NYC Parisian Bistro ‘Pastis’ Opens in Union Market

UPDATE: Pastis opens for dinner service on January 25 with lunch and brunch to follow. Hours of operation: Sunday – Wednesday, 5pm to 10pm, Thursday – Saturday, 5pm to 11pm. 

In New York City, it’s one of the most popular spots to snag a reservation. But now DC diners won’t have to trek to Manhattan to “see and be scene” at Stephen Starr and Keith McNally’s Pastis.

Pastis DC, the third incarnation of the famed NYC spot, is opening in January after that of Miami’s art-filled Wynwood district. The DC location will occupy a former warehouse at 1323 4th St. NE, and will feature 250 seats, an outdoor dining space, and more.

In addition to Pastis’ classic French fare favorites with a modern and unexpected twist, like Escargots and Bouillabaisse, Pastis DC’s menu will also feature new dishes available only in the capital city, including tender poached Beef Tongue served with crispy veal and potatoes, and a classic Wiener Schnitzel, a homey staple of breaded veal served simply with Persian cucumbers and potato salad.

As for the look, the DC bistro will sport the same curved red banquettes, white subway tile, mismatched chairs, tin ceilings, and other whimsical touches for which Pastis is renowned.

“Part of Pastis’s charm in New York was that it stood out from its gritty, industrial backdrop; it was a warm and unforgettably welcoming place to see and be seen,” says Stephen Starr, founder and CEO of STARR Restaurants. “It’s no mistake that Pastis in DC is also situated in a former warehouse, in Washington’s Union Market. I know that like the original, it’s going to be a destination restaurant with an escapist feel as well as a place neighbors will want to spend each and every night.”

Pastis opens for dinner service on January 25, 2024 with lunch and brunch to follow. Hours of operation: Sunday – Wednesday, 5 to 10pm, Thursday – Saturday, 5 to 11pm.