D.C. is more than monuments and meetings, it’s full of cafés where locals unwind, work, and meet over seriously good coffee.
Whether you’re walking near Dupont Circle or rushing to a lunch meeting downtown, there’s always a spot ready to pull a perfect espresso.
Qargo Coffee Lafayette
Website: qargocoffee.com
Location: 1600 K St NW, Washington, DC
Phone number: (202) 400-2515
This modern café sits right off K Street and delivers fast service and quality espresso. Qargo Coffee Lafayette has sleek interiors and a rotating menu that caters to the downtown crowd, whether you’re looking for a cortado or a cappuccino on the go.
Emissary
Website: emissarydc.com
Location: 2032 P St NW, Washington, DC
Just a few blocks from Dupont Circle, Emissary offers a laid-back space with strong espresso, light food, and a cozy atmosphere. It works well as a work spot or a casual place to meet friends, with a back patio that’s especially nice in warmer months.
For Five Coffee DC
Website: forfivecoffee.com
Location: 2000 L St NW, Washington, DC
Phone number: (202) 920-0101
This café blends New York energy with D.C. polish. For Five Coffee DC is known for smooth cold brews and signature lattes. It’s right in the business district and has enough space to stay and sip.
Au Lait
Website: aulaitdc.com
Location: 1608 17th St NW, Washington, DC
Phone number: (202) 908-9761
Au Lait feels like a hidden neighborhood gem. The coffee here is rich and flavorful, and they make standout lavender and honey lattes. It’s a cozy nook with both window seats and sidewalk tables.
For Five Coffee @ M Street
Website: forfivecoffee.com
Location: 1146 19th St NW, Washington, DC
Smaller than its L Street counterpart, this location of For Five Coffee serves up the same smooth drinks and clean aesthetic. The staff moves quickly and keeps things friendly, making it a great pre-meeting stop.
Soho Tea & Coffee
Website: sohoteaandcoffee.com
Location: 2150 P St NW, Washington, DC
Soho has been part of D.C.’s café scene for years. It’s spacious, open late, and has everything from strong coffee to teas and smoothies. The back seating area is great for laptop time or longer conversations.
Roasting Plant Coffee
Website: roastingplant.com
Location: 1211 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
Phone number: (212) 775-7755
Roasting Plant doesn’t just brew—they roast beans in-house, right in front of you. Their coffee is super fresh and deeply aromatic. It’s high-tech, but still welcoming, with smooth espresso and pour-over options.
Blank Street Coffee
Website: blankstreet.com
Location: 2121 M St NW, Washington, DC
Blank Street’s D.C. location keeps their New York-style speed and style. It’s compact but efficient, perfect for a flat white on the go. Their seasonal drinks and oat milk lattes are consistently popular.
City Place Cafe
Website: cityplacecafedc.com
Location: 1101 17th St NW, Washington, DC
Phone number: (202) 466-4665
More than just coffee, City Place serves a full breakfast and lunch menu. But the coffee stands on its own—bold, balanced, and perfect with a pastry or sandwich. Seating fills fast during peak hours, but the service is quick.
The Coffee Bar
Website: thecoffeebardc.com
Location: 1200 17th St NW #150, Washington, DC
Phone number: (202) 296-1090
Tucked into a modern building near Farragut Square, The Coffee Bar keeps things low-key and high-quality. Their cortados are especially good, and it’s a chill, unfussy space with great baristas.
Sunrise Cafe
Location: 1102 17th St NW, Washington, DC
Phone number: (202) 463-0032
Don’t let the small space fool you—Sunrise Cafe is all about efficiency and heart. Locals swear by their espresso, and the prices are fair. This one’s ideal for a quick morning stop before the office.
Nativo Coffee Shop
Website: nativocoffee.shop
Location: 1825 I St NW, Washington, DC
Phone number: (202) 498-3047
Small, bright, and full of flavor, Nativo Coffee Shop is a gem just off Farragut West. They focus on Latin American beans and serve espresso drinks with care. Bonus: friendly service and quick prep.
Roasting Plant Coffee
Website: roastingplant.com
Location: 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC
Phone number: (212) 775-7755
Their second D.C. location, this Roasting Plant is equally impressive. The setup is open and modern, and you can really taste the difference when beans are roasted fresh in-house.
{petite} maman
Website: mamannyc.com
Location: 1220 19th St NW, Washington, DC
Phone number: (202) 885-9441
With its French charm and beautiful design, {petite} maman feels like a mini Paris in Dupont. The coffee is smooth, and their baked goods are a must. It’s a warm space to take a pause in your day.
Dupont Coffee Collective
Website: dupontcoffee.com
Location: 1909 Q St NW, Washington, DC
This local café leans into collaboration, with beans from various roasters and a community vibe. Dupont Coffee Collective is small but feels intentional, ideal for coffee fans looking for variety and craft.