Image: The Teamster
Last Updated: August 2022
Current Status: They have moved into new digs in the old Sorellina spot. Open daily from 10:30 am – 5:00 pm, and open til 8:00 on Friday and Saturday. Take-out and Delivery available.
Overview:
Compliments Only is a great little sandwich shop. They serve slightly-tweaked takes on the familiar. Like the bestselling Crunchy Boi that is a classic turkey sub in most regards, but with potato chips added for salt and crunch. There is a traditional Italian sandwich, the Teamster, but also the crushable Marisa Tomei Eats Free with capicola, genoa, mozzarella, arugula and basil, honey-chili aioli. With their new location they gained an oven, so they can do hot sandwiches too, like a meatball sub or a club as a sub. You are also free to design your own sandwich from the long ingredient list. The deli pickle spears are quite good, and Utz chips are the house brand. Beverages are basic with no alcohol options (at least for now).
Compliments Only is one of the good things to come out of the pandemic. Sandwich maker Pete Sitcov worked in various spots around the DMV, including the legendary Italian Store in Arlington. He was working at Coconut Club in the Union Market area in 2020, where he made subs to brighten those dark days, while the restaurant tried to stay afloat and owner Adam Greenberg became a community anchor. Sitcov and Coconut Club general manager Emily Cipes decided to open a the first version of this shop out of tiny space on 14th Street at the end of 2020. It was a hit, and in summer 2022 they took over half the old Sorellina spot on P Street in Dupont. It is decorated in their own quirky style. They are a good option for eating lunch in the Circle on a sunny day.
Other Guidance: It is a casual, walk-in, counter-service shop. It is located a few steps down from street level. For vegetarians there are enough ingredients to make a pretty good sandwich, and they have one already on their menu, called Farmers Market After Dark. Sub ingredients can also be served on a bed of shredded lettuce if you want to skip the roll.
Summary:
Cuisine: Sandwiches/Salads
Neighborhood: Dupont
Address: 2029 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Website: https://www.complimentsonlysubs.com/
Reservations: Walk-in
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Adele Chapin included the previous location on “6 pop-up restaurants you should try this summer” in 2021.
Washingtonian: Top 10 Favorite New Cheap Eats of 2022.
Washington City Paper: Laura Hayes included it on a list of pandemic sandwiches to try.
