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    Saint's Paradise Cafeteria

    4.2 (256 reviews)
    ModerateSoul Food, Cafeteria
    Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Saint's Paradise Cafeteria Photos

    SAINT'S PARADISE CAFETERIA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Saint's Paradise Cafeteria

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    Main dining area
    Cheryl D.

    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

    Erin D.

    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

    Chicken breakfast plate. 2 wings. Fried apples and cheese grits.
    Dominique M.

    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!

    Smothered pork chops, cabbage and rice with mac and cheese
    Monica G.

    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.

    2 plates lunch ,side pork chips and 2 lemon ice tea. $32. What a deal
    Koa B.

    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!!

    Catfish, mac&cheese,candied yams
    Shea S.

    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.

    Becca D.

    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!

    Iris P.

    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

    Fried shrimp, Mac and cheese, and collard greens
    Wilton P.

    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.

    Austin G.

    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.

    Breakfast.
    Eric W.

    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.

    Friend chicken dinner, yams, and mash potatoes with gravy.

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    20 days ago

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

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    3 months ago

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

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    5 months ago

    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.

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    1 year ago

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

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    Ask the Community - Saint's Paradise Cafeteria

    How does one know how much cash to bring if they don't have a menu on line. The website says they are open on Saturday's but when I called the person who answered could not or would not connect me with someone who could answer the question.?

    If you have a twenty, you're fine.

    Do they take credit and debit cards?

    No. It's a cash-only business, but there's an ATM in the dining room for your convenience. (Can't vouch whether it's fee-free, however.)

    Is it open as of now?

    Yes. 7 am-5 pm

    Is this opened to the public?

    Yes it is.

    View All 6 Questions

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    Oohh's & Aahh's

    Oohh's & Aahh's

    3.4(1.7k reviews)
    0.8 miU Street Corridor
    $$

    Great soul food in DC. Great fried catfish. Love the greens and Mac n cheese. Always made fresh…read more It's is a little hole in the wall place and definitely worth trying!

    YouTuber LaTryGuy went to this location and tried a few items and raved about it. So when I knew I…read morewas going to D.C. This was on the list of places to try. This location is on what I call a busy street and parking was sparing. But I was able to find a spot. When I walked in it gave me a diner style feel as they only had counter seating. I was greeted and I I Tried a few things the Fried Seafood Platter fried hard which included 6 Fried Shrimp, 2 Catfish, 3 Lump Crab & Shrimp Fritters with Four Cheese Mac & Cheese, and Whipped Yams. 8 wings Fried Hard all flats with a side of BBQ and Mambo Sauce. I got also got a side of Potato Salad and a Yellow Cake with Chocolate Icing. The Fried Seafood Platter wasn't fried hard and had a lot of grease at the bottom of the container. The Shrimp and Catfish were seasoned perfectly and had great flavor. The Fritter was good but wasn't my favorite. The 8 wings also weren't fried hard and I didn't receive all flats that I paid extra for. The Flavor on the wings was good. I couldn't tell the difference between the BBQ and Mambo Sauce but both were good. The Side stole the show as they were amazing.The Yellow Cake with Chocolate Icing remind me of something that my grandmother would make. Overall the experience was good and the food was good. I would come back and maybe try the grill items. Pricing was average for what I purchased. I will be back the next time I'm in D.C.

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    Oohh's & Aahh's - Cute Sign

    Cute Sign

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    Meatloaf

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    Henry's Soul Cafe - Fried chicken @davideatsdc

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    1.2 mi
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    So, really wanted some "Ancestor food" (Chitterings). Now, if you know, you know; they can't be…read morepurchased just "anywhere." After walking in (take-out only), and seeing that there were six people waiting for their food, I was convinced, this place CAN be trusted. So, staff, really nice. Informative, hospitable, and accommodating. As indicated, exclusively "Take-out," so not much attention given to aesthetics. All those waiting raved about the food. People there have been patronizing the restaurant for decades. Again, very good sign. Ordered chitterlings, potato salad, and collard greens. Initially thought $30.00 was a bit much, given I'd NEVER eaten chitterlings "out," BUT, thought about what it actually requires, and quickly changed my mind. The price point is fine. Everything was delicious. Everything. Including the Cornbread. Given I know how to cook, there were obviously some things I would have done differently. That doesn't even matter, this place is my "Soul Food" "go-to." If they can do chitterlings well, they can do anything. I can't wait to try everything else on the menu. I highly recommend.

    Tried this place while in DC for a conference and I'm glad I did…read more It's more of a takeout spot but there is a counter where you can eat if there is room. Everything I ate was good and full of flavor, I even enjoyed the tea which was good old fashioned sweet tea. I would say this was worth my Uber ride to and from,.

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    Henry's Soul Cafe - Fried Whiting with Mac & cheese and Greens

    Fried Whiting with Mac & cheese and Greens

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    Entrance

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    4.3(523 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Boyfriend and I went to Union Market for a post-dinner sweet treat. I saw this place all over…read moreTikTok, I knew I needed that Brown Butter Bourbon Bread Pudding. They give free samples for NEARLY ALL of their food, I mentioned I traveled to DC from CA, and the workers gave me a sample of one of everything on the menu! Gosh, I have never experienced such AMAZING customer service! My boyfriend loved the etouffee and my favorite was the gumbo sample. We were so stuffed from our previous dinner, and couldn't order more. We noticed everything on the menu was VERY affordable for DC pricing and gave good portions. We ended up opting for the bread pudding, and finished it in minutes. The bread pudding feels like a warm hug, and is a MUST with the ice cream. It has hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, and the bourbon perfectly balanced the creaminess and sweetness of the ice cream.

    On my DC visit my friend told me this place was good and she didn't lie. The bread puddin is what I…read morewent for and it didn't disappoint. They have a decent size location located in the market and of course there's a line to stand in but it's not bad. Let me tell you, I got one small order and went back for a big order. The customer service was good and it's a walk up and keep it moving type of vibe. They call your number out, you pick up your order, find a seat or sit outside. Overall it was good and I would visit this location again.

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    Puddin' - Stall sign // Puddin * Union Market, DC

    Stall sign // Puddin * Union Market, DC

    Puddin' - Brown Butter Bourbon Bread Puddin'

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    Kitchen Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicken & Banana Waffles Specialty

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    3.6(773 reviews)
    0.6 miDowntown
    $$$$

    Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley is definitely one of the more talked about spots in Washington,…read moreDC, and after visiting, I can understand why so many people are drawn to it. While it may not have become my personal favorite restaurant in the city, I can absolutely appreciate what the restaurant brings to the DC dining scene, especially when it comes to the atmosphere, energy, and overall experience. And on top of that, the owner is my Frat brother, so I will always encourage people to come out and support. The first thing that stands out is the ambiance. The restaurant is beautiful, lively, and designed to create an experience. From the stylish décor to the music and overall vibe, it feels like the kind of place where people come to celebrate birthdays, brunches, girls' nights, reunions, and special occasions. Many reviews online mention the upscale Southern lounge feel, and I definitely agree with that description. The energy inside the restaurant feels vibrant and social from the moment you walk in. One of the most powerful parts of the restaurant is the wall filled with iconic and influential Black figures. Seeing the photographs and artwork throughout the restaurant adds another layer to the experience because it feels like a celebration of Black excellence, culture, leadership, entertainment, and history. It creates conversation at the table and gives the restaurant personality beyond the food and drinks. The tribute to prominent Black individuals throughout the space is something guests constantly stop to admire, and it helps make the atmosphere feel both inspiring and culturally intentional. Another thing people consistently praise is the presentation of the food and drinks. Everything arrives looking visually impressive and social media ready. The cocktails in particular receive a lot of attention online because they are creative, flavorful, and served with a lot of personality. Many guests also rave about the large portions and comfort food inspired menu that blends Southern flavors with a modern dining experience. The restaurant has also built a strong reputation for being a fun brunch and dinner destination in DC. A lot of reviews highlight the music, the energetic crowd, and the overall vibe as major reasons people continue returning. It is definitely the type of restaurant where the atmosphere becomes part of the meal itself. Even if everyone may not agree on every menu item, most people seem to leave talking about how much fun they had while dining there. What I respect most is seeing a Black owned business continue to create opportunities and bring people together in a major city like Washington, DC. It is clear there was a vision behind Kitchen + Kocktails that goes beyond just serving food. The restaurant has become a gathering place and experience driven destination that people talk about long after they leave. Overall, I would encourage people to visit Kitchen + Kocktails and support my Frat brother. Whether you are looking for a lively brunch, a celebration dinner, cocktails with friends, or simply a beautiful atmosphere in the city, the restaurant definitely offers an experience worth checking out. The ambiance, music, artwork, drinks, and overall energy make it a standout addition to the DC dining scene.

    Here's your re-drafted review, including the phrase "upscale casual dining":…read more Title: Unforgettable experience from start to finish - a DC must! Visited Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley in DC, and I'm already planning my return. This spot perfectly nails upscale casual dining - relaxed yet polished, with attention to detail everywhere. From the moment we walked in, the hosts greeted us with warm smiles and were incredibly polite and welcoming - such a great first impression. Our waitress, Jasmine, was absolutely unbelievable. She was on top of everything, attentive without being intrusive, and her professionalism truly stood out. It's rare to get service that flawless. Now the food - just wow. I ordered the Mississippi catfish and grits with a side of greens (I didn't realize the greens had turkey in them, but it was a delicious surprise!). My wife had the seafood platter and loved every bite. The drinks were a showstopper too. The Old Fashioned was beautifully presented, but the Lemon Drop's presentation was mind-blowing. Hands down, Kitchen + Kocktails is one of my top picks whenever I'm visiting DC. Highly recommend.

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    Kitchen Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Fried green tomatoes

    Fried green tomatoes

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    Saint's Paradise Cafeteria - soulfood - Updated May 2026

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