Pret A Manger

3.5 stars. Like the rebuild of this location. Can get in and out quickly and that’s a plus on work days. Soups are tasty here, but too salty. I like the avocado and toast pine nut wrap. It’s different than most veggie wraps with avocado, tomatoes, spinach, and a yogurt dressing with toasted pine nuts. The chicken and crispy bacon sandwich is pretty good as well. Several good salads as well, but not on par with Chopt. Really like their lemon shallot vinaigrette.

Great environment, good music and professional staff. Morning manager is very hands on and motivational with staff and customers. Food is excellent and not too pricey. Very convenient to metro.

First tried Pret in London and was a huge fan. I was so excited to see these all over Washington DC. When traveling it’s nice to grab something quick that you know will be healthy and fuel your body. I had grapefruit green tea with pomegranate and a buffalo chicken sandwich. This particular location didn’t have as much of a selection at the time we came through

For my first time here, I like it. A bit pricey but overall good first impression with the staff management and most importantly the food.

I am a frequent customer at this location, today I went to get my sandwich, soup and croissant, I came back to my office to enjoy my Lunch, my sandwich and soup were great, the croissant was old and had a weird smell and dry inside. Probable a few days old kept inside the hotbox or got mixed to sell them first.
I am very very disappointed as tried to call the location and wanted to inform them to remove those old croissants and suggest not to sell, but no one answers the phone here.
Don’t cheat your customers and sell day old or more and then claim made today and gone today.
What a disgrace, I can’t stand establishments who allows there staff this kind of practice.

The food is really good here and it’s ready to go. Never have to wait in line. Yes, once I had something that was not the best but over all it’s good. The place is clean and the staff is friendly and even though it’s a little pricey, Pret gives their food to the homeless every night instead of throwing it away. That’s a good thing.

Great 7:30am stop to grab lunch to take to the office. They have salads and sandwiches ready for u to grab. Another local place is serving only breakfast at that time.

I always enjoy this location, my first experience was at the Union Station location which was a 3-​Star experience. I enjoy great customer service which I have receive each and every time I make a visit. KEEP UP the Good work.

There are a ton of Prets in the area, and this one is by far my most favorite. It’s clean, it’s spacious, and it’s actually rather beautiful. Housed in a very old building renovated to the nines, it’s got a distinctly European feeling to it that’s pretty cool. The fact that it has all the goodies you’d expect from a Pret make this location ideal.
I love the community seating as well as the high tops that are tucked away in the nooks by the windows. The refrigerated area is tidy, bright and organized making for a super easy selection process. The check-​out kiosk is long and has plenty of registers, so paying is quick and painless.

I wish I could post 2 reviews because, although I know they will average out, I want to reflect the two wildly different experiences I’ve had at Pret on multiple occasions. (Ok I know I sound like a you-​know-​what but bear with me)
Here’s the bad part of Pret:
About 1 in 3 times in this Pret, you actually get a ridiculously RUDE cashier. This is not unexpected in the area around metro center, but it baffles me because MOST of the staff is EXTRAORDINARILY nice and helpful.
But not this morning.
I grab my sandwich and order an iced chai latte with an espresso shot from Helen, who makes no overtures to smile, wish Good Morning, etc. Whatever, you take my order, I go on my way, that’s an average day for me. I just mention it because it’s her overall attitude that gets to me, because as I’m ordering she brusquely tells me, «WAIT.» I wait as she plays with her screen, then when she looks at me, I repeat my order. She says «Latte with an espresso shot. Iced?» I say «Yes, iced chai with an espresso shot.» She tells me to wait again. And again when I ask her politely whether I can stamp my reward card. Because apparently she can’t both listen and punch in my order or just, y’know, POLITELY ask me to repeat myself when she’s done punching in my order?
Now I’m standing there with my credit card looking at the sign from the day before (I also came in in the afternoon) saying their credit card machines aren’t working, and I start to ask about it when she suddenly goes «Ma’am. Scan your credit card. MA’AM.» Like I’m the stupidest person in the world.
Ma’am. Seriously? I HATE that. I’m 23 years old, I’m not a ma’am, and tone counts, and hers was definitely unpleasant. So I scan my credit card and she immediately goes, «NEXT CUSTOMER» while I’m still standing at the counter. And it’s busy in there, sure, but it’s not THAT busy. There really isn’t any wait.
Anyway, I bustle to the side since I’m so obviously an inconvenience to Helen. The peppy drink lady hands me my order quickly, and I take a sip. It’s bitter, but I think, Oh it’s probably just the espresso shot, and I really don’t have time for this anyway, so I walk out.
But it’s definitely not chai. It’s a latte. Which is just coffee with milk, and now an extra shot. Why bother ordering that? I don’t order those. There’s no spice, there’s no chai. She got my order wrong.
Thanks, Helen.
But at this point I already feel unwelcome there, so I don’t go back in. I’m not about to b — - and moan during rush hour about how I didn’t get my CHAI latte. But since Helen neither gave nor offered me a receipt, I have no idea if there’s a way to do customer feedback (I think there is, and I’m going there next) or if I need an order number or what. So here I am.
And, all in all, I know this is a bit overkill for what really happened (I’ve seen much worse reviews, of course!), but the thing that annoys me is like — why, why do people have to be so rude? It’s just such a SIMPLE thing to be polite and kind. Some people just seem to have never learned any manners. And I, personally, wouldn’t want those people working for me.
—
I would counter that there are some REALLY REALLY nice people at Pret, like yesterday the girl who took my order, made my order, and gave it to me was SO NICE AND BUBBLY. And when I had a huge brain lapse and walked out of the store without my drink, she had just put my drink behind the counter and just laughed when I came back in to get it. And that’s awesome! 5 stars for you. A little kindness goes a long way. I wish I had gotten her name.
I love Pret’s food, especially their bacon brioche sandwiches, and their drinks are good and everything is usually pretty fresh and tastes healthy, unlike many options for fast food around here. So, thanks Pret, this time no sarcasm intended.

I was skeptical for a long time. There is something about the little boxes of sandwiches that read «vending machine food» to me. When I finally tried it in the UK. I loved it.
Now, I’m officially a huge fan of Pret everywhere… some locations are better than others. But, the food is consistently yummy and I love that they donate what’s left at the end of the day to the hungry. It’s also helpful that they post the calories.
This location is one of the best as far as selection on the weekends. I have another location closer to work so I have no idea what it’s like during the work week.
The prices are more than traditional fast food but I feel like you are paying for actual food to be cooked fresh. Don’t be scared by the little boxes. I promise, it’s yummy.

My Pret experience was a total joke, and not in funny way. But, I’ll make this entertaining for you…
* Popped in at 11:45a for a sandwich, but only to see a bunch of bare shelves — kinda of how you’d picture a paltry Russian grocery store with only a couple of measly sandwiches scattered around. OK, I can pretend what it feels like to live without choice. Grabbed a one of the last remaining Chicken & Avocado sandwiches, and headed to… a chaotic mob customers in front of an utterly disorganized counter.
* So I wait should-​to-​shoulder «third world style» with no formal lines for more than a few minutes. When a register finally becomes free, I step up only to be told, «You have to wait in line.» I try explain that I had been waiting. But she totally waves me off, and indicates for another customer to take my spot. What? Is this the Seinfeld, «Sandwich Nazi»???
* Everyone in our section of the mob is now dumbstruck, because I was there waiting before most of them, and there’s this huge pregnant pause with no one moving up. So this total stranger behind me announces in a loud voice that we all have been waiting, and I that should go first. But she insists that I cut the line and refuses (yes, refuses) to sell me the sandwich.
* I should have simply stormed out. But I was invested, insulted, and still hungry. So I ask for the manager, who shows absolutely no interest, provides no apology, and opens up a closed register (perhaps that’s why there was a long line?) to sell me the sandwich without a single word. OMG, what a fiasco!
* But get ready for the final punch line… As I walk down the street, I tear into my hard-​fought sandwich to discover, it’s the WRONG sandwich in the wrapper! Yes, my Chicken & Avocado turned out to be mislabeled. It was a bacon-​something sandwich. But not a BLT — maybe chicken, maybe turkey, or maybe something else.
Hey, I know places can have a bad day. But Yikes! Thank goodness I don’t have food allergies… or I might not be laughing now ;-(

The best lattes I’ve had thus far! Great salads and sandwiches made with the freshest ingredients, also modestly priced. I’m disappointed that there aren’t any locations nearest my home!

i am currently three bites into my salmon and tzatziki wrap and i’m already disappointed. it’s not good. the ingredients taste fresh but do not work well together: the salmon is bland and the mint is overpowering.
update: i just threw it away. ugh.
despite the bad food, the place itself is nice and the service is efficient. i like its mission to serve fresh food and not waste anything.
i made a point to try pret because i have friends in the UK who love it, but i found it to be just another sandwich shop.

In DC on business and dropped in here after a morning run. Arrived at 10:30 no wait and quickly grabbed steel cut oatmeal, coconut water, a parfait, an apple and a green juice for $ 18.22.
I downed the coconut water as I was paying and After doctoring up the oatmeal with milk and their brown sugar, cinnamon and raisin cup it was surprisingly pretty good.
They’re right around the corner from my hotel and is probably come back again from breakfast but I have early mornings for the rest of my trip and they don’t open until 7am bummer.

One of my go-​to lunch spots — it’s grab and go so it’s quick, the sandwiches are good and seem healthy (greens, fresh ingredients, lean meats, no preservatives, etc.) and the cookies are warm and great. I relaly like the ginger ale and sparkling orange juices in cans too.
The staff is also super friendly, which is a rarity in our fair city. And often if you hang around for a while (say, eating your sandwich and watching the tourists and office folks pass by, which is fun) they’ll come around with free samples of cookies or tea or what have you, and as a big fan of free samples, that makes me happy.
There’s also a good variety of sandwiches and salads for such a small spot — banh mi, ones with eggs, wraps, tasty beef, etc.

It seems as if there is a Pret on every corner now in DC, delivering fresh, no additives/​preservatives quick meals. It’s nice to have a healthier option for lunch. What I love about Pret is the transparency. They display the calorie and fat count in front of every item on the shelf. It’s funny how we all stand in front of the bright display and make life decisions. Lol.
My lobster salad was pretty good. There was a hefty amount of lump lobster meat and at a price of $ 8, it wasn’t bad. It would of tasted better with a creamy dressing like ranch (not offered), but again, the healthier option was a lemon vinaigrette.
The check out service is always quick. They also have free wi-​fi.

I first learned of Pret while taking a stroll through London reviews on Unilocal.
Since that time it has become my dream to visit one.
Because somehow in my mind this became an indication of if I am in a «real» city or not.
Is there mass transportation?
Is there a pret?
And dammit if my very first experience with an actual, physical pret did not involve viewing that grasshopper on Unilocal.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
But you know what?
This is similar to an organic restaurant I visited in which a super bright green worm greeted me through the leaves of my salad.. .
and I thought, «you know what, there really were no harsh chemicals used here, or this little fella would not be wiggling right now.»
and it is in this same spirit I choose to view lil grasshopper.
Pret must be a brand I can trust.
The food must actually be organic.
And you know what?
I enjoyed my quinoa pod, and my salad and my experience anyway. yes I did.
So, if you are wondering if I ever returned to that organic restaurant?
No I did not, and no I will not ever again.
Will I ever visit another Pret?
If I ever find myself in a real city with a real Pret.. .
I do believe I will.
I may even make it a tradition upon entering a real city to stop at a Pret.
And I may even make a Pret list.. .
I do believe I will.

What a great little place. It’s a simple deli featuring croissants, cookies, and muffins by morning, and sandwiches, etc. by day. They have a variety of basic to high quality drink options (fresh juices with unique flavors). There is plenty of seating for quick chew and run service. The place is relatively clean, and they have two restrooms. It’s in a good location in the heart of D.C. But the best part of this business is their willingness to donate the food they don’t sell (baked goods) to the local homeless community. That’s great!
3 stars for now. I would need to experience more of this brand beyond the croissant I had to assign a higher rating. I may revisit as time moves forward and I have more of a history with their business.

Yes it’s kind of expensive for what it is but welcome to DC. They offer a good selections of lunch sandwiches, soups, and salads that are filling without making you feel like you need a nap all afternoon. The angus beef stew is especially tasty. The coffee is also pretty decent on a cold DC morning.