ELife Restaurant Anacostia

I visited here on a suggestion from a family member and I'm glad I came because I probably would have never known this little spot was inside the Anacostia Arts Center. I had been in the Arts Center before but I don't think this location had opened yet. I believe the menu changes daily so you're almost guaranteed to find something different each time you come. It was nice to find a soul food place that makes it vegan style. I know some people are still skeptical about eating vegan food but this place really makes the food taste delicious. I'm vegetarian and was intrigued by the jerk "chicken" drumsticks, so I got those along with collard greens and broccoli. They say the mac and cheese is spot on, but I wasn't feeling cheesy and opted to get veggies instead. It's a small shop with two hot cases and two to three cold cases filled with beverages, desserts, and to-go items. So it's just enough room to move around but not a place to sit and eat especially since there were no tables/chairs to eat. We ate outside at Anacostia Park. The jerk flavor on the "chicken" was soooo good. It was spicy and sweet and a bit tangy. It was a whole lot of everythang actually. I really enjoyed them. The greens were really smoky and a decent chopped texture. It was a nice attempt at simulating the smoky flavor of turkey neckbones or ham hocks. Not exactly on point and almost a little too salty for me, but I still ate them. The broccoli was nice too, lightly seasoned and steamed to perfection. They give healthy portions as well. I had leftovers and ate them that night. Overall, a nice meal for the price and I will definitely visit again and try the other flavor of drumsticks along with picking up some more jerk flavored ones. You can mix and match as well.

They need better advertising and signage. Being inside the center, alllll the way in the back, does them no favors. The menu is paired down even further on the weekends. Food is great, tasty as always. Grab some great food, and get some knowledge on the way out. Even though the HQ is much livelier, this location is the little sister. The Jerk Chicken is a little too sweet & BBQ'y. But, it is tasty in that alternative way. It is a hidden gem, up the way. IYKYK

Definitely get the Mac and cheese and also the drumsticks, those are on the menu everyday while they have rotating items throughout the week I'm so glad these guys are here.Good vegan food is few and far between in dc. I wished I had found these guys sooner

I had a hankering for some vegan Mac & Cheese-- rare, but I decided to act on it since this spot is right down the street. I walked in and saw the mac behind the counter, along with one employee behind the counter and two other folks seated. I stood there for several minutes being completely ignored by all three until the employee finally asked if she could help me. I asked for the mac. She said she didn't feel like getting it because she had already put up the serving spoons-- at 4:27 PM.So I left empty handed, with plenty of macaroni on display and more than 30 minutes until closing. Def try this spot out... if you can. But if you have a similar experience to mine, just head on down the road to Secrets of Nature where at the very least you'll get caring and courteous service.

This place was very nice but the food wasn't good I love what they're doing on Good Hope Road but this food I had was not good I had lasagna that had little nibble bites in it that taste like crunches and the vegan mac & cheese was not good both of them the one made with almond milk or cashew the whichever one it was in that sure and the original one always try to Support my black businesses but I couldn't spend my money in here the food taste of what I taste it taste like more of a cafeteria school lunch versus a restaurant not good and sorry to have to post this especially during this time during Covid when restaurants are struggling to stay afloat