Last Updated: April 2025
Overview:
To enter La Chaumière is to be transported to a different world and different time. With big wood beams and an open fireplace (weather appropriate) in the center of the long hall, it invokes a spell to draw forth the French countryside. With old-school waiters in ties and black vests and classic French dishes, it evokes a D.C. of a half-century gone.
The dishes are classic, and in some case appear to be unchanged from the original. Boudin blanc, tripe, venison all hold down places on the menu. Thinking of going light with a simple salmon filet, try it encased in buttery, flakey dough. The classic frisee salad has a bit more vinegar punch with pork chunks that are not crisped to a different color. The desserts are a parade of tradition: three choices of souffle, chocolate mouse, apple tart and more.
The service sweeps through the room in a constant procession through the packed-in tables. A limited and somewhat routine wine list with a mix of mostly French and some California choices. There is a small bar, but the room is built to eat at proper tables.
Ownership recently changed hands, the second time since opening in the 70s. The new owner made it clear that nothing would change, and that has proven true… in a good way. As Phyllis Richman wrote in 1988, “La Chaumiere is just the place to go for a first date that has good prospects of being a lifetime relationship. It’s likely to stay around long enough to welcome you back for plenty of anniversaries.” La Chaumière reliably occupies a space, more than a mere niche, and does it well. For cute dates (maybe not with a vegan) or an evening with grandes dames it is worth walking back in time and out of the city’s bustle.
Other Guidance: located at street level. It does not require a coat and tie, but it does feel like you want to dress up just a little. Classic French means you can work around some issues, but there is a lot of gluten and meat on the menu.
Summary:
Cuisine: French
Neighborhood: Georgetown
Address: 2813 M St NW, Washington DC
Website: http://www.lachaumieredc.com/
Reservations: Opentable
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: 1977; Richman in 1988; Tom’s blurb in 2011 (full review doesn’t load).
Washingtonian: #82 on 2009 Top 100 (and presumably some more not online). Also plugged as a great restaurant week choice.