Kathryn L.
Yelp
Question: What's the dealio New Deal?!
Answer: Everything's good!
Happy Happy Joy Joy, I finally made my way to the Greenbelt area to try out New Deal Café, it was all that & then some!
I cannot recall having unknown friends (strangers) sitting on a patio extending me salutations as I walk into a restaurant, thank you my new UF. My arrival got even better as Raul & his pleasant chi welcomed me, gave me a menu to look over while he took non stop orders & worked the register.
One would think while I was waiting in line I would have my order ready to go, I did not. Yet, my new friend Raul, told me no worries & gladly shared some of the café's favorites in the interim of making up my mind. I even got input from the frequent customers waiting behind me.
I regained my foodie composure, placed my order & patiently salivated until my food to arrive. The lovely Allison, who serves as the Server, Traffic Controller & anything else necessary was a gem assisting the customers.
After you place & pay for your order you get a table number & can sit anywhere in the café or on the spacious covered patio. The café has front & back sections with the front having tables & chairs, two black leather couches & a huge circular table where you can enjoy their complimentary books & games. The back offers a full service bar, regular/communal style tables & a stage for live music.
The menu offers an entire plant based Italian-American cuisine, including beer, wine, desserts & swag you can order from their website.
My delightful order:
* The Cauliflower Wings made Buffalo style & with Ranch Dressing - DELISH!
* The King Trumpet Calamari made out of lightly fried Mushrooms & Sunflower Parmesan - DELISH!
* The savory Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich - DELISH!
Also can be made as a bowl.
* The plentiful slice of Carrot Cake - INSATIABLY DELISH!
My only regret is that I did not order double portions of the Cauliflower Wings & Calamari.
As a plant based establishment, I appreciate the Allergen Legends throughout the menu as the café offers guidance to accommodate sensitivities. Do note, all menu items are prepared on shared equipment that processes Wheat, Gluten, Soy, Seeds & Nuts.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Thursday: Full menu until 9P, Bar Snacks 9:30P
Friday - Saturday: Full menu until 10P, Bar Snacks 11P
Sunday - Full menu until 9P
Weekend reservations ae strongly suggested. They are accepted until 8:30pm, held for twenty minutes & may not be confirmed until the next day. Same day reservations are taken via telephone only.
This nugget of a Vegan café is in the middle of the historic Roosevelt Center nestled within the Old Greenbelt neighborhood. Although parking is free, the center of the parking lot has two-hour spaces with more parking available behind the Roosevelt Center. If traveling via Metro, exit the Greenbelt Station - Green Line, its a 5-7 minute drive or 20 minute bus ride.
The menu comes from Michael & Leah Moon, who also run DC Vegan Catering now partnering as cooperative.
I will schlep my way back to New Deal Café as much groovy vibe will be absolutely worth the travel.