Heat Da Spot Café, the beloved neighborhood go-to in Petworth known for its filling Ethiopian breakfast, had long been a secret just for us locals. Of course, word was bound to get out eventually that the little cafe serves perhaps the most satisfying—for both the stomach and the wallet—breakfasts in town. The cafe, which is decorated inside with numerous vintage artifacts like T-shirts hanging from the walls, is the ideal place to start a morning because everyone is friendly and the food is great.
The vibe: Like you're at a relative's house and they're cooking you something special. A warm, inviting environment that is reminiscient of both a diner and a bodega. There aren't many seats, but the quaint space has comfortable couches and free Wi-Fi, which makes it an ideal spot to work or study remotely.
The food: Get some permutation of the Ethiopian Breakfast, Heat Da Spot's calling card. Something magical happens when the spicy green sauce, scrambled eggs and injera mix. The Bacon, Egg, and Cheese is also genuinely delicious if that's more to your taste, as is the Triple Decker Club.
The drink: Get the chai tea latte—this is the best drink on the menu of coffee drinks, which are mostly just fine and nothing special to be honest. This drink is one of the better chai tea lattes I've tasted because both the coffe and tea flavors are balanced.
Time Out tip: You can buy jars of the homemade special sauce that tops the breakfast combo plate.