Top This: D.C. Frozen Yogurt Face-off

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THERE IS ONLY ONE unbreakable rule for the new wave of frozen-yogurt stores: You cannot use uppercase text in your logo.

Beyond that, there is a tad more flexibility.

Most of these stores seem to spring from the same basic template, generally offering four yogurt flavors and a far larger selection of toppings. All seem to accept that the frozen yogurt will serve mostly as a vehicle for the add-ons. While I did encounter a few flavors that could hold their own (notably Tangysweet's pomegranate and Iceberry's honeydew), for the most part these yogurts are slightly tangy, slightly sweet, but not excessively flavorful. That works fine if you want to savor your blueberry, gummi bear and chocolate chip combo, but if you're a fan of taste and not textural novelty you may just want to stick with gelato.

Below are six takes on the local milk-curdled-by-bacteria-and-then-frozen scene:

SWEETGREEN
Sweetgreen distinguishes itself in a number of ways. It is the only local frozen yogurt chain that also offers entrees, in the form of myriad salad options. It has been certified by the Green Restaurant Association, and the chain's commitment to the environment is readily apparent. All of the bowls, utensils and napkins are biodegradable, and can be deposited in a separate trash container for composting. Sweetgreen's tables and stools are made of recycled bowling lanes, and the glossy wood is a refreshing change from the bare white walls and modular furniture so popular elsewhere. The yogurt options, it should be noted, are more limited than at other stores. Sweetgreen offers only one flavor, original tangy, and has just two sizes, both of which include three topping selections. At $4 for a small, $6 for a large, Sweetgreen offers the best buy for toppings enthusiasts, although it should be noted the selection tends toward natural options. Instead of the sugary cereals and gummi bears offered elsewhere, Sweetgreen boats a wholesome array of nuts and fresh and dried fruits. (3333 M St. NW; 1512 Connecticut Ave. NW; 4831 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, Md.) Sweetgreen.com

MR. YOGATO
If the Styx reference in the store's name wasn't enough to clue you in, Mr. Yogato aims to provide an offbeat, memorable frozen-yogurt experience. If the long lines in the evenings are any indication, the schtick is going over quite well. I sampled the "Del Boca Chazel" Chocolate Hazelnut flavor, and while it was pleasant enough, it wasn't particularly evocative of chocolate or nuts. Mr. Yogato boasts the largest topping selection, and features more cereal options than any other store, including Cookie Crisp, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and both Fruity and Chocolate Pebbles. The Web site also boasts such exotic options as olive oil, basil and balsamic vinaigrette. Mr. Yogato makes a concerted effort to be fun, offering discounts for answering trivia questions or agreeing to wear a Mr. Yogato stamp on your head, and keeping a selection of board games on hand. (1515 17th St. NW) Mryogato.com

TANGYSWEET
The pomegranate yogurt I tried was both icier and more flavorful than elsewhere, and paired well with fruit toppings. Tangysweet's topping options are less extensive than some, and mostly either traditional ice cream toppings or fruit. Tangyweet's most notable feature may be its decor. Although there is some seating, the left wall is dominated by waist high tables that jut out from the wall, periodically glowing in different shades. The outdoor tables offer excellent people watching. (2029 P St. NW) Tangysweet.com

ICEBERRY
Georgetown's Iceberry was the most expensive of the lot. Even the combination deals didn't provide much value, with a medium with three toppings priced at $6.15, pre-tax. I did enjoy the honeydew flavor, which was not available elsewhere. I did not necessarily enjoy the wall decor, which touted the health benefits of yogurt consumption. I know what probiotics are, and their potential digestive benefits, but I don't necessarily want to reflect upon them as I dine. Iceberry is also one of the few stores not to offer free samples, so be prepared to be decisive. (3001 M St. NW) Iceberryus.com

CALIYOGURT
The serene all-white Caliyogurt can seem like an oasis on 18th Street, particularly since it stocks a range of high end teas in addition to frozen yogurt. Whether you need cooling or warming, either way it is assured to be a calmer scene than the nearby Jumbo Slice outlets. The green-tea flavor was equally refreshing. The topping selection is considerable, including such exotic options as candy coated anise seeds and white chocolate chips. (2473 18th St NW) Caliyogurt.biz

YOGIBERRY
Yogiberry is in most ways like its yogurt peers, although it does have a few distinguishing characteristics. It has by far the largest storefront, and accordingly much more seating. In addition to yogurt, they serve shaved ice, which comes topped with flavored syrup, yogurt, mochi and, of course, the toppings of your choice. The topping selection includes the usual fruit, candy and crunchy options. (3515 Connecticut Ave. NW) Yogiberry.com

Written by Express contributor Meg Zamula
Photos by Meg Zamula for Express