Your Only Friend — Restaurant in Washington

You’re in the right the place when compromising on your order STILL includes 5 sandwiches.

My brother and I arrived right at 11 on a Saturday to a flourishing back kitchen and welcoming staff. And, after viewing the open kitchen, we pivoted right. An open room hosting a centered, round bar is where we met our soon-to-be server and our sandwich sommelier. He answered any/all questions then advised we move to a bigger table once we decided on the order. Protip right there...

Our order consisted of the following: Chicky Pep No.2, Mort & Mootz, Spicy Panes Con Pavo, The RPG and Gas Station Migos. ‘Migos appears to not yet be a menu staple so that was my first vote. The remaining four were toss-ups yet curated choices. See, I’m not picky but aim for sandwich size. My brother, on the other hand, IS and aims for quality above all. Your Only Friend showcases both. Again, came to the right place.

Sandwiches came out one after another in no particular order. Oh, and after the quickly prepared and promptly fried Cool Ranch Dorito’d onion rings. Meant to mention these. Much like every single sandwich were phenomenal. Review over.

Really though, there’s no ranking. No comparison. No YOF “favorite” here. Every sandwich from the 5(!) were standouts, worthy of all the glory and praise one could give, well, a sandwich individually. Quality coupled with satisfaction delivered bite by bite made ordering dessert a no brainer. Insert the Atlantic Beach Pie, a custard pie reminding me of a tartless Key Lime one if there ever was such a thing. Well done.

While I don’t plan on ordering 5 sandwiches my next visit, I DO plan on returning for cocktails and wings. Oh, and their absinthe pie! Pretty sure it won’t have me hallucinating on how great it...

Thankfully, Your Only Friend has been on my foodie radar (and my friends list) for a few years now! Their sandwiches are seriously good. I recently stopped by while I was in the area for a work event, and it’s always my go-to spot whenever I’m near the Washington Convention Center.

The last time I visited, several months ago, I tried to order my favorite—the RPG, an Asian-inspired roasted pork sandwich bursting with flavor. I’m convinced it’s the combination of garlic mayo and duck sauce with perfectly roasted pork. I rarely eat pork, but I always make an exception for Your Only Friend. The sandwich is MESSY to eat, so make sure to get plenty of napkins. Thankfully, it was worth any mess!

Your Only Friend is a casual, unassuming spot, and I was so excited to hear it recently received a Michelin star ⭐️. Foodies know that’s a big deal! Huge congratulations to the Your Only Friend team!

When I stopped in the other day, the whole place had a vibe. Great music, happy staff, and that unmistakable energy of people who love what they do. The menu is simple but fun—each sandwich has a clever name like the Caul Me Maybe (roasted cauliflower) or the Mort & Mootz (mortadella and mozzarella).

They also offer snacks and a few drinks, rounding out the experience.

If you’re craving a well-made sandwich with a laid-back vibe, even if your friend circle is big, make sure to stop by Your Only Friend.

In addition to the take out area, there is a bar with some booth seating as well, with fun...

Once a pop up inside Columbia Room (RIP), Your Only Friend is near Blagden Alley along 9th Street NW. It's perfect because the first room is set up like a fast casual restaurant selling eight different sandwiches and snacks like caramelized shallot dip and miso chex mix. And that's their vibe. They take accessible food like chex mix and elevate it. Proof is a cocktail on the menu made with Mountain Dew (awesome!).

Just past the sandwich shop is one large room with a bar in the middle below a stained-glass art piece. The cocktail list will expand, but for now, there are ten options, wine, and beer, including a yellow beer.

My friend and I each ordered two drinks each and really enjoyed one of ours. The Amaretto Sour was very smooth and refreshing. The Clarified Orange Julius was unique, but I personally found it too sweet. (I usually have a sweet tooth!)

Enjoying less sweet drinks, my friend found the Celery Gimlet excellent. His next drink- Espresso Martini- was a little watered down.

Overall, it was a great experience. It's near many other restaurants and bars. Service was impeccable. The bartenders are good at their jobs, friendly, and attentive. The space is beautiful and inviting. It's a great place to catch up...