Before transitioning to a full-time writing career, I brewed lattes, pour-overs, and drip coffee for three years at a specialty coffee café. Since losing my employee discount, I’ve been on a quest for the perfect cup. Here are my top spots around DC where I indulge when a generic coffee just won’t do.
Laptop-Friendly Coffee Shops
La Coop
500 Kennedy St., NW
La Coop boasts plush velvet seating and vibrant botanical wallpaper, along with a coffee roaster on-site. Located in Brightwood Park, this café offers ethically sourced coffee and a signature ‘dirty horchata’ made with housemade horchata and concentrated cold brew. Whether you prefer to sip indoors or on their turfed patio, the reliable Wi-Fi ensures you can work comfortably.
Ceremony Coffee
7475 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda
This branch of the Annapolis-based Ceremony Coffee provides a serene atmosphere perfect for focused work. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and quality coffee, with ample seating both indoors and on a heated, sheltered patio.
Vigilante Coffee Company
4327 Gallatin St., Hyattsville
With its industrial-chic decor, featuring burlap coffee sacks, Vigilante Coffee Company in Hyattsville is a cozy place to get work done. Their espresso drinks are created using the expertly crafted Tin Lizzie coffee blend, and they offer flavor options such as maple-spice and honey-cinnamon.
Local Roasters You Must Try
Lost Sock
6833 Fourth St., NW
Nestled next to the historic Takoma Theatre, Lost Sock is renowned for its ethically sourced coffee, roasted in small batches in Brightwood Park. Their menu extends beyond coffee, featuring unique homemade syrups and food options like empanadas and sandwiches. You can even pick up some branded merchandise, including a cute cortado mug.
Swing’s Coffee
Locations in Del Ray, Foggy Bottom, and Penn Quarter
This established Alexandria-based coffee shop sources beans ethically worldwide and roasts them locally. Their blends, including “G Street” and “Diplomat Blend,” pair beautifully with hand-brewed and espresso options available at all locations.
Best Café Menu Items
Any Day Now
2 I St., SE
This Navy Yard café dazzles with its Vietnamese iced coffee topped with ube foam and steamed egg sandwiches on homemade scallion pancakes. At 5 PM, the ambiance shifts as it transforms into a full-service restaurant, serving larger dishes like steak au poivre.
A Baked Joint
430 K St., NW
Known for its exceptional coffee—especially the house nitro—A Baked Joint pairs its delightful beverages with freshly-baked sourdough toasts and delicious biscuit sandwiches. This café is the perfect spot for satisfying both your sweet and savory cravings.
Delicious Sweet Treats
Hiraya Café
1248 H St., NE
This vibrant Filipino restaurant offers an all-day breakfast menu and Asian-inspired coffee drinks, including lattes made with ube and pandan. These drinks not only taste delicious but are also visually stunning.
The Coffee Bar
Locations in Shaw and Downtown
The signature drink at The Coffee Bar is a cardamom-infused latte, a floral and subtly spicy delight. While this café serves hot drinks, they also offer classic cold options like dirty chai and Madagascar-vanilla lattes.
For Coffee Enthusiasts
Filter Coffeehouse
1916 I St., NW
This establishment features a wall full of ceramic coffee cones and offers traditional macchiatos, signaling that serious coffee lovers will find their home here. The barista excels at identifying coffee notes and can tailor pour-overs to your specific taste.
Bump ‘n Grind Analog Market
923 Gist Ave., Silver Spring
Bump ‘n Grind, situated in a quaint house alongside an antiques market, serves quality drip coffee made from local Kensington beans. Plans for an espresso machine are in the works, but for now, their hand-brew options are spot on.
Café Unido
Locations in Shaw and Union Market
This café specializes in high-quality Panama Geisha beans that deliver unique flavors thanks to their high-altitude origin. With roots in Panama, Café Unido is dedicated to crafting exceptional coffee and offers a delightful brunch on weekends.
Late-Night Coffee Spots
Dolcezza
Multiple Locations
This beloved coffee and gelato shop serves espresso drinks and frozen treats until late—perfect for night owls. Certain locations remain open until midnight on weekends, making it an excellent spot to unwind after hours.
Tryst
2459 18th St., NW
With its eclectic decor, Tryst is an Adams Morgan staple. The menu includes unique drinks like rooibos tea lattes and a seasonal cereal milk latte, and it features an impressive all-day breakfast lineup along with a cocktail list. Open late, Tryst is ideal for anyone seeking great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.
Discover the Best Coffee Shops in Washington, D.C.
Whether you’re a remote worker in need of a cozy spot with reliable Wi-Fi or a coffee enthusiast seeking the finest brews, Washington, D.C. offers a variety of fantastic coffee shops. From local roasters to unique café fare, each location brings something distinctive to the table. Here’s a curated list of must-visit coffee shops that elevate your coffee experience.
Laptop-Friendly Gems
La Coop
500 Kennedy St., NW
Welcome to La Coop, where modern design meets comfort! This Brightwood Park location features plush velvet seating and botanical wallpaper, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Indulge in ethically sourced coffee or try the shop’s unique signature drink, the dirty horchata, which combines house-made horchata with concentrated cold brew. Enjoy your drink inside or on the outdoor patio, both equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi.
Ceremony Coffee
7475 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda
A calming oasis, Ceremony Coffee offers a serene backdrop for coffee lovers. The Annapolis-based roaster’s Bethesda location boasts ample seating, free Wi-Fi, and exceptional single-origin coffee. It’s the ideal spot to dive into your work or simply savor an exquisite cup of coffee.
Vigilante Coffee Company
4327 Gallatin St., Hyattsville
Vigilante Coffee Company impresses with its industrial-chic interior and a soft rumble from the in-house roaster. With plenty of tables and a signature Tin Lizzie espresso blend, it’s a favorite for both studying and socializing. Customize your drink with flavors like maple-spice or honey-cinnamon for a unique twist.
Local Roasters Worth Checking Out
Lost Sock
6833 Fourth St., NW
Next to the historic Takoma Theatre, Lost Sock is celebrated for its small-batch roasted coffee and exceptional menu. Along with classic flavors, they offer unique homemade syrups and various savory options like empanadas and pan de yuca. Don’t forget to grab some branded merchandise for a lasting coffee memory!
Swing’s Coffee
Multiple Locations
With roots in Alexandria, Swing’s Coffee showcases ethically sourced beans perfected through expert roasting. Enjoy blends like “G Street” and “Embassy Row” while sampling their hand-brewed and espresso offerings. Their passion for quality coffee shines through in every cup!
Cafés Serving Flavorful Fare
Any Day Now
2 I St., SE
This Navy Yard café features an all-day breakfast menu alongside creative drinks like Vietnamese iced coffee topped with ube foam. Transitioning into a full-service restaurant at 5 PM, Any Day Now offers a delightful array of both brunch staples and hearty dinner options, making it a versatile spot for all your dining needs.
A Baked Joint
430 K St., NW
Famed for its baked goods from Baked and Wired, A Baked Joint is a D.C. favorite. Alongside fresh sourdough toasts and biscuit sandwiches, the café serves remarkable coffee, especially their house nitro, making it a delightful stop for both food and drink enthusiasts.
Ellē
3221 Mount Pleasant St., NW
Known for its stellar breakfast options, Ellē offers dishes like beet-cured salmon bagels and inventive pastries like guava turnovers. Their coffee selection features both classic espresso drinks and unique creations such as tarragon/date lattes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
D.C.’s Sweetest Treats
Hiraya Café
1248 H St., NE
At Hiraya Café, indulge in creative lattes infused with Asian flavors, including ube and makulay. With all-day breakfast offerings, the café combines delicious food and eye-catching drinks in a vibrant setting, perfect for those seeking a unique culinary experience.
Late Night Coffee Adventures
Dolcezza
Multiple Locations
Combining coffee with gelato, Dolcezza offers a delightful experience well into the night, with locations that stay open as late as midnight. They serve expertly crafted espresso drinks along with delicious frozen treats, making it ideal for late-night cravings.
Tryst
2459 18th St., NW
Famous for its eclectic decor and extensive drink menu, Tryst serves everything from seasonal lattes to all-day breakfast and cocktails. With a cozy atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for evening unwinding, open late for those who love to linger over their coffee.
Exploring Washington, D.C.’s coffee scene promises delightful experiences, whether you’re looking for a cozy place to work, unique coffee flavors, or tasty treats. Each of these cafés offers something special, ensuring every visit is memorable. Grab your laptop or a friend, and discover your next favorite coffee spot in the city!
