“Let’s meet for coffee.” It’s a great way to catch up with friends these days — or if going solo, a comfy place for enjoying a latte with your laptop. Not all coffee shops are created equal — or are all things at once, however. Some are stronger and weaker when it comes to the coffee, pastries and atmosphere. Perhaps you already have a go-to spot of your own. But if you want to vary your coffee routine, here are six of our favorite locally owned shops.
— Carole Sugarman
Black Lion Café
Bold and flavorful coffee is the focus at Black Lion Café, an Ethiopian-owned roastery that sources its beans from the owners’ homeland. Check out the onsite roaster, and relax in an espresso-colored chair as you glance at photos and graphics that tell the story of the café’s three different roasts. We especially like the Harrar. With its notes of dark chocolate and mocha, it’s divine to sip, especially with bites of butter cookies. Traville Village Center, 9705 Traville Gateway Drive, Rockville, (240) 907-2992. blacklioncafe.com.
Boulangerie Christophe
More a bakery than a coffee shop, Boulangerie Christophe turns out an eye-candy array of beautiful croissants, pastries, cakes, cookies, breads and sandwiches. The seating is somewhat limited (at least during the cold months when the outdoor café isn’t open), but wait around to snag a table and an almond croissant or hazelnut pound cake with an Illy coffee. At lunchtime, head for one of the terrific sandwiches served on homemade baguettes. Cabin John Village, 11321 Seven Locks Road, Suite 100, Potomac, (301) 298-9878. boulangeriechristophe.com.
Coffee Republic
A lot of regulars camp out with their laptops to work or study in this cozy neighborhood shop, which offers a range of coffee drinks (beans from Disco Coffee, a roasting company created by Coffee Republic owner Sean Flynn) and pastries (outsourced from Fresh Baguette and Baguette Republic). The counter service is friendly and welcoming, there are games and books for the kids, and the vibe is chill. King Farm Village Center, 801 Pleasant Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, (240) 347-3782. coffeerepub.com.
Filicori Zecchini
The multi-layered Pistachio (pistachio syrup, espresso, milk and foam) at this locally owned shop is both pretty and pretty fabulous. Or, as befits an Italian coffee shop, stick with straight espresso and call it good. Regulars like Filicori Zecchini’s patio (in warm weather), the striking copper bar, the community feel and the “Cheers”-like atmosphere. Pastries are from Fresh Baguette, sandwiches made in-house. Park Potomac, 12430 Park Potomac Ave., Unit R-3, Potomac. (301) 444-4417.
Java Nation
Java Nation is way more than a coffee shop. It’s a bar, a wine shop, a bakery, a roastery, a music venue, a place for lunch or dinner, a coffee bean and tea purveyor, and a gathering spot for a wide range of folks. The cardamom latte is fun for fans of the spice. But we’re happy with a cortado and a house-made alfajore — the Argentine sandwich cookie filled with dulce de leche. With a large enclosed patio and an upbeat atmosphere, it seems a world away from Rockville Pike. 11120 Rockville Pike, Rockville, (301) 836-6022. javanation.com.
Sunday Morning Bakehouse
We stick with Sunday Morning’s basic brew — beans courtesy of Ceremony Coffee Roasters — to complement the offerings at this stellar bakehouse. The croissants are crackly and buttery; the brioche donuts are lovely and surprisingly light, and even the standard coffee cake and quick breads are elevated to best-of versions. Our only complaint is that sometimes there are long waits for orders and seating; in other words, everyone else has figured out what a wonderful place it is. Pike & Rose, 11869 Grand Park Ave., North Bethesda, (240) 669-8202, sundaymorningbakehouse.com.
Did we miss any of your favorites?
Which of your favorites did we miss? What should we write about next? Send us your thoughts via email, Facebook or Instagram.
