10 Best Coffee Shops in Washington, DC

Check Out These Independently Owned Coffee Houses

By Rachel Cooper

Updated 08/23/16

Looking for a great cup of coffee in Washington DC? Coffee shops are located on just about every corner around the capital region. If you are looking for a unique place to enjoy your favorite java, skip Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts and check out some of the independently owned coffee houses in the metropolitan area. Enjoy a great cup of coffee, tea and bakery items at many of these local coffee shops. (Listed in alphabetical order)

  • 01 of 10

    Caffe Amouri

    Espresso machine pouring coffee into cups
    ••• Photo © Getty Images

    107 Church St NE Vienna, VA (703) 938-1623. The coffee house has CUP OF EXCELLENCE coffee's, microlots, rare and hard to find coffee like true Jamaican Blue Mountain and an excellent array of beans from around the world.

  • 02 of 10

    Chinatown Coffee Company

    475 H Street, NW Washington, DC (202) 559-7656. Chinatown Coffee focuses on quality coffee and offers a variety of pastries. The company also hosts tastings and discussions with coffee experts.
  • 03 of 10

    Ebenezers Coffeehouse

    201 F St. NE Washington, DC (202) 558-6900. The National Community Church owns this coffee shop on Capitol Hill and donates all of the proceeds to benefit community outreach projects. Menu items include coffee and a variety of hot drinks, pastries, bagels, and other bakery items. Ebenezers features live music, dance lessons and poetry nights. The lower level is available to rent for private events.
  • 04 of 10

    Filter Coffee House and Expresso Bar

    Coffee
    ••• Photo © Aleksandr Morozov
    1726 20th St NW Washington, DC (202) 234-5837. The independent coffee house in Dupont Circle focuses on carefully chosen coffees, classic espresso-based drinks, and has a commitment to quality and service.
    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    M.E. Swing Co.

    17th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC. (800) 485-4019. Located in the heart of Washington, DC, this local coffee shop dates back to 1916. They focus on producing the freshest coffee by hand-craft roasting in small batches.
  • 06 of 10

    Mayorga Coffee

    Locations in Silver Spring, Rockville, and National, Dulles, BWI and Pittsburgh airports. Mayorga Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster, wholesaler, and retailer. Mayorga coffee is also available at markets and coffeeshops across the country and online.
  • 07 of 10

    Quartermaine Coffee Roasters

    Roasting Plant - 4972 Wyaconda Rd. Rockville, MD (301) 230-4600. Coffee shop - 4817 Bethesda Ave. Bethesda, MD (301) 718-2853. The regional specialty coffee roaster sells its coffee at its local shops, in specialty gourmet food stores and online.
  • 08 of 10

    St. Elmo's Coffee Pub

    2300 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA (703) 739-9268. This coffee shop with a pub-like atmosphere serves coffee and espresso drinks, teas, baked goods, and sandwiches and salads made daily from the nearby Bread & Chocolate and Caboose Café. Live music is featured Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Free movies are offered every other Tuesday.
    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Tryst Coffeehouse

    Coffee Shops
    ••• Photo © Mint Images/ Bill Miles
    2459 18th St. NW Washington, DC (202) 232-5500. Located in the heart of Adams Morgan, this coffee shop is a local favorite, attracting a wide range of patrons with its casual and comfortable atmosphere and extensive hours (open 6:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. weeknights and 3 a.m on weekends). The menu includes espresso drinks, French pastries, rustic breads, gourmet sandwiches, and international beers, wines, and liqueurs.
  • 10 of 10

    U Street Cafe

    1301 U St. NW Washington, DC (202) 667-0616. The neighborhood coffeehouse provides a cozy setting to enjoy gourmet coffees from around the world and a wide selection of teas, fresh juices, pastries, full breakfast selections, sandwiches and salads. Live music is performed regularly at the U Street location.