There are plenty of cafés, hybrid diners, and coffee shops in DC; whether you need a pick-me-up, a quiet place to study, or a quick meal. Across the city, you’ll find trendy establishments, warm, inviting European-style coffeehouses, and cozy nooks to sit in with your laptop or favorite book.
There is nothing quite like the feel of a cozy café, whether you’re stopping in for a coffee to go, meeting with friends, or looking for a place to get some work done. This guide will list nine of the best coffee shops for enjoying a quality cup of joe and a bite to eat in some of DC’s most exciting neighborhoods.
Top 9 Coffee Shops in DC
Here is your guide to some of the best spots for coffee in the city. These nine coffee houses and cafés are located across six vibrant neighborhoods in DC: Columbia Heights, Cleveland Park, Dupont Circle, Mount Pleasant, Upper 16th NW, and Woodley Park.
1. Tynan Coffee and Tea
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a hot beverage, meet with colleagues and friends, or relax and read a book, Tynan Coffee and Tea has a great atmosphere. They pride themselves on being authentic and independent, encouraging residents in Columbia Heights to support a local shop.
Tynan offers a range of breakfast and lunch offerings (including delicious waffles), in addition to a wide selection of coffee and tea. They also offer catering services. Enjoy a bite to eat or a latte in an inviting, attractive setting.
2. The Wydown
The Wydown is another great coffee shop owned by two brothers who wanted to create a space where guests are treated like family. They are committed to delivering unique, artistically-concocted creations ranging from coffees to scones to cocktails.
The Wydown offers catering and delivery services too. They are located on 14th NW Street near all the action of Dupont Circle.
3. Ellē
Check out Ellē (pronounced “ell-ee”) when you’re in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood looking for a bite to eat or a cup of joe. They are known for their delicious breakfast offerings, sandwiches, and scrumptious pastries. They also provide dinner and wine selections if you stop by later in the day.
Ellē offers all the classic coffee drinks, from lattes to cortados and a selection of hot or iced teas. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, the perfect place to gather or take a load off when you’re nearby.
4. Pear Plum Café
Another Mount Pleasant favorite is Pear Plum Café, a quaint, welcoming coffee shop with homemade, seasonal dishes alongside stellar coffee drinks. Pear Plum offers a selection of signature cocktails, beer, and wine in the evening.
The space is modern, open, and appeals to everyone from groups to individuals looking for a place to connect.
5. Open City
Open City is an excellent coffeehouse, diner, and bar located in Woodley Park if you’re looking for a little bit of everything. They serve breakfast classics, brunch, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and exceptional baked goods throughout the day. They turn into a trendy spot to grab a drink by nightfall.
Open City focuses on maintaining diversity in their food and drink offerings to keep up with all the customers they serve in DC. The interior space is roomy with a large and charming patio space in the warmer months.
6. Emissary
Hip café Emissary is located in the heart of Dupont Circle and is a warm, snug coffeehouse where freelancers and professionals from across DC flock to work, read, socialize, or just enjoy a cup of coffee. Emissary has a nice beer, wine, and cocktail menu, including a popular happy hour menu, aside from their many espresso drinks, teas, and drip coffee.
Emissary offers a variety of food, including all-day breakfast items, bar snacks, and sharing plates. They have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options and offer unique smoothies.
7. Coffy Café
Looking for something a bit different in your coffee shop? Coffy Café in the heart of Columbia Heights is a ’60s-themed coffeehouse that specializes in crepes. They also serve sandwiches, salads, and paninis to enjoy with a cup of fresh coffee.
Coffy Café has live music for neighborhood entertainment and many tables, couches, and other seating options throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. Coffy Café allows guests to step into another decade with its funky décor and unique vibe.
8. Büna Coffeehouse
Büna Coffeehouse is an exotic coffee shop with a laid-back atmosphere that serves Ethiopian dishes, as well as standard American fare and plenty of coffee. The habehsa with eggs and injera bread, a delicious Ethiopian style of bread, is a favorite here. This coffee shop, located in the Upper 16th Street NW neighborhood, serves up modern twists of classic Ethiopian dishes. Their coffee is ethically sourced and includes both blended and single-origin Ethiopian varieties.
9. Bourbon Coffee
The café Bourbon Coffee offers direct-trade coffee from Rwanda and features specialized latte offerings, sandwiches, and snacks. The space provides indoor and outdoor seating and is a popular spot for students and freelancers in Cleveland Park.
This unique coffee shop allows patrons to buy coffee directly from Rwandan farmers and cooperatives, which supports African economic development. Bourbon Coffee now has eight different locations across Rwanda and the United States.
There are several options for amazing coffee and food in DC Stop by one of these nine coffee shops to experience them.
Finding the Right Place in DC
DARO Apartments knows how important it is to find the right neighborhood for your budget and lifestyle. When you meet with us about DC apartment rentals, we will show you what these exciting neighborhoods have to offer for coffee shops, restaurants, arts and culture, nightlife, nature, shopping, and more.
When you’re looking for an apartment rental in Cleveland Park, Columbia Heights, Dupont Circle, Mount Pleasant, Upper 16th NW, or Woodley Park, contact DARO Apartments to inquire about all of our available properties. Our rentals span 20 different communities in the Greater DC area. Our leasing experts can’t wait to speak to you to help you find your new apartment home.
