Since my senior year of high school, I’ve started my day with a cup of coffee. My motivations are an even split between a caffeine dependency, a morning ritual, and my absolute love of the beverage. When I left New England, I worried I wouldn’t find decent coffee below the Mason-Dixon, but Washington D.C. proved me wrong. 

Once you sift through the major coffee chains, the District has quite the impressive selection of craft-style caffeine, and everyone is sure to find a cup they enjoy. Not sure where to go? Start with one of these three neighborhoods, which are home to more than a few good java spots.

Dupont Circle

Photo courtesy of Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe

Dupont Circle is equal parts residential and commercial, making access to good coffee a major perk (pun intended). While you could swing in to one of the multiple Starbucks locations within a five-block radius, there are plenty of smaller coffee houses worth trying out.

Soho Tea & Coffee is an odd spot that offers a full menu of specialty coffee, tea, and bites. There’s plenty of seating, and a welcome warmer than the drinks they serve. While you’re there, you’ll see local art on the walls and customers reading a book or simply watching the passers-by on P Street.

Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe is a safe haven for the book lovers in your life. Equal parts independent book store and full-service restaurant, this spot is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they serve simple diner-style coffee that makes this New Englander a very happy District transplant.

Emissary serves up Counter Culture Coffee alongside wine, beer, cocktails, and small plates. This spot promotes the Swedish idea of “fika,” which encourages people to take time to slow down, gather with loved ones, and enjoy a good cup of coffee.

Adams Morgan

Photo courtesy of Tryst

Adams Morgan is known for a vibrant nightlife, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to do mornings there. You’ll catch plenty of folks heading through this neighborhood to get to work downtown, grabbing a cup of coffee from one of these spots.

The Cup We All Race 4 is a coffee bar located inside the Line hotel. This spot may seem small but it is fully stocked with Counter Culture Coffee, locally sourced teas, pressed juice, and freshly baked goods. Grab a cup and sit to listen to Full Service Radio, which broadcasts live from the lobby.

Adams Morgan stalwart Tryst is a cozy, living room-esque coffee shop by day, bustling wine and cocktail lounge by night. Tryst also serves Counter Culture Coffee as part of its drink menu that includes standard coffee and espresso drinks, as well as matcha lattes and golden milk (spiced turmeric and honey in almond milk).

Capitol Hill

Photo courtesy of Little Pearl DC

Who needs a cup of a coffee more: a veteran policy maker or their intern? Either way, Capitol Hill has them covered if they find a minute to step away from the Capitol Building.

Peregrine Espresso has three locations in D.C., with Capitol Hill being home to one of them. Their coffee menu offers every staple you could want or need, including drip and pour-over coffee, cappuccino, lattes, and mochas. Be sure to grab a muffin or tea cake on your way out, too. 

Bourbon Coffee made its way from Rwanda to the states, bringing beans from “crop to cup” through sustainable practices that promote economic development and cultural unity in the West African nation. The shop offers cups of seasonal blends, specialty drinks, and coffee by the pound if you want to bring the beans home with you.

Another coffee shop/bar hybrid is found at Little Pearl DC, where coffee is served until 2:30 p.m., and wine takes over at 5:30 p.m. The breakfast and lunch cafe offers sandwiches, pastries, and gelato. The coffee menu lists the standard caffeinated fare, along with specialty drinks that include an iced banana latte, and the classic — but not necessarily common — affogato.