Vegan deli and botanical bar established May 2021. Has an Italian-inspired menu, cocktails, zero-proof mixed drinks, wine, and beer. Deli offers fast-casual service and the botanical bar has table service. Deli also sells merchandise, wine, and has a vegan cheese shop with an array of artisanal vegan cheeses. Deli opens at 11:00am daily and bar opens at 4:00pm daily. Online ordering is available or deli items via he website. Casual and full-service catering inquiries can be placed via the form on the website. Open Mon-Thu 11:00am-11:00pm, Fri 11:00am-12:00am, Sat 10:00am-12:00am, Sun 10:00am-11:00pm. Botanical Bar open 4:00pm - 11:00pm Wed-Thur & Sun, and 4:00pm - 12:00am Fri-Sat.
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1633 P St NW, Washington, District Of Columbia, USA, D.C. 20036
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- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
- Free Wi-Fi
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Last update on 23 Apr 2024 by archbishop
Update business info -
Added by craigmc on 30 Apr 2021
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196 Reviews
First Review by MaraK
samboae
Points +209
Food amazing, desserts need major improvement! - Edit
I'm sooo torn on my review because the dinner was absolutely remarkable, but the desserts were EXTREMELY disappointing😭
Read moreAtmosphere:
My friend and I had a reservation to sit outside, and the server was very kind and helpful. I wish there had been a fan of some sort outside because it was definitely humid with the recent rain. I got to meet the owners and their pup, Lentil, which was a treat since I had my dog with me as well! The mosquitoes were tearing us up, so I wish they had bug spray readily available, as we were offered some only after we had finished our meal.
Food:
I had the non-alcoholic Sundrop and it was great. My friend had originally ordered the Aperol Spritz-ish, but we both thought it tasted very odd and not refreshing at all. Our server was fantastic and let her switch out for another drink. She got the Queen of the Meadow and it was really great!
For dinner, we shared the calamari, chicken piccata, and lasagna. The chicken piccata was totally addicting, and my absolute favorite! The lasagna and calamari were also delicious. I will say, for the price, you would think the portions would be a bit bigger.
For dessert, I went up to the deli and got a few things. I got two macarons (one vanilla, one fruit), a cannoli, tiramisu, and carrot cake. After trying all of them, I'm super disappointed in both the quality and taste.
Of the macarons, the fruit flavored one was definitely the best of all of the desserts I tried. However, the white macaron had both the taste and texture of a Smartie - it was not good at all.
The cannoli was okay - the only taste it really had was just of sugar, no vanilla bean or anything like that to make it feel like an authentic cannoli.
The tiramisu was extremely disheartening, and the one I make at home is much more flavorful. For starters, it's made with a regular plain cake instead of lady fingers. The cake has no flavor, and hadn't been soaked in espresso as is a typical tiramisu. The "cream" on top simply tasted like cool whip, with a pinch of cocoa and espresso dusting. There was just no love or richness to it, just underwhelming cream😕
Finally, the carrot cake was a huge letdown. The cake itself was very dry and lacked distinguishable flavor. Carrot cake is typically a medley of spices and flavors. I was disappointed to see that the cake didn't have a rich cream cheese frosting. Instead, it had that typical cheap icing that you find on grocery store cakes.
Guest
inkybrown
Points +350
Botanical Bar - Edit
I've been to DC Vegan a few times, but finally made it to the fancier menu at Botanical Bar downstairs. The chick'n piccata was good, but the vegan cheese board ($50) was well overpriced. Still, I'd go back but order something different!
Read moreGuest
capypig
Points +315
Yummy desserts - Edit
We stopped by here in the afternoon for desserts. There are so many options! They had macarons, four types of cheesecake, cupcakes, and pudding. Everything is vegan! We tried the raspberry cheesecake and a vanilla cupcake and they were amazing😋 It was like $15 though, so a little pricy.
Read morePros: Vegan desserts, Good location
Guest
KimFiona
Points +44
Soooooo good - Edit
Sandwiches, Bowl, calamari, salad, fries is so good. Very good vegan food. So so recommend. Macarons also good.
Read moreGuest
jeffsheldon
Points +1356
Great meal but you have to get dessert and some cheese to go - Edit
During our recent trip to the nation's capital, we had the pleasure of dining at DC Vegan, a charming vegan restaurant that left us thoroughly impressed. From the moment we stepped inside, we were warmly greeted at the counter. The staff member, upon learning it was our first visit, enthusiastically recommended some of their popular dishes.
Read moreOur culinary adventure began with the **King Trumpet Calamari**—lightly fried mushroom rings served with cashew parmesan and marinara. As a mushroom lover, I found these to be an incredible starter, perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor.
For our main courses, we tried two sandwiches. The **Chick'n Cutlet Club** was the standout favorite, featuring a crispy chick'n cutlet, veggie bacon, pesto aioli, romaine, and tomato. The combination was delightful, each bite offering a satisfying crunch. Our second choice, the **Chick'n Parm**, consisted of a crispy chick'n cutlet, almond ricotta, house marinara, arugula, and Parmesan. While it was good, it didn't quite measure up to the exceptional Chick'n Cutlet Club.
Dessert was the highlight of our meal, with a vast selection to choose from. We opted for the **Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake** and the **Carrot Cake**, taking them to go since we were already full. Both desserts were delectable and provided generous portions that we happily shared later.
Before leaving, we couldn't resist picking up some of DC Vegan's vegan cheeses. The **Smokey Cheddar** was particularly outstanding and quickly became a favorite.
**Summary:**
- **Service:** 5 stars. Friendly and helpful staff made us feel welcome.
- **Atmosphere:** 4 stars. Great setting, though the steep stairs might be challenging for some.
- **Food:** 4 stars. Excellent flavors, especially the Chick'n Cutlet Club and King Trumpet Calamari.
- **Dessert:** 5 stars. Delicious and generously portioned.
- **Value:** 4 stars. Worth the visit for both the quality and variety offered.
If you're passing through DC, DC Vegan is definitely a must-visit spot for delicious vegan cuisine.
Pros: Great Service, Cheeses. You have to get these, Desserts
Cons: Stairs might be an issue for some
Guest
argofilms@gmail.com
Points +24
25 Stars!! Fantastic in every way! - Edit
The food, the ambience, the management, the drinks - everything was so excellent, I ate there twice during a quick trip to DC! This restaurant is a gem. The food was out of this world!! ♥♥♥♥♥
Read morePros: All vegan, Great menu, Wonderful atmosphere
Guest
Urdasato
Points +730
Nice vibe and food - Edit
There is deli and restaurant seating and we ate at the deli seating because we didn’t have a reservation at the restaurant and they were full. The deli seating was actually very spacious and comfortable.
Read moreWe loved the vibe, decor, service and food. We ordered the king trumpet calamari, breakfast bowl, frittata, mushroom truffle omelette, blueberry bar and chocolate dipped cannoli. Everything was delicious though we felt the main dish’s portion was rather small for the price. So, overall, it was a 4.5 experience if we could give that.
Guest
AlvinBon
Points +8110
SuperKate - Edit
Food was beautiful, the whole staff was very nice, but Kate was the best! She is very attentive and friendly, so makes you feel comfortable and cheers you up, especially when outside is cold...you need warm people.
Read moreI had cauliflower wings, meetballs, cannoli, and tiramisù to go. All amazing!!
Totally recommended!!
Updated from previous review on 2024-05-16
Pros: Friendly staff, Delicious food, Good variety on the menu
Cons: Non compostable/biodegradable package for takeaway
Guest
Goinesvegansoon
Points +37
Great vibe, delicious food! - Edit
First time coming here and I tried the calamari, lasagna, and focaccia. Everything was tasty and the portions were large. Worth another visit to try more things on the menu.
Read moreGuest
JulianaCasati
Points +3813
High-end experience - Edit
This place is beautiful and the staff is so nice. The whole experience feels quite sophisticated as soon as you walk through the door - including the prices, unfortunately. I had the chick'n piccata, which was good, but nothing too special. For dessert, I couldn't decide between all the incredible options on display, so I had to order two: a cannoli and a macaroon. Both were quite tasty, but not amazing. To be honest, I was expecting a bit more from the food, but I probably didn't make the best choices of dishes. I would definitely come again to try other items, as the whole experience was really lovely.
Read moreGuest
mansaJayyy
Points +55
Great food and service - Edit
The staff was very friendly! I really enjoyed the chocolate cake and the Chesapeake fritter
Read morePros: Great food, Friendly staff
Cons: Pricey
Guest
vegantravelerfinds
Points +539
Great fries - Edit
I would recommend their downstairs if you’re looking for more of a bar vibe. The food was great - I would go back to try more!
Read moreGuest
simmshr1
Points +70
Insanely Good! - Edit
I so wished I lived in DC so I could return sooner! This restaurant is truly a top tier experience. Yes, it's pricey, but I think the flavors lived up to the price. The calamari was sooo good and I don't usually like potato skins, but these were incredible. My husband had the eggplant dish, so scrumptious! The only thing I didn't love was the cannolis. I loved cannolis before going vegan, but I have yet to find one where the filling is texturally similar to non-vegan cannolis. These had a whipped cream filling, which tasted good, but they could do better. The ambience is fabulous as well and making a reservation was easy- though you should make one well in advance. However, people were able to get seats at the bar without reservations on the day we were there.
Read morePros: Absurdly tasty food!, Great ambience, Easy reservations
Cons: Pricey, Cannolis need improvement
Guest
Casbrrrrr
Points +223
Fresh Food - Edit
The food was very fresh, I could tell even the bread is made in house. They had a nice selection of vegan cheeses too. Minus a star because their prices are way too expensive! I paid over $30 for a sandwich and a cheese block.
Read morePros: Good food
Cons: Expensive
Guest
Leo27
Points +1138
Great vegan option in Wash. D.C. - Edit
I went for lunch, right at 11am, service was nice and food good. The deli upstairs looks pleasant, free water is available and what I loved is real cutlery and plates, no plastics or other single use dishes. It's a bit pricy I'd say but actually worth it😉
Read moreGuest
lvd
Points +427
Good food - Edit
I enjoyed my meal in the Botanical Bar, but I found it not very innovative. The portions were a good size. I was disappointed that meat replacements such as impossible were used in some of the dishes. Also, the mashed potatoes were an odd consistency. I really liked the cheese shop and dessert options upstairs.
Read morePros: Intimate, Good service
Cons: Expensive
Guest
stonecat
Points +757
Delicious - Edit
I had the meatball bowl and a canolli. Both were 😋
Read moreGuest
John Kevin
Points +90
A Must Try - Edit
I've been dining at DC Vegan every time I'm in town for at least 3 years. Insider tips: 1. Order/dine in the deli upstairs for a better chance of getting a table. 2. They advertise open til 11 p.m. Sundays, but the deli closes at 8 Sundays. This continues to befuddle customers, create a kitchen backup, and often results in people eating out of paper bags at picnic tables conveniently located outside. 3. Eating utensils are "a curious thing" here. Sometimes, I receive a piece of cake with a spoon. Or no utensils at all. When I've asked for disposable utensils with a to go order, it's often a weird mashup of devices that don't pair with the food being consumed ... like a fork and Italian wedding soup. This said, their food is the bomb! My all-time faves are the lasagna, eggplant rollatini, and tiramisu. Bonus: The side salad that accompanies entrees is always lighty and refreshingly dressed. Another bonus: Dine in orders in the deli are served on glass plates. Expensive? Yes - e.g. $31 for lasagna and $12 for a slice of carrot cake ... but worth it. Based on my experience, DC Vegan is hands down the best vegan restaurant in the District. Never disappoints (but sometimes confuses).
Read morePros: Flavors , Diverse crowd
Cons: Logistical curveballs, Prices topped out
Guest
TEE427
Points +277
Check it out for Yummy appetizers - Edit
My husband and I enjoyed DC vegan. We stopped here for a quick late lunch and we had the Shareables, which included the fried cauliflower, the potato skins and the calamari. They did a great job with the calamari, the texture was on point. The potato skins were to die and cauliflower wings I would say was OK I think it was a bit too saucy and the buffalo flavor one didn't taste like the usual buffalo flavor. We really liked the Place. Service was great and I think it's definitely worth checking out if you're in the DC area and you like plant based or you are vegan like us. They also had lots of desserts, which we did not partake in, but they did look yummy, and they also had vegan wines for sale.
Read morePros: Food, Atmosphere
Cons: Pricey for appitzers
Guest
NYCswimmer
Points +682
Great vegan food! - Edit
Delicious highly imaginative dishes! Great service
Read morePros: Jack fruit sandwich , King oysters calamari , Cesar salad
Cons: Deserts are ok but not exceptional
Guest
AthLifer
Points +330
Many great options - Edit
Thank you for having so many great options!
Read moreGuest
MeMeMeow
Points +336
Amazing! - Edit
I’m so glad I came here! Searched up Highest Rated place in DC and this place kept coming up. The service was amazing, the food was innovative and delicious, and I’ve been searching high and low for vegan cannolis and found them here! Must try ⭐️
Read morePros: Yummy, Great portions , Friendly staff
Cons: Pricey but worth it
Guest
greenbluegray
Points +1473
Good date spot and then take home some vegan wine from upstairs - Edit
We loved how each table had animal art. Dark and romantic inside with inspired cocktail list and wines. We loved hearty Italian-style dishes which we often don't see on vegan menus. Friendly staff. We splurged on dinner and then spent almost as much upstairs on bottled and canned wine and other snacks. You can purchase food at the counter and eat in the space up there, similar menu. Don't miss the mushroom calimari.
Read moreGuest
SarahFont
Points +24
Great option - Edit
Good food, convenient location. My go-to in the DuPont area.
Read morePros: Good desserts, Friendly service, Healthy options
Guest
pambev
Points +376
Lovely - Edit
Nice to be here with good people, atmosphere, people.
Read moreGuest
DanguoleB.
Points +73
Nice atmosphere - Edit
The mushroom tofu bowl was alright. Maybe a bit too oily for my taste. Cheesecake - delicious. The atmosphere - lovely.
Read moreGuest
LoganMelton
Points +1312
Great atmosphere, great food - Edit
Menu has a wide variety of American and Italian cuisine, the food is delicious, and they have a variety of cocktails (including innovative zero-proof).
Read moreThe location is just off the metro, and the interior is decorated in a calm, inviting way.
Guest
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