Editor’s Note: The title of this piece was edited
Having gone to bed way too late to be waking up at 6:45 a.m., we were both pretty groggy as we headed toward the Rosslyn GUTS bus at the start of our early morning journey to Protein Bar’s Penn Quarter location. A quick metro ride to Gallery Place (a trip that most Georgetown students know very well) and a two-block walk brought us to our destination: Protein Bar, a small café nestled at the corner of 7th and D St. that prides itself on creating interesting and fun, high-protein, low-fat dishes.
Having searched Protein Bar online the night before our adventure, we were thrilled to see that it was just as funky and as hip as the internet had portrayed it to be. Upon entering the “bar,” we were greeted with a warm hello from the young host. Already feeling at home from the friendly greeting, we were taken aback by Protein Bar’s cozy yet alternative interior. Retro-style red chairs and comfy booths were placed throughout the room. On the walls, there were signs with inspirational phrases such as “made better tastes better” and “not all calories are created equally – choose wisely” that made us feel as if we had made the right decision to dine there. We were also impressed by the soothing music. Our breakfast was starting out on the right foot.
Everything on the menu was out of the ordinary, with “Protein Bar-Ritos,” quinoa bowls like “Pepita Spice,” scrambled egg bowls like “Santa Fe Scramble,” and signature salads. We both opted for oatmeal bowls, consisting of organic oats with a choice of chocolate or vanilla protein, milk, agave nectar, and a delicious topping of fresh fruit. All the workers were young, energetic, and friendly, and talked up the order you had just made so that by the time your food arrived—which only took about three minutes—you couldn’t wait to try it. The oatmeal was delicious, perfectly warm, and, due to the extra protein they added, very filling. A perfect start to a freezing day packed with classes that leaves time only for a quick Grab’n Go lunch.
We also both ordered a smoothie from the drinks menu, from which every drink sounded delectable. “The Red Line” was a smoothie of vanilla protein, milk, strawberries, and bananas, and for having 16 grams of protein for 158 calories, it’s easy to drink without feeling guilty for the rest of the day. You also have the option to add a “Booster” (such as fat-burner, flu-fighter, and hangover cures) to any drink.
While some of the menu options might scare some of the less adventurous eaters away (marinated tofu? vegan buffalo sauce?), if you are up for trying something new and delicious and getting a healthy and satisfying meal in the process, Protein Bar is definitely worth the trip.
