Photo taken from the Wydown Facebook page
By Caroline Dehn AEIC
Needing a pre-class coffee fix? A comfy study spot? An excuse to escape the Foggy Bubble? Nothing is better than trying out new coffee shops across the city on a self-date or with friends. As someone who loves both coffee and exploring each corner of the D.C. metropolitan area, I have compiled a list of some of D.C.’s best coffee shops for you to try out. Not only do each of these stops on my D.C. coffee tour have great morning pick-me-ups, but they also provide comforting environments to work on homework, read a book, or catch up with friends.
The Wydown Coffee Bar (1924 14th St NW- Logan Circle)
Located on the bustling 14th street, The Wydown is one of my favorite coffee shops in the city. While I do love a good cold brew, I also appreciate when shops have the option of regular iced coffee. Their iced coffee is bold and strong, without giving me the shakes like cold brew does. The Wydown also has a great selection of pastries and breakfast items that can’t be beat – I highly recommend the raspberry rose scone! Lastly, they don’t charge extra for a splash of non-dairy milk, which never fails to put a smile on my face.
YELLOW Cafe (1346 4th St SE- Navy Yard)
YELLOW Cafe leaves you feeling as bright and sunny as the name and decor in the shop suggest. This Mediterranean-inspired cafe and coffee shop in Navy Yard has some of the most uniquely flavored lattes and bakery items I have tried in D.C. A personal favorite of mine is the turmeric and honey latte as well as the “ras el hanout”, a morning bun accented with cardamom and other warm spices. The inside of YELLOW is modern and bright, and there’s lots of outdoor seating for you to sit and enjoy your treats.
Emissary (2032 P St NW- Dupont Circle)
For many GW students, Emissary has already become a favorite study spot just off-campus in Dupont Circle. The ambiance is calming and all of the coffee drinks are delicious. Emissary’s chai lattes are some of the best I’ve ever had and the service is always incredible. Unlike some of the other options on this list, Emissary has an all-day menu and is open during dinner hours. If you like the bustle of clinking mugs and the clicking sounds of other stressed out students typing away at their laptops, Emissary is the perfect study place for you.
A Baked Joint (430 K St NW- Mt Vernon Triangle)
You may have heard of the iconic Baked & Wired cupcakes, but you are seriously missing out if you have not yet headed over to Mt Vernon Triangle to check out its sister store, A Baked Joint. There you can find an array of artisan breads, pastries, and–of course–cupcakes, on top of their fully-stocked coffee bar. This shop has floor-to-ceiling windows that light up the large seating area. Their coffee is amazing, but you absolutely cannot forget to pair it with a homemade scone.
Philz (1827 Adams Mill Rd NW-Adams Morgan)
If you’re like me and you’re missing the old Dupont Circle Philz, do not fear: there are still two locations left in Adams Morgan and Navy Yard. I personally prefer the Adams Morgan location, as you can grab a coffee and take a nice walk all the way down 18th street back to campus. Philz has a unique approach as all of their coffees are made using the pour over method, producing a smoother finish to each of the drinks. The first time I tried their iced coffee rosé, my life literally changed. The baristas at Philz are always incredibly welcoming and usually ask you to take the first sip before you leave to make sure their work is perfect.
There are so many great coffee shops in D.C. that are yet to be explored. Though I still love Peets and Gelbucks, taking the time to try coffees from different neighborhoods is a surefire way to help you get to know this amazing city even better.
