US Department of Labor Cafeteria

They have a much bigger selection than we do in our cafeteria so we pop over regularly. Good for something quick and close, otherwise it’s just standard cafeteria food. The stir fry in particular is good though– highly recommend. I agree with the poster that mentioned it’s hard to get in if you don’t work for the fed govt.

Department of Labor should rebid their contract for food services, because the current contractor FAME serves the same soggy vegetables, no variety of soups unless you like chicken noodle or turkey chili and the same theme of proteins on a daily recurring basis. It’s like groundhog day at DOL cafeteria.
What is worse is the high cost of eating at this particular eatery. FAME charges .49 cents an ounce and everything off the hot bar and salad bar are heavy so it’s not uncommon to get to the cash register and realize you’ve just made lunch for $ 15.00 or more and all you have to show for it is a salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, chick peas and other toppings. Unimaginable high priced with little attention paid to the overall quality of food being served.
It’s a travesty to charge such exorbitant prices to government employees who for the most part aren’t making that much money.
If anyone from the outside is coming in to eat at DOL I would be surprised because there are better, cheaper, quality eateries outside of DOL. They’re just hard to get to if you work at DOL and have a tight schedule so as an employee you’re stuck between FAME and a snack shop. I agree with Jennifer S.‘s statement.
My suggestion is bring your lunch and eat outside on the rooftop on pretty days. You’ll save yourself a boat load of money and most likely have better quality to boot.

It’s hard to get into this building without having an appointment with a federal staffer or a federal ID, and the contractor security guards at the visitor entrance can be SLOW and can be difficult (like they won’t look up the phone number of the person you are supposed to be visiting and ask you for it) but if you do go to the restaurant on the 6^th floor becaase there isn’t much else nearby, you will find it is typical contractor food. And the atmosphere is BARREN (no pictures, plants and just fluorescent lights!) Last time I was there the vegetables were soggy, the salad selection was the usual picked over stuff and ends up being more expensive than you thought it was going to be, and the burgers and fries were nothing special, and the cashiers were classic federal surly types. I don’t know why they don’t have two contractors to provide some variety like other federal buildings have. I had coffee there today which was strong and hot, and they had half and half available so it meets the need for that fix. Maybe some good views as this is the top floor, if the weather is good. Also wheelchair accessible.

The US Department of Labor Cafeteria in the Francis Perkins Building is run by a contractor. It is located on the 6^th floor and offers outdoor seating on the rooftop as well as indoor seating. It is open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. everyday and serves a variety of food and has an international flare. They serve fresh phở, asian stir fry, and wraps along with the usual sandwiches and salads. Many products are sold by the ounce and in compostable packaging. The food can become expensive, however it is a decent option in the area. Generally the staff is nice, however the manager is known to scold people and the cashiers tend to make mistakes and are usually engrossed in talking to each other or playing with their cell phones. If you are in the building and it isn’t pleasant outside, its a good option to have. They also sell frozen yogurt.