Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in America—with good reason! Whether you’re a student rushing to class, a professional running to work, or just a coffee connoisseur, a fresh cup each morning is both a necessity and a treat! Taking that into account, we scoured the District to find some of the best coffee shops D.C. has to offer for the next time you’re in desperate need of a caffeine pick-me-up. Enjoy!
1. La Coop
This local family-owned business is a D.C. favorite nestled in a quieter area of Brightwood—and it’s loved for good reason! Family-run from its roots in Guatemala back to D.C., La Coop aims to truly harbor a close-knit community from its roots up to each cup of delicious farm-direct coffee. Whether you stop in to grab a cup, buy some wholesale beans, or try their specialty coffee the Dirty Horchata, you can’t go wrong! (Outside of D.C., they just opened a secondary location across the river in Arlington!)
Location: 5505 1st St NW (or in Arlington: 4807 1st St N)
2. The Potter’s House
The Potter’s House is one of D.C.’s only nonprofit cafes. “We constantly strive to uphold our values of solidarity, justice, spirituality, and care for the earth” as they say on their website. They aim to provide a comforting space of hospitality for the community and raise funds for just causes like advocating for racial justice, reading programs for children, and efforts to encourage people to vote. Additionally, they own a bookstore that specializes in social movement books to educate the community. Located in Adams Morgan, this is the place to go to support righteous causes while sipping on coffee.
Location: 1658 Columbia Road NW
3. The Wydown
Another D.C. favorite, The Wydown has two locations so you can grab some coffee whether you’re on 14th Street or H Street! Known for its delicious coffee, coffee-crafted art, and delicious scones, it’s a great place to grab on the go, to sit down for a coffee date with a friend, or to sit and work! You’ll love the taste and the vibe!
4. Sankofa
Established by filmmakers, this Black-owned business named its menu items after influential film directors from African Diasporas and Third World Cinema to bring awareness to Pan-African culture. Sankofa serves breakfast meals, lunches, smoothies, and coffees, with vegan options available. Next door, they own a bookstore where they host educational events and support a love of reading. Stop by, purchase a coffee, and learn about African cinema!
Location: 2714 Georgia Ave NW
5. Cafe Georgetown
A repeat on our list, even if you don’t have time for a sit-down brunch, Cafe Georgetown and its assorted lattes, teas, and seasonal offerings (peep that Day Dream Latte above) is still the perfect cafe for grabbing a drink when you’re on the go!
Location: 3141 N St. NW
6. Sweet Science Coffee
Sweet Science Coffee has a charming ambiance in the NoMa neighborhood. This small business opened up in 2020 and uses science to make the perfect cup of coffee (just check out their Instagram!). Serving a creative menu of drinks, breakfast food, and pastries, this is the place to go if you are feeling like something a little different and unique.
Location: 35 N Street NE
7. The Coffee Bar
The sign says it all! With two locations to choose from(one in Logan Circle/Shaw and one in the Golden Triangle), The Coffee Bar is beloved by locals who refer to it as TCB. Serving up everything from specialty lattes, espresso, tea, and drip coffee since 2012, the coffee will bring you in and the quirky fun decor and ambiance will make you stay—and maybe order a second!
Location: Logan Circle/Shaw: 1201 S St NW; Golden Triangle: 1200 17th StNW
8. Bourbon Coffee
Bourbon Coffee is an internationally recognized coffee brand and the first to sell coffee from Rwanda. This brand practices Direct Trade which ethically values the coffee farmers, benefitting the Rwandan community who produce them. Their many D.C. and Virginia coffee shops thus sell authentic, rich coffee that supports a responsible international business. Drink their coffee and support the Rwandan spirit!
Location: 2101 L St NW
9. Slipstream
Described as a “bright cafe with a walnut bar serving pour-over coffee by day and cocktails by night, with light fare,” this is the place to be for a day-to-night hangout or date. Slipstream serves coffee and food from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then in the evening, the modern coffee shop trades its coffee mugs for cocktail and wine glasses for a romantic happy hour setting.
Location: 82 I St SE; 1333 14th St NW
10. Tryst
In the heart of Adams Morgan, Tryst has a homey, rustic vibe, providing you with the perfect ambiance to lounge on their sofas, study, or work on their outdoor patio. Serving everything from coffee, teas, and frappes, they also serve brunch and lunch all day and alcoholic beverages in the evening.
Location: 2459 18th Street NW
11. Grace Street Coffee
Grace Street Coffee has two locations in D.C., one at its original location in Georgetown near the waterfront, on Grace Street which has an impeccable vibe. The location has a modern aesthetic providing a sophisticated ambiance as you drink their delicious coffee. With coffee that is ethically sourced and handcrafted, you know you’ll be served a unique rich cup that you can’t find anywhere else.
Location: 3210 Grace St NW; 2622 P St NW
12. Sidamo Coffee and Tea
We love organic, high-quality coffee! If you do too, you will fall in love with Sidamo’s spectacular coffee and tea shop. They roast their coffee daily on sight and their tea is fresh and natural. Serving you one of the most flavorful coffees you’ll find in NoMa.
Location: 417 H Street NE
13. Le Bon Cafe
Inspired by Parisian cafes, owner Sandra McCluskey replicated Le Bon Cafe to feel like a French terrace. She wanted to create a fun space for the community to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee in an enjoyable ambiance. Serving French-style meals and fresh pastries, you will feel like you’re at a boulangerie under the Eiffel Tower!
Location: 210 2nd St SE
14. Wine & Butter
This hidden gem in Lincoln Park mixes a quaint French market with an adorable hole-in-the-wall coffee shop. Serving up americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, and more, pair it with the perfect croissant or croque monsieur and then sit at one of its outdoor bistro tables or take it across the street for a picnic in the park! Bonus: Did you come with your furry friend? Wine & Butter has a takeout window where you can order from outside with your pup (and some treats for them, too)!
Location: 1023 E Capitol St SE