Le Bon Cafe

Le Bon Cafe is a tiny eaterie on Capitol Hill. I first read about it a few years ago in a Southern Living magazine article covering cheap eats in DC. I then came across another review in a guidebook. One afternoon a few months ago, after we had finished a Capitol tour, I remembered about Le Bon while we were trying to figure out where to eat. I couldn't remember exactly where it was so we asked a Capitol Police Officer if he knew where it was. He responded jokingly, "Do I look like a guy who eats at a place called Le Bon Cafe?" Then he got out his cell phone and called someone who googled the cafe and gave us directions. It was so nice of him! When he realized where it was he said that he did remember the cafe because he and the other officers frequent Pete's Diner, just next door. I'm sure that is good, too. We'll have to try it sometime. But, back to Le Bon. It's a tiny place where you walk up to the counter and order and wait for your food. They have a few tables inside and a few outside. We've been there twice for lunch and have really liked it. The sandwiches are substantial and not expensive. My favorite has been the Turkey Curry Salad Sandwich. It has only a hint of curry flavor but is delicious. I also really like the bread they use for the sandwiches. Perhaps the best part of the lunch is the little cup of red potato salad that comes with the sandwich. It is a vinegar-based salad (as opposed to mayo) and so yummy! I've heard Le Bon's pastries and breakfasts are great, too. Le Bon Cafe definitely has my vote for a tasty Capitol Hill lunch.