D.C. is not a town best known for its eccentric and unique coffee houses in the same way New York City or Los Angeles are. Instead, its politically minded residents seem to always be on the move, wanting to grab a Starbucks creation instead of sitting in a small caf? casually sipping a cup of good coffee. There are, however, some coffee houses that offer not only a delicious brew, but also a relaxing and laid-back atmosphere.
Tryst Coffeehouse and Bar 2459 18th St. N.W. Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (red line) (202) 232-5500
Located in Adams Morgan, Tryst coffeehouse completely represents the melding of food and fun that D.C.'s Adams Morgan neighborhood is known for. The coffeehouse doubles as a bar and lounge at night, and in addition to offering good coffee and espresso drink options, the coffeehouse also serves light fare and delicious desserts. Its espresso drinks are authentic, such as the macchiato, which is espresso and a little bit of foamed milk - the original way a macchiato was created.
Politics and Prose Coffeehouse and Bookstore 5015 Connecticut Ave. N.W. Metro: Not conveniently accessible (202) 364-1919
Politics and Prose, as the name leads you to conclude, combines coffee and what D.C. does best - politics. A cute bookstore with a complete coffee bar, Politics and Prose serves all sorts of coffee and espresso drinks as well as desserts and light food options. In addition, authors always come in to introduce their books, many of which appeal to the politically minded crowd.
Murky Coffee Capitol Hill Metro: Eastern Market (blue and orange lines) 660 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E. (202) 546-5228
What I love about Murky Coffee, besides the clever name, is that they refuse to sell flavored coffee and dark roasted coffee, saying it interrupts the natural flavor of the coffee brought out by their meticulous roasts. Its location near the Eastern Market Metro stop is ideal for grabbing an espresso drink as you head out to explore downtown. They are also mindful of providing good coffee that adheres to fair trade and social justice standards.
Sparky's Espresso Caf? 1720 14th St. N.W. Metro: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (green line) (202) 332-9334
Located in Logan Circle, Sparky's Caf? boasts a laid-back, community-focused atmosphere. They offer a variety of drinks, including coffee, espresso and chai, as well as desserts and sandwiches that they buy from local restaurants. They also showcase local bands and artists in the weekend shows they hold regularly.
Kramerbooks and Afterwords Caf? 1517 Connecticut Ave. N.W. Metro: Dupont Circle (red line) (202) 387-1400
Afterwords Caf?, in addition to its good coffee, has the most delicious dinner and dessert options, like flourless chocolate cake. The caf? is elegant, however the space is small and you will most likely have to wait to be seated. But with the unique books and music events at Kramerbooks located right next store, the wait will fly by.
Teaism 2009 R St. N.W. Metro: Dupont Circle (red line) (202) 667-3827
Teaism offers the non-coffee crowd tea alternatives, including numerous inventive varieties of tae blends delicious chai drinks. While their prices might be a little steep, the product is high quality and the Japanese-inspired atmosphere and food choices add to the relaxing feel Teasim offers. There are two other locations in Penn Quarter, by the Archives, and near Lafeyette Square, close to the White House.
Busboys and Poets 2021 14th St. N.W. Metro: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (green line) (202) 387-7638
With a full menu of reasonably priced sandwiches, salads, pizzas, entrees and more, Busboys and Poets is a great hangout. The caf? features lots of unique events, musical performers and poetry series. With their good coffee and their inviting layout, which encourages customers to bring a book and stay, the location is a great place to grab an espresso drink and relax.
