"We love the very European-looking patio at Bureau de Poste—it’s set on a terrain of jagged bricks in a residential part of Hyde Park, shaded by small trees and canopies with climbing vines. If the rest of this French restaurant took after this patio, you’d probably find us hanging out at the bar on any given night, swirling a glass of wine over a plate of moules frites. But that bar overlooks a small grocery store that Bureau de Poste shares its space with. And while the concept sounds cute (and maybe a bit Parisian?), the reality is a confusing experience that pairs upscale bistro prices with a casual setting and some very underwhelming food. Head here when the weather is nice to enjoy a glass of wine on their patio, then go somewhere else for dinner. photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel Food Rundown photo credit: Richard Casteel Escargot The preparation is pretty classic—six large snails set in an indented ceramic escargot plate filled with butter and broiled until they’re bubbling. But all that butter without enough salt to bring out much flavor ends up just tasting like wasted potential. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Steak Frites The crust is great, but the inside reminds us of steak that was sous vided or slow-cooked for too long and lost all its texture. Unless you’re just trying to get 14 oz. of protein, skip this. photo credit: Richard Casteel Duck Leg Cassoulet The duck confit is tender and falls off the bone with the soft tug of a fork. We just wish it had a little more salt—a sentiment we felt about most of the dishes here." - Nicolai McCrary
