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Purple Patch DC - A Culinary Gem In Washington

Claudie Prosacco

When you think about the places that truly make a city special, a restaurant often comes to mind, especially one that has grown from a simple idea into a beloved spot for so many people.

Purple Patch DC, you know, has been a real fixture in Washington, D.C., since it first opened its doors back in 2015. It was, in a way, one of the first places to really bring Filipino food to the area, and it's pretty much become a must-visit for folks coming from all over, as well as for those who live just around the corner.

This place, it's almost like a warm hug, offering something really special in the city's food scene. It’s been mentioned a lot in the Washington Post's dining write-ups, and in 2023, the well-known food writer, Tom Sietsema, even called it his top pick. That, honestly, tells you quite a bit about how much people appreciate what they do here.

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The Visionary Behind Purple Patch DC - Patrice Cleary's Story

Every truly memorable eating place, you know, often has someone with a really strong idea guiding it. In the case of Purple Patch DC, that person is Patrice Cleary. She's the one who brought this place to life. Her journey to opening her own eating establishment is, in a way, pretty interesting. She spent eight years serving in the Marine Corps, which is quite a commitment, and then, after that, she put in another eight years working in the food service business. So, she definitely had a lot of practical experience and, well, a good sense of what it takes to run a kitchen and a dining room.

What truly moved her to start Purple Patch DC was a desire to share something very personal: her mother's special cooking ideas. She also wanted to offer the kind of comforting food that her own family really enjoyed. It’s a very human reason to open a business, isn't it? She opened Purple Patch DC ahead of some other places that would later become quite well-known for Filipino cooking in the city, helping to put Washington, D.C., on the map as a place to find great Filipino food. This includes, you know, places like the late Bad Saint in Columbia Heights, which was quite a spot.

Her vision, basically, helped set a standard. She had this clear idea of what she wanted to create, and it seems to have really resonated with people. It’s pretty clear that her background and her personal connection to the food are a big part of what makes Purple Patch DC feel so genuine and welcoming to anyone who walks through its doors. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s a place where, in a way, family traditions come alive on the plate.

Patrice Cleary - A Brief Look

NamePatrice Cleary
BackgroundEight years in the Marine Corps
Previous ExperienceEight years in the restaurant business
Motivation for Purple Patch DCTo share her mother's recipes and family comfort food

What Makes Purple Patch DC a Standout Spot?

So, what exactly is it about Purple Patch DC that makes it, you know, so special and stand out among all the other eating places in Washington, D.C.? Well, for one thing, it brings together a really interesting mix of Filipino and American cooking styles. It’s not just one or the other; it’s a thoughtful blending of both, offering something for almost everyone. The folks who run the place really put their heart and soul into every dish they make, and you can, honestly, kind of taste that dedication in the food.

This spot also has a real comfortable, neighborhood feel to it. It’s the kind of place where you can just, you know, relax and feel at home, almost like a friendly local gathering spot. That atmosphere, combined with the excellent food, makes it a place people want to return to again and again. It’s not just about the meal; it’s about the whole experience of being there, which is pretty much what makes a place truly memorable.

Then there's the consistent praise it gets. Purple Patch DC has, as a matter of fact, regularly appeared in the Washington Post's dining guides. When a respected food critic like Tom Sietsema calls it his top choice, that really speaks volumes about the consistent quality and appeal of the place. It shows that they’re not just having a good day here and there; they’re consistently delivering a great experience, and that, you know, is something quite remarkable in the busy food world.

A Taste of Home - The Flavors of Purple Patch DC

When you sit down to eat at Purple Patch DC, you’re in for a treat that really brings out a wonderful, next-level kind of authentic taste. Let’s talk about some of the food, because that’s, you know, a big part of the experience. The lumpia, which are Filipino spring rolls, are just so wonderfully crispy on the outside, and then when you bite into them, the inside is bursting with so much good taste. You will, honestly, probably find yourself wanting another helping, and I certainly did, to be honest!

And the grilled skewers? Oh, my goodness, more please! They’re cooked to perfection, really, just the right amount of tenderness and flavor, and they go so well with the kawali, which is another dish that, you know, just hits all the right notes. This place, run by a Filipino owner and operator, serves up classic Filipino dishes that are truly beloved, like lumpia, chicken adobo, and sizzling sisig. But they also offer American favorites, such as macaroni gratinee and burgers, all made with that same dedication and care.

The menu at Purple Patch DC is pretty varied, offering something for different times of the day, whether you’re there for brunch or dinner. You can also pick up pantry items and beverages. Some of the specific dishes you might find include the ube waffle, which is, you know, a unique and colorful treat, the lechon kawali, and, of course, adobo. Then there’s the coconut curry chicken, any of the sliders, and the Filipino bistek, which is, basically, marinated in soy sauce and lime juice, giving it a really bright and savory flavor. You can also find ginisang hilton and coconut curry short ribs, which are, you know, other delightful options on their menu. It’s a very satisfying spread of food, honestly.

How Did Purple Patch DC Become a Local Favorite?

So, how did Purple Patch DC, you know, manage to become such a beloved spot for so many people? It opened its doors in 2015, making it one of the first Filipino restaurants in Washington, D.C., and from that moment, it started to draw in visitors from both nearby areas and from much further away. Over the years, it has, you know, really grown into a destination that people seek out, which is pretty cool.

The restaurant itself has a very charming feel to it, located in the Mount Pleasant area, and it offers a unique blend of Filipino cooking with some interesting fusion twists. It’s not just the food, though. The place has, honestly, such a fun atmosphere, and the people who work there are just so friendly. That welcoming vibe, you know, really makes a difference and encourages people to come back.

I remember visiting for a Yelp event when they first opened, and I’ve loved it ever since, basically. It’s kind of funny, but Purple Patch DC and I actually share the same birthday, so I’ve celebrated a few birthdays there, including my most recent one. It’s always, you know, such a good time, and the staff really makes you feel at home. This personal connection, shared by many who visit, helps explain why it’s become such a cherished place in the community. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where memories are made, which is pretty much what you want from a local spot.

Beyond the Plate - Events and Gatherings at Purple Patch DC

Purple Patch DC is, you know, not just a place where you can go for a regular meal; it’s also a spot that can help you with your special gatherings. They are, as a matter of fact, quite ready to host or even cater your next event. Whether you’re planning something small and intimate or a bigger get-together, they have options that can, you know, fit your needs. It’s a pretty convenient way to bring their delicious food and warm atmosphere to your own celebration.

For anyone who wants more details about hosting private events there, or about their catering services, you can find all the information you need in their brochure. It covers available spaces and what they can offer in terms of food and drinks. You just need to, you know, tap or click the button on their site to make a request for private events and catering. It’s a very straightforward process, really, making it easy to plan your next gathering with them.

This ability to host events adds another layer to what Purple Patch DC provides to the community. It means that the good feelings and great tastes that people experience in the restaurant can also be brought to their own homes or event spaces, allowing more people to enjoy what Purple Patch DC is all about. It’s a pretty comprehensive service, offering more than just a table for dinner.

Where Can You Find Purple Patch DC?

If you’re looking to visit Purple Patch DC, you’ll find it, you know, at 3155 Mount Pleasant Street NW, right here in Washington, D.C. It’s located in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, which is, basically, a really welcoming and lively part of the city. You can, of course, order food online from Purple Patch DC, and you can even do so through TripAdvisor, which is pretty convenient.

Speaking of TripAdvisor, it’s worth noting that Purple Patch DC has, you know, received quite a bit of attention there. It has 104 unbiased reviews, and it’s ranked #269 among 1,902 restaurants in Washington, D.C., which is a pretty good showing given the sheer number of eating places in the city. You can also get their menu, see photos of the dishes, and find location information easily online, which is very helpful when you’re planning a visit.

If you’re thinking about booking a table, you can do that too. Or, if for some reason you can’t get a spot there, you can, you know, book at one of the other 7968 great restaurants in Washington. But honestly, Purple Patch DC is a popular cocktail bar and restaurant, offering that unique mix of Filipino and American food, so it’s often a top choice for many. It’s a place that, you know, really draws people in, whether they're looking for a casual meal or something a little more special.

What's Next for Purple Patch DC?

Purple Patch DC has been around for a while now, and it’s, you know, a pretty big deal that they’re celebrating their 10th anniversary. That’s a significant milestone for any eating establishment, showing their lasting appeal and success in the city. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team there, who have, you know, consistently delivered a great experience to their guests over a full decade.

The person behind Purple Patch DC, Patrice Cleary, has also been busy with other ventures. She has, as a matter of fact, launched two locations of Joia Burger DC since she first opened Purple Patch DC. This shows that her vision and her ability to create successful food spots extend beyond just one concept. It’s pretty clear that she has a real knack for the food business, and her continued work helps to shape the dining scene in Washington, D.C.

So, while Purple Patch DC continues to be a beloved spot, serving up its unique blend of Filipino and American comfort food, it’s also part of a broader story of culinary creativity and growth in the city. The team at Purple Patch DC, you know, continues to celebrate AANHPI culture, one dish at a time, often with a mother and daughter team involved, which is, you know, a very sweet touch. It’s exciting to see what else they might bring to the table in the future, honestly.

Purple Patch

Purple Patch

Purple Patch DC

Purple Patch DC

Purple Patch DC

Purple Patch DC

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