Marx Cafe

3.0 star rating
94 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Bars, Italian, Greek  [Edit]

3203 Mt. Pleasant St NW
Washington, DC 20010
Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant
(202) 518-7600
Nearest Transit:

Columbia Heights Metro Station (Green, Yellow)

Hours:

Mon-Thu 5 pm - 2:30 am

Fri 4:30 pm - 2 am

Sat 11 am - 2:30 am

Sun 11 am - 1:30 am

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good For:
Late Night, Dinner
Music:
DJ, Live
Best Nights:
Fri, Thu, Sat
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"I have only had the food as tapas but what I have eaten has..." (in 17 reviews)
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"On saturday nights they have " Latin Rock/pop, ska." (in 3 reviews)
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"As for the food, the hummus was a fantastic start." (in 10 reviews)
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94 reviews in English

  • Review from perugina b.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    9/3/2011

    Marx Cafe is a nice spot. On saturday nights they have " Latin Rock/pop, ska. It's down to earth. you can dance when you feeling the music lol and the drinks are not too expensive. great place,and great ambience. If you really like  rock/pop from the 80's, 90's ,2000's this is def the place to come. good memories :0)

  • Review from Douglas W.

    •  
    • 11 friends
    • 35 reviews

    New York, NY

    1.0 star rating
    11/3/2011

    Mike Litzerect went to Marx Cafe recently with his captain and first mate since their first choice for brunch had a 10-minute wait. They were disappointed to find poorly-prepared food at an ridiculously-named, capitalist venue. Mr. Litzerect's scrambled eggs were so overcooked he took one bite of them and spat them out, the bacon wasn't properly separated so multiple slices of the (supposedly, applewood-smoked) stuff stuck together. The first mate's omelette was disgusting but she had worked up an appetite on the long voyage there, and the only item on the plate that was fit for human consumption was the disgusting, greasy hash browns that would have been better appropriated for shoring up the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

    Don't come here for the food. And what's with the name? Is that supposed to be irony or something?

  • Review from Irina K.

    •  
    • 14 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Washington, DC

    1.0 star rating
    10/17/2011

    Perhaps it was a mistake to go there for dinner and/or sit at the bar. Service was barely there.

    The food was meh.

  • Review from Maki P.

    •  
    • 19 friends
    • 53 reviews

    Washington, DC

    2.0 star rating
    9/26/2011

    I wish I loved this place because it's cozy and right around the corner. I didn't NOT like it, but there was nothing that really endeared me to it at all. I went for brunch with a couple of friends, and all of our simple dishes-- omelets and breakfast wraps-- were cooked just fine, and priced reasonably, but it was nothing that couldn't be done at home. The coffee was not great, and when we asked for milk, they said they didn't have any available, which made me really skeptical. What kind of cafe does not carry milk? Milk is my favorite! Milk is the basis for so many delicious things. Who makes omelets without milk?? Anyway, they offered us half and half instead, which curdled strangely in the coffee.

    Brunch without delicious coffee kind of defeats the purpose, in my opinion. Maybe Marx's forte is as a late-night bar and not an eatery? I saw they had bar trivia, which is tempting. If I return to find out, I will let you know.

  • Review from Paul B.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Washington, DC

    3.0 star rating
    12/12/2011

    Marx Café is about a 1 minute walk from my house, so I finally tried it last night (in part because of a 50% off deal).

    The service was stellar. The waitress was friendly, helpful, attentive. She had a great attitude.
    The food was decent to very good. Got the veggie burger w grilled peppers and the eggplant with yogurt. Veggie burger was cooked well, included tomato, onions, etc. But it was just another packaged veggie burger. Meh. Fries were crispy and good, though.
    The eggplant, though, was just downright tasty. Served on lettuce with pita, I was ready to lick the plate.

    I didn't get any drinks, but perhaps another time. When I do I will update this review.

  • Review from rachel f.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Washington D.C., DC

    3.0 star rating
    12/4/2011

    4 stars for comfy neighborhood place with great bar
    3 for service
    2 for food - nothing special but not necessarily bad

  • Review from Robin S.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    1/12/2012

    It's no surprise that I'm a big fan of this place.  I think the food is absolutely fantastic.  The menu definitely never disappoints.  It's such a cozy little spot and I always thoroughly enjoy going there.  Again, not sure why the negative comments - perhaps those people have their panties in a bunch.  I recommend this place highly - for the food and for the comfy, cozy atmosphere.  Also, try the specials - they are always amazing.

  • Review from Lacey d.

    •  
    • 11 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Arlington, VA

    4.0 star rating
    6/23/2011

    Marx is a relaxing bar with warm wood, open beams, and low evening lighting. There are rotating resident DJ nights that play some of the most unique, hard to find music in the DC area.
    The food is delicious and the beer selection is great as well.
    The staff is very friendly as well as the owner who is there for all the details.

    This place really is one of those place you can call your neighborhood bar...even if your neighboorhood happens to be in Arlington.

  • Review from Allie M.

    •  
    • 39 friends
    • 170 reviews

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    5/21/2011

    What a Mount Pleasant surprise! We were looking for something quick and casual, but tasty, and Marx Cafe was it!

    The intimate space is divided in two: a bar and a restaurant, but there are large wooden beams separating the two, which makes it feel separate, but still as one.

    Our server had an Eastern European accent and was very friendly. There were lots of great beers on the menu, most on special. We started with the cold appetizer plate. The hummus was fantastic, especially if you like it smooth. We also got the stuffed peppadews and OMG, yum! I've never had a peppadew. They were stuffed with kafteri cheese: a soft, semisweet cheese. The combo of spicy and sweet was so tasty. We almost ordered more!

    I'm so glad I tried this place. It's nearby, so we will definitely be back.

  • Review from Aaron T.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Washington, DC

    1.0 star rating
    10/18/2011

    My girlfriend and I went here on a Sunday morning thinking we could grab a quick bite. The place wasn't full so it seemed reasonable. We were promptly seated and ordered relatively simple dishes: she ordered a soft boiled egg with hash, I ordered the bacon pancakes. The place quickly filled up after we ordered and was obviously understaffed. It took nearly an hour to get our food (I could have gone to the market and made the food myself in that time) and when it finally arrived the eggs were overcooked (somewhere between soft and hard boiled with the yolk a terrible gummy texture) and they brought me the wrong pancakes -- banana instead of bacon. We didn't send it back to not annoy the clearly frazzled wait staff and because we didn't want to wait another hour. Despite its convenience, we won't be going back.

  • Review from J A.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 62 reviews

    Washington, DC

    2.0 star rating
    10/15/2010

    Surprisingly bad food. I was prepared for bar food and didn't expect too much excitement from calamari or gyros, but boy were they un-edible. The calamari was the strangest texture. Not the usual problem where calamari is over cooked, but tasted like it was warmed from defrosted-already-cooked calamari? The crab cake had lots of filler.

    drinks were good. service was ok. i just won't order food here.

  • Review from Ali D.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    8/28/2011

    Amazing staff, amazing food, amazing atmosphere. Marx is a very good local bar! Happy hour is great - from 4pm to 7pm it is buy 1 get 1 free appetizers. Their hummus is to die for and the Nirvana wrap is delicious. Great drink specials Sun-Thurs nights. A great place to go to watch football/soccer matches. Highly recommend!

  • Review from Cristina B.

    •  
    • 46 friends
    • 1 review

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    8/12/2010

    You New Yorker's need to go back where you came from. Marx Cafe is an awesome neighborhood bar, where the staff makes every attempt to get to know each and every person who walks through the door. It is our own little Cheers, and if you Northerners don't like, quit complaining and go back to Brooklyn.

    Marx Cafe rocks, all the bartenders and servers are amazing. The atmosphere is always relaxed, welcoming, and wonderful. Manny and Will will always treat you like family, and the beers on tap are the greatest. I've yet to try much of the food, but Harris is a lovely Greek owner, and I have heard all the tapas are delightful and delicious.

    Marx Cafe will always feel like home to me, and I hope others will make it their own as well.

  • Review from A B.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 26 reviews

    Washington D.C., DC

    2.0 star rating
    9/4/2011

    I've given up on the food here. Every time I've had food, it had made me sick. Nice place to hang out with friends though. Just eat before you go.

  • Review from Sly D.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Washington, DC

    3.0 star rating
    9/1/2011

    I love the menu
    roman empire gems, but best
    printed on paper.

    Brings to mind the four corners of the ancient world, dishes and s'macks pooled together as genuine footmen for your drinks, but let these saliferous sentries sleep. Nothing to refresh them out of their slumber; most fall victim to the resto-overuse of salt.  Beware the soups. Is this what we call flavor these days?

    Some flavonoids for my inflammation, please.

    Best left as a bar - it does the service here (when you can get it). Three stars on this point. one-point-five on the former mention.

  • Review from Ominiscent O.

    •  
    • 19 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Washington, DC

    2.0 star rating
    7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The food was pretty good but I couldn't help but lose my appetite when roaches crawled across our table twice.  We brought it to the attention of the wait staff who apologized and then went about their regular routine.

    The half-price wine night and food isn't enough to get past the bug problem.  Nice place with great potential for a great neighborhood spot for casual dining but I'll take my food without the extra critters at the table.

  • Review from Sara Y.

    •  
    • 51 friends
    • 89 reviews

    New York, NY

    1.0 star rating
    7/6/2010

    You wanna start a revolution?  Start it by revolving your tuchas around and straight back out the door of this place.

    Our first clue should have been when we requested iced coffee (while waiting at the bar for a table) and were brought hot coffee.  When told, the owner of the place went back and just dumped the coffee on pint glasses full of ice.  Then, when we sat down, no one brought us menus or took our order for 20 minutes.  When the waiter came to take our order, we had to explain to him that no one had given us a menu, so we couldn't possibly order yet.  We also requested water for the table, which didn't come until we complained about having been ignored (when one of our party members said "come on, you haven't brought us water, you didn't bring us menus" the waiter returned with not water, but menus.  This was 30 minutes after we had placed our order!)

    At this point, it was almost comically bad.  We smiled at each other, laughed, and tried to make the best of it.  The owner came over to tell us our food would be coming out soon (this was 50 minutes after we had ordered) and tried to make peace.

    Owner: Can I buy you some ice cream at the end of the meal?
    Us: No, thanks, we have to drive home.
    Owner: Can I get you anything?
    Us: No.
    [Owner sulks away]
    Us: Yeah, you know those menu items we ordered an hour ago?  That's what we'd really like to have.

    And then we got our food.  My "eggs norwegian", which were supposed to be poached, were essentially hard-boiled.  My friend's chicken wrap was almost inedible.  My other friends' omlette "tasted like cake."  It truly was an epic failure all around, and I would absolutely never patronize this place for anything ever again.

    At least they didn't charge us for the watery luke-warm coffee.

  • Review from Krista P.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    7/21/2011

    I don't think this place wins on food. It wins on ambiance and entertainment. I love Latin rock night.

  • Review from Aaron B.

    •  
    • 11 friends
    • 34 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    2.0 star rating
    7/6/2011

    Don't come hear for dinner, I've been here twice and have gotten sick twice off their tapas style menu. Drinks are fine, wait staff is friendly enough...but their food is just...not good.

  • Review from Laura L.

    Arlington, VA

    3.0 star rating
    4/20/2010 7 Check-ins Here

    Marx Cafe-- it is what it is. Their beer selection is okay... but if I want to get it cheaper, it makes more sense to walk another block away and get it elsewhere (ahem, The Raven).

    I've been here for brunch a few times too-- one of my favorite brunch dishes is eggs benedict-- sad to say that Marx Cafe's eggs benny doesn't make my cut. The hollandaise sauce was definitely lacking (is it made on-site? Why is it always too tart? Is it even made on-site? What's up with that ham? Many burning questions...) Again, needless to say, it's just not that impressive.

    As for the service-- don't even get me started. It's slow. In the case of restaurant service-- slow and steady does not win the race. Despite the slow service, at least the servers always have a smile on their face.

    One redeeming quality is that they show English Premier League matches during the season, which is nice. Glad to see there are other crazies out there who are willing to get up at 10am on a Saturday morning and start things off right with a beer for breakfast. Also-- I really enjoy grabbing a seat by the front bay window in the summer and for primo people-watching seats.

  • Review from B. G.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Washington, DC

    3.0 star rating
    7/18/2011

    Good for drinks and brunch, but the one time I went here for dinner, it was mediocre.  I suppose that balances out to 3 stars, although 3.5 would be more fair.  I see this as the perfect neighborhood pub and have enjoyed coming here a few times early in the evening and staying until late, various friends from the neighborhood cycling in over the course of that time.  Although the time they turned it into a "dance party" and moved all the tables on us was strange.

    Also, despite the logo displayed prominently on their menu, they do not take American Express.

  • Review from Amanda E.

    •  
    • 19 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Washington, DC

    3.0 star rating
    10/20/2010

    The thing that stands out the most about Marx Cafe, besides the fact that it's a cafe praising the German Karl Marx in the predominantly Latino Mt. Pleasant, is it's decor. You step inside, and it immediately transforms from the sunny street to a somewhat tenebrific room, replete with dark paneling, and little sunlight. The exception to this caliginous atmosphere are the bay windows in the front, which open onto th street, and offer you a nice balance of dark and light.

    The place is a cacophony of contradictions. The menu is versatile, the staff is from everywhere except germany it seems, and the water is served from a wine bottle. My Sunday brunch was spent there conversing with friends over a distinctly American version of French Toast, a Belgian Hefeweisen, served by a Bulgarian waitress all juxtaposed against the distant sounds of Latino brass wafting out of the passing vehicles.

    I don't think I'll be a regular at Marx. It doesn't offer the type of menu that would cause me to return over and over again. However, for my mood that day, and the subsequent experience of my two hour brunch with friends, I can say that I'm glad I went to Marx. They're a good option for the Mt. Pleasant area, and I would recommend paying them a visit.

  • Review from christina k.

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    9/19/2010

    Met some friends for a late dinner here. I got the vegetarian wrap which came with fries. It was really good! Spinach tortilla wrapped around mixed veggies including avocado, lettuce, mushrooms, pepperoncini, and hummus.  Our waitress was very attentive and we all had a good time. It's a cozy spot, with the right amount of noise for our outing.

    Appetizers are half off from 5-7 which looked like a great option.

  • Review from Lauren B.

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/29/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    The bf and I went back to Marx this weekend for brunch and were very pleased. He thinks brunch is ridiculous and a waste of time so Marx was really on point if he enjoyed it.

    He had blueberry pancakes and I had the crabmeat omelet. They seem to have only one waitress on Sundays so things took a while but the food was very good. Luckily, we just missed the rush after a World Cup match.

    From drinks to brunch to watching the game...Marx is pretty reliable

    Listed in: DC is for Brunchers, The Most Pleasant Mount You…

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      4/27/2010

      This place is cool. No more, no less. The bar is decent and the menu is pretty standard fan… Read more »

  • Review from Vasily T.

    •  
    • 97 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    10/30/2009

    She thinks:                                                He thinks:

    What a quaint, cozy place.                      Guinness on tap, futbol on the
                                                                         teevee.

    Mmm... they even have brunch              Wohoo, $3 Red Stripes,
    specials....                                                 mothafucka!

    Bartender looks like Scarlett!                 DO NOT get caught looking
    I loved her in Lost in Translation!!         at bartender's cleavage.  DO
                                                                         NOT get caught...
                                                                       
    Jangle Pop and indie-rock.                    Classic Reggae and Dance  
                                                                         Hall.

    I hope we sit at the bar (giggle)            We are not sitting at the
                                                                        fucking bar (growl)

    I love the laquered furnishings...          I love the flat screen TV.

    Sports Center!                                         SPORTS CENTER!

    Diverse crowd, entertainment!             Russia will stomp the  
                                                                       rest of these beches at next
                                                                       year's World Cup!

    He did a great job picking the place... Gooooooooooaaaaaalllll!!!

  • Review from Zach G.

    •  
    • 80 friends
    • 73 reviews

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    10/27/2008

    I came to Marx Cafe for the first time for a little fundraiser for one of their bartenders who is running for DC's Shadow Senator as a Libertarian.  A Libertarian working at a place called Marx Cafe?  Oh the irony!  

    Nice little bar though.  Mt. Pleasant is one of my favorite parts of DC and cool, low key little places like this are a big part of the reason why.  The crowd was pleasant and many of them seemed to know each other and many knew  the bartender/Senate candidate.  I only had a few beers, but they had several nice Belgians in bottles and half a dozen different things on tap, from a Yuengling to some higher-end stuff.  There also seemed to be a lot of wine around, although I'm not much for wine.  Definitely the kind of place I would hang out if I lived up here, despite being named after a commie.

  • Review from Gayle G.

    •  
    • 270 friends
    • 825 reviews

    Woodbridge, VA

    4.0 star rating
    3/18/2007 1 photo

    Marx is definitely a place that I can unequivocally call off beat. It is hip but not too hip. When I lived in this hood it used to be a Mexican place I think. But I am not totally sure about that.

    The decor is different, too. The beamed ceilings are made of a well-worn light wood. On the walls are posters of its namesake-- Karl Marx.

    Friday nights is the place to be at Marx cause they move out the dining tables and there is a DJ spinning tunes. One Friday night a month is reggae night to get your Rasta fix in, mon.

  • Review from Chloe F.

    Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

    Netherlands
    4.0 star rating
    7/25/2007

    Gotta love a bar with a sense of humor.

    I walk in.
    I look at the signs above the bar that have the specials written on them.
    I read down and see the words, "get your copy of Harry Potter here!... and a punch in the face"
    I thought it was hysterical! I know, I know, maybe to some that is blasphemy. I liked it. And thats my overall impression of this bar. Good neighborhood joint, friendly patrons, good music.
    I hear the food is good, too.

    Hip hip hooray for Marx Cafe!

  • Review from Sean O.

    •  
    • 73 friends
    • 261 reviews

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    1/19/2009

    The Mt. Pleasant neighborhood is so, well, pleasant!  I can't wait for it to get warmer so I can walk around and explore it more in depth.

    This bar is pretty cool.  The interior reminds me of a wine crate w/ its exposed stud walls and wood beam ceiling.  Corks fill cases in the windows, continuing the wine theme.  There is a bar on one side of a wood room divider and some booths and tables on the other side.  We sat in a third little seating area next to the windows.  It was actually really cold next to them, but that is to be expected.  Only problem with this set up is there was no place to dance.  They had a disco ball and a DJ, but absolutely no room to dance.  Lame.

    Anyway the appetizers were great!  Best bar food I have had in a long time.  (We had calamari and spinach filled pastries).  Drink prices were fair.  It is just a cool little neighborhood bar in a cute little area.

    The only problem is accessibility.  I guess it is really meant for nearby residents because the subway is kind of far away (not too bad, but far in that cold!) and parking is impossible.  Come check it out if you are looking for an alternative to your usual night out.

  • Review from Gayngry ..

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Arlington, VA

    3.0 star rating
    6/12/2007

    I have been to this place in the past for drinks and had an ok time.  This past weekend I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop in for brunch.  I realize this is not really a big place to go mid morning on a Saturday for breakfast food but they had a sign outside advertising it and I decided..what the heck and I must admit that I was a little disappointed.   There was only one person working both the bar and the table area and you wouldn't think this would be a problem since there were only 10 people in the entire place.  The bartender/waiter was not very attentive and seemed more interested in talking to the girl at the bar rather than taking our order.  

    While the service was bad, when we finally did receive our omelets 30 minutes later they were very very tasty.  Once the food was delivered the waiter never came back to our table and finally we decided to just go up to the bar to pay our check and leave.

    I will probably go back to the place again but just for drinks.

  • Review from Tu-van L.

    Rockville, MD

    3.0 star rating
    7/30/2007

    A pretty good restaurant/bar that has a little bit of everything.  From steaks to tapas to salads to just your average bar food, this place has it all.  I was apprehensive of the wide range of offerings, yet my steak was pretty tasty with its "chimichuri" sauce while my friend's hummus was quite tasty.  Plenty of drinks to choose from, so something for everyone to be happy with.  

    Dark, hipster atmosphere.  If only the waitress knew what she was doing and wasn't fumbling around clearing plates from other tables.  Good neighborhood joint if you're in the Mount Pleasant/Columbia Heights area, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here.

  • Review from Courtney R.

    Arlington, VA

    2.0 star rating
    10/4/2009

    This is based on brunch only. Service was painfully slow, the food sub-par. It was massively inconsistent; while some components of the meal were delicious, most of them were not.

    I had the Marx breakfast which consisted of an English muffin, some rubbery sausage patties, home fries (bland and oily), two perfectly poached eggs and fruit which was so tough it was like eating melon rind. The hollandaise was not really hollandaise--just some weird orange sauce with a lot of paprika. The bloody mary was great even if it was small. My friend got a chicken, bacon and ranch sandwich. The ranch was grody--we both recoiled after trying it.

    We also saw a roach strolling along the bar, but I'm getting used to these guys now that I live in the city. You gotta have love for the ones that come out in the daytime, they have some cajones.

  • Review from Liam D.

    •  
    • 185 friends
    • 358 reviews

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    1/23/2007

    I like this place a lot. Of the establishments on bustling Mount Pleasant Road, I'd say that this is my favorite one to go and "get away." The decor is tasteful and simple--lots of wood, creatively using wine crates as decorations on the walls, and the only real light in the place (in the evenings) comes from candle votives on tables and string lights on the bar--it's got a nice hue that I actually find rather relaxing.

    The beer selection at this place is pretty good--they're a few types shy of TONIC down the street, actually they prob have half the beers TONIC does, but they are all good beers and relatively well priced. Chimay on Tap here is a real plus.

    When it comes to eats, Marx does alright. The Menu consists of a bunch of different cuisines--french, spanish, italian, middle eastern, but it's not like they have overdone themselves. While i've only eaten a few salads and a plate of hummus here, i'd be tempted to try some of their main courses, despite that they cost $13.95. That said, when tapas costs about $3.95-5.95 and is a good size, i shy away from the entrees....The salads are ok, but you have to remind them to toss them for you in the dressing, otherwise you're trying to do it on your own on the place; the hummus is delicious.

    I definitely recommend it for a cozy place to unwind, with or without someone else.

  • Review from Nils J.

    •  
    • 23 friends
    • 151 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/19/2006

    I really like the feel of this place.  It's nice and dark, but they have windows looking out on to Mount Pleasant.  Lots of natural wood.  Plus, they have Jever on tap.

    Wow, I'm surprised, but I don't have much else to say.

  • Review from Kori K.

    •  
    • 131 friends
    • 226 reviews

    Washington, DC

    3.0 star rating
    8/17/2007

    The menu doesn't make a whole lot of sense; there's pasta, there's tapas, there's burgers and there's eggs, and it feels like y our eating in an attic.

    However, for the most part we liked our food, and there's plenty of vegetarian options, including the hamburgers and a tapas of falafel, so pretty much anyone can eat here. Looking around, it looked like most people went for a burger and fries, and the fries were perfect, I ate all of mine.

    Everyone else already talked about the beer options, so I won't get into to it, but I will add they come in fun fancy glasses that I feel only old men in smoking jackets would carry around, giving it a touch of sophistication.

    I have a a feeling I'll be back here, ALOT.

  • Review from Joe G.

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    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Silver Spring, MD

    5.0 star rating
    10/9/2010

    I like to head out to Marx Cafe at the end of the month for DC Soundclash.  It is awesome hearing some crucial roots and deep reggae riddims loudly.  "Forget your sorrows and dance."

    I haven't tried any of the food yet.  The venue is a little tight, but each time I go I find  the crowd nice and chill.  It's often a bit of a mob scene when you're trying to get a drink, but once you get to the bar, the bartender takes care of you nicely.

  • Review from Ashley F.

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    • 22 friends
    • 124 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/7/2008

    I *heart* Marx Cafe!  What a great little place hidden on Mt. Pleasant Street.  We got the best table right by the window on a quiet Wednesday night.  I was starving an ordered a cheeseburger with a Magic Hat #9 and if this was what Marx believed in then SIGN ME UP!

    For all you people who didn't take the wise route and stick to bar food, think again next time.  Order the tzatziki or a burger.  Pass on the falafel.  My friend had the lobster bisque and it was really, shockingly good.

  • Review from Kate C.

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    • 16 friends
    • 189 reviews

    Rockville, MD

    5.0 star rating
    8/6/2008

    This place makes me think of the fern bars in the 70's that my mom went to before the world decided it was uncool to let children hang out in bars... All they need is a backgammon table. I feel quite groovy on the DJ nights.

    The Bartenders Kate & Damien are awesome and uber cool. I have only had the food as tapas but what I have eaten has been excellent. They have a great wine and beer list.    

    The Neighborhood is a bit rough but hey this is what the real DC is like - and was like  so if you don't like head on over to Georgetown or the burbs that may be more your speed...

  • Review from Jennifer h.

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    • 45 friends
    • 161 reviews

    Venice, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/30/2008

    My first meal in DC was at Marx Cafe. I was tired, starving, and grumpy from my flight --- which included a few screaming babies (of course). I mean really, has anyone ever flown without the joy of a kicking, screaming kid behind him or her? Maybe that's just my luck.

    Anyway, not sure what the Marx influence is since I didn't see any German food on the menu but my crab bolognese was amazing. Crab isn't something I usually think of when I have pasta but it was so good. Perfect amount of cream and sauce. Even the leftovers were yummy when I reheated it the next day.

  • Review from Bro H.

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    • 1 friend
    • 584 reviews

    Syracuse, NY

    2.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/22/2009

    Gotta lower the rating to 2 stars after eating the driest burger I've had in a long time - it must have been made with 98% lean ground beef or something.  Service was even worse than last time, as well.

    It's stupid that this place markets itself as a "cafe" and the slogan is "revolutionary food" because the food is the exact opposite of revolutionary and they probably shouldn't be serving it.  The burger was 8.50, which isn't horrible, but a burger at Ruby Tuesdays or Chili's would blow this burger completely out of the water.  That's not good.

    Still, I like the atmosphere, but it's aggravating that whoever owns the place is wasting the nice space so badly.

    I forgot to mention - it was also maybe 60 degrees in there.  75% of the people inside were wearing their winter coats.  C'mon.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      10/5/2009

      It's a nice place to sit and have a drink, but I don't think I'll ever come back to eat here except… Read more »

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