Saint's Paradise Cafeteria

Cash only hidden gem in Mount Vernon Triangle. I initially came for the extremely affordable blue plate specials and have continued to come back for the incredible food. It's located in a church right near the metro and the lines can be long at times but they move quickly. My family loves the mac and cheese and yams so much that we'll typically order a tray of both from here for thanksgiving.

Whoa, major hidden gem alert!!!Was in town for a conference at the convention center and meeting up with a colleague for lunch who told me about this place and I was sold immediately! You would never even know this place is there, tucked in the basement of a church!The food is cafeteria style and one of the best bangs for your buck in DC for sure! You can get a platter with a protein, 2 sides, and bread for around $15! I went with the fried chicken thigh with collards, mac, and cornbread. Everything was delicious and warmed me up after a snowstorm in January!It's open seating which was nice, we sat for quite awhile chatting and didn't have to worry about taking up a table or anything. Only downside is the service is very slow, it took about 10-15min for us to get our food and pay. Cash only, but they do have an atm on site!This is definitely going to be one of my go-to's when I go back down there for this conference again!

Open every day from 8am to 5 pm, this underground cafeteria inside a church sells popular soul food with daily specials. I met a friend here on a Friday at noon for lunch. Here's our experience.1) Food: It's cafeteria style so you walk down a line letting the staff know what you want. They then make a plate for you. BBQ ribs, fried chicken, pork chops, whiting, they have variety. They have a deal where you get an entree, two vegetables, and cornbread or a roll. I ordered the fried shrimp entree with mashed potatoes and chicken gravy, collard greens, and cornbread for $11.99. That's a steal in an expensive city like D.C. For dessert, I got the banana pudding.Between my friend and I, we enjoyed the whiting, mashed potatoes and gravy, cornbread, lemon pound cake, and sweet potato pie. The mac and cheese was very bland and the shrimp needed that spicy sauce that's pn every table. Pass on the banana pudding. It's boxed pudding with lots and lots of vanilla wafers. The food is hit or miss, so ask the staff what they recommend. 2) Space: It's such an experience! First of all, the crowd that goes is a mix of people who are connected to the church that it's located in, neighbors, and people who are attending the nearby Convention Center. There are a number of tables in one big dining room. There's a free water and ice dispenser. (Ask for a cup at the register.) Restrooms are just outside the dining room inside the church. 3) Price: It's a deal! But bring cash as it's cash only. There's an ATM inside.

Saints Paradise Cafeteria is a restaurant located in the basement of a church. For those attending events at the convention center, it's only a few blocks away on foot. Entrance is on the side of the building and is clearly marked. Per the name, it's served Cafeteria style, and is cash only. I went here for breakfast, and they have interesting options that include Salmon Cakes, Pork Chops, and Scrapple on top of the usual options like Eggs, Pancakes, Bacon, and Sausage. Slices of Cake and Pie were available during breakfast. Ordered Bacon, Eggs, Fried Potatoes, Toast, and a slice of Cherry pie. Some of the beverage options include Coffee, Soda, Juice, and Water. Prices were very fair, and without the pie it would have cost under $10. Food was good with the potatoes being an interesting mix of onion and spices . The slice of Cherry pie was decently sized and fine. Overall, Saints Paradise Cafeteria is an interesting place to stop and grab something to eat.

The line moves slow! Be warned. This isn't a fast situation. Took about 30 minutes to get through the line and pay. It's an efficiency issue not so much a demand issue. Now to the good stuff - portions are insane! I had the rib dinner and it was a meal for 3! The ribs were tender and delicious. The yams were to die for and the mac & cheese was fine (not excellent). I had a side of cornbread (a little dry). All in all an amazing deal and a random experience in a church basement!

Had to check this place out before I let the area. Went around 12 and while it was packed, the line moved at a steady pace. The servers had everything down to a science with the food line. My boyfriend and I both got the pork chop dinner. I also wanted to try the fish so I added a fish sandwich. For my sides I got the cabbage and Mac n cheese. Both were really good and the cornbread was sweet and moist. I also got a side of rice and gravy. My boyfriend got the mashed potatoes with gravy. We got the same gravy & it didn't have any flavor. everything else was great. Nice local gem to check out to fill the soul food craving.

Insanely cheap for the amount of food you get! I got the rib dinner with a slice of pie and a lemonade for about $20 and had plenty of leftovers. Line moves pretty slow, so be prepared if you're in any kind of rush. Staff is super friendly though and the space is clean with lots of light. Cash only but there's an ATM inside.

BRING CASH THEY DO NOT TAKE PLASTIC. THERE IS AN ATM INSIDE. No matter what brings me to Washington, DC, If I have the time, I eat here or get takeaways. If you are the type you want a fancy place this is not it. Everyone from every walk of life drifts in and out the doors. And each time I have come there has been a line. (And yes, everyone has to wait their turn). The food is exceptional and the prices are great. Be prepared to take food home because they give you a lot. Yes, it is in a church basement area. The food and the service are great. Another good thing is the take away trays they use are sturdy. The staff is very nice. Like I said, I eat here every time I come to DC. I often buy multiple meals. I have even taken an Uber here. Trust me you will not be disappointed.

The cafeteria food is good.The portions are great.I like the pork chops smothered in gravy .The brown gravy on rice was nice.Turkey wings,cabbage,collard greens,.The staff interaction or banter is great!The conversation I had with the lady on smothered pork chop and gravy poured on pork chop was fun.I like talking about southern food.You won't be disappointed. Mr Southern/Northern The Saints Cafeteria is outstanding.

Nothing like a home cooked meal. Some call it soul food. I call it the Soulsfood. Everything I visit it's clean, full of light and wonderful people who want our cuisine done by us. Check it out. You can thank me later, gator!