Open City at the National Cathedral

As much as I want to like this place, it seems kind of dilapidated.
It has a vintage or distressed look, but also seems kind of dirty.
The restrooms are never clean when we visit and the floors around the cafe always have some kind of litter.
The staff are also somewhat passive aggressive & seem annoyed to take an order.
It has so much potential, if only they’d take the time to clean up and improve customer service.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Small but really sweet cafe, tried their cafe au lait and plain croissants. Both were delicious.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Great breakfast and right next to the National Cathedral. Order at counter, but delivered to table.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 3

Good overall. Limited gluten free and vegan options. The cafe is beautiful and worth staying.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

I always want the cafe to be better than it is. It’s cute and atmospheric, and the service is really quite speedy. Without fail, though, my experience at the Open City cafe at the National Cathedral is lackluster. I’ve received chalky matcha lattes, smoothie bowls that were melted by the time I stepped outside, and wilted side salads. The only thing I’ve ever consistently enjoyed was their egg and cheese biscuit, but even that fluctuates in its quality day to day.

My partner loves the lattes here, but as someone who doesn’t drink coffee, I don’t find many reasons to come back other than delusional hope that this next time will be better.

Disappointing experience overall. The service was slow and lackluster, with staff that came across as unfriendly and uninterested. The food didn’t make up for it either — below average in both quality and taste, and definitely overpriced for what you get. The chicken, in particular, was awful — strange texture, poorly cooked, and they even forgot to include it in the order at first. When I asked for it, they seemed irritated rather than apologetic. Wouldn’t recommend unless major improvements are made.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

I am disappointed to have to write this review, but I feel my experience warrants it. I took a look at the menus in front of the cash register and ordered a drink. The total came to an amount that was more than what was listed. I asked why - turns out the prices were being raised. I asked to please have the price indicated on the menu honored. It was a 50 cent difference, but on principle, I wanted to receive the price listed right in front of me, which I don’t feel was unreasonable. They refused to give it to me and insisted I pay the new (undisclosed as of yet) higher price - the drink was already made, I had my cash in hand, and walked away so they lost the sale. I do not have an issue with their 10% service fee or with raising prices. What I do take issue with is having menus in plain sight with incorrect pricing - and them proceeding not to honor those prices. They lost the sale and they lost me as a customer.

Service: 1

In town seeing some stuff. I love history. Very cool place. Goo food. Clean, neat. I had the bacon egg and cheese croissant. FANTASTIC my girl got the Avo Toast. Definitely tasty.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Really good coffee and atmosphere but the smoothie bowl was bad- too liquid and barely any toppings

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Excellent! Fast breakfast would definitely come back

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

An antique-looking cafe right next to the Washington National Cathedral is a great place to visit. You can choose to sit indoor or outdoor. It was gorgeous to look at the cathedral and the sky while I was enjoying the food and chai there. There are different types of coffee on the menu as well. Great place to go for a weekend brunch or just enjoy a sunny afternoon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Open City at the National Cathedral, World 271 Countries Flags, Mr. Rungsun Klinkaeo

Love it here! The ambiance is adorable (there’s a stained glass window with garden herbs, a skylight, and it’s right next to the Bishop’s Garden), and food is wonderful. The egg and cheese biscuit is somehow rich, buttery, light, and fluffy all at the same time. The parfait is my other go-to. Additionally, their herbal iced tea is excellent. It’s refreshing, but not too strong.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best coffee!!!

Adorable spot with great cafe atmosphere. Great food, pleasant staff. Afterwards, go for a walk in the Bishop’s garden if the weather permits.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5