Close-up of Coffee Cup on Table photo by Chevanon Photography- Pexels.

20 Best Coffee Shops in Washington DC


 

It comes as no surprise that the American government’s headquarters is a busy location. There are countless important meetings, spirited discussions, and active people working on various projects every day around the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.

Even while lawmakers toil around the clock to maintain the best-functioning democracy in the world, they need assistance. Despite not having a particular reputation as a coffee hot spot, Washington, DC, has a thriving coffee scene comparable to that of any other major city.

In order to rectify that omission and assist you in learning about all the excellent locations in DC where you can grab a tasty cup of coffee and a fast meal, we put together this guide.

In addition, this post is for you whether you’re a tourist seeking a pick-me-up in between seeing museums and landmarks or a busy professional who needs a little additional oomph to keep the productivity machine chugging along. So here are the 20 best coffee shops in Washington DC:

1. Grace Street Coffee Roasters

Photo of a Hand Holding Out a Steaming Cup photo by Edward Eyer-Pexels.

As its name suggests, Grace Street Coffee Roasters is both a coffee shop and a roaster. To extract the most flavor out of each bean, a team of experts roasts their coffee on-site using ethical sourcing techniques.

The distinction is glaring, and the coffee at Grace Street is exceptional. At Grace Street, coffee is the main attraction, with a few pastries and light fare filling the background.

A spacious, spotless seating space is available inside where you may open a laptop and complete some work or catch up with a friend while sipping a single-origin pour-over.

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Practical information:
Address: 3210 Grace St NW Ste 100, Washington, DC 20007, United States

2. Swing’s Coffee

People in Cafeteria photo by
Quang Nguyen Vinh-Pexels.

Within walking distance of the White House, Swing’s Coffee is situated in the center of Washington. Another coffee business that roasts its own beans is Swing’s, where the staff is helpful and amiable.

Although they have a limited range of pastries, you don’t go to Swings for the pastries. The quality of their coffee and espresso is unmatched, and the prices are reasonable. At Swing’s, the ambiance is cozy and pleasant. You can take pleasure in their superb pour-over in a welcoming, rural setting.

practical information:
open hours: Mon- Fri: 8 am- 3 pm, Sat&Sun: closed
address: 640 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States
contact: +1 202-652-0188

3. Bourbon Coffee

Coffee Shop photo by Lisa Fotios-Pexels.

One of the best places to focus on work or study in the DC region is Bourbon Coffee. They provide friendly surroundings and inviting seating options ideal for working individually or in a team.

The internet is also unbelievably quick and has limitless access, which is hard to get by these days. Although a little costly, the coffee is excellent.

However, if you buy a fresh bag of beans, they include a free cup as a lovely bonus, which helps to make the price more tolerable. The price is higher since only Rwandan coffee is used, which is why.

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practical information:
open hours: Mon- Fri: 7:30 am- 5 pm, Sat&Sun: closed
address: 2101 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States
contact:  +1 202-525-1886

4. Emissary

Top-view Photo of Restaurant photo by Dmitry Zvolskiy-Pexels.

Located in the DC region, Emissary is a sizable coffee shop with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. They provide all of your favorite espresso drinks, pour over’s, and two must-have cold brew blends.

Additionally, they offer a sizable food selection, which ranges from smoked salmon toast to a basic egg sandwich. Later in the day, you can also take advantage of their modest beer and wine selection. After a long day, you can unwind with a post-work beer and any option from their limited selection of bar snacks.

practical information:
open hours: Mon- Thur: 7:30 am- 9 pm, Fri &Sat: 7:30 am- 11 pm, Sun: 7:30 am- 6 pm
contact:   +1 202-748-5655

5. Dolcezza

Coffee Brown Signage photo by Clem Onojeghuo-Pexels.

Many people consider any establishment that allows them to sweeten their espresso with gelato to be a winner. Dolcezza is well-known for its innovative seasonal gelato flavors, but the coffee program is equally impressive.

It uses Stumptown Coffee Roasters beans and serves a variety of espresso drinks as well as single-origin drip or pour-over coffee. However, the creamy, nitrogen-infused beverage resembles a Guinness rather than a coffee.

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practical information:
open hours: Mon-Sun: 8:30 am- 8:30 pm 
address:  No.16, Jalan Tasik Permaisuri 2, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
contact:  +60 19-206 7880

6. Qualia Coffee

Man Standing Beside Commercial Espresso Machine photo by Marta Dzedyshko-Pexels.

The DC-based roaster Qualia Coffee has many shops in the metro region. You can always expect to enjoy a fresh, delectable cup of coffee whenever you decide to come by because their coffee is roasted at least once a week.

Their espresso is also nothing to scoff at, and they produce a killer pour-over. Make sure to allow plenty of time to visit Qualia because service can be a little slow. They provide a sporadic selection of pastries and baked foods. When you go there, it is advised that you taste some of their cookies because they are quite excellent.

practical information:
open hours: Mon- Fri: 8 am- 1 pm, Sat & Sun: 8 am- 3 pm
address:  3917 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011, United States
contact: +1 202-599-1325

7. The Wydown Coffee Bar

Clean Coffee Shop photo by julie aagaard-Pexels.

Despite being independent of The Coffee Bar, The Wydown Coffee Bar offers snacks and coffee that are just as good. The food selection at Wydown is more than that of the coffee shop, and it includes full breakfast items including egg sandwiches and a variety of toasts.

In contrast to The Coffee Bar, Wydown has a contemporary design with abstract art gracing the walls as well as a wide foyer and seating space. If you intend to attend before work, allow some additional time because it might get busy.

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practical information:
open hours: Mon- Fri: 6:30 am- 6 pm, Sat & Sun: 7 am- 6 pm 
address: 1924 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
contact: +1 202-507-8411

8. Pineapple and Pearls

Black Espresso Maker With Cup photo by Viktoria Alipatova-Pexels.

Aaron Silverman’s new luxury tasting menu restaurant has an equally flawless casual counterpart.

The coffee bar, which is open during the day Tuesday through Saturday, is stocked with Parlor Coffee beans, as well as breakfast pastries including a pineapple roll, which is quite certain, and a few savory lunch options.

You can also go upscale by using pistachio or hazelnut milk in your espresso. However, something to note is that the coffee shop has no seating, so you’ll have to grab the goods and go.

practical information:
open hours: Mon & Tue: closed, Wed-Sat: 5- 9 pm, Sun: closed
Address: 715 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States
contact:  +1 202-595-7375

9. Takoma Beverage Company

Person Pouring Coffee on White Ceramic Cup photo by Helena Lopes-Pexels.

Pour-overs, revolving art displays, and mixed drinks were introduced to downtown Takoma Park in 2017 by the all-day coffee shop and bar run by two alumni of Northside Social. Since then, the well-liked cafe has expanded into the space next door, increasing its capacity by twofold.

A white quartz front counter with a display case packed with pastries and other impulsive purchases is located there, along with a special espresso machine made just for the establishment that is fed only Counter Culture Coffee. Open every day from 7:30 am to 9 pm. Beer, wine, and cocktails are also offered at the coffee shop.

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Practical information:
Address: 6917 Laurel Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Contact: (240) 641-5323

10. La Coop Coffee

At La Coop, the word “family” quickly comes to mind. The beans are sourced by the company’s founder Juan Luis Salazar Cano from a cooperative he established in Union Cantinil, a hamlet in Guatemala’s Huehuetenango area.

The coffee shop is located in a charming Manor Park house with a large yard and porch where customers may relax while enjoying a chai latte or herbal tea. The property is bordered by a white picket fence.

Empanadas made in the style of Colombia, burritos, bagelitos, and New York-style pizza are all offered at the coffee shop. Arlington will soon receive a new outpost.

Practical Information:
Address: 5505 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20011
Contact: (202) 921-9202

11. Lost Sock Coffee Shop

In 2021, Lost Sock Roasters unveiled their first retail location. However, Its Takoma location is a small but cozy shop that serves Argentine-style empanadas, toasts, and pour-overs featuring beans from Ecuador and other South American nations.

Before opening its first store, the small-batch coffee firm was already selling brewed coffee at Call Your Mother and A Baked Joint, among other locations. Furthermore, it just opened a stylish outlet inside the Phillips Collection at Dupont.

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Practical information:
Address: 6833 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012
Contact: (781) 572-6319

12. Roasted Boon Co

In the summer of 2020, an Eritrean-owned coffee shop opened at the popular Shaw intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and 11th Street NW. The centerpiece of the sit-and-stay hangout, which is open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., is a touch-screen-enabled roaster that draws flavor from coffee beans from Brazil, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Guatemala. Daily supplies are provided by the neighborhood bakery Fresh Baguette.

Practical information:
address: 1018 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
contact: (202) 925-6800

 13. Rako

Rako Coffee Roasters a women-owned business in Virginia, launched an all-day café in Clarendon in 2021 that served customary espresso drinks and inventive specials such as a vanilla latte topped with volcanic black salt.

The café turns to serve glasses of wine, drinks, and cheese platters in the late afternoon after serving breakfast and brunch. Currently, there is a Capitol Hill pop-up at 27 Independence Avenue Southeast, and new stores are coming to 14th Street within Studio Theatre and next to Amazon HQ2 in Crystal City.

Practical information:
Address: 2016 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
contact: (571) 312-4817

14. Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters

With nitro cold brew on tap, a pour-over station, and a glass-enclosed cupping chamber, Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters opened a modern home base in Pentagon City in 2016.

Every holiday is thoroughly celebrated at the corner café, and the first week of December sees the introduction of a wintery brew and set of decorations. The Arlington roaster provides individualized orders of packaged cold brew, whole beans, or ground coffee through its online store.

Practical information:
address: 520 12th St S Suite 150, Arlington, VA 22202
contact: (855) 248-7688 

15. Cameo

 Cameo was the first vendor to open inside the Roost, a Southeast food hall managed by the venerable Neighborhood Restaurant Group. The coffee shop sells seasonal lattes made with beans from Brooklyn roaster Parlor Coffee and changes up the flavors on a monthly basis, so expect bold flavors. There’s also a menu of muffins, cupcakes, and chocolate bars for those who prefer something sweet.

Practical information:
address: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

16.  Café Unido at La Cosecha

Café Unido, located in the Latin market La Cosecha, is the first location of a Panamanian coffee chain in the United States. Founders Benito Bermudez and Mario Castrellon a chef named to San Pellegrino’s list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants get beans directly from Panamanian growers and interestingly donate a portion of their sales to social and environmental projects. In Shaw, a new outpost has recently opened.

Practical information:
Address: 1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002.

17. Peregrine Espresso

Peregrine Espresso takes its coffee seriously. Ryan Jensen, the owner, is a career coffee addict who has worked for a variety of coffee companies since his first job in a coffee shop in college.

He and his team have won numerous barista competition awards, and it shows. With locations on Eastern Market, Union Market, and 14th Street, the local chain has infiltrated the city.  Additionally, for its espresso drinks, single-origin filter drip, and pour-over coffee, it uses Counter Culture Coffee.

practical information: 
open hours: Mon- Fri: 7 am- 6 pm, Sat & Sun: 8 am- 4 pm
Address: 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States
contact: +1 202-629-4381

 18. Tryst

This beloved DC institution combines a neighborhood coffeehouse, bar, and lounge. Unfortunately, that means you’ll have to compete with everyone else who enjoys the cozy atmosphere and free Wi-Fi.

But it’s worth it for the straightforward coffee menu featuring Counter Culture beans, the organic tea selection, and the pretty robust breakfast and brunch options. In addition, it also serves beer, wine, and cocktails in the evening.

practical information: 
open hours: Mon-Sun: 7 am- 9 pm
Address: 2459 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
Contact:  +1 202-232-5500

19. The coffee bar

The Coffee Bar is a favorite among residents and has two sites in Northwest, one off the busy 14th Street area in Shaw and the other off the 17th Street neighborhood in The Golden Triangle. The Coffee Bar is stylish, hospitable, and cozy.

The Coffee Bar, which serves coffee from all around the nation, emphasizes diversity and acceptance of ambiguity. It is not at all surprising that The Coffee Bar has won numerous awards from both regional and national media sources.

Practical information:
address: 1201 S St NW, Washington, DC 20009
contact: 202-733-1049

20. Elizabeth’s counter

In the Alexandria, Virginia neighborhood of Washington, D.C., there is a coffee shop called Elizabeth’s Counter that welcomes vegans and vegetarians. The patisserie items at Elizabeth’s Counter are made from plants.

Additionally, their Donut Holes and Apple Fritters are said to be wonderful and go well with their homemade Hot Chocolate. Their Popovers are said to be delectable, and it is difficult to imagine that they are entirely plant-based.

Furthermore, Captain Gregory’s speakeasy is the sibling store of Elizabeth’s Counter. Together, they are able to provide a Speakeasy at Home Program to local clients.

Practical Information:
Address:  804 N Henry St, Alexandria, VA 22314
contact: 703-577-9023