Open City

2331 Calvert Street, DC

I had two opposite experiences at Open City recently. The first, excellent. The second, un-excellent. Even in my earlier posts on Open City and Tryst (same owners) I complained of inconsistent quality.

Open City and Tryst both brag of excellence and expertise in coffee, but they haven't been nearly selective enough with the training or hiring of their baristas.

First cup in many months, December 11 to be exact, exuded excellence. Two weeks later we returned to the area to visit the zoo on an unusually warm, winter day. I sent my first cappuccino back since it was both weak and burnt. The make-up cup was mearly ok, but the whole experience disappointing.

The Royale breakfast plate is incredible.... and perfect when super-super hungry. The non-breakfast food is not worth the money, and has been verified on 3 separate visits.

We will eventually try their pizza on gluten-free pizza night.