The Best Coffee Shops in Dupont Circle, Washington DC

Dupont Circle, Washington, DC is near and dear to our hearts. A small district in DC that covers a trapezoid-like area just north of downtown, Dupont has a lot of charm. From the white water fountain in the circle, to independent bookstores, a modern art museum, and the Sunday farmer’s market that’s one of the best in the city, Dupont Circle is a perfect place to find some specialty coffee shops that dot the bustling streets when you’re touring the District!

Where to start? We’re highlighting 8 of our favorite coffee shops in Dupont Circle DC, and you can’t really go wrong.

Start your “Dupont Circle Coffee Shop Tour” today!

Tatte Bakery and Cafe

This amazing newcomer to DC has two locations that are technically in Dupont Circle. We love the location that’s at 1200 New Hampshire Ave NW; it’s slightly bigger and more Insta-worthy than the Connecticut Avenue location. However, both locations are exceptional. You’ll get Stumptown Coffee Roasters coffee (drip and espresso drinks) as well as unbelievably tasty pastries like the Kouign-amann, a caramelized croissant, or savory items like the Spinach and Labneh pita. If you’re there for lunch, order the Crunchy Halloumi Salad. One of the best salads we’ve ever had. Trust us. Outdoor seating = check.

Call Your Mother

More tempted by a bagel? Cross the street if you’re at the New Hampshire Tatte Bakery and head to Call Your Mother (1143 New Hampshire Ave NW). This “Jew-ish Deli” has the BEST bagels in DC, and some great coffee to-boot. They serve Lost Sock Coffee Roasters (espresso, drip and cold brew), and we suggest ordering their Sun City bagel (or literally any bagel that sparks your fancy)! It’s fun to people watch into the beautiful hotel lobby next door. Outdoor seating = check.

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi Patisserie Francaise

Rather travel to France? Head back up to Dupont Circle to Un Je Ne Sais Quoi, a patisserie owned by a husband and wife couple from Lille. We absolutely LOVE this bakery and it’s our #1 recommendation for pastries in Dupont Circle (1361 Connecticut Ave NW). They have amazing croissants and breakfast items until 11 AM and then switch their offerings for the afternoon to include even more decadent pastries. The coffee is illy — strong and Italian style — perfect to accompany your sweet tooth. Choose from espresso drinks and illy nitro cold brew. Locals seem to love this place; you may see a line out the door on a Sunday morning. Outdoor seating = check (a few tables, but you can always walk back up to Dupont Circle and dine there).

350 Bakery and Coffee Bar

Speaking of illy, there’s another small coffee shop that offers the brand. 350 Bakery and Coffee Bar (1926 17th St NW). It has a high rating on Google, and is a small, local place that frequently has a line outside. Try an espresso drink. We haven’t tried their baked items, yet, but we encourage you to check out this small place on your tour. Very close to Hana Market, a gem of a Japanese market where you can find unique Japanese food items and goods.

The Coffee Bar

The Coffee Bar at 1200 17th St NW is temporarily closed due to the pandemic, but never fear, they have another location that’s on S Street NW (a little bit outside of Dupont Circle, however). Either location, WOW, we love The Coffee Bar and usually recommend it to tourists. Delicious, quality, espresso drinks from USA-based coffee roasters, and decadent muffins. The service that the baristas provide is always top-notch, and the S Street location has a fun interior as well as outdoor seating. If you’re feeling adventurous, we might suggest one of their special drinks like the cardamom latte. Outdoor seating = check, and there are usually dogs visiting the S Street location 🙂

Colada Shop

We’ve written about Colada Shop before, in our articles for best hot chocolate and best frozen chocolates in DC. “Come curious and leave Cuban” is their motto, and the entire experience is wonderful. Located at 1405 T Street NW, and one of the most Insta-worthy spots on this list, you’ll find yourself photographing the bright teal exterior as well as the murals on the interior of the establishment. Order the guava pastelito and one of their Cuban coffees, made with condensed milk. Very sweet but oh-so-delicious! With Latin music playing the entire day, sweet guava on your taste-buds, and a sunshine-filled roof, going to this coffee shop is truly a mini vacation! Just writing about Colada Shop inspires us. Outdoor seating = check (patio and roof). Viva la vida!

Dolcezza Gelato and Coffee

Hankering for a gelato? Look no further than Dolcezza Gelato and Coffee. We love that this location (1704 Connecticut Ave NW) re-opened during the pandemic (what a success story), and newly serves Cafe Unido coffee from Panama (espresso and drip). (Yes, you’ll also find Cafe Unido at La Cosecha Latin Market in NE, DC!) In Dolcezza, you’ll enjoy the cute interior and incredible gelato flavors. While the coffee is great, don’t visit this spot without trying their gelato; it’s out of this world. Outdoor seating = check (sort of; one small bench, but the Circle isn’t too far away, as well as small parks).

Emissary x Pergamino

Last but certainly not the least, Emissary x Pergamino coffee bar is magnificent. They have two locations in Dupont Circle, and both are incredible for different reasons. For a bigger interior space and exclusively Counter Culture Coffee, head to 2032 P St NW and relax into the atmosphere. For a tiny coffee shop feel with some of the best coffee in the city, the 1726 20th Street, NW is our choice. The 20th Street location serves Pergamino Coffee in its espresso drinks, which is a well known Colombian coffee roaster. Choose from espresso and pour over, or even matcha green tea. The Pergamino coffee (at 20th Street) has depth and flavor notes that edge this bar ahead of all of the others in this list if you’re a true coffee connoisseur. 🙂 5 stars. Outdoor seating = check. Enjoy!

Thanks for joining us on a coffee shop tour of Dupont Circle, DC. Which coffee shop on this list is your favorite? Let us know! Comment with a 5-star rating (5 the best) and your experience, below.