Image: Reubenesque beauty.
Last Updated: May 2023
Current Status: They closed the first week of May 2023 on short notice.
Overview:
Tigerella occupies two spaces divided by a walkway in the Western Market food hall. In one space is a shop offering pastries and pre-made meals (breakfast sandwiches, salads) and really good coffee [Note: currently closed]. The other space is a restaurant that is a bit of a warren with two bar spaces and sit-down tables. They serve lunch, dinner and brunch. The restaurant is from the team at Ellē and it is very good, taking advantage of the baking skills that have been central to Ellē’s reputation.
The ingredients are excellent. The bread on the Reuben is thick enough and flavorful enough to stand on its own, but of course it doesn’t. Between the crisped exterior drips pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss, dressing, and fermented mustard seeds (another hallmark of Ellē’s kitchen under prior chef Brad DeBoy, who remains a partner in this venture). It is filling, but the meat is kept proportional to the bread. The lunch menu is not online, but can be glimpsed in this post. Other options include a Philly pork and broccoli rabe sandwich, two pasta dishes, and “grandma’s” thick-crust pizza, that hearkens back to the personal pan pizzas of yore. They also offer salads and some lighter appetizer-y options. They serve alcohol, but the non-alcoholic choices are surprisingly limited.
Breakfast from the take-away half of Tigerella is pastry focused. They have two egg and cheese sandwiches that are pre-made and kept wrapped in foil in a heated bin. Both come on a potato bun and one comes with brisket added. If you ask, they have a stash of bright hot sauce. Prepared sandwiches at lunch include a muffuletta, a prosciutto & roasted peppers, and a veggie one. The coffee is very good. There are tables and chairs in the main hall to eat at.
The space is bifurcated, the hours limited, the menu focused, and the team dedicated. We suggest it is worth a walk out of they way to treat yourself, and bring back cookies to make someone smile.
Other Guidance: The ambiance is casual, though the restaurant manages to feel like a proper restaurant despite opening up to the food hall. It is located on the ground floor of the Western Market complex. Vegetarians can find more than a few things to eat, but GF face slimmer pickings due to its carb-focused menu.
Summary:
Cuisine: Old or New American (with Italian accents)
Neighborhood: West End/Foggy Bottom
Address: 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Website: https://www.tigerelladc.com/
Reservations: Walk-in
Other Critics/Voices:
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