Cafe Deluxe
Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, American (Traditional) [Edit]
3228 Wisconsin Ave NW(between N Lowell St & N Macomb St)
Washington, DC 20016 (202) 686-2233
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Sun 10:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol: Full Bar
28 Reviews for Cafe Deluxe
"American bistro?" Please! Are we to pretend that cafe deluxe has revamped home-style diner food to make it upscale? Meatloaf... C'mon, seriously?
I'll give the decor some credit, in it's attempt to modernize and pass off as an actual restaurant. However, I'd say that you'd have to know nearly nothing about GOOD food, to pair the word "quality" with this place. Yes, it's food and it's good enough - but that hardly qualifies it as a "restaurant", does it? I would only recommend this place to people who want to pretend that Caesar salad or adding goat cheese to something is gourmet....and those who were looking for a "go out to dinner" /diner version of TGIFridays. And still...I'd push Fridays over this place (at least they don't pretend that their stuff doesn't come out of bag, plus they make a mean margarita).
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Caf Deluxe is an American style bistro with a menu that combines the traditional and the unusual. The setting is classic bistro, with a dark wood bar and butcher paper table cloths - a classy setting, but not too expensive for a casual lunch.
Some traditional items that looked fantastic at other tables included the steak and eggs and blueberry cobbler. My crab cake sandwich was good, but by no means a stand out. What was unique was the side of asparagus and corn salad that featured a healthy blend of garlic and was very tasty.
I was at Caf Deluxe on a sunny Saturday morning and the large, floor to ceiling, windows were wide open allowing daylight and a fresh breeze to splash our table. Deluxe also has a large, shaded outdoor seating area.
A good brunch option if you happen to live in the area, but not worth going out of your way.
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Went back here on the night before 4th of July when everything else in the area was super crowded with waits and the boy wanted some fish. The place was about 2/3 full.
I had just had fish for two days in a row, so I actually felt like red meat. Unfortunately, they were out of the lamb shank so I settled on a (gasp) cheaper steak cut -- the steak frites dish. [I very rarely order steak stateside!] The boy ordered the halibut, and although still good, it wasn't as good as the last time. Whoever cooked the fish back then was a fish-whiz. It was still moist, but not as succulent and perfect like it was before.
However, my steak frites was great. Although the beef wasn't a French cut, it was seasoned and grilled perfectly (I ordered it medium-rare). Sitting on a thinly sliced piece of garlic toast to sop up the juices, the steak was topped with a small scoop of herb butter. The taste of the grill really came through, and the fries were delicious - thin, crispy, and slightly battered. And it was like what? 13 dollars? I didn't regret ordering the more expensive filet mignon at all. The sides are great too. Lots of different cheeses in that mac.
The prices are so inexpensive for what you get here. It feels more upscale too, so every time I see those prices on the menu I'm like, "Holy crap, it's cheap here." I've been dining out almost exclusively in South Florida and NYC for the past couple of years, too, so that might be part of it.
So much better than a Bennigan's or other American-style chain bistro. With a classier service & atmosphere...and at about the same price. Plus, Mondays are half price bottles of wine.
[edit: photos uploaded of this meal.]
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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01/17/2008
What's good is their fish. It's delicious, moist, cooked perfectly, with great sauces. I have… Read more »
Best Bloody Mary's ever. The rim of the glass was lined with old bay. It was like drinking a crab with my delicious pancakes and blueberries.
Great for Brunch!
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I went there last night with Mommy. Mommy had a hamburger. She usually gets a goat cheese salad to go with it but not this time so she ate half of Daddy's dinner. I had pasta. The service was not that awesome. They also need to revamp their menu. It's always the same. I still like this place. It's very dependable.
Peace Out!
I've been going here since I first moved to DC, and have to say that this is by far my favorite neighborhood restaurant. Cafe Deluxe features a well-designed menu that has something that will appeal to most any guest. A highlight from the lunch menu is the tuna steak sandwich; a healthy portion of grilled Ahi tuna with plenty of onion and arugula, and an excellent pickled ginger mayo, priced at around $9.95 if I recall correctly. Another treat is the plate of 4 sides for $9.95, a great entree-sized portion that can include potatos au gratin, guyere mac and cheese, asparagus, spinach, roasted tomatoes, fries, and a few others I'm forgetting.
The bar experience is particularly fun, with a great team of bartenders, good support from the managers and food runners, and a generally pleasant decor. Another treat is sitting out on their large patio during the summer. Nothing better than munching on a nice pizza with a wheat beer.
The few times I've had little issues with food (for example, potatoes au gratin that had become discolored while cooking), the management has gone above and beyond to compensate. Overall, though this place might not be the finest dining experience in the city, I have to say I've been happier with my experiences here than anywhere else.
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I stopped in for lunch here by myself one day. The restaurant is divided into two parts; general dining room and bar area. I chose to sit at one of the tables in the bar area.
Bartender set me up with a nice cold pint of Yuengling lager. Great amber color, and refreshing. I always like trying regional beers unknown to me and this one was quite good.
I had a turkey club on sourdough which had a goat cheese spread, served with crispy hot french fries. The sandwich was huge as I was only able to eat half. If i lived anywhere near here I would definitely be back. Friendly service and great prices.
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You just don't do it for me, baby. Sometimes a place tries too hard to be classy - enter Cafe Deluxe.
Let's think about what helps contribute to their class-factor: Their wine/drink list is very impressive [check]. Their menu is pricey [check], but the American-style cuisine is on the upper-echelon for the most part [check], and features a lot of fish dishes you don't see every day [check]. If you want to wow a date with how much you can spend at an "American-style" (sorry to use the phrase twice) joint, this is a good choice.
The swing and jazz tunes that fill the air also add to the class [check] - but it also loses points due to its higher-than-necessary volume.
You will eat well here, and probably have a nice time - although each time I have gone with a girl it's been pretty awkward...but that's a fault on my end, not the restaurant :-P
If you're not feeling too risky, the burgers and salads will bail you out. Otherwise, there aren't too many "comforts" on the menu.
It's not easily accessable via Metro, but car or bus will do the job to get you there, and it helps that its on Wisconsin Avenue.
Service is above-average [check], and one of the aforementioned girls I had taken there now works there. She is attractive [check]. Her now working there is definitely not a result of my influence. True story.
Need a change of pace and willing to haul out the extra cash? Give it a shot.
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Cafe Deluxe is very good for what it is, i.e. classics done well. Herb chicken, salmon nicoise, chicken caesar, as well as junkier things like spinach dip w/chips and onion rings. Garlic mashed potatoes are pretty good too.
Cozy feel to it, cushy banquettes, dim lighting. They do carry out, so that's a good alternative if you don't feel like waiting on a busy night.
CD is another neighborhood place for me, so while I wouldn't go out of your way to eat here, if you're in Upper NW and need a place, you can't go wrong here.
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Another neighborhood joint that we hit up often. It gets pretty crazy during prime dinner hours, so the bf and I often sit at the bar. The food is good, but some things are much better than others. We like the buttery garlicky prosciutto pizza on the appetizer menu, and the cobb salad with steak is legit. Other items are a little more "meh", such as the burgers and many of the sandwiches. Cafe Deluxe would be in a whole new ballpark if it would just overhaul its beer and wine selection. A separate bar menu would be cool too- something a little trendier and more adventurous.
Cafe Deluxe is similar in menu and atmosphere to the nearby Chef Geoff's. In a head to head battle, Cafe Deluxe would win on food, and Chef Geoff's would win on drinks. Both have outdoor seating, and both serve brunch.
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Recently, we had our department "team building" afternoon. It started with Lunch at Cafe Deluxe.
It turned out to be the perfect choice. We got there right at noon so our party of 5 wouldn't have to wait too long for a table. We were seated right away. Our waitress was friendly and welcomed us almost instantly.
On the whole, we were all very pleased with the service and the food. It was really good. The Halibut, served over grilled corn and asparagus, seemed to be the choice of most at the table and it didn't disappoint. (I've had the halibut in the past and have thoroughly enjoyed it.) I had the grilled tuna sandwich, and while I asked for it rare, it came to me a little bit more like medium. But it still tasted good. The tomato soup, while tasty, was only lukewarm. Call me silly, but I prefer my soup hot unless otherwise specified.
I rarely get dessert when I eat out because I'm full and don't really want to spend the extra bones when I could have ice cream at home. But when the office is buying, we ALL get a dessert. I must say, it was extremely disappointing to find out that they were only offering 3 of the six desserts listed on the menu. But the hot fudge sundae was delish.
Overall, we had a nice time and enjoyed the ambiance and the service. Food was a little iffy in spots, but still quite good. I'd recommend Cafe Deluxe as a great lunch spot - especially if you're heading over to a tour of the National Cathedral after.
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Maybe I'm not going to the right Applebees or Fridays, because those places DO NOT compare to this. Great ingredients and flavors and well executed meals were all I've ever gotten here, for dinner at least (never tried their brunch).
Our first trip, we were out on the patio with our dog. We sat down and talked over the menu, and happened to be sitting next to two regulars. They basically recommended everything on the menu. I ended up with a goat cheese salad and tomato soup. Somehow, even two choices as simple as that came out outstanding. On top of that, we hit up the half priced wine selection. After being sprayed by the waitor in a corking malfunction, he was extremely apologetic and insisted (after I tried to insist that it wasn't necessary) on a dessert on the house. We went with the creme brulee and weren't disappointed.
I have to say NO to the two Amys hype and NO to the Cafe Deluxe bashing. Check it out and make up your own mind!
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Cafe Deluxe is a great standby for a good meal at lunch or dinner. The service is excellent and the food is always well done. Prices are reasonable for what you get, which are not massive portions, but just right.
I really like the tuna sandwich that they offer (make sure that you order it rare for extra tastiness). My wife always goes for the 4-sides plate that is an excellent way for a vegetarian to enjoy a meal. Drinks here are pretty pricey, but that seems to be the curse of living in DC.
Service is usually quite good; however, I have had a few issues when the place gets overly crowded, which is usually around dinner on the weekends.
Overall, a good value that churns out consistent food.
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I can see why some say that there is nothing too special about Cafe Deluxe. It's small, loud, and has a plain menu though for some reason, I have always really liked it! It's one of the very few places in DC that I will make the Friday or Saturday night journey to dine.
I know way too many people that have gone here on first or second dates and I actually think it's terrible for that. It's way too loud. Plus you are sitting right on top of the people next to you. I always find my mind wandering to the conversation the people sitting next to me are having, which is NOT GOOD when you are trying to learn more about someone.
That being said, I like the simple menu because it is diverse enough for everyone to find something that they like. I rotate between getting a burger, which is always satisfying, and one of the chicken entrees.
A few tips that go together: eat inside and leave your dog at home! They have a nice patio which would be perfect for eating except people ALWAYS bring their dogs. I like dogs but when I am trying to enjoy my meal, the last thing I wanted to see if some old dog tied up next to my table. If no one has a dog when you come, I still wouldn't risk it--someone will inevitably show up with one. You are much better off eating inside. Plus, when it's nice out, everyone wants to sit outside so the service is better inside, and it's less noisy.
As I am looking back through this review, I realize that's a lot of criticism for a place that I actually like. I would recommend it, with the caveat that your best option is to go to the one in Tyson's, where they don't have a patio :-)
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***3.5 Stars***
Back in the '90s, Cafe Deluxe was the bomb diggity! It was that great neighborhood restaurant, which was so popular that people from the suburbs would make a special trip into DC just to eat there.
Well, with other locations in Bethesda and Tysons, and a bit of a dip in the quality of the food, Cafe Deluxe is no longer the "It" spot. But, it's still a nice place to eat. The service is friendly, and the bar is lively. It is crowded and noisy, even during lunch, but if you know that going in, it makes it more tolerable. The outdoor tables are a plus.
Four stars for the fire roasted tomato soup, the salad with goat cheese and pine nuts, the crabcakes in a yummy mustard sauce, and the mashed potatoes. I also really enjoy the steak frites with a green salad, which is a great deal for $15.95.
Three stars for the brunch, though. My friend and I ordered the salmon and cream cheese omelette and the french toast. We finished what was on our plates, but weren't impressed enough to go back there for brunch again
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The food is always consistently good here; the service is not. We ended up here b/c the line at Two Amy's was incredibly long for 6:30p.m. We were not disappointed though. We scored a nice table on the patio, but could of done without the screaming toddler who thankfully departed shortly after we got our margaritas.
The mussels were good as usual, and the fresh mozzarella pizza was just as good as Two Amy's (sorry Amy fans!). You can't go wrong with a meal here. The bar is lively and a great place to hang out with friends on lazy summer nights.
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An old neighborhood favorite from my DC days. Great service. Solidly good, tasty food. Affordable. Good wines. Nothing exceptional or super memorable, but out of all the times I stopped there, no horror stories to report.
Cafe Deluxe...the name is deceiving.
While many yelpers enjoy the food here, I'm not of like-mind. I've been to both locations on several occasions (I unfortunately know others who DO like it) and it never redeems itself. Really, the only reason I will go again to this 2.5 star eatery, only if asked and I am indebted to this particular person, is on a Monday when at least I could take part in the half price wine bottles (though the selection is minimal and far from exceptional). The experience is rather predictable - eat some slightly better than TGI Friday food (only because the selections are more inventive, but the execution isn't always there) and enjoy the people watching from the patio (probably the best part of the whole experience).
Again, I'm not the majority and I am one of the pickier eaters around, so take it for what it's worth. Admittedly, I have not been for brunch...and that could be a draw because the location is good and it's difficult to screw up eggs to the point of repulsion.
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I think of CD as a sort of Appleby's for the GTown & Calvert crowd -- no alarming oddities on the menu here -- youve had everything before.
But it's all done acceptably well and the dining room has a certain elan to it.
Good spot for brunch with the 'rents, and it's kid friendly.
Probably not worth driving across town for tho and if youre in the neighborhood you'd do as well or better at some of the other places nearby.
On the dinner menu, the meatloaf is good, and whens the last time you went out for meatloaf?
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As others have said, this a good, safe restaurant to go to when you're craving some "normal" food. I would definitely not compare it to TGI Friday's or Applebees---its a huge step up from that, as in, I wouldn't be pissed if a guy asked me on a date and brought me here. And there's no "flare," striped tablecloths, or local school's paraphernalia on the walls.
It gets loud on the weekends and there can be a bit of a wait, but we came here last Saturday after deciding that even though we love 2 Amy's, it wasn't worth the 2 hour wait. The food isn't edgy or exciting, but it's good. I had a filet mignon that was cooked exactly to the right temperature with potato au gratin and sauteed spinach with roasted tomatoes. My sister had the roasted chicken and our friend had salmon. The portions are great- large and filling (we were starving!) but not absolutely overwhelming. Our service was good, fast, and friendly. No complaints here!
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Cafe Deluxe is the best.
Located off of convient Wisconsin avenue.
There are great caesar salads there,
and they have a great hamburger.
Being 14, and with my buddies we have been there maybe 6 times this month. Keep up the good work Cafe Deluxe!
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I lived very close to the Cafe Deluxe when I lived in DC, and for a local neighborhood joint that you can just stroll down to in the evening it's just about perfect. It's a moderately-priced cafe with a touch of genuine old-fashioned class, and some good local atmosphere. It serves mostly predictable American comfort food with a few twists, but the fare is always good, sometimes exceptional. The moules-frites with a pint of Stella will hit any spot and the spring rolls are surprisingly good considering this is not an Asian restaurant. Better still, the service is pretty knock-out. Every time we've been there they've been just great and have really taken care of us. The hostess remembered me and my girlfriend the second time we went in, even though the last time was over a month before, and she made sure we got the same good seat. So give it a shot.
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The half-priced wine on Monday is a great introduction to Cafe Deluxe, but the food is great too. The prices aren't bad, but when it gets busy the staff tends to get a bit frazzled. You can sit outside here, which is very nice because this part of Wisconsin is so pretty. I always like to walk around after I eat here, because there are a lot of extraordinary houses in this neighborhood.
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This place is worth every (moderate) cent you'll spend. It's the type of place where you always want to try something new but always end up ordering what you had last time because . . . it was just sooo damn good. Love the salad with goat cheese, roasted tomato soup, and herb chicken. Quality of food and beverages upscale without the pretentiousness.
Inside seating is cozy and bustling, and outside (seasonal) is more slow-paced. The bar is always packed with regulars, and you definitely need to call-ahead or arrive early during the weekend rush or else you'll spend an hour crammed between the bar and mezzanine tables.
Excellent waitstaff. There's also a candid bartender.
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I take or leave Cafe Deluxe - in fact, I think that the best word to describe it is "meh." This is the sound that accomodates the shrug and face of slight disinterest I project when someone suggests this as a lunch or dinner spot. It's not that the food or service at Cafe Deluxe is bad, it's actually quite edible, it's just that there isn't much to it and it isn't all that satisfying to me. The presentation of the food isn't fantastic, and at the prices they charge, it should be. The flavors are basic, and often too bland - i find myself salting food there more than at other establishments. While Sean compared this to an Applebee's for professionals, I would argue that Applebee's makes better food - it's not as fancy, creative, or pricey, but it tastes better! Instead, I would compare Cafe Deluxe to another restaurant with a phenomenal decor, but subpar food: Clyde's. You go in there and you feel good - it's nice and comfortable, but you're never that satisfied when you leave, and far from blown away.
All this negativity aside, if you DO go to Cafe Deluxe, order their "side sampler" which allows you to choose from a bunch of different sides they offer (get the mac and cheese, because that actually IS good); and go on a Monday to split a bottle of wine for half price! If you're looking for a similar decor but good food (at a slightly higher price) go to Chef Geoff's not more than 5 minutes around the way.
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Cute little cafe with a great greek salad. It's a nice place to hop in for lunch with girlfriends, but the service wasn't so great when I was there.
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Best brunch on Sundays. Half price wine bottles on Monday nights. Great bartenders and waitstaff. Food was pretty good too.
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Totally overrated.
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