Best Coffee Shops in Downtown, Washington DC for Touring the White House, Monuments and the National Mall

Let’s say that you’re in downtown DC and about the tour some of the monuments and museums. Where can you grab coffee that’s more local to the District and isn’t a national chain? We’re here to tell you about the specialty shops that will fuel your visits to the Smithsonian’s great museums and your entire day on the National Mall! List of 7 coffee shops ordered by star rating and including distance to/from the White House.

Start your “Downtown DC Coffee Shop Tour” today!

Dolcezza Gelato and Coffee

Ok, we have to start with Dolcezza this time; their location inside of the Hirshhorn Museum (Independence Ave and 7th St) is simply amazing. Dolcezza serves their unbelievable gelato and the classic espresso drinks inside of the cultured vibes of the Hirshhorn. We edged them to 5 stars in this locale because of the ambiance. This is your #1 place to get coffee while monument/ museum hopping; the coffee is excellent and its literally one of the only places to get coffee on the National Mall, but its coffee also happens to be some of the BEST in the DMV.

SakuSaku Flakerie

Another coffee shop inside of a museum (National Building Museum, Great Hall)! Guess who? The awesome Japanese-French pastry shop from Cleveland Park area. This is their second location. We are thrilled! One of the best croissants we’ve ever had in DC and also maybe, ever. Don’t hesitate! Note the special hours: Thursday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm. Get to the White House in 22 minutes, walking, or a quick cab ride.

Dua Coffee

Dua Coffee is delicious! We absolutely love this Indonesian coffee shop and find ourselves dreaming about their unique drinks. Located at 923 15th St NW, you can walk to the White House in 7 minutes or so. What stands out about Dua is their gorgeous shop interior; it’s spacious and clean, featuring a beautiful mural and comfortable seating. We can’t get over their ceramics and great coffee. TLDR: Don’t miss this coffee shop when you’re visiting the District! 5 stars.

Puro Gusto

This new Italian market is getting rave reviews on Google for its food and coffee, especially their Nutella Latte! It’s another 7 minutes or so from the White House, and might be great place to grab a bite to eat with your morning or afternoon brew. We hear great things! Serving Lavazza.

Swing’s Coffee

History buff who loves coffee, too? Just 5 minutes walking to the White House is Swing’s coffee roasters at 1702 G St NW. This coffee shop + roaster has such a cool local history; Swing’s has been providing coffee to DC for 100 years (est. 1916). The “Swing’s at G Street is filled with the original mahogany and mirrored fixtures, vintage burr grinders, wooden coffee bins, and counter-weight scales that graced the Mesco Building on E Street,” according to their website. Go for the delicious coffee and for a part of DC history! 4.7 stars!

Filter Coffee House & Espresso Bar

Just south of K Street looking for a great brew? Walk to 1916 I St NW to experience Filter. This location used to serve Dupont Circle and is known for its specialty coffee and attention to craft. We’ve never been disappointed with one of their cups of coffee before, and rate them a solid 4.5. Your walk to the White House from this coffee shop is just 10 minutes away, according to online maps.

Compass Coffee

We’ve written about Compass before; they’re another coffee shop and roaster local to DC that we love. A DC institution! Check out this coffee shop. About 7 minutes walking to the White House from their 1401 I St NW location.

Zeke’s Coffee of DC

Need a strong cup of coffee that’s 5 minutes walking from the White House? Here’s another DC roaster for you: Zeke’s at 731 15th St NW. We like the branding of this shop and also the bold flavor. You know what you’re getting and we love that! 4 stars.

Thanks for joining us on a coffee shop tour of downtown 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.