B-Side Foods Is the Quintessential Capitol Hill Cafe
Tucked away inside Analog Coffee, B-Side Foods is a local cult favorite thanks to a rare alchemy of vibes and substance. Pastel subway tiles, cheerful strings of Christmas lights, a turntable spinning carefully curated tunes, and a compact menu of tidily executed breakfast and lunch dishes make this cafe the sort of place where you want to hang out all day.
What to order
- A good breakfast sandwich is all about the ratio, and B-Side has it on lock. A fluffy egg crepe flecked with green onion is complimented by a sliver of Beecher’s cheddar and a satisfying quantity of smoky, thinly sliced ham, all folded into a crisped English muffin padded with aioli. Also, it’s still under $10 as of this writing.
- Your passion might not be stirred by the prospect of a rice bowl. You might think “I could make that at home,” or that if you’ve had one rice bowl you’ve had them all. Suspend your disbelief and surrender to the lightly fermented, delicately salty pickles, roasted vegetables, and puffed grains ($13.50) that make this one a standout.
- Don’t skip the coffee. Analog has a national reputation for a reason, and the pours — featuring a rotating cast of local roasters — are always excellent.
Insider tip
Order coffee with the barista and food at the checkout counter. You’ll get a number, but they don’t do table service, so keep an eye out so you can grab your food when it comes out of the kitchen at the back of the cafe. Explore the selection of print newspapers and magazines while you wait.
