As a coffee lover, nothing beats the aroma of freshly brewed coffee early in the morning. Whether it's for a jolt of energy or an afternoon pick-me-up, coffee shops are a haven for coffee enthusiasts. The Navy Yard neighborhood in Washington, DC boasts an abundance of delightful coffee shops to choose from. Whether you prefer sleek and modern cafes or cozy rustic spots, there is a perfect destination to satisfy every coffee connoisseur.
1. Slipstream
Slipstream is a trendy coffee shop that offers more than just coffee. The café also features a full bar and kitchen, offering artisanal coffee cocktails (available all day, every day!) and tasty bites like pastries, breakfast all day, and lunch options. We recommend the [Bright] Rising Mary, Slipstream’s coffee Bloody Mary with bright espresso, mezcal, grapefruit, and Bloody Mary mix.
When it comes to strictly coffee, Slipstream roasts their coffee in-house and features a seasonal pour-over menu alongside classic espresso drinks. Their airy, open space features plenty of seating, making it a great place to work, read, or catch up with friends.
2. Compass Coffee
This local chain has become a staple in Washington, DC and for good reason. With a focus on serving high-quality blends using only peak-roasted and ethically sourced beans, Compass Coffee is a great spot to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee. From cappuccinos and lattes to their seasonal, customer-favorite Cherry Blossom Cold Brew, they believe that the best cup of coffee is the one that points you in the right direction at the start of your day, every day: just like a Compass.
Founded by two Marines, they also focus on using as many American-made supplies as possible, from their canning machines to their cups and lids. Their Navy Yard location is cozy with lots of natural light and a quiet atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for catching up on sips and work.
3. Bluestone Lane
Bluestone Lane is an Australian-inspired coffee shop that brings a unique twist to traditional coffee fare, offering some of the best Australian-style lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites in the city. Aside from their delicious coffee selection, their menu also includes wellness drinks, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and organic teas – plus pastries and a variety of healthy breakfast (brekkie) and lunch options. Their aesthetically pleasing decor is soft and earthy and offers locals a place to enjoy both a relaxing break in the sunshine with friends or a quick bite with a book in hand.
4. Gregory’s Coffee
Gregory’s Coffee is a coffee shop that works tirelessly to select coffees and develop roast profiles that bring the absolute best out of each bean. They roast four days a week in their facility in Long Island City, always ensuring the freshness and quality of each brew. In addition to their usual blends, they also always carry limited edition single origin coffees that are sourced for their unique, exotic and special flavor profiles. More than just coffee, Gregory’s offers smoothies, other delicious hot and cold drinks, and small bites that are curated by their in-house registered dietitian and prepared from scratch daily.
Gregory's not only strives to produce exceptional coffee, but also aims to make a positive impact in the world. With every bag of coffee sold, they generously donate a pair of eyeglasses to individuals in need in developing countries. Their unwavering commitment has resulted in tens of thousands of eyeglasses being given to deserving people worldwide. In April 2021, they embarked on a journey to a coffee farm in Guatemala, one of their sources, and were able to bring the gift of sight to over 500 individuals.
5. YELLOW
YELLOW is a Levantine café from Chef Michael Rafidi that first opened its doors in 2020.
YELLOW café offers a taste of the Levant with a menu of baked goods, mezze, wood-fired pita sandwiches, & specialty drinks. A highlight of the experience are their sweet and savory pastries, which blend French techniques and Middle Eastern flavors like the Za’atar and Labne Croissant, Chocolate 7 Spice Cruffin, and Lemon Sumac Kouign Amann. While their coffee program is thoughtfully curated by Coffee Director Ayat Elhag and celebrates Arabic coffee culture. In addition to all the classics, coffee lovers can sip on creative concoctions like a Baklava Latte, Coconut Cardamom Iced Coffee, or a YELLOW ‘Spro, all sourced by Counter Culture.
Discover the Perfect Blend in Washington, DC
In the Navy Yard neighborhood of Washington DC, there is no shortage of great coffee shops to choose from. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a spot to relax with a cup of joe, there is an option for everyone. From the trendy and artisanal to the cozy and community-focused, these top coffee shops in the area are sure to satisfy your caffeine cravings. To discover another destination we consider a perfect blend, check out Coda on Half, a Placemakr Experience for a trip that’s worth remembering.
Discover Coda on Half, a Placemakr Experience