Located in the basement of the United House of Prayer for All People church in Washington’s historic Shaw neighborhood, Saint’s Paradise Cafeteria has become a beloved gathering place for residents seeking wholesome, affordable meals.
Low‑cost meals rooted in faith and community
Manager Alicia Guy proudly advertises a $9.99 blue‑plate special that includes a protein—often chicken or fish—a drink, and two sides such as baked macaroni and cheese, seasoned collard greens, or potato salad. The menu also features fried, baked and smothered chicken, pork chops, spareribs, short ribs, cabbage, candied yams, mashed potatoes, black‑eyed peas and rice. Specials rotate daily; recent offerings have included meatloaf with short ribs and a spaghetti‑and‑pig‑feet combo.
Guy’s connection to Saint’s Paradise dates back to 1983, when she first worked in the cafeteria before embarking on a 35‑year career with Marriott. After retiring, she returned to run the kitchen she still calls her church home, citing “the love, the peace” as her motivation.
Generations of volunteers and patrons
Long‑time customers like Linda Walker attest to the cafeteria’s consistency: “The old ladies in the kitchen cooking, and the food is fantastic. I recommend it to everybody.” One of those “old ladies,” 83‑year‑old Ora Roberts, has spent three decades preparing eggs and pancakes, saying, “Who wants to sit home and lay around and get old? Not me. That’s my purpose.”
Patrons such as Peter Boersma, who stopped by while on paternity leave, left impressed: “Love it. Definitely would come back. Want to come back and try all the lunch stuff too.”
Family‑run baking and a bright dining space
Alberta Savage‑El, a lifelong member of the church, contributes a variety of homemade cakes, including key‑lime, strawberry‑key‑lime, pineapple‑coconut, and chocolate‑chip creations. Despite being below street level, large skylights flood the dining room with natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Saint’s Paradise operates daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., accepting cash only. Breakfast options feature bacon, sausage, scrapple, eggs, grits, fried potatoes and fish, while lunch offers a rotating selection of hearty entrees and sides.
More than a cafeteria
Beyond affordable nutrition, the cafeteria embodies the church’s mission of service, providing a safe, family‑friendly environment where neighbors can share a meal, fellowship, and a sense of purpose. As Guy sums up the ethos of Saint’s Paradise, “Love, peace, joy—that’s what it’s all about.”
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
