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    Senbeb Cafe

    4.0 (114 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    SENBEB CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Senbeb Cafe

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    Cajun Fried Chicken Potato Salad Greens

    The fried chick'n was soooo good ! I also loved the potato salad. Will definitely revisit.

    BBQ Tofu, Greens, Mac ' N Cheez
    Brieanna I.

    I love the BBQ tofu. Its a nice sweet BBQ sauce with a little bit of a nutty flavor (not sure if there's actually nuts). The Mac and cheese is okay. Sometimes the cheese texture is similar to the texture of glue. I think I'm used to a different style of vegan Mac and cheese like Nu vegan or E life has. The people who work here are always nice and there's an interesting small plant based grocery connected to the restaurant that you can look around while waiting for your food.

    John B.

    This vegan restaurant offers something along the lines of soul food, and I sampled their barbecue tofu. Even the smaller size comes with two side dishes and corn bread, so there's a lot of food for the money. My verdict is largely that my tastes don't coincide with theirs. It turns out I just don't like barbecue sauce that much regardless of what's underneath it; I found it sweet and cloying and in need of hot sauce. The plantains on the side likewise were too sweet and too soft for my taste, and the corn bread conversely not sweet enough and too dry and crumbly; I didn't even finish it, which is rare. It took a solid twenty minutes to get this food; fortunately I wasn't rushing and at least that means they made something fresh. I will say that if I am not the target audience, they seemed to be doing well with locals, including employees of the neighboring school. There's a specific cultural vibe here that doesn't quite work for me; a sense of paranoia (exemplified by the poster they had on display). I'm on board with animal-free food, but I don't really like the alternative medicine and other fringe stuff I get at vegan places sometimes. (Don't get me wrong; I'm open-minded, but I'm not buying that cell phone radiation is killing us until I see some evidence). In any case, the food here was not quite to my taste; I would consider returning for a weekend brunch.

    Sorrell juice
    Meisha C.

    I ran into this quaint restaurant and am already in love with their juice selections. Every juice is fresh and made daily. They have a diverse offering and keeps it interesting in what to choose. When I initially walked by it was packed with people. I quickly came to realize they were friendly and welcoming and it was because this was their community and Senbeb is a part of their community space/home. Needless to say they welcomed me right in and made me feel right at home. The staff answered my endless questions about their juice and how they process and I was so pleased with my juice I know I'll be back to buy several more!

    Crab 'cake' with coleslaw, yams, and whoopie pie
    Susan M.

    Senbeb Cafe is a local joint that I had been meaning to try since moving here seven years ago, and I am glad I went before we move on! I had stopped in once for some water on a walk, and it smelled amazing, but sometimes it is hard to persuade my household to try vegan/vegetarian food. On a recent Sunday it was just me, the Colonel, and the Sprossling to please and we Yelped the local places. The many good Yelp reviews for Senbeb helped to seal the deal. We walked over and ordered from the pleasant lady at the front, and then went to sit in the backyard space (feels like a picnic spot more than a patio) and wait. I know some reviews say the wait is long, but it seemed reasonable to us. I ordered the 'fried chicken' with mac n cheese and kale on the side, a small. Everything comes with cornbread as well, I believe. The Sprossling ordered the fried Portobello mushroom, and she asked if he wanted rice (and cornbread) and he had potato salad and mixed greens as well. Finally the Colonel had 'crab' cakes with coleslaw and yams, so we all got to try almost everything out. The Sprossling also got a whoopie pie as well. We all ordered 'the small' and portions were huge, and there was a ton of food. Everyone took at least half their dinner home (where it did get consumed!). Of the entrees I would vote the crab number one, the mushrooms number two, and my chicken the last. However, this was not the consensus! The chicken was good and they did an excellent job approximating the texture, and the accompanying mambo sauce helped, but what can I say, the 'crab' cake was better. All of the sides were good. The Sprossling brought up the mixed greens apropos of nothing yesterday, so those are memorable. Solid potato salad, solid mac and cheese. The kale was ok but nothing special. The coleslaw was probably my least favorite. Al in all everyone was happy and I would 100% go there again, hopefully before another seven years passes!

    Cam A.

    I went to Senbeb and ordered the "Cheesesteak " sandwich. Oh my goodness... it is so delicious. It tastes BETTER than an actual steak sandwich. As a side I ordered the mac and cheese and fries. The mac and cheese could be better--it tasted very artificial and not like other vegan mac's I've tasted (at other vegan soul food restaurants). Fries were crispy and delicious. I can't wait to come back and try something new

    Goat curry, cabbage and callaloo
    Shauna B.

    The food here is excellent and very affordable. Jerk chicken was moist and had the right kick, goat curry was falling off the bone good, flavorful cabbage, juicy collard greens and tangy fresh squeezed juice. Their food is five stars, but their systems could use some work -- there's no menu on the wall, they run out of lots of items but don't have any signs about what they are out of, and their trays have no labels letting you know what is an entree vs a side. If you can handle this chaos, you'll get an excellent meal.

    Drumsticks and vegetable roll
    Keisha S.

    Service matters and the service here is A1. Peaceful and calm environment with great energy and food. Definitely coming back. Then I went back and this is officially my go to spot now.

    Barbecue Rib Sandwich
    Cierra K.

    The presence and welcoming could have been so much better. If you are not a regular you are not really acknowledge. As far as the soul food reference, I did not see nor taste it. The food did not hold true to the menu or descriptions. I saw some customers get their food and the servings just didn't make sense. One person paid $75 and she walked away with one bag and still had some of her food missing. I tried the Cajun Fried Chicken - not really fried, taste more like old oil and no seasoning. I tried the Lemon Fried Shrimp - nothing lemon and the batter fell off. I tried the Macaroni and Cheese - it reminded me of elementary school's version on a bad day. I am not a Vegan (Pescatarian) but my Mother is and I enjoy sharing the plant based journey with her. However, I see why she was so disappointed with our visit. Senbeb did not WOW us the way we expected, especially after reading some of the reviews. To each their own, this was definitely a hit and miss. I will pass on trying Senbeb again.

    Rah D.

    Wow. What a surprise. This is a place you might miss driving. It is definitely a place you will drive to on purpose. I drove 30 minutes for crab cakes, potato salad, collard greens, yams and corn bread. All was tasty. The yams are not full of that syrupy sugar sauce that soul food chefs love to drown them in. The crabcakes are tasty, but slightly salty. All in all a good bet!

    Country fried chik'n sandwich with a side salad
    Katherine L.

    This place is so low key, and it is quite out of the way from DC hustle and bustle. However, it's worth the journey if you are patient and don't mind the close quarters. The food is all vegan and all good. The menu changes, but there are always a good number of choices for a variety of palates. They also have dessert from Vegan Treats (YES PLEASE) and raw choices. So, going here, you can get just about every aspect of your vegan palate's predilections satiated. The hard part is to figure out what you will actually order - the one of each doesn't fly too well if you don't want to weigh 500 pounds. So, go with a group of people, then you can try more! The cornbread is excellent, and you can add it on as a side to anything. Yes, the mac and cheese is good, but I have to say, it is not as good as I had hoped it would be. I just have a preference for some other local vegan mac n cheeses. Still, it's good. The raw food is great - but, don't knock raw until you try it. It is pricier, and it is very similar to offerings at Khepra's and Woodlands. Just as good, but in a plastic container. The savory dinner items and sandwiches are standard fare, but the portions are generous. So, maybe don't eat it all, or you will feel guilty afterwards? Remember, vegan food is not always healthy, low-calorie. It's great for many reasons, but don't presume it's super healthy low fat and low sodium! It's fantastic food, though, so it's worth it. The brunch items cause great lines and require great patience, but the food is worth it. These pancakes may be my favorite blueberry vegan pancakes in the DC area. They are light and fluffy and huge!!!!! They are bargain-priced! That's my brunch recommendation. The omelet is good with the veggies, but the texture isn't my fav. The grits are tasty, but nothing extraordinary. Oh, and the biscuits may be my favorite vegan biscuits in DC, too!!! YUM. Flour and fat and salt - goooood eating!!! Go here hungry, and you will leave full! Very conducive to take-out given the small seating area.

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    2 years ago

    tofu spinach wrap had no flavored & to much sauce. lentil soup was thick & lacked flavor.

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    Great little vegan spot with friendly service! Love love love the cheesesteak and will definitely be going here again.

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    Dodah’s Kitchen

    Dodah’s Kitchen

    4.3(114 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    I'm in the DC area for my birthday and I needed something with flavor and heart; Dodah's Kitchen…read moredelivered both. I went to the Mount Rainier location and ordered the drum plate with mac and cheese and collard greens; and I'm not exaggerating when I say this might be the best vegan soul food in the area. The drums were crispy with a one of one batter; I have never tasted anything like that before. Crunch on the outside, seasoned through, not greasy, just right. The mac and cheese redefined vegan; creamy, flavorful, and comforting without trying to imitate anything. It stood on its own. The collard greens took me straight back home; tender, seasoned properly, and full of soul. I also tried the ribs; and they were so good they honestly do not even need promotion. This is not good for vegan. This is just good. If you are in the DC area and craving real comfort food done plant based; Dodah's Kitchen needs to be on your list.

    Food was amazing but the lady behind the counter clearly needed more help, she was alone in taking…read morethe orders and making the food. While I ate there with a friend, several people came in and stole stuff- we tried to tell the lady but she was too busy. Aggressive panhandlers also came in looking for food at first (which we gave them, and apparently they didn't like vegetables), and then asked for money, and we don't carry cash. But again food was great, but next time I'm going to take out. Such a shame because the window gives you such a nice view of the neighborhood.

    Photos
    Dodah’s Kitchen
    Dodah’s Kitchen - Huge potatoes in the potato salad. And it was waaaayyy too vinegary. Downright tart

    Huge potatoes in the potato salad. And it was waaaayyy too vinegary. Downright tart

    Dodah’s Kitchen - Menu

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    Menu

    MITA - Cherry blossom dessert

    MITA

    4.3(67 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    Here's how I see it:…read more MITA delivered a dining experience that felt thoughtful from the first course to the final spoonful. As someone who does not typically gravitate toward vegetarian/vegan menus, the meal felt especially fresh and quietly innovative--proof that vegetable-forward cuisine, when handled with this level of intent, can be just as compelling, layered, and satisfying as any traditional tasting menu. Opting for the Camino Corto menu proved to be a well-judged choice. Paired with the supplemental arepas, it offered a generous and satisfying progression without ever feeling heavy. The arepas--served with guasacaca, cashew sour cream, and chontaduro butter--were an excellent addition, setting a warm, flavorful tone and easily standing as a highlight on their own. From there, the menu unfolded with precision and clarity. The picaron with persimmon, lúcuma, and huacatay was playful yet composed. The arracacha with fava beans, plantain, and mushroom dashi brought depth and umami-driven warmth, while the watermelon ceviche with white soy, cilantro, and quinoa delivered brightness and balance. The malanga course offered satisfyingly to-the-perfect point chewy texture, and the arroz con gandules--pigeon peas, sofrito, and sea beans--managed to feel both comforting and refined, a balance not easily achieved. Dessert, a modern bienmesabe with coconut sponge, coconut praline, and pineapple sorbet, closed the meal with elegance and lift. What stood out most was how seamlessly the kitchen elevated vegetables beyond expectation--never as substitutes, but as the main event. Each dish felt intentional, expressive, and complete. Service mirrored the cuisine in its composure and warmth: attentive without intrusion, polished without stiffness. There is a quiet confidence throughout MITA that allows guests to settle in and fully engage with the experience. This is the kind of restaurant that shifts perspective--where even a dedicated omnivore leaves not missing anything, but instead discovering something new. Respect to the chefs and the entire team for a meal that was both elegant and deeply satisfying.

    I visited MITA for Winter Restaurant Week, and while the atmosphere is lovely, the experience was a…read morebit of a mixed bag. Because it was a set prix-fixe that wasn't posted publicly beforehand, it felt like a bit of a gamble, and unfortunately, it didn't pay off for my group. There was very little room for accommodating dietary preferences, which was surprising for a vegetable-forward concept. It would have helped if they had made the menu public so we knew what to expect before sitting down. The Malanga Gnocchi was a letdown. As a main course, it felt uninspired and lacked the "wow" factor I expected from a place with this reputation. Overall, I felt the dishes could have been much more inventive. For a Michelin-level spot, the flavors felt a bit safe and didn't showcase the full potential of plant-based Latin cuisine. The service remains attentive and the space is beautiful, but for the price point, I wanted more.

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    MITA
    MITA
    MITA - Punch

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    Punch

    Pow Pow - Yoga Dragon

    Pow Pow

    3.9(128 reviews)
    4.5 miDowntown
    $$

    This was a pleasant surprise for me. When I looked at the menu I didn't feel like it was really a…read moreplace I wanted to prioritize over the many international food options in DC but decided to try one dish here to cross a vegan place off my list. I ended up really enjoying it! I got the Taiwanese Fried Cashew Mozzarella Croquettes (House-made plant-based cashew mozzarella rolled in Taiwanese fry batter, drizzled w/Korean ketchup) It ended up being delicious, balanced, and garlicky. They were like fried shells that were then stuffed with liquid cashew cheese which was an interesting idea for me for making things like that more simply at home. The lettuce and sauces were so good with it. They also let me try the Chinese five spice agave syrup they use on their dessert egg roll when I asked about it. My general rating system: 1 star: I would stay away 2 stars: Has some good things about it but I generally don't recommend. 3 stars: Pretty good. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back but a decent place 4 stars: Great place. I would go back. 5 stars: I highly recommend stopping whatever you are doing and making plans to try it out! An Evie favorite!

    I love powpow! This…read moreis one of my favorite places to eat in DC, and think your experience depends on what you order. Highly highly recommend the Sesame Chicken and the BBQ pork. The texture and flavor for both make for such a nice meal in combination with the rest of the bowl. The noodle dishes (not as flavorful) or beef dishes (especially for meat eaters the texture can put people off) wouldn't be the first things I'd get. I also prefer to get the salad as my base bc the rice can be a little greasy at times and the crunch is nice. I like the dumplings for sides, but the star for me is always the dessert! It's almost impossible for me not to go grab the Chimi Chimi pow pow dessert egg roll when I'm in that part of town. It's not too sweet and is just so satisfying. The yuzu lemonade is great - really tart if you like that. The restaurant is also a nice space to be in for lunch. Service is usually quick unless things are busy and the people are really nice!

    Photos
    Pow Pow - Interior

    Interior

    Pow Pow - Side of fried rice, bowl of thai pumpkin soup, and Natalie's Tangerine Juice

    Side of fried rice, bowl of thai pumpkin soup, and Natalie's Tangerine Juice

    Pow Pow - Disco Stick Giant Egg Roll

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    Disco Stick Giant Egg Roll

    Gypsy Kitchen DC - Assortment of Small Plates & Cocktails

    Gypsy Kitchen DC

    4.3(1k reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$
    Happy hour specials
    Rooftop seating

    We came to Gypsy Kitchen for our anniversary, and it was the perfect spot! The service was speedy…read moreand kind, and the decor/ambiance was beautiful. We ordered a bottle of the Cava, and four small plates, which was plenty of food. The mussels, labneh and Patatas bravas were all very generous portions. Labneh: 5/5, delicious, served with plenty of pita Patatas bravas: 5/5, with great flavor and crispy roasted potatoes Mussels: 4/5, generous portion size, and the sauce was very good but I wished the sauce was more white wine-based Tuna crudo: 5/5, not a ton of food but the flavor was absolutely delicious, very citrusy and fresh Labneh cheesecake: 4/5, served with a sauce that was a bit like cough syrup but otherwise absolutely delicious

    We paid $130 with tip for croquettes, lamb skewers, tuna crudo, hummus, and two 50 Shades of Purple…read more(drinks with butterfly pea gin). We sat outside on the patio and it was a gorgeous day. The decor is perfect and I love that they've added plants to cover the staircase. Drinks were delicious and the food came out quickly. Our water glasses were rarely empty. Service was kind. Food wise if I were to stack rank I would say the hummus is the best of what we ordered. The pita bread is thick and garlicky and oily and massive. The croquettes would be at the bottom of my list simply because they're dissimilar from any I've had before and a little bit underwhelming. The tuna was fresh but it's a small dish and not much to write home about. The lamb skewers have a subtle kick to them and they're pretty substantial. I'll definitely be back to try more! Highly recommend on a warm summer day as you're covered by the canopy above, if you're looking for a rooftop vibe.

    Photos
    Gypsy Kitchen DC
    Gypsy Kitchen DC - Hummus, Lebnah, & Flatbread

    Hummus, Lebnah, & Flatbread

    Gypsy Kitchen DC - Rooftop Patio

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    Rooftop Patio

    Senbeb Cafe - vegetarian - Updated May 2026

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