Rob S.
Yelp
Best hot pastrami sandwich in D.C. Hands down.
When I came to work in the neighborhood about 3 years ago, I tried out a few sandwich shops nearby for lunch. As a fresh-faced college graduate from the South, I had little to no idea what real adults did at "delis", so I just kind of ordered things and ate them. That all changed when I got to Kogod in my second week. After overcoming my initial hesitation at ordering food in a liquor store, I picked out one thing on the menu I hadn't really had before - a hot pastrami sandwich on rye bread (because I think I had heard people order pastrami on rye before in movies). One bite, and I was sold. In those three years since, I've had a chance to go places all around the District, and I'll order a hot pastrami there to see if it compares to Kogod - but nowhere has even come close, at least to me.
Kogod has been my go-to for lunch for years, and they deserve every accolade they get for their deli, which, in addition to the typical deli fare, features both Latin and Korean flavors, such as an excellent Cuban sandwich and authentic bulgogi and bibimbap. The staff is always friendly and the service is prompt and now even easier with phone and online ordering.
As far as the rest of the store goes, the interior isn't going to win any décor awards, but the prices for their full suite of spirits are excellent, the wine selection is diverse and affordable (from a twentysomething's perspective), there's a good mix of craft beer and American standards, and they get shipments of Route 11 Salt and Vinegar chips and they sell Vanilla Coke.
The neighborhood is just as safe as anywhere else in DC - a block from Union Station, in the shadow of the Capitol Building, and hotels and office buildings all around - you'll be fine walking around anytime the store is open. The homeless shelter down E Street does tend to spit out a few panhandlers, but they seem to be happy with Kogod sandwiches too, from my experience.
The only downside I can think of is that my cholesterol level has gone up about 30 points in those 3 years, so I may have to start running there and back to offset the pastrami sandwiches. Sorry for the long review, but they've treated me right for years and I figured it was time to give back in my own way.