Exploring coffee shops and cafes is one of my favorite things to do. There are so many coffee shops in the D.C. Metro Area to try that I decided to make a list of my faves! This guide has been a long time coming. Continue reading to find your next spot!
D.C.
La Coop Coffee Co.
Sometimes you just want a simple, standard coffee shop menu. La Coop is the perfect place for you. Their menu includes hot drinks like the cappuccino and dirty horchata and cold drinks such as Nitrida and cold brew. La Coop is a family-owned and operated business from beginning to end. The coffee is direct-trade, single-origin specialty coffee from Union Cantinil, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. It’s roasted in small batches in Washington, D.C. The indoor space is cute and quaint, and I love that there’s a little outdoor space to chill when the weather’s just right.
My rec: Iced Latte
D.C.: 5505 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20011
VA: 4807 1st St. N, Arlington, VA, 22203
Instagram: lacoopcoffee
Rose Ave Bakery
If you love fun menus, Rose Ave Bakery is the shop for you! This shop has some of the best pastries and drinks I’ve ever had in the city. Rose Ave Bakery is Washington, D.C.’s first Asian American bakery. From the menu regulars like the Iced Ube Latte, to the seasonal items like the Peach tart, you’ll find a delightful treat!
Rose Ave Bakery gets busy, especially on the weekends. The staff does an amazing job at helping everyone efficiently and quickly. The pastries are so good that the long line is worth it!
Seating is limited, and parking can be tough to find.
My rec: Ube Kouign Amman, Saigon Banana Cookie
Read my review of Rose Ave Bakery.
2633 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Instagram: roseavebakery
Maryland
The Board and Brew
The Board and Brew is Maryland’s first board game café. In addition to the board game library, the menu is solid. The drink menu includes coffee, tea, and specials. Cocktails, beer, and wine options are also available.
We craft the majority of our offerings in-house, and leverage the talents of local artisans for specialty products like fresh breads, ultra premium ice cream and baked goods. From single-origin coffees to signature cocktails, spiked milkshakes to craft sodas and beers, delicate teas to full-bodied wines, we’ve got what you need.
Although I’ve only done pick up, I’ve had the experience of waiting for my order in their newer cozy corner toward the front. This spot is great for people meeting up with friends to play games, or someone who wants to chill and read a great book. There’s also outdoor seating which is great for warmer weather.
Read my review about the Board and Brew.
8150 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740
Instagram: theboardandbrew
La Gelatteria Gelato & Espresso Bar
La Gelatteria is a Black-owned gelato and coffee shop, and their coffee/drink options deserve more shine. From regular options like a cappuccino to a Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte, it’s a cafe that should be on your list. The matcha affogato was one of the best affogato desserts I’ve ever had. The gelato menu includes regular and seasonal options like Horchata, Mojito Sorbet, and Stracciatella.
This is a great place to grab something sweet with a friend or solo. Seating is limited.
My rec: Matcha Affogato (below)
Read my review of La Gelatteria.
10414 Detrick Ave, Suite 500, Kensington, MD 20895
Instagram: lagelatteriadmv
maman
maman is one of the prettiest cafes in the area, and their menu items are just as nice. It’s a French cafe founded and owned by Elisa Marshall and Ben Sormonte. They were inspired by moments in the kitchen during their childhoods and named it to honor their mothers. “Maman” means mother in French. maman offers hot drinks, iced drinks, sweets, bottled drinks, and juices. There are standard options available like the cortado and the matcha latte. They have seasonal options that rotate all year.
maman is pretty busy, so I haven’t tried working or hanging out there yet. The amount of seats is decent. It’s also a great place to grab something quick.
Note: maman’s Washington, D.C. and Maryland locations are wheelchair accessible. The Union Market location offers a unique visual ordering system for those who are hard of hearing.
Read my review of maman.
Bethesda: 7140 Bethesda Ln, Bethesda, MD 20814
Georgetown: 1353 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
Union Market: 1300 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Instagram: _mamannyc_
Manila Mart & Cafe
Manila Mart & Cafe is a family-owned shop that sells bubble tea, desserts, Filipino cuisine, and grocery products. Their menu has cold and hot milk teas and shakes. The food menu includes noodles, meat and fish dishes, desserts, and more!
Manila Mart is a neighborhood gem! Seating is limited, but it’s a great place to go solo, meet up with a friend for lunch, or just being away from the hustle and bustle for a bit.
Read my review of Manila Mart & Cafe.
My rec: Halo-halo, Thai Tea with coconut jelly
5023 Garrett Ave, Beltsville, MD 20705
Instagram: manilamart
PJ’s Coffee
If you love a chill neighborhood coffee shop, PJ’s Coffee in Bowie is one you’ll want to check out. This location is Black-owned. I highly recommend their cold brew! Their seasonal drinks are often very good, too. From the fall Pumpkin Sweet Cold Foam (cold brew) to the Strawberry Rose White Chocolate Latte, you’ll want to check out what special drinks are available. Their beignets pair well with the coffee, so you’ll want an order (or two) of them. There’s also a PJ’s Coffee shop in Silver Spring, MD.
I’ve personally visited the Bowie location multiple times, and they don’t miss! The seating is decent, and it’s nestled in a shopping center in a neighborhood.
My recs: Caramel Cold Brew; Pumpkin Sweet Cold Foam (seasonal); Cherry Cloud drink (seasonal)
Read my review of PJ’s Coffee.
12530 Fairwood Pkwy, Bowie, MD 20720
8621 Georgia Ave, Ste. A-2, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Instagram: pjscoffeebowie; pjscoffeesilverspring
Proteus Brews
Coffee unites with a bike shop at Proteus Brews, the coffee side of Proteus Bicycles, in College Park, MD. This woman-owned shop offers batch-brewed coffee, single-cup pour-over coffee, espresso-based drinks, tea, milk tea, milk drinks, and specials. Many of the other items they offer are from local businesses, like Shortcake Bakery, Hawthorne Fine Breakfast Pastry, and Open Seas Coffee.
Proteus Brews is great for someone who wants to enjoy coffee and focus on work. Seating is very limited. It’s also great for a quick stop!
Read my review of Proteus Brews.
9827 Rhode Island Ave, College Park, MD 20740
proteusbicycles.com/articles/coffee-pg231.htm
Instagram: proteusbrews
Ragamuffins Coffee House
There’s nothing like a hot matcha latte! Ragamuffins, a shop located in Laurel, MD, has something for everyone. The menu has coffee drinks, non-coffee drinks, and food items. The coffee options include lattes, Cafe Miel, and cold brew. They do not add sugar or syrups to the drinks. For those interested in non-coffee drinks, the menu includes chai lattes, hot and iced teas, juices, and kombucha. The food items are light and are meant to complement the coffee. Food like quiche, muffins, bagels, and scones are available.
Ragamuffins is such a busy coffee shop. Both times I have visited, every seat has been full. Great for a quick coffee pick up. If you want a seat, you likely have to get there early.
Note: Ragamuffins Coffee House is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
My rec: Matcha Latte, Kouign Amman
Read my review of Ragamuffins Coffee House.
385 Main St, Laurel, MD 20707
Instagram: ragamuffinslaurel
Sunday Morning Bakehouse
Sunday Morning Bakehouse is an Asian woman-owned shop owned by Caroline Yi, a Montgomery County, MD native. It’s a family-run shop located in Bethesda, MD at Pike & Rose. The name was inspired by her mom making breakfast spreads on Caroline’s father’s only day off—Sunday. Sunday Morning Bakehouse sells handmade croissants (sweet and savory), seasonal pastries, breakfast items, toasts, a few lunch items, and other pastries. They also have matcha, tea, chai, and coffee drinks: drip, espresso, cappuccino, latte, and cold brew. They only use high-quality ingredients.
Sunday Morning Bakehouse is great for someone who loves fun menu items and would grab croissants with a friend.
My rec: Blueberry Croissant Tart; Caramel Cold Brew; Cold Brew Shandy
Read my review of Sunday Morning Bakehouse.
11869 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Instagram: sundaymorningbakehouse
Teamania Bakery & Cafe
Teamania Bakery is an Asian-European-inspired bakery and cafe located in Rockville, MD. The desserts include items like creative toast boxes, Matcha Mascarpone Cake, and pineapple buns. The menu also includes various tea and coffee drinks like Vietnamese coffee, cappuccino, rose tea, and Watermelon Mint tea slushes.
My rec: Tropical Toast Box
Read my review of Teamania Bakery & Cafe.
130 Rollins Ave. Suite B, Rockville, MD 20852
Instagram: teamaniabakerycafe
Vigilante Coffee
If you love coffee, Vigilante Coffee has the dessert for you. Their affogato was the first I tried and the best I’ve ever had. They usually have two to three ice cream flavors available. The ice cream is topped with a 2oz shot of Vigilante Coffee’s Tin Lizzie Espresso.
My rec: Cappuccino; Cold Breezy Freezy (seasonal); Maple Spice Latte (seasonal)
Read my review of Vigilante Coffee.
Hyattsville: 4327 Gallatin St, Hyattsville, MD 20781
College Park: 8200 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740
Instagram: vigilantecoffee
Virginia
Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters
Neighborhood coffee shops are necessary, and Commonwealth Joe fits that description well. There’s not a ton of seating, but it’s not surprising considering it’s located right by Pentagon City Mall. I’ve only had a couple of seasonal items (that are not back as of December 2025), but th
This shop is great for someone who loves a well rounded menu and just wants to pop in real quick.
Read my review of Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters.
520 12th St S Suite 150, Arlington, VA 22202
Instagram: commonwealthjoe
Java Loco Coffee & bubble tea
Coffee or tea? Either way, Java Loco Coffee & Bubble Tea has you covered! It’s a locally- and Asian-owned chain in Northern Virginia. The menu includes sandwiches, coffee drinks, frappes, milk tea, fruit tea, smoothies, and other drinks. Pastries are also on the menu.
Java Loco Coffee & Bubble Tea is great for people who love having a variety on the menu.
My rec: Iced Rose Tea Latte, Coffee Cake
Read my post about Java Loco Coffee & Bubble Tea.
289 S Van Dorn St, Alexandria, VA 22304
Shotted specialty coffee
Shotted Specialty Coffee is a family-friendly coffee shop that’s open for people to gather until 11 PM during the week and midnight on weekends. The menu includes iced lattes, warm lattes, hot chocolate, coffee classics, hot coffee, pastries, nitro drinks and more. Flavors include pistachio, rose, red velvet, and vanilla.
This shop is perfect hang out with a friend or grabbing some lattes with family.
My recs: Iced Pistachio Latte, Pistachio Cream Basbosa
860 Tysons Corner Center, Tysons, VA 22182 and other Virginia locations
Instagram: shottedwith
Swing’s Coffee Roasters
Swing’s Coffee Roasters has been making coffee in and for the Washington, D.C. Area for over 100 years. Isn’t that amazing?! The coffee it roasts and serves is ethically sourced. What I appreciate about Swing’s Coffee is its dedication to being transparent about its coffee process, from sourcing to roasting. I also love that it focuses on sustainability throughout its process and working with family–farmed, small-holder farms.
The menu includes classic options cold brew iced coffee, cafe au lait, and pour-over. Signature drinks include the matcha tea lemonade, the espresso tonic, and the maple latte. Pastries and desserts are also available.
This Swing’s Coffee Roasters’ coffee bar location is great for someone who wants to work in a quiet and chill cafe.
Note: The Del Ray Coffee Bar location is wheelchair accessible.
My rec: Cappuccino
Read my review of Swing’s Coffee Roasters.
501 E Monroe Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301 and other Virginia and D.C. locations
Instagram: swingscoffee
Tous les jours
There’s nothing like a fresh pastry. The softness will do it for me every time! Tous les Jours is a French and Asian bakery with many locations nationwide and one Canada location. The menu includes freshly baked bread, cakes, pastries, and beverages.
Tous les Jours is perfect for someone who loves creative pastries and drinks. It’s a great place to get some work done or hang out with friends and family.
My rec: Iced Tiramisu Latte; Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Croissant Sandwich; Matcha Brownie
Read my blog post about Tous les Jours (Columbia, MD location).
4238 Wilson Blvd STE 127, Arlington, VA 22203
Instagram: touslesjoursusa
Until next time.
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