Classic Burger |
It's hard to judge a hospital cafeteria fairly, isn't it? On the one hand, the hospital's main priority is/should be to take care of the health and well-being of its patients; but what about the rest of us... the visitors? A guy's gotta eat, right? Enter Sibley Memorial Hospital's Windows Café to the culinary "rescue." The Windows Café serves as a solid, but far from spectacular option, in a neighborhood with few to little of them.
I won't lie to you: I wasn't too excited to try yet another cafeteria lunch, but when in Rome... do as the Romans do. Located on the ground floor of the hospital, Windows Café isn't bad to look at. It has ample seating, with a nice garden view; and the food area is tucked away neatly on the side (just in case you have a case of buyer's regret.)
French Fries |
Prices are more than fair... A slice of cheese pizza sets you back $2.50 ($2.81 for a deluxe topping) while a ¼ lb. burger ($2.79) and french fries ($2.89) raises few eyebrows. Best of all, you can get a 16 oz. fountain soda for just $1.19. The cashiers are friendly, while the grill man at Selona Grill (burgers, hot dogs, etc.) is... busy. Order fries, and watch in dismay as he opens a freezer door, pulls a huge bag of nondescript frozen fries and dumps them in a fryer. Sounds "delicious," doesn't it? Ditto for everything else on the Grill menu (chicken, fish, etc.) It goes freezer to fryer, on its way to the bottom of your stomach. It's enough to make you want to order a salad (shudder.)
Cheese Pizza |
Food arrives relatively quickly, and the pizza is self-serve; so it doesn't take long to find a seat and start eating. Food quality is what you'd likely expect... average. The pizza crust is store-bought and way too thick on the edges (don't you dare eat it.) Cheese is plentiful, but most likely not good for you. That said, it's hard to poke holes at gooey cheese. Eat at your own risk.
The burger is a sad sight indeed. Advertised as a Classic Burger with Lettuce & Tomato, you have to add the former yourself (something I forgot to do.) It also claims to be "served on a toasted bun." Well it's on a bun... but it sure ain't toasted (cold as ice, in fact.) The burger is an industrial patty that tastes better than the worst. Fries were fine, but where's the ketchup (or any other condiments for that matter?) Let's just say, don't be afraid to ask where things are (they're not with the napkins & cutlery, that's for sure.)
I left full (my Aunt finished the pizza, and half the fries) but hardly satisfied. Love the price and most of the service, but the food desperately needs an update/upgrade. P.S. Free wireless internet is available in the cafeteria... Nice! Full breakfast is served from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, seven days a week (and until 10:00 AM, Monday through Friday.) Lunch 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, followed by Light Fare (including pizza) from 2 until 3:30 PM.