The next time you extend an invite to build a relationship and expand your network, skip drinks and delve into the specialty coffee scene growing right in your backyard. We took notes on the best shops in our orbit and curated a list of currently impressive places to meet and sip in this town.
La Colombe in Shaw’s Blagden Alley
Philadelphia’s La Colombe is serving up its ‘culinary coffee’ right over in Shaw’s Blagden Alley. Embracing its industrial surroundings, D.C’s first La Colombe is carved into a corner near N street. Palate enthusiasts and hood explorers alike will thank you for the introduction.
View their website here.
Compass Coffee
Here you can see coffee chemists brewing new flavors for the following season. Sourced from all around the world, Compass has a simple ambiance and open layout. The quality and line out the door speaks for itself. Try the Nitro cold brew.
View their website here.
PAUL French Family Bakery
Family Pâsterrie meets city chic at PAUL. Find him perched in Farragut North, Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, Bethesda, and Penn Quarter. The Farragut North location features sidewalk cafe style seating ideal for people watching.
View their website here.
Slipstream on 14th St NW
Slipstream brings us the mixology grade service we all know to appreciate and applies it to coffee. To take the guessing game out of your new go-to, the Slipstream team guides you to a refined coffee palate, as a great bartender would sophisticate your drink your choice. Their brunch menu is also noteworthy.
View their website here.
Baked and Wired in Georgetown
Although known for its baked goods, Baked and Wired also has expert baristas and cozy sidewalk seating. Chat freely–you won’t be disturbing the peace. Most days the cupcake stalkers of Georgetown maintain this spot’s daily hustle and bustle.
View their website here.
Chinatown Coffee Company
Using an extraction technique dating back to the 1940s, Chinatown Coffee Company has coffee brewing down to a science. Squat here early to claim the coveted window seat or stop by late to catch the Absinthe Happy Hour. Either way, check the special of the day to save a few coins on your pick-me-up.
View their website here.
TCB
The Coffee Bar affectionately known as TCB or The Coffee Geek Clubhouse is known for its “On tap” drip coffee from a selection of roasters. Maintaining a ‘round the way appeal, TCB keeps it simple stupid with a reverence for quality and responsible sourcing.
View their website here.
Starbucks
This particular Starbucks location receives honorable mention because of its spacious and reservable second floor and study room. Call their main number to reserve your space.
View their website here.
Madison Cafe Inside the Library of Congress
Located on the 6th Floor of The Library of Congress James Madison Memorial Building, this place is a hidden gem. There’s an absolutely stunning view of the Capitol that will make you feel on-top-of-the-world. Be prepared to have a Library of Congress card in order to enter the building and access the cafe.
View their website here.
National Portrait Gallery Courtyard Cafe in Chinatown
Tucked away, the Portrait Gallery courtyard offers an enviable grub selection of mediteranean fare in addition to its open air wifi. It’s a no brainer that this landmark sip spot is a great way to introduce visitors and new comers to The District.
View their website here.
Big Bear Cafe
The Big Bear Café: go for the coffee, stay for the atmosphere. Inside you’ll find a bohemian like feeling, and outside they have a huge patio with lots of seating and beautiful scenery. Also, they always have a variety of cool music playing from Gucci Mane to The XX. They offer free Wi-Fi which works inside and outside, but there are no outlets outside so charge your devices before hand! It can be packed sometimes so if you’re looking for a quiet roomy spot to study, it might not be the best option.
View their website here.
Colony Club on Georgia Ave
Colony Club has great coffee. But what makes it unique is that from Monday through Saturday, after 5pm it turns into a bar. Go enjoy a great cup of coffee, listen to music, play a couple rounds of ping pong, and order a beer. It’s spacious inside; It’s the kind of place you can bring your work to settle in all day with the free Wi-Fi, or bring your friends to hang out, eat, and play some ping pong.
View their website here.
A Baked Joint on K St NW
A Baked Joint is the sister bakery and coffee shop of Baked and Wired. Important to know: they don’t have Wi-Fi. Even more important to know: they have booze, including beer and Irish coffee. Like its sister, A Baked Joint is super laid back with relaxed vibes and simple home-style baking. Their breakfast sandwiches and delicious coffee make it great for breakfast. Their variety of craft beers and subs make it great for lunch.
View their website here.
Bayou
The Bayou is a bakery, eatery and coffee shop that brings the taste and culture of the South to D.C. The people who work at the Bayou are dedicated to their roles, and for us, that mean a top of the line organic coffee program and authentic beignets. So if you’re from the south and missing home, or from the north and want to try something new, the Bayou is a great coffee shop with a strong southern personality.
View their website here.