There are lots of menu options here, or you can just go with the mussels. The calamari appetizer was excellent, perfectly grilled with a very flavorful sauce reduction. We had a tasty beet salad which could have had a few more greens. We ordered two pots of mussels, the shroom and chorizo, and both potato and sweet potato fries. The chorizo flavor was almost a bit too powerful for the mussels even though offered a full balanced flavor. Great if you love chorizo. I much preferred the shroom sauce. The beer menu is equally tempting, many choices, all excellent, and also cider and wine. The menu only has the beers in bottles. Check the board for the draft beers. You may have to ask for bread for soaking up the sauces. There's a plain baguette and a multigrain - both have good flavor and a crunchy crust. Ask for a booth if you want to have a conversation. The restaurant is very popular and the room can get loud.

Heather was our server and pointed out what was gluten free, however the food was cross contaminated and was definitely not gluten free. I became VIOLENTLY ill from eating what was claimed to gluten free mussels.
If you have serious food allergies like me, stay away from this place.

Do not expect sophistication in style or decor, but do expect good value in an informal ambiance. I had the mussels in ham and mushroom sauce - absolutely delicious and with wonderful bread, my wife had the lobster roll and she loved it. Plenty of parking nearby.

The foodie-mecca, Bethesda, has a great addition with Mussel Bar. Unique ambiance, soft and inviting, Mussel Bar confidently strays away from the cookie cutter menu. Offering an amazing assortment of imported beer and specialty house cocktails, there is something that is sure to satisfy both those who are adventurous and those who stick to their safe drinks. They perfect the art of simplistic cooking and run with it. I've been here for brunch, dinner, and late night and have been satisfied time after time. If the menu gets you in the door then the service will make you come back again. Polite, knowledgeable and human the staff at Mussel curb the stereotypical interview style dining out experience. They have a open kitchen that is spotless and that carries all throughout the restaurant. If you're looking for a place to unwind, relax and fill up on something delicious -stop here, you will not be disappointed.