I was intrigued by reviews on Google and Yelp about this cafe inside the MLK Library. There are a lot of tables and chairs in this area, it seems like you don't need to purchase anything from the cafe to sit. There are a bunch of prepared foods in the fridge as well as bagels and pastries behind the counter. The coffee is very reasonably priced, but don't expect barista level drinks. It's an automatic espresso machine, which is fine for the price! But it's a good quick place to get a bite or drink if you're in the area or are exploring the library. The kids section of the library upstairs is great too! read more

This coffee house has a multi-purpose mission. It's not just about making money. For downtown DC, the prices are tremendous. It's also a smart training ground for DC Central Kitchen's culinary jobs program. As a customer, I've purchased quality, hot coffee and fresh baked goods from here since 2022. That Marianne's is operating inside the MLK Library, THE flagship library of the DC library system -- with those gorgeous, floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows -- well, it's just pretty fab. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, last director of the Bauhaus movement (20th century), designed this building. A graceful, historic example of modernist architecture, it's lovely throughout. This spot brings a smile to my face. I think it's rocks (quietly, of course!). You go, DC Library, you go. Wonderful addition. Marianne's: Live long and prosper. read more

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This little cafe has been essential for me on several different occasions. I've been working at the adjacent library at least two times per week over several months now, and since it's located right in the library, it couldn't be more convenient. Aside from that, there really are any any other option within four blocks of the library. I've grown accustomed to just leaving my laptop set-up as I make my way to the first level for a cup of coffee, and so far there haven't been any problems. Today it was cold and rainy outside, and there was no way I wanted to step outside of the building. I went on down to the cafe and ordered a small coffee and a blueberry muffin. The service was fast as always and they even heated the muffin for me. They always have more than enough employees, on some occasions I have seen four working a single shift to ensure the service is on point. read more

Marianne’s by DC Central Kitchen - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This place is amazing! I would have not have thought about eating at a library. The staff was super friendly and had a very warm feeling about them. They have sandwich and salad options. As a minimum get your coffee, latte, specialty drink here. It's so much cheaper than the places nearby especially for being in DC's downtown. Plus there are tons of places for a group to meet up. You can even grab a book to relax. Again, this is a surprisingly nice downtown spot in DC. It's one of the better libraries I've seen. read more

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I'm sorry, but Marianne's is not it. By DC Central Kitchen, the organization provides on-the-job training and a hospitality apprenticeship to youth and adults that are facing obstacles to employment and housing - such a great mission! This eatery is located on the 1st floor of the MLK Jr. Memorial Library, and they offer a menu that offers various beverages, pastries, breakfast, snacks and sides, salads, and sandwiches, along with featured specials (when I went, they had Chicken Taco Salad and a Fresh Summer Salad). I had a pre-order of: +the Jerk Chicken Sandwich - a brioche bun filled with jerk chicken, with side cups of Caribbean slaw and jerk sauce; the bun seemed more of like a wheat bun, as it was definitely not fluffy, light, or buttery, but more on the dry side; the chicken 'strips' that the bun contained had no flavor nor sauce; the jerk sauce that was on the side didn't help, and it was of a thin consistency; the Caribbean slaw was red cabbage-focused, but hardly any flavors nor seasonings; it also didn't seem to be pickled long enough +chips and a canned soda The sandwich itself was just below average; the chicken itself was just super dried out, almost to the point of jerky consistency. The staff just chooses the flavor of the chips for you, but you can kindly request them to swap out for the one you actually wanted. Canned soda is not that cold, so ask for a cup of ice. Staff were fine, but they seemed extremely overwhelmed; there was a lack of communication, and orders were being mixed up, gone missing, offered to other patrons, etc. There's some tables and counter seating available, but during the lunch rush, it does become filled quickly. I'm glad I gave Marianne's a try, but definitely would not return. +dried-out sandwiches +unorganized staff +seating available +located on the 1st floor of the MLK Jr. Memorial Library +metered street and garage parking available read more

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I'm going to give Marianne's a holler because they were a perfect way for me to start my trip in DC. Not too far from where I'm staying, they offer shockingly affordable prices for coffee and breakfast items. I had an 8oz black coffee and a egg and cheese croissant and spent a total of $4. WHAT! Unheard of! But all solid, basic, necessary. Located inside the MLK public library, make sure to support Marianne's. I'm a fan!!! I support you all. Thank you for greeting me (a visitor) with a smile and steaming hot food and coffee. read more

Marianne’s by DC Central Kitchen - a group of people in a cafeteria - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The name Marianne is in honor of the woman who trained many hospitality workers under an apprenticeship program! I love the name :). The cafe is in the right atrium as you walk into the MLK Library, and is a small, inexpensive cafe (coffee is $1), with foods provided by the DC Central Kitchen. This cafe employs people under an apprenticeship program in hospitality. I ordered a cesar salad with grilled chicken. It was a fairly simple salad, but solid for only $8. A quaint place with a powerful mission of empowering our youth communities. I will continue to support this cafe :) read more

Marianne’s by DC Central Kitchen - Marianne's bar - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is a win win all the way around. You get to support an organization that is training people to be kitchen workers so they can be more financially independent. The sandwiches are good and the prices are well below market. You get to eat in the spacious MLK, Jr. Library with a lot of natural light, and it is air conditioned. What's not to like? read more

Walk into the newly-renovated MLK Memorial Library in Penn Quarter and follow signs on the first floor to the cafe. There you'll find a small cafe that sells all sorts of food from pastries to sandwiches. My five-year-old daughter and I went on a Friday morning. Here's our experience: 1) Story: Part of D.C. Central Kitchen, Marianne's provides on-the-job training to youth and adults facing barriers to employment. Using locally-sourced ingredients, they make and sell light food and drinks. 2) Food: If you go for breakfast, you'll find an array of pastries behind a glass box from doughnuts to muffins. In the cooler, you'll find prepared salads, sandwiches, etc. My daughter and I stopped in for snacks. I got the blondie bar and my daughter got the jelly doughnut and BBQ chips. We enjoyed it all! 3) Drinks: They sell coffee drinks (including decaf coffee), tea, water, juice, etc. 4) Service: It's very kind! The woman who helped us took the time to ask my daughter's name and how she was doing. She also saw we were carrying lots of papers and gave us a bag to organize them in. So kind! 5) Space: The library itself is stunning! Take the time to explore each floor going up the winding staircase. Definitely check out the rooftop! There's seating near the cafe and outside on the terrace. read more

Stopped by here mid morning. Ordered an egg cheese sausage croissant and a small coffee. It was delicious and the staff was very friendly and it would've cost me double at the Star****s It's inside the MLKing library so it was nice and quiet as a bonus. read more

Shockingly cheap, solid coffee for the DC area. It's nothing fancy- they do offer a few espresso drinks, your standard black coffee, and etc. I was surprised by the mixture of quality snacks- a protein pack, pastries, and hummus are what I saw with a quick glance. There is a place to add your own creamer (skim milk, half and half, and heavy cream from what I could see) and sugar. I think I paid $3 for a medium coffee, and I was happy with how it tasted. I also got the fudgiest, richest brownie as I was checking out. It tasted homemade! For such a good price and convenient location within the MLK library, I'm sure I will return. read more

Marianne’s by DC Central Kitchen - Front - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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As a remote employee, I enjoy working from different places in the city. While working from MLK Library, I decided to grab lunch. I was totally surprised by how good the food was, especially considering the reasonable prices. Plus it's hard to beat the ambiance of the region's largest public library. This place is a real hidden gem. Highly recommended, even if you're not planning to check out the library. read more

I really appreciate the servers at the MLK library. Very polite and professional. Also patient with my inability to make a decision on an item. read more

Talk about being pleasantly surprised! The food was great and reasonably priced! I enjoyed the chicken and pesto sandwich with the creamed chicken and wild rice soup. Marianne's by DC Central Kitchen is the perfect signature to the MLK Jr. Public Library!! Keep up the great menu! I hope Marianne's continues to grow by leaps and bounds! read more

Staff were sweet and so so friendly, prices are affordable and the food was delicious. The location (inside of Mlk library) is great, you can study and then have lunch or a snack break at the cafe. read more

Fantastic pastries! They were so nice and helpful. Nice quiet location too. Tatte has something to learn from this place!

Excellent coffee, and their large outdoor seating area (with roof) makes it the best place downtown to drink coffee, use free wifi, and enjoy some quiet outdoor space. read more

This is a great addition to the central library! They have very fair priced food and drinks, especially for the area.