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Well... Sapodilla's is a trendy, and vibrant restaurant tucked off on the side of Marion Barry Avenue SE. I was recommended to try this Guyanese inspired restaurant by a friend, and the moment I walked in I was impressed with the over all vibe. This place is classy, with a jazzy atmosphere that say's you won't just get good food here, but you'll also enjoy the ambiance. The service was friendly, polite and professional ( something that means the most to me ) Since I was ordering to go, I stopped at the bar for a drink and the bartender gets 5-stars for his Henny Sidecar. I ordered the oxtails, rice & peas, with veggies. The first thing I notice was the distinct flavor that differentiated this particular dish from the other Caribbean dishes I've become accustomed to over the years. The rice was enjoyable and the oxtail were saucy and tender which ensured that I would return again to Sapodilla's to try another one of their platters. If you want to enjoy a cool vibrant time, while you also eat excellent Caribbean food options then hitting Sapodilla's on a Friday evening is highly recommended.
A friend and I met for dinner at this establishment on a Friday night. We were told parking is free at a nearby lot however, when we asked for validation after our meal, they refused to validate, and said the gate to the lot would be open. The gate was not open, and since it was late, we did not want to walk back to the restaurant, so we ended up paying. I do think they should honor what they advertise as that could be a deciding factor for many customers to visit this establishment. Aside from the parking concern, we had a great time. It was the owner's birthday, so his family and friends were celebrating with him upstairs where we were seated. The DJ was also located on the second floor and another bar as well. The staff danced to reggae and soca music along with the customers. The food was delicious, drinks were strong, restaurant was nicely decorated, clean, and had a lively ambience. I would visit this restaurant again to see if they got the parking validation right the next time. I do recommend you try it if you're looking for delicious Caribbean food in a fun environment.
Eh, I'm struggling with rating this place because I really want to love it. It definitely has the atmosphere to be a neighborhood gem, and all-day happy hour? That is so dope! The aesthetics and overall vibe are beautiful and on point. There's plenty of space, so it doesn't feel overcrowded. When my friend and I arrived, we decided to sit upstairs, and I liked that it had the same vibe as downstairs. To me, that's something that really stands out about a place. My friend ordered the shrimp and fries basket, and I ordered the oysters. I have personally never had oysters this bad. They were dry, only three came with the order, and I swear it was nothing but sand in those oysters. I'm gagging just thinking about it, to be honest. Since the oysters were horrible and I was still hungry, I decided to get the shrimp and fries basket because my friend's looked pretty decent. And it was! It came out hot and quick, the shrimp were huge, and they were cooked well. Unfortunately, we didn't stay as long as we wanted because once the DJ arrived, we could no longer hear each other speak. I really wish establishments would understand that people still want to TALK to each other. If we mostly wanted to listen to loud music without socializing, we'd go to a club. Just turn it down a little bit! That would make such a difference. Service was fine. It was moderately busy and we didn't ever feel ignored which is a plus. Anyway, I'm not too pressed to go back, but I probably will because it's local to me, and I can at least get some drinks and the shrimp and fries basket lol.
Was a great experience all around! Our waiter, Chris, was really kind and was a good spirit. We ended up getting the jerk wings and cod fish croquettes to start. The cod fish balls were the bomb! It was the right texture. Not mushy at all or overpowering in terms of the cod fish. The wings were very good as well. Fall off the bone! I ended up getting the goat curry. The roti was flaky and the curry was so savory. My dad got the red snapper and it was huge! It was pricey though. Market rate was $75, but he and my mom were able to split it and felt satisfied. We came for lunch, which seemed to be the move. There was live music and a lot of the items you would see for dinner, assuming there is a brunch menu. I saw some egg and burger options as well. Worth going back multiple times. SUPPORT LOCAL!
Service was great! The downstairs isn't the biggest area so I wouldn't come with a large party. The food was very flavorful and seasoned. The only thing I didn't like was the sauce on the broccolini- just wasn't my cup of tea. I'd def return!
Amazing Sunday early dinner. Was celebrating my man retirement and he freaking LOVED IT. The catfish and grits was crazy good. Sunday DJ bumping soca R&B dancehall etc. Loud but we loved it.
My girlfriend and I stopped in for a late lunch/early dinner, and from start to finish it was a great experience. First, I have to give a shout-out to the waiter working upstairs. He was amazing! His service, attitude, attentiveness, and overall professionalism were all on point and really helped make our visit enjoyable. To start, we ordered the jerk charbroiled oysters, which were incredibly flavorful and delicious. We also had the mango habanero wings, cooked extra crispy just as requested. They were packed with flavor and perfectly prepared. For our entrées, my girlfriend ordered the chicken and shrimp Rasta pasta. It was well-portioned, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. I had the jerk salmon and shrimp with cabbage and rice and peas, and it was equally impressive. We also added a side of mac and cheese, which was a great complement to the meal. Overall, this was an excellent dining experience. The food was flavorful, the portions were satisfying, the service was outstanding, and the ambiance was welcoming and enjoyable. I definitely plan on coming back during the week to check out Happy Hour and returning on a Sunday to experience brunch. Highly recommended!
Our birthday celebration at Sapodilla's was truly wonderful! The quaint restaurant was classy and tastefully appointed and the staff was professional and attentive. Our food and drinks came to the table timely and nothing disrupted our amazing meal. I had the oxtails which were tasty, tender and plentiful. The coco bread was buttery and amazing. I tasted the wings and plantains and everything was well prepared and worth every penny!
Sapodillas came correct with all plates served. I had the jerk oysters, mango wings, oxtail and snapper dish. I cant grouse about a single matter. Each dish was cooked with tender love and care. I prefer my wings fried hard but nonetheless no crumbs were left. The jerk oysters will have you begging for more. Being that sapodillas is Guyanese owned I thought the music Played would have been culture based, I was surprised to hear commercial pop music but they changed the genre at our request. CANT WAIT TO RETURN FOR THOSE JERK OYSTERS. On my Daddy!!
Friday night in Southeast and I needed somewhere to land. Sapadillas did not disappoint. I walked in and the DJ was already going, the place was packed, and there were still people waiting to be seated. That's the kind of energy that tells you something before you even sit down. Two levels, a bar on the first floor, plenty of seating once things moved along. Here's the part that made me smile: happy hour is all day on Fridays. ALL day. I got a margarita with Sorrow in it (yes, that's the liqueur and yes it was delicious), brussels sprouts, and char grilled oysters. Everything on the happy hour menu was $12. Twelve dollars. I ordered the tamarind BBQ wings to go and I need you to understand that once I got home and opened that bag, it was over. Fried perfectly, sweet, sticky, and absolutely worth whatever guilt you're carrying. I'm already plotting a return visit for the oxtails. Now, Lamar. The bartender on duty that evening deserves his flowers. Within two minutes of me sitting down, I had water and a placemat in front of me. He stayed attentive the entire time without hovering, checked in on everyone around him, and genuinely made the experience feel cared for. The rest of the staff that came around were just as friendly and on point. If you're in Southeast DC and looking for a spot with good vibes, good food, and staff that actually shows up, Sapadillas is it. I will be back.
All day happy hour on Friday is definitely unmatched. The menu did not disappoint at all. For dinner, we ordered the chow mein and the salmon--I actually saw this place on TikTok, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Both dishes were so good. We also tried the escovitch fish, which was very tasty. It was a little small for the market price, but the flavors were definitely there--nothing was left on the bone. Highly recommend, and I will definitely be back. We went on a Friday when there was a live DJ, which added to the great atmosphere. At times the music was a bit loud and made it hard to have a conversation, but the DJ was playing great music. If the volume were lowered just a little, it would be the perfect balance.
shout out to TJ. EXCELLENT SERVICE. big up yuh self. food on point, well seasoned. the curry goat. chefs kiss. the branzino perfectly seasoned and the fried rice. perfect. a must try.jerk broiled oysters we had two orders review from an impressed Jamaican.
I've been to Sapodilla's For Washington location many times. I was excited to try their DC location and they did not disappoint. I went around lunch time on a Saturday. The portion size of the oxtails was filling and they were delicious! The service was great. I'll definitely be back!
Just coming back to update my review because I really do enjoy the menu in its entirety! It is literally so good! Since they've opened, I've been probably 2 times a week...for dinner, lunch and brunch. Before I get into my favorite menu items, a few things i Enjoy: - the team at Sapodillas is always so wonderful! - the space is super cute! - they have all night happy hour on Fridays - they have a Dj on sundays (and some Saturdays) So very glad to have them in Anacostia! Okay, so here are my updated menu faves: Dinner menu: - the curry goat! My absolute favorite item on the menu - the jerk chicken...2nd favorite item on the menu - the lobster bucatini! So good! Comes with a half of a lobster and the sauce is so declious! - the vegetarian platter is actually REALLY good! The Chana is top notch! Lunch Menu: - the jerk sandwich - there's a salmon dish that's really good (drawing a blank on the name) Brunch Menu: - the croffle (like a croissant waffle)...delicious - the Chesapeake omelette (the sauce on the omelette is divine) - the shrimp and grits Im also a huge fan of the jerk oysters and the ceviche and the Brussels sprouts and the kale salad. I'm certain I spend way too much time and money in here, but it really is such a vibe! Love to see how much they've grown in the last few months. read more
2 months ago
1 year ago
I was meeting a friend for dinner and decided to try Sapodilla's. I made a reservation, but was told there would be a wait due to a private event upstairs. A few minutes later, the owner's husband (I'm pretty sure) was leading me to a table. I was thankful that they accommodated me faster than I initially expected. I started with the Caribbean Flower Margarita, which was made with sorrel. I loved that the drink menu included drinks made with traditional Caribbean ingredients. For dinner I had the jerk wings with a side of rice and peas and those wings were AMAZING! I had to try the rum cake for dessert and was also impressed with that. The service and music also made for a great experience. Parking was a bit difficult, but not impossible if you're ok with the possibility of a little walk. They offer happy hour at the bar, but the bar was pretty small (about 10 seats). read more
Went here for their all night Friday happy hour. It's been on my list for awhile and it didn't disappoint. Love the cool modern vibes and it has an upstairs which I wasn't aware of initially. Our server was very friendly and gave great suggestions since this was our first time there. We got the lamb sliders, jerk broiled oysters, and Brussels sprouts. Everything was delicious. The flavor of the lamb sliders was more Mediterranean than Caribbean but still good. And I don't usually like oysters but I agreed to try them and I'm glad I did. Flavorful indeed, I would get them again. Can't recall the cocktail I had but it tasted like sorrel which I like. We only did happy hr food as we had recently eaten but I'll have to come back to try main courses. read more
11 months ago
Dinner At Sapodilla's Did Not Disappoint At All! Wish I Came To This Spot Earlier But Definitely My New Favorite Caribbean Restaurant. Parking Isn't Easy to Find At All But Not Surprised Since It's Off Marion Berry Road SE. We Were Greeted & Seated Right Away Which is a Plus! Customer Service Was ON POINT & Welcoming With Great Advice On Food Selections Even Though Everything Sounded Good lol. The Staff Were Friendly & Gave a Team of Family Members. DEALER'S CHOICE MOCKTAIL $10 Refreshing, Well-Balanced, & The Perfect Start To The Meal. Not Overly Sweet, Just Right. I Wish This Was Sold In a Pitcher Size lol. COCO BREAD (Appetizer) $3 Warm, Soft, & Slightly Sweet With Creamy Butter... Finally Coco Bread Made Right!! Fresh Out The Kitchen & Perfect On Its Own Or Paired With Everything. This is a Must Order!! CODFISH FRITTERS (Appetizer) $18 Crispy On The Outside, Flaky On The Inside. Seasoned Well, It Tasted Like It Was Made With Yuca But I Am Not Sure, Definitely Different. JERK SALMON & SHRIMP $32 Served With Rice & Peas And Stewed Cabbage The Jerk Had A Nice Kick Without Overpowering The Seafood. Salmon Was Super Juicy, Shrimp Cooked Perfectly, & The Sides Were Flavorful And Comforting. Rice & Peas Were Cooked Exactly How I Love It, Super Soft & Tasty & Cabbage Still Had A Crisp With Lots of Flavor.... Mmmmmm Yum!!! PRICING Not Too Expensive, But Definitely Not Cheap Either. Just A Heads-Up: Automatic Gratuity & Additional Service Fees Are Added To The Bill, So Keep That In Mind When Ordering. Overall Experience Was Great Vibes, Solid Portions, & Authentic Caribbean Flavors. Definitely Worth The Visit If You're In SE DC. I Am Absolutely Coming Back To Try Other Food & Possibly Dessert. read more
Me and a few friends decided to check out this spot located in Anacostia. What a treat! From the service to the drinks and food and space itself everything was beautifully crafted and felt special and upscale. We all got something different but EVERYTHING was so good! Seasoned to perfection and very flavorful. I got the chicken and croissant waffle. It came with a fresh jam which was god but I did have to ask for syrup on the side. Divine! Steak was nice size. Nice char taste. Oxtail sauce was good. Very tender. Grits sauce was great. Creamy and delish. The drinks were good and the bartender gave us a free drink of something new that they were working on. So that was a nice surprise and shows that they are constantly adding new items. Highly recommend! Will definitely be back. read more
YALLLLL everything here was amazingggg. The service was absolutely great. Out waiter was super kind, and explained the dishes if we had any questions. The music in the restaurant was a vibe, especially on a Saturday! I love it when I can sing and eat at the same time lol. For the food, my favorite was probably the shrimp and grits because it had the crab within the grits itself. The sauce was really good as well. Next up was the crab omelette. Literally perfect and if I didn't have high cholesterol lol, I would eat it everyday. As for the goat roti, it was flavorful and cooked to perfection. The buss up was also very good and I would taste that it was from scratch. I will say though, the actual curry gravy that the goat sits in is a little salty, but I would still definitely get this dish again, just with a tall glass of water. I love it here and I can't wait to come again soon! read more
4 months ago
Amazing food. The curry goat was so delicious and tender. I cannot wait to get it again. Our waiter Jason or Joshua,( i am sooo sorry for messing your name up) was amazing. He handled our large party so well. Will be returning read more
June is Caribbean American Heritage Month! As a proud Caribbean lady, I'm happy to have found this place and can picture myself returning for more happy hours, brunch, and dinner! If you grew up in the Brooklyn, NY you would understand why this place hits close to home! The vibe was everything reminiscent of a good Brooklyn eatery in the Flatbush area. That meant that it gave pure Caribbean vibes from the vibrant decor to the warm welcome. I felt at home when I walked through the doors. Shoutout to Carrie, the waitress who took time to teach me about the restaurant, recommend a few items, and check on me continuously. Her extraordinary service was well appreciated. And, might I add that she's been at the location since day 1-4 months ago! Next, I have to shoutout the Manager Tara! Tara came over to greet us and she spoke to us about the owner's other location and the dream behind this SE location. Tara, like her staff, was very welcoming and that says a lot. Now that I've given earned flowers where it's due, let's get into what the people need to know. Happy Hour: Happy Hour runs on Monday-Thursday from 3pm-7pm and on Friday, it goes from 3pm until...baby! You're not getting a Friday night vibes like that anywhere so GO support! Happy Hour prices: I've added the menu for your view and allow me to say this, the portions are HUGE so come ready to order food and be filled! Drinks: I ordered the Sapodilla's Rum Punch on my first round. Thoughts: this was authentic island rum punch with just enough rum to keep you mellow yet functional lol it was gooooooood! My next drink was the Caribbean Flower Margarita: another drink with just the right mix of rum and very refreshing, a summer hit indeed! Not pictured but my favorite: the Planter's Punch! Honey this drink was IT! I enjoyed the others but this drink had a finisher to it, the bitters, and that flavor took it over the top and had me feeling the extra vibes. What a crowd pleaser. Food: I ordered the Jerk Broiled Oysters, Hot Honey Shrimp, and not pictured but sampled, the Lamb Sliders. Jerk Broiled Oysters: they were OUT OF THIS WORLD! Who is the chef? This person is a culinary genius. The oysters were fresh and the topping....the topping was a flavor trip around the sun. I cannot stop raving about these because they were THAT GOOD! Hot Honey Shrimp: have you ever had fried shrimp with a batter so crunchy and divine, you forgot that you were eating shrimp and was about to devour the tail? LOL that was my experience. That shrimp battle brought the seasoning and the shrimp underneath continued the flavor. The crunch on each bite sent my mouth into space and my tummy actually thanked me for my selection. The fries were also very crispy and well seasoned and might I add, the portion was more than enough for me. The shrimps were very large and the fries were generous. I truly enjoyed this dish. Not pictured but worth a shoutout. The thing you NEED to have...the lamb sliders. Listen, I've tried numerous lamb dishes from several restaurants and this dish is a top competitor. This lamb sliders was seasoned to perfection, dripping with flavor, and complimented by the most delicious tzatziki, placed on a freshly baked bun. I swear by this dish! After a remarkable Happy Hour experience, I ordered the rum cake to go. Can I just say...baby who is their pastry chef? Can I order 20 of these to go???? This rum cake is not for the weak lol it has goood rum flavors. But it's so moist and scrumptious. Can you tell that I've had an incredible time? I indeed did and I say all this or say, GO VISIT! To know: Happy Hour is served by the bar and high top tables. Dinner is available Brunch happens on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4pm Menus will be posted online soon so check out my pictures Bring your friends, trusted coworkers, family, and everyone! There are 2 levels in the restaurant so plenty of seating available. Feel free to ask me any questions! Head on over to Southeast! read more
1 year ago
This will probably be a new favorite spot for me! My friend and I stopped by for lunch to check out this new spot in Anacostia, right across the bridge and ended up having a great time. We really enjoyed the food and the overall vibe they've created. The space is beautiful; bright, open and spacious with plenty of room for dining. The large window let in a ton of natural light during the day which added to the relaxed atmosphere. There's a full bar on the first floor and although I didn't get a chance to check it out, I heard the upstairs area has a more lounge vibe. I absolutely love the vibe. It was chill and laid-back during lunch, but I can imagine it gets more lively during happy hour. Our service was pretty good and fast. It wasn't too crowded while we were there and our server attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. Now let's talk about the food. We had the rasta pasta with chicken, curry chicken and the jerk chicken sandwich. All were delicious, but the rasta pasta was the stand out for me. It had a ton of flavor and I couldn't' get enough of. We also had a few drinks (I unfortunately can't remember the names) and they were all good and refreshing. I will definitely be returning to explore more of the menu especially dinner and happy hour. Overall I loved Sapodilla's. The food was excellent and the space is lovely. My only suggestion would be to add a menu on the website so folks can get a sense of what to expect before visiting. Other than that I highly recommend. I'll definitely be back! read more
1 year ago
We were invited to Sapodilla's for a friend's birthday party. We had reservation that changed from 8 to 6 at the last minute, which they accommodated pretty easily. They had a lot of signature drinks which everyone loved (apparently, they were very strong). We had wings (two flavors), charbroiled oysters, a fried fish croquette (this was a bit salty), sweet plantains and our main courses (red snapper, oxtail, pasta). Everything was delicious overall. Our server was very funny and kind as well. read more
I was excited to try Sapodilla's after hearing about the opening of its new location in Anacostia. From the moment you step into the restaurant, you feel a warm and intimate vibe. I had seen many videos of people's food and experiences on social media and everything was spot on! My boyfriend and I came for dinner. We started with the jerk charbroiled oysters, which were super tasty. They had the perfect amount of spice and flavor--just a little too much breadcrumb. For my entrée, I enjoyed the ginger branzino accompanied by Guyanese fried rice and broccolini (they were able to accommodate my request to have this instead of the sautéed spinach). The entire dish was delicious from start to finish. I also want to shout out our server, Jordan. She took excellent care of us the entire time. She was exceptional; she always made sure to frequently communicate with us about our order updates. She also went out of her way to ensure every detail of our orders was correct. In addition to the ambiance and food, she was one of the main reasons I had to give Sapodilla's 5 stars. Sapodilla's was a nice experience, paying homage to Guyanese and Caribbean culture. Looking forward to going back for brunch! read more
Business owner information
Samantha A.
Thanks for taking time to share your experience, Dania. And grateful…
1 year ago
This is a new Caribbean inspired spot in Anacostia, around the corner from. The The menu has a lot of great options to select from. The menu is a bit on the pricey side so even the happy hour process are on the high end. The space is really nice and has 2 floors, very cute decor and a great spot for date night. On Fridays, they have a dj who plays a great selection of music. I've been twice, both times it was a on a Friday for happy hour. I do plan to try brunch and dinner. Unfortunately, the website has not been updated so it's hard to find out their hours if operation and also any special events. Hopefully, this will be updated soon. The staff has been pleasant on both visits. read more
My friend and I came for brunch and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. The music playlist was on point, service was great, and the decor was lovely. We split the mac and cheese, chicken and croffle, and pumpkin and shrimp with roti. I loved the mac and cheese and chicken and croffle. The chicken and croffle came with a delicious blueberry compote. While I did enjoy the large pieces of shrimp and the roti, the pumpkin was a bit too sweet of an addition for that dish. Overall, the experience was great and I would come back. read more
26 days ago
A new fav!!! I hope they stay in the neighborhood. Today would be my second visit here. My first visit was on a Saturday afternoon brunch! I had the steak and eggs.. I WAS VERY PLEASED! Today for happy hour, I had the shrimp basket, lamb sliders, Brussels sprouts, a rum punch and a flower drink made with tequila.. BABY. Brock (the bar tender) gets me right EVERY time!!! Going back to see him once a week. Simply amazing read more
Business owner information
Samantha A.
We love our customers so much! We really appreciate you sharing your…
The flavors here are unbeatable. The jerk oyster were super tasty! The flavor on the wings tasted more like bbq instead of jerk, and they were really salty. I really wanted to love the Chesapeake omelette however, the chef left so many crab shells in the omelette it was hard to truly enjoy it. However, the rum cake was phenomenal. Overall the restaurant had a cute vibe and the service was nice. I'd probably come back to try the rest of the menu. read more
Now this spot came highly recommended. So I decided to stop by for a solo brunch. I arrived not too long after opening and grabbed a seat at the bar. I was handed a few menus and noticed that it happened to be restaurant week, and they were offering a 3 course meal for only $35 (sounds good right?). So I said I would get that, but wanted to add a few things that I wanted to try. So after orders drink, I ordered the crab rangoons to start. I was informed that the crab rangoons were not an option (mind you the restaurant just opened). So I asked if I could get the akee & saltfish fritters instead, and after a few moments I was told those also were not an option. Mind you these were off the restaurant week menu, so there were only about 3-4 options in each category. So starting to get frustrated, I kindly asked what was available. The reply was the Brussel sprouts. I agreed but also ordered the jerk charbroiled oysters. The Brussel sprouts were actually good tho, cooked well and had a good flavor to them. Not what I wanted, but good. The oysters were just average, and for $28 I probably wouldn't order them again, too much bread crumbs, the jerk sauce or oysters didn't stand out in the dish. My drink was good. The old fashioned was made good and was strong. The catfish and grits were good. The grits were creamy and had some lump crabmeat. The catfish was lightly breaded and didn't have that catfish taste to it (IYKYK), and the cream sauce was good. The eggs were scrambled to my liking. So I enjoyed that. Overall I would say my experience wasn't everything I hoped it would have been. The main entree was good, but it's a little on the more pricey side, and for them not to accommodate their customers and not have so many options available first thing was kinda crazy to me. So not sure if I'll be returning. read more
My friend and I were in the Anacostia area looking for somewhere to have dinner, and we stumbled across Sapodilla's. Immediately from the entrance, the venue looked very warm and inviting, with a beautiful mural on the wall boasting the Guyanese heritage, and trendy decor. This gave the venue a really elevated appeal. It was a busy Saturday night, and we learned that it was the restaurant's first week of opening. So, massive congratulations to the team - and I look forward to going back again, when I'm sure things will be more seamless with the service and getting orders out. For my cocktail, I had the Rude Gyal - and I can unequivocally say that it was SUCHHHH an amazing cocktail. It was refreshing, spicy and bursting with flavour!! Definitely the highlight of my experience. For food, we had the Lamb Sliders (with geerah and tzatziki) and the balsamic lamb chops (with broccolini and gt fried rice). There was a mix up in the kitchen with the lamb chops, and it took almost an hour for them to come out. Once it did - it unfortunately didn't have the broccolini but cabbage instead. I didn't mind, but for customers that prefer broccolini this might have been an issue. Overall, it was great vibes and the service was good overall. I'd definitely love to go back again when hopefully there's been time to iron out some of the "first week kinks". I've got high hopes, and look forward to supporting more black owned establishments like this more. read more
3 months ago
1 year ago
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1 year ago
Visited this place for lunch and was not disappointed. The food came out quick, piping hot and delicious. The goat was so tender and flavorful. The portion was very generous. The spinach pie was good as well but It was the rum cake that stole the show. You could really taste the rum and the cake was warm and moist. I can't wait to return for brunch. read more
I stumbled upon Sapodilla DC after spotting it near Grounded and immediately added it to my must-try list. Since my boyfriend is Trinidadian, I've been making an effort to explore more Caribbean restaurants, so this spot was perfect for a date night--even if it was totally unplanned. Ambiance & First Impressions Sapodilla is modern, stylish, and intimate--definitely giving upscale Caribbean vibes. The space features warm wooden tables, plush green velvet barstools with gold accents, and bold murals with vibrant colors, tropical animals, and lush greenery. Whether you're seated at the bar or dining in, the ambiance is chic yet inviting. We were greeted by Karol, an incredibly warm and personable hostess, who made sure we felt welcome from the moment we walked in. She even gave us a little tour of the restaurant's artwork and pointed out the owner who was talking with family who was seated next to us. That personal touch made the experience even better. Drinks Our server Carrie offered sparkling water (we declined and went with lemon water--budgeting for the good stuff), but I knew I had to check out the bar. China, the bartender, took her time recommending drinks based on what I usually order. * Rum Punch ($18) - A classic and well-balanced. * Guyana Daiquiri ($18) - Not your typical frozen daiquiri cause it's not frozen. This was grown and sexy, served in a martini glass with the perfect balance of citrus and sweetness. Highly recommend! Appetizer: Jerk Broiled Oysters ($18) Now, my boyfriend had never tried oysters before, and we all know it's an acquired taste. The oysters were petite but packed with flavor, seasoned just right with a little spice. I loved them--bae, not so much. He took one bite, made a face, and tapped out. (Respectfully.) Main Course: Curry Goat Roti ($35) This was a make-or-break dish because my boyfriend LOVES curry goat. It came in a cast iron pot, steaming hot, topped with fresh scallions, and served with soft, flaky roti. The goat was tender, juicy, and flavorful with just the right amount of heat--you could tell it was slow-cooked to perfection. We devoured it. For those unfamiliar, roti is used to scoop up the curry, kind of like fufu for stew in West African cuisine or injera for lentils in Ethiopian culture. No forks necessary--just your hands and good vibes. Dessert: Rum Cake ($8) The presentation was stunning--a golden mini bundt cake drizzled with glaze, dusted with powdered sugar, and garnished with a fresh orchid. My only critique? I wish the glaze had soaked in a little more, but overall, it was light, fluffy, and delicious. Service & Extras After our meal, we checked out the upstairs area, which is available for private events. Be warned--the stairs will give you a little cardio, so pace yourself if you're indulging in those strong cocktails! We also chatted with Howard aka HG, who shared the history behind the restaurant. They have another location in Fort Washington, MD, which is more of a carryout spot. His wife is the owner, and I love seeing a power couple building something together. Final Thoughts Food: Flavorful, authentic Caribbean dishes made with high-quality ingredients. Drinks: Crafted to perfection--China is a mixology pro! Service: Welcoming, friendly, and informative. Ambiance: A perfect blend of modern elegance and Caribbean warmth. Final Bill: $103.40 + 18% tip = $122.20 Pro Tip: If you're unsure what to order, come during happy hour first to try different dishes before committing to a full dinner. Nothing worse than spending money and being disappointed! We'll definitely be back for dinner and happy hour. If you're looking for elevated Caribbean cuisine in DC, this is it. Highly recommend! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Ummmm this place is absolutely delicious. Had the chicken & croffle, bacon, Mac n cheese. Ask for syrup & the pepper hot sauce. My husband had chicken & shrimp Rasta pasta.... Tasty with a spicy earthy spice which was also spectacular. Hibiscus mimosa to top it off was the icing on the cake. Rich took care of us! The music was lit too! We'll be back for sure! read more
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2 months ago
9 months ago
Amazing food and drinks! Great ambiance and music. We sat at the bar and had spinach patties, shrimp, jerk wings and jerk oysters. read more
1 year ago
Beautiful curated drinks that taste like the Caribbean, food tastes like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen. Decor and vibes are also nice with great customer service. read more
Business owner information
Samantha A.
Imani, much of our recipes are legacy. So great to hear you speaking…
1 year ago
I'm always on the hunt for a good Caribbean spot to satisfy that craving I miss so much from back home. Sapodilla has a great mix of island flavors--not just from one island, but a variety. Start with the Planter's Punch, then dig into the food. You won't be disappointed read more
2 years ago
Sapodilla's is an authentic Caribbean restaurant that features dishes from Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana. Both the food and drink menus have a wide variety of options. The food was delicious and flavorful and the portion sizes are great for sharing. The service was good and the staff ensures that you feel right at home and truly enjoy the experience. They have HH at the bar from 3-7 on weekdays with food and drink options for $12.15. My favorites were the scotch bonnet ceviche, ginger creole branzino, the oxtail and bourbon mule. read more
Business owner information
Samantha A.
We were really glad to host you all. Thanks so so much for coming…
11 months ago
Don't waste your time with this restaurant. I booked a reservation over two weeks ago, and they canceled it at the last minute, completely messing up my anniversary plans. Very unprofessional. I had to scramble to find another place, but shoutout to Chart House in Annapolis for coming through. I won't be supporting this business in the future. read more
10 months ago
I wanted to love this place so bad and hopefully I just went on a bad night but my food was not good. I ordered the Rasta pasta which was overwhelming with all spice- not balanced at all. I also ordered the lamb chops- the flavor was just okay. Not a huge fan of the gravy with the balsamic, the broccolini had too much lemon. I sat at the bar, the service and drinks were amazing! The Mac and cheese was the best thing I ate. read more
2 years ago
The food was very good. We went for brunch. My husband ordered the steak and eggs with potatoes. I ordered the shrimp & crab grits that was very good. I ordered a side of eggs because breakfast needs eggs. We requested salt and pepper for the eggs. The roasted Brussels sprouts was a suggestion by the delightful server Jordan who was always there to see if there was anything that she could do to be helpful. She was sweet. Sunday afternoon the DJ was creating a high energy space but a bit too loud for conversation. The space was really nicely built out. Parking was a bit of an issue as we walked a few blocks but the weather was perfect for the walk. Wanted to check out this new spot as it was recommended by my sister. Glad to support a new small business. Met the owner briefly. read more
More info about Sapodilla’s
1215 Marion Barry Ave SE
Washington, DC 20020
Anacostia
Directions
(202) 678-3388
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.sapodillas.com
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