Three cheers for happy kids and a caffeine buzz!
Washington, D.C., is a city on the go. We rush to work. We rush to school. Along the way, we must stop and refuel our tanks with that all-powerful caffeinated beverage that so many parents, babysitters, and nannies swear by. And since we often have little ones in tow, I’ve compiled a list of the top coffee shops in D.C. and the surrounding area that your kids will love just as much as you do!
Whether you need a coffee break yourself or are just looking for a cool place to get the kids out of the house for a couple hours, these coffee shops will keep your kids smiling and give you the energy you need to power through a weekday afternoon.
Kefa Cafe
Locations:
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The Original: 963 Bonifant St., Silver Spring, MD 20910 | P: 240-641-8023
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Library Hub: 900 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910 | P: 240-670-7424
Hours: Open daily, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kefa Cafe, now boasting two locations thanks to a successful GoFundMe campaign, is best described as warm, cozy, and beautiful. Its first location, nestled deep in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, features rotating art installations, vegan lentil pastries, and the friendly smiles of owners Lene and Abeba Tsegaye. Its second location, a library hub at the Silver Spring Library, opened in the summer of 2015. It is a particularly great place to take your kids. Sip on one of their signature lattes while your kids choose a book from their class’ summer reading list.
Locations:
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Bethesda: 4817 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814 | P: 301-718-2853
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Georgetown Square: 10400 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 | P: 240-396-6309
Hours:
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Bethesda: Sunday – Thursday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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Georgetown Square: Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Sunday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
If you’re looking to kick your daily Starbucks habit and opt for something a little more local, Quartermaine Coffee Roasters may be the perfect option for you. Created by the original founders of Starbucks in the early ’90s, Quartermaine has a roasting facility in Rockville, Maryland. That is perhaps why the coffee at their two Bethesda locations tastes as fresh and bright as it does. And they don’t only serve coffee. Their tea is delicious, and their fruit smoothies are sure to please even your pickiest child.
Soho Tea & Coffee
Address: 2150 P St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Phone: 202-463-7646
Soho Coffee & Tea wants to be your go-to spot for comfort, conversation, and, of course, caffeine. It’s located a short walk from the Dupont Circle Metro station, and owners Helene Bloom and Fran Levine strive to create a homey atmosphere that will keep you coming back. One customer noted, “Emotions are out on the table at Soho; people can be themselves. No one passes judgment and every walk of life is welcome.” This welcoming environment makes Soho the perfect place to go when you’re on deadline and your babysitter backed out at the last minute. Pro tip: Bring your older kids and your favorite game to the board game nights held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Be sure to bring your parents any weekday morning from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. to enjoy Soho’s senior breakfast special: eggs, toast, and coffee for $4.50.
St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub
Address: 2300 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
Hours: Monday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Tuesday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Wednesday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Saturday, 7 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Sunday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 703-739-9268
Have a toddler who wakes up with the roosters? Looking for a great local spot in Northern Virginia to get both your coffee fix and a drink at the end of a long day? St. Elmo’s has everything you need. Mismatched furniture and ample window seating give this coffeehouse a quaint and inviting feel. And your kids will love the kiddie corner and the little library where both adults and kids can “take a book, leave a book.” Try their nitro cold brew to beat these hot summer days alongside a slice of their amazing bread pudding.
Peregrine Espresso
Locations:
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Eastern Market: 660 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 | P: 202-629-4381
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MidCity: 1718 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 | P: 202-525-5127
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Union Market: 1509 5th St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 | P: 202-543-5459
Hours:
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Eastern Market: Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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MidCity: Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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Union Market: Tuesday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Owned and operated by Ryan and Jill Jensen, a couple who genuinely cares about quality coffee, Peregrine Espresso is the perfect place to bring your budding coffee connoisseur. The shops emphasize great service and sustainability. Their baristas know their stuff, and many have completed regional and national Brewer’s Cup competitions. Interested in taking your coffee game to the next level? Sign up for a two-hour class on Espresso Fundamentals or Brewing Better at Home.
