Greek Deli Express, Farragut West - Chef Kostas Fostieris on 19th and L Streets NW

[chickenlover]

Where is the Greek Deli?

19th, between L and M, right next to Smith and Wollensky.

[acevedo81]

Where is the Greek Deli?

Its on 19 street b/w L and M next to Nooshi. They are open weekdays 9-4 and I still can't find a better gyro in dc

[monavano]

The line is reminiscent of the soup nazi ala Seinfeld, but it moves quickly. I worked across the street from the Greek Deli and love their platters. I used them many times for catering too.

[New Foodie]

I only went there once when I worked in the area (big regret) but remember the line moving very fast and there being A LOT of food for the price. Pretty sure I didn't eat dinner that night after I had lunch there.

[monavano]

I only went there once when I worked in the area (big regret) but remember the line moving very fast and there being A LOT of food for the price. Pretty sure I didn't eat dinner that night after I had lunch there.

Yes, definitely. Usually it was half for lunch (or else I would be in a food coma) and half for dinner. Chicken, orzo and string beans. Oh, those beans....

I don't like salmon, but would order it when catering and folks loved, loved it.

[synaesthesia]

My friend ordered one of the meatball platters, and he gave me a taste of it. It made me really happy even though it was a little cold. I know where I'm eating next week.

[edenman]

My friend ordered one of the meatball platters, and he gave me a taste of it. It made me really happy even though it was a little cold. I know where I'm eating next week.

It's usually pre-11am when the first rumblings begin. "It's Friday", someone mentions as an aside, "You know what that means...".

We don't always hold out til noon, since the earlier you go, the less time you wait in line. TGIF, indeed.

[chickenlover]

My friend ordered one of the meatball platters, and he gave me a taste of it. It made me really happy even though it was a little cold. I know where I'm eating next week.

I actually prefer the meatballs with white wine sauce that he does as a special on Wednesdays. I'm trying to give them up though, as I'm attempting to limit my caloric binging to the weekends.

[brettashley01]

Mmmm .. am tucking into a salmon on a (small?!) salad. If this is small what does a large look like??

Anyway the salmon is delicious, perfectly cooked.

[Adam23]

Haven't tried the salmon so can't comment but I highly recommend the Avgolemono soup and his Gyro or Souvlaki. All are superb. His soup is rich, lemony, and loaded with chicken. I love his tzatiki sauce on his Gyro which is loaded with dill. I haven't really been able to find better greek food in DC. Too bad it is only open for lunch.

[edenman]

Baby Lamb in Wine/Mushroom sauce. Bone-in, fallapart-tender, delicious. Right now it is the only thing in the world that makes any sense. $9.99+tax, and worth every penny (on a bed of pasta, with a side salad and bread)

[KeithA]

Baby Lamb in Wine/Mushroom sauce. Bone-in, fallapart-tender, delicious. Right now it is the only thing in the world that makes any sense. $9.99+tax, and worth every penny (on a bed of pasta, with a side salad and bread)

Sounds great. Is this a special or available everyday? I've only been once, but the gyro platter I had was wonderful.

[edenman]

Sounds great. Is this a special or available everyday? I've only been once, but the gyro platter I had was wonderful.

It's one of the specials. Not sure if they do it every monday (most of the other specials are weekly), or just sporadically when baby lamb is available.

[edenman]

Baby Lamb Casserole. $10.99. holy crap this is good.

[edenman]

Thanks to this, the line was out the door by 11:40 today. Meatloaf was delicious as ever.

Also it's very strange to read something that refers to him as anything other than Kostas. I didn't realize he had a last name, thought it was more of a Prince/Madonna/Kostas thing.

[squidsdc]

Thanks to this, the line was out the door by 11:40 today. Meatloaf was delicious as ever.

Also it's very strange to read something that refers to him as anything other than Kostas. I didn't realize he had a last name, thought it was more of a Prince/Madonna/Kostas thing.

Don't you ever read the stuff on the walls while your waiting in line?

Last week he was the proud peacock, telling everyone to check out the Food section next week. Glad to see him getting his due. The lines really can't get any longer, it just means when I go to get my soup at 2:00, he'll more than likely be sold out.

[edenman]

Don't you ever read the stuff on the walls while your waiting in line?

Last week he was the proud peacock, telling everyone to check out the Food section next week. Glad to see him getting his due. The lines really can't get any longer, it just means when I go to get my soup at 2:00, he'll more than likely be sold out.

Yea I saw it while we were standing in line. Usually 11:30/11:40 is plenty sufficient to beat the lines, especially since my office window has a direct line-of-sight to the front of the store. We left at 11:35 and there were no people visible outside. By the time we got there, it was 5 deep outside

Let me just re-emphasize that the <special> + string beans is the way to go here. Unless you are feeling like a slightly lighter meal, in which case the souvlaki is just delicious.

[squidsdc]

Yea I saw it while we were standing in line. Usually 11:30/11:40 is plenty sufficient to beat the lines, especially since my office window has a direct line-of-sight to the front of the store. We left at 11:35 and there were no people visible outside. By the time we got there, it was 5 deep outside

Let me just re-emphasize that the <special> + string beans is the way to go here. Unless you are feeling like a slightly lighter meal, in which case the souvlaki is just delicious.

As is the Spanakopita...

I rarely get out this early, but had to go to the bank anyway. Since when is 11am too early to pick up lunch?! There was someone behind me ordering for several people from his office--2 meatball platters, 2 gyros and a short rib platter. Yikes! Even if you get there early you may have to wait.

[chickenlover]

Thanks to this, the line was out the door by 11:40 today. Meatloaf was delicious as ever.

Also it's very strange to read something that refers to him as anything other than Kostas. I didn't realize he had a last name, thought it was more of a Prince/Madonna/Kostas thing.

Prior to the review my rule of thumb was before 12:00 or after 1:30.

[KeithA]

Was nearby at 12:00 and it had a 20+ person line out the door and down the sidewalk a bit. Nevertheless, my experience has always been the line moves very fast and its worth the wait.

[edenman]

the line moves very fast and its worth the wait.

it moves very fast unless they're in the midst of preparing a catering order. and even if they are, it's still worth the wait.

[Joshua Grinnell]

That line did indeed move very fast and good lord nothing anyone said could prepare me for how much food was going to come on the gyro platter... the string beans were excellent, as reported, and my wife enjoyed her Avgolemono (egg, lemon, and chicken soup with orzo) so much that she's on RecipeZaar right now to start making it at home. Imitation, of course, being the sincerest form of flattery and much cheaper than stealing it outright.

[squidsdc]

That line did indeed move very fast and good lord nothing anyone said could prepare me for how much food was going to come on the gyro platter... the string beans were excellent, as reported, and my wife enjoyed her Avgolemono (egg, lemon, and chicken soup with orzo) so much that she's on RecipeZaar right now to start making it at home. Imitation, of course, being the sincerest form of flattery and much cheaper than stealing it outright.

Let us know how that goes...I'm addicted to that soup!

[MichelleW]

The best recipe is Diane Kochilas' from the Food and Wine of Greece. it's still not quite my grandmother's but it's pretty close to what Kostas is doing at the Greek Deli and when my grandmother isn't available, that's good enough for me!

[monavano]

This thread is making me so sad! I used to work right across the street from the Greek Deli. Ah, the chicken, the orzo, the string beans especially! I used them for catering too, and the salmon was probably the most requested dish......

[monsterriffs]

I hope he has good Holy Week appropriate dishes next week because I'm going to have to rely on him quite a bit for that I bet...

[Heather]

Thinking of Greek Deli for lunch today. Do they take credit cards? There's nothing on their website that I could find.

[squidsdc]

Thinking of Greek Deli for lunch today. Do they take credit cards? There's nothing on their website that I could find.

They most certainly do. (I get a salad there almost every day for lunch and wouldn't be able to do so without my trusty cc!) Let me know if you end up there and I'll come down and say "Hi"

ETA--if you're planning a late lunch, note that he's been running out of hot table items as early as 1:30 this week. (I think he's cut back due to holiday week)

[KeithA]

Had a really good lunch yesterday from Greek Deli. I got the chicken platter which on Thursday was a huge amount of boneless chicken breast pieces - probably 2-2.5 in a white wine sauce, good size mound of string beans (which were cooked almost perfect - impressive for a steam table), potatos (I subed them instead of the usual orzo), a greek side salad, and a big piece of bread. A ridiculous amount of food for $10. I plan on eating the other half today for another full lunch. The chicken was good, but a little dried out (more typical of a steam table). The best part was the amazing potatos - big thick wedges seasoned very nice with herbs and lemony flavor. It was worth the trip just for the potatos (not sure if they were a special or not as I only get there once in a while).

[Heather]

Roast pork today, juicy and rich, on a pile of orzo, accompanied by delicious stewed green beans & salad. Two meals, $9.99. And Kostas winked at me.

[Walrus]

... And Kostas winked at me.

Hee hee -- I love Kostas!

[plunk]

Hee hee -- I love Kostas!

"Next to the line!"

[Heather]

I still can't find a better gyro in dc

There can't be a better gyro in DC. Fresh dill, scallions, thick yogurt, just the right amount of feta...I try not to use cutesy neologisms like "foodgasm," but if I did, that's exactly how I would describe the gyro at GDE.

[lekkerwijn]

Split Pea and Vegetable Soup today. Long line of ladies at about 11:30 am that is already out the door.

Female Customer: I'd like a vegetarian platter and a split pea soup, please.

Kostas: You vegetarian?

FC: No sir, I am not.

Kostas: Ok! Good! I got some very nice lamb for you!

[monsterriffs]

Split Pea and Vegetable Soup today. Long line of ladies at about 11:30 am that is already out the door.

Female Customer: I'd like a vegetarian platter and a split pea soup, please.

Kostas: You vegetarian?

FC: No sir, I am not.

Kostas: Ok! Good! I got some very nice lamb for you!

Bahahaha, straight outta "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."

[Heather]

Yesterday was meatball day! Two softball-sized, fluffy meatballs with dill avgolemono sauce, orzo, stewed green beans, and salad. I love this special almost as much as the roast pork.

[DPop]

Yesterday was meatball day! Two softball-sized, fluffy meatballs with dill avgolemono sauce, orzo, stewed green beans, and salad. I love this special almost as much as the roast pork.

I love the regular meatball platter that's always on the menu, but this version sounds stupendous. Mmmm, dill avgolemono sauce....

[TedE]

I love the regular meatball platter that's always on the menu, but this version sounds stupendous. Mmmm, dill avgolemono sauce....

Meatballs a la Mykonos! It's a regular Wednesday special

[DPop]

All this GDE talk today inspired me to walk the 7 blocks to get some lamb/meatballs/meatloaf. I was very intrigued when I arrived to see a special in the middle of the board called the Kosta-Boli, which is basically the meatball platter wrapped up in pizza-like crust with mushrooms. If you haven't eaten lunch yet and are in the area, go get this. It's awesome. Oh, and ask for extra sauce on the side.

[Heather]

My newest side dish obsession: thickly sliced warm beets, drizzled with olive oil and topped with a dollop of sour cream.

[Adam23]

Kostas, Kostas, Kostas, what have you done? Switching your delicious, moist, yummy white bread for a dry whole wheat impostor. I hope this isn't permanent, for if it is, I will be greatly saddened.

[emissary81]

Kostas making the Avgolemono Soup

[DPop]

Kostas, Kostas, Kostas, what have you done? Switching your delicious, moist, yummy white bread for a dry whole wheat impostor. I hope this isn't permanent, for if it is, I will be greatly saddened.

This news might ruin my day

Also, has anyone noted an inconsistency in the Monday chili special? It's usually fantastic (especially after a couple shakes of Cholula), but last Monday it was mediocre. I should have known something was up when it looked different in the case, but I ordered anyway and was disappointed. I'm not a regular anymore so this was the first time I'd had the chili in a couple months so maybe it has changed permanently? Hopefully not, and maybe it was a result of Kostas not being in the house that day to oversee operations.

[RWBooneJr]

Kostas, Kostas, Kostas, what have you done? Switching your delicious, moist, yummy white bread for a dry whole wheat impostor. I hope this isn't permanent, for if it is, I will be greatly saddened.

It was a sort-of cornbread on Friday, so I'm guessing he's just mixing it up a little. I doubt it's a permanent change, but you could always ask him. I'm not gonna.

[Rhone1998]

It was a sort-of cornbread on Friday, so I'm guessing he's just mixing it up a little. I doubt it's a permanent change, but you could always ask him. I'm not gonna.

It was whole wheat today. I didn't like it as much as their "normal" white bread, but it wasn't that bad...a bit dry maybe but it had a nice underlying flavor.

[lackadaisi]

The bread was the normal, wonderful white yesterday. And, the green beans and orzo were also delicious. I had a friend pick up a hot vegetable platter for me, and I was quite surprised by all the steamed whole carrots, potatoes and cabbage covering the beans and orzo, but hey, I didn't really know what to expect. Not that though.

[chaofun]

I was staving at lunch today, so after a quick run through the gym, I knew I wanted Greek Deli. Looks like I missed the whole wheat bread fiasco, the bread is the white kind, and good as ever. I got there well after 1pm, and picked up the Greek Meatball platter. Yum. Orzo great, beans great. And a Mexican Coke to wash it down. Only problem now.... I need a cot under my desk there was so much food.

[DC Deb]

I picked up some taramosalata and hummus yesterday from Greek Deli and they didn't taste as good as I remembered. The tarama was more mousse-like (higher dressing to roe ratio) and the hummus had big chunks in it. I hadn't been there for a while. Has anyone else noticed a change?

[RWBooneJr]

While getting what only could be termed a "platter" of homemade Moussaka (a ridiculously cheap $7.99) with orzo, crumbled feta, and meat sauce today at Greek Deli, I noticed that Mezza Luna was closed, and in its place was Via 19.

As between the two places, you made the right choice. Actually, I think that Greek Deli may currently be my favorite "place to eat" in the Washington, DC area (as opposed to "restaurant," which implies more than Greek Deli is). I would also be 35 pounds heavier if I ate there regularly. I know, because I did and I was.

[DPop]

It's too late for anyone to act on it this year, so I apologize for not posting earlier, but one of the reasons I love this place is Kostas' creativity with his specials. Today he had a Baked Swordfish platter, which he only does once annually and takes a loss on but gets the fish because he uses what he has left over for a dinner that he hosts with his family (which he told the gentleman in front of me in line). Was I happy I strolled in today by chance. The platter was expensive by Greek Deli standards ($16.99), but for your money you got a small Greek salad, bread, orzo, green beans, and what had to be a 3 lb+ piece of perfectly cooked swordfish in a light lemon parsley sauce. The dish was seasoned like something you would get at BlackSalt as opposed to a takeout joint in Dupont, very herbal but not at all salty or overly acidic. Despite it being a huge portion it felt and tasted light, a feat I would not have guessed when I saw him dishing it out for me.

This city could use 20 more weekday lunch options like this one. It never disappoints.

[RWBooneJr]

[Pat]

Greek Deli made the "Overheard in DC" feature on DCist yesterday .

[mtureck]

Looks like everyone had the same idea as I did today. Line out the door on a cold day, about 2/3 of the people ordering the avgolemono.

Worth the wait, as always.

[MsDiPesto]

Greek Deli made the "Overheard in DC" feature on DCist yesterday .

LOL, well played Kosta, well played.

[darkstar965]

Sheesh. Greek Deli is a true DC institution as is Kostas. Love the place...and him with all his quirky cantankerousness (not a word).

When this popped up atop DC Restaurants here, I worried there was some bad news, like a closing...since this isn't a spot that gets frequent comment since sort of part of the 19th St sidewalk there.

All good. And, yeah, that was a great "overheard" exchange though have to wonder some how often blogs like that fabricate stuff since neither FCC nor WaPo Factchecker has resources or inclination to verify amusing trifles like that. Does surely sound like Kostas, a clichéd Greek version of the famed Seinfeldian soup vendor, albeit nicer.

Long live Greek Deli!

[squidsdc]

Looks like everyone had the same idea as I did today. Line out the door on a cold day, about 2/3 of the people ordering the avgolemono.

Worth the wait, as always.

No line today whatsoever!

[DaRiv18]

Nothing new to report, just thought no comments in 2016 was not befitting this great DC institution.  One day, it shall be missed.  

[DonRocks]

1 hour ago, DaRiv18 said:

Nothing new to report, just thought no comments in 2016 was not befitting this great DC institution.  One day, it shall be missed.  

I love this post.

[bookluvingbabe]

I tried to go today.  Sign says it is open 7 am to 4 pm.  Walked in a little before 10 am.  "We open at 11."  But your sign...  "We're here at 7 but we open at 11."

(They have a breakfast menu posted... I wasn't in the mood to argue with someone who clearly didn't want to serve me. Mr. BLB and I have been talking about having a lunch date to revisit it and the memories of our days living in Dupont--I think we'll head to CF Folks instead...)

[squidsdc]

39 minutes ago, bookluvingbabe said:

I tried to go today.  Sign says it is open 7 am to 4 pm.  Walked in a little before 10 am.  "We open at 11."  But your sign...  "We're here at 7 but we open at 11."

(They have a breakfast menu posted... I wasn't in the mood to argue with someone who clearly didn't want to serve me. Mr. BLB and I have been talking about having a lunch date to revisit it and the memories of our days living in Dupont--I think we'll head to CF Folks instead...)

They used to be open for breakfast - probably wasn't economical for them to do it anymore. That neighborhood is losing tenants with all the building tear downs and construction. Plus WaWa across the street, I'm sure it was too much to compete with that. Quality hasn't changed, though, so you should definitely try to get back there. Funny thing, CF Folks has a similar "soup nazi" vibe to it...😏

[TedE]

On 9/18/2018 at 11:11 AM, bookluvingbabe said:

I tried to go today.  Sign says it is open 7 am to 4 pm.  Walked in a little before 10 am.  "We open at 11."  But your sign...  "We're here at 7 but we open at 11."

(They have a breakfast menu posted... I wasn't in the mood to argue with someone who clearly didn't want to serve me. Mr. BLB and I have been talking about having a lunch date to revisit it and the memories of our days living in Dupont--I think we'll head to CF Folks instead...)

In my experience their breakfast service was only ever active between 7-9 or so (but I haven't been that early in a few years).  You probably caught them in break down/transition to lunch and got Kosta-ed.

[mtureck]

Uh oh...

 

[mtureck]

Crisis averted!

"Don't Panic! Greek Deli Is Reopening after Bathroom Debacle" by Anna Spigel on washingtonian.com

[mtureck]

Just a reminder that the Greek Deli made it though the pandemic, and is still serving the best lunches in the area. 

This note on their website though,

"Folks - I have 2 priorities in life. My family and my customers. For 31 years, I have lived to serve you high quality food. I am here in rain, sleet, snow and the pandemic. Today, I need your support more than ever. Please tell everyone that The Greek Deli is here to serve you! Let us put together your next family dinner. Thank you for the last 31 years and I hope to serve you for another 31!"

Please, please go if you're near Dupont. I'd be crushed if they ever had to close down. 

[ALB]

3 hours ago, mtureck said:

Just a reminder that the Greek Deli made it though the pandemic, and is still serving the best lunches in the area. 

This note on their website though,

"Folks - I have 2 priorities in life. My family and my customers. For 31 years, I have lived to serve you high quality food. I am here in rain, sleet, snow and the pandemic. Today, I need your support more than ever. Please tell everyone that The Greek Deli is here to serve you! Let us put together your next family dinner. Thank you for the last 31 years and I hope to serve you for another 31!"

Please, please go if you're near Dupont. I'd be crushed if they ever had to close down. 

That place is my dad's favorite. He still treks in from Olney once in a while now that he is retired. I wish it were closer to from Columbia!

[dracisk]

Somehow despite living a few blocks north for 13 years and working a couple of miles away for 14 years (many of those years overlapped) I never made it there. A travesty! I'll have to make a special trip to support them (and eat their delicious food).

[KeithA]

Always been good food and still is. A few weeks ago when I was downtown, I got their pastitio. As with all of the order, huge portion of very tasty pastitio which comes with an ample portion of green beans with tomatos, orzo, a hunk of bread, and a good sized greek side salad. Definitely enough for 2 meals, maybe even three. All of it was very good except the bread was super plain - so good for mopping up sauces. Definitely, worthwhile if you are downtown and only a few blocks walk south of Dupont metro. I will also say it is sad to see how many places downtown there have closed - even the Chipotle closed. But it looks like several good indies are holding on like Greek Deli, Donburi, Bub and Pops, Yaffa Grille, Little Sesame, plus others. Some of these do delivery so show them some love even if you can't make it downtown.