Open City
2331 Calvert Street, NWWashington, 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, Open City 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, Open City 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 Open City 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 Open City’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)