If you're traveling through Union Station or working in one of the nearby offices and need a quick, reliable lunch option, this Cava kiosk definitely does the trick. It's a smaller, kiosk-style location that's clearly designed for convenience and speed, making it perfect for grabbing something to go before a train or taking lunch back to your desk. Despite the compact setup, the team still provides solid service and the location appears to offer the full Cava menu, which I appreciated. Nothing felt rushed or stripped down just because it's in a transit hub. I ordered the Harissa Avocado Chicken Bowl and added the new white sweet potatoes. It was delicious! The bowl was flavorful, fresh, and they were generous with the portion sizes, which is always appreciated when you're paying fast-casual prices. The white sweet potatoes were a great addition and paired really well with the harissa chicken. Seating is pretty limited. There are just a few small tables directly in front of the kiosk, mostly set up for two people. That said, it works fine if you want to sit down and eat quickly before heading out. The one downside is the price. This location is noticeably more expensive than a typical Cava. My harissa avocado chicken bowl plus a 16 oz drink came to about $30, which definitely made me do a double take. Still, if you're in Union Station and craving something fresh and filling, it's a convenient and tasty option. read more

CAVA - Harissa Avocado - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Service! We asked for our wrap to be sliced in 1/2, Virtue didn't mention anything about not being able to do it. When we got to the table, that's when we noticed it wasn't sliced in half. When I went back to the counter, she said they don't have a knife. She could have said that earlier. There were no plastic knives available as well. What kind of restaurant doesn't have a knife? How do you slice or chop anything? She should also remove the self entitled smirk on her face. read more

I work on the Hill and come to this CAVA location pretty much every time I'm onsite, so safe to say I'm here weekly. I'm also a creature of habit. I order the same bowl every time: half super greens, half rice, and I split the rice between brown and white. I've done this at multiple CAVA locations and at this one consistently for over 9 months with zero issues. This visit though? Completely different experience. A new employee I hadn't seen before told me that splitting the rice like that "wasn't possible" and that I'd have to pay extra. That caught me off guard because...what? I literally order this all the time. On top of that, I asked for roasted red pepper hummus and was given eggplant instead. Not the end of the world, but when you're hungry, in a rush, and just trying to grab your usual before catching a train, it's frustrating. Thankfully, Stephanie stepped in and turned things around. She was kind, attentive, and actually listened. Fixed the order, no attitude, just great customer service and a smile. That goes a long way, especially after a long day. Shoutout to Stephanie for saving the experience. And as someone who's made it to CAVA's Sun Level...yeah, I be here for real. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Cava is the right choice for me. If there is a cava my choice is easy. The custom bowls make it easy for everyone to find something that I enjoy. You can switch it up every-time or keep it consistent. I love the drinks and the pita chips as well. read more

See all

My bowl is always perfect and the staff is very lovely! Will is such a nice person and always makes me feel welcomed. Tawny as well is an awesome human being! They get you in and out of line quickly and the food is always hot and fresh read more

First time trying a CAVA location and I have to say, love the concept. However, the portion size to price ratio might need a bit of a readjusting...also, I never got my pita. If a review were that simple, the above would suffice. But we all know that there is more to any review than just a few words. This location is inside Union Station, steps away from the taxi stand and Metro. The busiest entrance here since a lot of the quick places to eat are right here. Several locations with similar concepts are all within this entrance. Fast Casual at it's finest. Time your visit here, lunchtime can be a mess. The line will form fast and you may have a bit of a wait as they will be swapping out items as they empty. Or, you might be like me and not get something you really wanted. And you might get lucky and be chastised and argue with an employee about an item (I can read, the label says the item, but you were sure you were going to tell it is not what it is). I made my way through the line, opting for a rice bowl with lamb meatballs and a few other things in the bowl. Got a drink, and was on my way. I will say, this isn't really worth the price. It serves as a decent lunch, but I would have expected more for the price. I'm still peeved about the pita... read more

Tasty food and fast service, which is just what you're hoping for at Union Station. My only knock is that entree portions could be bigger for the price. I like CAVA because it's a more healthful alternative to most of the places at Union Station, aside from eating a straight-up salad (looking at you, Chop't). I typically order online. They have a designated pick-up area, and staff is attentive and quick to get you your order so that you can be on your way. My orders have been ready by the promised time. The staff hustle and work efficiently. I usually get a grains bowl, and I love their garlic dressing (great on anything) and pita chips. Their side pita is soft and fluffy, and it pairs nicely with their assortment of dips and hummuses. The toppings are fresh and add good texture. They also have a variety of refreshing lemonade options. My go-to is the Cucumber Mint Lime (but you also can't go wrong with the classic lemonade). At around 6:30pm on a weekday, I stopped for a drink, but several of the lemonade machines were running on empty. Pro tip: Sign up for their rewards to earn points on purchases and get access to special deals. CAVA is a solid choice at Union Station. read more

Stopped into cava before my train from Union station. The line was long but they got through it very quickly. Service was also very friendly! I built a couple bowls for those in my party. Everything was fresh and they keep everything clean and separate. Easy to get gluten free here and it not be cross contaminated. I had a bowl with rice and chicken. The dill sauce is delicious and I enjoyed the pickles as well. Plenty of options to build your own bowl, or pick one of their creations. I also love their drinks. Mint cucumber, yum! read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I now understand the hype. The make-your-own bowl with super fresh ingredients, and a large portion - exactly what we were looking for following a long day along the national mall. The unique flavor profile and amount of opportunities for texture really brought this bowl together. Salty, spicy, fresh, crunchy, and the right amount of acidity. I could not finish it even though I was famished before ordering. It made such an impression on us that we returned to DC later in the year and this was near the top of our list to visit. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The doos was really good here and i coukd have atayed to eat more and More. The place was clean and the people were helpful and friendly. It us fun and comfortable to dine in the area in the Union Station lobby.Union Station is clean and safe! read more

This was my first time trying Cava since we don't have it in Hawaii. However, judging by the constant long lines, it seems like it's a very popular, well-known eatery. I was fortunate to go during an off-time so there was no wait. I got a falafel bowl. While I enjoyed parts of my bowl, I was not a fan of the rice/grains. But my biggest complaint was that they only include three falafels in my bowl. I kept digging around in the bowl to see if I was missing something, but sadly I wasn't. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

DO NOT ORDER ONLINE Love cava but- I ordered online today to save time. I got brussels sprouts instead of arugula, they also forgot my dressing. read more

Came here during lunch rush and not only was my online order ready on time but this was while the place was PACKED. props to the staff for preparing the food quickly and correctly with all the craziness. Food was great as always and would definitely grab during my next train trip out of Union station. read more

This is the worst CAVA I've ever been to. But honestly I blame myself more than them for even considering going here. The portion size (pictured here) was a JOKE. The bowl wasn't even 1/4 filled up. They also forgot half the toppings I ordered, and they didn't bother to include the free side pita. NEVER COME TO THIS LOCATION, I've had good cava and had cava, but this location is in a different league of bad. read more

CAVA - Grains Bowl - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Everything with my order was fine. The customer service I received was perfectly acceptable. I don't typically do this but I'm troubled about how the customer in front of me was treated by Sophia (she of the three nose piercings). This young man was so polite, he was gracious and friendly, his manners would make his mother proud. When he got to the protein section where Sophia was, I heard him say, "Hi, how are you doing? May I please have falafel?" She sighed, literally rolled her eyes, stepped to the falafel and put them in his bowl in this exaggerated way employees dealing with a difficult customer might act, yet this guy was nothing but polite . At first I thought she's just a terrible employee all around, but when it was my turn to order along with my daughters. we received completely different treatment. She smiled, was nice, accommodating, normal. However, an item from the guy in front of me's order got left behind, so he had to jump back in and ask for his toasted pita chips. Again, he was extremely polite and did his best, even apologize to her as if it was HIS fault that she had failed to move his entire order along together. She immediately snapped back at him that he already had his pita chips. Her tone was rude, and her facial expression was condescending and unprofessional. He said "no I ordered an extra one I'm sorry thank you thank, thank you so much". Another employee had to step in and hand it to him because it was obvious by Sophia's body language she would not help. This was immediately contrasted with her switching off the hostility and returning to being nice for me and my kids . It was really uncomfortable and I just feel I need to report it so that perhaps somebody reading this can advise. It was fairly obvious that the sole reason this customer received such awful treatment was his trump hat. Or maybe she just hates all men. YES: vegan friendly read more

CAVA - Cava Union Station - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Manager on duty had a lot of energy and was very helpful towards the older couple in front of. First time @ the Union location it was clean , the workers were quick and attentive , and of course the food was excellent per usual ! read more

CAVA - inside - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I LOVE the food here! Occasionally the service isn't the best but the food is always good! The vibe is as it should be for a fast food place! I love that everything is made fresh and we can see it! It's nice to know how the food is being prepared. read more

Every time I come I charged a different price. I don't get any "protein or veggie" no rice. I only get Arugula, cucumber, olives and feta sometimes it's $4.50 sometimes it's $14.14 which is INSANE!!! Usually they charge me for just sides as they don't even fill the bowl. It's whatever but I can't give more stars because they are inconsistent. Also as a Vegetarian we are sick of the veggies and falafel don't charge us more cause you haven't gotten create in 10 years and we're tired of it. Next time Im gonna get my protein and extra sauces (sides) to the person behind me . If you are going charge me FULL price. I will just bless the people around me. Free extra protein for all!!!! read more

CAVA - Unfull Bowl charged full price. - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The food was very salty! Service was great and they helped me figure out what to order as a first time customer. The place was overall clean and well organized. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

The portion sizes are insanely small, and they are trying to move so fast that they even don't fill the alleged portion size. 2 spoon "fulls" of protein doesn't constitute 2 "half-full" spoons of protein. But here it does. When I complained the guy who identified as the manager was rude about it like I should smile and say thank you for paying over 14 dollars for a bowl of rice and little else. He then followed me down the whole line making my "special" bowl himself and making sure it was half assed portions the whole way down the line. The other day they forgot my bread. I brought that up today and he gave me 2 breads, and that's great and all but yesterday's bread on yesterday would have been nice. 2 breads on the same day, unless you can eat 2, it ends up old and hard and stale. Then every day unless you ask specifically, don't count on ever getting a receipt, because you aight getting one. This place has 1 thing and only 1 thing going for it. It's not Chipotle who has even smaller portion sizes. So if you like a near 15 dollar bowl of rice with very little toppings then this is the place for you. And the other meats are even more money. They said to bring the workers back to DC to help the restaurants not close, but the restaurants charge way overprice and give way under portion. So maybe I should say thank you CAVA, you are pushing me to get more motivated to bring my own dang lunch from home! I could make 3 or 4 of the same rice bowls for 15 dollars myself. And it wouldn't have all the sodium this crap has. And as far as the ambiance goes......the workers couldn't care less, just the same as the manager. You can see it and read it on their face. If I could give a zero star I would. read more

Cava is located by the side entrance in Union Station. It is right next to Roti, Shake Shack, and other quick grab and go food options. At first I was a little confused why this was right next to Roti seeing as how they had similar options. Over time I just ended up grabbing whichever had the shortest line before catching my train. The food here is really good. It is similar to Chipotle where you can grab a bowl or pita and add your options. There are several premade bowls available as well. I usually get the Greek Salad bowl. It comes with grilled chicken, hummus, tzatziki, feta, cucumber, tomato, kalamata olives, romaine, arugula, and vinaigrette. It is very delicious and packed with strong flavor. There are several Cava restaurants throughout the country and this is one of my go to meals. read more

We've often bought cava food in the grocery store, but we had never been to the restaurant until today. Of many many quick bowl options out there for a vegetarians, CAVA stands head and shoulders above the crowd. We split our protein between the falafel, and the sweet potato, both of which were extremely flavorful, soft, and very hearty! The sauces, in particular, the harissa vinaigrette, and the Shoug had many layers of flavor, including sweet and spicy notes, that really elevated the dish. Definitely get the pita crisps, which add a nice crunch element. It was really easy to put a mobile order in ahead of time and the restaurant is perfect situated near the entrance to Union Station, where the circulator drops off, making it easy to grab and go, or to sit in or around the station to admire the beautiful architecture. This was a tremendous introduction to this chain, and I am eager to go more! read more

CAVA - Half falafel, half sweet potato with shoug and harissa - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I went to this CAVA around 7:30pm, quite a bit before closing, and I went to buy a bowl. Upon arriving they did not have the romaine base that I wanted so I settled for a different one. Next when I moved onto meats they had very little chicken left and ended up scraping the bit that were left into my bowl, saying they weren't making any more for the day. They were also out of the feta toppings, and they did not have the sauces that I normally get including the garlic sauce. I love CAVA and hope to go back again but this experience was very discouraging for someone who enjoys the food and service. read more

I don't know what the hype is. We don't have one in Seattle so someone suggested I try it. Chipotle of Mediterranean food, they said. I guess if you put it that way, yes, it's like that. Lower the expectations and it'll be fine. Got the chicken rightrice bowl. It was meh. read more

The food is awesome. The service was friendly and quick, in a busy atmosphere! I highly recommend!! Was nice to have a beautiful falafel bowl full of variety and vegan! read more

I go to the CAVA at union station every Saturday for the past 2 months and the service is always excellent.. am always treated with a respectful and friendly manner., also I would like to shout out JOSE who works there he's always so pleasant .. read more

One of the best places to eat in Union Station (and one of the only places open after 7pm)! I love their fresh ingredients and drinks as well. They have pretty ample seating as well. read more

CAVA - Strawberry citrus - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Great twist on fast food! I love the healthy option and the fact that I can customize my meal!

The food was amazing, generous portions and the blue lavender & cucumber lime mint drink was delicious. The service was fast and friendl.

The service here is incredible! Martina was very helpful in customizing my bowl. The food was very fresh and tasty. The lemonade was also delicious! Thank you to the CAVA staff and especially Martina read more

This is a quick delicious dining option with healthy fresh ingredients (I made my own dinner salad). TJ the manager was super-helpful, tracking down my missing winter coat from the station's lost and found. Will definitely eat here again on my next trip. read more

If you exit the Union Station Metro into the outside, Cava is the first restaurant to your right when you enter the building. It's a small shop with all the usual menu items with most of its seating in front of the shop on their "patio." The menu itself is fast-casual Mediterranean. You go down the line and order either a grain bowl, a green bowl, a grain/green bowl, or a wrap as your base. Pick your hummus, then meat, and then all the fixings. They also have a kids menu. I am a fan of Cava (it's a DC started company). Be warned that if you sit down with your food here, you may be approached by panhandlers. I never mind it because they are friendly, but not everyone is okay with it. read more

See all

I should first start by saying that I did not make my own bowl. My generous employer purchased lunch for the staff and had the bowls pre-made. I have had Cava before and I've always found it to be meh but free is free....so when I opened the bowl I assessed what they had selected. Looked decent but there was a mushy-like blob of something similar to oatmeal that I really couldn't figure out what it was. (Contorted face) - didn't care for it. When I went back to the menu i believe it was the eggplant something or other. Not a fan of eggplant or parsley and this is what made up that dish. Never again. Next was the large spider looking cabbage. It didn't help that it was browning cabbage which in my book means not so fresh. The chicken and hummus that was in the bowl was tasty but I really couldn't get around the cabbage; I mean, what else wasn't so fresh? I couldn't tell you because I ended not finishing it. Uber-picky when I'm doubt. Sorry Cava, not today. read more

CAVA - Cava with protein, chicken - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

This was my first time trying Cava and learning me tell you it was amazing! Ingredients were fresh and the manager was great at recommending things. Will definitely try it again!! read more

Like any other cava place, this location didn't disappoint. Cava is so customizable and although a bowl is $13, I think it's very worth it. You really can't go wrong with any of the options so they have something for everyone. I got the lentil tabbouleh topping for the first time and it was very good! I went when it wasn't too busy, so I could take my time, and the staff was very very nice and quick. There are a couple of small tables outside of the restaurant, but since it's in union station there's plenty of seating options. read more

CAVA - Greens and grains bowl with chicken - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Cava never miss. I just wish the kept the food area a little cleaner. But overall I highly recommend

2.5 stars. I got a grain bowl with black lentils, braised lamb, turnip, sweet potatoes, with radishes, tomatoes, cabbage and onions, with Greek Vinaigrette. It was filling but too greasy for my taste. The braised lamb was especially greasy. Underwhelming. I really was looking forward to this - came away disappointed. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The bowls were very good and healthful to boot. Service was quick. The drinks were unusual and outstanding. I had the lime/mint/cucumber drink and couldn't believe how good it was! read more

Here now. Line moves quickly! Everyone behind the counter is helpful. TJ is in charge. Wife and I both had the crispy falafel on pitas. Excellent! Great lunch before our train home. Thanks, Cava! read more

Okay so, yes, CAVA is fast food ("fast casual"). It's sort of set up like Chipotle: choose bowl or sandwich, greens or grains, which meat, which toppings, which sauces, etc. But it's GOOD. Actually good. Start with your base: salad, greens & grains, grain bowl, pita, mini pitas, or mini pita and soup. Next: your dips/spreads (eggplant and red pepper dip, tzatziki, crazy feta, hummus, harissa, roasted red pepper hummus). Then your protein (falafel, spicy lamb meatballs, braised beef, roasted seasonal vegetables, grilled chicken, grilled meatballs, braised lamb). Then your toppings (shredded romaine, pickled onions, cabbage slaw, tomato & cucumber salad, pita crisps, mint, pickled banana peppers, tomato & onion salad, kalamata olives, cauliflower quinoa tabbouleh, diced cucumber, lemon wedge, crumbled feta, sumac radishes). And last...your dressings (sriracha Greek yogurt, lemon herb tahini, green harissa, Greek vinaigrette, yogurt dill, and spicy lime tahini). I went with the brown rice bowl with harissa, roasted red pepper hummus, tzatziki, falafel, cabbage slaw, diced cucumber, tomato & onion salad, crumbled feta, and sumac radishes with spicy lime tahini, and it was great! CAVA is already in several states. Here's hoping it comes to my state soon. I'd say see ya to Chipotle for sure. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia