Paige R.'s Profile

We walked in to find the lights were on at just the right brightness to enjoy the art and stay awake. The music was at just the right level to help the ambiance and not interfere with conversation. I expected it to be a laid-back place but it was more commercial than a Starbucks and had done a pole vault over the "trying too hard" bar between authentic and kitch. I just couldn't tell what it was trying to go for as a business aside from the social justice activism that its theme plays up for profit (and which I was interested to learn more about).

I came here around 10pm on a Friday night with my boyfriend after being out on the U-Street Corridor and deciding to head to Chinatown for a slower scene. It's an easy walk from the Metro and we'd always wanted to try it.

The servers and busboys seemed really up-beat, not something I'd expect late at night seeing as they have to do a lot of walking in the large space. My server was especially friendly but I'm sorry that I must rate the place 2-stars for total value and by that I mean the food sucked and I wouldn't recommend it though I would be willing to try it again. I regularly eat out at places that charge $15-50 for dinner so it's not like I was just blown away by the prices. The menu tactic is a few years out of style: take a basic food, add a bourgeois twist then jack up the price. Or describe a classic comfort food and jack up the price.

We started with the sweet potato fries, of which I've had several variations. Busboys & Poets serves them burnt and oily with a large dollop of sour cream and scallions. A two-stars "meh."

I ordered the chicken and wild rice soup thinking "this is the perfect late-night snack that is sure to be delicious." It was served in one of the most shallow bowls I've seen and cost over $6. It was bland, lukewarm, and there wasn't anything on the table like pepper or hot sauce to add to it.

My boyfriend ordered the fried tofu which came with about seven pieces that were each about the size of your thumb above its top joint. The sauce wasn't much to get excited about either.

I did like the 'comfort cider' drink which was served with a cassia stick as a cinnamon stand-in. It was delicious and not too hot to drink right away. My boyfriend ordered the DC Tap Water which was poorly mixed so it just tasted like the weird blue flavoring. We had planned on ordering another round but we didn't want to take the risk of more disappointment so we paid and boogied back to Arlington.

The pho broth is excellent with or without meat and I recommend that you pour the sate in. Sate is the red chili oil they serve to you in a small dish.

Also a plus: the tap water tastes good

I've had two experiences with Ethiopian food; the first time I felt jipped. The second time I was at Dana.

Here's the thing about dining Ethiopian: you'd freaking BETTER get full on the bread because there's not much else to go around. So be prepared to pay $8 for canned spinach and $18 for the most tasteless, umber-colored burrito bread to actually make you feel full. It's like joining a pyramid scheme for people in need of weight loss and Dama has the best pretend, 50 calorie chocolate on the market.

Dama doesn't just serve you up that malnutritious look but it actually creates an experience. You hear weird music that samples American beats in the background while you hungrily grasp teaspoons of tasty slop off a 22 inch platter using your fingers by utilizing weird bread that is emaciated itself. For $30 per two-person meal, you'll understand why drinks cost 15% of the total cheque. Just be glad you can afford to eat like you can't.

I came here on a Sunday for brunch based on Yelp reviews and found it to be crowded with old people. My mother always said they pick the best food.

My boyfriend and I were told to pick a seat anywhere in the house so we sat by the window under the TV (which of course was tuned into the Steelers' game). I looked around and realized this place really MUST have been around for 40 years as the homey feel came from the out of date decor and comfortable, friendly staff.

I immediately ordered the fried zucchini and virgin Bloody Mary. I was happy that the bartender used real tomato juice and Worcester sauce instead of a gross mixer. The fried zucchini came right out and was perfect: piping hot, large chunks, a flavorful batter and two choices of ranch dip.

The bread came out as regular white sliced baguette with butter packages so I poured some olive oil in the small plate and added salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese for dipping. A salad came with my order and I am sorry to say there was way too much house vinegar in the house vinaigrette. But I lived.

My entree was brought out: four large stuffed shells that were just smothered in melted provolone cheese and tomato sauce. By that  and by that point I'd had too much to eat so did my best to eat like a champ and took the rest home. My boyfriend's order was a huge bowl of gnocchi in garlic, parsley and olive oil. Not the best combination but that was his bad.

I was a little sorry to leave because it is totally a place to relax and have a good time. I only wish there were places like this where I live.

All joking aside, this establishment is a chocolate starfish among lubricated creatures.

Big portions, good prices, excellent taste! The vegan sampler starter for two is so big it's enough to whet the appetites of four people. The joint is only a little ways off I95 and really worth the stop.

I must have ordered the best food on the menu because I was wowed by the flavors and value. It's a bit pricey but the chef didn't skimp on anything and introduced me to some radical flavors...I had the caprese which came with plump yellow & red tomatoes, quality mozzarella, pesto sauce and a creamy vinaigrette; mussels which were cooked perfectly, tasted as fresh as you can expect and were doused in white wine sauce with shallots; and the fried gnudi which has a taste that is out of this world.

I was satisfied with the bill because the taste was great, portions were perfect, service was fast and although the place is big, I felt like I had privacy with my date due to the acoustics. I will definitely go back for seconds.

As we walked back from a happy hour near Dupont, my boyfriend and I saw a sign stating "Spain cuisine" and remembered we hadn't eaten dinner. We saw the "Yelp loves us" sticker on their door and immediately knew what we were eating for dinner: paella! With the low-priced, over-stocked lobster market being what it is...we made the split decision to do it up right, enjoy the food and not worry about price.

We walked in and were the only ones in the place besides one other full table. The waiter/host was very friendly and made wine recommendations, which I enjoyed (both Argentinian). The bread was basic, boring and the spread was almost tasteless but I didn't eat much so as not to fill up. I ordered the gazapacho appetizer, which tasted like tomato soup (not tomato juice). The ceviche my boyfriend ordered was delicious.

When the paella came, I was really excited because the presentation was so cool, with the lobster cut in half and laid across the rice. The taste was alright, but the lobster itself was just bad.

Not that you can get these dishes at any old restuarant, but this place isn't worth a second visit.

This is definitely a place I will visit again if I need to kill time or have privacy but want to be out. It's only a couple of blocks away from the McPherson Sq metro stop.

The acoustics in the room are good, service was speedy, and it was at the perfect temperature to escape into from the hot outdoors. The fourth olive on the martini stirrer earned the 5th star in my review!

This place is hopping at lunchtime. If you're ordering to go, hit up the counter that faces the parking lot. If you're staying and eating, order further inside.

The food is well-priced and there's free, help-yourself soft-serve ice cream next to the iced tea canisters with the rest of the beveridges.

I'll defintely be back.