Ditch the PSL: Best 4 Places to Grab Coffee in D.C.

September 29 is International Coffee Day! Fall has been in full swing for about a week now, which means you may have already ran to the nearest Starbucks for your favorite seasonal drink. Try one of the many coffee shops the District has to offer. Ditch the famed pumpkin spice latte. 

1. Northside Social: While this spot is technically outside of the city, the vibe is worth the 45-minute metro ride. Located at the Clarendon stop on the orange line, the coffee shop and wine bar for y’all 21 and older, is idea for a meet-up with friends. If you like to study in complete silence, skip this one. The atmosphere is energetic and chatty. As far as drink suggestions, try the caramel latte. It tastes like heaven. (Bonus for the Instagram addicts: the coffee had some noteworthy latte art). Northside’s playlist is versatile and ranges from 80s pop to acoustic tunes. 

2. Little Red Fox: What is the best thing about this cafe and market? It’s only a five-minute bus ride away from Tenleytown. This shop is ideal for local and artisan food lovers. Little Red Fox stocks homemade chocolates and gelato in their market section. Go there for lunch and dinner; the prices are college student friendly! A sandwich and a latte are around 12 bucks. Try the Fox BLT, which takes on a spin on the classic sandwich by adding a layer of guacamole. (Author’s note: hardcore coffee fiends may doubt my credibility; I’m a latte lover!) This spot is ideal for some light studying, but don’t whip out the laptop at the community table. (Author’s note: I whipped out the laptop at the community table; I didn’t see the sign that said “No laptops here please” until I was leaving. Oops!) 

3. Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse: About a block from Union Station, Ebenezer’s is the quintessential coffeehouse. Think Friends‘ Central Perk, but bigger, minus the couch and no Gunther. All coffee served here is fair-trade. The baristas are welcoming, even during rush hours. Check the events calendar. This coffeehouse always has performers throughout the week and on the weekends. Many of the events are free! The warm environment of this shop can work for studying or hanging out with friends. I recommend the cafe au lait. For the diehard caffeine addicts, the possibilities are endless.

4. Davenport Coffee Lounge: Heard of it? Hit up the Dav on National Coffee Day, and any other day, for that matter. Sometimes the lines can be long, but it’s worth it. Head to SIS in the morning for their top-notch pastries because they sell out quickly. (My personal favorite? A classic blueberry muffin.) Whenever you’re busy running to classes, the Dav is always there to cheer you up with a caffeine buzz and a laugh from their witty chalkboard sign. 

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4

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