Cafe 59

409 3rd St SW #110, Washington, DC 20024, United States
+1 202-808-6000
$$$ Cafe
(79 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Cafe 59 sits conveniently in the lobby area of the Museum of the Bible near the Waterfront Metro stop, making it a practical spot for a quick bite or relaxed lunch break during a downtown DC outing. With a clean, straightforward layout, this cafe attracts a steady flow of visitors ranging from museum goers and nearby office workers to families looking for a casual shared meal.

The atmosphere is unpretentious and bright, helping the cafe feel more like a community hub within the building rather than a formal eatery. Seating is suitable for solo diners or small groups, with efficient service that supports quick turnovers—ideal if you have a limited window to grab a meal before heading back to work or sightseeing.

Menu-wise, Cafe 59 offers a mix of American deli-style sandwiches and classic comfort options, along with some Korean-influenced dishes like beef and chicken teriyaki bibimbap. The bibimbap, in particular, stands out for visitors familiar with Korean cuisine, offering a fresh and satisfying combination of rice, vegetables, marinated meat, and a fried egg. The availability of a salad bar gives extra flexibility for those wanting lighter or customized plates.

The cafe is also notable for its coffee quality and fresh drink options, supporting both morning caffeine runs and midday refreshers. Staff are described as approachable and efficient, contributing to a smooth in-and-out experience, especially during lunch hours.

This spot works well as a practical pause during a day exploring the area or as a straightforward lunch choice for local workers. Expect a no-frills, clean environment with a diverse menu that can accommodate different tastes—from those craving a hearty sandwich to others seeking something a bit more globally inspired like bibimbap.

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Best for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

5:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Tuesday

5:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Wednesday

5:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Thursday

5:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Friday

5:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

79 Reviews
Do-Yup Lim

23 Dec 2025

They have a great variety of food AND drinks! Perfect to stop by before or after visiting the Bible Museum since it's in the same building. A great place to eat with your whole family. Friendly owners and workers with quick service!

Hilda Kroll

05 Dec 2025

Located close to the Metro, it's a good place to start or end the day. I got the Cheeseburger Combo, which was a good value at $14.79, for a late lunch before heading home.

YoungEun Kim

04 Dec 2025

I recently visited Cafe 59 in Washington, DC, and it was a great experience! The cafe is clean, and the staff are very kind and welcoming. It seems like it's under new management, and they've done a wonderful job with the renovations so far, with plans for even more improvements in the future. The coffee is incredibly fresh, and the menu offers a great variety of options, including fresh fruit and delicious dessert. I was there between breakfast and lunchtime, and they offered a seamless transition between the two menus with plenty of tasty choices. Overall, everything was fresh, delicious, and highly enjoyable. I highly recommend it!

Joy Soyoon Woo

28 Nov 2025

I stopped by this cafeteria for a quick solo lunch and was impressed by the clean space and efficient setup. There was a good variety of food, and I liked being able to choose only what I wanted and pay accordingly. The staff were kind and professional, which made the experience even better. I’m looking forward to trying their made-to-order sandwiches next time!

Kinbo Lee

19 Nov 2025

This is my first time here and I'll say, I thoroughly enjoyed the bibimbap that I ordered. For that don't know what it is, it's a Korean dish with white rice, marinated thinly, sliced grilled beef, with an assortment of vegetables (spinach, bean sprouts, lettuce, etc.), and a fried egg on top. It usually includes some red pepper paste for a bit of heat. The picture below is after I ate some...the portion is generous, in my opinion. Currently, the hot bar is closed, but they do have a salad bar (pay per pound of food). I got a few kimbap (Korean rice rolls) For those still needing to come into the office to work, it's a good choice away from the McDonalds and Subway due to the options.

Jisoo Yoo

14 Nov 2025

We stopped by this place after visiting the Bible Museum. The salad bar and hot bar foods were fresh and nicely displayed, and the overall atmosphere was cozy and welcoming. We had the bibimbap and pho from the deli bar — both were amazing and so comforting for the cold DC weather. Highly recommend this place!

David Greenstein

18 Sep 2025

I have had the salad bar, hot bar, breakfast bar and most sandwiches they make and have only been disappointed when I put too much in my tray. Everything is always tasty and reasonably priced. I go almost every day.

Join the Cafe 59 Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.