Beefsteak

I wanted to like this place because a lot of people do but it was LACKLUSTER. Food tasted completely bland and is overpriced! CHIPOTLE is 10 000 0000x better!

I’m literally obsessed with this place and could eat here seven days a week! Love the flavors in the sauces, the vegetables, the drinks and even the interior design. The best.

Beefsteak is Jose Andres’ first stab at fast casual in DC, originally aimed at the college kids of George Washington University. It has been open on the GW campus for about a year now with its second location having opened in Dupont Circle just a few months ago. I really wanted to love this place… yeah, I wanted to.
Beefsteak’s motto is «vegetables unleashed.» But, I hadn’t gone all year for a few reasons: (1) none of the premade suggestions on the menu are vegan… none; (2) nothing is labeled as vegan or not on the website; and (3) their press release indicated that they were not a vegetarian or vegan restaurant. And it isn’t that number three matters because I eat at meat-​centric places all the time, it was just bothersome that they chose to point that out.
I heard good and bad things all year long so I finally gave it a try. As I walked in on a Friday evening, it had a stale feel to it. I walked up to the counter and asked if they knew what was vegan or not before I placed my order. The girl called down to another girl who said she did.
First, you choose any amount of vegetables you would like from the list that changes regularly. As all of the suggested combinations weren’t vegan, I was left on my own. I chose the warm vegetable bowl filled with sweet potatoes, edamame, asparagus, mushrooms, and bok choy. They then boil your veggies as you continue to choose the accompaniments. Next, you choose your grain: bulgar, quinoa, or rice. I chose quinoa. Then, you choose your sauce. They said that only the Garlic Yogurt wasn’t vegan, which leaves the Black Bean, Cilantro, or Spicy Tomato. I chose the cilantro. Then, you can add something «meaty,» which is all meat except for avocado for an additional .99 or 1.99. I skipped this. Why isn’t there tofu or tempeh? Next, you choose a dressing. The Lemon Honey isn’t vegan. I went with the Soy Ginger. Finally, there are other toppings.
They didn’t tell me the kimchi had fish until after I had added it so they had to start over. They had no idea what was in the seaweed salad so I avoided that as well. I topped it with sesame seeds and that was it.
By the time I tasted it, it was lackluster. The vegetables were just boiled and blah. The cilantro sauce was good, but why is there both a sauce and a dressing as they didn’t pair together well at all. The fact that nothing is labeled vegan in a veggie-​centric restaurant is unbelievable. Right across the street, you have Sweetgreen and Cava Mezze — both label all items as vegan or not. The meal was nearly $ 10, which would buy you an awesome salad at Sweetgreen. With that kind of competition, I don’t know why any vegetarian would come to Beefsteak. Slight changes could fix all of this and I’m surprised that while Jose Andres’ other restaurants like Oyamel have separate vegan menus, this one does not. Shame shame.

Named after beefsteak tomatoes this place is great for those who love to create their own. Endless veggies and toppings you can truly have it your way!
I added chicken sausage and they gave me two heaping scoops. For those who don’t mind the line it’s a better version of chipotle with more offerings and more heart.
Cute vibe inside as well… Also definitely try the beet juice!

This is now my favorite vegetarian joint. I ordered the Kimchi-​wa (I’m Korean of course) and was shocked at how delicious it was.
I forgot to add the chicken but honestly i didn’t miss the chicken it was good on its own.
Will definitely come back for more. I only wish it were located a little closer to where I work.

Came here for the well-​known Kimchi-​Wa. Portions/​servings of healthy beans, lettuce, corn, and rice were nice, but the addition of kimchi didn’t quite work for me. Made everything a little too salty and I wasn’t too sure what flavor the dish was aiming for. At the end, I was left wondering what exactly I had just eaten. Good to fill your stomach and nutritional requirements, but not to satisfy your palate.

I am kind of torn on Jose Andres latest creation. Really like the idea, but I am sort of confused by the delivery.
As a primary carnivore, and the kid at the dinner table who shunned veggies (boiled brussel sprouts and other improperly prepared parental veggies I am looking at you), my appreciation of greens needed more time and maturity, and knowledge of why I didn’t like something to enjoy it.
As for the restaurant it does have that playful charm, cartoonish vegetables adoring the walls in a black white Saturday morning cartoon frenzy mixed with a dose of Keith Haring pop art bombast. Provides a good diversion while you’re standing around or waiting for your order.
So with the food though, it’s definitely more stripped down then what I anticipated, and also confusing. First off the list of ingredients and toppings on the menu is just huge, in fact overwhelming. It’s very difficult to figure out what you are paying for, and what is exactly say a free topping, as the choices and combinations are just big.
The place is setup like a big boiled large fryer, as a combination of mostly base greens, perhaps some carrots and mushrooms are dunked while you pick toppings, and choose some rice (white /​brown). Some are actually nice touches I never would have thought of like ground corn nuts, cucumber and basil water. The others are the usual run, such as just corn.
I decided as a kimchi guru I went for a bowl of kimchi-​wa. I really do like kimchi, lived and travelled to Korea extensively but it has to be right, and part of me was also a bit concerned they were going to dunk it (please god no). which of course they did not.
The base kimchi is merely ok. lacking lots of crunch and pop and garlic thick flavors. Part of the bowl includes a yogurt garlic sauce which if I were to put this on it would be a crime for me.
In the end though, preparation is what I like. The product isn’t baby food, but is also soft with bright green colors, and has some degree of texture and snap, what I like about proper veg. Still in the end you’re paying about 8 dollars for boiled veggies and some sauce. The meal though is at least filling, and with that not adding to your waistline.
Still I am not sure this is for me. I’d rather go out for a Dosa at Woodlands, or just eat Ethiopian with some of the stewed and heavily spiced items, and get my dose of lamb or chicken tibs as well. But I wouldn’t steer anyone away from this place, the concept at least is worth a first try for anyone. For me though a repeat visit doesn’t seem to be that enticing, but I wouldn’t turn a second invitation down.

Mmhmmm beef… Wait… Where’s the beef?
Beefsteak is a pseudo-​Vegetarian spot headlined by famed chef Jose Andres. There ARE protein options, although very limited. It’s confined to just Chicken, Eggs, and Cured Salmon.
I remember my gym mates raving about this place and had to try it out myself to see what the hype was all about. It’s conveniently located right behind the North DuPont Metro stop. Walking into the joint, the décor was very modern and chic. I was definitely vibing it.
When ordering, its kind of like a chipotle style assembly line, where you get to order your veggies, then a base (something starchy), a sauce, a protein, toppings and dressing.
TIP: When ordering your veggies, Don’t forget to look at the fresh greens in the back. I definitely didn’t see those greens as the veggies on the counter top had my attention. The back veggies are some of the most nutritious: spinach, kale, etc etc
I get almost (if not all) of the veggies, quinoa as my base, no protein (mainly bc its unreasonably expensive $ 3 for a breast of chicken? No Thank you), kimchi, cherry tomatoes, and seaweed salad, skip the dressing, and top it off with toasted seaweed and sesame seeds.
Taste wise, its what you expect from eating alot of veggies: Starchy and fibrous. I think the blanching of the vegetables may have to do with the blandness taste. The toppings are suppose to kick it up a notch, however they come up pretty short as well.
Definitely delicious, but not worth the price tag of coming here consistently from what you are getting out of a meal. I would probably go here again when I’m feeling super vegetarian and in the spur of the moment.

Came back on a cloudy Tuesday afternoon and yet again was so satisfied. Such friendly staff — they laughed at my directions to my husband (it was his first time) and then when he went back for a second bowl (without my help) they gave it to him for free :)
This could easily become my new spot. Yum healthy yum.

Beefsteak is like a crunchier, more hipster Chipotle. I love the locally sourced vegetables being offered in various combinations and customized bowls at moderate prices. For the freshness and tastiness of all the ingredients, totally worth it.
Step up to the counter and pick out your veggies, grains, sauce, dressing, and fresh/​crunch toppings. My bowl was stuffed with almost every single vegetable (including bok choy, cabbage, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower, the list goes on…), the garlic yogurt, ginger soy dressing, and for lots of toppings (sesame seeds, seaweed salad, scallions, sprouts, and crushed pretzels).
It was all delicious and clearly extremely fresh, but very sauce-​y, which was my own fault, as I chose to not have a grain (so none of the sauces got soaked up), and was, as a result, very salty, especially with the soy ginger + seaweed salad. Next time, I will definitely get less dressing!

Hey here before the lunch rush starts at noon and you’re golden. Awesome plates, both «build your own» and «recommended». I did the Frida Kale and was a little disappointed the rice it came with is only white rice. But it was very good regardless. An interesting mix of flavored that I would have never thought to put together.

So much love for Beefsteak. I’ve been to this location (and the other in DC) a handful of times now, and have always left very satisfied and happy. These are different sensations, so I want to explain… satisfied meaning I feel full, happy meaning I feel good about what I ate. I’m not a vegetarian, but if I could eat at Beefsteak every day, I would be.
Most recently I brought my cousin to Beefsteak. She’s a pescetarian and absolutely loved it… talked about how rare it is to find a place that, as we said, honors vegetables. So I really appreciate how Beefsteak does that. The veggies are the centerpiece of the meal, and they’re done gorgeously.
To appeal to people who won’t eat here *because* it’s all veggies – come on, you know they exist – I do think Beefsteak could have more toppings. They have chicken but it’s chicken sausage and is pretty underwhelming (I got it the first time thinking it was fresh chicken, and won’t get it again). How about a grilled chicken breast? Of course, I also understand not wanting to go that route because of what this restaurant is, at its core.
Also wish Jose Andreas would open more fast-​casual places.

A dream come true for vegetarians/​vegans!
My favorite veggie combination is kale, corn, mini potatoes, edamame, green beans, bulgur wheat, spicy/​yogurt sauce, mozzarella, crispy seaweed, sea salt. Yum!

It’s been the best place for having healthy food in DC (so far). To call it the «best» I’m considering a couple of parameters, like the quality of food, the taste of food, and diversity of bowls I can make every time.
How does it work? Simple. You pick vegetables and fresh ingredients that you like the most (around 5 vegetables). Then, you select if you want to have rice or quinoa as your base. This will cost you $ 7.99, and if you want to add some proteins to your meal, that would be another 1 – 4 bucks.
I’ve talk to a couple of friends that were not very happy with their experience at beefsteak, and here is my answer why: the selection of ingredients shouldn’t be totally random. If it’s your first time, try to get one of their popular bowls like the Eden and then try to make small modifications in the original ingredients. As you go, you figure it out what is the right combination for you!
I really like the concept, I hope you to see more branches!

I am obsessed. This is the pinnacle of healthy fast casual in DC. Bravo Jose Andres. Vegetables are sexy.
You must try the beefsteak tomato sandwich. This sandwich will change your life. It’s a tomato sandwich on a fresh brioche bun, with a lovely salty caper aioli and pickled onions, sea salt and olive oil drizzled on as well.
I continue to order the Eden bowl with rice instead of quinoa. They can be a bit heavy handed with the sauce and a bit too light with the grains for my liking but it’s a 10 out of 10.

Veggie lovers dream come true. Chipotle style restaurant with WHATEVER veggies you want. You can get them raw or get them boiled.
Selection is huge and they are pretty fair with portions. Pick what you want. Leave what you don’t. Move down the line to grains — I chose no grains and a kale base instead. Add a sauce (they offer you a second dressing for your veggies). And then any toppings!
I love the crunchy seaweed. And I always make sure to add lots of siracha! Pretty reasonably priced for a lunch/​dinner easy-​to-​make. I am excited for the DuPont location to open! Also, another Jose restaurant, but you would never know this because it’s more fast-​food/​buffet style.
Great idea, I’m surprised more places haven’t hopped on this idea! It’s fast and easy :)

Jose Andres, we meet again… but in Foggy Bottom! Never would have dreamed for you to be so close to me and with a Chipotlesque, SweetGreenesque concept. Think salad bar, but having the option to cook an assortment of veggies — that’s what beefsteak is!
Even though they have great menu options, I always pick the create your own bowl — this seriously is the best option especially if you want to try everything and the world is your oyster, or actually just the bowl is, but you get my drift.
By creating your own bowl, you can choose your own grain — I love the quinoa, selection of veggies, and top it off with some fresh and crunchy ingredients– must get dry seaweed and pumpkins seeds every time topped with the seaweed salad. In terms of sauce, I would definitely suggest getting the garlic yogurt sauce — it’s very thick but yummy!
Despite all these wonderful combinations, Beefsteak still needs some improvement. Their vegetables are sometimes unevenly cooked, they sometimes use the same serving spoon for toppings, and the rush for lunch is slower than it should be. This concept has so much potential, but If it wants to be in the ranks of other healthy lunch competitors, they need to step up their game!

Crammed in this meal before Aziz’s book tour stop at GW– they had a discount for show-​goers that I didn’t see until after. Was packed but the line moved quickly. Spent the first minute or so panicking about how to order before realizing it was essentially another Chipotle-​esque setup.
I wish I went in with a plan. But I loaded up with two veggies that I actually allow in my mouth (broccoli, edamame) and then went to starch city with sweet and regular potatoes. Corn-​yes, chickpeas– yes, mozzarella– hell yes. The outcome was tasty, but not mindblowing– I’m thinking roasted veggies would have been amazing but that doesn’t exactly fit into the fast casual picture.
Really like the idea of a quick, reasonably-​priced way to get squeeze those veggies. Only wish they had more locations– will be back if I’m in the area!

Beefsteak takes an unusual concept and makes it feel familiar, in this case, and especially given the vegetable focus of the restaurant, no mean feat. The chipotle-​style assembly is accompanied by interesting innovations (your vegetables are poached in what might be ramen noodle cooking devices), and allow beefsteak a wider variety of flavors and textures than vegetables at most fast-​casual joints.
Omnivores need not fear, there is some meat on the menu, and there is ample non-​meat protein available as well. The dishes are largely vegetable-​driven and excellent at satisfying hunger.

Was a little caught off guard that the namesake of the restaurant is not in fact any type of meat, but instead the beefsteak tomato. Although I do enjoy a nice steak from time to time, I have been exploring a lot more veggie options lately so this place really hit the spot for me!
I decided to go with one of the house-​made options because it looked great and also because building my own bowl seemed a pretty daunting task. I picked the Kimchi-​wa (sub quinoa for the rice) and LOVED IT. Seriously, so many great flavors and the vegetables really stood out in the dish. I’ve read some other reviews of the bowl not mixing well, but I had no trouble mixing everything together from the start and having each bite filled with the perfect blend of grain, veggie, and sauce. I look forward to going back again and maybe stepping up to the task of creating my own bowl!
(I rated 4 stars just because it is a little pricey, especially to add on protein. But hey, this is DC so what can you expect?)