Where To Find The Best Coffee In DC (And What To Order)

Another homegrown favorite here in DC is Compass Coffee, with a handful of locations throughout the city.  In addition to the 9 house-roasted blends available, one of the most popular offerings at Compass is their Nitro Cold Brew.  Through the process of infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen, the resulting beverage has a creamy mouthfeel and a thick, milky appearance when first poured from the tap, similar to a Guinness.

With locations in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Philz Coffee is by no means a local company, but that didn’t stop DC from embracing them with a warm welcome when they recently opened 2 locations within the city.  In addition to friendly, personal service and great grab-n-go breakfast options, Philz offers a special touch to many of their coffee and tea drinks in the form of fresh mint leaves.  This unexpected pairing makes for a deliciously refreshing beverage, no matter what you decide to try, but we suggest the Mint Mojito Iced Coffee, The Tantalizing Turkish dark roast, and the Philharmonic medium roast.

These coffee makers pride themselves on honoring direct trade practices, sustainability, and working closely with their coffee bean producers.  While Stumptown doesn’t have any brick and mortar locations in DC, their coveted cold brew coffee can be found in stores.  The unique offering we suggest seeking out this fall?  Their sparkling cold brew in a can, available in 3 flavors: Original, Ginger Citrus, and Honey Lemon. Don’t knock it until you try it!  Find it in one of DC’s Whole Foods or Dolcezza locations.

Slipstream, one of our favorite Logan Circle coffee spots, recently opened a second location in the Capitol Riverfront.  This gives you 2x the opportunities to enjoy one of their inventive coffee drinks in a gorgeous setting (both locations are decorated impeccably, but the Capitol Riverfront location is a true Instagrammer’s dream).  If you’re stopping by in the morning, order a Piña-colatte, an espresso-based drink with pineapple juice and coconut, for a tropical vacay in a cup or their NameBranded Marshmallow Cereal (N.B.M.C) Shakerado, a special treat complete with cereal milk, marshmallows and espresso.  If you’re stopping by later in the day, spike your coffee buzz with a Pandan Shakelato, made with cold brew, Cognac, and pandan cream.

Dolcezza, with a handful of brick and mortar and pop-up locations throughout DC, is known for their irresistible gelato and coffee drinks, but when you combine the two, something magical happens.   Order an affogato to have a shot of freshly brewed espresso poured over your scoop of gelato for a treat that’s perfect any time of day.  Or, cut out the middle man and order a scoop (or two) of mexican coffee or espresso flavored gelato.