Absolutely love the coffee, smoothies, and food here, even if it is a little expensive. The staff is incredibly kind, and it's always clean. Love the vibe in there. The churro latte is not to be missed! read more

Super charming Cuban cafe with delicious food and fantastic drinks! This Dupont Circle mainstay features a large menu of casual breakfast and lunch fare, including toasts, baked goodies, sandwiches, and grain bowls / salads. While I've been impressed by everything on their menu, my go-to's are the Salmon Citrus Salad and their Santiago Bowl with romesco cauliflower and mushrooms. Both are satisfying and delicious meals, but are also light enough to enjoy for lunch without feeling bogged down for the rest of the day. They're also well-known for their Cuban sandwich, as well as an equally delicious and flavorful Veggie Cuban. If you're just looking for something to sip on, they also have an extensive drink menu featuring Cuban twists on coffee / tea, smoothies, and cocktails. One of my favorites is their Good for You Mojito, a super refreshing green juice that features mint, spinach, lime juice, and coconut water. Beyond the food and gorgeous, vibrant Cuban decor, the entire staff is also super friendly and help create a welcoming, delightful space. Whether you're just looking for amazing Cuban food or you'd like to settle in with a long book or get some work done with a steaming cup of joe, definitely swing by Colada Shop -- you're in for a treat! read more

We stopped by Colada Shop on a visit to the National Mall. They sell their food on Goldbelly, so it has to be good, right? We wanted to eat in but the person at the counter directed us to order at the to-go kiosk. We got: Colada Shop Cuban ($13.95) - They had some trouble with the sandwich construction I suppose, although it wasn't particularly busy. One half had all the ham, the other half had all the pork. The bread was fluffy and pillowy, the pickle added a nice snap, the swiss cheese was melted nicely. The condiments, mustard and a cilantro aioli were not apparent in the sandwich. It's an acceptable cubano, not bad but not great. Guava BBQ Pollo ($13.95) - Tasted sickly sweet with only a slight fruity guava flavor. You literally could not taste anything else in this sandwich, not the pork, the red onions, cilantro, etc. They slathered on so much sauce that the bread was soaked through and mushy. I wasn't sure if I was eating dessert or not. Twice-Fried Tostones with Mojo ($6.25) - Tostones were fried perfectly crisp. Mojo sauce was great, garlicky with a almost salsa-like vinegary freshness. Only 5 pieces are given per order. This was the best of the bunch. I think the food was only okay overall. Not sure I would go here again. read more

See all

Came here with my colleagues after a staff training and enjoyed every minute of it. They have seating options for both indoor and outdoor - beautiful art on the walls and pretty spacious. They have the option to order at the counter or you can seat yourself and use the QR code to access the menu, order your food and they'll bring it out to you and you pay using your phone. Service was good and fast and easy to use. The food was delicious. As you can see I have no pictures of the food because we all ate it too fast. We had the chicken empanadas - amazing! We had the croquetas - wonderful! What else was delicious you ask? The drinks! I had the Hotel Nacional and everything about it was amazing. It doesn't look like a lot but it was very strong just like I like it. I will definitely be back - I've never had a bad time at any Colada Shop location. read more

Colada Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I think I agree with a friend that Colada Shop is a great place for a date. The menu has something everyone: coffee, cocktails, Cuban sandwiches, etc. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner time. I just happened to have met up with a friend there on a Tuesday night. They have indoor and outdoor seating, which is covered now that it's winter. The deeper, indoor space was taken up quickly, so we sat on some stools by the window. With five minutes left on their Happy Hour, I got the Hotel Nacional, which was just sweet enough for me. I also got two empanadas that came out quickly. They got a steady stream of people come through in the evening, so it wasn't too busy. We felt like we could sit for a while to talk and not feel we had to finish anything quickly, I ordered a Cuban sandwich for the road using the self-order machine. There's that and ordering at the counter. I would come back to try more of the menu. It's a good place to grab something on the go or chat with someone. read more

Colada Shop - Colada Shop Cuban, some of it sliced off to show the inside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Decent if you're feeling snackish and want a cute place to cowork! I tried the beef and chicken empanadas and a ham croquette, as well as their seasonal sweet potato latte. The latte was alright - it didn't have much of a distinct flavor besides the various typical fall flavors, but it was a decent size. The croquette was a bit disappointing in flavor and was also so tiny. I thought the chicken empanada was a tad bit dry but I preferred it over the beef empanada in terms of flavor, as I thought the beef filling was a bit too sweet for my liking. The crust of the empanadas was great though - nice and flaky and buttery. My favorite thing was honestly the sauce that came with it as I think it complemented everything, especially helping with the dryness of the chicken. read more

Colada Shop - beef and chicken empanadas, ham croquette - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

As we were walking to our hotel we came across this Cuban restaurant. I was happy to see plantain chips on the menu. There was a narrow patio area before you walk in the restaurant. Additional seating was nice, but we had seats inside. We arrived and was greeted by a very friendly face. The second thing you see was the bar. Inside they had a mural with interesting mirrors. The bathroom was very clean. I like that The food was a hit and Miss. the plantain chips were awesome. I felt like I was missing some meat on my Cuban sandwich though. The flavors were there, the meat was not Overall: I would recommend trying it out there. People were friendly, the vibe was chill, flavors of Cuba was there read more

Delicious food and coffee drinks Also the music is amazing . The batidos are absolutely delicious read more

I'm a fan! I've always had their Cuban sandwich but this time I went with the salmon citrus salad, chicken empanadas, spinach and cheese empanada, and some churros! The salad had mojito-cured salmon, which was briny with a strong fish flavor, not like smoked salmon or poké salmon. So this dish may not be for you if you're not into like fermented fish or anything with a fishy taste. The spinach empanada and churros were my favorites. Can't go wrong with deep fried goodness. read more

Colada Shop - Salmon citrus salad - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

This is a cute little shop good for a nice lunch. I'd definitely recommend the empanadas! We ordered at the kiosk and took a number and our food and drinks were delivered promptly with no issues. I got the chicken and the sweet potato one. Both were good but I preferred the chicken. For drinks I got a guava lime spritzer and my partner got the Good For You Mojito smoothie. Both were good, the smoothie unexpectedly so (very mojito-y!). read more

Colada Shop - Good For You Mojito - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

They've been open for about a week now, so I figured I'll try them before they start getting super busy and I have to wait forever for my drink. Located on the corner of 19th and N St NW, close enough to the happenings in DuPont Circle - this Colada Shop offers indoor and covered outdoor seating. The inside of the cafe is warm and inviting with yet another cool mural. They were out of their "Come curious, leave Cuban" coffee cups, hence no picture of the actual cup but I did get my usual cafe con leche. The evening I went, staff was friendly, all but one guy who looked like he wished he was somewhere else. Here's the reason for the two stars. I've been getting Colada Shop's cafe con leche for YEARS - ever since they opened their first cafe in Sterling (has since been closed). It's one of my favorite coffee drinks, which is why I keep going back to Colada Shop, even though I don't order anything else. This time around, whatever drink they gave me was not a cafe con leche - more like agua con leche. It literally tasted like watered down milk. By the time I actually tasted it, my friend had driven away; otherwise, I would've asked for my money back. Huge disappointment! Two stars because this is their staple drink, so the recipe to be taught to their staff should have been perfected by now. read more

See all

You'd get better food from a third-rate street vendor in a third-world country. Good thing there was so little of it that it got lost between the top and bottom slices of the vegetarian sandwich. You would get malnutrition if you ate there often enough. All that for $13.95. Total waste of money. But save your money. Don't bother with the food. The food in my dining companion's "bowl" looked like slop. Don't be misled by the photos in their promotional material. Plus, the staff could use a little warmth and polish. Can't say about the "drinks," although my bottled mineral water was just fine. Bottom line: with so many other places to try nearby, just keep walking. read more

I stopped by here yesterday as I was waiting for Balos to open up at 5. The service was great but it was just isn't for me. The vibe is more cafe than bar for sure and the Mojito was bland. I could see this being a good lunch spot, but not for drinks. read more

This was a wonderful surprised. We had just finished brunch and wanted coffee and we stumbled upon this place while walking downtown. The two beautiful employees up front were very knowledgeable of the menu and recommended the café con leche. I don't drink coffee so I got the Passion fruit spritz. They were both very good. Go yourself a favor and get yourself a nice Cuban coffee. read more

Colada Shop - Chinola Spritz - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Amazing Staff! Great food! I love going here for the cafe Cuban when I am feeling sleep.

Went with 3 friends and it was a bit of a disaster. On all websites, from Google and Apple maps to their official website, it says they close at 10pm on weekdays but they kicked us out at 8:55, saying they close at 9pm. I got the Yucca Fries which came out cold and quite a bit stale. My friends had different types of sandwiches and they seemed to enjoy them. We did the street seating- it's covered and enclosed but they have huge windows so it feels like you're outside. I actually really enjoyed it. I also enjoy places where you order when you come in and they give you a number and the staff brings you your food. It's a bit more casual and always more efficient. The staff was generally friendly, until it was time to close, where they were rushed and a bit rude. read more

My favorite place to grab snacks and drinks! Their service is always wonderful and the foods are delicious! You should also try to go there for happy hour in DuPont. Love the vibes read more

Had been stopping by here for coffee every morning so I said let me get some Cuban food here before my trip ends. So I stopped in and sat at the counter. They seem to be operating with pandemic protocols still, so ordering requires scanning a QR code and ordering through ToastTab, even for dine in. Not a fan, but fine. I made my selections, 2 jamón croquetas, the ropa vieja entree, a beer and a topo chico mineral water. Then add tip before ever getting a single item. Again not a fan. My beer and water came several minutes later, after not realizing I was dining in. Regretted the tip immediately. Everything came out at once on a tabla and bowl, nice touch. The jamón croquetas were crispy and well made. Were they $2/each good? No. It's ham, potato and bread crumbs. But it is DC. The ropa vieja came with a large portion of rice, a sliced up avocado, 2 tostones, pickled onions and shredded pork with olives aka the ropa. The tostones were crispy and salted. The avocado was fresh and salted. The old clothes portion left a bit to be desired. It was seasoned and well made, a bit too many olives for me, but also the portion size didn't wow, I guess it was a 1/4 cup maybe? What I know is ropa vieja is street food in Cuba. So I was expecting more. The rice let me down, as it was gummy and either had been sitting or a leftover. I can get this same plate in Union City, NJ for a 1/3 of the cost. I'll chalk this up to being the part of the dining racket in DC, but the formula needs some tweaks. The decor is lovely, the wood and greens make you feel like you're in Havana. Won't go back for dinner, but will go back for coffee. read more

The new Colada Shop in Dupont is a must try! If you live or work in the area it is a morning must. ¡Tan delicioso y el personal es super amable! read more

Colada Shop is a wonderful addition to this area and they have great coffee! I had an iced cafe con leche. It was really good. My friend had the cafe bon bon. I had a sip of her drink and it was also really good. Pretty sweet, almost dessert like, but well balanced. Like most coffee shops nowadays it felt a bit pricey, but no different from any others in the area. While I will always love Starbies, I would definitely walk the extra steps for Colada Shop! read more

I am so glad they opened up closer to me! The cocktails are fantastic my favorite is the carajillo which is a latin version of the espresso martini, music is lively and patio is seating is so awesome rain or shine! Service was very attentive and they kept checking on us :) read more

Colada Shop - Restaurant space - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came here on the soft opening. They have both in door and out door seating. During this time you could order to go or scan QR code and have your food brought to you. The staff was so nice and kind during such a busy time. The key lime pie came in a small jar and was fresh. Lovely addition to the DuPont area. read more

See all

Empanadas were doughy! So disappointed:( I've been to a couple other locations and haven't experienced this. read more

Colada Shop - a person holding a half eaten donut - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is definitely a must try! Great vibes and food. Service was great and food was quick! read more

Colada Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The service at this Colada shop was excellent. Liz was attentive and friendly, we couldn't recommend her enough! The food was delicious, we had a great experience. read more

Kinda just ran into this spot. Was walking by and the name made me want to explore. Customer service was exceptional. And my coffee was good. Also saw a mixed drinks menu but didn't order anything today. But will return to try some. read more

Had such a great time here! Liz at the Dupont Circle location was an amazing waitress and made our night even better

Disgraceful they charge $15 for a Caesar salad with no chicken that's the size of a side salad you'd get at a restaurant. Incredibly dry on top of that since they only give one tiny side of dressing. Go literally anywhere else for a salad.0 read more

Stopped by this place when we saw quite a number of people inside and out on the patio, glad we did! Great cocktails and food. Didn't feel like we broke the bank either. Everything came out quickly and service was great! read more

Take out | Breakfast | $30-50 The service was great by Cori at front. Sadly not the same experience with the guy with her Juan Pablo. The coffee we received was wrong and the order had missing items. When I tried to address it he ignored me (including eyes rolling ) until her partner came help us. The wait was 30 min for coffee and empanadas. We won't be back read more

I ordered empanadas to go they automatically charge you 18 percent tip even though I pressed no tip when I told the white cashier she just shrugged her shoulders. What was even worse I was the only one in the restaurant sitting at the bar I was thirsty I just came back from a run I asked the bartender for water I was made to get up and get my own water quite a distance away when they had tap water right at the bar. I have mobility issues due to a brain tumor and can only use my left hand. Now the food the empanadas were very oily and the guava cheese pastellitos, which I came for they ran out of unapologetically. This my last time I am ever coming to colada. read more

The food is amazing and the empanadas was soooooo good! Drinks are great! The service is phenomenal!!! The vibes are 10/10 !! read more

Colada Shop - Mojito - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

No bueno. Comida no es bien o auténtica. La habitación mira bien, para no la comida..

Colada shop has great coffee and breakfast. It's my go to study spot - especially the outdoor patio area!

We stopped at the Dupont location and the service and food were great! We had the chickens croquets, empanadas, salads, and drinks. All were flavorful, service was great. Portions aren't enormous but neither are the prices. Would definitely return. read more

This place provides bad service, took so long to prepare my order and at the end, I received a wrong drink.

Went there this morning just to look at it- beautiful! Had a latte and a pastry- both delicious. Very fast, friendly service. Going again soon to try some of the other drinks and food. read more

See all

I love the food, ambiance, and service at this place. Good quality, delicious food. I will be back!

we went because it was in my daughters neighborhood and they had outdoor seating and we're dog friendly. we order plantain chips and black bean dip. dip was almost frozen and amounted to approx 2 Tbsp in a small cup. we also orders a guava Negroni and a mojito. the Negroni was terrible. bottom shelf liquor, certainly no guava purée and the mojito was mostly club soda. $40 for absolutely nothing. server basically just handed us our items. no interaction. so disappointing. save your money. read more

Great location with friends for a quick bite. Fast service. Excellent mojitos and empanadas.