Open City in Woodley Park, located one block from the Woodley Park/Zoo Red Line metro, is the sister restaurant to Tryst and The Diner, both in Adams Morgan. Walk inside and you're instantly greeted by a glass case overflowing with daily prepared pastries, cakes and other desserts. Choose to eat in the open dining area, outdoor patio or sun room.
During busy hours (brunch, lunch hour and weekends) if there's more than two in your party, be prepared to wait. Unfortunately reservations are not accepted, so arrive early or keep busy with drinks at the bar. Two days in a row and two different hostesses, both horrible at their job. Neither smiled; one was mute and the other clearly annoyed at the world. Thankfully the wait staff were the exact opposite, especially the fabulous, engaging waitress during breakfast.
Our seat in the center of the dining area was warm and muggy, not welcoming on a day with temperatures expected in the 100's. The ceiling fans failed to alleviate the heat, while the A/C vents around the perimeter blasted cool air only for those seats directly below. Because of the high ceilings, the restaurant is incredibly noisy when packed making conversation a bit difficult.
For Tryst fans, whose roaster is Counter Culture (bringing fabulous coffee from around the world directly from the farmer), their coffee is served. If you love coffee, live in the DC area and have never had Tryst coffee, then what are you waiting for? Run, don't walk, and try a cup. In addition to coffee, Open City serves teas, frozen drinks, beer (bottled and draft) and wines. The 'El Freeze, a vegan blueberry and banana smoothie, is delicious and almost a meal in itself.
For breakfast lovers, this is the reason to visit Open City. Several vegetarian options are available: omelets, egg sandwiches, scrambles, pancakes, waffles and French toast. The one vegan breakfast dish, Tofu Scramble, is not your typical scrambled tofu with turmeric (used to mimic the color of scrambled eggs). This version is white, cubed tofu with chickpeas, broccoli, scallions, and lemon, with a somewhat "cheesy/nutty" flavor because of the tahini sauce. Served with choice of toast and grits or hash browns. Be sure to request the hash browns cooked crisp if used to the shredded version. And the best part? Breakfast is served all day long.
In the starters section, vegetable chili, soups, various salads and a hummus plate are available. The veggie burger is vegan, made from lentils, barley, oats and fresh veggies. Absolutely delicious, but the texture is incredibly mushy. The patty hung over the bun and literally fell off because it is so soft. Served with shoestring, crispy fries. Under sandwiches, the vegetable sub is also vegan; tasty grilled vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, red peppers, squash and onions) and hummus on a soft sub roll. Served with homemade potato chips, which are fabulous, even if you're not a chip fan. Not at all greasy or salty, with the perfect crunch. Other vegetarian options include, the tomato and mozzarella sandwich, grilled cheese, various pizzas, whole wheat penne and veggie quinoa (vegan).
Open City is a great pick if you're limited to the Woodley Park area or breakfast is desired at oddball hours.
Note: Gluten-free menu available upon request. Free Wi-Fi. Powered by Clean Currents wind energy.
Open City
2331 Calvert Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, (202) 332-2331
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