Cause - The PhilanthroPub

"Excellent concept that falls somewhat short in presentation and quality"

Food: 3/5
Service: 2/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Parking: 1/5
Cleanliness: 4/5

   
   Cause DC is an excellent concept in which the restaurant doesn't produce a profit and instead donates proceeds to local charities - excellent concept and I support it fully. They locally source much of their food and the interior is trendy and has a great progressive vibe. Otherwise, I feel it falls short as a restaurant in many respects.

    Food here is from a highly limited menu but features some very creative, chef-inspired items which sound absolutely amazing on paper with fresh, unique flavor combinations. However, after tying many different items, I just cannot say that they are particularly flavorful...just need a heavier hand on those seasonings I'm afraid. The Cuban sandwich was about 70% of one type the ham and the remaining items/seasonings cramped in. The fries are ok and at least homemade, the quinoa burger had a very odd flavor combination...not very tasty and almost bitter-tasting. The lamb burger was flavorful enough but was essentially a burger and some bread - a bit of "tomato jam" that didn't complement it well and was really screaming for some cheese, maybe feta? Other menu items have various animal organs and may appeal to some limited group but no one in my circle of friends or family nor myself would be interested in any of that, nor would I imagine the vast majority of Americans whose culture reflects the bone-free, all white meat variety of palate. Other countries appreciate bone marrow and tongues more and such items would sell like hotcakes there.

   Service here is consistently slow, bar-ish, and lacks the scripts and time requirements (30 second table greets, 2 minute drink delivery) of more corporate restaurants who train up professional servers, not just random employees who bring food and expect a tip.  

    Parking is virtually non-existent, making this place hard to even arrive at, however, I don't necessarily recommend Cause so perhaps there are other, more easily-accessible restaurants

My Sunday Brunch adventure this past  weekend took me to Cause... mainly to try the "adult cereal" options on the menu.  Its something i'd never seen before... and i'm always up for trying new things.

My brunch-mates and I opted for the "Cinnamon Girl"
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Maple Whiskey
Rum Chata
Half & Half.

It comes with the dry cereal in a bowl and a glass of "adult milk" on the side.
We shared the cereal... between the 3 of us it was perfect.  Its not a huge portion, and it is very sweet and definitely has that "adult" kick to it!  I'd suggest it as an appetizer... and then grab one of their very delicious brunch entrees.

Speaking of brunch entrees, I also can vouch for the "Hangover Hash"
sausage,
potatoes,
fried eggs,
white wine-cheddar fondue,
grilled bread

It was awesome!  Its cheesy, salty, and just plain yummy.  I did not actually have a hangover during this meal, but the next time I do, I'd go back and have this in a heartbeat!

Cause was definitely worth the trip from Bethesda, and I would guess that my brunch-mates who crossed the river from Arlington to join me would say that it was worth the trip for them too!

We are huge fans of Cause.  We have been there too many times to count and usually take our friends there so they can experience it as well.  We were introduced to this place through a friend of mine who did a lot of the artwork, National Geographic magazine design the bathroom, as well as a lot of their flyers, graphic design things.  We decided to go a few weeks after they opened, and fell in love. There were many bartenders there that we enjoyed (mostly Matt, but we recently learned he is no longer there).  The food is okay, my salads usually need some more flavor, but the burgers and nachos are quite enjoyable.  The drinks are the thing to go for, that and the ambiance.  My husband and I have tried all of the specialty cocktails, but my favorite is the Mahatma.  I actually call it my delicious kryptonite.  I cannot resist ordering at least 3, and then they sneak up on you and take you down.  My husband's favorite is the Truth.  But they are all delicious.  We recently took our out of town guests there and they all had a great time.  We enjoy this place because it is for a great Cause and they have wonderful happy hour prices.  We have not yet been able to make it for their brunch they just started, but we will quite soon.  If you want more of a quiet scene, stay downstairs, but if you want to be near the hustle and bustle, go upstairs to the tree house or the bar.  Oh, and I hope you get to meet Tay.  He is the most lively and sweet person and when you go he will make you feel right at home.