Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Dupont Coffee & Carry Out Food Review

Hamburger Platter at Dupont Coffee

A Hidden Gem, South of the Circle

I can't tell you how many times I've walked past Dupont Coffee & Carry Out at 1234 19th Street, NW without so much as peaking inside. It's nestled into a corner of a medical building; so it's only appropriate that I finally went in after a doctor's appointment. A++ service, great value and a nice outdoor dining environment guarantee I'll be back again & again: No more walking past this hidden gem.

Say "coffee shop" and today's generation automatically comes back with Starbucks; but once upon a time, coffee shops were great places to get simple food fast and cheap. Dupont Coffee harkens back to a lost era, with counter seating inside and a most inviting, shaded outdoor nook. I went inside to order my usual: Hamburger platter with a Diet Pepsi. The whole lot came to $8.02, and the wonderful woman behind the counter took my tenner and returned $2 (no fiddling with change... Thank you!) I told her I'd wait inside for my food, then take it out to eat; but she insisted on bringing it to me. Color me impressed.


Minutes later, she came out with a tray (complete with ketchup, salt & pepper shakers.) My plate of food was basic enough, but looked appetizing. The burger was OK (it's a coffee shop, not Five Guys) but I was really impressed with the crinkle cut fries, which were cooked perfectly (no old oil here.) Kudos also, for a generously-sized 24 oz. fountain drink. Eating outside was sublime: I felt like I was a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of 19th Street. All that for eight bucks and a well-deserved tip. What more could you ask for?

Atmosphere: B+ (An outdoor oasis... who could have imagined?)
Burger: C (Nice bun, but subpar frozen patty)
Fries: B
Service: A+
Value: B+ ($8 with a soda. Nice.)
Overall: B+ (Maybe I'm just nostalgic; but I really liked this place.)