Open City at the National Cathedral

The food and location is absolutely wonderful, but the service is terrible and the place is dirty. The tables have food spilled all over. No one cleans or organizes the tables and when you ask the staff for something like ketchup the answer you get is, “I don’t know, sometimes we have and sometimes we don’t.” Then they never bring it. The place could use new management and better service.

Great co-working spot or place to grab a coffee and a bite. Didn't have food but everything coming out looked and smelled amazing

Cute decorations
Good coffee
Packed but very nice
Super fast coffee

I’ve had two disappointing experiences at this restaurant. The first time, I found a piece of plastic in my food, and now on my second visit, I discovered a long hair in my meal. Unfortunately, this seems to be a recurring issue, which raises serious concerns about cleanliness and food safety.

What’s more troubling is that the manager didn’t appear to take the situation seriously. The first time, only part of my order was refunded, and this time, I had to insist on a full refund and chose not to eat there. Based on these repeated incidents and the lack of accountability, I do not feel that this place maintains proper sanitary standards.

Open City at the National Cathedral is a funky, charming spot for breakfast, lunch, dessert or coffee. Located in the same parking lot of the Cathedral, parking can be a bit tricky with reserved spots all over the place. The parking garage is close-by and easy to use. The service at Open City is very friendly and fast. The menu gives options for any diet and for just wanting a small bite to being hungry for an entire meal. Our party had the chicken salad croissants (which were huge) that were served with house chips and the poke bowls. We were a hungry group, but none of us were able to clean our plates because there was so much food! Next time, we're going in for dessert and coffee!

I love Open City at the Cathedral so much and feel like it is a truly special place. The atmostphere, chai's and staff are awesome. I am a regular, and I try to patronize it even when I'm feeling poor, because I want it to thrive. However, lately I've noticed a decline in the food quality. I ordered a BLT subbing a side caesar for the chips (extra $3), and the quality was pretty dismal. Most of the romaine along the rib was brown/pink and seemed pretty inedible. And there were zero croutons in my serving. The BLT was made sloppily and the ingredients were not spread out throughout the sandwich. I only had maybe 2 bites that contained tomato. For a lunch that costs almost $18 before service fee and taxes, I was pretty disappointed by my meal, which is just a bummer when you decide to spend money to have someone else cook for you.

Been coming here for almost a year now. The coffee is good, but it is really the service that sets this place apart. The barista with curly hair and a dangly earring is the BEST. The manager really knows what he is doing here. Ownership is lucky to have them. What a great community spot!

Vibes, food, and service are all 10/10. Love the pastries, sandwiches, lattes…it’s all good. If I lived in DC, I’d probably come every day. Hard to top the picturesque setting inside a former greenhouse surrounded by the soaring stone heights of the cathedral and the verdant grounds of the close.

Hello Open City:
20th April, Sunday.
Happy Easter to employees and management.

I was there with my family a little while ago. Glad I took my receipt when they offered me after the payment. It gave me an unpleasant surprise. Before I explain my unpleasant surprise, allow me to tell you about a verb and its meaning.

'Defraud' - Obtain money from someone by deception!

And that's exactly how I feel when I look at the payment receipt after coming back home. When you have an inbuilt line item 10% Service Fee (mandatory to pay as shown in the attached picture) then the Cashier should inform the guest that 10% Service Fee has already been charged before you show them three options of Tip on the payment screen with 18% Tip as the lowest option which I opted for. So in total you charged me 28% TIP plus SERVICE FEE when I thought that I was paying 18% - not a very good feeling when I didn't pay 28% willingly.

The leaves will not wither
Water in sanctuary
Rejoice the thirst-quench

This coffee shop feels that you are in haven. Do not leave without see the garden.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

What a fun & beautiful discovery!

Atmosphere: 5

Spend beautiful Sunday afternoon with sunlights, matcha latte, cathedral building and gardens. Worker was super nice but he had 410 customers seem have long day he was still super friendly and nice. Just thought it would be nice to have some more workers on nice weeekend. ?? matcha latte was pretty good. They also have decaffeinated coffees.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

If you want to enjoy a delicious cappuccino or a splendid mocha coffee, accompanied by a soft croissant and at the same time enjoy a beautiful and cozy place, this is the best place to be, if you come to visit the cathedral coming here is a mandatory step , don't you miss it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice treat for the walk to the cathedral

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4