Capitol Cafe & Salad Bar

Reviews

• Jay Y.

  star star star star_border star_border 26 July 2026

  You would be crazy if you are willing to go through the Capitol Visitor Center's security checkpoint just to dine here. Capitol Cafe is a convenient food stop for tourists especially those who are planning to explore the nearby Supreme Court and Library of Congress. It's certainly not a quality food cafe, but it still serves decent food that is above the usual expectation for tourist-centric food places.
  
  The Cafe offers a wide selection of hot and cold food options ranging from BBQ to pizza to sushi. The food is actually in decent quality, and despite its higher prices by normal standard, I thought the prices were still reasonable compared to many tourist-centric food establishments.
  
  There is no walk-able food options in the immediate proximity of U.S. Capitol so you should grab a bite here if you are planning to explore the Capitol more or go to the Supreme Court and Library of Congress. Capitol Cafe is not bad as the only option, but if you are planning to leave the area, there is really no reason to pay extra money for the food here.

• Eli R.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 25 July 2026

  The buffet, drinks, sandwiches and snacks are all grossly overpriced in addition to not being good.
  
  Plus the $5 credit card minimum is a pain when you want a drink or quick snack. The only thing this place has going for it is literally its location.

• Josh E.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 19 July 2026

  I wasn't too terribly impressed with this joint, which is in my girlfriend's building. Although I'll admit that I showed up at 1:45pm, the food was almost cold even under the heat lamps. The mac and cheese was good, the ham was okay (a little too fatty for me personally), the fruit salad was great, but I was just really disappointed at how the place seemed like after the lunch rush, they just didn't care to keep the trays fresh.
  
  Additionally, it was really expensive: for the above items and some chicken and rice with a bottle of water, it was $15. They also didn't tare the weight of the container, so you're paying for that, too.
  
  There's also a supposed "$5 minimum for credit card purchases." Don't let them fool you, this is against the rules of every card processor-merchant agreement ever.
  
  The place has potential, but definitely needs to keep FIFOing stuff as the day goes on, some people do take late lunches.

• Pegah Y.

  star star star star star_border 17 July 2026

  This cafe has a pretty decent salad bar and a large seating area with plenty of places to sit!  It's located very close to the Capitol (right off Constitution Ave) and offers very healthy lunch options.  I found the salad bar to be fresh, with tons of great options to choose from.  The staff was friendly, and it's very easy to check out at the front.  No frills whatsoever.  If you're looking for a healthy and quick lunch spot in the area, Capitol Cafe & Salad Bar is a fantastic option.

• Ashley J.

  star star star star star_border 9 July 2026

  The food is much better than the food at DOL. When I discovered this place I literally cried. Decent prices and seasoned food.