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Welcome to Open City at the National Cathedral

Open City at the National Cathedral is a delightful cafe located right next to Washington, D.C.'s iconic National Cathedral. Known for its cozy, rustic atmosphere, this charming spot serves up an array of delicious options, from the soup du jour to indulgent pastries and hearty paninis. Guests love the superb coffee—particularly the cappuccinos and matcha lattes—and the warm, friendly service enhances the experience. With generous portions and a diverse menu catering to various dietary needs, it’s an ideal place to relax after exploring the cathedral's beauty. Don’t forget to try their acclaimed chicken salad croissant and save room for dessert!

LOCATIONS
  • Open City at the National Cathedral
    3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, United States
    3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, United States Hotline: +1 202-965-7670

Nestled within the tranquil grounds of the National Cathedral, Open City at the National Cathedral stands as a beacon of culinary delight. Situated at 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC, this café offers a unique blend of wholesome food, aromatic beverages, and a cozy atmosphere that draws in both locals and visitors alike. The charming spot is not just a café; it's an experience, serving as a perfect complement to the solemn beauty of the cathedral.

Open City is renowned for its delicious offerings, ranging from freshly brewed coffees to delightful smoothie bowls. Guests often rave about their specialty drinks, like the Chaucer's Cup Herbal Apple and the invigorating Earl Grey Organic Tea. Each sip encapsulates the freshness that defines Open City. For those seeking a hearty bite, the menu boasts a variety of options, including chicken salad croissants and poke bowls, which are not just generous in size but also in flavor.

With glowing reviews from patrons like Hugo A., who praises the café’s superior cappuccinos and croissants, it’s clear that Open City maintains a commitment to quality. Adam Nott echoes this sentiment, highlighting the balance of earthly nourishment amidst the cathedral's spiritual serenity. Customers can enjoy their meals surrounded by a rustic charm, complete with friendly and fast service, making it an ideal stop after a cathedral tour.

Whether you’re in the mood for a light snack or a full meal, Open City caters to every palate, offering options that cater to various dietary needs. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Build Your Own Berry Bowl and Paradise Bowl bring a burst of freshness and vitality to your day. The café shines with its commitment to fresh ingredients and innovative dishes. Pair your meal with a refreshing drink, such as their delightful matcha latte, and you've got the perfect afternoon retreat.

If you find yourself exploring the awe-inspiring National Cathedral, don’t miss out on this culinary gem. Open City is not just a café; it’s a community gathering hub where flavors come alive in an inviting atmosphere. So, grab a seat, unwind, and enjoy the beautiful blend of flavors that Open City at the National Cathedral has to offer!

START YOUR REVIEW OF Open City at the National Cathedral
Hugo A.
Hugo A.

If you want to enjoy a delicious cappuccino or a splendid mocha coffee, accompanied by a soft croissant and at the same time enjoy a beautiful and cozy place, this is the best place to be, if you come to visit the cathedral coming here is a mandatory step , don't you miss it.

AliceChoices
AliceChoices

Spend beautiful Sunday afternoon with sunlights, matcha latte, cathedral building and gardens. Worker was super nice but he had 410 customers seem have long day he was still super friendly and nice. Just thought it would be nice to have some more workers on nice weeekend. matcha latte was pretty good. They also have decaffeinated coffees.

Adam Nott
Adam Nott

The National Cathedral is a place of solemn worship and meditation, and the cozy, rustic environment of the Open City Cafe is a meaningful addition to it. It also provides amazing coffees, pastries and paninis, if you're seeking earthly nourishment instead of just spiritual fulfillment, and they're really good at it. While there is no table service, they do bring the food to your table, and they use fresh ingredients as far as I can tell. Highly recommend, for either a coffee or lunch proper.

Alan Foster
Alan Foster

Fantastic healthy food and great lattes, but the small is quite expensive compared to the large (small was something like 4.75, large was 5.25). Still highly recommended and a great place to eat after a tour of the cathedral. Thanks!

Amber Black
Amber Black

Open City at the National Cathedral is a funky, charming spot for breakfast, lunch, dessert or coffee. Located in the same parking lot of the Cathedral, parking can be a bit tricky with reserved spots all over the place. The parking garage is close-by and easy to use. The service at Open City is very friendly and fast. The menu gives options for any diet and for just wanting a small bite to being hungry for an entire meal. Our party had the chicken salad croissants (which were huge) that were served with house chips and the poke bowls. We were a hungry group, but none of us were able to clean our plates because there was so much food! Next time, we're going in for dessert and coffee!

Arthur Beckel
Arthur Beckel

Vibes, food, and service are all 10/10. Love the pastries, sandwiches, lattes...it’s all good. If I lived in DC, I’d probably come every day. Hard to top the picturesque setting inside a former greenhouse surrounded by the soaring stone heights of the cathedral and the verdant grounds of the close.

Shelby Holloway
Shelby Holloway

Been coming here for almost a year now. The coffee is good, but it is really the service that sets this place apart. The barista with curly hair and a dangly earring is the BEST. The manager really knows what he is doing here. Ownership is lucky to have them. What a great community spot!

Shawn Carroll
Shawn Carroll

Nice surprise! Arrived before the cathedral opened for tour, so walked the church’s premises and found this place on church grounds- the Open City cafe. Open City is very charming, with a substantial menu, well executed. The baristas very accommodating, pleasant, competent. Being a week day, the place was filled with locals on their laptops, reading a book, friend gathered for coffee- very nice to see I don’t give 5 stars, but this place deserves it.