The food at Marx is reliable and usually quite good. The baked lamb on Friday's is definitely the best thing I eat there but the pastas are good too as is the fish. Tapas - some good, some ok. But the best thing about Marx is it is one of the friendliest bars in the city. The owner, Harris, is there most nights and will take good care of you, and the patrons are equally friendly. It's a great, laid back neighborhood bar, my watering hole of choice. Great beers and scotches too. read more

Marx Cafe is a funky little hole in the wall that is really more of a bar then a restaurant or cafe, though it does have seating separate from the bar area. The menu is made up mostly of tapas that are so-so but hit the spot and go well with a beer. The pasta dishes are pretty good. The friendly staff and attentive bartenders keep me coming back. It definitely has a neighborhood bar feel and caters to Mt.P locals mostly. It's my favorite spot for food and drink in this neighborhood. read more

I gave it an extra star because from the onset it looks like it has potential to be cool. Kind of dive-like, good music, and waterless urinals in the mens room (and not because they're clogged up with who-knows-what). But the food selection was weird and the quality wasn't so good. Service was blah and the cost was a little high considering my lack of happiness with the food. read more

You know... it's a very comfortable welcoming place. The staff is friendly, the drinks are stiff, the atmosphere is nice (especially when the huge front windows are open). I enjoy it every time I go. However, the food needs some help. Some things are perfectly fine, like the chipotle (or something like that) chicken sandwich, but many of the things seem like they come straight from the frozen food truck, to the restaurant freezer, to the grill, to your table. If they cut down the menu options and concentrated on fresh food the bar would be much busier. Also, a bar with average (I'm being generous with this) burgers is unacceptable. Get ground beef, hand shape it, and add salt and pepper, and then grill it. This is the sure fire recipe to a great burger. This is very easy to change. Also, french fries from potatoes instead of out of a bag would be very helpful. read more

Veggie Burger sucks, like sucks so bad it's the worst veggie burger I have ever had. Not a bad place for a beer, but that is about it.

Nice place for a happy hour. Service is uber-friendly and the place has a nice homey feel. Beer selection's alright and, while I haven't tried the food, the temptation was there. read more

Absolutely love this place! I like the menu, and the quality of food, and the servers have always been good. They serve you quickly, and the prices are right. I have absolutely no complaints about this place. read more

DON'T EAT HERE. I don't know what the people who give this place 5 stars are thinking, but the food is pretty much terrible. It's not that you can't get something decent, if you're lucky, but the menu is far too ambitious for the kitchen. They're back there defrosting frozen tapas, I think. I've had the worst calimari of my life there, suitable for packaging material. There are other landmines in the menu, too, but I stopped trying before I hit them all. On the other hand, they have a decent beer selection, with at least a couple of Belgian beers on draught at any time, and while the space is oddly laid out, it's a laid-back and comfortable place to tip back a few. It's a real neighborhood place, nice clientele, and when they have DJs they're often quite decent. I like Marx in most respects - *as a bar* - but can't stress strongly enough how bad the food is. They should just try to do some basic items really well, and they'd rate five stars in my book. As it is I had to go with three to counterbalance the taste-deficient individuals who have rated this place up. read more

Marx Cafe is a great neighborhood spot for meeting friends after work. There's usually at least one exciting beer on tap, and failing that, my standard G&T is pretty tasty even with the rail liquor for HH. The tapas are pretty good, but not fantastically priced. Mount Pleasant doesn't lack for stand-out neighborhood spots to meet after work. There are better places (The Raven for drinks, Astor Mediterranean in Adams Morgan for Mediterranean tapas on the cheap). However, sometimes Marx Cafe just fits the mood. The bartenders are always nice, too. And they televise Rugby games, which brings in a fun crowd. read more

I've been here more times than I can count over the years for friends' DJ nights & all I can say is, can this restaurant PLEASE get a fan, or a better ventilation system, for their kitchen? Every time I'm in there the smell of fried food is just really bad & when I get home, all of my clothes smell terribly of fried food & I have to wash them straight away. This is not a huge problem for tops, etc. that are easy to wash but more so for things like jackets. I literally wear lounge wear/my worst clothes here that I can wash easily. I want to support the DJ nights but after last night, I won't go back until the fried food smell is rectified. read more

I suppose that my proximity to this place could leave me a bit biased, but I do find the food to be pretty good, the beer to be exceptional, the wine list is above average, and the wait staff is really nice. If you are in MtP stop in for a drink with a friend. Plus they have sports on several TVs, but it doesn't feel like a sports bar. Probably about the farthest away one could get from Buffalo Billiards without actually having sports on most of the time. And nightly drink specials (half price wine Mondays for example) are great! read more

Arg. I want to give this place a better rating because it's different and pleasant inside and should be a great neighborhood spot, but I just can't ignore the serious food issues. Perhaps if this were more of a bar with food rather than a restaurant with a bar, I wouldn't care, but food is a pretty big portion of what you're meant to do here, and the food is just bad. At pretty reasonable prices, one would have little cause to complain if Marx Cafe was serving up a limited list of undistinguished but competently prepared bar food. But instead the menu is a long list of "dishes from around the world", a gimmick that turns out to be more of a grand tour of stuff you never want to eat again, from tasteless bruschetta to an unfinishable burger. And just so you don't think I'm being picky, you remember the random food they served at Brickskellar? While I would have gladly kept eating that stuff, after one too many run-ins with Marx Cafe's menu, I've basically decided to never eat there again. Two stars because I know a lot of people just use it as a bar and it does that just fine, but pleeeeeease rethink your food situation, for the good of Mount Pleasant. read more

I usually go here for drinks and end up getting tapas with friends and sometimes an entree. Everything I have had has been really good. The two things that stand out the most are the steak tapas and the pasta bolognese. It's a cool establishment, lots of dark wood a couple of above bar mounted TV's...a local feel. read more

Pardon me, but I have to be blunt: The fare is stupefyingly horrendous, and I have tried, on numerous occasions, to find at least one dish to which I could turn because the jawn is so convenient to my studio; however, whether it was the octopus coated with mysteriplasm or the sausage, peppers and greasy french fries (which were advertised as "potatoes"), Marx has consistently snatched a satisfied customer from the jaws of low expectations. Additionally, there is nothing Marxist about the Marx; outside of certain specials, its potable prices would piss off any member of the proletariat, no matter how upwardly mobile he might think himself to be. read more

I want to give this place four stars, I really do, but the food was a big part of my experience and it was a big letdown (especially for the price). The bartender was great, the clientele was great, the drinks are great, but the food is overpriced for what it is. We started with the Cold Appetizer Plate (Tzatziki, tarama, humus, feta cheese and olives served with pita bread), which we needed to buy extra pita for. I'd expect adequate pita for 10.95... Two tiny chunks of feta, three olives, two slices of tomato... the hummus and tzatziki were good, but the whole thing wasn't worth the price. For entrees, I had the turkey burger ($8.50) with cheddar ($1), which was lukewarm and on a stale bun. The SO had the beef burger ($8.50) with cheddar ($1), mushrooms ($1) and grilled onions ($1). His bun was also stale, which made the burger hard to eat. I want to think that some of the more serious food would be better, but it looks like other Yelpers have been disappointed with it, as well. But the drinks, music, staff and other patrons were great, so I'm pretty sure I'll stop by for drinks again. Might try other menu items, but we'll see. read more

I come here on Monday nights for the 1/2 price bottles of wine. The list is hand picked by the owner and so far all the wines (total of 3 different reds) are AMAZING. The atmosphere is pretty relaxed and I like the overall vibe of the place. The owner is there quite often and loves to stop by the table and chat. Where do you get this kind of service?! I love it. I can tell already we're going to be regulars on Monday.The tapas are big and even though the menu seems a bit... unique for the kind of place you think it is, they've all been pretty tasty so far. Its a cool place to just relax, talk and hangout after a long day. The 1/2 price wine can't be beat in Mt. Pleasant. read more

Marx Cafe is one of my absolute favorite places in the city. I love to sit in the window seat with good company and a glass of wine (more like a glass and a half actually). Despite some of the other reviews here I actually really like the food, the lemon chicken appetizer is delicious. I like this place because you can have a different experience depending on what you are in the mood for. You can hang out at the bar, sit at a quiet table, or even dance when they have a dance night. Overall I would suggest going to Marx when you actually want to catch up with your friends and have a good time chatting the night away. read more

Go for the reggae spinning the last Friday of every month! Great tunes, dancing, and no cover. Have to be ok with the small space.

Great spot! I came here for a relaxed date night. The food was good, and I loved the service - our server was friendly, helpful, and a bit of a jokester. Nice cozy spot for a drink or a bite to eat, and the chocolate cake, OH MY GOSH, it doesn't say so on the menu but it's flourless. It's like a hunk of fudge on a plate. So delicious. read more

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. read more

I really want to like Marx, it's just not that great. Went here for brunch twice and made it work, but like an earlier reviewer pointed out- it's nothing I can't make at home. It's really a shame because it's a great space with a cool theme, and Mt. P needs more outstanding establishments. Haven't been there for the live music yet, but I'll give it a shot one of these weekends. read more

Place has been around for about 10 years, so it's definitely a neighborhood fixture. This is my hangout. I mostly go for drinks, but I regularly get hummus or the burger and fries. Love the seasoning on the fries. Bartenders are all friendly, and I've had the chance to meet a nice mix of people here. Bar crowd is usually older than in some other bars in the area, which makes me happy as I'm 42 and am not looking to hang out in a 20-something bar. This is one of the few places on the street where people of different backgrounds mix instead of sitting at different tables near each other. The sports and movies on the TVs are fun (wide mix of sports), and they have a big young Latin crowd on nights that feature Spanish pop and dance music. I'm amused/annoyed by the review that says the place is for white hippies. Have yet to see anyone who fits that description in the place after 9 years in the neighborhood. The Africans and Latinos I talk to up there would find that "analysis" particularly funny. Sometimes people see only what they want to. I will say that the veggie burger wasn't that good, but other than that I've been happy with the food I've tried. read more

I finally got around to going here a few weeks ago and had a great experience overall. The Greek Sangria (a special on Thursday nights) was delicious and the food (hummus as an appetizer, Nirvana Vegetarian Wrap as an entree) were on point. We arrived around 7:30 and by the time we left it was quite loud so I'd suggest coming on the earlier side if you want to fit in some good conversation without having to yell. read more

Great flaming cheese. The owner hangs out/chats with the customers.

Went here for dinner recently with a friend and had a good time. There are 1/2 price appetizers for happy hour which is great because they have a whole page of appetizers from around the world. There wine and beer list is bigger than some restaurants I've been to which is nice. Each night there is a different drink special . There are a nice variety of dinner options to choose from. I had the beef burger with fries and both were very good! Overalls this is a great local restaurant/bar that is a great place for a meal with a friend or a nice date. read more

Update 4 years later. Marx Cafe is hands down the best neighborhood joint in Mt. Pleasant. The food has gotten better over the years. Still some things to work on like the rubbery eggplant rollatini that I order every single time and am always disappointed by. The staff is friendly, although scarce at times due to it becoming busy when there aren't enough of them. The atmosphere is the real win here. Go for happy hour where there are half price apps. Great deal - make your own small plate dinner with greek food. read more

Place looks nice and it's very casual, but food was subpar, doesn't even get to generic bar food, beer selection was decent. Price is reasonable, but I wouldn't come back again. One time deal. read more

Great spot in an otherwise SODASOPA nightmare area. Good beer, good food and attentive service - check it out.

I've had the hummus several times -- amazing! Wish I knew the secret ingredient(s) so I could make it myself. Goes great with $4 rail drinks at any hour! read more

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. read more

My boyfriend and I snagged one of the two most coveted tables in the windows this past weekend. It was sunny, and we just wanted to grab a bite, drink a few beers and chill. We found just what the doctor ordered at Marx. I had the Greek wrap and fries and I cleaned my plate, and we both got the great weiss beer on tap. The server was laid back and nice and we had one of those unusually intense convos while overlooking the BestWorld. Good memory. read more

Tasty tapas, in a cool atmosphere, priced just right. Couldn't ask for anything more...

Love everything about this place. The owner is a delightful man who learns customers' first names and preferences. He knows that I love "linguini a la marx." The wine and beer selection is outstanding and the entire staff (who are so hard working and professional!) can make recommendations for you. Super cute ambiance. Hard wood floors and wall panels that open on to the street during nice weather. They have great DJs and at night can turn into a discotheque. Art is on the wall and international sports (lots of futbol) are playing on various screens quietly at the bar. You'll never get bored of the menu because they always have a delicious special going on. Everyone there takes pride in what they do and it shows in their service. This is hands down my favorite restaurant in DC! read more

Great food. Good daily specials. Live entertainment. Nice neighborhood crowd. Great bartenders.

The Marx cafe is wonderful. The atmosphere is excellent and the service is friendly. I've had almost all of the small plates and I can say that most of them are pretty good. Some miss the mark (the bruschetta is pretty uninspired and the fried calamari is often overcooked), but in general they are good quality. The stuffed peppadews are amazing. Go on monday night for happy hour - you get all bottles of wine and small plates 1/2 off. It is really an unbeatable deal. One of the best mid-week date spots. read more

Marx is a great local bar. The happy hour specials are good and the beers on tap are generally outstanding. The bartenders are nice (cheers especially to Manny) and the service is reliable. I would recommend Marx to anyone looking for a drink/casual dinner. My picks: Happy Hour/Apps Picks - Grilled Calamari, Hummus Menu - Eggs Copenhagen, Veggie Wrap (and the fries are delicious) Beer - Chimay Blue read more

IT'S A NICE LOCAL SPOT. Small place and a bit pricey on drinks but I always have a good time here. Very hip on the weekends. You have to try there pasta with crab meat. It's delicious! read more

Great for a mellow drink, good neighborhood bar. They were giving tattoos in the bar the other night which I found disturbing

Food was ok, service was incredibly slow and not very polite.

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