The Pursuit of Coffeeness

As someone who drinks a lot of coffee, I appreciate a good cup of joe. Sure, you can find a Starbucks on every corner in the city, but it can get kind of old going to the same place over and over again. Rather than pumping my non-profit salary into big corporate coffee, I’ve found a lot of joy in discovering and supporting the local coffee houses of D.C. Here’s a rundown of my favorites and some places I have yet to try.

Tryst (Adams Morgan)

I’d love to have an apartment that looks like the inside of Tryst: shabby-chic furniture, farm tables, and funky artwork lining the walls. This place is part of why I love living in Adams Morgan; I’m far enough away from 18th street to avoid it on Saturday nights, but close enough to stroll through on Sunday morning with a latte from Tryst.

Open City (Woodley Park)

Sister establishment to Tryst, this D.C. brunchpowerhouse is always packed on the weekends. I try to take my parents here whenever they’re in town, and the first thing I order is an iced coffee. With patio seating and natural lighting, it’s just the perfect D.C. brunch.

M.E. Swing Co. (Downtown)

Located just a block away from the White House, this quality old-school coffeehouse dates back to 1916. It’ s only a short walk away from my office so I often stop by for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Jolt n’ Bolt (Adams Morgan/Dupont)

This place may be my absolute favorite place for coffee in D.C. Their cold-brew iced coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee are probably the best I’ve ever had.

Ebenezer’s Coffee (Capitol Hill) - I’m not usually in the neighborbood, but I make an exception for Ebenezer’s. In addition to having great coffee, they have a downstairs area where they are able to hold small concerts. I still go to 9:30 Club for the big shows, but there’s something about a coffeeshop gig that I absolutely love.

Tynan Coffee and Tea (Columbia Heights) – If making a trip to Target or Bed Bath & Beyond, I know where I’m stopping by to get my caffeine fix. I’m a fan of both their coffee and teas (iced and hot).

Places I haven’t tried yet (but want to)

Baked and Wired (Georgetown)

Big Bear Cafe (Bloomingdale)

Filter Coffeehouse and Espresso Bar (Dupont)

Java Green (Dupont and Downtown)

Peregrine Espresso (Eastern Market)

Coffee with an International Twist

Pretty much every Thai or Vietnamese restaurant I’ve been to in D.C. has excellent iced coffee. I would give you a list but I literally can’t remember them all. All you need to know is that these places clearly know how to do iced coffee. I’ve also recently become a fan of the sweet and hot Turkish version served in tiny espresso cups. I enjoyed a cup after dinner at both Cafe Divan (Georgetown) and Agora (Dupont).

What’s your favorite coffee shop in D.C.?

About these ads

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

I’ve walked by several community gardens in D.C. and every time I do, I get the urge to start growing my own food. I’ve killed a lot of plants in my day, but being the Wellesley Woman that I am, I will never stop trying. Like many people, I try my best to buy local and organic when I can, but sometimes it isn’t that easy or inexpensive to do. Slowly but surely, the local food movement is growing and one local food campaign is trying to make it more accessible for D.C. residents

The Eat Local First campaign is working to promote the benefits of eating locally grown food, foster a true sense of community through residential gardens, and make local food more accessible in the D.C. area. The campaign was started by the D.C. non-profit Think Local First DC as a way to promote growing a sustainable local economy. You can participate in Eat Local First Week by going to your local farmers market, making a pledge to eat local foods, or attending one of their events.

Explore community gardens in the Shaw area at tomorrow’s Edible Garden Tour, starting at Old City Green garden shop. On Saturday there’s a fun-filled Farm-to-Street Party, where you’ll sample local food and drink. There’s also a pie eating contest and dunking booth to keep you entertained. If you want to make your entire weekend focused on local food, be sure to check out the several farmer’s markets in the D.C. area (here). I enjoy spending many summer Sundays at the one in Dupont Circle. I also go to the one by the White House after work on Thursdays.

Several restaurants are also participating in the local food campaign by having a Farm-to-Table Restaurant Week. The week consists of specials and discounts on locally grown menu items. Click here to see a list of participating restaurants.