WHILE EMERGING NEIGHBORHOODS from Columbia Heights to Silver Spring have been bombarded with chain eateries, Barracks Row on 8th Street SE remains committed to saving its local soul.

One of the newest arrivals is Cafe 8, a Mediterranean restaurant featuring salads, sandwiches, skewered meats and pides. Cousins to the calzone, pides are canoe-shaped slabs of dough filled with Turkish Kaser cheese and additions such as spinach, ground lamb and olives.

But what separates this inviting space from the hordes of new dining rooms in the area is price. Entrees top out at $15.50 and an accompanying glass of Turkish wine is quite drinkable at $4.75. Be sure to check back in the coming weeks; the menu will soon expand to include mezze plates, seafood and homemade ice cream.

» Cafe 8, 424 8th St. SE; 202-547-1555.

Written by Express contributor Stefanie Gans
Photo by Mehmet Dikbayır

Posted by Express at 8:20 AM on February 28, 2008
Tagged in Eating Around , Entertainment , Free Ride , Top Stories