Best Cafes in DC
Head out for your daily cup of coffee (and maybe a nibble or two) at the best cafes in DC. I’ve also included some favorite sweet spots at the end of the post!
Specialty Coffee
Sidamo
Choose from a selection of Ethiopian coffees at Sidamo. The beans are strong and the coffee is made perfectly. No watery coffee here. There are a couple of tables inside and on the street but you can also take your coffee some blocks down to Stanton Park. I once made the mistake of asking to reheat my coffee cup and the waiter had to ask the manager… He told me he’d rather give me new coffee than heat it up. It’s serious business! You can also buy whole beans to make your own coffee at home.
Cute Cafes
Seylou Bakery
I went through a phase of needing Seylou baked goods in order to get through the week. This cool cafe has amazing sweet and savory baked goods. You can also pre-order fresh bread. The seasonal veggie pastries are my favorite. Sit inside or snag one of the tables outside. If you’re just passing through Blagden Alley (for the murals and cool vibes) then get a light nibs here.
Yellow the Cafe
Yellow is the little sister of the Albi, a Middle Eastern-style dining spot in Navy Yard. It is amazing! There are a few tables inside and out, as well as around the corner in their patio area (heated in the winter!). Come early (before 10:30 am) on the weekends because the baked goods go quickly because it’s one of the best cafes in DC.
It’s also a great idea to sit in the Yards Park. Grab a Sumac lemonade, coffee, and a bunch of mezze items. You can lounge on the wooden benches or bring a blanket to sit on the grass.
I strongly recommend getting the Sumac lemonade, coconut cardamom ice coffee, zaatar hummus, spring pea hummus, crispy falafel pita, and batata-tots.
Maman
Maman has a couple of locations around DC. It totally caters to an Instagram girly vibe. With fake wisteria hanging all around, you’ll get a French country vibe in the middle of DC. I’ve been on a rainy day and it lifted up my spirits. The honey lavender latte is delish and you can get huge cup of coffee too. The food is good, but you’ll likely end up spending at least $20.
Heat da Spot
It’s hard to describe Heat da Spot but it’s definitely one of the best cafes in DC. You should go and experience it for yourself. This Ethiopian cafe also serves up classic American breakfasts like pancakes and hashbrowns. There are lots of veg and vegan options available. Seating is limited inside but there are outside picnic benches too.
Tryst
Tryst is a classic DC cafe for any time of the day. I’ve gone early in the morning, in the afternoon, and at midnight. In fact, my brother, friend, and I spent 2019 NYE at Tryst because we got tired of pretending we liked to party at the club next door. We cheered 2019 with decaf and hot chocolate. The food is great and there is a wide variety of caffeine options. Many people come to work in the cafe. There are a few outdoor tables as well.
Pluma by Bluebird Bakery
This cute bakery and coffee shop serves amazing-looking (and tasting) pastries. Pluma is on the same block as the Union Market Trader Joe’s. There is seating inside and out.
Radici
In Eastern Market, head to Radici. This Italian grocery store also serves great coffee, simple breakfasts, and sandwiches for lunch. It’s an Eastern Market classic, which is why it’s one of the best cafes in DC.
Bourbon Coffee
This coffee chain serving coffee from Rwanda makes the list because Bourbon Coffee is where I first had a lavender-flavored coffee and went to heaven. SO GOOD. In any case, it’s a good spot to grab a coffee if you’re on the go or meeting someone between meetings in Foggy Bottom.
Grab and Go Cafe
Bagels Etc.
What is coffee without a bagel on a Saturday morning? Bagels Etc. has the absolute best bagels in DC. They also have a variety of cream cheeses (scallion—yum!). You can get bagel sandwiches or just bagels to take home.
They serve coffee so this listing will count but I’ve never had coffee there as we’ve always just gone to pick up bagels. You can get your bagels and walk over to the Rock Creek Park area to enjoy.
There are a few small tables set up. The shop is small and cash only.
Crown Bakery
Grab and go at Crown Bakery, a Trinidad and Tobago-style bakery serving both full meals, snacks, and sandwiches. Plan to visit on Friday and Saturday for their specials, including doubles, fried bake & shark sandwich, and aloo (potato) pie. The pineapple baked goods are excellent as are the fruit juices. It’s past Petworth on Georgia Ave, so you may want to make this part of a larger journey in a car or bike!
Cafes on the Border
Vigilante Coffee
I have to include one coffee spot that is in Maryland. Get on your bike and make a trip out of visiting Vigilante Coffee. The cafe is some sort of amazing urban hippy-style space. Plus they have excellent coffee. Several spots around DC serve Vigilante including Somewhere in Navy Yard, which is a combo of clothing + coffee shop.
Sweet Spots
Baked and Wired
Baked and Wired is the absolute best cupcake spot in DC. Please do not stand in line at Georgetown cupcakes. Ever. Please. Baked and Wired is also in Georgetown, and it is a million times better. I am not a fan of desserts that often but these cupcakes have the best flavors in the world and are not insanely sweet. Rather than cakes, I get cupcakes from Baked and Wired for all celebrations. Get a cupcake and then head to the waterfront. They also have a bunch of other food but I can’t speak to it… CUPCAKES.
Macaroons
Olivia Macaroon—delicious macaroons and good coffee in Georgetown.
Laduree— this famous French macaroon spot that needs no introduction… For cute vibes go to the Georgetown location.