Wonkette
Pret a Manger, the British version of Potbelly’s, has invaded DC. The gourmet sandwich chain opened at the end of January and is located right on I St., a convenient location for DC’s hungry workaholics.
The sandwiches and lunch fare are interesting, certainly a change from plain old American bread fillers like turkey and tuna. There’s a wild poached salmon and horseradish sandwich, mince pies, cassoulet soup, and cheddar and pickle baguettes (how very British indeed!).
You can say it the French way, “pghetta manj” or you can say “pret-a-maynjer” like a Yank. Or better yet, you can just refer it to the way the Brits do, simply as “pret.”
Pret a Manger, 1825 I St, NW, [map]
Uggh, my sympathies to DC. If you like a pre-made sandwhich served up in a box with a gooey filling and all the same (cold temperature), then go here. They also sell flavorless, factory made boxed sushi, also of all the same temperature.
This place was only good when there were literally no other decent lunch places in London.
Anyone know if they are still owned at least partially by McDonalds?
I’d call it a more user-friendly, less shame-inducing Starbucks, just for the wide selection, than a Potbelly’s (which I also love, but is more niche) and I love their bold RED STAR logo. I get my daily morning Mocha from Pret every time I’m in London.