Compliments Only
Restaurant · Dupont Circle ·
Award-winning subs with creative decor and complimentary candies
Award-winning subs with creative decor and complimentary candies
"Compliments Only is a counter-service deli that radiates kindness. If you need proof, take a peek inside your to-go bag to find complimentary candies waiting for you. The cheekily decorated sub shop has a houseplant installation focused on making your plants happier and photos of Lizzo and Martha Stewart posed with sandwiches on the wall. Though the sandwiches here are Dupont-pricey at around $15 a pop, they are about a foot long and stuffed with layers of meat and fresh vegetables. Get the Crunchy Boi made with turkey, provolone, garlic, mayo, pickles, and potato chips. It’s crunchy, savory, and delicious." - tristiana hinton, omnia saed, allison robicelli
"Dupont’s nostalgic sub shop that won the Rammy in 2023 for hottest sandwich shop sends out a top-selling Teamster Italian sub with ham, capicola, and Genoa salami, hot and sweet peppers, onions, oil and vinegar, and shredded lettuce. Other 10-inch options to try include a veggie-filled Farmers Market After Dark and meatball-and-melted mozzarella grinder. A Barracks Row location rolled out recently, with the same beloved subs." - Tierney Plumb
"The pandemic-born sandwich slinger left Logan Circle and took over Dupont’s Sorellina deli space last spring. Best sellers on a 10-inch Italian roll include the Teamster with ham, capicola, and Genoa salami, along with hot and sweet peppers, onions, oil and vinegar, and shredded lettuce. The Crunchy Boi sub is another favorite, upgrading a classic turkey sandwich with a layer of crisp potato chips (which can be added into any sandwich). The playful neighborhood addition offers a daily Diet Coke happy hour, mini cannoli dipped in bright Fruity Pebbles, and picnic kits. Order takeout or delivery." - Tierney Plumb, Emily Venezky
"Located at 2029 P Street NW in Dupont Circle, this old‑school deli that opened during the pandemic and was founded by Coconut Club alums Pete Sitcov and Emily Cipes operates with a small staff and recently won the Rammy for the DMV’s hottest sandwich shop — a success employees intentionally highlighted by staging a July 15 daytime walkout demanding union recognition and higher pay. Staff say most of the roughly 10 employees currently make about $17 an hour (D.C.’s minimum wage as of July 1) and petitioned to raise wages to $21; management had previously offered only about a 25‑cent increase, prompting three on‑duty workers to walk out and join a picket line with colleagues and community supporters. Employees point out that current pay amounts to roughly one Compliments Only sub an hour despite average sales of about 40 sandwiches per hour. Ten‑inch subs range from $11 (Farmers Market After Dark) to $18 (meatball and melted mozzarella), and the Teamster Italian — a day‑one bestseller priced at $15.50 — includes ham, capicola, Genoa salami, hot and sweet peppers, onions, oil and vinegar, and shredded lettuce. Management issued a statement saying the business has been committed since its 2020 beginnings to providing compensation and benefits consistent with industry standards and to fostering a rewarding work environment, while UFCW400 said it was disappointed owners refused to meet workers’ demands; sandwich slinger Jessica Fox said, “Now it’s time for management to step up and make sure we succeed too.” Employees have signaled they could take additional actions if necessary, though the union expressed hope a good outcome can be achieved." - Tierney Plumb
"Awarded Hottest Sandwich Spot, Compliments Only was singled out as the top sandwich destination." - Tierney Plumb
