Capital Cafe Ii - Calumet-Norvelt

Visited after a tour of Capitol and Senate for a light lunch. Although cafeteria style the food was good which we had from the salad bar/ fruit section and good value for money. They did have things like pizza, burgers and pastries but that isn't our style of eating.

SMH! Why have I not heard of this place before?!?! A coworker wanted to go there to celebrate 40 years working at the law firm! Man! Am I REALLY happy she chose this place! Listen, I am a Black woman from the great state of North Carolina. So, when I say there must have been 12 women from the rural south in the kitchen throwing down with Big Mama 's recipes, those words are absolutely complimentary. We are talking about mac cheese, yams marshmallows, barbecue, baked salmon...and much more...Also, the kitchen must be a melting pot of sorts, since Chinese dishes, i.e., General Tso chicken, fried rice, beef broc were selections as well. And for anyone who wants to eat healthy, the salad bar is loaded with options. . .AND. . .there is a grill area, too. Capitol Cafe does weigh the food from the bar instead of having listed pricing; however, for three people we ate WELL for $40.00 total. I really wish there were weekend hours but 7 am 4 pm during the work week (yes, they provide breakfast, too! is a ok with me.

These guys are great. Helped me with half a pan of chicken wings.

We thought the cafe looked beautiful and modern as far as seating. Plenty of seating for large families and TV's on the wall. On that note, it was downhill from there. We ate here because of convenience and the food was terrible! They had lots of grills and buffet area with salad and dessert choices. It was Saturday around 1:00 and most of the grill areas were closed but we chose the one that had Cheeseburgers and fries, expecting it to be freshly made but it was pre-made and just thrown on grill to be reheated (cheese wasn't even melted). Fries were reheated. On top of that the person who took our order was not friendly and acted like it was an inconvenience. Meal was lukewarm at that. There are no straws or lids for drinks (not sure why). We wondered around looking for napkins and utensils then finally discovered, you can't get those til after you pay (on other side of wall where you can't see from food area). We got 2 cheeseburgers w/fries, 2 drinks and a slice of cheesecake (it was average) and it was around $30 so kinda pricey. You also clean up after yourself and take food trays to collection area when finished. Also, keep in mind you have to go through security to enter Capitol building were cafe is located. I'd recommend you not wear a belt. We continually had to take our belts off to get through security to most places in D.C. so we finally left our belts in the car.

Service exceptional. Fast and friendly. Food quality was awesome! We especially loved the big cookies! Priced right. Great place to refuel!