BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN WASHINGTON, DC AREA

Washington, DC runs on caffeine. As one of the busiest cities in the world, it inevitably has some of the best coffee shops in the world as well. From chic hipster coffee bars to laid back lounges, the District has coffee spots for all types of needs. Whether you are looking for a quick strong brew on the go or ready to sip on a latte and study in a big comfy chair, there is a cafe for you. Here are the best coffee shops you can find in DC.

COMPASS COFFEE (4.6)

Located downtown near the International Spy Museum, this is a great place to grab a locally sourced caffeine fix. It was established by two Marine buddies who really loved coffee and wanted to open a place where they could roast their own. Now they have 3 stores, and they’re all winners. They have both hot drinks and cold nitro brews that can give you a long morning buzz. #CompassCoffee also serves up savory and sweet pastries to match. Good place to squat and study.

BAKED AND WIRED (4.6)

Handcrafted espresso drinks and small batch family recipe pastries: this place is sure to give you some pep and satisfy that sweet tooth. The hip coffee joint is located in Georgetown and it is a DC favorite. They specialize in quirky cupcakes and latte art. Although they take their coffee craft seriously, the place definitely has a humorous and fun vibe with an entire wall dedicated to notes and drawings written on napkins. There is not much seating inside. However, in the summer they open up areas outside for customers to lounge in. #bakedandwired

THREE FIFTY BAKERY AND COFFEE BAR (4.6)

This quaint little coffee shop is a hidden gem. It is an adorable spot to fuel up on a fancy coffee drink and grab a unique homemade pastry. They are known for their delectable quiches. Although small, it is another good place to relax and study. It has a chill atmosphere with worldly cafe music playing in the background. During nicer weather, they open up their dog-friendly larger patio area. You can enjoy the summer air and chill with your favorite doggy friend. #ThreeFiftyBakery

FILTER COFFEEHOUSE & ESPRESSO BAR (4.5)

This hipster coffee joint opened up back in 2010. It offers french press coffee and amazing espresso drinks. They have 3 small places all around the DC area. As the name suggests, each cup of coffee is filtered or pressed. You are sure to find people studying here and sipping on mocha lattes. And of course it wouldn’t be truly hipster without some masterful latte art. Plus, they have croissants and other pastries to cure your hunger. The one in Dupont Circle is so hip, they had to put it underground. #FilterCoffeeHouse

QUALIA COFFEE (4.5)

This coffee lounge is a great place to catch up with friends or do some work on your laptop. It has a relaxing atmosphere complete with couches and an outside patio. Be aware that they don’t have Wi-Fi on the weekends though. They roast their own coffee and offer a large variety of different blends. If you can’t decide on one cup: no worries. They also offer flights of coffees so you can sample several different kinds. Although you can’t get their coffee at the store, you can find them at some local farmers’ markets. #QualiaCoffee

THE WYDOWN COFFEE BAR (4.4)

Sister cafe to the hip #Wydown on H Street, the Coffee Bar on 14th has a more industrial brick style with a focus on its caffeine drinks rather than cocktails. If your favorite morning brew is more than just a cup of coffee, you can find a full espresso and tea bar menu to select from. Pair your fancy caffeinated beverage with a delicious homemade pastry and you’re good to go. Drawings made from coffee spills adorn the walls and ceilings for your viewing pleasure.

PHILZ COFFEE (4.4)

Started by none other than a guy named Phil, this coffee shop in DC has coffee blends worthy of being your morning brew. What’s nice about this joint is there are lots of roasts to choose from—both hot and cold. Most people order the Iced Mint Mojito Coffee for a refreshing caffeine buzz. Located in the Adams Mill area, they have a more laid back atmosphere here. The lounge in the back has funky couches and wall art. It’s a good place to fuel up in between work meetings. #PhilzCoffee

CHINATOWN COFFEE (4.4)

Hip but not pretentious, #ChinatownCoffee does beautiful espresso and coffee drinks right. The ambiance is definitely energizing and fun. They also sell their own micro-roasted coffee beans and fancy coffee instruments. It’s definitely a good place for coffee connoisseurs to geek out about coffee making. They have free Wi-Fi with a few tables and chairs. The decor is stripped down and very minimal with a contemporary feel.

TRYST (4.2)

Located in Adams Morgan, this is a nice big coffee shop with a casual atmosphere. With lots of comfy seating, it’s a great spot to sip on some drip coffee and get some work done. More than just a coffee place, they also serve up cocktails and real meals. The food isn’t your average egg and cheese sandwiches either. They serve up unique plates of fig and pistachio crostinis, red pepper and gouda bisque, and other tasty items. Check out their calendar of events, too. They often have live music on the weekends. #Tryst

BOURBON COFFEE (4.2)

Originally started in Rwanda, this coffee spot is a great place to relax and sip on a tasty cup of caffeinated joy. What makes it even better is that you’re supporting a good cause. They have a large menu of different coffee and tea drinks, along with an extensive food and smoothies menu. You will find a lot of people studying here. The atmosphere is cozy with comfy couches and chairs. It’s definitely a laid back place–complete with fun dinosaur decor. #BourbonCoffee