3.5 stars 4 for the brunch. Reasonable prices for pretty good food that gives new twists on the old brunch standards: fried green tomato eggs benedict, cornflake encrusted monte cristo sandwich with maple dipping sauce, old bay on the rim of your bloody mary, cheese grits. GREAT outdoor seating on the sidewalk patio. Plenty of eye candy and a good opportunities for fun people watching (think logan circle rich home owners trying to look hipster poor, and logan circle renters on $30k salaries trying to look rich in calvin klein and prada knock offs) But the lines can be line for brunch, the downstairs is a pit on weekend nights, and the bar upstairs attracts a seen- and be-seen crowd. I guess if that's your idea of fun, you'd give this place 5 stars. Moral of the story, go for brunch, get their just before 11 when they open to avoid the lines an hour later, enjoy! read more

New menu is amazing!! Order the ginger chicken sliders are probably the best new item on the menu. Went on a Tuesday and the bartenders were laid back and funny. Caleb will make sure you order a great drink and Emily helped decide what food to order. Will be coming back for sure read more

Awesome neighborhood bar. Two floors, cool, very well done theme, great beer selection. Upstairs is chill, downstairs will typically be more crowded and livelier music. Place does get crowded on some nights. I've never eaten here, but supposedly they have pretty good food. read more

Holy crap! I'm reading others' reviews. They serve food here? Why didn't someone tell me? All I know is the bar above and below. Great laid back atmosphere to meet strangers who aren't so strange by the time the night ends. Something about Saint Ex makes everyone friendly. read more

This review is for brunch. I came here with a large group, that chose this place for their mimosa deal (buy one, get additional mimosas for $1 each. The menu is mostly heavier southern food with very few vegetarian options. I had the grains bowl, which is not a grains bowl at all, but a leafy salad. It was all salad (with many wilted leaves) and few pieces of quinoa or barley, which the menu says it is primarily made of. This was very disappointing as I was expecting a heavier meal, as was a friend who ordered the same. However, the dressing was good and the little raisins in it were quite tasty. We also had the bottomless bacon, which is a nice touch, but it was just okay, and we had to order three as it's one per two people. For those at the table who got the more brunchy options, I'm not sure how their food was, but no one was raving about it (and it was a table full of foodies). I think it's safe to say this place is better known for its nightlife and bar scene, and there are many other options for a delicious brunch nearby. read more

I love this place. I have only been 2 or 3 times bu every time it's been great. I love the specialty cocktails they make - they are made from real fresh ingredients and there is always a "manly" cocktail in the list not just a bunch of cosmo style drinks. I have to say that every time I have gone I have sat on the patio so I cant say anything about the atmosphere inside. But the sidewalk seating is very nice ad there have always been interesting or eclectice people sitting around me. The food is also excellent, the quality of the meat is excellent and the sides have been tasty as well... read more

Terrible! Terrible! Terrible! I've been here at happy hour and the food was alright and the drinks mediocre as well. I just went there cause I heard the music is good at night. First the line is long and you have 20 year old girls whining about people cutting line and complaining about the line. The worst part of it all is the obnoxious bouncer who has no awareness about the situation and let's random people in as he pleases. Secondly he laid hos hands on some people which is not cool at all. I understand that his job is to keep some sort of order but this bar is not the best nightclub in Vegas. He needs to get off hos high horse or get fired. We left even though we we got into the "basement" bar. Not worth it at all! read more

I have had brunch here on numerous occasions when I used to live in DC, and enjoyed myself (esp the fried-green-tomato-BLT). But on a recent visit to DC, I ended up here for dinner (on 2/12). Service was lovely, my fish (rockfish) entree tasted good, although portions were not huge. So although it was more than I'd usually spend for dinner, I was happy. Until around 12.30am, when I woke up and had explosive diarrhea. I know you didn't need to know that. But it was definitely food poisoning, and happened almost exactly 3 hours after my Saint Ex meal (which came after a day when I'd skipped lunch and had cereal for breakfast, so it could not have been something I ate earlier in the day). So, not going back. Not after you gave me food poisoning!! Luckily, I was fine the next day, which was good because I had a helluva lotta work to do. read more

Solid brunch. I order the fried green tomato BLT and my boyfriend ordered the eggs, bacon, and creamy grits. Licked the plates clean.

went there for dinner last night again. chef seaver has apparently left, but he left behind his wood grill. my tuna was unfortunately tasteless and burnt. they really have to go easy with that wood grill. there are other ways to cook. the BLT there is amazing, though. for 9 bucks, with fries, it is one of the best deals in town. good selection of beer on tap too. and their three-course menu deal ($28 before 7, $32 after) makes this feel like a real neighborhood restaurant. sea salt on salad is not bizarre. it's pretty standard, and doesn't wilt the leaves as much as regular salt. hi elaine! read more

I don't know what happened to St Ex, but there must be new owners. The menu, food and drink were awful. Chicken potstickers were frozen, hummus platter was serviceable, the drinks (and old fashioned and a martini) were undrinkable. Tasted like the shaker wasn't rinsed properly and an old fashioned over two cups of ice is...not it. The menu had nothing interesting (a chicken sandwich and a ribeye? Chicken wings and fries) There's nothing redeeming about what's happening here now-complete waste of money and amid a once great neighborhood place. read more

Let's just say we didn't eat or drink there and I'm still giving it a 1 star. My husband and I walked in on a Tuesday around 7 for a table outside. The hostess asked if we were going to eat dinner. We said probably just an appetizer or something light. She said outside tables were only for dinner customers (half of the tables outside were empty). Okay, so we asked if we could sit inside at a table near the door. Those tables were for dinner guests as well. She told us we could sit downstairs or at the bar. We said thanks, but no thanks. read more

Saint-Ex has been an good well rounded eats. It has the brunch, lunch and dinner. It has sort of an electric menu that should satisfy anyone in the party. Although the lunch is basically an abridge version of the dinner menu. The cocktails are an interesting mix. I tried the Up on the night I was there. in the Air Dinner time the lighting can be a little dark for those that are eye challenged. The comfy bar like interior isn't so noisy and I like the high top tables. Service is good but can be a bit slow depending upon how crowded it is. If you aren't in too much of hurry then it should be fine. Dinner should be a casual affair. Everyone is always in a rush these days anyway. I've never ventured downstairs so can't tell you much about it other than lots of umps, umps, umps... read more

We didn't try the food, but the drinks were cheap and strong, and the comedy show was pretty cool. Definitely worth another visit.

you're sweaty, overcrowded, and it takes way too dang long to get a drink. and i would love to experience your basement dance party, but there was a long line to get to that. i'm impatient at a certain hour so it wasn't gonna happen. xoxo, a. read more

umm...where do i begin? regular dive bar, with two floors....AND you have to wait to go downstairs because the basement has flooded over CAPACITY... bouncer holds you back and makes you WAIT IN LINE. get the hell outta here. No wait, and whoa, it gets better.... TOP 40's music!!!!! *claps* I need my own personal dancing space and I couldn't even get that.... so..... yeah......NO THANKS. but oh...did i mention that it's a dive bar with at least no cover? yeah....well. ... this is not my type of setting. yeah...i'll opt in next time to come during the day time instead to try out their FOOD. read more

Great place for lunch, brunch, dinner or just drinks. The food is consistently good. Good selection of beer (DT on tap).

i had been to st-ex a while back, but really only to visit the "club" downstairs which really is more of a very crowded basement stuffed with too many post-grads. this time though, i was able to sit down an enjoy a meal. i was a bit surprised at the prices attached to the dishes, but i guess with it situated on the hottest restaurant blocks in dc they can charge whatever they want. but beyond that, i was also surprised at the quality of the food. i ended up ordering the prix-fixe menu since i was eying the wagyu sirloin which was already $25, figured adding an app an dessert for another $11 seemed to make sense. so i added the roasted beet salad with feta cheese on a bed of greens. i've always been a fan of beets and it's generally not difficult to ruin them, so i was sufficiently pleased. the steak was actually very delicious, though wagyu is must better served as a ribeye, or with a cut with substantially more fat than a sirloin. the only downside was the over salted potatoes that came with. dessert was a chocolate fudge brownie that was moist on the inside with just a bit of fudge oozing out. with a nice belgian triple next to me, it was a very satisfying meal. may not be entirely worth the costs, but fair. though i'd probably never end up downstairs again, i wouldn't mind returning for another meal. read more

Basement bar happy hour 2 dollars off on drafts. Good dj, and lots of space.

I have never eaten here, however this place is a really fun spot for a night out on the town with some friends! The downstairs basement can get rowdy and is a great place that is loud, with awesome music! It can get pretty crowded but is a really fun spot to dance and hang with friends. By no means is it a calm place to have a conversations nor would I bring a date here however, if you are trying to get down and dirty this is the spot to come! They have a good number of beers they offer. They don't have any craft cocktails but their cocktails are good none the less. There isn't much seating offered in the basement so be prepared to stand. I would love to come back to this place during the day time and try it out when all the night dwellers aren't out on the town. read more

Seriously. The basement on a Saturday night is like taking a time machine back to frat parties in college. It is packed, sweaty, grinding, and annoying. While the main level was a lot more relaxed, I could not take the people downstairs. read more

Hotter than hell, impossibly crowded, one of the best dance spots in the city. Be patient cause it's worth the long wait for entrance to the downstairs. Pick a night when the DJs playin your jam - whether it's Latin, '90s, or everything in between - and you won't be disappointed. It's been suggested (by me) to wear something waterproof, or ready for the wash, cause it's bound to be covered in a beverage (yours or others') by the end of a great night. read more

Reviewing the night life -- I've never gone for food. Strange choice in music (both times I've been, it's been early 00s hip-hop), really crowded, takes awhile to get a drink, minimal access to bathrooms. Kind of has the frat party basement vibe, but with girls who are now a bit older/snootier and think it's okay to do things like cut four people in line for the bathroom because her "friend's already in there." Unless you get a table upstairs, it's unlikely that you'll be able to have a real conversation with anybody you came with. The location is pretty good, though, so it's alright if you're completely at a loss for where to spend your Friday/Saturday and need a starting point, but I'd never stay for longer than a drink or two. read more

I went here for brunch and had bottomless mimosas and the pork belly. The pork was a little fatty, but overall I was happy with the dish and even HAPPIER with the unlimited mimosas -hehe. The waiting staff continuously re-filled my glass and I never had to ask. Unfortunately, this place doesn't take reservations, so I suggest getting there as early as possible if you have a big party. I came with one other person during the middle of the brunch rush and we were seated immediately outside, but this is probably only happens for smaller parties. Thumbs up for Saint-Ex Brunch! read more

Visited Cafe Saint-Ex the other day for lunch and enjoyed a crab cake sandwich on their outdoor patio. The atmosphere was super relaxed and I really appreciated the large umbrella that covered our table. Both my dining partner and I ordered the crab cake sandwich. The sandwich was solid for a bar however, my side salad was pretty awful. The salad was just lettuce and nothing else, covered in vinegar with very little (if any oil.) All in all, decent food and friendly service. Definitely a solid place to sit outside and enjoy a meal in the warmer months. read more

Overpriced food, nothing worth coming back for. Have had better food, specifically the eggs Benedict at run of the mill diners. In addition the waiter and bartender refused to serve alcohol despite being of legal age, servers are extremely wary of tristate area ID. read more

I'd go here for the ambiance alone. Just there an hour ago for brunch. Small portions for not a terribly high price, but not low enough to justify the small plates. Presentation not up to expectations either. In short, to dine here is not what should motivate your visit. Go for the atmosphere. I recently spent a year in Paris, and this is the only place I've been in DC that is reminiscent of the typical cafe in that great city. If it were possible I would spend my whole day here, chatting and reading over an espresso. Alas, it's not that kind of place, or if it is, it's not so on the weekend, when people are primarily there to eat. Lastly, the service. This was excellent. Respectful and prompt without being pushy. I give Saint-Ex four stars instead of five because the dining merits a three, bringing down the overall value. But four is still a reason to go there. read more

Brunch here was yummy and well-priced, and the setting is great--loved sitting outside with old friends with no rush to finish eating. However (and this is a big however), I believe their hollandaise sauce was no good. An hour or so after eating there -- and I had not eaten anything else all day -- I was in severe gastrointestinal distress. It was very unpleasant. That said, I've been back and just avoided the obvious food-safety issues (hollandaise, mayonnaise, etc.), and the meal + setting were delightful. read more

They should change the name to Cafe St Excellence. Wonderful food, cool vibe and pleasant staff, They have the only bouncer I have ever tipped, he was just a cool guy, plus he didn't beat the crap out of us for our stupid jokes. If you are formal or uptight about schedules and where you sit - don't go. If you can relax - enjoy! read more

Avoid entirely. Having lived in the neighborhood well before St Ex arrived, I was pretty excited about it, 15 years ago. It's gone massively downhill in the last 5-ish years, with rude staff, sub par food, and bad service. Last night was the last straw for me though. The door man just flat out didn't let me in. I was standing out front for a bit texting, then decided to head in to wait for a friend. As I hand my ID, first he says "We're closed", then "It's too crowded", "You're not allowed", "You're too drunk". What? None of those were true, it was 12:30, no one was going in, and I only had 2 drinks at this point. What a joke. Just avoid this place and let it succumb to the gentrification of 14th and become an Olive Garden. read more

I'm trying not to look at other reviews but I can't help but notice Laura C.'s commentary on the honey-infused goat cheese cake at the 2008-era Cafe Saint Ex. My husband and I were die-hard fans of Saint-Ex circa 2005 and 2006. we lived on 13th and T. i was pregnant and had my first kid during that time and we would walk to Saint Ex for dinner and brunch frequently There were even several kids and babies there in the evenings for dinner. my husband became obsessed with the goat cheese cake. he still talks about it to this day, and i think it may be the only dish from any restaurant that he remembers and still talks about, ever. The goatcheesecake was good as hell. But the hamburger was even better. I used to describe that hamburger as the best burger i'd ever had. Then things changed. We left in DC 2006 and came back in 2009. all i could thikn about was that burger. we finally visted at around 9:00 on a friday night. There were alot of people there and it was really loud. there were hardly any waiters. I got a burger and it was thin, dry, and overcooked. i did'nt finish it. and they didn't have the cheescake. i think i saw tears well up in my husband's eyes. we were crushed. I went again during the day a few months ago for lunch (because nothing else was open) and had some musssels. They were just ok. I am so very sad about the demise of Saint Ex. but i'm about to start rambling about the demise of U street as I used to love it, way, way, way before Saint Ex existed, so be warned. Saint-Ex is one of those pre-gentrification wonders that was actually the only ominous sign of gentrification in the area in the early 2000's. There really wasn't anything else quite like Saint Ex at the time, meaning that there was nothing that anyone could go and have "brunch" at, except for Polly's (no comment). All of the other stuff that makes me nauseated now (even though I envy it as a resident of southeast) wasn't even thought of then. i'm speaking of the Starbucks, the 100 other bars and restuarants that are there now, sala thai, that big mexican place alero, the ellington apt bulding, all those lofts and crap, marvins, busboys, - none of that existed pre-2000. Back then there was only 24-7, McDonald's, KFC, El Paraiso (it's been there forever), Cafe Nema, Republic Gardens, Bar Nun (where I met my husband, currently called "Pur" I believe), Dukem, and Coppis. If you want to go back into the 90's, there was State of the Union and Kaffa House and the street was kind of dark and dreary. Black Cat was always there (is it still there?). You could buy a house for less than $100,000. I had an apartment on 13th and Clifton in the Castle Manor/Highview and paid $500.00 in rent in 1999. In 2000, I had a two bedroom for around $800.00. And the corner store are Neimiah shopping center had the best fried chicken ever! When Saint Ex opened up and people started coming, it was novel. Even the chef was complaining that there were too many bridge and tunnel folks (from VA) visiting the place and making it seem all trendy and like it was trying too be cool something, and apparently he didn't want that. But he couldn't stop the gentri-virus from taking over. Soon wave of post-urban pioneers swept through the area. (The old wave were the hardcore crack-house gutting type that could live without a coffee shop wihtin walking distance.). Then, even the post-urban pioneers were cleaned out when all of those lofts and other 20-somthing friendly places opened up, and U street became one huge coffeeshop/bar/lounge/restaurant. I now literally don't know where one ends and where the others begin and things are constantly chanigng hands. read more

I really liked this place and I want to give it a higher review but its just really expensive. Good spot for a date, sunday brunch, or a night out with friends. Great vibe and beer selection, just be prepared to drop a lot of cash. read more

One of the best places for brunch. Every time I go here, I get the eggs Benedict and it does not disappoint! However, you will have to choose between their mimosas and bloody Mary's, both which are delicious. read more

Fun bar! Great beer selection, very friendly and diverse crowd, and in close proximity to the metro. Even when packed, easy to get a drink. The downstairs area reminded me a little of the Guards' basement in youthful sloppiness, but is that necessarily a bad thing? Worth a stop on a Friday night. read more

Went for lunch on a weekday and there was plenty of room (it's a small place and I've seen it on a weekend night when it was packed). The lunch menu was short and easy to decide- the burger was very good and the homemade fries were delicious. It has a full bar with nice choices in beer, wine and liquor. At $7 a draft beer, I thought it was a little steep but what the hell. The decor is very cool with a vintage kind of antique look to the place from the 20's or 30's with tin tile ceilings, lots of wood, etc. For a burger and beer my bill was $22 before tip. I would go back again. read more

I had the steamed tofu dumplings and not only was it a tiny serving size (five small dumplings with barely any filling), it was undercooked and caused me to have a stomachache later on in the evening. The service was friendly but super slow; we had to wait over 10 min to get the waiter's attention to get the check, then another 10 min for her to pick it up. The restaurant wasn't even that busy at that hour. read more

Hit up St Ex on Saturday night with a group of friends. Enjoyed the music in the basement! If you're looking for something different than typical g'town bars check this place out. Good mix of people and stiff cocktails. i'll definitely be back! read more

Exceptional food and beer, but the service and attitude of the restaurant management and staff hurts the experience every time.

This is my absolute favorite restaurant in DC, hands down. The menu changes regularly and it is always excellent. Fish is the best (regardless how it is prepared), though steak is a close second - and the hamburger with sweet potato fries is a nice fallback option. Desserts are also great - the pastry chef is very creative. We live half a block from the place and probably eat here at least twice a month. You won't be disappointed. Just make sure your whole party is there - otherwise they won't seat you and will be very insistent about that. read more

Every time I go here I get good service, cocktails, and food. The fist time I went here for dinner our waitress was helpful with suggestions. The pork entree was especially delicious, but the dessert was dry and almost not edible. The second time I came here the bartender was friendly and gave me a drink sample even though it was really busy. I got a fried green tomato BLT and it made me happy. This place is great whether you want a fancy cocktail or just a beer. read more