SKWR Kabobline

I waffled back and forth between 3 and 4 stars for a while before I began to write my review. I finally decided there’s more I like about this place than I don’t so I went with 4. I’ve been here multiple times now and in the beginning it was really trial and error to figure out what I liked and what I wanted to stay away from. Now that I have that down, I’m good to go. My favorites: apple chutney, yogurt/​cucumber, carrot slaw, tomato/​cucumber and pesto sauce.
Today, I decided I wanted some naan as they have it listed on their menu, but I got a warmed up piece of pita bread. Not the same. That was annoying. Also, they are a bit light on the amount they give to you with regard to toppings, but other than that, I like this place.

So this place is new to me. But I figured out its like a Greek vegan chipotle. The pricing is the same and there is the assembly line process. I wasn’t sure what to try so I got what I recognized and knew I liked. I ended up with something like a gyro in a bowl with brown rice and lots of green. All in all it was good. I didn’t feel like I was killing my diet eating here. Great clean eating place by my job. Would come here again.

I went last Saturday and they were closed for no reason with no warning on social media and no note on the door.
The food is delicious.
I recommend the bowl.
I would say great for take-​out but the lid to the bowls don’t stay on.
Honestly the food is the only reason to come.

DC is full of assembly line fast food spots like SKWR, but it’s always great to have variety. I Similar to Cava, SKWR allows unlimited toppings which is much appreciated! Two things I favor about SKWR over Cava and Roti — the white bean falafel that is grilled and the aioli sauce because garlic makes everything taste better. I definitely like the dips at Cava a bit better but the toppings at SKWR are delicious and because you can get an unlimited amount you can try all of them! A great spot for a quick dinner.

Big fan of this place! They have a chipotle-​style way of ordering so be prepared once you make it to the front of the line.
I order the bowl with brown rice and arugula. They also have white rice and different greens you can choose from to be the base of your bowl. They give a fair amount of each so usually no need to ask for more. Next you get three scoops of spread (I guess is what it’s called). I get hummus, olivieh (potato salad-​esque), yogurt + cucumber. Not usually a big fan of spreads but little scoops of all three is pretty awesome. Changes the flavor of each bite up REAL QUICK.
Here comes the meat. I split the meat order between chicken and grilled meatballs. You can also get white bean falafel. Steak or lamb will cost you a little extra. The meat balls are good just a little over cooked for my taste. The chicken has never been charred which is always a good thing.
Throw on some toppings (veggie mix, carrot slaw, feta, and za’atar yogurt aioli), say yes to bread, and you’re all set! $ 10 meal down the hatch. ENJOY!

So I forgot to pack my lunch the night before, but I was happy to find out about SKWR’s healthy options for lunch.
I like to save first impressions until I’m at the door, and I have heard relatively little from my coworkers about the business. Upon entering, SKWR presented a clean, sleek, and modern interior design. Conveniently they placed a simple menu detailing all of their options. Even though I am not a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-​intolerant, I was more than pleased about their documentation and attention to dietary detail.
Their healthy and fast-​casual line cleanly separated all the ingredients, but I bet the hustle and bustle of the lunch rush could lead to some cross contamination. This is just me playing devil’s advocate, but I wasn’t able to get a good look of the kitchen for cleanliness. There could be a problem with using the same gloves to touch multiple pots and containers, but the staff seemed well-​organized and coordinated.
The employees spanned the scale of the general employees you would find at any fast-​casual location. Nobody really stood out in terms of mood or emotion. Overall it seemed like everyone was generally happy to see you.
Lastly, the food. I chose a bowl with brown rice, spring mix, and chicken for my base. Then I chose the apple chutney and hummus for my spreads. For vegetables I went with their pickled cabbage, chickpeas, salata, some leaves of mint, and a splash of paprika and black pepper sauce.
The seasoning of the brown rice was above average and provided a nice foundation for the rest of the veggies. The chicken had great seasoning, and the occasional bite had chicken with that extra mallard effect: that crispness and explosion of seasoning when you bite into it. It was a little inconsistent, but I find it forgivable in a high volume environment.
The hummus and apple chutney were pretty muted in terms of flavor and were overpowered by the seasoning of the vegetables and toppings. However, that does not mean that the dish was too over– or underpowered in terms for flavor. It actually hit this nice balance where no bite was too strong or too light in flavor. Overall the bowl was a very enjoyable experience, and the combinations they provide will leave you wanting more if you’re the experimental type.
In the end I would like to give SKWR a 4.5, but I will lean to the side of a 5 for their attention to sustainability mixed with accessibility to all eaters

I had been curious about SKWR Kabobline since it first opened and finally tried it out recently through a food delivery app. Since I have yet to visit their physical location, this review is about the food only.
As most other Unilocalers have stated already, SKWR is similar to Cava Mezze Grill or Roti, but serves fresh Middle Eastern (NOT Mediterranean) food in assembly line fashion. You choose your protein (chicken, minced beef + onion meatballs, white bean falafel, steak, or lamb) and toppings with your choice of greens or grains, along with up to 2 sauces and 3 spreads. Meals are served either as a wrap, bowl, or plate.
For my meal, I created my own bowl with Kale, Hummus, Grilled Meatballs, Za’atar Yogurt Aioli, Radish, Salata, Lavash Crisp, Zucchini + Lemon, Chickpeas, and Carrot Slaw. My bowl was filled to the rim and everything looked very fresh and appetizing. I liked all the toppings, especially the chickpeas and carrot slaw, but my favorite was the zucchini + lemon, which was very tasty with a nice burst of refreshing citrus flavor. I also liked that there were various options of greens to choose from — kale (awesome!), arugula, or spring mix.
My only disappointment was with the meatballs. While I received an abundant amount of kale and all the other toppings, there were only 5 meatballs in my bowl and they were quite tiny. I ended up having to supplement my SKWR bowl with some leftover chicken kabobs that I had from another (non-​SKWR) meal.
All in all, I enjoyed my SKWR bowl but just wish that I received more of my protein of choice.

Eh, it was just ok. The bread wasn’t that great, none of the ingredients’ flavors were that pronounced, and there are so many similar places that are better, even on that same block.

Came in after the lunch crowd so I avoided the long line. Received good customer service from start to finish. I tried one of their bowls with the white bean falafel. Overall I was satisfied with the vegetarian options available as well as the sauces even though there was no tahini. The falafel however was average for what you are paying.

My only gripe with this place is the prices! If you get steak or lamb, your bowl is over $ 11! Thats just too much for a fast casual lunch spot. But otherwise the flavors were awesome, I love the variety of toppings/​sauces. Reminds me of Roti, but a little more refined. But Ill probably head to Roti more often, as its a good deal cheaper. But if you live/​work in the area, definitely give this place a try!

SKWR is my kinda place. Downtown DC has similar restaurants like this, Chipotle style…
This is a great concept, ideal for Lunch.
SKWR is along the lines of Cava Mezze Grill in Chinatown which I found to be the absolute best in this category.
Still I found SKWR to be a solid option, not crazy about the location, service was good, pricing is reasonable, they serve Kambucha which is a bonus for me. We could use more restaurants like SKWR. Healthy fast food is the way to go. Four stars sounds about right.

I’m a fan. I like it better than cava mezza. Both times I’ve been here, the food was great. I love the kale option too. The veggies are always fresh and the protein options are great too. It can get very busy here but the staff seem to genuinely smile and they don’t look stressed even when it gets busy. This location is very clean, there is plenty of seating and the décor is nice. I haven’t had anything to drink here so I can’t comment. All in all, the concept is similar to all the «chipotle-​like» restaurants which keep popping up but this place is a bit more simple than cava mezza. Don’t skip the kale with your meal, you will really love the addition with your protein and other veggies. I haven’t used the facilities here so I can’t comment on that part at all. I will definitely be back for more !

Went to try this place with a few coworkers over lunch. First off, the branding for this place is incredible. I love the logo and the uniforms the employees were wearing. It made me want to buy a shirt.
As for service, I would give this place a five. The employees were friendly and super engaging. Not every place has employees that engage about something other than the food.
As for food, it’s delicious. I enjoyed every part of my bowl. I got the spring mix base, with yogurt & cucumber and jalapeño chutney, chicken, zucchini & lemon, carrot slaw, mint, and lavash crisp.
I have two gripes:
1. I also got the yogurt & mint sauce and they were entirely too heavy on the sauce. I had quite bit of soup at the bottom of my bowl from it.
2. It’s extremely similar to Cava and Roti. As my coworker put it, «The flavors are more pungent,» which I totally agree with and love. I do think it’s better than Roti, but I’m not sold that the food is better than Cava. (I have a secret love affair with Cava.)
I would definitely go back and eat here again for lunch. Next time, I’ll ask for light sauce.

I am so happy that this place opened up because the lunch options around me are just horrible. This is an assembly line fast casual restaurant with a middle eastern theme. The easiest comparison in the area is Cava mezze and from my initial experience I like SKWR better.
I got a bowl with brown rice at the base and chicken. For my three sauces I had the eggplant, hummus and the cilantro and jalapenos. I threw on a bunch of delicious sides and had a lovely meal. Even better, they are open on the weekend and late night! (We’ll see how long that lasts, but I can hope). Total came to $ 10 even and everything was tasty. The folks at the counter were both incredibly friendly (admittedly on a slow night) A little bit pricey, but by FAR the best casual place to eat in the neighborhood and a really needed addition.

I got a Plate — brown rice, mix springs, half chicken half meatballs, chickpeas, cabbage (so good if you like pickled veggies), carrots, cucumber/​tomatoes salad, with all sorts of sauces and three spreads! All that for $ 10 :)
All plus at this new found gem in DC:
Tender protein meat
Lots of options
Good portion for the price
Unlimited toppings!
Wonderful flavor food/​sauce
Separate containers for the sauces/​spreads
Fast and great service, don’t get scared by the long line.
This place reminds me of cava mezze. A must try!

Washingtonians are obsessed with «chipotle» assembly style in every cuisine — one of the latest — Afghan.
My husband and I came in for a casual lunch right around opening. They were still busy setting up the stations and pumping out the goods. There were only two staffs working — one in the kitchen, one in the front. The staff in the front was extremely welcoming and friendly. He was so laid back and really took his time in explaining the menu. Perhaps because there were only my husband and me, he went above and beyond in offering and allowing us to sample the spreads and sauces before deciding.
The menu didn’t list salad as an option but they actually have kale, spinach, or seasonal mix! I went with half spinach, half kale salad with half meatball and half chicken. I couldn’t resist the steamy, fluffy brown rice and the staff was more than happy to add it to my salad bowl. I then opted for yogurt, eggplant, and hummus as my 3 spreads. Piled high with chicks peas, shredded zucchini, tomato salad, and picked beets. Topped it all off with their charred sauce, pesto paste, and smokey paprika. Without selecting all the free toppings available, it was already a mountain of food! Enough for two meals but of course somehow my stomach managed to polish everything in sight. Loved every component — explosive flavours, contrasting textures, and generous amount! I wished I work closer so I could eat this for lunch again and again!
My husband ordered the lamb rice bowl with apple chutney (which I thought tasted a bit like sweetened apple sauce), yoghurt, and hummus. He thoroughly enjoyed his too and gave a big thumb of approval to returning!
Would definitely return to try their white bean falafel! Can’t wait to return to invent another explosively yummy creation!

I discovered this place fairly recently and I’ve already eaten here four times. Usually when I find a new restaurant that I like, I end up going back repeatedly until I get tired of the place. So far Skwr is still my new favorite lunch spot and the only thing standing in the way of me dining here more often is that it’s a tad bit out of the way for me.
Skwr serves Middle Eastern food in assembly line fashion much like Chipotle, Shophouse, and Cava Grill. Its flavorful offerings, healthy portions, and excellent price point give this place a leg up on the competition. When trying out a new restaurant, I typically like to experiment with different ingredients on each visit until I find the perfect combination. Luckily, I found the right mix from day one and I keep ordering it again and again. That right mix is a bowl with brown rice, kale, chicken, beef meatballs, jalapeño and cilantro chutney, apple chutney, and olivieh (Skwr’s version of potato salad). I round out the dish by adding cabbage, carrot slaw, and radishes along with a side of bread. The flavors in this dish blend well together and the colors from the various elements make the dish visually appealing.
I’m always satisfied after I eat lunch at Skwr. Hopefully we’ll see more Skwr locations popping up around DC soon.

Another chipotle style assembly line restaurant — but this time with kabobs (or falafels for the vegetarians) — AND one that stays open till 4 am on weekends = winning in my book. You select your base (bowl or wrap), protein (kabobs, falafels, etc.), a spread (hummus & such), toppings, & a sauce to create a meal tailored specifically your taste buds and cravings at that moment. I still prefer the harissa sauce from Cava, and the meatballs from Shophouse, but Skwr is a nice alternative, ESPECIALLY when it’s late night. Plus, it’s way healthier than some of the other late night options out there, so your waist line will appreciate you picking Skwr as well.

Fresh, fast-​casual Middle Eastern bowls and wraps. Your choice of protein and toppings on a bed of white or brown rice, dressed in a sauce and three spreads. The spreads have very different taste profiles — smoky eggplant, tangy yogurt, spicy jalapeño — so do ask your server for descriptions to help balance flavors.
Service was fantastic; the gentleman behind the counter offered some very helpful suggestions and was genuinely attentive. Above and beyond what I expected from a takeout dinner order — with so many fast-​casual restaurant options that kind of service makes a big difference to me!
As of a month ago when I visited, the white bean falafel vegetarian option was not yet available. I didn’t figure this out until I had already started building my bowl, but my server quickly offered either to nix the order or to build a «vegetarian» bowl (loaded up on toppings, an extra spread and bread) for $ 5. I really appreciated the response and look forward to returning.
Food: 4, Service: 5, Ambiance: 3

I went here on a Friday lunch around 1 pm and there was still a line. I thought it died down already. The place is clean, organized, friendly staff.
I ordered lamb with brown rice on a bowl. Spreads are eggplant, hummus, and yogurt. Toppings are cabbage, salad, carrot, and chickpea. Sauce is pesto. They laid out everything in a very neat way in the bowl which was pleasing to the eyes.
The lamb was dry but everything else was delicious. I really liked the eggplant hummus spread. I like pesto so I enjoyed that too. I will give this place another shot by ordering the chicken. I was the only one in the line who ordered lamb. I really wanted lamb that day.