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    Civic On Eighth

    4.6 (24 reviews)

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    CIVIC ON EIGHTH ATMOSPHERE

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    Lemon almond loaf
    Sam O.

    Amazing black woman owned cafe in Eastern Market! Civic on eight is serving up some of DC's best pastries!! When I tell you this lemon almond loaf might be the best thing I've ever inhaled. Moist perfection. SPRINT, don't run. Don't sleep on the Jamaican lamb patty either. Too bomb

    Kai M.

    This place is an added staple to the DC cafe scene and a huge part of that is credited to the ambiance that it offers, the support for Black and women owned spirits, and the fact that it's a true display of Black woman excellence, shining through its owner! Ambiance: the decor brings an eclectic feel, the warmth of the greenery, with the shades of deep rich colors, and gold accents is something that anyone will admire immediately upon entry. Service: the staff is great! Very friendly and full of life. But shoutout to our bartender, Amanda (Barmanda on IG) she's a mixologist who isn't afraid to live on the edge with the unique cocktails prepared. It's important to note that they are a cafe which serves cocktails, beers, and wines. In chatting with the owner and staff, we learned that you can order a daytime cocktail but coffee lover, do not fear, they have an extensive list of coffees freshly brewed for us to enjoy. But if you want to enjoy a cocktail as well, by all means...it's worth it! LOL My party ordered an array of drinks: Me: The Standard An extraordinary play on an espresso martini using vanilla vodka and freshly prepared espresso. This drink was DIVINE! And as an espresso martini connoisseur, I've tried several across DC and can proudly say that this was such a smooth drink. It's the type of drink with a perfect credit score and a yacht-very sophisticated! I LOVED it! My party ordered Her Terms: Chai Bourbon Old Fashioned-EXCELLENT and smooth The rest all ordered: Nevertheless: Tequila Prosecco Spritz with rosemary and strawberry-AH-MAZING! Was the consensus. The bites weren't available at the time we visited but someone did grab a muffin and said that it was moist and delicious. Key notes: They do not offer a happy hour yet, we enjoyed their "Emerald Hour" which had a great selection of $14 cocktails and other drinks. It's such a vibe! Great for large parties (they have a fabulous outdoor patio) Coffee is served later in the day but it's limited in selection. The have a full bar and again, they promote Black and women owned spirits No reservations needed, stop on by and enjoy You may want to make this your spot for remote work, the level of comfort was perfect for a working ambiance. I cannot wait to return and support this business but while I do, nothing is stopping you from checking it out and enjoying all that they have to offer!

    Kaya E.

    You can feel the good energy as soon as you walk into Civic on Eighth. It's a new coffee shop in Barracks Row right across the street from 'As you are'. I came in on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and the place was packed. Despite there being a lot of people inside of the cafe it only took less than 5 mins to order, which if I'm not mistaken the owner is who took my order :) I ordered an iced chai latte. I would've ordered food however there was only a couple items left in their bakery case and none of them was what I wanted but also I was starving at this time and just needed a proper meal. But I hear that the bakery items that they get from Souk are delicious. Again despite it being busy I was able to find a seat right away. The chair was so comfortable and it was the perfect spot in the cafe to be able to take in all of the vibes. The color scheme, the barista and the music all added to the positive energy in here. My chai came out pretty quickly in a beautiful purple glass. It was tasty and I'll definitely be back to do some coworking here or read. All together I enjoyed my time here and recommend that everyone come to visit and support this Black, woman-owned business.

    Sabrina G.

    Finally got the chance to check out Civic--and let's just say, I'll definitely be back! The service was amazing. I got there right when they opened and not long after I placed my order, customers started pouring in--which is always a good sign. I really love how the space is decorated. It has such a cozy, welcoming vibe. It's a great spot to get some work done, and honestly, with the right music, you might even find yourself doing a little two-step--especially if you grab a seat outside. Now for what I ordered: I had the Blush Matcha Iced Latte with oat milk, and wow... I think I'm officially switching from almond milk to oat milk in my matcha. It was a solid 10/10--perfectly balanced sweetness and super smooth. Definitely a 5/5! I also tried the mushroom and lentil patty. The flavor was really good, though a bit overwhelming for me personally. That said, the texture was great--nice and flaky. I'd give it a 4/5. Overall, such a great experience--I'll absolutely be back!

    Blush Matcha
    Tara L.

    I finally had a chance to check out Civic this week after hearing about this concept this last year. I loved that from the jump, the concept was centered in community which is something near and dear to me. So when I walked in to the gorgeous space and was greeting by the warm energy, I couldn't help but feel excited and welcomed. Just while ordering and chatting about their opening I learned even more about how intentional they are - from the sourcing of products, to the history of the liqour sign (which is the original sign from the oldest Black-owned liquor store that has now closed) I just loved all the details and thought that went into opening. The barista I chatted with was equally as lovely - shared with me details of the ceremonial matcha used, ingredients in the "blush" and garnish - all very natural. And the drink waa delicious! Either way, excited for this business to be in the neighborhood and look forward to returning soon!

    Mushroom and lentil patty
    Marissa S.

    The service was great, found seating easily, free WiFi, the decorations are so cute and the chairs are comfortable. The mushroom and lentil patty was DELICIOUS (they warmed it without me asking) and the blue Carolina matcha latte (lavender/vanilla/butterfly pea) was not overly sweet. It was also not bitter as some matcha can be despite being strong and a medium green color once stirred, and I'd want to come back to try the blush matcha latte. It's a great place to do work as the music isn't too loud (not sure if there are outlets available though), but also a great place to meet friends/hangout! I will be back!! There are also bag hooks everywhere!!! So thoughtful!!!

    Iced matcha latte
    Tori C.

    I've followed Civic's story to completion so I couldn't wait to get here and try the salon out. It's a gorgeous place with welcoming energy and staff. Like most great coffee shops in the city, there's never enough seating, so when two people left at the bar I sprinted to the seats. The iced matcha I had was delicious--albeit expensive but I blame Trump's economy lol. I can't wait for Civic to switch their hours to an all-day concept that I can truly wfh at. I'll definitely be back since it's metro accessible!

    Beautiful and warm decor
    Carla R.

    Visited Civic on Eight a few days after they opened, and was not disappointed. From the music to the decor, the environment was buzzing with excited patrons from the neighborhood and other locations who were excited to have a new location for coffee, drinks, and conversation. The staff were attentive and so kindly. The owner was working, and very kind and accessible. Civic on Eighth has a big vision for connectivity, and I know they'll accomplish those goals. Oh, and the drip coffee and cinnamon roll were delicious too. A must visit when you're in the Barracks Row/Eastern Market neighborhood.

    Leroy R.

    New spot alert! ‼ Had to check out this woman own coffee shop that just opened down eastern market. Service was great! And they have many options for pastries and bites. The coffee was good. There's a big bar with a good amount of seating and seating throughout the space.

    Austin G.

    Superficially, Civic's hazelnut latte is among the best I've had in Washington, D.C. The coffee (Swings) is good, the cream creamy, the flavor balanced, and not overly or under sweet. It's perfect. (They have a full coffee menu with baristas who are artisans, pastries from Souk, and soon alcohol.) On a deeper level. Civic is an act of activism. In a season of darkness in the country, Civic is a warm space where all are welcome to not just be but connect with each other. Creating a beautiful space, Civic is about building in person community. It's missional. If you love good coffee, beautiful spaces, or community, head to this cafe/gathering place along Barracks Row. It's easy to get to with the Eastern Market Metro right there!

    Iced latte
    Maya B.

    I parked in a nearby neighborhood and walked over. I ordered an iced latte and pastry. I enjoyed my coffee though I wished it was sweeter but that is personal preference. The beef patty was also a little bit dry. But, I really love the vibes and ambiance of this cafe! They have a large amount of indoor seating as well as a covered outdoor patio. The staff were super friendly. It's a great place to socialize but you can also get some work done. A lot of DC cafes can get busy and overcrowded but this one felt so roomy and homey! I will definitely return.

    lavender latte
    Shawn H.

    Checked out this new coffee shop on Barracks Road to support a small business and the vibe is exactly right. Clean, elevated, and calm. Perfect for a daytime coffee run now, with major potential to become a chill evening spot once the drink menu expands. The lavender latte was smooth and balanced. Not too sweet, coffee still front and center, and the temperature was perfect for an immediate sip. Staff was welcoming and the overall experience felt intentional. Definitely worth adding to your rotation

    Denise B.

    This place is cute! Enjoyed a strawberry matcha while I waited for a friend. Seems like a nice place to enjoy a drink with friends in the evening or work during the day.

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    Kaiju Speaks - Great ambiance!

    Kaiju Speaks

    4.2(40 reviews)
    0.0 miCapitol Hill

    What a funky and cool spot! An unassuming ramen restaurant becomes a bass boosted speakeasy down…read morethe stairs. Neon lights and a cool dj keep the place going while anime plays on TVs. The cocktail that loves you is SO GOOD and the bartenders were so nice. I never felt weird or out of place. Definitely will be back!!

    Such a fun spot! I…read morewas in town visiting a friend and we got dinner across the street at the sushi place. I was pulling up Yelp to see what bar we wanted to go after and saw this on the list. We were initially going to go to the karaoke bar next door but when we walked inside, it was wayyyy too loud and obnoxious so we were like perfect let's go across the street! We walk into the ramen spot and ask where the speakeasy is and the guy led us to the back and showed us to some stairs to go down. Seriously, how COOL is this place??? The neon lights were so fun! We walked into the bar and immediately loved it! Good amount of bar seating plus some comfy couches and whatnot. There was music but it wasn't too obnoxious, we were still able to have conversations - it was surprisingly chill and exactly what we were looking for. Chatted to the bartender who made some fancy shots for us, had a few drinks. It was not busy at all on a Sat night which was nice. It is very dark inside even with the neon lights so it does make it hard to read the menus (had to use flashlights on our phone). But super fun spot, fun drinks, not too expensive, and a neat and chill experience! It was an excellent find for us for sure!

    Photos
    Kaiju Speaks - Love the signage

    Love the signage

    Kaiju Speaks - Go down the stairs and look for this door

    Go down the stairs and look for this door

    Kaiju Speaks

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    Trouble Bird

    Trouble Bird

    4.8(43 reviews)
    0.6 miNavy Yard

    One of my favorite cocktail bars of all time! My favorite cocktail they make is a scotch…read morePenicillin garnished with crystallized ginger followed by Espresso Martini, Old Fashioned and Martinis. HAPPY HOUR: Monday All Day and Tuesday-Friday 5PM to 6:30 PM The beverage program is clearly the centerpiece of the concept. The cocktail list is extensive including drinks like Pisco Sour, Old Fashioned, Martinis, Sazerac, Champs-Élysées, and Lion's Tail alongside house originals. All signature cocktails are priced uniformly and the menu also includes beer, cider, wine by the glass, spirit-free cocktails, and boilermakers, while offering accessible options for different preferences. Overall, the menu reads like a neighborhood cocktail bar with chef-driven bar food: playful, nostalgic American comfort dishes paired with a serious and historically influenced cocktail program. The bartenders provide top notch service and offer great recommendations. My water glass is always full and they check in often!

    A great little neighborhood bar with really amazing crack cocktails, and a chill, laidback vibe…read more Navy Yard is a little commercial for my personal taste, but it's close to my office, and convenient when I'm in town for work. Trouble Bird was the answer to my prayers on a recent trip, where I was looking to have high quality drinks and a laid-back NON-commercial vibe with my team. We liked it so much, we came twice in one week, and I was impressed at their ability to handle and be comfortable for a large group in a space that can feel intimate. The lighting is nice and moody, the menu available via QR code, and the WiFi free and listed with password for patrons to use. We had excellent service both times, by the two folks working each night for a groups of 6-8 each time. There was something for everyone from the nondrinkers to the beer enthusiasts, to cocktail aficionados like myself. There's an amazing happy hour deal, with discounts on drinks all Monday and reduced prices for a couple of hours on other weekdays; it almost felt criminal how generous the happy hour was when I've gotten used to paying $20 for a mediocre cocktail at other nearby establishments. And the cocktails here are really very good, probably the best in the area, except for their immediate next door neighbor. The group favorite cocktail was the Midori sour which was incredibly well balanced and refreshing, and the surprising crowd pleaser was the Hamilton Dry Float, which came in a creepy tiki mug presentation that we really loved. We had a couple of the bar bites - the spiced peanuts were well loved across the group but my person favorite food item was the blistered shishitos, which came with a great chipotle aioli. The bathrooms are extremely clean and overall this was a bar favorite for the group for our week of going out and socializing together. Overall this is a gem of a neighborhood hangout with really excellent cocktails and service! Will absolutely come here next time I'm in town!

    Photos
    Trouble Bird - Dry handshake

    Dry handshake

    Trouble Bird - Crunchwrap

    Crunchwrap

    Trouble Bird - Dry handshake

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    Dry handshake

    The Wells - Reverse side of The Wells speakeasy

    The Wells

    4.4(53 reviews)
    0.2 miCapitol Hill

    What a gem! I stopped by The Wells around 7:30 on a Friday night and was pleasantly surprised we…read morewere able to get seated at the bar. Within minutes the place was packed, so although we were able to get a seat I'd still recommend making a reservation since the space fills up quickly. Initially I didn't realize this was a gin-focused bar, but now I'm hooked ( I told the bartenders about my usual preferences and they were able to make great recommendations). The drinks were incredibly well crafted and full of unique flavor. I started with one of their signature drinks but then asked for a bartender's choice based on what I typically enjoy and they absolutely nailed it. The space has a stylish speakeasy vibe that feels both elevated and inviting. You ring a bell to be let in, which makes the whole experience feel a little more special. Inside, it's moody and romantic with plush seating, gorgeous lighting, and a warm ambiance that's perfect for date night or just catching up with friends. Whether you're a gin enthusiast or just looking for a cool spot to grab a drink in DC, this place is absolutely worth checking out. I'm already planning my next visit.

    We dropped in at about 7:30p on a Saturday. I was surprised that we were able to get a table…read more Marcus sat us and explained the menu. He was awesome. He was super attentive and helpful. We didn't know this was a gin bar but the drinks were tasty and great. The caramel popcorn is delicious. We got it without chocolate. This is an awesome space. I'll definitely be back.

    Photos
    The Wells - Mad Hatter - Alice in Wonderland vibes

    Mad Hatter - Alice in Wonderland vibes

    The Wells - What's right behind guests when they sit at the bar - I've seen many group(s) of guests lounging in this area

    What's right behind guests when they sit at the bar - I've seen many group(s) of guests lounging in this area

    The Wells

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    Civic On Eighth - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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