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

Sapodilla’s - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

MUST TRY AUTHENTIC CARIBBEAN CUISINE With deep ties to Guyana and a vibrant atmosphere, Sapodilla's DC brings real Caribbean flavor to the heart of Washington, DC. This family-owned spot just opened a new location, and we stopped by for Sunday brunch -- and let me just say, it did not disappoint. Here's what we tried: Drinks: Guyana Daiquiri Caribbean Flower Margarita Kingston Sour Starters: Jerk Broiled Oysters Roasted Brussels with Cilantro Crema Mini Croffle Entrees: Chicken and Shrimp Rasta Pasta Buss Up Shut and Pumpkin with Shrimp Dessert: Manager's Dessert Special Rum Cake with Ice Cream Located at 1215 Marion Barry Ave SE, Sapodilla's is full of bold flavors, warm hospitality, and true island vibes. Huge thanks to Tara and Brock for the incredible service and welcoming energy. If you're craving authentic Caribbean cooking with a modern twist, this is the place to be. read more

Had the opportunity to visit this spot during restaurant week for lunch and What a Treat! First of all! The Vibes is Vibing . Great Caribbean/R&B music, wonderful friendly staff and fabulous quaint ambience. For my choices from the restaurant weekend menu I tried the codfish fritters which were not particularly my fave but they def came with the heat with their Shrimp Rasta pasta and Rum Cake 10/10! They also have happy hour from 3-close on Fridays so I had an opportunity to try the oysters from the HH menu and let me tell you ...OUT OF THIS WORLD BOMB! Needless to say I will be back! read more

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

Sapodilla’s - Spinach pie - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

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

See all

On this Caribbean American Heritage Month, I must shout out this awesome new business that pays homage to the Caribbean! It's definitely a vibe here! As a Caribbean person, I'm truly proud of this place. I had heard of the Fort Washington location for years but never made it. It's the same owners for the DC location. My friend was visiting from Philly for a weekend and had a list of places she wanted to check out. This was at the top of the list! We came in on a Saturday evening after DC Wine Fest at Union Market. We had an amazing time. Everyone was so nice! The hostess was very kind. She let us know that there was private event going on upstairs, but the first floor and bar were available. I got a chance to chat with the owners who were friendly and welcoming. We sat at the bar and had a blast with Lamar and Brock. They were busy but were still attentive and made good recommendations. I enjoyed the half jerk chicken with rice and peas - it was very tasty and filling. I needed a to go box. I loved the Guyana Daiquiri cocktail with El Dorado rum (strong but not overly strong). This place is perfect for a date night, solo night out, girls or guys night out. You can dress up or dress comfy cute. Either way, they will welcome you here! I can't wait to come back on a Friday night party (I heard that's a party) or for brunch. Thank you Sapodilla's for the hospitality and good times : ) read more

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

See all

Oh this place was amazing! We sat upstairs, the food was spectacular! The service was amazing and the DJ really set the tone!

Loved this Guyanese place. Went with family and everything we had was good. The curry goat with roti, oxtails, and Rasta pasta. Every meal was delicious and our waitress was kind and service was good. I'd definitely recommend. read more

The food was delish! Very flavorful! The waiter was very friendly and welcoming I definitely plan to revisit soon.

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

See all

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

See all

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

Sapodilla’s - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

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

Sapodilla’s - Rasta pasta (I cut up the shrimp and chicken before taking the pic) - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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

Sapodilla’s - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Food, service and portions we're on point. Visited this spot the evening before I returned home from an out of town business trip. I was upset because I had left overs that I had to leave behind. read more

I went yesterday, ordered the fritters under the appetizers, they tasted like plain hush puppies! They should just advertise them as hush puppies. I got the old bay fries, those came out pipping hot, so they were good (you can't mess fries up). My cousin ordered the cabbage and rice and peas, came out room temperature,smh. And our waiter disappeared for a while, we were looking for him and we asked another waiter if he knew where our waiter was he told us of he went on his break!! How you do that without telling us. Then we ordered their rum cake, we waited and waited and waited, our waiter came and was like how is everything do y'all need anything else? We asked about our rum cake he said ohhhh let me go put that in I forgot, after we had waited for 15 mins. Would I go back, NO!!! read more

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

See all

It's time to rally energy and enthusiasm to eat east of the river! You shall come hungry and leave satiated and happy! This restaurant is a mini excursion to Guyana with excellent service along the way. I had a Rasta pasta that was rich and taste and two drinks that definitely had a much needed kick. Outside of that, I was very impressed with the service and a personalized tour of the building which included access to the upstairs venue, which was very grown and sexy and applicable for small party vibes. You can tell that the chefs take their time to prepare the meal, not only to meet the needs of the culinary flavor, but to also satisfy the customer. I will come here again ! read more

Sapodilla’s - Rasta pasta and planters punch! - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

A Place That Feels Like Home (With Amazing Food) My apologies for not writing this review months ago -- because this place absolutely deserves the praise. What a great find. A friend and I came in and grabbed seats at the bar and ended up staying for hours because the entire experience was just that good. We started with the codfish cakes (fritters) -- packed with flavor -- then moved on to the shrimp and grits with crab (which was phenomenal), along with the chicken & waffle croissant... and listen, if you want to try something new and unforgettable, order that. It was AMAZING. The wait staff was incredible: attentive, friendly, and never once made us feel rushed. We sat there laughing, talking, and enjoying ourselves, and the energy of the place just made everything better. At one point the owner even commented on how much she loves seeing best friends meet up, relax, laugh, and enjoy each other -- and how that's exactly the atmosphere she wants for her restaurant. Mission accomplished. Sapodilla's feels welcoming, comfortable, and full of good vibes. The only "downside" -- and this really isn't on them -- is parking, which is tough in that area. But trust me... it's worth the hunt. If you haven't been yet, GO. Come hungry, come relaxed, and be prepared to stay awhile. Sapodilla's is officially on my must-return. And the red snapper will definitely be my next go to! read more

My friend and I decided to meet for lunch and check out a new spot in the area. I've heard great reviews about Sapodilla's and decided to check it out. They opened at noon, we arrived around 1pm-- I was seated immediately! It wasn't busy at all. The aesthetics was super cute, the chairs were adorable, and the rustic brick made the look. The upstairs is giving lounge, comfort and chic!! Brock was our waiter and he was very personable. He is also the bartender and you can tell he made each drink with love! I can't remember the name of each drink, but everyone enjoyed it. He also made me a mocktail--it was a bit sweet, but overall it was tasty. He explained his favorite items on the menu and unfortunately the lunch menu is limited of course. I ordered the Rasta Pasta with shrimp, my friend ordered the stew chicken, and her sister ordered the jerk chicken sandwich. Every plate was clean at the end. I'm giving them a 4 because the lunch menu was limited for obvious reasons, so I would have to come back for dinner. We were informed about happy hour and brunch so I would love to try that as well. Overall I would recommend and I will definitely be back! read more

See all

Went to happy hr with my cousins who were in town for the weekend. Everything tasted great but the portions could've been a little larger. The oysters were the star of the show! Our waiter was nice and attentive. The decor and the overall vibe was a plus as well. I will definitely be back! read more

Sapodilla’s - Charbroiled Oysters and Jerk Wings - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We visited after going to the Go-Go Museum. Perfect choice for caribbean food- Jamaican and Guyanese dishes. Close to the 4pm hour, brunch was still going on. No problem. There seemed to be a slight delay on food? Not sure or if I was just very hungry. At our table there were steak, eggs and potatoes, I had the shrimp and buss up shot, croiffles (my, my, my!), cabbage & rum cake. Everything was delicious and yummy. Food and drinks were made with love and divine. We left full and highly satisfied! The host, Carla, was very hospitable. Our waiter, Kerry, was delightful and had a good command of the menu. Brock stirred up some magic in our cocktails. The environment and the people I met and talked to were just lovely. Depending on the time of the day, the street parking may not be ideal, but there is parking a few blocks over, I was told. We were able to snag street parking. I'm so happy that Sapodillas made Anacostia home for their restaurant. They have a carry-out location in Ft. Washington, MD that I haven't visited. There is an upstairs dining area that looks perfect for a private event. It warmed this SE DC girl's heart to be able to patronize an establishment with pride. I'll definitely be back with some more friends. read more

I'm so glad I discovered this Caribbean restaurant as I was teleworking one Friday afternoon. Was looking for a happy hour that was near by and discovered this little gem in Anacostia. The drinks were nice! I was pleasantly surprised that they had a cocktail with the Haitian rum Barbacourt. I enjoyed the jerk oysters but what really did it for me was the oxtail! Super tender and flavorful! The service was wonderful really enjoyed my bartender. Also thought it was so cute in there. I'll be back for their all day Friday hour and will definitely check out upstairs. read more

Ambience is nice. Service was sub par. Expect to wait 30 min for your appetizer and another for your entree. *Beware They will add a 20% gratuity to your card after you pay.* read more

I visited Sapodilla's today, so excited because I've heard good things about the food and service. It was a big disappointment. I ordered the ox tails with rice and cabbage. Ox tails a bit sweet, rice and cabbage very bland. The employees were not attentive at all. I will not be going back. read more

Amazing experience, great service, good music (not too loud), great cocktails and love the food. The owner even came by to greet us. Definitely my favorite dine in caribbean spot in the DMV right now. read more

Sapodilla’s - Chicken Rasta Pasta! - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Excellent food! The jerk oysters had an amazing flavor. The fried fish tasted like a chicken batter and had an incredible crunch. Macaroni and cheese has a good flavor. The oxtail stew was flavorful. read more

Sapodilla’s - Jerk Oyster - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is a cute little spot. The decor is sleek and modern. The wait staff and hosts were very friendly. The food....so good! I got the shrimp and chicken Rasta pasta and my girlfriend ordered the jerk chicken with rice & peas and cabbage. The Rasta pasta had the perfect amount of spice and the sauce was bomb. The jerk chicken was juicy, seasoned perfectly and the skin was crispy. We ordered the "They call me Mr. H" drink - it was refreshing. I wish I ordered another! Overall...we'd definitely return when stopping back in DC. read more

See all

My family and i came here while visiting the DC area. We had a great experience! The staff were friendly and courteous. The food and drinks were excellent!! We had oxtails, curry goat, rasta pasta, steak, lobster pasta, and salmon with shrimp. Everything came out hot and was very tasty. We would highly recommend!! read more

See all

I always preview menus before I go to eat and I could almost taste the food just based on the menu and I was not disappointed! The food was amazing, the atmosphere was warm and the owner was a joy! I had Brussels, jerked wings and steak /eggs. The jerked butter on the steak blew me away! I enjoyed the DJ but it was a tad loud for the space and atmosphere. It's a space that makes you want to have conversation. I can't wait to visit again and share with others! read more

Nice quaint happy hour stop in Anacostia with tasty Jamaican bites and drinks to quench the pallet

I came on a Friday. The waiter was friendly but the service was very bad. Poor actually! I waited an hour for bread, then my appetizer ran out without notice. Finally, my entree came out cold. When they said they would bring me a new plate they just stuck it in a microwave. Then a different appetizer came out way after my entree. I won't be back. read more

As I close out the Virgo season I'd like to say I enjoyed this establishment from the warm greeting I received from the Hostess. Followed by the attentive Server who was helpful with menu selection. The food exceeded everything human expectation my palette could've predicted!!!! See my picture and you'll see we ordered half of the menu LITERALLY!!!!!!! Please do your self the courtesy of stopping by... Until next time DC read more

See all

Went in for a quick drink and had a wonderful time! The bartender gave us great recommendations, and we look forward to coming back soon.

I had high hopes for Sapodillas, but unfortunately, my experience didn't quite meet expectations. We had a reservation for 1:15 PM and arrived early at 1:00 PM. While we were seated promptly, our food didn't arrive until around 2:25 PM, which felt like an unusually long wait. I ordered the Shrimp & Crab with Seafood Nage and the Steak & Eggs with potatoes. For the grits, I specifically requested all toppings except the shrimp and crab on the side. However, the dish arrived with additional toppings I hadn't asked for. I also ordered my steak well done and my egg whites cooked brown (intentionally overcooked), with cheese. I clearly explained that I do not like wet eggs. When I raised the issue with the hostess, a woman came to the table and asked--in a rather dismissive tone--what I meant by "egg whites brown." I explained again, and she responded that she was a chef and had never heard of that request. She also failed to introduce herself until I asked, at which point she said, in a curt tone, "I'm the owner." The steak was pink despite my request for well done, and while she offered to recook it, the overall interaction felt unprofessional and uncomfortable. While the ambiance was pleasant and the initial service was courteous, the food execution and customer service left a lot to be desired. I hope the restaurant takes this feedback constructively, as the concept and menu have potential. -Kym read more

Sapodillas is an exquisite visit to the Caribbean without catching a plane. The ox tail was amazing. We went to brunch and definitely overstayed as we kept running into beautiful people and making connections. If you're hungry don't miss out as there portions are nice. You will want more as the chef knows how to make it just right read more

This place was definitely a Dimond in the rough the food was amazing the service was great the owner she comes out and ask if your ok I loved everything abt this place was great I will be back the drinks were definitely on point by Barry the bartender read more

Great service and very flavorful foods with large portion sizes, service was exceptional and everything was amazing!

Trash. Server Jordan was nasty and rude. I was so excited about visiting only to be let down. Asked for a Manager and was told one was not here. Shrimp undercooked. Oxtails tough. Drinks were okay. Left no desire to return. read more

Sapodilla’s - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all