Forget the tacky, bottom-of-a-condo-complex façade, it’s only a trick. Inside, Bleu Bistro is a sort of Arabia-meets-Alice-in-Wonderland (meets quirky capital hill) – and a most decidedly worthwhile eatery.

Now, don’t get me wrong: It is odd. And that’s not likely to escape your notice anyway, as a dollish mannequin is the first thing you will (quite literally) run into. The entryway is awkward at best, but the smells and sounds of good nosh reassuringly beckon.

And they have food for days. In fact, I thought the waitress had absentmindedly handed me her entire stack of menus. No, wrong again – just for two. It’s a lengthy read largely due to its highly detailed descriptions of drinks and food (read: recipes included). The food is honest but twisty enough to stay interesting. A whole page-and-a-half is dedicated to ‘social food’ – an assortment of shareable platters – ranging from fruits to french fries.  For entrees, a mouth-watering vegan BLT easily makes the cut, as does a kicky wasabi grilled cheese. Everything comes with more dipping/dripping sauces than one knows quite what to do with; but I’m not complaining.

In the habit of its neighborhood, Bleu offers mixed drinks with a bit of cheek, and plenty of them.  And it’s likely the only place on the block with three – three – separate happy hours: each with cheapie drink deals, one with nibbles. Sit at the bar for promptest service, or better yet, ask for a booth: these, and a smattering of bistro tables, stray haphazardly all over the tiny space; harem-ish curtains emphatically surround a good half.  A miniscule loft, accessible only by thin spiral staircase, requires the use of a phone to order and is served by a sliding tray.

Be impressive and take someone here. They’ll marvel at your knack for adventitious swank.

Why we’d go back: The coolest tiny loft you could ever hope to eat in and a menu that reads like a novella. Food is amply portioned and although not cheap, per say, it’s quality and rather delicious – with lots of veg options you actually want to eat. The people are nice, too.