Zorba's Caf?
1612 20th Street N.W.
(202) 387-8555
$7-12 for an entree
Grade: B+
Sometimes there's a reason the classics are just that - the classics. Zorba's Caf? in Dupont has served D.C. since 1984 and has apparently figured out a winning formula.
Tucked behind a small, quaint storefront next to the Dupont Circle Metro station's Q Street exit, Zorba's is as unassuming as anything else on the block. But when you take a second look and notice the droves of people inundating the small place, anyone can see why the Washingtonian calls this place one of D.C.'s best (and cheapest) eateries.
Zorba's, it should be said, isa a Greek restaurant, but offers several different variations on the Mediterranean theme. The place is not glamorous, but it sure is cheap. And it's located right in the heart of Dupont Circle, where anything and everything else the area has to offer is especially convenient.
The outdoor seating is only good when it's not the dead of summer or the middle of winter, but it sure is the best seat in the house. Inside diners can find two floors of seat-yourself laminate tables, surrounded by gaudy decor a la "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." This place is no frills for sure.
Grabbing a spot before ordering at the counter is the best option, as the place is often crowded. And coming along with a few extra folks will also make sure that there's definitely someone there to save that elusive seat. While not always easy to deal with, this is still a fun place to come with large groups as well.
Once at the counter, there are several options. This place has everything Mediterranean, and it's all delightfully inexpensive, especially for the college student looking to save a pretty penny. There are things for meat eaters and vegetarians alike, and the best part is the cheap food tastes great.
Most entree menu items come with a small Greek salad and hummus on the side. Try ordering one of the combination platters. The vegetarian combo comes with falafel and pita, as well as hummus, eggplant and a few other vegetable items. The falafel is tasty, especially when paired with some yogurt sauce or the hummus.
Zorba's fried foods can be hit or miss, depending on your preference for such things. The french fries are unique, each serving basically a potato cut in large, flat segments. But oftentimes the fries are too greasy, and sapping the extra oil with a napkin seems to be common practice.
Another tasty option is the souvlaki platter. The chicken souvlaki (a grilled chicken kebob) comes with the salad and fries. The taste was great and the chicken was very tender.
All of these menu items are roughly $10, give or take. Probably the best part of the experience is the quick turnover of the restaurant. The kitchen turns out the food quicker than some fast food joints and it comes on trays that each person brings to the table. You can even ask for extra hummus and they won't charge you.
While not every bit of food is as tasty as the aforementioned menu items, overall the dining experience is great. Just like the d?cor, the wait and kitchen staff is no frills, but they get the job done and they do it well. It's a fast, delicious meal that you get for cheap but don't feel bad about afterward.
