What a hidden gem--truly. Set alongside a church with cafeteria-style service, Saint Paradise takes me back to childhood after Sunday service lunches in rural TN. Serving up all the southern staples with love and smiles. Chicken, ribs, pork chops, greens, Mac and cheese, cabbage, cornbread, cobblers, cakes and lots more. This is cash only and if you are in a hurry please take your disrespect and impatience somewhere else. The staff is welcoming, kind and patient. I am not religious but it was nostalgic and amazing to be able to visit and enjoy the food at this wonderful place. read more

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After leaving church last Sunday, my family and I stood in line for a full hour for some of Saint Paradise Kitchen (aka Daddy Grace), good food. It's been years since I last visited but I only remembered God things and that made my mouth water even more. I immediately knew what I wanted. Fried wings, mac & cheese, and rice and gravy. My dad and sister ordered greens, and I already knew I would be getting a taste of those too. Now... here is where things shifted a bit. All of the meat was dry. Like it had been sitting for hours, dry. And not just my plate--errybody's. LOLOL I had wings, my father had whiting, and my sister had baked chicken, and somehow all of it came out dry and I ain't even joking. Even the cornbread was dry and I love some cornbread. But the sides? Completely different story. Y'all that mac & cheese, rice and gravy, and greens was AMAZING!! So you already know I am going back, I just know what to get. read more

I was craving legit soul food and stumbled upon this place while in DC for a conference. The food and staff reminded me of the time I lived in Virginia so it was also very nostalgic for me! I got the blue plate combo which was only $9.99!!! You can pick one of the 3 protein options they list out + 2 sides + 1 drink. Despite it being cold, the chicken leg still remained a nice crispy outer layer. Batter wasn't too thick. The meat was a little overcooked but I still enjoyed it! The collard greens was probably my favorite out of all the things I tried because it was very well seasoned. Mac and cheese was classic with good flavors and chunks of cheese. They sadly ran out of candied yams that day. I had to pair my meal with ice tea. Sweet as expected but nostalgic for me! Cash only, but ATM available inside. Unassuming entrance but very big space and lots of tables. I definitely want to come back the next time I'm in DC to check out their catfish, other proteins, and other sides! read more

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I've visited this cafe on a couple occasions, with groups from nearby convention center events and individually on lunch while in the neighborhood. Its location is adjacent to a worship center. It's a typical hot bar cafeteria with a variety of soul food dishes and cuisine staples. It's pretty popular around the lunch hour with long lines, but the staff is very pleasant and helpful and they try to manage the lines quickly. They do dinner special prices that honestly can't be beat (entree and two sides for just about $10). THEY ARE CASH ONLY FYI. But they do have an ATM machine on site. Nice community staple that I read more

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Food is consistently good. The little ladies are super super slow though but they are usually pleasant.

Food was immaculate! Great soul food option and plenty of food options. Service was very kind, and the ambiance was a family friendly cafeteria set up! Would definitely recommend for all ages read more

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

I've been going to Saints Paradise cafeteria for ages. And the level of professionalism, quality of food, and the ambience in the cafeteria is still amazing. It feels like Family when you walk up to the line they have a variety of food on the menu they have specials and I see that they still cater. I recently went there and got my favorite fish dinner with a slice of cake. A healthy slice of cake I might add. read more

This was the go-to breakfast/lunch spot during my conference trip to DC this week. I kept hearing rave reviews and knew I had to check it out for myself. I visited on a Thursday morning just before 11 a.m. The café was busy but still had plenty of seating available. True to its name, the restaurant follows a cafeteria-style setup. You line up and select your meal as you move down the service line. It's incredibly budget-friendly, with no single meal over $20. Meals come with your choice of meat and two sides. Heads up: it's a cash-only establishment, but they do have an ATM on-site if needed. I ordered the fried chicken wings (2) with cheese grits and fried apples. The wings were perfectly fried: juicy, crisp, and well-seasoned. The cheese grits were solid, but the fried apples stole the show, absolutely delicious! I could've licked the plate. To drink, I had an Arnold Palmer made with their homemade lemonade and sweet tea. Everyone on staff was friendly and welcoming. I'll definitely be back to try their lunch menu before I fly home to Florida! read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Chicken breakfast plate. 2 wings. Fried apples and cheese grits. - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I use to go to this spot back in the day. I stopped by twice and was glad to see they still sell soul food dinners. The place was clean. I ordered bake chicken, greens with mac and cheese, the first visit and it was good. The second time I ordered smothered pork chops with rice and cabbage. The gravy was seasoned very good. My pork chop was a little tough than I like it but it served the purpose lol. The cabbage was good, I like the cabbage better than greens. I do like that they have a variety of food selection and they also have daily specials. The prices are very reasonable, I will definitely come back to try other options. The staff are super friendly and accommodating. read more

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Nice spot, big cafeteria seating, friendly people, slow moving line, cash only. Glad it exists, prices are very reasonable, but overall food doesn't do much for me. Both fried chicken and whiting are lacking texture from the fry, both are slightly salty, both benefit from hot sauce for some additional flavor. For sides, they were out of greens when I visited so I tried the cabbage (nice but lacked flavor), and mac (congealed/clumpy texture, but I love all mac so it was good). plates came with cornbread which was a touch dry. read more

Saint's Paradise is my go to restaurant when I have a taste for soulfood! They offer a wide variety of entrees and side dishes at a reasonable price and the portions are substantial. Breakfast is great with all the usual proteins plus ham, fried fish, salmon cakes. The sides are amazing, especially home fries, fried apples and grits. Pancakes are cooked to order and there are a variety of eggs. Lunch and dinner selections include fried and baked chicken, fish, turkey wings, pork chops, meatloaf and sometimes spaghetti. The sides might include collards, cabbage, sweet potatoes, rice, black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, side salad. Everything is nicely seasoned (not overly salted). A variety of cakes and pies are available for dessert along with a variety of soft drinks. Only cash is accepted but there is an atm on the premises. The restaurant is cafeteria style but always clean and the staff is always friendly and helpful. read more

Great home cooked southern meals, cafeteria style! Visited DC and came from the many recommendations from travel blogs. Generous Portions and reasonable prices and the quality you can expect from a great home cooked meal! Something rare these days! I have to say this was the best meal we had on our vacation in DC, so much so that we had to go back 2 days in a row for lunch!! read more

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In spite of our fried whiting and catfish being too salty, I'd still return. Home style food was fresh but couldve been a tad warmer in temperature. Mac & Cheese was delicious even though Auntie left it in the oven a little longer and overcooked the cheese on top. Collards were nicely done w/out meat and were julienne cut the way I cut mine-I was tickled because you don't usually see this in a commercial establishment, as it's too time consuming. Cake seemed to be made in house w/homemade frosting. We had German chocolate and strawberry; both were good. I heard a gentleman at a table across from me, telling the table busser that they needed to season the pork chop better, which I laughed at because my fish was overly seasoned with salt. This is a cafeteria connected to a church. The dining room was very clean and comfortable. Clearly there were church members, people in the community, and even homeland security officers there enjoying their meals. There is a buffet line that you choose your entrée and side items from. The line staff serve you generous portions and are very hospitable and service minded. They should lighten up on the sodium and watch those cook times so not to overcook the food. read more

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Whoa, major hidden gem alert!!! Was in town for a conference at the convention center and meeting up with a colleague for lunch who told me about this place and I was sold immediately! You would never even know this place is there, tucked in the basement of a church! The food is cafeteria style and one of the best bangs for your buck in DC for sure! You can get a platter with a protein, 2 sides, and bread for around $15! I went with the fried chicken thigh with collards, mac, and cornbread. Everything was delicious and warmed me up after a snowstorm in January! It's open seating which was nice, we sat for quite awhile chatting and didn't have to worry about taking up a table or anything. Only downside is the service is very slow, it took about 10-15min for us to get our food and pay. Cash only, but they do have an atm on site! This is definitely going to be one of my go-to's when I go back down there for this conference again! read more

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a cash only establishment, saints paradise is a gem for cheap eats. this is soul food at its finest -- it's rich, but you can taste the love. the bbq ribs were so soft (although definitely drenched in sauce). the banana pudding was dangerously good for only $4. the potato salad was also excellent! by no means a healthy meal, but a hearty one read more

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

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria is a hidden gem in DC. I almost don't want to write about this place as not to give them any more exposure and ruin the experience. They serve high quality, well seasoned, and fresh southern style home cooking. The food is prepared and served by the adjacent church congregation. They don't proselytize or anything, so don't hesitate to visit if that's a concern. The food is very affordable and there's something on the menu for every budget. The lines can get a bit long on the weekends, so try to beat the exiting church service crowd. The dining area is spacious and welcoming. I dined here a couple months ago and I tried their shrimp platter with Mac and cheese and collard greens, which was absolutely delicious. Don't forget to order one of their freshly baked slices of cake or pie. I can't wait to go back soon. read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Fried shrimp, Mac and cheese, and collard greens - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Good, great food. Just know they are cash only! Been around for years and you must love soul food. read more

Open every day from 8am to 5 pm, this underground cafeteria inside a church sells popular soul food with daily specials. I met a friend here on a Friday at noon for lunch. Here's our experience. 1) Food: It's cafeteria style so you walk down a line letting the staff know what you want. They then make a plate for you. BBQ ribs, fried chicken, pork chops, whiting, they have variety. They have a deal where you get an entree, two vegetables, and cornbread or a roll. I ordered the fried shrimp entree with mashed potatoes and chicken gravy, collard greens, and cornbread for $11.99. That's a steal in an expensive city like D.C. For dessert, I got the banana pudding. Between my friend and I, we enjoyed the whiting, mashed potatoes and gravy, cornbread, lemon pound cake, and sweet potato pie. The mac and cheese was very bland and the shrimp needed that spicy sauce that's pn every table. Pass on the banana pudding. It's boxed pudding with lots and lots of vanilla wafers. The food is hit or miss, so ask the staff what they recommend. 2) Space: It's such an experience! First of all, the crowd that goes is a mix of people who are connected to the church that it's located in, neighbors, and people who are attending the nearby Convention Center. There are a number of tables in one big dining room. There's a free water and ice dispenser. (Ask for a cup at the register.) Restrooms are just outside the dining room inside the church. 3) Price: It's a deal! But bring cash as it's cash only. There's an ATM inside. read more

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by far, this is the only authentic Soulfood restaurant in DC. I have said this for years and being from different places in the south I stand 10 toes down on this. I don't even care that the cafeteria portion isn't modernized. It feels like you're going back in time a little bit and that you have to use cash because it's authentic and you could tell the older ladies to put a lot of love into the food. read more

Saints Paradise Cafeteria is a restaurant located in the basement of a church. For those attending events at the convention center, it's only a few blocks away on foot. Entrance is on the side of the building and is clearly marked. Per the name, it's served Cafeteria style, and is cash only. I went here for breakfast, and they have interesting options that include Salmon Cakes, Pork Chops, and Scrapple on top of the usual options like Eggs, Pancakes, Bacon, and Sausage. Slices of Cake and Pie were available during breakfast. Ordered Bacon, Eggs, Fried Potatoes, Toast, and a slice of Cherry pie. Some of the beverage options include Coffee, Soda, Juice, and Water. Prices were very fair, and without the pie it would have cost under $10. Food was good with the potatoes being an interesting mix of onion and spices . The slice of Cherry pie was decently sized and fine. Overall, Saints Paradise Cafeteria is an interesting place to stop and grab something to eat. read more

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

Great spot to grab good home cooked, hearty meals. The price is reasonable too given the amount of food you get. I got the smothered pork chops with a side of greens and yams. Everything was delicious. The yams were good and I appreciated they used nutmeg and not cinnamon in theirs. The greens tasted how they typically do, not the best I've had and certainly not the worst. The pork chops were very good, well seasoned and tasty. Only complaint is that the pork chops were a bit cold. My sides were pipping hot. I came to eat here around 12:45pm so I was a bit annoyed that the meat was not hot since it was during the lunch rush. I ate inside as well, if I had taken it to go, not problem, I could have warmed it up at my house. The restaurant is inside the church. It's a really neat, clean and renovated church as well, didn't walk around but just peeped inside a bit. I will be back here for sure! Reminder: it's cash only. They do have an ATM inside if you need to withdraw. read more

This place I consider to be a national landmark. The food is wonderful and the people that serve it are wonderful too.

The chicken is not super flavorful, the mash potatoes with gravy and yams need more. It is just an old staple in the community but we need to spice the food up. The Mac and cheese was burnt no thank you. I want better so maybe not so great but paid my money so ate what I could give to the homeless gonna hit a subway way tastier to be honest. read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - Friend chicken dinner, yams, and mash potatoes with gravy. - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Traveling to DC for conference and was looking for soul food restaurant. after finding St. Paradise Cafeteria was truly a blessing. Appreciate the service and conversation as I'm southern cook myself. Very tasted and comfort food of enjoyment. Willing spreading the word about the cafeteria whenever anyone visit DC. My friends and I will come again. Thanks, from Brenda, Margie, Bernita. read more

Every time I want soul food I go here. Service is amazing the setup is great. I enjoy visiting every time I'm in town read more

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

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If you're craving real-deal soul food, this place continues to deliver some of the best in the DMV. I've tried a variety of dishes here--smothered and fried pork chops, crab balls, turkey wings, fried fish, mac & cheese, greens, yams, cabbage, and their cornbread (which tastes more like pound cake!)--and everything has been consistently delicious. It honestly tastes like five Southern grandmas are back there cooking. That said, a few heads-up before you go: The wait is no joke. If there's a crowd (and there usually is), you could be in line for about an hour. They move very slowly, so come with time and patience. Cash only. They do have an ATM inside, but the fees are steep--best to bring cash ahead of time. Hard to find. It's connected to the side of St. Paradise Church (6th & M St NW), but the actual entrance is further down M St, near the side parking lot. Cafeteria-style vibe that's clean, simple, and welcoming. Despite the drawbacks, I keep coming back because the food is just that good. Portions are generous, the staff is friendly, and the flavors are unmatched. I only knocked off a star because of the wait times and outdated payment setup. A crowd meter app would be a game changer here! Pro tip: Come early, bring cash, and come hungry. read more

The line moves slow! Be warned. This isn't a fast situation. Took about 30 minutes to get through the line and pay. It's an efficiency issue not so much a demand issue. Now to the good stuff - portions are insane! I had the rib dinner and it was a meal for 3! The ribs were tender and delicious. The yams were to die for and the mac & cheese was fine (not excellent). I had a side of cornbread (a little dry). All in all an amazing deal and a random experience in a church basement! read more

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

I got a rib dinner on Sunday, but the ribs were tough. There were parts of the rib that were all meaty and could not be chewed. Not good. read more

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

This use to be my favorite spot when I was in DC, I have been coming here a long time nineties, well I going to have to take it off of the list, chicken wing tough and two big and cold, mac and cheese hard and not flavorful, collard green were good taste but too many stems. This was a place where I brought many new folks and they enjoyed it as well, but now I will have to remove it from my list, "I don't know why I have to sigh sometimes. But there's going to be a perfect day when trouble get out of my way," read more

What a little gem near the convention center. Thanks for fellow yelpers, I went there for lunch my last day in DC. I wish I have time to go back. Comfort food at its best. Huge portion and great taste. Most customers are local, which is a good sign. It is cash only though, and service could be a tad slow. read more

Had to check this place out before I let the area. Went around 12 and while it was packed, the line moved at a steady pace. The servers had everything down to a science with the food line. My boyfriend and I both got the pork chop dinner. I also wanted to try the fish so I added a fish sandwich. For my sides I got the cabbage and Mac n cheese. Both were really good and the cornbread was sweet and moist. I also got a side of rice and gravy. My boyfriend got the mashed potatoes with gravy. We got the same gravy & it didn't have any flavor. everything else was great. Nice local gem to check out to fill the soul food craving. read more

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Everything!!! Get the turkey wings! Best soul food I've had. The place is authentic, you can see the staff know exactly what they doing. Everybody friendly, and again get the turkey wings man. read more

If you like true southern cooking, you will appreciate this church sponsored cafeteria. The ladies will make you glad you ventured off the beaten path to home cooking. read more

We had to wait an hour in line for this food - definitely was not the fast service I would expect in a cafeteria. The price was reasonable at $15 after taxes for the portions (not pictured, but they also give you some cornbread for free). Unfortunately, the bags they use are not the proper size and I ended up spilling the greens juice all over the table and my clothes when I turned the bag to get my food. As for the food flavor: everything was extremely salty. To the point where it was inedible for me. The food had good flavor at first then was ruined by the very salty aftertaste. If I could turn down the saltiness 40% for all items, then I probably would've enjoyed it very much. Because I could see the potential, and the customer service was nice, I chose to gave this place two stars instead of one stars, despite not being able to finish my food. read more

Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - 3 Whitings, mac and cheese, greens - Soul Food Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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 initiated a monthly meet up for senior people in the blind community. We meet on Tuesday mornings and afternoons and had nothing but a great experience. The staff has been very accommodating. And the food is always like mom cooked it. If you have interest, we meet on the first Tuesday of the month. read more

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

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

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

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