Bistro 1521

Bistro 1521 has a comfortable atmosphere for small groups, dining as a couple or even dining by yourself. The server we had was very attentive, friendly and knowledgeable regarding the menu. She checked up on us frequently but not too much. The drink selection is very interesting. I tried a couple of the house specialties and WOW, were they ever tasty, and definitely not weak. The fresh spring roll was very clean tasting and the fried spring rolls had a fantastic flavor as well. The barbeque chicken was probably the best chicken I have had, it was very moist and the sauce has a wonderful sweet note to it. The vegetable noodle bowl (vegetarian) that I ordered was really good but it was so much food I couldn't finish it. (Not complaining). My favorite item on the menu is the purple yam cheesecake. It has a very unique flavor and the perfect creamy texture. If you eat here you must try it. Vegetarian options: There is a very small "Vegetarian" section on the menu and only one item was actually vegetarian. I'm sure some items can be tweaked to make them veg friendly.

The food here is really really good. Unfortunately, the amazing food is overshadowed by its disorganized staff. Everytime we ordered drinks, they were made fast but ended up sitting at the bar. We could see them but our waiter wouldn't come to pick them up until they were warm. We also asked for extra plates and rice which didn't come until my dad went to track down our server. It is a shame to have such great food and neglectful service. When I went there they showcased an artist and his work. I loved how they show a sense of community and culture through food and art. Once the wait staff is organized, this would be an amazing establishment.

I've eaten here several times. The fresh lumpia didn't have sweet potatoes mixed in and veggies were undercooked when we tried it one time. The second time it was served cold. Pancit was good but underseasoned/bland. The pinakbet was just ok. Ginataang Langka had squash and green beans mixed into it....so it wasn't really ginataang Langka which was disappointing. You could get the real thing in an ordinary Filipino store. The ukoy was good but better if made with smaller shrimp. Sinigang was ok. Cassava cake was delicious. Kare Kare good but pricey. We once ordered Escabeche but the waitress didn't tell us we could choose which fish to order( it was based on market price) so she gave us something pricey and full of spines/bones. It's a decent place to eat with good seating and some things on the menu are good. But we were turned off by our waitress ...we felt hustled.

Masarap! I would have posted more pictures of my food before devouring it; but the classy presentation and the amazing taste-left me no choice! I killed it! Organic Barbecue Chicken for me and Inihaw for my Asawa. Three hours later, I can still taste the greatness! For Dessert- Halo Halo; We were left satisfied! The best flan I have ever tasted! Our Server Joyce was amazing! Two thumbs up! She made us feel like we were really at home! You feel compelled to tip well; What can i say--you get what you pay for. Great Service! You know me; No rating is complete without rating the bathroom. I was pleased; It had all the fixings and it smelled clean too! A great restaurant and clean bathrooms equals 5 stars in my book! This restaurant is top notch from the time I entered until the the time I left. Take your family, take your friends; this is the spot! Not to mention: Easy access to parking. Thank you for the great experience!

If you want to eat sisig this is the place you want to be. The food is a little expensive though but it's worth it. We ordered ihaw -ihaw flatter, good for 4-5 people with extra rice, with 2 order of sisig and you're good. We enjoyed the everything. Service is great. The location is very near DC. Parking is not a problem just pay $2 located at the same building. I attached their menu so check it out.

Food was good and staff was really friendly. Large space with some loud groups but at least everyone was having fun. Prices are moderate and portions are generous.

Decided to check this place out after the eater DC piece, and I will definitely be going back! We started off with a spring-roll like appetizer which was great - lightly fried, super crispy, very delicious! We then got a vegetarian noodle dish and the chicken adobo. We would definitely order both again. The ume ice cream was the star, very savory and not too sweet, and the cocktails were also great.

You can now place pickup/delivery orders directly from their website! Super convenient as I ordered on their website the other day. This beats calling as the reception is always poor or walking in and waiting. I'm always on the go so this new addition is awesome. Such a really great place. It's a nice blend of modern fine dining and a casual sit down restaurant. It's at a great location in Ballston and perfect walking distance from corporate offices, apartment residents, and metro goers. At night the restaurant is dimly lit which gives it a nice warm atmosphere. The workers are very nice and are always ready to help out. I ordered the organic chicken bbq gluten free and the chicken was perfect. Perfectly skewered with the charcoal lines and their special sauce gave it a some what sweet taste to it. It was also a bit sour with the pickled papaya side. So delicious. I only wished they would provide a little bit more rice and 1 more stick of chicken for the price. Otherwise everything was perfect. I highly recommend this place. Next time I'm looking forward to trying other dishes on their menu.