If there's one thing college students can't live without, it's coffee. Whether they're pulling an all-nighter or rallying for a night out, this caffeinated elixir is the key to success. Most students are ballin' on a budget (read: broke), so they buy the cheap stuff and make it at home. However, if you're getting tired of your burnt Folgers grounds and want to treat yourself, check out these 15 fancy coffee shops in the district.
1. Dolcezza
Dolcezza offers delicious coffee and gelato (you can even get both in the same bowl if you order an affogato). They have multiple locations in the DMV, so no matter where you are you're never too far from one. Come here to get some after-dinner coffee and gelato for a sweet ending to a night in the city.
Neighborhood: Bethesda, Dupont, Penn Quarter, City Center, Logan Circle, Georgetown, Fairfax
Hours: varies by location
2. Vigilante
If you like dogs, coffee, and lots of natural light, Vigilante is the place for you. The open atmosphere and cheerful baristas make the cafe inviting and welcoming, and once you're here you won't want to leave. Make sure you don't miss out on the cupping sessions they offer - it's like wine tasting, but for coffee.
Neighborhood: Hyattsville
Hours: 7AM-7PM
3. The Coffee Bar
Located in DC's hipster neighborhood, it's no surprise that the Coffee Bar is incredibly cool. It's a great spot to relax with friends, but also a popular spot to study. As local university student Ciera Belin notes, "People will go there to work on a Saturday afternoon and keep working there all day."
Neighborhood: U Street
Hours: Mon-Fri 7AM-6PM, Sat-Sun 7:30AM-6PM
4. Bourbon Coffee
Formerly known as Pound the Hill, Bourbon Coffee has expanded and now has three locations around the city. Don't miss their famous Nutella latte - it's heaven in a cup. They also offer smoothies, pastries, and other goodies, making it a great place to come for breakfast on the weekend.
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill, Tenleytown, Foggy Bottom
Hours: Mon-Fri 7AM-6PM, Sat-Sun 8AM-5PM
5. Big Bear Cafe
Big Bear Cafe's beautiful outdoor patio makes it a great place to come in late spring and early fall. It's such an adorable place that a few weddings have even been hosted here. Wifi is not available all the time (the schedule for it is here), so best to come here with a few friends or a good book to keep you company.
Big Bear Cafe Neighborhood: Eckington
Hours: Mon-Thurs 7AM-9PM, Fri-Sun 7:30AM-10PM
6. Chinatown Coffee Company
Chinatown Coffee's close proximity to downtown DC makes it a popular place for people to stop on the way to work or for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Its sleek, semi-industrial building matches the fast-paced attitude of its clientele. Despite the speed at which they get orders out to customers, baristas here are still masters of their craft and each cup they produce is a work of art.
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Hours: Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM, Sat-Sun 9AM-6PM
7. Compass Coffee
Logan Circle
Started by two Marines who enjoyed a good cup of coffee, Compass Coffee brings a simple and honest approach to coffee. In this cafe you will find no hard to pronounce drink names or pretentious baristas- just real good coffee. Many of the patrons here are regulars and very friendly, so don't be surprised if someone strikes up a conversation with you when you sit down.
Neighborhood: Shaw
Hours: 7AM-8PM
8. Peregrine
Peregrine espresso offers some of the best coffee in the city. The best item on the menu here is obviously the espresso, but their other offerings are also great. It can be tough to grab a seat here because it's such a popular place, so your best bet is to grab a cup of coffee on your way to explore the city.
Neighborhood: Eastern Market, Union Market, Logan Circle
Hours: Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM, Sat-Sun 8AM-8PM
9. Zeke's Coffee
Located in Northeast DC, Zeke's Coffee offers both bags of beans and cups of espresso, pour-overs, and more. If you're not located in the district, fear not- they also have locations in Baltimore and Pittsburg. Can't get enough of Zeke's? Check out their subscription service for 24/7 access to their amazing roasts.
Neighborhood: Woodridge
Hours: Mon-Fri 7AM-4PM, Sat-Sun 8AM-5PM
10. The Wydown
The Wydown originally started as a pop-up, but because of it's immense popularity they now have a brick and mortar shop in the U Street neighborhood. When you enter the cafe you'll immediately notice the unique coffee art on the walls. Grab an iced chai and sit down to read a book, get work done on your laptop, or just relax and enjoy the good vibes.
Neighborhood: U Street
Hours: Sun-Thurs 6:30AM-8PM, Fri-Sat 6:30AM-9PM
11. Tryst
This relaxed coffeehouse draws in all kinds of people, from late-night party goers to artsy hipsters. Graham Ragan, a student at the University of Maryland, describes Tryst as having "a unique ambiance that is open and friendly and yet dark and copacetic at the same time."
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan
Hours: Sun-Thurs 7AM-12AM, Fri-Sat 7AM-1PM
12. Caffe Aficionado
Located right outside of DC, Cafe Aficionado stands out from the rest for its commitment to hospitality and excellence. Each item on the menu is crafted with skill and devotion, and it definitely shows. For the ultimate Aficionado experience, make sure you don't miss out on their signature Liege waffles.
Neighborhood: Rosslyn
Hours: M-F 7AM-6PM, Sat 8AM-3PM, Sun closed
13. Kaldi's Social House
As you might guess from the name, Kaldi's Social House is a great place to chill with your friends as you sip on coffee and eat some bangin' pastries. There's tons of seating available, but it's a popular place so spots still fill up quick. While everything they offer is good, the tiramisu and chai latte are the two standouts on the menu.
Neighborhood: Silver Spring
Hours: Mon-Thurs 7AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 7AM-12AM, Sun 8AM-10PM
14. La Colombe
La Colombe stands out from all the rest due to its attention to detail. From the latte art to the beautifully patterned mugs and plates, everything here is perfectly crafted for the ultimate cafe experience. As local coffee connoisseur Emilio Rivera describes it as, "classic and authentic but with a modern touch. The coffee was wonderful (especially the draft latte with condensed milk), the ambiance was serene, and the building itself was charming."
Neighborhood: Shaw
Hours: Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM, Sat-Sun 8AM-7PM
15. Flying Fish Coffee & Tea
Flying fish is part cafe, part art gallery. Each month they feature a new artist's work on in their cafe, which makes for a unique and ever-changing atmosphere. As featured artist Yvette Yu observes, the cafe draws in a lot of hipsters and artists, and is a popular place to meet up with friends.
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30AM-6PM, Sat-Sun 8AM-6PM
