OpenCity
2331 Calvert Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-332-2331
Metro: Red Line/Woodley
Face it, we live in a world of multitasking. Sometimes this
runs over into our social activities as well. Maybe you need
a place that is laid back and casual but gives you yummy, gourmet
food that won’t empty your wallet but hey maybe you also want
a cocktail and a nice dessert afterwards. Oh and outdoor seating
might be nice too. Part coffeehouse, part diner, part bar, OpenCity
has something for everyone.
Let’s start from the top and work our way down. If you are
a coffee connoisseur and want a change from your daily does of
Starbucks, OpenCity is known for its unique coffee options. Baristas
here are trained, and we mean hardcore, in the art of a good
cup of joe.
Watch out for the pastry case at the entrance, the most discipline
eater won’t be able to resist. That comes later.
Breakfast is served here all day. Cornmeal Buttermilk pancakes
and Chai Tea Waffles are as sinful as they sound and if you can’t
make up your mind get the OpenCity Royale for a sampling of just
about everything they offer for breakfast.
When you need something heartier to fill your grumbling stomach
one must check out the staples like the cheese burgers. Sure
you can go with the standard American or Cheddar but now might
be the time to expand when your cheese choices include blue,
Gruyere, smoked, Gouda or feta. Then there is their selection
of pizza made in a stone oven complete with homemade dough and
sauces. The quirky names of OpenCity’s pizzas conjure up fantasies
of food gone astray…like the Breath Mint or the White Shadow.
Of course you can get fancy with the entrée selections. A pan
seared Tilapia with corn salsa was light and refreshing or the
BBQ Ribs which are cooked precisely the way the way they should
be…dry rubbed and slow roasted. Quench your thirst with a refreshing
micro brew from the pretty marble bar and finally last but not
least-roam over to that pastry case we mentioned earlier.
-laura lee carlson (07/18/08)
|