Yum. Yum.... Yet one more of a count-in-the-fingers-of-one-hand nice place to eat in the culinary desert of the Northeast of the entire US, L'Enfant Plaza. Atrium has maintained its assembly-line approach to building great sandwiches for several years now and this is praise deserving. For the newcomer, once you make the line, it is not a place for idle chit-chat with the service staff. You need to know what you want when you make the line. They have no time for small talk and want to keep the line moving. But move it does, and the result is a great, thick sandwich the way you want it. Wish their iced tea was next to the soda fountain, since I don't do carbonated drinks. That slows down the process a couple of seconds. Still, an excellent place. As far as the price that others have complained about, sorry folks, it's supply and demand. They know they have a decent place and price accordingly. It's not Stage Deli in NYC but for L'Enfant, it rocks! read more

Food is good just pricey for what your getting, I go here every few weeks for a fresh sandwich.

Great lunch spot! Everything is made fresh, they even carve the roasted turkey in front of you to order! The pot pies are said to be amazing if you can get your hands on one. This is a great local lunch spot. read more

I use the atrium as a food treat by my job on an occasional basis given they're expensive af. The food is pretty good though, most of it is cooked to order. Pretty good breakfast options but the show stealer is definitely their salads. They have a Cobb salad with chicken, strawberries, feta and other things that is rocking. Pair it with some cracked pepper "dirty" chips and thank me later. read more

Rude staff with overpriced food. Not worth it. Visiting from out of state does not give a person the right to be rude.

Delicious! Very close to the Smithsonian museums we visited, an easy short walk and the food was completely fresh, delicious and a much better value than the other options. The cafe was completely clean, service was friendly and quick. We had the Korean beef bbq wrap, turkey sandwich, roast beef sandwich, avocado salad and an iced coffee and everyone loved what they ate. read more

It's pretty good, but I wouldn't rave about it. I had a large salad that cost about $10, so competitive with Sweetgreen but not as interesting. Sandwiches look good. Place has lots of seating and is clean. Probably best thing about it is location in what's kind of a food dead zone. read more

This is such a great hole in the wall place in the lefant plaza area. The place is always crowded during lunch time. Their lunch selection is great. They have variety of sandwiches to choose from. They also bake/roast their meat each day it seems and slice them in front of you for your sandwich. My coworker is a big fan of their meatball sandwich. read more

Exactly what you would expect from a breakfast lunch place. They do stop serving breakfast so be aware if you want "all day breakfast " and the place is in an office building so is easy to walk by and miss. Sandwiches were good and bread very fresh! read more

Food was good. Service is poor. If it wasn't for my friend already having ordered, I'd have left without catering to this business. read more

Atrium Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I work at a nearby Federal office, and I was shocked to discover the Atrium Cafe. Very fresh sandwiches with meats (turkey, roast beef and ham) carved right in front of you are unheard of in the decent food desert that is that area. The staff is incredibly efficient so much so that the long lines that form at lunch time on weekdays move very quickly. There are fresh prepared salads, drinks, and fresh fruit cups, too. The portions are big and you can customize your sandwiches with a lot of toppings, ranging from the usual (lettuce and tomatoes) to the more esoteric (whole grain mustard, fresh avocado slices, even cranberry sauce). The prices are also decent, too (a sandwich, a piece of fruit and a drink will offset you somewhere $8-12 which is "cheap" for DC). Recommended! read more

I don't buy lunch at work often, but when I do Atrium Cafe is most definitely one of the go-to spots! The ingredients they use are fresh, and they are generous and friendly with the portions if there's something that you want more of in your sandwich/wrap. During the lunch rush, the line can get long, but don't let that scare you! The staff works quickly and efficiently that you'll hardly even notice. 10/10 recommend! read more

We didn't have a great experience here unfortunately. My gf ordered a feta wrap and it was liquidy and drippy...it wasn't edible. It also had a particularly bad stench. We also got iced coffees with curdled milk. I got a bagel with cream cheese. It wasn't bad but not great. read more

I hesitate to write this review because Atrium is one of the few really decent places in the Federal Center vicinity, and I don't need anyone else dropping in. However, I decided that's not really fair. Atrium deserves public praise. Meat is fresh. Bread and veggie options are plentiful. Other condiments abound. Know what you want before you get to the line ... because they'll expect you to. If sandwiches aren't your thing, they have plenty of salads in the fridge. read more

I dig this place. Great quality meat, fresh chewy breads, good drink selection, and awesome sandwich fixings. Granted, their selection is limited (sandwiches, and soup), but almost anything you choose is absolutely delicious. Atrium uses high quality meats (freshly carved turkey and roast beef) and the selection of breads and toppings is among the best on the Hill. Their chips and side dishes selection is pretty impressive (think boutique deli) and the prices aren't ridiculous. As Warren mentioned though, they are cash only, which is kind of a bummer. Ambiance does suck- it is very cafeteria esque. However, the food is better than anything else out there, even Mitisam or the new Longworth cafeteria. If you do end up visiting Atrium be forewarned it is on the back side of the office building facing Virginia Ave. Or else you could linger around in front and wait for me to arrive- I go that often. read more

Really good sandwiches which start out reasonably priced (~$5) but can get expensive in a hurry ($1 for cheese, $1 for bacon, $1 for a baguette). This is not subway though. All of the meats are sliced from real animal carcasses moments before your sandwich is made and they blast through the line amazingly quick. Don't fret if the line is out the door, they get real busy at lunchtime. Biggest update from other reviews...THEY NOW TAKE CREDIT CARDS! Welcome to the 20th century. They aren't really advertising it as they've trained the regulars to pay cash, but plastic is now accepted. read more

I visit the Atrium at least once to twice a week. The sandwiches are unique, the MEAT selection is awesome, and they generally can handle the lunch crowd really well. Where else can you get turkey and ham sliced off the bone right in front of you in DC? This place is only a 3 or 4 min. walk from L'Enfant Metro, I would recommend anyone in the city to try for a great work lunch experience. read more

Great place to grab lunch, come early to miss the lunch rush line ! They have great, healthy options, and the salads, soups, sandwiches are ALWAYS fresh. You can definitely taste that it's healthy in a good way ! They have a good amount of choices for vegetarians, as well as for carnivores ! I've had the chefs salad, and the vegetarian sandwich....and chili...all delicious, nothing super fancy but good for a quick lunch that won't weigh you down and put you into a deep food coma ! read more

A whole in the wall Korean deli on the backside of an office building, it's pretty inconspicuous. Decent place for a sandwich at lunch and the line is often far shorter than the nearby Subway or Quizno's. The sandwiches are made to order and the meats look freshly cut (though I've never had as I only eat fish and veg.). The breads are okay, nothing special, but the selection of condiments and vegetables makes up for it. However, make sure you know exactly what you want on your sandwich before they even ask. They'll ask if you want lettuce and tomato and if you say yes, the women behind the counter will assume that's ALL you want and proceed to put the other slice of bread on the sandwich and wrap it up. This has happened to me several times and by now you'd think I would've learned. But they had spicy mustard, sprouts, avocado/guac spread, onions, etc. but you miss out if you don't assert yourself. They, by default, put loads of mayo in the tuna and a bunch more spread on the bread. If you get the tuna, ask for it without the mayo spread as if just gets absorbed into the bread making the sandwich very soggy. I recommend a heartier, more solid type of bread (baguette or ciabatta) as they seem to hold up a little better to the massive fillings. Steer clear of flimsy white or sourdough. Oh, and no credit/debit is a big downside, especially when you get there and realize you don't have any cash! read more

This place nickel and dimes you for everything. You can get three sandwiches for the price of one from the Subway sandwich shop just steps away. read more

Atrium is a little pricey, no surprise being in dc, but their sandwiches are prepared in front of you, just how you want! They slice roast beef and turkey fresh and it is delish! I also recommend their breakfast options! read more

I'm going to give this place 4 stars just because they are a bit pricey but their food is yum! I ordered a Turkey avo, hubs ordered a BLT and my kids shared the meatball sub. The sandwiches are hearty and keep you full. Meat is carved right in front of you and ingredients all look and taste fresh. It was little difficult to locate the cafe but it's worth going there. read more

Such great prices for the best sandwiches! I always get the Korean BBQ beef wrap and it is truly to die for. Atrium cafe is a gem!

This place gets one star because they couldn't even manage basic service. Whatever you do, don't come in at 10:30 and expect something cooked. I was told 'breakfast is over'. Fine. Annoying, but fine. So can I get a turkey sandwich? 'No. We aren't ready for lunch.' Ok, so how long are talking here? She didnt seem to understand why I was so insistent on finding out when I might be able to eat something - standing in a deli talking to a short order cook who is refusing to make food for a customer. I MUST BE CRAZY Needless to say I wasn't in the mood to give my business to a deli without thier act together who won't make food at 10:30. read more

I love this place. Fresh meats carved for the sandwiches everyday. Get here before 1pm, they will run out of meat.

This place is great for lunch. They only take cash, which is a drawback. BUT, they do have an ATM on premise. Their prices are reasonable, usually about $6 for a huge sandwich or wrap (freshly baked and sliced turkey, ham or roast beef). They charge extra for cheese, but you can put anything else you want on there without an extra charge. If you go around noon, their lines can be at / out the door, but don't be discouraged, it moves pretty fast. They also serve breakfast and a bunch of different types of coffees. I haven't tried either, so can't really vouch for it. Maybe I'll update my review if I ever try those things read more

Fresh sandwiches made to order. This is a place where they slice the meat off a giant slab to put it on your sandwich. There was definitely a bit of a lunch rush, but the line moved quickly. Pricing (especially for DC) was not bad at all. The best part is that this is a bit of an awkward location and there is not much around unless you start walking farther. This is just a few blocks from the International Trade Commission, making it an easy lunch spot for visiting attorneys. I am sure I will be stopping by again in March! read more

Excellent sandwich, huge portions, fresh ingredients ... Awful service! We came in at 2 PM on Monday and it felt like we were inconveniencing them. Very awkward interactions with the staff. read more

Atrium Cafe - Fresh cut chicken, turkey, and roast beef! - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Don't go if you just want coffee. $5 min fee to use a card. Beware if you don't carry cash.

Sandwiches are delicious and customer service is always perfect. I definitely recommend their turkey!

I actually wrote this review in June 2011. Aww you poor soul. Don't you know the L'enfant Plaza area during lunch time is no place to be? You gotta work right? Forgiven! Lunch options in the area are pathetic; mcdonalds, popcorn trolley or drinking a 1.5 liter bottle of water. No wonder a lot of Government workers are cranky, they're running off bad food and badder coffee. Fear no more. I give you the "Atrium Café". They make an edible sandwich. The deli specialists are friendly *enough. As others have reported, the turkey and ham are sliced fresh sans bone daily. Want something more festive? Try the tuna or the chicken salad. I can vouche. Both are decent. Be ready to place your order and know your toppings. You will quickly get the sense to hurry it up. "Hurry up and BUY!" , but I respect it as I'm usually in a rush! Upsides: You can choose from various breads and wraps, salad, tomato, wheat, rye, white, baguette....You will be full! Downsides: Certain toppings turn a $6 wrap into an $8 wrap. Cheese is an extra dollar. Guac is also extra. Recommended: For the poor souls on a lunch break who can't venture further for a decent deli sandwich. Good enough. 3 Stars. read more

Great sandwich shop as I remember it when I worked at the old DOT building on 7th street! Carved the fresh hot meat right in front of you!

This should actually be a 3.5 star... but not quite willing to jump up to 4 for it.. This is a very good, basic sandwich bar. The selling point is the freshly carved meats (Roast Beef, Turkey, or Ham) that they put on their sandwiches. Serving size is fairly decent, and there is a good array of toppings that you can select from (including cranberry sauce for your turkey, if so inclined). I normally go with a Roast Beef and Honey Mustard, although the Honey Mustard is a touch spicy for my taste. While not overly costly, to have cheese added to your sandwich is a good 75 cents to a dollar more. Never had a problem with the service or politeness of the staff. It is an enjoyable once in a while treat at lunch. read more

Lots of sandwich options for breakfast, plus bagels and other pastries, BLT is only offered for lunch which I find odd. Breakfast items are priced affordably. Lunch options include fresh roasted and sliced in front of you ham, turkey, and roastbeef, however they nickle and dime you for every additional topping which can make the final price for a sandwich a bit on the pricey side. I usually only go to Atrium when the weather is really bad or I have back to back meetings all day. read more

I try to come here when I work in the city. Great sandwiches, but try to get here before the rush which seems to start at 11:30. I recommend the roast beef or turkey, cheese is extra. The staff here are very friendly and do a great job at getting you through the line quickly. read more

I've come here a couple of times for breakfast and the line can be pretty long. I used to be able to check out if I'm just grabbing a beverage from the fridge, but now I'm told I have to wait in the same long line as everyone else ordering made-to-order cooked food. For this reason, I'll start using the other cafes that utilize a separate line from the ordering station. If you're pressed for time in the morning, I recommend using the neighboring cafes/coffee shops in the area. read more

Didn't want to eat in any of the museum cafeterias while site seeing so I was looking for some place where all the locals probably go for lunch. Yes, it's a few blocks off the main tourist path, but man it was worth it. They had just brought the turkey out of the oven (or wherever they got it), and carved it fresh onto my sourdough bread. It was awesome. Friendly service. Not much crowd or atmosphere, but I just wanted a great sandwich and this place delivered. read more

I don't really have much to say about this cafe other than the sandwiches are very good. I wanted pastrami but they didn't have it so I just got roast beef on a roll. The sandwich was very good and I recommend this cafe if you want to pick up a great sandwich. read more

They put coffee ice cubes in my iced latte. Nuff said.

I spent nearly $12 for a small korean bbq wrap and a water. Portion size was small, so overall this place is overpriced much better options in DC. read more