Restaurant Profile: Zorba’s Cafe, 20th Street NW

From Alejandra Owens at One Bite At A Time.

Is it gee-ro or giii-ro? Hummus or hummous… tomato or tomahto? Let’s go to Zorba’s and see what they say. This Greek cafe has been a Dupont Circle neighborhood mainstay since 1984.

A cozy indoor space, riddled with photos of Anthony Quinn as “Zorba The Greek” and copper pots and pans, draws you in to a small  kitchen in the back where a regular crew of guys grill your chicken, shave your gyro meat and mix your fire feta (a personal favorite) seven (yep, seven!) days a week. Better yet, when weather permits you can dine on an umbrella’d and flower-potted patio.

I’ve been going to Zorba’s Cafe since I moved to the neighborhood (when I moved to DC) five years ago. I’m there so often that the guys know my order, my relationship history and many friends joke that Zorba’s makes them think of me. Okay, so I’m a little biased on this restaurant profile, kill me!

What about you guys? Do you have a favorite here?

Zorba’s Cafe

Where Am I Going: 1612 20th Street NW (Just a block away from the Q Street exit of the Dupont Circle Metro.)

When Am I Going: Monday through Saturday 11 am to 11:30 pm, and Sunday noon to 10:30 pm.

Paycheck Pain: Appetizers are pulling in around $5. Salads are $4 to $11. Classic Greek sandwiches are about $8. Entrée plates are $11 to $15.

Say What?: Zorba’s is a great place to take a casual date, a medium or even large group of friends and even your mom. Maybe that’ll be the new way of gauging whether or not you can have a decent conversation in a place. If you can take your mom there, you can talk there.

What You’ll Be Eating: Greek food. Opa!

Happy Hour: Not so much. But they do have daily specials and deals, check the website for updates or the giant board found outside the patio.