Brasserie Les Halles Closes

After 15 years, Brasserie Les Halles has closed its doors, effective today. The restaurant reached the end of its lease at 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, and is biding DC au revoir.

“While this is a sad occasion, it is a natural progression, as our lease is over,” said owner Philippe Lajaunie in a release. “I don’t have the words to express my gratitude to the many friends we have in Washington, from our loyal customers, to the mayor, the City Council and staffers who have been tremendous neighbors. I hope we will still have the chance to see many of these people in New York City.”

Lajaunie gathered a group of friends and media last night for what few knew would be the restaurant's last supper. I'm sorry to have missed that chance to say goodbye.

Les Halles was the host of the popular Bastille Day waiter's race and one of the city's top Beaujolais Nouveau parties — this year's was scheduled for Wednesday night but is now canceled.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Something doesn't add up. You don't close THIS abruptly, especially when you have an advertised party on Thursday that would bring in significant $$, plus inauguration coming up. If it was a business decision, you close AFTER inauguration week, not weeks before.
11/18/2008 11:42 AM
Anonymous said…
Any word of what will be replacing Les Halles...or is it all too soon?

Btw, I think its a great location but not much is lost. Bistro D'Oc right up the street is much better. Now if they closed I would be weeping in my french onion soup.
11/18/2008 12:45 PM
Anonymous said…
Very sad but also a bit strange on the timing...
11/18/2008 4:38 PM
Anonymous said…
Thanks for spreading the word.

We've noted the closing over at Capital Spice and updated our list of Beaujolais Nouveau events accordingly.

I agree that the timing seems a bit strange in light of the annual release party.
11/18/2008 4:48 PM
monkeyrotica said…
Someone claiming to be a former Les Halles employee has some interesting comments. Doesn't seem like the lease was the only issue at Les Halles.
11/19/2008 9:14 AM
Anonymous said…
it must have been a very abrupt closure, we had a guest call in a panic because she was supposed to have a party of 20 there on saturday night.
11/20/2008 1:03 PM
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