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J C (61)

Gregorys Coffee - Navy Yard

Gregorys Coffee is known for its friendly staff and speedy service. Beyond the classic espresso drinks, they offer interesting and tasty seasonal specials. A recent favorite is the Blueberry Dream. Their cranberry walnut scones and dense banana bread are also crowd-pleasers.

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Stanley Pawlowski

Lot 38 Espresso Bar

Lot 38 Espresso Bar is a cozy and welcoming café in Navy Yard, offering smooth lattes, fresh bagels, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon break. The upstairs seating area provides a great spot to work or catch up with friends, making it a go-to for both remote workers and casual visitors.

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Andy Durette

The Coffee Bar (TCB)

For those who take their coffee seriously, The Coffee Bar is a must-visit. This independent café is all about high-quality beans, expertly crafted espresso drinks, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s a great place to settle in with a book, have a small meeting, or just enjoy some quiet time with a well-made drink.

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The Bakers’ Lounge

For those who love pastries just as much as their coffee, The Bakers’ Lounge is a dream. This British-inspired bakery serves authentic sausage rolls, tarts, and scones, all made fresh daily. The Bakewell Tart and lemon curd scones are especially popular. If you need a sweet treat to go with your coffee, this spot is a must-visit.

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Edwin van Dalen

Timgad Café

For a more international coffee experience, Timgad Café serves up handcrafted espresso drinks using locally roasted Compass Coffee beans. With outdoor seating and a relaxed, cozy interior, it’s a great stop for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon break.

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Bill Montgomery

For Five Coffee - Eastern Market

A modern café with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, For Five Coffee is a great spot for professionals and coffee lovers alike. With plenty of seating, strong espresso drinks, and house-baked cookies, this café offers a comfortable place for work meetings, casual hangouts, or a quick caffeine boost.

Swing’s Coffee Roasters - Eastern Market

With a retro-inspired aesthetic and a reputation for bold, well-roasted coffee, Swing’s Coffee Roasters is one of the best spots for a quick, high-quality espresso. Their Italian Roast is a standout, and the friendly staff and efficient service make it a go-to for locals in need of a caffeine fix.

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K Pahl-Duffy

Maman - Georgetown

With its French country-chic decor, warm lighting, and inviting atmosphere, Maman is the kind of place where you’ll want to sit for hours with your laptop or a good book. Their honey lavender latte is a local favorite, and their fresh-baked pastries (especially the croissants) are always a hit.

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Carissa Liu

Janti Café

This charming, locally owned café and Turkish market is a great spot for authentic Turkish coffee, delicious savory pastries, and a selection of Turkish goods and gifts. Seating is limited but cozy, making it a great place to grab a quiet moment between classes.

Seylou Bakery - Shaw

If you’re looking for artisanal pastries and serious coffee, Seylou Bakery is the place. Everything here is made from freshly milled whole grains, and their goat cheese and pepper pastry is a standout. The minimalist space is calm and inviting, making it an excellent place for a quiet coffee break before heading into the bustling Shaw nightlife.

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Deane Madsen

Zeke’s Coffee of DC - Shaw

Zeke’s Coffee is a small-batch roastery offering organic, fair-trade coffee. If you’re particular about your brew, this is a great place to grab a custom pour-over or a strong espresso. The friendly service and lively vibe make it a favorite among locals who love a well-balanced cup.

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Sylvan Café

This Ethiopian-run coffee shop is known for its rich flavors and delicious breakfast options. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cappuccino or an Ethiopian-style macchiato, Sylvan Café delivers. The outdoor seating is a plus, and their bacon, egg, and cheese bagel is a solid pre-show meal.

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Hilda Kroll

Compass Coffee - Chinatown

Just a short walk from Capital One Arena, Compass Coffee is a solid go-to for both locals and visitors. Known for its smooth, well-balanced espresso and great seasonal drinks, this spot has a relaxed, no-frills atmosphere that makes it perfect for a quick coffee stop before tip-off.

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La Colombe Coffee Workshop - Chinatown

A few blocks from Capital One Arena, La Colombe is known for its smooth, nitro-infused Draft Lattes and expertly brewed cold brew. If you need a serious caffeine jolt before the game, their strong espresso-based drinks won’t disappoint. The modern, airy café has limited seating, but the efficient service makes it easy to grab a quick coffee before heading into the stadium.

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Zeke’s Coffee of DC - Uptown

A small-batch, locally loved roaster, Zeke’s Coffee of DC is all about organic, fair-trade beans and strong, flavorful espresso. It’s got a laid-back, no-frills vibe, perfect for grabbing a quick caffeine fix before starting your day. Regulars swear by their flat white and iced chai latte, and the green tea latte with a ham-and-cheese croissant is a winning combo.

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Nick Brinson

Swing's Coffee Roasters

Swing’s Coffee Roasters is a DC institution for serious coffee lovers. With a cool retro aesthetic and hand-roasted fair-trade coffee, this place is always buzzing with caffeine enthusiasts. Their Italian Roast is smooth yet bold, and their mocha and classic lattes are consistently well-balanced.

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Rachel Karitis

Soleluna

A hidden gem in Adams Morgan, Soleluna is the perfect mix of charming café vibes and high-quality coffee. The pistachio croissant is a standout, and the outdoor seating is ideal for a relaxed morning. Whether you’re people-watching with a cold brew or grabbing a quick cappuccino to go, this café offers a peaceful escape from the late-night chaos of 18th Street.

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Ben Blue

The Coffee Bar

For those who want a chill vibe with good coffee and a solid pastry selection, The Coffee Bar is a great place to recharge. Whether you’re grabbing a cardamom latte and a Danish or just enjoying the outdoor patio with an espresso, this spot is perfect for easing into the day after a late night.

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Rue Café - Adams Morgan

For a laid-back, European-inspired café experience, Rue Café offers great food, excellent coffee, and an inviting courtyard space. Their iced dirty chai is a standout, and their pastries are consistently fresh and delicious. Whether you’re catching up on work or just trying to recover from the night before, this café makes the process feel a little more enjoyable.

maman - Near Union Station DC

A charming French-inspired café, maman is known for its picturesque decor, excellent pastries, and welcoming atmosphere. Their upstairs seating area is ideal for catching up on emails or meeting friends for a coffee date. Try their signature Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie or pair your latte with one of their savory breakfast options.

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Ythalo Saldanha

The Coffee Bar - Dupont Circle

The Coffee Bar (TCB) offers a rustic-chic vibe and an inviting patio that’s perfect for a quiet coffee date or a quick study session. Known for its artisan coffee and freshly baked goods, TCB is a favorite among locals and embassy staff looking for a caffeine fix.

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Elizabeth Eubanks

Ebenezers Coffeehouse

Ebenezers Coffeehouse is more than a coffee shop—it’s a community cornerstone. With profits going toward humanitarian efforts, this coffeehouse combines ethical sourcing with top-notch brewing. Their honey lavender latte has a floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with their fresh pastries.

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Rachelle Marie

Gregorys Coffee - Dupont Circle

Known for its upbeat vibe and excellent customer service, Gregorys Coffee has become a go-to spot for embassy employees and busy commuters. Whether you’re craving a perfectly brewed latte or need a quiet corner to check emails, Gregorys has got you covered.