Marie Louise Bistro

I love classic french cuisine so trying this local bistro in historic Mount Vernon was definitely on the list. We made reservations using Resy (which is a bonus for AMEX holders who are eligible for statement credits). We parked on the street in front of the restaurant which is available after 6pm. We were seated immediately. There are two bars, which is convenient if that suits you. We sat upstairs which is a cozy area. Our server was also the bartender and I must say there was no break or delay in service. Everything was excellent. We started with bread service, which is not complimentary but is inexpensive. For the appetizer we ordered Escargot, which is my favorite so I am a hard critic. When it arrived I didn’t think I was going to like it because it was not served tradition, in the shell, and there was no garlic butter. Instead it was served on crostinis in a beautiful mushroom demi glaze. It was delicious! As entrees we had the Steak Frites and Duck Confit. Cooked to perfection! For dessert, we took the mousse and cheesecake to go and again, delicious. We will be returning very soon. I highly recommend.

- Nicole Brickus -

I’m a regular here; it’s been a favorite for several years now. When you go, don’t order stupid stuff like salad. You can eat salad at home, c’mon now. Get the escargot, the steak frites, the crab cake sandwich, whatever fish they’re serving, or the salmon. Have the tiramisu for dessert. Eat something yummy. Go at 5p on a random weekday, and get the steamed mussels in white wine, with French fries and their fresh bread and butter. Don’t skip the glass of Chardonnay. You deserve.

- Amber Lee -

The space is adorable and charming, we went on a Saturday afternoon and there was no wait to be seated. Our table ordered the charcuterie board, escargot and Maryland crab soup. The charcuterie was a nice selection, of what... I only have educated guesses. Brie, blue, perhaps a manchego...with three meat selections. Usually, the selections are on the menu or a brief explanation when the food is brought out. I have to say when everything came out, there was not a word said. Nothing at all, just plopped the food down and walked off as if afraid to speak. It felt like a very common theme throughout the restaurant. No one spoke and if they did it was timid and quiet. Escargot was the biggest disappointment. The mushrooms completely dominated the flavor, it was earthy on top of earthy. The texture was so flat and near mush, we each took two bites and were done. It didn't taste 'bad', but the mushroom overwhelmed it completely. The crab soup was really nice, a full flavor building in the bowl with a serious crab punch. It was a delicate, unexpected change from the usual crab bisque. Definitely the winner of the meal. The setting and the soup were the standouts, making the only special notes of the experience. The rest of everything was...adequate. Nothing terrible, but nothing to draw me back again.

- Angela Baron -

3+. The food was good, ambiance pleasant, attentive service. The food could have been a little better. My duck salad was good. My husband had the duck confit which needed a sweet glaze maybe. My son and I had bison burgers which were good, the frites super dry brown and crispy. The servers were great and helpful. We all liked dessert 4 stars in dessert. Overall it was good - it would have to be better to go again though. We had mussels for appetizer, they were small and pleasant but not flavored as much as I’m used to. No bread slices with the mussels which is very nice to have toasted crusty bread to dip in mussel broth as I have had elsewhere.

- Monique Sarkessian Fine Artist -

I love coming here. It’s always a nice little spot to sit and have a good meal. The food is great and the owner, Marie, is really sweet. I was introduced to this place by some of my friends who happen to be close friends of the owner and I’m always really pleased every time I come. They are doing outside seating right now with heaters at night and it’s still a nice little cozy setting in Mt. Vernon. Really recommend

- Ken Kolbe -

The good was great. Service was great. And the drinks were great! We stopped in for dinner before an event and we're quite pleased with our choice.

- J. -