3228 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC (202) 686-2233

RANDY:
Cafe Deluxe is a popular (one could almost say trendy) restaurant in the somewhat out of the way but highly stylish Glover Park area. The cuisine is American with a flair. It seemed like a nice dining environment but it was hard to tell because the lighting was very dim. Probably more appropriate for a romantic dinner for two than an evening out with friends. It is usually crowded and therefore quite noisy. The food was excellent, not too plain but not too fancy, although the portions were a little small. The only mishap of the evening was one of our dining mates finding a fly in her water. Once the waiter was informed he whisked the glass away with such efficiency that you might have thought he was removing radioactive waste. Overall grade: A-.

CHRISTIAN:
Not a first date restaurant. Too noisy and too dark. Save it for later in the relationship when you either want to stare at each other in silent awe across the table or avoid conversation altogether (depending on how things work out). I got the meatloaf. It was, in a word, exceptional. I never use hyperbole, but it was the best meat loaf I've ever had – as though made with filet mignon, a fresh baguette, free range eggs, and fresh garden parsley. The accompanying mashed potatoes were nice too. The fly in Mary's water was an unwelcome shock, but give the waiter credit for how he handled the incident; as Randy observed, the discovery of toxic waste at the table would have aroused less horror. Oh, and the bathroom? Not much to say, really, although the faucet knobs were rather stylish. What this place is lacking in ambiance is made up with great food, disturbingly reasonable prices, and a good beer selection. I'd definitely go back.

MARY:
I'd have to say that Cafe Deluxe won me over despite the slightly too dark, while simultaneously too loud atmosphere. We were seated fairly quickly for a group of six - even though it was pretty crowded for a Tuesday night. I ordered a house salad - which was nothing special - but then Cafe Deluxe came up huge when my grilled shrimp served on top of cheese and tomato grits with a side of sautéed spinach. Yummy. Really good. So good, I wish I had some right now. Plus, I liked the wait staff. Very attentive. When I discovered a fly in my water (okay - I'm exaggerating - it was more like a large gnat) I mentioned it to the waiter and he looked appropriately serious and disgusted at the same time. He whisked away the gnat and the water, escorting it off to some depository for insect tainted food and promptly served me a fresh glass of water. He handled it professionally -- so professionally that I didn't even feel queasy about drinking my new glass of water -- I just looked first. But all in all - I'd have to say - I liked old Cafe Deluxe and would go there again.

JEN:
I think this is a great place to meet up with friends for dinner. The one drawback - they don't take reservations and there's always a wait for a table. At least they've got a decent size bar area and plenty of beer choices and interesting margaritas (Sarah got the one with Sangria!). The food was good - lots of interesting choices. However, I think this is a place where they excel at the basics. Next time I think I'm going to order the plate of 4 sides, so I can get mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach and all the other yummy side dishes. And I still haven't tried the meatloaf that gets rave reviews. Guess we'll have to go back!

Also in attendance were Steve and Sarah.