Emissary - Washington, D.C.

I want this place to be vegan heaven, because it really could be. The food is fresh and absolutely delicious. But vegan options aren’t marked on the menu, so even when you think it is (grapefruit avocado salad sounds safe enough), it comes with buttered bread that’s not listed. If they just went through and marked vegan options on the menu, or gave an easy cue as to how to veganize them (ie removing honey from an otherwise totally vegan smoothie), this would place would be one of the best for vegs in the area.

I want this place to be vegan because it could really be. The food is fresh and absolutely delicious. But vegan options are not marked on the menu, so even if you think it is (Grepefruit Avocado Salat sounds safe enough), it comes with butter bread that is not listed. If they were simply characterized by and vegan options on the menu, or gave a simple cue how to veganize them (i.e. remove honey from an otherwise completely vegan smoothie), this place would be one of the best for vegs in the area.

The vibe is community centric and welcoming. Coffee and teas are all lovely, and they have pretty much any plant-based milk you could want. Favorite dishes include the oatmeal, hummus sandwich and beet salad (hold the feta). Also the chai latte with almond milk is lovely.

I have breakfast for a weekend. There is a decent number of vegan options the most elements on the menu can be made vegan by making some ingredients, but there are not many “vegan to standard” options (so ready to be “less” compared to a non vegan). I also had to get involved with the staff to make sure that my order was changed accordingly to be vegan. The food was quickly prepared and it was delicious, but I don't think Emissary has given the best options the prices. I had a salad bowl and coffee for about $25. I would recommend this place if you are in DC, but also I encourage the owners to better absorb vegans. Updated by previous rating on 2023 02 10

On their website they say that they are vegan and vegetarian friendly, but there is nothing vegan on the menu. Even her cupcake is described in the menu as ’Definitly not vegan chocolate cupcake’. I don't get a vegan friendly mood, but the opposite.