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Categories: Vegetarian, Fast Food [Edit]
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan
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Fries and falafel with a mega sandwich-toppings bar!
Walking down 18th Street we spotted this hot spot with patrons spilling out of the patio onto the stoop next door, eating fries out of white paper cones and enjoying every morsel of their stuffed sandwiches. Definitely looked like the place to eat on a Saturday afternoon. We lined up inside to order and next to the register found a fresh-looking buffet with a ton of choices to top off your falafel sandwich from Jerusalem salad to pickled beets. I put a combo of spicy sauce, sweet purple cabbage and some kind of cucumber and onion mix on our sandwich. The topping station was pretty intense and you didn't have much time to think, but the sandwich was great and probably would be with any of the toppings.
Multiple visits - each one interesting. Sometimes it is empty - sometimes so crowded I eat outside. I get the regular falafel, but this might not be the best idea, as it is hard to fit the toppings all the way down without ripping the pita. Next time - Im trying the small. I want my toppings evenly distributed. So the latest involved a visit with guess who - its Hyunoo! - who proceeds to refill his toppings half way through the falafel (health code violation...)
One time one of the flafels wasnt cooked at all. Very squishy and cold. I might have to try Old City Cafe if that ever happens again.
Sorry yelpers, I dissed y'all after the Saki event to figure out whether I would buy into the hype around Amsterdam Falafelshop.
I bought it all right.
Now as a disclaimer, I don't really know a proper thing about falafels. I've heard something about chickpeas, something something vegetarian, and sometimes they smell like dirty underarms... but when it comes to things like which toppings to use, what the multicolored toppings actually are, something about crushing balls, and how you're supposed to eat a falafel... I know nothing about that stuff. So I approached the toppings bar with ignorance and an open mind and started just piling the stuff on.
"I think this is hummus."
"What is this? beets?"
"I think this is some kind of hot sauce."
"Cucumbers! Green vegetables sound good."
"Yogurt sauce?"
Once my pita pocket could be filled no more, I was good to go. We sat down at a table, watched the crazy party people with their neon green and purple 80slicious coats and ate our way through some cheap deliciousness. I made mine a little too spicy, but in a good way because it tasted good while burning my tongue, instead of just burning my tongue.
Many a times, what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. But sometimes the popular does get it right. Deep thoughts by Olivia.
So hubby and I weren't that hungry. It was 10:30 at night. We were tired from all the fun stuff in DC and it was raining outside. BUT I figured when the heck am I ever going to be in DC again? So we dragged our butts out of the hotel room, grabbed and hooded jacket and made the trek to this heaven.
It's small. The large can feed two people. The fries are amazingly crispy. The toppings are so good. My favorite were hummus, this stewed tomatoe thing, garlic mayo, tzatziki, picked cucumbers, and I loved the fries with this peanut sauce.
You don't get any utensils, so i would suggest making multiple trips back to the condiment bar and fill up those little cups with what you want. I regret not eating here more than once during our stay in DC.
OVERALL: 4.6
FOOD (Quality): 5
FOOD (Quantity): 5 (If anything, TOO generous)
SERVICE: 4
AMBIANCE: 4
VALUE: 5
This falafel is no joke....$10 (tax included) gets you:
- a 'regular' (re:ginormous) freshly toasted pita (white/wheat) crammed with piping hot falafel+self-serve condiment bar (check their website for full listing)
-fresh fries (try the peanut sauce)
-soda
CASH ONLY!!!
This was pretty good falafel. Moist and crumbly interior with a crispy exterior. It may be a recipe thing, but I prefer my falafel to be vibrant green (from being freshly ground) on the inside. It lends a certain flavor/texture that gives birth to dreams and hope... however, this place is still good.
I like the idea of having toppings served in salad bar format. Load up on cucumber sauce, hummus, fatoush-esque veggies to your heart's content! Said salad bar is an excellent vector for spreading diseases. It's like getting an extra treat in your pita!
Also, the place is small. So it's relatively easy to sidle up next to people you saw at 9:30 club the same night and strike up conversations. Wwooooo!
Was looking for a place to eat in the DC area that was good, quick, and cheap. Amsterdam Falafelshop fulfills all three of those requirements.
It's located right in the heart of the Adams Morgan Neighborhood. So it seems to be a converted row-house or something as do most of the venues in that area. This leads to a fairly small and cramped dining area that is probably best described as "cozy". It adds to the ambiance of the place though. It just feels friendly.
They basically serve two things: falafels and frites (AKA fries). They also serve fountain pop and I believe they also had some sort of dessert/brownie on their menu but I was there for the falafel and fries.
I got the regular falafel and regular fries (all for $10.49) and it is a crap-ton of food. The regular falafel comes with 5 balls (while the small comes with 3) on either a white or whole wheat pita and you get to pack it full of fillings from the condiment bar.
NOTE: Be sure to follow their instructions on how to pack the pita. I tried to get all the condiments to the bottom of the pita, but was not quite successful in doing so. I imagine that is only a technique that can be mastered through practice (translation: I'll be back).
The condiment bar comes with plenty of options. Their website has a full listing. Definitely some of the better falafel I have had.
The fries were pretty standard. Nothing to write home about (though next time, I will probably just get the small, the regular size is a pretty generous portion for only 1 person who already has a regular falafel to eat). Like in Amsterdam, you can get mayo to dip your fries in. They also offer a peanut sauce and of course, Ketchup.
It's a great place to eat. I imagine the place to be packed after the bars close.
As already stated, I'll definitely be back the next time I am in the area.
I went here recently after a yelp event and I was starving because there really hadn't been much food there. I wanted something quick, different, and cheap. This met all those needs and more. I don't know what a falafel is, nor did I care that night. I'm with everyone else, great price, great concept (topping bar), but a bit annoying with the no plates, overly stuffed sandwich, and the seating is cramped. If you go plan on eating quickly and getting the hell out. That said, I would go back.
Oh, deliciousness that is Amsterdam Falafel--why can't you be a little healthier?
I guess when you pile on healthy toppings you make it a bit better for yourself, but I can't help but eat far too many fries.
It's geared towards the drunken people stumbling along 18th, but it's also totally good when you're sober (which I do not think could be said for its rival, Jumbo Slice).
Anyone who has only had plain falafel needs to come here--it's the many toppings that make the difference. The oh-so-yummy difference.
Cramped & delicious. Amsterdam is a casual little joint in Adams Morgan where you walk up and order your food and then add whatever toppings you choose to it. Seating is very limited and is it's a popular place..it might be best to getting falafel to go. And to add some ridiculousness..they take Euros for some reason.
So many reviews, so since I was sort of in the area, I trekked over to sample the wares.
Totally vegeterian, so I sort of felt proud of myself (even tho it's fried, and I just came from the empanada place down the street...)
Hot fresh falafel just out of the frier in a nice warm wheat pita. $6.25 - not too shabby.
The real clincher are all of the toppings you can choose from: hummus and pickled veggies and garlic sauce and tabouli and on and on. Tons of amazing toppings (I am seriously not doing justice to the variety of goodies you can put on your pita).
I am totally a fan. Will get back there when I'm in the area. Hope to see something like this out here in SoCal!
In terms of the taste, I would give this place 5 stars. It is delicious.
BUT! I found their system to be a joke:
"To reduce trash on the planet, we do not use spoons, forks or plates" (From their website)
No offense, but this is bull$!@%.
For instance, the fries come wrapped in wax paper, aluminum foil, and a paper cup. They encourage you to put the toppings into plastic cups the size of a bottle cap (which merely requires you to use a ton of them). Not only did I have to use about 10 of these tiny plastic cups, but because there were no plates, I ended up using about 10 times the amount of napkins I would have normally used. You either have to hold your falafel in your hands the entire meal or put a layer of napkins down on the table. If they had just served my falafel and fries on one single plate, I would have produced MUCH less trash.
They put out this dazzling assortment of toppings, then make it is hard as possible to enjoy them. First, the area is cramped and you feel pressured not to take too much or too long. They put out items like hot peppers and pickles that don't fit in the falafel pita and don't fit in the plastic cups. I ignored the strange glares and put a bunch in a napkin to take back to my table.
If their true motive was to help the environment, they certainly would not use their current system. Pretending to be environmentally conscious, when you are actually just trying to save yourself money at the inconvienence of customers....NOT COOL. Pretending to be environemtnally conscious, when your system actually leaves a larger footprint.....BULL$#%@.
As I said, the food was delicious, but after paying $10 for falafel on top of the annoyances described above, I will probably be exploring the area for another option.
The food was really really good. I loved the eggplant!!!! Super yummy. I read the reviews and I am always skeptical because my taste usually differs from the masses. My husband and I ordered the combo and then another regular falafel. He ordered white and I ordered whole wheat pita, and the only reason that I knocked off a star was because the guy taking my order asked me which one went with the combo (same size pitas) and I told him it didn't really matter. He gave me attitude and told me he needed to know for inventory. Um, okay. That was the only major flaw aside from lollygaggers at the topping bar- which I can overlook. The falafels were delicious and the toppings were awesome. My husband was digging the turkish salad. The fries were really awesome also. We went around 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon and it was packed, I wonder what it would be like normally...
Food = awesome, i was a little taked aback the first time i went here bc i wasn't sure about the protocal of the place, but i hastily figured it out and had a truly great dining experience. I wish they had plates, or utensils, but I kind of like that they are reducing the production of waste that way. Kind of a cool way to make it a bit greener.
The fries, i mean you can't really screw up fries, but theirs are great, Frites actually. i just got back from Belgium where frites were made famous, and they got nothing on Amsterdam! totally yummy. All the sauces were good...hmmm yummy.
actually, it's about lunch time, I'm going to go pick some up right now!
Really good Falafel, reminds me a lot of the Maoz chain. Fries could use some work but oh well. The PEANUT SAUCE is to die for. Price is a little too high though IMO.
The best falafel I've ever had... ever.
I really don't know why there isn't one in NYC, because it would do really well.
I was in DC last weekend visiting a friend, and after going to Grand Central for an unusaul but surprisingly fun night, we went to Amsterdal Falafelshop. I fell in love. The toppings are so amazing.
I can't remember everything I got, but I had the hummus, baba, garlic sauce, green sauce, and pickled cabbage for sure.. To me it was the perfect combination.
I will be visiting my DC friend more often literally because I crave these falafels often..
I'm really surprised at the raves for this place. The falafel itself is average, as are the fries. The condiment bar is terrific, except that you can't really take advantage of it. They pack the falafel into the pita, then hand it over to you to put toppings on, so that you can only perch a few toppings on top. And there are RULES about not taking the falafel out of the pita whle getting your toppings, or not trying to use foil as a plate! So clearly people have been trying to get creative to actually take advantage of the toppings, but to no avail. So the toppings are soon eaten off the top and then you are left with plain, dry falafel. If they built it for you like every other falafel place in the world, the sauces/toppings could be spread throughout, and it would be much better. You are allowed to go back up to the staff and ask for this miniscule cup for more sauce, but that lasts about one bite. Charge extra for christsakes if that's what you need to do!
This place goes out of their way to inconvenience customers in other ways, too. They don't have plates, or even whole pieces of foil or wax paper, so you can't set your falafel down. This is a problem if you need to use both of your hands for anything, or if you just want to put the thing down for a minute. I laid mine on a bunch of napkins I piled up to take off my coat, and my topping fell out onto the napkins. It was really dirty in there as well--there were hardly any customers, but the staff just stood behind the counter chatting instead of wiping down any tables or sweeping food up off the floor.
My favorite falafel place in the DC area... and I love falafel. The falafel is always cooked perfect and the endless array of toppings and salads is awesome. Only problem is it's a long walk for me. If it were closer, I'd go there at least once a week.
Reading these reviews make me feel old. I was living in the U street area when this place opened, and I used to come here all the time when it was just getting off the ground. Anyways, some of the best fries in the city, with falafel on a serve yourself bar. Best place to start or end a night.
I lived in Amsterdam for 8 months, and this place is the real deal.
Delicious falafel, excellent toppings bar. Doesn't take cash, which is difficult to understand when you come here wasted (which is when you will come here). Less of a bad decision than jumbo slice or julia's empanadas. Sit by the window if you can.
OK, I just realized that what I ate was completely vegetarian, it never occurred to me because I was eating French Fries with Mayonnaise too... So, if I could eat here everyday, then I could become a vegetarian... All for only $10 per meal. Nuf Said.
Seriously the best drunk food shop anywhere and it's just as delish when sober. I even take my parents here. Damn... Now I want amsterdam falafal for dinner!!!
Yep, even sober Amsterdam Falafelshop is an smart, delicious and filling idea.
Falafels are good, fresh and tasty. Sadly I have grown too accustomed to getting a falafel that sat for a bit because of the drive from the restaurant to my office that the pita would get too soggy and fall apart in second. No more! How lovely it is to make my own falafel and then devour it all in a matter of seconds!
I love having control over what goes inside. I may be hung for treason, but I hate hummus. When you grow up where every meal had this as a side dish it gets old fast. Plus, when you are used to homemade the store bought version is barely passable. Thankfully I don't have to worry about my falafels coming pre-topped anymore!
Fries are still hot and fresh, but my infatuation with the grease sticks seems more apparent when I have a couple of drinks in me.
Amsterdam Falafelshop, not just for the wasted!
After wandering around the streets in a drunken stupor, we felt those familiar pains (or is it… Read more »
Ok, so I took everyone's advice to give this place a shot. And I couldn't tell you how freaking excited I was. I mean seriously, sugar pie and I went and made this a weekend plan just to make a trip to try these famous falafels.
Maybe I'm just not a big falafel girl?
I don't fully understand all the hype. And I totally agree with Scott S. It is a royal pain in the anus to enjoy these, but having read his review and plenty others about the potential "messy-ness" of these falafels, I came prepared, and strategically ate my falafel as carefully as I possibly could. Success :) Make sure you smoosh them before eating. they stay put and don't jump out that way.
..yes.. one of my falafels tried to jump out of my pita. I know better now ;)
The shop was a hell of a lot smaller than I imagined. No biggie...but I am thankful as hell that when we finally got our falafels, filled them with all the goodies, that two spots opened for us along the wall so we can sit our giddy butts down and dig in. I loved all the signs and frames with tips and advice made for newbies like my lover boy and i. I found them slightly calming, since I had no idea what to order, or how to order them. When I got to the cashier, I told him straight up that we have never eaten here before. And although he was a little pushy and just a little impatient, he was cool enough to do his best to remain calm and take our order, without making us feel like complete morons. We got two full falafels (we hadn't eaten ALL DAY, and this was our breakfast/lunch/dinner. blinner?) on wheat, and a large order of the fries. Right, I know..fatasses. :)
The staff is efficient and fast. one guy's molding the falafel shapes, the other guy is pulling them out and assembling, and the last guy is cashier. They've got a good system going. My heart went out to all the wasted falafels/frites though. the guy threw them out literally 15 seconds after they were made if no one grabbed them immediately. my goodness, at least put them in a nice place so you can pass them to the homeless people of dc. and u know there's plenty of them..
The condiments bar was fully stocked, and overwhelming. I didn't know where to begin. And although they left "tasting sticks," there was such a rush for regulars it didn't feel right to stand there and keep picking new tasting sticks to try everything. Its ok, that just means I have to go back again. :)
The taste of the falafels were pretty normal and plain. They weren't out-of-this world, but then again like I said, I'm probably just not familiar with falafels and haven't gorged myself in their glory. The frites were a little greasy, and didn't have much salt so they tasted pretty plain too. I did like the delicate texture of the frites though. They were crispy outside and fluffy inside. :) Now that is memorable. The garlic sauce didn't taste like garlic, but more like a sweet mayonnaise. :/
Over all, its not something I'd crave often but every now and then I know I'd appreciate something that is ironically filling, but not heavy. If that makes any sense... We were full for the rest of the night, but didn't feel groggy and lazy. pretty cool!
Definitely give this place a shot. Its a nice experience, and the food obviously can only be judged on personal preference.. I did like it, but I wasn't head-over-heals in love with it like everyone else sounds.
Oh delicious falafel, how I love thee.
So many toppings to choose from! And those fries! Out of this atmosphere.
The only thing holding me back from a perfect five star rating would be the measly napkins that they provide, as well as the lack of any real cutlery. They have to realize by now that the delicious falafel and toppings spill all over the place - it would be helpful to have something to keep it from going on to the table or the floor.
This is truly my hangover cure, and a Saturday treat. Now go there, immediately!
What do i say that 269 people haven't said?
after working in DC for the summer i found myself hungry for more than a yogurt or piece of string cheese. after some handy yelping i found this was only a short drive from Kalorama where i worked. luckily, i dont use a credit card, only an ATM card and cash, so for me, my purchase was nothing out of the ordinary. (they only accept cash. which is still good, right?)
i had the small falafel, never tried the fries, figured there was enough fried goodness in the falafel. this place is absolutely phenomenal. great portions and even a bit healthy with the mezza-bar.
HINT TO FALAFEL GOERS:
smash your falafel with the little fork. when adding toppings swirl around to have a thorough taste of everything hummus, spicy, and delicious
Best late night veg junk food, period!
Oh those fries and freshly fried falafel, yes! Can't be beat. This stuff is made to order before your eyes. Don't be a hero and order the regular falafel and regular fries for yourself, you will likely waste food. It is far more filling than you might think.
Here's what to do:
1. Order your falafel (small!) on white or wheat pita
2. Add on fries (small!) if so inclined
3. Factor in some sort of liquid
4. If not vegan, consider the brownie?
5. Await your order, which is pretty much the honor system: snag what you ordered when it's called out, but not before the people in front of you who ordered the same thing
6. With a free hand or two, add the toppings of your choice for the tastiest make-it-yourself falafel sandwich in DC
7. Add condiments to fries (best to squirt on top.... and maybe get a small cup of another one... or you'll be out of hands!)
8. Eat... carefully or with lots of napkins!
Ok, true, it's messy. But, who cares! It's so good. Cash only. The price is pretty good for the amount of food you get and the freshness.
The falafel has a nice texture and smooth spice that is complimented by the myriad of toppings. So many to choose from, hard to narrow down. Hummus, baba ganoush, tahini, garlic cream.... Beets, pickled veggies, hot green sauces, deep-fried cauliflower, deep-fried eggplant.... Tabouleh like condiment.... Cucumbers with dill and onions.... Cucumbers with tomatoes..... Cumin flavored onions.... Good times!
My only complaint: the pita 'bread' used to be thinner and easier to fill and eat. It's gotten a bit thick, like bread.... tough eating, but still good!
I am Dutch, and I have lived and studied in Amsterdam for a decent amount of time.
A big reason I like this place is because I manage to get free stuff from them by ordering in Dutch and showing my passport or Universiteit van Amsterdam student card. Some free fries, or a falafel, and I feel a little bit less far from home when I'm inside, admiring my old neighborhoods where pot is smoked legally and you don't get arrested when drunk.
I still like DC better than Amsterdam strangely enough. It must be all the sickening power around me that makes me giddy.
The Dutch spell frites FRIET by the way, plural FRIETEN. We ain't french, and we don't really like them either, because they don't speak english, the European lingua franca (although their food and country are nice).
It was pretty good. The best falafel I've had is still at Falafel Shop in NY but this was not bad. The establishment is kind of dingy and chaotic but I am sensitive to such things. There was a green hot sauce on the toppings bar that was sooooo goood.
If they were down the street I'd be there every week. Since they are in Adams Morgan, more like a few times a year.
Overall, I can't wait to go back!
I love amsterdam. My fave is that damn peanut sauce you put on your fries!!! my god i love that. The next morning you do wake up with crazy garlic breath though....but the fallafael, fixings bar and fries are all worth it. love it!
Delicious. Cheap. Vegetarian-Friendly. AMAZING FRIES. amazing toppings. AWESOME.
If I could pay 2 bucks extra and get a fork and a plate, I'd give this place four stars. As it is, it's a true pain in the ass trying to enjoy your falafel. The toppings are what would make the falafel great, but unless you go to great lengths and hog the topping bar for a long time, it's impossible to get your falafel set up right - you basically end up eating a bunch of toppings and then a bunch of falafel when you get to the bottom. Fries are good but not amazing or anything.
Eewww a fly! It was flying over the toppings bar.
Slightly tipsy and starving, I pretend I didn't see him. Disgusting right?
As advised I smash the falafels deep into the pita to make as much room as possible. I then smothered them with a couple of toppings... can't remember which, there were so many to choose from.
Boy was It was good and the fries weren't that bad either. However it was just a bit spicier then expected. So spicy my nose started running.
The next day I woke up with a pretty bad tummy ache.... I think the spiciness may have gotten to me.
This place turns out an amazing falafel and I'm pretty picky when it comes to my fried chick peas. I got the small and it (plus toppings from their great selection, obviously!) was more than enough to satisfy. I didn't even bother with the fries -- they were bringing them out in frozen bags of ordinary. I did grab a few off a friend's pile and was not sad that I opted out.
The falafel itself was superior - perfectly fried and seasoned. And their toppings (tsatsiki, parsley & garlic, fried cauliflower, tomatoes and cucumbers, etc.) were fresh and delicious. I highly recommend it. Note: CASH ONLY.
My only recommendations are these: clean the bathroom (y.u.c.k.) and get some beer. A nice brew would have been a perfect accompaniment.
I happened to have a camping mess kit in my back pack this day (just a coincidence, really). After loading up my yummy falafel-ly goodness, I parked at one of the 3 outdoor tables and then...oops...dumped my toppings into the mess kit plate.
Ok, that's probably cheating but I was happy.
I go out of my way to visit here. It's my fave.
I was in DC today and went out of my way to visit the Amsterdam Falafelshop. If you've never been… Read more »
Ok. This is system overload for me.
Amsterdam + Falafel? Absolutely my two favorite things on Earth in one place. You can be normal and order some spicy falafels with tahini, cucumbers and tomato, enjoy it while people watching in Adams Morgan and call it a day. Or you can turn it into a spiritual experience like I do, chomping on the snack of your motherland while planning your move to the glorious namesake city this summer.
Win-win.
I would move to Adams Morgan if I could. Just to live near this place.
1) it's open really late (as in 2-4 am except for one day) - wonderful news for drunks, students, insomniacs, or those who chronically suffer from late-night munchies and can't find food in their kitchen
2) The best, best, best food ever. I grew up in the Middle East hating falafel but when I tried this place, I completely changed my mind. The falafel alone are great but the toppings! Crunchy, spicy, crispy, savory - whatever your preference, there are a bunch of toppings to choose from. Your biggest problems will be how many topping can fit into a pita, whether it will be physically possible to try and fit your mouth parts of your wrap, and whether you will be able to waddle home after such a satisfying meal.
Haven't tried the fries (because I was so stuffed)!
Another great thing - there is an option to get a whole wheat pita! Perfect!
They accept cash only so make sure to have money....
The staff is great and they are careful enough to care about sanitation - when I wanted more toppings after crunching through half my falafel, they let me get extra (free of charge) but only if I used a plastic cup for fear that the serving spoons could become contaminated if I brought my half-eaten falafel near the toppings bar.
Related to the toppings issue, as someone else on here said, "you basically end up eating a bunch of toppings and then a bunch of falafel as you get to the bottom." Agreed. But when you hit the bottom, go get more toppings!
This place is great for vegetarians, as one does not need to worry about the content of the food here. Good to go. The falafel is fresh and delicious, and the large variety of toppings. If you wish to veer a bit more unhealthy, add on some french fries and a fountain drink. In this world of minimal vegetarian options, Amsterdam definitely rocks it.
"That's what I need, good falafel, reasonably priced." - Special Agent Dale Cooper after visiting this place
Love that it's open late night. Kind of sucks that it's cash only. Amazing falafel and endless toppings. The fries are average.
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan
Category: Latin American
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan
Category: Middle Eastern
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