Clara Barton Cafe

Nice spot for a quick lunch. They have a number of sandwiches that can be made on fresh on the spot, otherwise you can eat from their salad bar or very small hot Buffett. I opted for the salad bar, ingredients were fresh, but only fresh vegetables available to put on top of salad were tomatoes and carrots. Do offer other toppings such as pickled peppers, olives and cheese and eggs, don’t come here if you want a big salad bar spread. Food was good, fresh and reasonably priced, but overall pretty basic.

Not what it used to be. The service is very slow. This used to be a quick dining option for me near my office for those days I didn’t bring a lunch. If there are more than a couple people in front of you when you get in line, though, you can plan on at least ten minutes to get your sandwich and pay these days.
Listed options are often not available. A couple days ago, I wanted tuna on rye. No rye bread. Decided to go for the Italian sub instead. No go. They didn’t have the meat. These are both regular menu items/​options. This type of experience has become common in my experience here.
The only reasons to go are location (no other options within a couple blocks radius) and the addition over the last couple years of decent, if expensive, hot food and salad bar options. Otherwise slow and overpriced.

I’ve only been here for the sandwiches or to grab a quick snack. The food isn’t going to blow you away, but it is definitely fast. They also have a pretty interesting-​looking hot bar most days, but I haven’t had time to try it yet. If you are ok with standard deli fare and don’t have a lot of time to wait, this is a good place to stop in.

Blech. I only go here when it’s pouring rain, since I work across the street. I don’t particuarly like any of the food (it’s all prepackaged stuff reheated on the flat top or panini press), and it’s sometimes difficult to communicate with the staff (better to just take what you get than try to fix an incorrect order).
At least it’s really cheap.

I visited the café around 1PM and was ecstatic that there was no line. The food was good (I ordered a vegetarian spinach wrap) and the staff was so friendly! The price are exceptionaly reasonable, too — nearly everything i saw on the menu was under $ 6 or $ 7.

A sandwich shop that doesn’t know how to make a club?
Given, this was my first time here, so YMMV. However, I was expecting better based on the two limited reviews (especially since one endorsed «the club»).
After waiting in a considerable line — I proceded to order a «club sandwich». I received a quizzical look, and was asked what I wanted on it — «traditional club,» says I, «Turkey, bacon, and ham — with mayo, lettuce, onion, and tomato». I’m a bit picky about my club sandwiches and toppings do vary but composition does not — 3 pieces of bread with the ingredients layered.
What I received — an anemic turkey and bacon sandwich on TWO pieces of bread with lettuce and tomato. The meat was sparse and rather tasteless. However, the pickle was good. A cup of split-​pea soup also had little flavor but was served hot.
I also had to ask for a bag for my «to go» order so that I could bag my lunch myself.
Note — this place also serves hot grilled sandwiches and burgers, two daily soups, and has a buffet behind the line serving vegetables and a few other side dishes.
I will update if I have a better experience next time. But, for the money and taste I will take the time to walk the extra few blocks to Phillip’s Café for a GREAT sandwich in the future.

If you’re looking for a quick lunch around the White House and don’t want to wait in the crazy lines at Bread Line or Cosi, visit the Clara Barton Café. It is frequented primarily by Red Cross employees and volunteers, but is also open to the public.
The food is pretty standard (mostly sandwiches) but consistently good. And the staff behind the counter are nice and friendly. I recommend the club sandwich. The earlier you go, the shorter the line.
Look for the signboards leading you down the stairs/​ramp to the café on the garden level of the Red Cross building. Stop by the Red Cross building next door (430 17^th St) to see if you can catch a tour of the beautiful buildings.