Washington DC loves its coffee! It’s hard to walk a single block without finding at least one option for your caffeine craving. So what ARE the best coffee shops in DC? We’ve rounded up our favorites around town for you to explore.
The Best Coffee Shops in DC
Tryst
2459 18th Street, NW
Allison loves this Adams Morgan/Woodley Hills coffee shop/cocktail shop for its buzzy energy. With its comfy sofa, funky art, and relaxed vibe, you could easily pass the day here! We also love that Tryst services two animal crackers with each drink. The Tryst menu offers the usual muffins and pastries, plus pie (Coconut Cream and Chocolate Silk) as well as several amazing all-day brunch options. Tryst is open daily from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m, transforming into a hip cocktail lounge by night.
Swing’s
Two DC locations: 640 14th Street, NW and 1702 G Street, NW
For more than a century, Swing’s Coffee Roasters has been part of the Washington, DC coffee scene. It offers both pourover and espresso drinks, as well as two cold brews on custom taps sold year-round. Swing’s prides itself on roasting “ethically-sourced coffees with artisan efforts.” Try the spicy and sweet Golden Milk Latte with turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, and a touch of black pepper, steamed together with milk. Swing’s also features a wide variety of delicious baked goods, including many vegan and gluten-free options.
Big Bear Cafe
1700 1st Street, NW
This charming cafe, with its outdoor patio and ivy-covered walls, is a true urban oasis. The atmosphere is just as cozy once you step inside with warm wood decor. Big Bear brews Baltimore’s own Ceremony Coffee and serves both hot and cold coffee drinks with all-natural milk from South Mountain Creamery. Mac especially loves the dark roast coffee and bagels! Be sure to check out Big Bear’s house-made English muffins too (also available in four packs to take home).
Baked & Wired
1052 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW
Open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily, this “hole in the wall” Georgetown shop offers a rotating selection of espressos from Intelligentsia, Mountain Air, Café Integral, Barismo, and Elixr. A new pour-over menu is released every two weeks. It’s worth the trip to check out Baked & Wired’s famous Cakecups in flavors like Texas Sheetcake and Almond Orangsicle. Um, yes please!
Zeke’s Coffee of DC
2300 Rhode Island Avenue NE and 731 15th Street NW
Zeke’s Coffee of DC is a small batch coffee roaster specializing in organic, fair trade, and sustainable Arabica beans. It offers single-origin varietals and also develops its own custom coffee blends. Zeke’s serves pastries (both savory and sweet) from Bluebird Bakery, Ellē, and Republic Kolache.
Dua
923 15th Street, NW
Dua Coffee roasts and brews bold Indonesian coffee and make unique drinks like the “klavee,” with espresso, coconut milk, and lemon and hibiscus cider. Check it out just for the gorgeous Instagram-worthy coffee creations! Dua also serves a variety of open-faced toasts, biscotti and Indonesian treats to round out its menu.
The Coffee Bar (TCB)
1201 S Street, NW and 1200 17th Street, NW #150
This cozy shop (the original is in an 1880 U Street Corridor building) is a fabulous place to get your caffeine fix, especially in nice weather when you can sit in its outside space. Check out TCB’s “on tap” brew selection or its afternoon pourover menu, with a rotation of seasonal offerings from its select roasters. Try one of TCB’s signature drink such as the Honey Badger, with four espresso shots (!). honey, and half ‘n’ half, shaken with ice and strained into a glass.
Peregrine
Three locations including Union and Eastern Markets
Peregrine is consistently named one of the country’s best coffee shops by major media outlets includes Bon Appetit, Food and Wine, and USA Today. Peregrine serves drip, pourover, espresso, lattes, plus hot chocolate, teas, and juices. Its highly-regarded baristas have even competed at national competitions and are committed to educating the public through classes at the shops.
DOUBLES
3118 Georgia Avenue, NW
This cozy neighborhood café offers “thoughtfully crafted” espresso and drip coffee (hot and iced options available), plus bagels, pastries, and focaccia. The best part? The ping pong table available for customers! Doubles is open Tuesday-Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Bottom Line
We are lucky to live in an area that takes its coffee so seriously! Whether you like cold brews or cappuccinos, a modern or cozy vibe, there are so fabulous coffee shops in DC to choose from.
Did we miss your favorite coffee shops in DC? Please let us know so we can check them out!
