Saints Paradise Cafeteria

Food is awesome and people are very Sweet. The lines can be a little long and slow but it’s worth it. This is my new Sunday spot.

Great soul food

I was visiting my daughter and her husband who live in Maryland and have gone to this well-run establishment many, many times. I am from Charlotte, NC and we too have a similar church cafeteria. The food was excellent, the service was top notch and the people behind the counter really look after you like a family member.

The best soul food in DC literally 100 yards from the convention center / Mount Vernon metro on M, right off of 7th. It's in a huge dining room in the base level of a church you enter at the awning leading downstairs on the driveway side. This hidden gem has been hiding in plain sight for decades. CASH ONLY. They have one of those little ATMs that charges a fee on site if you don't byo. Here, you can get a full dinner with a large slice of cake, pie, peach cobbler, or banana pudding, and drink for under $20...and more like 14/15 if you get a daily blue plate special entree. Everything is good. Yes, the food is made and served by church ladies that remind you of your own grandma...what could be better. I was considering fancy Ramen etc, a deli sandwich, but wasn't liking my options, then thought of this place I hadn't been to in a minute...3 minutes drive from Judiciary square/Gallery Place. Food. Everything fried is fried nicely. There are non fried options, but if you're getting soul food, fried is usually what you want. The sides are good. 3 kinds of gravy. Pork chops are smothered or not...I like to add gravy, vs smothered so the light breading has its crispiness. The black eyed peas, greens, mac and cheese are perfection. There are other places this good farther out...For example Grannies in Owings Mills, but you'll pay 2X as much. Nearer Brightwood Oohs and Ahs approaches, with nicer ambience, but also at 2X the price. U Street Oohs and Aahs is decent, but the food is not at this level.

This is the place to be if you want down home real soul food. I am so happy I found this place and the people are the best 👌🏿

No me atendieron para nada bien 😿

I was n town from Atlanta (3 days). I ate here 2 days. Food Flavor, Quantity/10, Customer service/10,Cleanliness/10. Best Soul Food ever!!!! & Can't hurt 2 b n a Spiritual Environment. I recommend All give them a try!!!!!!