Cornerstone Cafe

1501 M St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States
+1 202-463-3911
$$$ Cafe
(129 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Cornerstone Cafe, a charming gem nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, at 1501 M St NW. This delightful cafe promises a warm ambiance and a menu bursting with flavor, perfect for a casual lunch or a refreshing mid-day break.

The cafe specializes in fresh, health-conscious fare with an enticing selection of salads and cold brews. Start your meal with the Caesar Salad ($12.95), featuring crisp Romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and parmesan cheese, paired with a creamy Caesar dressing that adds a rich touch. For something a bit different, try the Greek Salad ($9.99) packed with vibrant ingredients like juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and pepperoncini, all drizzled with a zesty Greek feta dressing that will whisk your taste buds away to the Mediterranean.

If you're in the mood for something heartier, the Crispy Chicken Salad presents a delightful contrast of textures with hand-battered chicken breast atop a bed of fresh veggies including broccoli and mushrooms, providing both crunch and flavor in every bite.

Thirsty? Sip on one of their refreshing Cold Brew Iced Teas. From the citrusy Citrus Green Tea Detox ($3.75) to the revitalizing Ultimate Cold Brew Green Tea ($4.50), these drinks not only quench your thirst but also offer a revitalizing burst of antioxidants perfect for keeping your energy up throughout the day.

Customers rave about the value and quality found at Cornerstone Cafe. One satisfied customer, Ryan, describes it as "the best little cafe for lunch you could ever ask for," highlighting the deliciousness of the food and the reasonable pricing of around $13 per person. Another visitor, Chaz Mallett, appreciated the fresh pancakes and blueberry muffin he enjoyed for under $20, while also noting the cafe's unique setup that offers a fresh dining experience with made-to-order meals. Meanwhile, Clara S. expresses her longstanding love for the cafe, praising its friendly staff and delectable Korean bowls that have become a signature offering, enhancing the menu beyond traditional cafe fare.

Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch, Cornerstone Cafe stands out not just for its tantalizing menu, but also for the inviting atmosphere and the sense of community it cultivates. Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring that your dining experience is more than just a meal—it's a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

So, if you find yourself in Washington, DC, make it a priority to visit Cornerstone Cafe. Whether you’re in the mood for a vibrant salad, refreshing iced tea, or a sweet treat, you're bound to leave with a satisfied palate and a smile!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Kids' menu
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
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Monday

07:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

129 Reviews
Ryan

05 Sep 2025

Best little cafe for lunch you could ever ask for..all food was absolutely delicious. Very adorable about $13 per person. I would highly recommend this place to anyone for a quick lunch meal

Chaz Mallett

03 Aug 2025

Great value for money! Having spent 5 days in DC, we found this place on our last day. We had the pancakes, blueberry muffin, chocolate shake and a cappuccino all for less than $20! The pancakes were freshly made and delicious as was the shake. The restaurant itself was a little strange as it used to be a buffet style but now it has 2 counters at the back where they will make food and coffee fresh. Would recommend a visit.

Clara S

30 Jul 2025

I've been coming here for years. While I miss having their buffet, pre-COVID, I think their grab-n-go Korean bowls are delicious and I'm super happy with the extended Korean food offering. Always delicious and staff are very friendly! Post-Covid, they no longer have a salad bar or open buffet (which is why its empty). Go to the back of the cafe to order food from the grill. Breakfast, sandwiches, & fries are great. We got cheeseburger and chicken tenders one day and the kids were happy. There is also a coffee area in the back. This is really a grab-n-go place and bring back to your office (or hotel), but there are tables & chairs if you need a break and the weather is nice.

Vee Vickers

27 Jul 2025

We found this spot on our trip and were pleasantly surprised by the delicious food and great prices. The blueberry muffin, chocolate shake, and cappuccino were all fresh and tasty. The restaurant has a unique setup now, with two counters at the back where food and coffee are made fresh. Definitely worth checking out!

Camélia Statello

24 Jun 2025

Clean place, not to much many choice at 11:00 am, the cashier is very kind. I missed air conditionner.

Karen McKinney

23 Jun 2025

We didn’t know how famous this place was when we walked in on Tuesday afternoon April 2 and ordered the grilled chicken combo and a hamburger. Service and food both excellent and a huge meal we enjoyed that was well priced. My husband likes his fries well cooked and they put them back to cook longer because he asked for that. We couldn’t believe how huge the grilled chicken was! The veggies on the sandwiches were fresh and tasty, even the bread was yummy. We had a chocolate milkshake with the combo and enjoyed it so much. Everyone was so pleasant even close to closing time. Thank you for our great meal.

languageb

16 Jun 2025

Excellent value for the money:) moist juicy cheese burger, very crunchy hot fries, and drink (shake or soft drink) no strawberry so I just got a coke all for $12. Lunch time special. This is not the kind of meal you try to finish in one sitting especially if you are headed back to work. Eat half and save half for later. You'll be glad you did.

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