It is open to public and employees. A little hidden spot with decent food choices that is priced well for being in DC and a government building. Kiosks for ordering or there is a grab and go section for lots of baked goods or fresh fruit/salad. read more

Technically this is Dirksen Cafe. The main place to get a meal if you so happen to be inside Dirksen. Not to be confused with the two other places inside that offer some food of some type. As the name on Yelp here insinuates, this is a cafeteria style eatery area. Each week the menu appears to change in a majority of the stations. With several themed days. I utilized the Grab & Go section which is more like a convenience store section. Prepackaged snacks and drinks to get you through the day. I used this route because it was a long day on the Hill for me and my group leaving us little time to enjoy a full meal. Plenty of seating if you do decided to dine inhouse. read more

Good variety. Reasonable prices. Added bonus of likely spotting many members of Congress.

So I got arrested at the Senate Cafeteria for a protest I held against age of consent laws. Before that vile violation of my civil rights, I enjoyed the Senate Bean Soup which is both traditional and delicious. Service was epic. I wish our politicians could get together around a cauldron of bean soup and fix America's problems. Ambience in senatorial. read more

There food is so good they give you a lot of lettuce tomatoes pickles and onion on your sandwiches even if it's not part of the deal management is doing such a great job helping customers read more

A fantastic oasis of good food that is reasonably priced around Capitol Hill. Located in the basement of Dirksen, you'll easily overlook a meal here, but you shouldn't. The salad bar is fresh and loaded with options, including flaked salmon, while the soup bar has a good selection, including the always popular Senate Bean Soup. The chicken tenders and fry basket is great and you can do lunch for around ten bucks a person. read more

I am happy to go to my new job on Monday July 1, 2024 -Tuesday July 30, 2024 At 8:00 AM - 1:00 Pm in the Summer on the Weekdays on Mondays-Thursdays At 8:00 Am - 1:00 Pm instead of Fridays. And I am looking forward to seeing you in July. read more

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The food is so good here. Great quality and such an enormous variety. When I went they had fried chicken, sirloin steak, cod lemon aioli balls, soups, plentiful salad bar, a host of sided and desserts to complete your meal. The waitresses are always so pleasant and helpful. They never let your drink get empty either. The food was flavorful, hot, and looked fresh. This is huge for me which is why I don't eat at buffets honestly because food always looks like it has been sitting out too long. Well, not here! This place replaces food that has been sitting out quickly. I'm definitely bringing my coworkers here for a nice meal again. read more

Senate Cafeteria - Senate buffet - Cafeteria Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

If you want food that tastes like Mitch McConnell looks, which is to say succulent on the outside, dry and decaying on the inside, look no further than the senate cafeteria at Dirksen . I grabbed a slice of pepperoni pizza, that was glistening with the sheen of democracy, and also grease. My meal was surprisingly cheap, but I suspect that is because it is subsidized by tax payer dollars. I have always wondered if the government was Coke or Pepsi, and I am happy to report it is both, which happens to be the highest display of bipartisanship currently occurring in Washington. This restaurant is a little out of the way for most people, but if you are anything like me and spend your time roaming the basements of congressional offices hoping to run into Bernie so he can sign your chest, it is well worth a stop. Update, within a week of eating here I got to be in the same room as Ted Cruz, so I would rate it higher than five stars if I could read more

Senate Cafeteria - Cafeteria Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Wow, the prices are really great here! It's pretty standard cafeteria food, but for the price, it's a good value. I was able to get macaroni and cheese for $1.55, tortellini salad for $1.55, and onion rings for $2.80. If you didn't want to do the math, that's a large, albeit unhealthy meal for under $6. Nothing was amazing, but it definitely will hit the spot on a busy day. Since macaroni and cheese is a touchy subject for a lot of people, the noodles are overcooked like any other cafeteria macaroni, but the sauce is thicker and cheesier than other cafeterias I've been to. I think it's worth a try! Show up before noon if you can, because literally all the staffers will show up at once. I'm sure you may see your favorite politicians dining here, but I personally wouldn't have the slightest idea what my senator looks like, even if they came up to me and slapped me in my face. But with great prices, good food, and the excitement of seeing someone famous, it's a solid deal! read more

Senate Cafeteria - Mac and cheese, tortellini salad, and onion rings - all for under $6 - Cafeteria Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Oh my Goodness! The portions are huge. I had the quesadilla and my husband had a burger. My quesadilla was hot and flavorful. His burger was massive. It wasn't dry and appeared to be seasoned well. We enjoyed this meal. It was one of the more reasonably priced meals in DC. Why is the food so expensive every where else?? It really makes no sense. read more

Okay, so no one expects much when they're ordering from a government cafeteria. I have to say, though, that it took a very long time to get a pretty mediocre veggie burger. The options are no better than what you'd expect; very limited. At least it's not expensive. However, Capitol Hill is a pretty decent commercial neighborhood and it's not that far away. Or you could pack lunch. All of this is probably fairly obvious. What's not obvious is that the U.S. House has much better cafeterias. Which is very odd, given that in every other respect the Senate is clearly a step up in the world. But if you're here and you really don't have any time to do better, you might consider that. read more

I love me some Senate Cafeteria! Super convenient if you're on the hill, and more importantly - affordable (hooray for gov subsidized cheese, etc.). The cafeteria is in the basement and you can most easily access it through the main entrance, turning right after you get through security and going down the stairwell. Pro-tip, the stairwell is very narrow, so expect to have to squeeze past folks if you're carrying a tower of coffees or anything else precarious. The cafeteria has rotating hot specials (various American classics and asian/latino dishes) as well as staples including: full salad bar with fresh ingredients as well as prepared salads, soups, "grill" (hamburgers, etc), sushi counter, deli/sandwich counter. They also have a wide array of desserts and a "cereal bar" in case Lucky Charms for lunch is your thing. Prices are crazy reasonable and there is a huge seating area. The cafeteria is open to the public, so while the traffic flow there is usually reasonable, it gets bananas if there's some kind of special hearing/session/school tour. Another pro-tip, there's a cafe on your way to the cafeteria that has gelato! read more

Your standard cafeteria in an office building. Had the normal stations...burgers, pizza, sandwiches, salad bar. Prices are reasonable. Service is fine. Seating can be challenging at mealtimes. And the place has a monopoly so I'm sure I'll be back again. read more

For the hungry Hill staffer, this is the place to go. Honestly, I don't understand why all of the negative reviews on Yelp; after trying all of the cafeteiras and cafes on both sides of the Hill, the Dirksen cafeteria is hands down the best one. The food is great, the choices are wide, and the location is convenient; what else could you ask for? In the mornings, there's a wide selection of quick food-bites, from cereal and bagels, to full fledged omelets and other freshly made breakfast items. They normally offer specials meals that include a breakfast item and a cup of coffee, like an omelet, coffee, and potatoes for $5. You're in and out in under five minutes. During lunch, there is a much more wider selection. The salad bar, while not as extensive as Whole Foods, still contains a wide range of options to choose from: bacon, artichoke hearts, fruit, you name it, and they have it. Lastly, the french fries are umm, how do I say this, the best I've ever had? Honestly, I don't know what it is about them, but I have to order the french fries at least once a week. Overall, for an eatery on the Hill, you can't beat Dirksen. Am I expecting a government cafeteria to be a 5 star, 5 diamond establishment? No, and I don't expect it to be. It's convenient, tasty, and cheap (did I mention you don't have to pay any taxes?). read more

Literally all of the tables have crumbs on them. Literally all of them. And not like, pretty bread crumbs or anything, but straight up greasy, pieces-of-fried-chicken-crumbs. None of the tables have napkins on them, so you have to somehow remember to bring them with you wherever you sit so you can brush Melissa's chicken sandwich pieces off the table. Today was taco Tuesday. What did I buy? A grilled cheese. What did it do? Made my stomach feel weird. Also their pasta salad containers are comically small. It's pretty dark in there, though, so potentially a nice romantic date spot. read more

It's a cafeteria in a government building. Its food only has to be slightly above average to illicit a good review. Fortunately, the Senate Cafeteria in Dirksen meets such low expectations and passing with flying (red, white, and blue) colors. I've been here a couple times, mostly for lunch but most recently for breakfast. For breakfast, they have a fruit/yogurt bar and a bagel making station, along with egg sandwiches off the grill (you can get it with bacon, sausage, and Canadian bacon). For lunch they have a full salad bar with a bunch of sides, a grill to makes burgers, a sandwich place, a sushi bar (I've never had it but others I know have and they say it's pretty good), and some sort of rotating lunch option such as fried chicken, Sharma, Indian food, etc. Overall, it's a pretty good spread for a cafeteria, and the prices are DC-reasonable - a small salad with a bunch of toppings will cost you $5-6, a sandwich roughly the same, sushi can be $9-15, and an actual meal will be around $10-12. No tax! If you're a Senate staffer you already know about this place. If you're a tourist or DC resident hoping to catch a Senator, I'd recommend the Dirksen Buffet next door ($16 a person, fantastic baked beans) or just wander the underground halls for a bit for free. read more

The Dirksen cafeteria experience is a strange one in contrast to Longworth over on the house side. The food options are pretty...eh. Pizza, a deli bar, the general hamburger/chicken breast/turkey burger spread, and some kind of other daily entree options. The salad bar isn't that extensive, and there aren't many healthy options save for some of the prepared lunches over by the bottled drinks. The prepared stuff is actually all right - I went for the salmon wrap with salad and a low cal pudding for under 5 bucks. Not bad at all. And the atmosphere - as mentioned, it's totally dated and ugly. Come on Senate. Get your act together. And no biodegradable products? I expected more from you. read more

So sad that this is on YELP, it's my hidden gem at work. I don't even tell my coworkers where im headed when I come here, I dont wanna share. Haha Im kidding... anywho I love this cafeteria, you can get everything and no two days are the same. Prices can't be beat for the area and the food is always always fresh. I've eaten at all the stations and I love to take the small bites back to work as my snacks or quick meals. read more

Pleased! For a quick soup and sandwich between hearings, this is the place to be. And if you're a fed like me, who didn't get a pay raise, this is the price you want to pay. Chicken noodle soup, grilled cheese sandwich, ginger ale. I will absolutely return and I'm a fan. read more

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Lunch at the caf is disgusting. Your best bet is to go for the quarter chicken on build your sandwich. The saving grace of this dark and dated eatery is its breakfast options. After a night out with the office, there's nothing like getting a scoop of eggs (sort of like the kind you used to get at camp), a scoop of home fries, two strips of bacon, two pieces of toast, 8 oz of juice and 8 oz. of coffee all for $3.40. You won't have to eat the rest of the day. There are also french toast and pancake options, but I am a creature of habit and rarely deviate from my eggs. read more

This place is alright if you're looking for a cheap and quick meal. If you want much better food for a slightly higher price check out Cups down the hall. The daily options are pretty grim. Taco Tuesday is popular and the dollar options are reasonable. Avoid the depressing salad bar at all costs and try the sweet potato fries if you're feeling adventurous. read more

After reading about the poor treatment of workers and the forced signing of new contracts, I am less inclined to eat here. And a co-worker visited last week and got sick from the salad. Then yesterday, I purchased a chicken wrap from the sandwich station and later last night got sick from it. Ever more the reason to stop eating here. Too bad because it is so convenient! read more

Yes, you saw that right, five stars! Of course the Dirksen Cafeteria is no Equinox or BLT Steak, but it blows almost every other cafeteria I have ever eaten at out of the playing field. I've eaten breakfast and lunch on quite a few occasions. The food is fresh, many local items, huge variety and lots of healthy options. They have a rotating global theme each day, along with always having a made-to-order sushi bar, grill station, pizza, homecooking and wonderful salad bar with a lot of unique options. They always have 4 different soups/chilis and tons of drink options including many diet friendly option. Their breakfast options are awesome as well. Oatmeal, grits, fruit/yogurt/cottage cheese bar, pastries, hot food bar, cereals, made-to-order breakfast options and grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches, etc. Also a plus is the cafeteria is green and not pricey compared to a lot of other options. There is something for everyone. Plus, they have great desserts! read more

Wonderful variety and tasty options! I tried their "salted pretzel" ice cream and it was absolutely amazing. I also recommend the "Senate Bread Pudding"! :) read more

I like their salad options. It's not plentiful, but you can pick and choose what you want to eat. It's about $8/lb. The soups can be pretty good. They rotate frequently (although the Senate Bean soup seems to be the constant) and the price for a large (16 oz) is about $3.50. Stay away from their cupcakes though. I tried a pumpkin spiced one recently. It looked good, but tasted like a mix of playdough and stale cardboard. read more

Perks: 1) Really, really cheap and tax free 2)The sushi isn't bad 3) The 400 calorie lunch "boxes" are generally really good; I love the black bean salad that is a frequent side. 3) The cornbread that they serve over by the hot meals by the soups is awesome. Cons: 1) The wafting smog from the smokers' room. 2) The lack of any protein besides canned tuna at the salad bar 3) The 1970s dingy decoration While most days you'll find me heading over to the House side to take advantage of my tax free lunch privileges, sometimes the convenience of the Senate caf can't be beat. As long as you know how to navigate the menu, something I think that has to be learned by each person individually, you'll be able to find yourself a nice lunch. read more

Ate here when I interned on The Hill last year. It's a cafeteria, so you know, nothing too spectacular here. It's good food, decently fresh, nothing life changing though - for goodness sakes, it's a cafeteria! They do have different varieties at decent prices, there's a salad bar (by weight, which I always hate), international, sandwich, etc. I do very much enjoy their pudding though, both the chocolate and the vanilla is good. They close around 3 or 4...I forget. So don't count on dinner or anything. read more

This place isn't much, but for a cafeteria it's much better than you would expect. I usually went with either the burgers or the sushi, though occasionally I would order the chicken tenders or pizza. Their dipping sauces here were particularly good, especially the honey mustard. They also have a huge selection of bottled drinks, it was almost like one of those grocery store aisles filled with drinks. The sushi wasn't the greatest here but compared to the other places I had sushi in DC it was on par with other sit-down restaurants in the area. The sushi chef was always really nice here, too, and it was fun watching them make it in front of you. I always thought it was pretty neat to run into the senators eating here, and was surprised how many senators would come here for lunch. I remember I saw Al Franken walk in here on one of his very first days in the Senate, and I also stood behind Ted Kaufman and Lindsey Graham in line at the grill too. read more

The cafeteria in Dirksen has changed dramatically since the majority of these negative reviews were written, with a significant changed for the better. Quite possibly one of the best I've ever eaten at, the Senate cafeteria now has many healthy options and delicious, consistantly refreshed menu items. The sushi counter, global, desserts and salad bar often prove to be excellent lunch options. The recent overhaul was a brilliant idea. read more

I came in for an early lunch and ordered a sushi deluxe plate ($12.50). The sushi was made for me on the spot. My meal was well priced, delicious and fresh. I have absolutely no complaints. read more

If you work in one of the Senate buildings you've no doubt been to the "Senate Caf." It's generally pretty quiet and the options are bleak. If you're going to venture down to the dungeon your best bet is to bring your own food and to use their plastic utensils and paper napkins. read more

Kids review was a resounding excellent. Tried the sushi, chicken fingers, chicken wings, and pizza special. Everyone got exactly what they wanted which was great. We liked everything but the wings (with several sauce choices) and sushi were biggest hits. There is also a grill, salad bar, dessert bar, sandwiches to order, many hot food options. Will satisfy everyone for a good price. And might see a Senator! We chatted with staffers for Tim Kaine and Kamala Harris. Fantastic stop on our trip! read more

I went here thinking this would be as nice as the cafeteria at Longworth on the House side. It was not. The selection was decent, the prices were reasonable, and the food was tasty, but not memorable. Considering there are not a lot of options in the immediate area, it's serviceable. read more

The only reason I give it 2 stars is because it's relatively inexpensive. The food (comparing the pork and mac & cheese especially) is way worse than the House cafeteria in Longworth. The mac was actually bad here. Overall it offers run of the mill caf food. read more

The best meal we had in a week in DC was at the Dirksen Cafeteria. Salmon perfectly prepared, other wonderful dishes, salad bar and desert served on buffet for $17. SO much better than the capital cafeteria. Totally worth walking across the street. read more

3.75 stars. dirksen cafeteria. where house staff goes for lunch "for a change" during recesses. read more

This cafeteria has really good fries!!! Its hard to figure out how to order. You can either use the kiosk or go up to the lady at the counter. You get a good deal for what you pay for. I've only had the senate burger, but if I ever came back to the building, I would come back! read more

Just as the last reviewer pointed out, the recent changes to this cafeteria have been for the better. The cafeteria contains a Global Foods section that changes on a daily basis, the sushi stall is as good as it gets, and the salad bar is quite impressive (it also has some ingredients vary on a daily basis). If eating on a budget, you can always take a hefty "slice" of pizza for about $3. Overall, it is one of my favorite places to eat in the city. read more

This cafeteria has very few redeeming qualities. The salad bar is sometimes fresh, sometimes not. The hot bars are sometimes good, most of the time- not. Do you get the drift? If you're looking for cheap and don't need lots of flavor, this is the place for you. Oh and don't expect friendly staff either. One noteworthy redeeming quality- the grits in the morning with a helping of cheese. read more