The famed bread bar at Le Diplomate is visible upon entry. | Tierney Plumb/Eater DC Now entering its thirteenth year, perennially packed Le Diplomate – a go-to place to impress friends in town – doesn’t need a lot of introduction. East Coast restaurant magnate Stephen Starr’s first- born D.C. baby, lovingly nicknamed “Le Dip,” got many siblings over the years (Osteria Mozza, Pastis, and the Occidental, to name a few). But his corner brasserie that started it all continues to uphold the bar on attentive service and solid French fare. What to order The double-patty burger “Américain” remains one of D.C.’s best. Spiked with toothpicks flying French and U.S. flags, the all-day riff on a Big Mac showcases a special sauce on an airy sesame bun ($29). Should you wish, the server will gladly split said entree with your plus one, and each partitioned plate promises a large heap of fancy, McDonald’s-style pommes frites.  A gooey Gruyere omelet – available any time of the day – spotlights Saunder’s Farm eggs from Maryland ($19). Dramatic seafood towers are a splurge at $125 and up, but the same raw bar contributes to a great (cooked) shrimp salad with avocado ($29). Take note Glance up to notice the patinated ceiling (made to resemble ash remnants from Parisian chain smokers), with vintage Tour de France bikes and jerseys framing the wooden bar.  The interior feels more full lately, which may be because its pandemic-era streatery was recently disassembled out front. And during peak hours, its awkwardly placed bathrooms near food-runner traffic can create backup (though walls of racy French magazine ads help pass the time in line). Insider tip The star of the room is the dramatic display of loaves made fresh daily at Starr’s Union Market bakery. Don’t be afraid to ask for seconds of those bread baskets. Slices also hold up well in to-go boxes.  ...read more read less