Mussel Bar in Bethesda

This will be my first blog post about a place in my neighboring state of Maryland! Superking and I went on a little drive to DC for some breakfast cupcakes and then after a short stroll down a couple streets and in a couple shops, we took another drive into Bethesda, Maryland. We were in search of a new culinary adventure at a place called the Mussel Bar.

The Mussel Bar is a rustic yet chic Belgian-themed restaurant that strives to offer fresh, local, and sustainable foods to their customers. Obviously their specialty is mussels, of which they offer several different preparations, but they also have delicious salads, sandwiches, and pizzas.

Superking, of course went for their mussels.  The Stout mussels to be exact. They come served in this large steaming pan swimming in a delectable soup consisting of stout beer, cream, smokey pancetta, and shallots. On the side, an order of crisp salty fries with a side of mayonnaise, which is very Belgian apparently.

I ordered one of their wood-fired tartes, which is a Belgian pizza.  It was a thin crispy bread topped with melted gruyere cheese, wild savory mushrooms,  bacon, arugula, and truffle essence. I'm not exactly sure what "truffle essence" is but this little pizza was absolutely enchanting and aromatic.

The atmosphere was cozy, the service was friendly, and the food was charmingly delicious. I can't wait to go back!

the lone mussel

mussel soup