Saints Paradise Cafeteria feels like a warm hug in food form. The fried fish and sides were pure comfort, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the friendly vibe made me want to stay longer.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Follow my IG account for Curated Google Maps list for brunch, happy hours, rooftops, parks, wineries & more in the DMV area: @yourdmvbestie read more

Great food and service. I will return in the future. Waiting in line was worth it. The portions are as large as 30 years ago.

I'll keep it short and sweet about this hidden gem. We got the rib plate and the fried chicken plate. Total was about $27 (cash only). The chicken was delicious but you only get one breast the ribs are a BARGAIN as the entire container was full. I wish they served meatloaf every day as I would love to try that. The line moves slow and it's a long one. Wait time was about 45 minutes on a Saturday afternoon. They had run out of quite a few things so make sure to get here early. We will certainly be back but will go in early for what we want. The sides are delightful and clearly everything is made fresh in house. read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Ribs with yams and Mac and cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Prices for EVERYTHING are sky high right now!! So when I ran across this inexpensive cafeteria, I had to categorize it under BIG SCHLIM LITE POCKET MEALS!! This spot is a whole gem !! That's it. Let's GO!! . Where I am: #saintsparadisecafeteria . Location Reviewed: 601A M St., N.W. Washington D.C. . Menu Includes: Breakfast; Sausage, Bacon, Scrapple, Turkey Sausage, Chicken, Waffles, Pancakes, Eggs. Lunch/Dinner; Pork Chops, Meatloaf, Spaghetti, Fish, Chicken, Turkey Wings, Ribs, Crab cake, Shrimp, Chitterlings, Mac n Cheese, Greens, Potato Salad, Yams, Stuffing, Corn, Broccoli, Cakes, Pies, Cobblers, & Beverages. . Items Reviewed: Their Fried Chicken entree (with green beans, corn bread, & Mac n cheese $10.59). The Mac n Cheese...DELICIOUS!! Aunty made this with love!! The Beans...DECENT. A tad bit too salty. The Cornbread...PASS. It was dry. The Chicken...DELICIOUS!! Crispy, & plentiful!! Their BBQ Ribs Platter (with turkey meat in black eyed peas, & yams $11.49). The Sweet Potatoes...ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!! Taste just like the Pie!! The Peas...DELICIOUS!! Especially with that turkey!! The Ribs...ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!! Savory & sweet, plentiful, & tender...WINNING!! Their Sweet Potato Pie, Apple Cobbler ($3 ea.)& Half n Half (ice tea & lemonade mix $2.35). The Pie, ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!! Sweet, moist, tasty!! The Cobbler...DECENT. Extra sweet. The Half n Half...STAMP!! Ain't nothing like a good ice tea n lemonade mix!! . Customer Service: Excellent. Welcoming, Attentive!! . Online Navigation: N/A . Parking: Rough. Street/Metered/Enforced. . Recommendations: The Fried Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, & Mac n Cheese with the Half n Half!! =STAMP =A.DELICIOUS =DELICIOUS =DECENT =PASS =NAH #Bigschlimsreviews read more

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Great place, but slow line! This is a great place to check out if you have any interest in soul food, or if you want to check out a local institution. Great prices, but cash only! read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Those ribs were goooood! - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The cafeteria food is good.The portions are great.I like the pork chops smothered in gravy .The brown gravy on rice was nice.Turkey wings,cabbage,collard greens,.The staff interaction or banter is great!The conversation I had with the lady on smothered pork chop and gravy poured on pork chop was fun.I like talking about southern food.You won't be disappointed. Mr Southern/Northern The Saints Cafeteria is outstanding. read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Perfect authentic soul food!!!! The best I've had since moving from Chicago to DC. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Clean and organized as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Loved everything! read more

Cash only. But fantastic soul food and down home cooking. I've taken both of my parents here and they loved it. Personally, I think this is the most authentic soul food in DC. read more

Insanely cheap for the amount of food you get! I got the rib dinner with a slice of pie and a lemonade for about $20 and had plenty of leftovers. Line moves pretty slow, so be prepared if you're in any kind of rush. Staff is super friendly though and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the space is clean with lots of light.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Cash only but there's an ATM inside. read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Ribs, mashed potatoes, green beans, cherry pie, corn bread - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The food is excellent!! I would recommend everyone to go in try some good old soul food.

BRING CASH THEY DO NOT TAKE PLASTIC. THERE IS AN ATM INSIDE. No matter what brings me to Washington, DC, If I have the time, I eat here or get takeaways. If you are the type you want a fancy place this is not it. Everyone from every walk of life drifts in and out the doors. And each time I have come there has been a line. (And yes, everyone has to wait their turn). The food is exceptional and the prices are great. Be prepared to take food home because they give you a lot. Yes, it is in a church basement area. The food and the service are great. Another good thing is the take away trays they use are sturdy. The staff is very nice. Like I said, I eat here every time I come to DC. I often buy multiple meals. I have even taken an Uber here. Trust me you will not be disappointed. read more

This food is making me reconsider my current stance on being an atheist. OMG this is ALL the goodness from my childhood and mama's cooking. They could use some AC in there, or some retractable shades for the windows. read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Rib dinner with sweet potatoes and green beans. - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I'm an atheist. But I see value in those who work hard for in their community. I see value in those who work to connect local people with local resources. I see value in those who use their power or their position for others. This place - this cafeteria uses God's word and God's power to help those who need it most. They serve. They deliver. They are an example. This is not just food; this is nourishment for the soul. I would gladly give them my money so they can provide for others. I used to live and work in Green Bay, Wisconsin and there was an outreach center there called St John's church, who similarly served the people there. They'd serve BBQ and soul food as a means to fundraise their homeless operations as a shelter. I saw the impact they made. I look back on that and see the same mission here in DC. I see neighbors helping neighbors. I see the impact Saint's Paradise is making and how this food can help these local people. I'll continue to come here to support their services despite my views and my beliefs. But I see what they are doing for each other. And that - that is something beyond words can express. read more

Food was Amazing. I was here for a Conference and Security at the Grand Hyatt recommended Saints paradise. I had the pork chops with baked macaroni, sweet potatoes, cornbread and a pineapple Fanta! Very Good!!!!!!! read more

Great spot for a quick, fresh meal cooked with love. Stopped by on a Sunday morning and had a great breakfast. Grits, eggs scrambled w cheese, sausage patties, and a most delicious biscuit. If I wasn't on a diet I would have had a slice of that strawberry cake as well. Support this neighborhood institution and give it a try. read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Found the grits. - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I was advised by a fantastic local DC couple to go here during my visit in the DC downtown area. My experience was nothing less than phenomenal! Mine here is simple selection from the lunch menu: * Fried Catfish * White Rice w/Chicken Gravy * Greens * Cornbread * Banana Pudding w/Wafers Note: You feel the love before you even enter! I will definitely comeback upon returning to DC. read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Simple selection from lunch menu: * Fried Catfish * White Rice w/Chicken Gravy * Greens * Cornbread * Banana Pudding w/Wafers - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Delicious soul food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Clean environment.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Good portions. Parking is difficult. Have someone with you to pickup the order. Must clothes and shoes on. read more

Cash only hidden gem in Mount Vernon Triangle. I initially came for the extremely affordable blue plate specials and have continued to come back for the incredible food. It's located in a church right near the metro and the lines can be long at times but they move quickly. My family loves the mac and cheese and yams so much that we'll typically order a tray of both from here for thanksgiving. read more

Candid yams are beautiful and taste delicious. I want to try the liver and onions today..

Nothing like a home cooked meal. Some call it soul food. I call it the Soulsfood. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everything I visit it's clean, full of light and wonderful people who want our cuisine done by us.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Check it out. You can thank me later, gator! read more

Whenever I'm in DC, I make my way over to Saint's Paradise. While I do love the food and I've never had a bad meal there, I love the people and the place. It's a great place to sit, eat, talk to complete strangers, people watch, and soak in the goodness of the place. read more

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Very affordable and incredibly delicious soul food cafe! I popped in on a Saturday around noon and got 3 of the meals (fish dinner plate, chicken dinner plate, and shrimp plate) to share with four friends which were all delicious. You can't go wrong with any of them! We were able to try all of the sides and my favorites were the mac & cheese and collard greens. I also really enjoyed the apple pie. You enter this cafeteria through a side entrance of the church. You move through the serving line to order and you can point to the items you want. Everyone in there is super nice! We took our food to go but there were also tables set up to enjoy your food inside after you order/pay. read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Ok Ok..I FINALLY get to eat here and enjoy this southern/soul food. I've had this place bookmarked for a while but never had the time to venture over. I came for lunch with my coworkers since my supervisor made a suggestion that we try this spot. In my yelper mind, I'm thinking "YES! And I actually have this place bookmarked!" The place is considered a "landmark" that many locals are familiar with. Its attached to a church or what I'll call "a place of worship" but don't let it fool you and dont let it stop you from walking in and getting full of GOODNESS! I ordered the whiting fish, greens, mac and cheese, and of course lemon cake! Don't let my slim build fool you..I ate ALL of it with NO regrets! It was THAT good. It has the great southern flavors and will keep you satisfied and wanting more! I couldn't even go to back to work and be productive and wanted to just go find a nice bed to sleep for the rest of my day. They have different selections for every day and have a set menu as well. I definitely need to come back again and try the other dishes! read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Whiting fish with mac n cheese and greens - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Wowwwww....My Mississippi Grandma gave them her recipes. My Rating:10/10 I visited here in March(& my first visit 2 The African American Museum). The Whiting,sweet potatoes,turnip greens taste like "Real,picking from the field cuisine". The serving was exceptional. The price was overly fair. The customer service was so pleasant & accommodating. They are "Paradise". read more

Very good food and awesome service. I don't know what I was expecting from this church run cafeteria but what I got was flavorful soul food with somebody's Grandmomma/Auntie/Momma in the back cooking this food fit for your soul! I arrived so hungry and greedy, I am ashamed to post my meal here...but I will! Lol! I had the porkchop meal with macaroni & cheese and green beans. I just had to get a side of the candied yams...I was eating so fat! The candied yams tasted like angles prepared them while fairies hovered over them sprinkling fairy dust over the completed product! Y'all stop through now, ya hear?! read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Porkchop meal with macaroni & cheese and green beans with a side of candied yams - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Stopped by this place before going the Auto Show next door, and glad we did! From the moment we walked in where we heard loud cries of "Cobbler" and faint whispers of "Blue Plate Specials", we knew that the saints were blessing our food choice. The line moved at the pace of yeast rising, but it didn't matter, as it gave us ample opportunity to decide which dessert we wanted, since those were the first thing on the cafeteria conveyor belt. I went with a slice of Cherry Pie for example. The guy behind me went with two slices of cake and a Banana Cream Pie. We're all responsible for the choices we make. For the main dish, everything from fried pork chops (paired well with fried shrimp) to not Catfish, but "something in the same family" rang true, all of which comes with two sides. I asked for a slice of Cornbread, and was reminded, that, "it's included, baby". All of the aforementioned was washed down with a 32oz. Lemonade, as is written in the Gospel. From start to finish, from first entering this holy establishment to the last bite of Mac 'n Cheese, Saint's Paradise Cafeteria wen't above and beyond the calls from upon high, and somewhere I would recommend and return to, if given the opportunity... read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Just a light lunch - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have been here a few times over the years and the staff and service is always the best. They make sure you get the best of everything. The experience is not complete until you sit and break bread with an unmet friend. read more

Delicious! Staff patient and friendly. I needed comfort food and Saint Paradise cafeteria gave me love on a plate! My new favorite spot!

Restaurant is located at 601 M Street, NW, Washington DC. (Located in the Basement),. Mount Vernon Metro stop - DC Serves, Delicious, Tasting breakfast,. Lunch and dinner. Breakfast, please try Pancakes and Sausages, and eggs, bisque. Lunch, Must try barque spare Ribs, fried chicken wings, collard's and Macaroni and cheese, corn bread. Dinner, Tasteful Turkey wings, white rice plus brown gravy, delicious cabbage, and Corn bread. Beverage,. Mixed Tea. Soda's, Assorted Juices Payment: cash only read more

I went today for lunch the servers were so polite and the food was delicious, get there early certain popular items sell out read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Turkey legs, Mac and Cheese and potatoes and gravy - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This is not a regular table service restaurant. It is a church cafeteria. It's less than a block east of the Mt Vernon Sq 7St-Convention Center Metro Station. If you're planning to come here, try not to come on a Sunday or else you'll be waiting in a very long line and some of the menu items will be sold out by the time you get up to the counter to order. Also, they only accept cash. If you don't have any cash, they have an ATM machine on site. I came here through word of mouth. My friend knew that I was going to be in the DC area and told me that I needed to check this place out for some soul food. It's probably among the best southern food that you're going to find this far north. Everything was very reasonably priced. When I was here, I wanted to try their meatloaf, but they were all out. My backup was their chicken wings, but they were all out of those as well. They allowed me to get chicken legs instead of the wings. I got them with collard greens and mac & cheese. The meal came with corn bread. I got their peach cobbler for dessert. Currently, masks are required when inside unless you're actively eating. They've also spaced the tables out a bit. read more

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The best of the best for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner! Breakfast from 8:00 - 11:00; lunch/dinner until 5:00 pm. If you eat there once, you will become a regular like me! read more

I have been going there for 20 years and it's always great... The food and the staff will make you smile and happy to be there.

Had the breakfast it was pretty good. Service was great. Setting was cozy. Price was reasonable.

Lawd have mercy!! I've finally found some good southern food in DC! This food tastes like everybody in the kitchen is a grandmother from down south! The customer service was superb! Saint's Paradise doesn't start serving lunch until 12:15. So we were kindly shown 2 others cafeterias within the church that had food as well and were ready to serve what we wanted (Soul Food)! They have a candy stand and all sorts of stuff going on in this church. It's cash only so no CCs people. They do have an ATM on site. Which was out of order when we came, but one of the ushers walked us to the corner store where they had an ATM and escorted us back to the church!! Talk about customer service!! The food!! Whewww!! Every bite was amazing and I felt like I was gaining weight as I was eating it!! I had neckbones, Mac n cheese, greens, cornbread, strawberry lemonade!! YASSS!!! Then the banana pudding ! This was homemade, double boiler, pudding from scratch banana pudding! Thank you Yelp for putting me on to this gem!! I am a forever customer! read more

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Love the food and the service. Get there by 11:30 am if you don't want to be in that loooooonnnngggg line for lunch.

The food and service were so good, will be returning in the near future. I use to visit this place years ago before it became a cafeteria.

"Wait, I thought you said we're getting soul food for lunch. Why are we going into a church?" Thanks to Yelp - who knew such amazing cafeteria serving beyond delicious, ginormous, affordable, home-cooked soulFUL meal exists in the basement of a church! It's a true cafeteria - enter one side, pile your tray, pay and exit on the other. There were so many choices to choose from - ultimately, I went with their blue plate special - 2 baked wings, 2 sides - candied yam + stewed cabbage, corn bread, and a drink, while my husband went with their baked whiting fish dinner platter, 2 sides - collard green, mashed potato, corn bread. My blue plate special was just perfect - pulled off the bone, juicy, succulent wings, perfectly seasoned stewed cabbage, and drool inducing candied yam. My husband's fish platter - let's say was a bit ridiculous (in the best possible way) - 3 whole fish filet, each the size of my husband's arm, overstuffed collard green, and gravy spilling mashed potato - it was a struggle to close this box let alone to finish this meal in one sitting. Did I mention the fish was moist + perfectly battered - (forget tartar sauce!)? The collard green convinced my husband to LOVE greens? And the mashed potato was spoonful, after spoonful of yummy goodness? The staffs were beyond the nicest, sweetest - not your every day jaded cafeteria lunch ladies. They really put their pride and joy in making and serving food to every customer. Everyone was extremely welcoming. 5 stars all around - My husband and I can't wait to return to try the rest of the menu (crabcake, shrimp basket - we are coming for you!). read more

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It's cool but not your typical spot in dc. It's inside of a church called Daddy Graces in NW. Parking was ok and the people there were really friendly! I would go back surely. read more

Unassuming spot with solid soul food and friendly staff. Bring cash or use the atm as they're cash only.