- Sun-Sat: 8am to 4pm
- (202) 629-2040
- 104 Rhode Island Avenue NW Washington, DC 20001
We are here to listen to you and deliver excellence
Constructed in 1913, the Sylvan Theater may be the oldest purpose-built movie theater in Washington, DC. For over 100 years, it operated as an entertainment hub and community anchor in the Bloomingdale neighborhood of DC. Now, as the Ethiopian-run Sylvan Cafe, we offer a unique blend of Ethiopian cuisine, breakfast, bagels, and coffee. We pride ourselves on being a community-centered establishment that honors its rich history while delivering exceptional food and coffee experiences.
We are so glad to see this cafe do well in our neighborhood. I believe in cafes in every neighborhood. We walk our dog every morning and grab hot chocolate and coffee when we walk by this place. They have recently redid their interiors. Looks much spacious now and very welcoming. With my drinks, I often get their samosa or spinach puffs. It's so good. For lunch, my go to is their Ethiopian combo. They have 5 different veggies and recently added meat as well. Absolutely delicious! Depending on how busy they are, expect to wait for the Ethiopian entree. Worth it.
I had a great experience at Sylvan Cafe. The staff were friendly, helpful, and made me feel welcome. They were quick to assist and always had a smile on their faces. Overall, the service was excellent and made my visit enjoyable.