Few weekends ago, we got to try Upper West Side Cafe, I would say this place is truly a hidden gem!! Everything from the service down to their delicious Mediterranean influenced food was phenomenal We ordered: - Lamb Kebobs served over veggie couscous and tzatziki - Rigatoni Pasta with Pesto sauce - Spinach Artichoke Dip with grilled Pita bread and assorted crudites - Za'atar French Fries with garlic labneh & spicy ketchup Everything we had, definitely exceeded expectations! I was hesitant at first to try veggies with Spinach Artichoke dip, but believe me I love love loveeee'it! And Za'atar fries, ooohhhh!! Those fries were extra amazing! It was surprise knowing that they share the same floor with Squash gym! This Cafe is a perfect place to spend time with your friends over good food and fun play Also, it's a Dog-friendly cafe!! They host a lot of fun events as well. I attended an art exhibition there once. It was really fun. I would highly recommend this place. Believe me, you WON'T be disappointed! read more

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After some squash action, I sometimes will stop by the bar for drinks and food. The bartenders are super chill and friendly. They cycle through their beer to change things up, I think seasonally. Otherwise they have a full stock of liquor. Foodwise it's pretty good, although maybe a bit pricy. I had the Pork Belly Sandwich the first time I decided to get food here. The pork belly I was expecting it to be fatty, but they made it dry and brittle. Other than that, it's not bad overall. I had the EME Burger on a separate occasion and enjoyed that a lot, although it got super messy with the runny egg. Super flavorful with the caramelized onion. Also got a side of truffle fries and they are amazing. read more

I love the concept of food & fun times. @squashonfire is DC's first & only membership-free Squash (racket & ball sport) facility. The modern cafe serves up big flavors by my friend Chef Sally @amplifiedtomax ! She is cooking up some delicious Mediterranean-influenced, fresh & seasonal eats that you can enjoy at the 3rd story patio seating. Everything down to customer service was impeccable. Our favorite was the mouthwatering falafel bites but honestly everything was so good! Come say hi to the bartenders that makes some awesome cocktails. You are in for a good time! They also offer rooftop fitness classes, Yappy Hour, Paint & Sip events, happy hours & brunch! Upper West Side Cafe holds a ton of events and organizes different classes to choose from! Follow along on their Instagram for more information. read more

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Cute cafe/sports bar nestled on top of a fire station and inside a squash club. I came on a Sunday during that awkward time between dinner and lunch. I got the BLT burger with sweet potato fries and the watercress salad, which was supposed to come with hearts of palm and yogurt honey dressing. The food was amazing but the more amusing part was that the sweet potato fries that we got weren't actually on the menu. The salad I got had no watercress, even though it was watercress, and did not have hearts of palm. Nevertheless the salad was delicious with its crispy quinoa, fresh strawberries, apples and honey mustard dressing. It would've been more concerning if I had dietary restrictions, but I did find it amusing that I was served a salad that wasn't even on the menu. The burger itself was good and although it was a BLT it had arugula instead. Maybe we came too close to the kitchen's closing time and the chef was just looking for a way to get rid of all the arugula for the day. Nevertheless, everything was yummy and I would actually be curious to come by again to see what surprises would be served up. read more

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Asked what they had for bourbon. Handed the menu from the bartender who didn't know. Larceny, I ordered. Sorry, we're out. Perhaps you'd like this instead. No, that's a scotch. I'll just have a Bulleit bourbon. Sorry, we're out. Ok. Teeling Small Batch. Sorry, we're out of that, too. OK. You know what, I'll just have the Bulleit Rye. Sorry, we're out of that. Expecting a delivery soon. Settled for a beer. Running out of booze is a sure sign of an impending close. read more

Upper West Side Café - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I was a huge fan of this cafe in DC! They have a nice outdoor patio, when you walk in it's a little confusing because they are paired up with a squash gym, but it's all laid out nicely and someone immediately greets you. All of the food we got was delicious and perfect portions to split. I've never had spinach and artichoke dip served with veggies, but they all tasted really good with it (the pita was still my fav of course). Also my diet came so cold, from a glass bottle, and with a lemon, sometimes it's the little things! Definitely going back here to try more of their food. read more

Upper West Side Café - Brussel Sprouts - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Save yourself a trip. The food was okay, but there was a massive cockroach on the wall and the coordinator for the comedy show helped the comedian in roasting a group out of the event. Very unprofessional and off-putting. Won't be returning. read more

Upper West Side Café - Cockroach on wall - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Our lunchtime visit to the Upper West End Cafe can be summed up in a handful of interactions: B: "Do you have fountain sodas? Meaning sodas on tap?" Server: "Yes!" B: "Alright, I'll have a diet coke." Server: _brings out a glass bottle of diet coke_ Colleague 1: "The french toast wasn't dipped in egg." B: "How can you tell?" Colleague 1: "Because it's flat. It's bread submerged in fake pancake syrup and what tastes like thawed fruit." B: "Do you want to deconstruct what's left of your avocado wrap?" Colleague 2: "No, thanks." B: "But [Colleague 2] it's bound to be colorful!" Colleague 2: "I don't even want to see what I just ate." Busser: "Fresh bread and olive oil for the table" Colleague 1 after busser departs: "...this is literally sliced wheat bread with low-grade olive oil." B: "I wish they included just a bit of butter." B: "Let's separate the check between the three of us. I'll take the diet coke, and they'll take each of their own dishes, the avocado roll and the french toast." Server: "So two checks?" Colleague 1: "I can't finish the toast. Or the fruits. The blueberries were the only thing I could tolerate and they tasted like they were only a week old." Colleague 2: "I'm not finishing the wrap." B: "Man I just wanted a few glasses of diet coke." It would've been funny if this place didn't take itself so seriously. I wanted to give an extra star for the team at least serving a breakfast item for lunch, but the french toast my colleague received seemed like it had yet to even meet a single egg, let alone be soaked in them. The tomatoes, avocado, cheese, hummus (was there hummus?) in the wrap seemed limp. I can't say for sure that the items weren't fresh. They might've been. I don't know. I just know that they certainly didn't come across that way, and that was a consensus among a table of three. And considering that we walked upstairs through Squash On Fire to try this place after seeing a sign next to the firehouse, the service managed to fall ironically short of our non-existent expectations. And given that the toast was $11 and the wrap was $9... yeah. We expected nothing, and yet we were still negatively surprised. One star for food. One star for service. One star for value. If you're going to Squash On Fire for their courts (this review doesn't include the gym at all, so don't hold this against the gym itself), might as well dip into the CVS across the street once you're done working out. read more

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Came here for happy hour and it would be a good location for a large group or company event but nothing to write home about. Service was good and the happy hour drink menu is pretty decently priced. Also the bar area is pretty with plenty of space at the bar and tons of tables too both inside and on the outside balcony. It was nice that it was relatively empty so you had your choice of seating. The food for happy hour wasn't spectacular and i dont think worth the price... The prices weren't bad but everything we got was really small and tasted like it was prepared in a microwave. The ambiance is reaaaaaally casual. As in you constantly see and hear people playing squash (very loudly)-- obviously because it's also a squash gym. Come for a fun casual time but don't bring any serious meetings or fancy dates here. read more

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They're good here. Behind the eight ball a bit since they double as a racquetball gym. But the outdoor seating and fun atmosphere is why you come here. Mediterranean snacks. Good cocktails. Nice patio space for dj events. read more

We stopped in here for a quick dinner and although the menu is limited we all had a fantastic meal and great experience with the bartender/server. Wings were fantastic and the rest of our meals were prepared to our liking. read more

My friend and I came in for a quick breakfast Saturday morning. Overall, okay food but definitely overpriced. Food: We both got the avocado toast. The poached eggs were slightly overlooked and it was definitely not fresh avocados but some type of spread. It was two pieces for $16 including tax and tip, which I wouldn't mind paying for good avocado toast but definitely not this. Service: The cafe was completely empty when we arrived but the front desk attendant was quick to come and serve us. Ambiance: A little weird that you're eating next to people playing squash, but definitely interesting and not uncomfortable. read more

Upper West Side Café - Bar area - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This had to of been the worst experience I've ever had for brunch in DC. When we entered we were told that there was a large wedding party, which was understandable but was used too much as an excuse. When my friend and I sat down it took a ridiculous amount of time not only to place our order but receive any drinks at all. By the 30 minute period, we finally received our two coffees, and it took an additional 15 minutes to get my mimosa. After this, we waited a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes to receive our meal despite us seeing other patrons who just entered receive their food immediately. My food was cold, so I sent it back to be heated up again. It continued to go downhill from there. My friend ordered the gluten-free french toast, she made sure to ask about it being GF when it was placed in front of her, and we were told it was gluten-free. After she started eating she knew it wasn't GF, so she asked the staff, and they went to ask the kitchen. We were then told that they "don't know" if it was gluten-free or not. My friend has a severe gluten allergy. We were shocked; the fact that this restaurant can't take a gluten-free allergy seriously is despicable and shameful. This is a liability, and thankfully she didn't go into anaphylactic shock. Again, I want to reiterate that the wait staff was overworked and doing the best they could and were very kind and tried their best; the kitchen is the biggest issue. The wait staff were kind and doing the best they could, but the kitchen needs work; this restaurant needs to actually look into fixing this issue and perhaps teach their cooks to be accountable and know what they serve. read more

You would never guess that you would find such amazing food inside a squash club! We ate on the 3rd floor patio and started with the falafel & tzatiki spread. The falafel was not your traditional falafel, but the flavor was so unique and delicious! Our favorite plate! We also got the gazpacho and Impossible Bolognese! Our server was very friendly and attentive and they had great happy hour special! read more

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Nice balcony, nice view, nice atmosphere. No idea if the food was good, we ordered two coffees and it took 15 minutes before we saw our waitress again. Then when she came back outside she asked us if we wanted to order our entrées, we said we'd wait for our coffees first and still haven't gotten them. When we walked out frustrated all three of them were standing at the bar texting and talking. Won't be back. read more

My coworkers told me about this place. I went there for happy hour and it was amazing. Their tapas bar are really good and the cocktails are very tasty. Highly recommend the mojitos there. The servers and manager are super friendly. Next time I'll try their Mediterranean Menu. Perfect place to hangout after work with friends! Definitely recommend it!! Cheers read more

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Had an amazing time ! The food is really good and the staff is very friendly ! Desserts are the best !!! Thanks Daniel for your hospitality , I highly recommend this place . read more

Upper West Side Café - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Recomiendo este lugar es bonito limpio la comida está deliciosa buena atención un lugar para pasarla bien

Just a heads up-- this is inside of a gym. The website gives the illusion it's a sole restaurant space. It's a bar plopped into the lobby of a gym. Lots of kids running around etc. I went in here to get some work done under the impression it was open early (website said noon) and when I arrived the door guy let me know it didn't open until 3. Service was fine and so was food/beverage, I just think the website needs to paint a better picture of what this place actually is. read more

We tried a variety of dishes from the new menu the food was fresh well seasoned and delicious. Will be returning for the 4th time this week and if things change I will update my review. But so far so delicious. Hats off to the Chef. read more

Nice cool bat in M street close to Foggy Bottom and Georgetown. It is located within a super nice squash club. It had a new ce terrace. Ambiance is super relaxed. They serve simple dishes. read more

Upper West Side Café - Mediterranean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've been here twice now thinking it would get better but unfortunately, not meeting expectations for being in this neighborhood. Overall Impression: This is a slightly weird concept to begin with - a bar/restaurant in a squash gym, on top of a fire station in West End. I haven't tried the squash so I can't speak to that, nor have I had anything but their cocktails and appetizers, so there may be an upside here for a post squash meal! Either way though, I would personally play squash then go across the street to sweetgreen. Service: Not super great, both times I had to explain what I wanted both by way of ordering something from the happy hour menu and ordering basic shots. The most recent time I ordered a jack and diet coke and was brought a regular coke, which may seem minor to some people, but if you're not a regular coke drinker it's kind of gross. Then when I asked for my bill for just my drink (I joined a friend), the waiter brought me a second drink instead...not ideal. Apps: Since the place is new they are heavy handed with free apps if you just order drinks which is a nice touch, but all the apps I tried were mediocre at best, nothing to come back for, just nice to have on the side with drinks. Ambiance: Again, slightly weird to have the bar and squash courts co-located- it can get really loud if the courts nearest to the bar are in use. Also, unless there is a game on TV, the screens have court side camera feeds, which is a little different. read more

Eat there for breakfast on the 20th. It was a nice open setting, sports kind of place. The music was still a little loud even when they turned it down. The staff was friendly and courteous. It was very pricey for breakfast and the omelettes were just ok. Seating was not comfortable. Though my wife liked the coffee very much. Oh, the serve breakfast until 2PM. Would not make it my first choice in the future. Maybe coffee. read more

I'm hesitant to recommend this place only because it is currently a brand new hidden gem and so not crowded. This will change. On top of a firehouse, this state of the art squash facility added a bar and cafe with great food and great friendly staff. Start with the tapas and enjoy watching folks play through the glass sided courts. Alternatively, on a nice day you can sit on the balcony overlooking M street. read more

Great food, friendly staff and great happy hour specials! Tapas are a great deal and super tasty. It's also a pretty unique place to eat, next to some crazy squash courts! read more

The staff are really friendly and they have great happy hour specials. I love their tapas! The selection is fantastic and they're all very, very tasty. The Mediterranean dishes are also quite good! Whether you come here for a small bite, a meal, or a drink, the Upper West Side Cafe is definitely worth a visit! read more

Friends and I had a lovely lunch at this cafe along with a tour of Squash on Fire. I had delicious Mediterranean cod with vegetables. Daniel the Manager is great and quite accommodating. read more

I had a really delicious breakfast here - I ordered avocado toast topped with bacon and poached eggs. Everything was perfectly prepared. Others in my party had omelets and waffles, and their orders looked equally good. I would highly recommend this place! read more

This rating is not about food quality. My 10 year old son was having lunch at the cafe. He asked for the octopus dish and asked if the dish has nuts. He was told that there were no nuts. He has severe allergies. He gets the order and luckily sees a walnut in the dish before he eats it. The manager was very apologetic and gave a free smoothie to make up. However I am writing this review for benefit of other allergy sufferers. read more

Very good breakfast (got the muesli and croissant breakfast sandwich), friendly service, and reasonable prices. The fruit was also good

This is the best food in the west end. Service is fast and super friendly. Menu is healthy, fresh and tasty. Also a great spot for happy hour after work. Has a great view of M street and good ambiance. read more