and doing something else that kept him back in the kitchen for quite a while. We spent at least two hours in the restaurant, and it had been such a long meal that we didn't even want to glance at the dessert menu, just wanted to head home. Since we were very literally the only pair inside, we were mystified by the increasing lengths of time it took to get our meal, wait for our check, and go.
(3)John V.
A wonderful restaurant (easy to miss), the ambience is cozy and quiet (a little quiet background music would be nice). The food was really outstanding, menu options are diverse and the preparation and presentation were excellent. Service (Paul) was polite and knowledgeable. Starters included poached oysters, cheese plate (ok but then again it is a cheese plate) and baked artichoke. All were very tasty and well sized. Poached oysters were the best (get some rolls to sop up the sauce). The artichoke had great promise but not sure the artichoke itself was in the best shape (a little tough). For entrees we has the baked cod, skirt steak and the bouillabaisse. All the food was freshly prepared, hot and presented with care. The cod fish was very good, delicate and mild flavours, perhaps a bit "chunkier" fish pieces would give the dish a bit more texture. The skirt steak had an excellent flavour, if a tad over cooked. The bouillabaisse was fresh without being overly "fishy". We also had the beet salad and the wilted kale which was out of this world and worthy of an entree serving. We ordered a side of asparagus which were lovely small ones but honestly were a bit tough (probably just past the season). Deserts were unique and high quality. We order the lemon semi fredo which was smooth and flavorful and nicely held together. We also had the chèvre cheescake which was delightful and the cerem brûlée with rosemary which took what could be a cloyingly sweet desert (typically) and transformed it into a wonderful balanced desert. It is BYOB which we like, but you have to (of course) think ahead about appropriate wine pairings. We were there for four hours so we had a chance to look at the volume on a Friday night which seemed a bit light. Hopefully business stays strong so this little gem can continue to shine.
(4)Andrea N.
Wow! This place was really a find. My husband and I decided to have dinner here on Thursday night after walking by it many, many times over the last two years. The food was delicious. Our server Paul could not have been more friendly or helpful when it came to ordering from the menu. I ordered the stuffed chicken thigh and it was excellent. Really juicy and tender. Stuffed with spinach, shiitake mushrooms, and goat cheese over a very savory Israeli couscous. My husband had the halibut special with a grapefruit citrus sauce. The halibut was crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. The meal could not have been better. We started off with the mussels in a Rum and coconut milk sauce. The mussels were firm and they would burst with flavor in your mouth. I had the wilted kale and shredded brussel sprout salad. It was warm and very flavorful. The chef Ray came out and greeted each table. He was a pleasure to talk with and really knows what he is doing in the kitchen! Highly recommend this place. We will be back many more times.... Oh and did I mention it's BYOB!
(5)Ryan T.
A great little place. Food is quality and server was very attentive. I highly recommend and will definitely be back.
(4)Catherine S.
Although the place is a bit small the overall ambiance is fantastic. I ordered the special soup of the day a chilled tomato soup and it totally blew my top off!! It was fantastic! The wilted kale and brussell sprout salad was to die for and although my fish could have used a little bit more salt it was still very delicious. I highly recommend Jonathan as a server as he is very knowledgeable about the menu and daily specials and he makes great recommendations. Overall this was a great first experience and I look forward to going back and tasting the new summer menu.
(4)Christine F.
Saturday night , we were a group of 8 and had a fantastic experience ! Great service ( some of the other posts said it was slow - we did not experience that). Great food ( definitely try the Brussel sprout / kale salad ) My hubby had a perfectly cooked bison steak and I had a wonderfully prepared John Dory fish dish ( both were specials ) . Small restaurant , but they did not rush us. We would definitely return !
(4)Megan S.
The Bistro has a great ambiance and energy. They have clearly cultivated a staff that is professional and attentive. The food is well-prepared, classic bistro fare with really quality flavors. BYO is a plus - bring wine that will stand up to hearty and rich flavor. Definitely will return!
(4)Elisabeth A.
"American food" doesn't capture how singular the food, concept, and comfortable ambiance are at WSB. Chef Ray describes the food as "Colonial" -- a term that has a hazy meaning for most diners. Let me assure you, there is nothing hazy about the distinctive flavors one can enjoy from this menu. I had a velvety tomato soup with rich aromas of fennel and garlic. My main course was a succulent, thick lamb chop resting on a bed of savory white beans and tomato. The day was crisp so the richness of tastes were stimulating and comforting. I chose Bourbon-poached apple for dessert. Every "swoonful" made me pause and appreciate its many delightful flavors. Needless to say, my cup of coffee stood up to the rest of my delicious meal.
(5)A J.
Out to celebrate a birthday we chose the Washington St. Bistro, based on recommendations from friends. What a find in Morristown! We were seated immediately for our reservation and provided with menu's. We were also asked if we'd like the champagne, which we brought, opened and poured - we did. So far so good. Additional glasses were brought to the table for the wine we brought along. It was a birthday celebration, so libations were in order. Water magically appeared, as it should. The menu offers a variety of American inspired bistro offerings. Between the 5 of us we ordered 3 appetizers (two were the same), a couple of salads and 5 entrees (two of which were the same). For appetizers: the mussels were well prepared with a nice broth to sop up with provided bread. The cheese plate, offered as a special appetizer, had a variety of very good cheeses, breads and fresh fruits - my only complaint here is that the cheeses weren't described on the menu or by our server when delivered. I guess I could have asked what the cheeses were. Both salads were well prepared with light dressing - I'm not a swim in dressing type of person. All of the entrees were outstanding!. We had the evening's special pork chop done "Jerk" style. It was well seasoned, cooked perfectly without being overpowered by spice. The birthday guy chose the Maple Glazed Pork Chop, nicely done and surprisingly moist, with to die for gouda grits. Two of us had the Orecchiette with Duck Confit - a rich but not too rich pasta with perfectly cooked duck and roasted squash swimming in duck jus - that didn't have a speck of grease, not sure how they did that. It was amazing! Just a small warning, the squash makes the dish on the sweeter side, so if that's not to your taste move onto something else. The last of us had the Bistro Cassoulet, which I didn't sample so I can't speak personally about it, but he seemed to really enjoy as did the others who tried it. We couldn't decide on what to order for dessert of the 4 offerings, so we ordered them all to share. All of them were good and the standouts for me were the creme brulee and the chocolate cake. Service was attentive, personable and readily available. Our food was delivered hot, to the right person and almost at the same time. It was good enough to leave what for us is a generous tip (over 20%). The restaurant is charmingly set up in a very small space, with enough privacy from other diners. The exposed brick wall and oriental rug make it feel like an American Bistro and some eclectic art bring it squarely into the 21st century. We'll be back.
(4)Ping P.
Pleasant room that gets so loud you have to shout to be heard across the table. Competent if painfully slow service. Mediocre food: cassoulet baked in a ramekin until it's way too dry, overcooked bouillabaisse served barely tepid, oysters that were too strong yesterday, ... Do not have sippet pudding for dessert. It's awful.
(2)Rob S.
I wish I had time to write a detailed informative review. The wife and I have been here 3 times now. Each time has been fantastic. It's apparent that Ray loves to cook. This is a new treasure in Morristown. Go find out why for yourself. Bring your favorite craft beer or wine and Ray will help you pair it.
(5)Terese G.
One of the best meals I've had in the area, and definitely the best value. (Soup to nuts, $200 for four. WOW!) After viewing the menu online, I wasn't expecting the place to have the high-end feel we encountered when we walked in. While I enjoy eating in finer restaurants as much as the next person, I'm really not a duck/venison/bison person, and so I'm usually limited to one choice off the menu. Not the case here! I can't wait to go back and try one of the several other dishes that interested me! I had trouble deciding between the appetizer special, a terrine, and the kale salad to start, but went with the kale at our server Paul's recommendation. It was a good choice - it had so many interesting things going on! And while there were at least four entrees calling my name, I then chose the cassoulet because that tends to be quite challenging at home. It didn't disappoint. For dessert I had to have my chocolate. The flourless chocolate cake hit the spot. Other featured dishes at our table were the asparagus soup, the scallops and the ginger creme brûlée. All were spot on. The service was as good as any we've had in any top spot, and Paul was ridiculously knowledgeable about the menu. I almost hesitated to post the review, in fear that we might book ourselves out of our chances of getting a table next time (the place is quite small). But we're looking forward to returning soon!
(5)David B.
We had the Apple Butternut Squash soup and the Kale and Brussel sprout salad with warm hazelnut maple vinaigrette. Both were very good but the soup was chilled and the salad was warm. An unexpected combination but delicious. We had the Bistro Cassoulet and Orichettte both with Duck Confit. Again both we're very tasty. The Cassoulet had a nice hot spice to it. The Orichette was very good too....not too hot or spicy. The BYO is always a plus. Service was very good. Nice and quiet atmosphere. Will definitely go back.
(4)Dan C.
A very nice restaurant, and a bit of a well-kept secret in town. Nice atmosphere, and excellent service (thanks Paul!). My wife and I had terrific dinners -- I had the duck from the regular menu, and my wife had a humongous and very tasty pork chop from among that evening's specials. Highly recommended, and we'll be returning!
(5)Deborah T.
What a wonderful find ! Fabulous food , nice atmosphere , wonderful knowledgable service and a BYOB ! There is a hint of French food : cassoulet, cheese board etc. that I loved. Will definitely go back again . Chef came out and introduced himself , very personable. All in all very nice experience.
(4)Hank M.
I really wanted to love this place. A casual, high-end BYO. What's not to love? Well, the experience was mixed. Some dishes, like my bouillabaisse, the kale and bean soup, and the mussels, were very good to great. But, my wife's chop was overcooked and tough and was sent back. The orecchiette with duck confit was just OK. Our waiter was a really nice guy. But, service was slow and we had to ask for everything all night - water, more bread, an ice bucket, and on and on. The overall verdict was that we will definitely go back, but this visit didn't wow us. But, there was enough potential to try one more time.
(3)Athena W.
This place is a must-go in Morristown. The service is excellent and the #1 thing to order is the Wilted Kale salad. It's a lovely blend that includes bacon (can't go wrong with that!), hazelnut vinegrette and yes, the real hazelnut!
(4)Susan S.
My husband, whose office is nearby, raves about this place. I have now been there twice for lunch and I agree. It is outstanding. Their menu is extensive, interesting, and modestly priced. I had a homemade lentil burger each time. First with potato wedges, next time with brined cole slaw( no mayo). Everything was fresh and well prepared with just the right amount of spice. Although we live an hour away, we will return to try dinner. It will be worth the trip.
(5)Gail B.
Morristown gem. Excellent service. Tastefully prepated food. Try the brussel sprouts side dish. Even veggie haters will love it. Best kept secret in Morristown.
(4)Daniel L.
The complete package. Creative menu. FRESH good food. friendly, knowledgable waiter, reasonable prices. We had a great meal last night. I had the scallops appetizer and the orecchiette w/ duck confit. Unique and delicious, and a big portion! My wife had the french onion soup and the maple glazed pork chop, a nice big hunk of meat perfectly cooked. We split the brussel sprout kale salad, which is a warm salad. . So, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, a salad and desert, and it was like $80 before tip. Very reasonable in my book. Other people have mentioned the waiter Paul and yes, he was there and a good guy. This place is a keeper. We'll be back.
(5)Meghan B.
We tried again and service was much better this time around and food was great.
(4)Thomas S.
Nice space, nice atmosphere. Polite and courteous waiter. Good menu. No wine by the glass, bottles only, so not a good place if you travel for work or are single, and like a glass of wine. I ordered a special, glazed flank steak which was fair. I think there are better options in Morristown.
(2)Gary C.
Had lunch there twice. First time, good food, good service, good value. Second time, slow kitchen, burnt burger and burnt fries. Ordered soft drink, never arrived. Okay, that can happen, but how does a kitchen send out a burger and sweet potato fries that are literally black on the outside? And if the kitchen somehow is oblivious, shouldn't the server catch it?
(2)Robert S.
Solid bistro style food in a pleasant atmosphere. Morristown has needed a place like this for some time! Try the wilted kale & Brussels sprouts salad, not light with its bacon lardons but utterly delicious! Coq au vin special was of Julia Child quality, traditional style deep braised flavors with a base of homemade noodles. Yummy! Had "Sippet" for dessert which was a light bread pudding with a creme Anglaise sauce. An excellent finish, coffee is great too. BYOB
(4)Pierre S.
Was there for late dinner on Valentines Day. The venue is small and intimate. They serve sophisticated comfort food, prepared perfectly. We started with poached oysters and kale, brussels sprout, bacon salad. My bbq skirt steak was flavorful and cooked as ordered. My wife's lamb special was cooked perfectly and flavorful. We could not resist desert and shared the sippet (bread) pudding with maple anglaise. They should invest in an espresso machine but the regular coffee is better than average. Service was great too. Can't wait to go back
(5)Christine L.
Cozy little place with big flavor. The perfect combination of ingredients make you think, "I am coming back real soon!" The prime rib was on special and perfect, as well as the smashed potatoes, both in texture and flavor. The creme brûlée was not cold like it is in most places - only time I had it somewhat warm was Paris - yum!!! In addition, great artwork to look at and great service. If you want wine - they have a delivery menu from Cambridge Cellars.
(5)John H.
Great atmosphere, excellent service. Classic American food, Mussels in porter beer, Brussel Sprout Hash, Pan-seared chicken, all excellent. Highly recommended.
(5)