 |
| Falafel Sandwich at Falafel Inc. |
Great Food. Great Value.
They're finally here! Falafel Inc. opened its newest location today, directly across the street from the main entrance of the National Zoo. What does that mean to yours truly? Despite technically being in Woodley Park, Falafel Inc. is a mere two blocks from home. That means many, many, many visits to follow, especially given how great their food and service was on day one.
How great was it? Let's start with a simple entrance and a heartfelt greeting (even with less than half an hour to closing, on what must have been a heck of busy day.) The space is small, bathed in white with an open (sorta) kitchen where all the magic happens. Said magic begins and ends with Falafel Inc.'s unbelievably delicious Zaatar Fries, a generously flavored and priced ($4) bag that could easily feed two people. I've had them before of course, but they're instantly my favorite local fries after just one visit. Fingers crossed, they don't get greedy and punch up the prices. They haven't in the past, but I can only imagine how high the rent is here.
 |
| Zaatar Fries. Only $4! |
Price is key at Falafel Inc., as in "super, super reasonable." Their top sandwich is only five bucks. That's right, FIVE DOLLARS. For that, you get five of the tastiest pieces of falafel in all of the DMV (no, really) tucked inside a fresh pita and surrounded with lettuce, pali salad (Palestinian cucumber tomato salad) crispy red cabbage and not one but two robust sauces (red & tahini.) The former is one of those sauces that you almost always ask for extra of. It comes with hummus too, which might be a bit too much for some (my pita was extra messy) but if multiple flavors is your thing, I encourage you to go for it.
 |
| (Vegan) Shawarma Sandwich |
Vegan lovers are in luck, as the Falafel Sandwich isn't the only choice at Falafel Inc. We tried their $9 Shawarma Sandwich with a special sauce that we couldn't quite put our finger on (it's green, jalapeños perhaps?) It comes with cabbage, lettuce and some groovy pickles. In terms of taste, it's good enough, but nowhere near as good as its' falafel counterpart (while almost double the price.) Shawarma is tasty if you opt for beef, chicken or lamb (goat too, if you're adventurous) but the vegan version? It certainly looks the part, but tastes of almost nothing.
The Falafel Sandwich has been dirt cheap since its $3 days (yes, three bucks!) At $5, it's still an incredible value. Knowing me, I'm going to be ordering this and the fries every time for the foreseeable future. That works out to $9.90 and a guaranteed smile on my face (and whatever the equivalent reaction is for my tummy.) Falafel Inc. is a great value, and one of the tastiest fast food options in DC (and thankfully now, my own neighborhood.)
Etc. Best sauce? Red. Super tangy, and the perfect kick to Falafel Inc.'s Zaatar Fries. 6 sauces total. No reward program (yet) but we're hopeful. Open 7 days a week from 11 AM to 9 PM (10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.) Can you imagine midnight???
Grade: B+
 |
| Front counter |
 |
| Simple Menu |
 |
| Sauces anyone? |
 |
| Who's thirsty? |
 |
| No seating inside |
