Usda Headquarters Cafeteria

Very good food at locally-reasonable prices. Wonderful selection and very amusing food guideline posters from over the years. Enjoyed seeing an older government building that has served us all for decades. The armed security police at the cafeteria public entrance were very put-out to see us arrive, however. We walked in the correct, advertised door at 12:30 and said "Hi. Visitors to the cafeteria" and were responded to with "She ain't here." Beg your pardon? After a moment of silence, they began arguing as to which of the two of them had to stand up and process us. After a couple of rounds, the far guard lost the argument, shuffled to his feet and told us to step outside and around, and he would run us through his metal detector instead. As he mumbled orders, it was tough to understand what clothing items should come off and stay on while we stripped down. Not what was anticipated when visiting a publicly-funded institution which advertises "Open to the Public". Two other security guards we met were very cheerful and funny, sadly they were not greeting folks at the door. Food was great. Would not return.

Brought a group of 18 people here on 8/3/23- they had just reopened w/multiple MTO food options and a great salad bar. Prices were very reasonable for the area- a perfect option for those museum hopping & looking for a great lunch spot. Security is very friendly (it’s a Federal office building so anyone over 18yo will be asked for I.D.) & super expedient! Plan on returning the next time I’m in D.C.!

Good food at excellent prices for DC. Let's start with the obvious: The cafeteria -- and its "public" status -- are not obvious from the street. Also, there's a pretty significant security presence at the one "guest" entrance. Nice folks though! Just let them know that you're here to visit the cafeteria and you'll do fine. The selection is quite wide, for a cafeteria. In addition to the open chafing dishes of main course selections and sides, there's a salad bar, a bibimbap shop and a sushi/noodle bar. For bonus points, be here between 2:30 and 3 pm. The food selection is more limited, but also sold at a significant (30%?) discount.