A great cup of coffee is just around the corner in the Capitol Hill district. We’ve listed favorites within a short walk of the Eastern Market and Capitol South Metro Stations. These selections offer easy access to a variety of local roasts and international flavors. Venture out to a well travelled cafe or an under the radar hideout for coffee and conversation, espresso and a wifi hotspot, or a cup of chai and a quiet break from the action.
Peregrine Espresso
660 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC 20003
Peregrine Espresso is known for some of the best coffee culture on the hill. This locally owned coffee bar strives to keep you inspired, educated, and well provisioned. Peregrine encourages coffee education, environmentally sustainable practices, and a true passion for coffee and community. They feature locally made baked goods, bars, yogurts, and granola as well as tea and juice. Peregrine Espresso started at DC’s Eastern Market Cafe in 2008 and they now have Mid City and Union Market locations in addition to Capitol Hill. Stop in and visit their 600 Pennsylvania Ave address and you’ll see why they keep the local vibe buzzing.
Bourbon Coffee
621 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC 20003
Bourbon Coffee brings a global sensibility to the coffee scene. They originated in Kigali, Rwanda and brought their ‘crop to cup’ philosophy to DC in 2010. Bourbon Coffee’s vision is to stand as a symbol of a new era in African economic development. They promote sustainable practices, cultural unity, and education. Coffee beans are purchased directly from Rwandan farmers. The people, the story and the coffee at Bourbon is all remarkable. Visit them for a great brew or other specialty drinks and learn more about how their global mission is gaining ground on Capitol Hill.
Souk
705 8th Street SE, Washington DC 20003
Souk is a locally owned and globally-inspired spice market and coffee shop. Locals will already be familiar with Souk’s sister shop – Barracks Row’s own boutique bakery and macaroon heaven, The Sweet Lobby. Souk serves up coffee from the metro’s own Vigilante Coffee Company and offers a mouth watering selection of both sweet and savory fresh baked goods (including macaroons) at their little shop on 8th Street. Tea lovers will appreciate their loose leaf selection. Souk also proudly supports locally crafted artisanal foods from the DMV area. Preview their menu online.
Vigilante Coffee at Eastern Market (Sundays)
225 7th Street SE, Washington DC 20003
Visit Vigilante’s Eastern Market outpost on Sundays from 6am-6pm and learn more about these local roasters based in Hyattsville, Maryland. The folks at Vigilante learned their craft in Hawaii and have been serving up coffee and more in the DC area since 2012. You will also find Vigilante’s fresh roasted beans at local marketplaces and coffee shops including Capitol Hill’s Souk.
Jacob’s Coffee House
401 8th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
This neighborhood coffee shop sits quietly on the corner of 8th and D Street NE. There’s no stylish website or cool instagram – but that doesn’t make a difference to the locals who agree that Jacob’s serves up great coffee time and time again. It’s a quiet simple spot in a stand alone two story brick building with steady traffic from appreciative neighbors.
Little Pearl
Carriage House
921 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC 20003
This charming gourmet coffee house/wine bar is set in an old carriage house, ideal for escaping the bustle of the hill. Little Pearl is owned by the folks at Rose’s Luxury so it’s far more than a coffee house. However, for this list, it makes the grade as a quiet spot slightly off the beaten path and perfect for catching up with a friend. Little Pearl offers all the coffeehouse staples along with specialty drink surprises like a delicious coconut nutmeg latte as well as a fresh and creative selection of small plates. In the evening, the scene evolves into a hip wine bar with small plates. But first, coffee…
Starbucks
237 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC 20003
There’s no denying Starbucks has a presence in every major city in America. Washington DC is no exception. Starbucks can be found at two locations on the Hill – Pennsylvania Ave and Barracks Row’s 8th Street. The Metro map is freckled with green dots signaling the Seattle-based chain’s mass appeal. It’s worth noting there’s always reliable wifi and doors open weekdays at 5:00 AM on Pennsylvania Ave and 5:30 AM on 8th Street by Eastern Market. Count on Starbucks for a hot, fresh, and familiar coffee specialty drink throughout the day and the district.