Check out these superior coffee shops and cafés to caffeinate and kick back with a rejuvenating java.
It’s no secret that the District is powered by coffee. Caffeine is what makes the many workers of this town run, but the appetite here isn’t just for any old cup of joe. Washington, D.C., is home to a varied, rich coffee and cafe scene that reflects its status as a multicultural foodie haven. Craving Cuban, Indonesian, Italian, Ethiopian, or Panamanian coffee? We have it all, and more. There are plenty of chains that carry serviceable coffee here, but Washingtonians tend to love their local coffee shops, and are intensely loyal to their neighborhood spots—even if they’re just rushing in on their morning commutes.
Despite its reputation as a hub of worker bees who can’t unplug, Washington, D.C., is also a town full of people who love nothing more than kicking back on a weekend morning. Pop into one of the many excellent coffee shops and cafes on this list on a Saturday morning and you’ll find cafe culture is alive and well in D.C.—people here chill as hard as they work, so you’ll likely have to compete for table space with that group of friends catching up or the solo sipper with a novel and croissant in hand. Want proof? Fuel up at the best coffee shops and cafes in Washington, D.C.
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Doubles is one of the many great places to eat and drink on Georgia Ave. Doubles is run by the same team behind beloved neighborhood haunt Sonny’s Pizza, which happens to be right next door. Locals love to pop by in the morning and grab espresso drinks, drip coffees, pastries, and breakfast/lunch sandwiches made with focaccia that's freshly baked in-house.
Time Out tip: Doubles turns into a bar at 5pm, and has ping pong tables upstairs that patrons can use.
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Located at the busy intersection of Columbia Road and 18th Street NW, this quaint coffee shop slings the best espresso drinks and pastries in Adams Morgan. Soleluna is beloved by locals and TikTokkers alike for its relatively low prices and delicious pastries, which include a variety of croissants and danishes. Seating space is tight and coveted (there are only about four tables total both inside and outside), so it may be necessary to take your pastry and drink to go; head to nearby Kalorama Park to enjoy in peace.
You can't talk about coffee in D.C. without mentioning Swing's, which was founded in Washington, D.C. on E. Street in 1916 as M.E. Swing Co. by a father and son team who sold imported coffee beans. The base of operations has since moved across the Potomac to Alexandria, but the roastery's presence is still felt (there are locations on 14th Street and G. Street NW). Known for serving strong cups, Swing's single-origin espressos are favorites of local coffee afficianados. If you're coffee-curious, the friendly baristas always seem eager to chat about the origins and specific notes in each blend.
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The sister establishment of Baked and Wired, A Baked Joint offers a full menu breakfast and lunch menu, plus great desserts and drinks. The hot ticket item is the biscuit sammie, a breakfast sandwich made with house-made biscuits that are baked daily with either meat or goat cheese. If sweets are more your thing, don't worry—there's an entire pastry case filled with cupcakes, breads, cookies, and cake slices. The airy, industrial space is filled with seating and light, making it a perfect spot to post up with a book or a friend.
Time Out tip: A Baked Joint doesn’t have public Wi-Fi, so be ready to use your personal hotspot if you need access.
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Lost Sock Roasters serves excellent coffee and breakast in Takoma, right near the Maryland border. The small coffee company has a big fanbase among locals, who love its smooth blends, which are roasted in nearby Brightwood Park. Its menu includes all the classics plus signature drinks like Lemongrass Espresso Tonic and the London Eye Latte. Empanadas and pan de yuca are also on the menu.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more coveted seat in Shaw than the outdoor patio at The Coffee Bar on a summer day. Since 2012, this two-store wonder has served smooth espresso to D.C. residents and built a dedicated fan club along the way. The little shop uses beans from Verve, Ceremony, and Onyx Coffee Lab and its menu has all the classics, plus more unusual fare like the Honey Badger (honey, half and half, and four shots of espresso shaken and stirred) and a hot cardamom latte.
Dolcezza is a local chain that's beloved for its strong espresso and creamy gelato—this is the place to go when you crave an affogato. The shop has three locations in D.C. proper (CityCenter, Dupont Circle and inside the Hirshhorn Museum) and uses robustly flavored South American coffee beans to make strong espresso drinks. There are pastries, too, but the best way to feed a sweet tooth here is with a cup of gelato; flavors change seasonally, but longtime menu staples include favorites like black and white cookie batter.
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This Ethiopian coffee shop is an H. Street staple. Sidamo roasts all its beans in house, and hosts weekly Ethiopian coffee ceremonies. It also has a wide selection of teas and some great vegetarian and vegan eats. The eclectic decor, which includes a large kettle sculpture that looks like it’s pouring over the doorway, and cozy vibe make it exactly the kind of place to hole up for a while.
Maketto is a labor of love sprung from decorated chef Erik Bruner-Yang's brain. The James Beard Award-winning chef's creation on H. Street is an Asian marketplace with a retail store, restaurant, and cafe inside. Come in the daytime to sip on a coffee made from local beans and snack on a pastry in a bright, minimalist space. Stay later to grab a spot at the 60 seat restaurant and try intriguing dishes that blend Cantonese and Taiwanese techniques and flavors.
Time Out tip: Maketto is an excellent place for a longer study or reading session; there's fast, free WiFi and they do not seem to rush patrons out.
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This homey bakery and coffee shop is one of Dupont Circle’s best kept secrets. Since 2012, neighborhood regulars and commuters alike have flocked to Three Fifty to nosh on fresh pastries and sip strong coffees (thank beans from Illy). Freshly baked quiches, croissants, scones, breads, and muffins change seasonally and aren’t to be missed. The many tables and couches inside, plus a large covered patio, means there’s plenty of room to settle in for some remote work or to stretch out for a leisurely catch up with friends.
One of the restaurants responsible for giving Mount Pleasant its serious foodie cred, Ellē is a Michelin Bib Gourmand selection that excels at both breakfast and dinner. Housed in the old Heller’s Bakery building, Ellē lives up to its predecessor’s name with its creative pastries and breakfast offerings. Settle in and pair offerings like magenta beet-cured salmon bagels, breakfast sandwiches piled high with brisket, cheese, and eggs, and bright guava turnovers. The coffee and tea menu includes classics plus more imaginative fare, like tarragon date lattes.
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This sceney cafe from chef Michael Rafidi, the mastermind behind Michelin-starred Albi in Navy Yard, draws long lines for its inventive Levantine-inspired pastries, coffees, and pitas. There is a great mix of sweet and savory at Yellow’s two locations in Georgetown and Union Market; try the cardamom orange cruffin, or the za’atar dusted croissant breakfast stuffed with roasted peppers, labne and eggs.
Lunch options include pitas stuffed with falafels or shawarma and hummus bowls. Don’t forget to try one of the inventive drinks from the coffee bar, which includes offerings like a baklava mocha and Damask rose milk tea.
Time Out tip: Finding seats inside on weekends before noon can be difficult; if you’re not visiting solo, have one person wait in line and order while the other scopes out a spot. Visit on a weekday for the best chance of snagging a table indoors.
The Michelin Guide added Royal to its Bib Gourmand list for a reason: this spot in LeDroit Park is a lively cafe by day, and a buzzy cocktail bar by night that serves inventive Latin-inspired dishes and drinks. The bright, cozy space is exactly the kind of place where you’d want to pass the day. Coffees are made with Counter Culture beans and come in fun and inventive flavor combos, like a Colombian dulce de leche latte or a peach matcha. Grab one of the pastries from the case, which rotates daily but includes options like a tres leches cinnamon roll and a plantain breakfast muffin.
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Nestled inside the grounds of the National Cathedral, this cafe is a popular study spot. From the team that runs Tryst, Open City’s menu offers something for everyone. The little spot has a full espresso bar, and the menu includes sweets like waffles topped with berries and chocolate sauce and fresh sandwiches and salads. Don’t forget to gaze up at the domed ceiling and dark wood beams.
Colada Shop is a window into Havana's bright cafes and sunny flavors. This small local chain serves everything you'd find in the best Cuban coffee shop, plus pastries, sandwiches and cocktails. Get your caffeine fix with a sweet and creamy caffecito or iced cafe con leche, and pair it with a couple empanadas or croquetas to go. If you're craving something heartier, go for a thick cubano stuffed with ham and cheese; another standout dish is the huevos a la Cubano caldero, a warm platter of eggs baked in queso fresco, sofrito, and tomato.
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Since 2019, Dua has brightened up Downtown D.C. with its rich, intense Indonesian coffee drinks. The K. Street location, only a couple blocks from the White House, is the Jakarta-based company's first stateside shop. Come for some seriously good coffee and specials, like the Klavee coffee made with lemon and coconut, or the kopi susu, which is a mixture of milk and coffee syrup. Big windows, warm wood and a lot of greenery make for a relaxing spot to unwind. Another perk of dining in? Drinks are served in handmade ceramic cups and mugs adorned with cheery patterns like polka dots.
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This Capitol Hill mainstay is the cozy neighborhood hub of one’s dreams. Use the walkup window to order coffees and freshly baked pastries, and people watch on the outdoor patio. Housed in a building that used to be a local market, Wine & Butter has retained that spirit by offering an enviable assortment of wine, cheese, and other items perfect to take across the street to Lincoln Park for a picnic.
Time Out tip: Wine & Butter is notoriously dog-friendly.
Panama's geography allows it to produce some of the most coveted coffee in the world, and Cafe Unido brings this tradition to the District. The company, which is based in Panama, has two locations in D.C., where customers will find strong, smooth espresso blends made from their own beans. Save room for food, too: on the savory side, try dishes with Panamanian flavors like the pork belly sandwich. If sweet is more your style, you must try the vanilla bean coffee pancakes, which come crowned with butterscotch sauce and a dollop of mascarpone and vanilla bean mousse.
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Stepping into Italian Bar is like taking an instant jaunt to Rome. The Chevy Chase cafe, which is run by the team behind I'm Eddie Cano, is the go-to spot in the District for an authentic Italian coffee shop experience. Unlike many of the other entries on this list, Italian Bar is a place to make a pit stop rather than an all-day affair. The bar is the perfect place to sip a drink made from Lavazza beans and bite into a cornetto—standing up, of course (there is some limited seating outside).
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Freshly baked naan and Thai chicken curry are on offer at this café-style oasis from the bustle of urban living. Whether you stop off for a cup of chai or a bento box, you’ll feel ready to pound the pavement again after a visit to Teaism. Afternoon tea with ginger scones and lime curd tartlets can be quite reviving in winter, or in warm weather, try the iced Moroccan mint tea; there’s nothing more refreshing. The spacious 8th Street branch, with its downstairs hideout, has a calmer vibe.
Time Out tip: Get the Salty Oat cookie, which is sold in packs of six.
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