Long awaited and aptly named Tru Orleans, a Cajun themed restaurant and bar located at 400 H St NE, opened to trumpets and fanfare this past weekend.
Let’s talk presentation. There’s a nice dining patio on the first floor. Venturing inside yields lots of small tables, a long bar, and lots of New Orleans art (mostly ornate Mardi Gras masks) covering the inside walls. However, modern art fans, rumor has it local artist Joel Church is currently embroiled in negotiations to show a piece of his own. Stay tuned!
The upstairs roofdeck is the real gem, however, with fancy, French Quarter-styled metal railing and nice hardwood floors, promising to be quite the warm weather destination. DC Style Is Real wonders what they’ll do for winters, but we’re sure the management has a trick or two up its sleeve.
The drink menu is solid, rife with varieties of Hurricanes, Juleps and Sazeracs, along with a very tasty Dark and Stormy (this writer’s favorite drink). Fret not, non-liquor connoisseurs, there’s a good selection of wine, beer, and bubbles to wet your whistle.
The food is impressive as well. Tru Orleans offers authentic New Orleans-style cuisine. The jambalaya gets some pretty rave early reviews, and the tilapia looked spectacular. Personally I would have preferred a little more spice in the red beans and rice, (where’s the pizzazz??) but I’m sure they’ll work out some of the kinks as they expand their menu later this month.
Also worth noting – the place was surprisingly packed for a Monday, so reservations are highly recommended.
Overall, Tru Orleans provides a great dining experience and is hopefully a harbinger of things to come for the mostly neglected western end of H Street NE.
Recommended!
Written by Joel Church.
DC Style Is Real 
methinks this neesd a picture of the place all finished and pretty
I agree. Real life photos (from readers) requested!