Best Coffee Shops in DC with Great Food

Discover the five BEST coffee shops in DC that serve up delicious bites. Get your caffeine fix and check off your next meal all in one stop!

I used to think of DC as a place you visit once or twice to see the Capital and a few famous museums. Oh how I was wrong! DC has become a fun and exciting city to explore. Between charming Georgetown, the new Wharf District, colorful farmers markets, bustling downtown, the parks and green space surrounding the monuments, this city has enough to warrant several return visits. 

Add the solid list of awesome restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and cafes...Washington DC is a true delight.

My initial idea was to publish a TOP 5 coffee shops in DC post, but after visiting all the coffee shops on my pre-researched list, I quickly realized that DC has a number of spots that serve some spectacular food. The bites and treats these places offered really stood out...enough to dedicate an entire blog post on! So without further ado, let's get into the best coffee shops in DC that offer great food.

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1. Baked and Wired

My favorite pick of Washington DC coffee shops! Solid coffee and loose-leaf tea paired with killer desserts. The cupcakes are stellar (many locals claim they are the best in town) and the fact that they offer vegan and gluten-free options makes me love Baked and Wired even more. 

I tried the vanilla cupcake with a salted caramel center and chocolate-hazelnut icing……..I could have snarfed down three more. They also offer quiche, breakfast breads, and muffins for those wanting something less sweet. The atmosphere is cozy and a steady stream of coffee and cupcake lovers keep the vibe lively. 

A Baked Joint is the sister store of Baked and Wired and worth a visit. The menu has a more extensive offering including gourmet sandwiches, quiche, salads, and pizza (only Thursday-Saturday evenings). The space is open and has a modern and clean finish.

2. Maketto

Maketto is a mixed-use concept that combines retail, coffee bar, pastry shop, and restaurant in one space. Out of all the Washington DC coffee shops, this one is the most unique. 

I appreciate that there are multiple seating areas leaving plenty of space if you want to stay a while. Choose from a tree shaded courtyard, upstairs seating (inside or out) or inside the main space on the first floor by the retail shop.

The pastries are noteworthy and the food (Asian inspired) is quite tasty and affordable. We ordered the veggie lo main, pork boa buns, and bananas foster sticky rice. Everything was outstanding.

SEE ALSO: WASHINGTON DC 3 DAY ITINERARY

3. Peregrine Espresso

Husband and wife owned Peregrine Espresso offers three locations in DC. The shop in Union Market is the most unique and makes for a fun outing where you can grab snacks from other vendors including crepes, acai bowls, pastries, and more. 

Try a coffee cream filled donut from B Donut, a nutella crepe from Peitie Loulou, or a unicorn toast from On Toast. The market has permanent and pop-up vendors, so the options never get boring. If the weather is nice, sit on the patio and watch locals play ping-pong or hang with their furry companions as this seems to be a popular spot for dog owners. 

4. Bluestone Lane

If you read my post on the best coffee shops on the Upper East Side, this name will look familiar. Bluestone Lane is an Australian based coffee company influenced by the cafe culture of Melbourne. This brand has a loyal following, myself included, and has nailed it when it comes to a legit flat white paired with the perfect avocado toast...among other menu items of course. 

Out of the three current locations, West End is definitely my favorite. The design and overall feel is stunning. The space is bright and open, floor to ceiling windows provide ample natural lighting, and there is plenty of seating inside and out.

The West End location is especially popular for breakfast, lunch, and brunch with a full menu of healthy options like avocado smash toast, gluten-free banana bread with whipped ricotta, and colorful salads.

They also offer an assortment of fresh pressed juices, gluten-free and vegan pastries. If atmosphere, Instagrammable plates, and healthy options are important, this is one of the best coffee shops in DC to visit.  

The DuPont Circle location is the newest addition to the DC coffee shop scene. Though it's smaller than the West End location, it still has a good amount of seating inside and out. The menu at DuPont Circle is more grab-and-go friendly focusing on handheld items like sandwiches, pastries, and toasts.

The location in Georgetown is tiny and more of a to-go option offering a limited menu of toasts, juices, croissant sandwiches, etc. 

5. Grace Street Coffee 

Locally owned Grace Street Coffee roasts their beans in the heart of Georgetown and is a favorite with locals and students. It shares space in a completely open concept with South Block Juice Co. and SundeVich. I highly recommend grabbing a sandwich from SundeVich, it might be one of the best you've ever had. SundeVich uses French baguettes, baked fresh daily...it really makes a difference in the overall quality.

South Block Juice Co. is perfect for something a bit lighter. Choose from a variety of açaí bowls, green smoothies, protein smoothies, and of course, juices.  

Take a seat in the loft, patio, or grab a counter seat.

In Summary

I hope this post of the best coffee shops in DC that offer great food will help you find a place to get your caffeine fix and take care of your next meal all in one stop. These spots are especially nice if you are on a tight schedule as you can be in and out pretty quick. 

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See my other coffee shop posts!

Are you a DC native or frequent visitor? Share your favorite Washington DC coffee shops in the comments below!