New Deal Cafe

Address:	113 Centerway, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA
Phone:	+1 301-474-5642
Site:	newdealcafe.com
Rating:	4.1
Working:	Closed 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–12AM 8AM–12AM 8AM–9PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 14

blue sky

I have been a regular since its inception many years ago. A hotbed of live music most nights. A good place to hear musicians starting out and improving their chops. Joe Pug got his start here as a teenager. Unfortunately, On nights when a popular band plays, management will reserve tables for locals, which leaves everyone else standing and looking at the often empty tables. The front is staffed by paid employees, the back bar by volunteers. Is it for profit or nonprofit? I find the Lebanese food very boring and bland with an intense white color palette on the plate. I like the Hummus and the Kibbeh, but thats it. Lots of wasted space in the facility. Badly needs a redesign. The bar doesnt even have a footrest. The furniture is unspeakable thrift store cast offs. Lots of local color here. Locals will take umbrage with this, but that doesnt make it welcoming as a destination location. Its a work in progress. So, the Wednesday after this review posts, Im minding my own business, sipping a cold Corona, munching on hummus and grooving on the music of Kiva, when Im verbally attacked with a profanity laced diatribe from a board member about how Im lying about NDC. I shake my head ruefully at this juvenile outburst. Slay the messenger for saying what other folks are writing on Yelp. I rest my case. Just fix it you idiots!

Daniel Gray

Go for the Music. And the craft beer, and selected wines, are a refreshing alternative to a Bud Light, or a Miller High Life, (neither of which they have, so you know). Older crowd of Hippies, mostly together with a " salt and pepper " mix of millenials, and a few GenXers. But, so you know in advance, the crowd (and the Music) really cater to the aging baby boomers!! Im 51, and I am often the youngest person there! The Best part - There is .. a great lineup of Live music!!! - at least 5 or 6 nights a week, with no cover charge. Good mix of groovy tunes. Thanks to Amethyst, a popular Bartender there, and many other volunteers. Great atmosphere for meeting people from all walks of life. Many retirees frequent the place. Ask Donnie Dorsey, or Mark Opsasnick, theyll tell ya!

David Pittman

The New Deal Cafe seems to be quite popular, so maybe its just me. We went for a quick meal before seeing a film at the Old Greenbelt Cinema. First, a group of four arrived just ahead of us, and the young woman behind the counter gave them all of the menus she had. There was no board describing everything so we waited for a menu. After ordering we sat at a table near the door because we were expecting a friend to meet us. Our food arrived quickly enough. But my tacos with cod had very little taste and the tortillas were tough. My husband was pleased with his salad and a serving of peach crumble. The room is brightly lit and lacks both charm and comfort. Next time I eat in Greenbelt Id prefer to go elsewhere. But if I have to eat at the New Deal again, Ill order something different.

Zach Feris

The food is great and quite varied. Im a carnivore and they have very good options on the menu. The place is also wonderfully kid friendly. As a parent, I really appreciate that. With the warmer weather, they are now doing a really nice Lebanese mountain bread - cooked over a flame - on Sunday mornings. Also, the outdoor seating option is wonderful! The live music can be hit or miss, but isnt canned or prepackaged - so I appreciate it for being as authentic as it comes. Thurs, Fri & Sat shows tend to be the best acts. The venue is small, but cozy and the layout of the place really makes for a unique experience. Well definitely be going back often!

Claudia F.

Music and atmosphere is great, but I am not enthused with the food. Falafel, humus and baba ghanoush are ok. But the kabobs are often dry and or have a burned taste. The musaka doesnt have any resemblance to the actual dish. One time, we ordered a platter for two, which came with fritters that tasted as if they were several days old. There are other restaurants in Beltsville that offer much better value for the price of food. I love the New Deal, but it would be great if the food would improve.

Jil Swearingen

Warm, friendly local community atmosphere combined with excellent Lebanese food and extremely nice, gracious and accommodating management and staff. Its The REAL DEAL!!! Check it out. Food is delicious and authentic. Music events are superb and varied. We are so glad to have the New Deal Cafe under the current management - a welcome paradigm change from the previous. We eat there frequently and attend as many musical events as possible.

Francoise Becker

As of 2017, its under new management, with a new menu (no longer middle-eastern food). Took an hour for a carryout order, and then there were items missing. Went back for the missing items, waited another 20 minutes, and they brought only one of the 2 missing items. Waited another 15 minutes for the last item. The food was adequate, not great. Really miss the old New Deal Cafe.

Bossi

Slightly pricey, but its generally good Lebanese fare. Some days the food is particularly astounding, but some days its a bit off... but always filling & nonetheless tasty. I often combine my trips with a visit to the adjacent Co-op for fruits & drinks. Theres also been more than one occasion where Ive mooched their free wi-fi -- a lovely perk for such a central area.

Nick Lord

I wish I never went to this place , it used to be good with medeterian food but now saying terrible is too much for it its worst than terrible. I had a blackened chicken , and it was literally burned and taste horrible I dont know what kind of spices they use . And its expensive, advise dont go eat there . I wish google had the no star rating I would rate with 0 stars .

James McClellan

Food is Good, not great but good. Service is spotty... mainly because they dont have real servers. They have a bar, but its small. The place is big, but its poorly situated. Its neither cozy nor inviting, yet it seems like it should be from just looks as a judgement base. Its just average and yet it could be so much more with very little work.

Alex Huning

Good food, although it is slightly more expensive than other middle-eastern food places around. The pita bread for shawarma sandwiches is better than the competition though. The hummus is also better than average. Can you find better places? Yes, but this is one of the better options for the area and great for your middle-east fix.

Johanna Goderre

The cafe now has coffee service in the am and will be adding fresh loose tea soon! The menu has dramatically changed to a modern bistro-style offering to please burger-lovers and vegans. I hope the winter medley salad stays year round - kale, cheese, and freshly grilled shrimp.

A Private User

The new & very much improved cafe (since mid 2008) is a much better place than the old cafe. The food is Lebanese Taverna type food, but much tastier. Itsbeen repainted & it is clean. A good community hangout and good entertainment. Check their calendar for performances

Elizabeth

Wow things sure have changed...The old middle eastern food was sooo good but now it is just plain overpriced nonsense. The tacos in particular were two (small) for almost $10 and tasted seriously burnt. Never going back. R.I.P old new deal cafe.