Right near U street metro station has this super cute Cuban restaurant that sells delicious foods and drinks! We went when the rooftop was open, and it was such a nice day so it was nice to take photos up there. The front of the shop is a very nice baby blue color with colorful plants so it brings in such a positive bright vibe. Great place to hang out around. Vibes aside, I thoroughly enjoyed their seasonal drink and empanadas. Their seasonal drink was the Cuban jungle which was so fruity and sweet, which I love! The empanadas had summer corn sofrito and cilantro with salsa verde sauce, and wow, that sauce made everything taste so good. Although small, it was too good to pass up. Really enjoyed the space and food, and looking forward to visiting again! read more

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Looking for Cuban Coffee, Good Eats, Homemade Baked Goods....Somethin' fried and of course strong cocktails....all in a fun atmosphere, with friendly service....this is your place! Colada is one of those cafe-coffee shops that definitely has own, unique niche and is in a league of its own. It is one of those cool, hip places that fit the needs of whether you're riding solo for the day, on a date, in need of a quick pick-me up...or cool meetup spot for your group before heading out on the U Street nightlife. Either scenario, this place got you covered and will make you leave with a smile for sure. I stepped away from the office, in need of a pick me up and late breakfast. I wanted something different than the normal SB or carryout stop in the area. The minute I walked pass the huge open-window and bright, airy storefront....I couldn't help but to be curious and make a stop. The upbeat, Cuban music bumpin' out onto the street added to my curiosity. As soon as I stepped through the door, I was greeted and offered help on a mostly Cuban inspired menu of food and expresso-coffee options. The smells from the small kitchen were enticing and definitely calling me. For such a small shop, there are a lot of options to choose from. The menu is comprised mainly of breakfast options, sandwiches and desserts. The manager, sorry I forget her name, but she was so friendly and helpful. She explained to me that everything on the menu is made fresh and comes from family recipes. During the time talking to her, I learned the coffee blends are exclusive to the Colada Shop, and is made close to traditional Cuban espresso as possible. If you're not in the mood for coffee, however, don't worry...this place offers up strong drinks and cocktails. I know...because the manager offered up the house 'Mojito' as an option when I asked for something strong...at 10:30am, on a Friday morning! Haahaaa...Hey....it was all good by my standards! Besides, it's 5 o'clock somewhere!...Right?! lol Nevertheless, I settled on a Spinach & Egg-White Tostada and Cafe Con Leche (Cuban Expresso with Sweetened-Milk). Both items came Instagram photo worthy and did not disappoint. The tostada sandwich had an egg-white that was cooked just right and interesting spinach mixture that complimented the egg in a perfect union. The tostada was, toasted crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The Cafe Con Leche was outstanding as well. It was strong, not too sweet, and had a good flavor. All this, while sitting in a huge open-window, looking out into the street and listening to classic Cuban beats....got me caught in what was suppose to be a quick coffee run -- now turned into over a 30 minute trap of vacation bliss! The moment took me back to being in "Little Havana" while on vacation in Miami, enjoying the cool breeze and coffee moment....as if I didn't have a care in the world. Any place, that can take you to this kind of feeling....is alright by me. In all, friendly staff, great vibe and food. I see this place as the perfect start or end to any day...kind of eatery. It is a welcoming spot and not bad on the wallet too. There is space for teleworking, doing homework, or a casual business meeting...but I say....skip all that....and trade it all in for a day of fun with friends over good eats and homemade pastries! read more

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Super cute cafe/coffee shop in DC metro to meetup with friends, connects, or the like. The natural herbal teas are great by selection. The staff are nice and quick. The Cuban sandwich is a hit and rightfully so. The photo of the brownie here on Yelp is what convinced me to go here. It's a tres leches brownie mind you and it is tasty. The seating area is cute and quaint. If I lived in the area, I'd likely meetup there on a Saturday or Sunday with friends. Check it out! read more

Tucked away on one of the side streets of Logan Circle, this place is a must-try! We stumbled upon this on a Saturday evening waiting for our table to be ready at a restaurant down the street. They are only doing takeaway, but there is plenty of room to socially distance and stand on the sidewalk. They also serve their drinks in these fun pouches that are easy to walk and drink with. Every drink includes your choice of empanada and they are so delicious! The chicken empanadas we got had a nice crispy, deep-fried crust, filled with ground chicken that was juicy and a little spicy. My only recommendation - especially during peak hours - is to order ahead of time. It took about 20-25 mins for our 4 drinks and 4 empanadas to be ready. Here is the link in case you need it: https://www.toasttab.com/colada-shop-dc/v3 read more

Colada Shop - Fun drink pouch! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

//4 star for good location, fast service, and good drinks //-1 for limited drink selection Located in what looks like a neighborhood, it's a small cafe and bar all in one. There is a theme and it's: Cuba. With variety of coffee and treats as well as a cocktail filled with rum varieties, this is a cafe where you can bring your family and your "BFFs" in one setting. I went there to try their cocktail but was really surprised how unique this place was compared to its surroundings. I tried their Havana Old Fashion at a price of $10. The verdict: Meets the "old fashion" with heavy handed on the rum side; I did not complain. Overall, worth the price. FYI, everything is rum based so very limited for those who may not be a fan or rum (not me). When you walk in you notice how small the cafe is but walk to the back and then right then you will see a seating area with limited high tops and seating. Not sure if this place gets super busy but for a 7pm on a Friday, we were able to find a seating easily. Restrooms are on the second floor right across what looks like an outdoor seating which was covered at the moment. This place would be a great place for summer hangouts. After spending an hour or so, I'm sure to return during warmer weather to check out their balcony. Therefore, check this place out. Grascias por todo Colada read more

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

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Cute place to socialize at happy hour or come and enjoy a drink while the weather is nice enough to sit outside on the roof top. I just ordered one drink ( I wanted to try the famous Colada but their machine was broken). I got the Cuban punch and it was good. read more

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PLEASE BRING THIS SPOT TO PHILADELPHIA. We need it! A cafe with café and drinks?! Match made in heaven. Also, they have Cuban food and a rooftop! The aesthetic is bright and colorful! I love this place! read more

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Great coffee and food, ; Best coffee I've had in DC. Very friendly staff. Had the Beef Empanada, spinach and pork empanadas, ham, egg and cheese brioche sandwich read more

Great food, great people. Always fast service and nice ambience. Cafe con leche and the Cuban sandwhich are my favorites. I go to the one on Maine Avenue DC. Luna is the best! read more

I absolutely love Colada Shop! My boyfriend and I head here almost every Sunday for their breakfast sandwiches. I love the ham, egg and cheese and my boyfriend gets the turkey, egg and cheese. Occasionally I'll convince him that we should get empanadas too :) The drinks are also great here - I love that this place offers so much, from coffee to something a bit stronger. All of the drinks are delicious, and now that they serve the juice pouches on the roof, there is even more reason to go. Beware that they can be pretty strong! And very sugary! The cold brew and the iced cafe con leche are both yummy, too! read more

I stumbled upon Colada Shop when I was looking for ice cream (Jeni's). This colorful place popped up and I saw a bunch of people drinking pina coladas and mixed drinks. I love pina coladas so I went inside, forgetting about the ice cream. The Colada Shop is a small, colorful cafe with a second floor rooftop deck. It's really cute and the food is Cuban inspired. The pina colada was delicious. I also order two empanadas, one beef and one mushroom garlic. Both were freshly fried and amazing! The skin was not too doughy. I ordered two additional ones for later, but didn't eat it until the next day. Even after microwaving it, the skin was still crispy. The mushroom one tasted just as good, but can't say the same with the beef. It was a little dry. There is a back room with limited seating. read more

People watching Nexus of the 14th street cooridor, Colada Shop has a lot going for it. Beatuiful front porch area, perfect for sipping sweet happy hour treats! Check! Menu packed with pastellies, savory baked/friend goods or sweet treats inspired by Cuba and Central America! Check! A sun drenched rooftop terrace perfect for gathering friends or rubbing elbows with cute DC elite! Check! Perfectly placed for HH revelry, or post dinner shinanigans with CapriSun-like pouch drinks!!! Check! Sadly, a dissorganized register and ordering system and a slow paced bar staff, more closely resembling a Carabean lifestyle than a fast paced DC style, make getting to the enjoyment, a bit of a drag. A small kitchen and bar area mean come ready to party, but come with the patience of being on vacation! read more

Colada Shop - Happy Hour Pastilles and Mojito - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Zero stars don't recommend!! This establishment doesn't greet you so no I'll never come back because how NASTY & RUDE just like those dirty bathrooms. Do better!!! And please save the apology your establishment did what it thought was appropriate and that's very problematic. Should rename your place to the "Unpleasant Shop" read more

The rooftop is well decorated and the happy hour pouches are very affordable. Recommend if you're looking for your moneys worth. The empanadas are also super good and a must have with a good drink. read more

Service was quick. This veggie Cuban was thoughtfully created, the mushroom replicates the pork wonderfully. A savory; delicious, balanced sandwich. read more

Colada Shop is a great concept; it's just way too expensive to be sustainable. It's a Cuban inspired coffee shop/cocktail bar that serves savory and sweet food close to U Street NW. It's right next to Jubilee Icecream, but Colada Shop will transport you to a different world- Havana. The decorations and paintings give it a Havana vibe and the windows are designed to let the sun pour in in a way that makes you feel like your'e near a beach. There's only seating outside and along a wall and window so space is cramped, but I hear they will open a second floor soon. Other than feel crowded inside, the only other complaint are the prices. The sandwiches are small for what you pay. My cafe bon bon was a small espresso shot for $3.25 and my pastelitos was $2.25 for a VERY small, thin pastry. If you need to escape DC for a bit, come here. Just come expecting to pay a little too much for your coffee and food. read more

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Come in and have your senses immersed in salsa music, bright colors, and traditional Cuban snacks, with a small phrase on the entrance and exit: "come curious, leave Cuban". I have to say, I was really impressed with how this shop is situated! in a couple of square feet, they've managed to convert this place into a late night hangout, casual fast eatery, and a coffee shop all in one, with the perfect casual and pretty ambiance that is reminiscent of Cuban tradition. What meant to be a short visit of splitting empanadas quickly devolved into a long stay with coffee and tres leches. There are a couple seating options that you can pick - the outside front patio, a sunny bench by the window, a back seating cafe place with plenty of outlets and free wifi, and a rooftop garden for any happy hour happenings. You can pick whichever choice to suit your casual setting needs. Their menu boasts a wide coffee and drinks selection, as well as some casual empanadas/croquetas/sandwich/salad options and a good dessert selection. I found the prices to be a bit inflated, which is expected along the popular 14th/U street intersection. We ordered one of each empanada (beef, chicken, spinach and cheese, and a seasonal one of kale and winter squash), as well as the ham croquetas. We also ordered two cortaditos (cortado finished off with sweet crema) later on. I loved the empanadas - although they were a bit small, they were fried to order and had a crispy outer shell with tender dough and hot, juicy filling. My favorite was the chicken and spinach and cheese! The croquetas were quite interesting - the ham was kind of ground up with the potato filling, which was quite different from the ones I ate in Barcelona (which is ok, but a little too salty). They were still good. Everything comes with a side of cilantro mayo, which was freaking delicious. also, their coffee is STRONG - be forewarned! But I really do love this place. Grooving to their music is a must. read more

Love everything about this place. Decor, food, staff, drinks. I love the customer service here. Probably best pina coladas in DC and best beef empanadas. Huge fan of the sauce too read more

Stopped by for coffee and a quick bite. Got an empanada and cafe con leche. Left really impressed. Coffee was not too strong or sweet and the food was flavorful. Will def be back! read more

To start off, I was absolutely thrilled that they have a vegetarian Cuban sandwich (first time I've seen one!) and was pretty happy with the size and how it tasted. We also ordered the chicken croquetas and the seasonal ones (plantain and cheese). While I didn't try the chicken, the plantain ones were absolutely fabulous, and the dipping sauce too. For dessert we had to get the tres leches (one of my all time favorite desserts) and thought it was alright. The flavors were something along the lines of coconut and lemon which I haven't seen before, but the cake just didn't cut it for me. Think a really thin layer of almost custard-y cake and the rest was icing/milk. Of course since we were at the Colada Shop we HAD to try a piña colada, and that was Good with a capital G. Frozen pineapple-y coconutty goodness, topped off with some toasted coconut. The shop itself was super cute with a nice area to sit outside and a counter joining the indoor and outdoor space. Employees were super nice and helpful too! Do yourself a favor and go get some yummy Cuban food :) read more

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Very cute shop, would be a nice place to get some work done. Coffee was good and ambience was very cute! read more

Colada Shop - Café Caf Con Leche* and impeccable style - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This place is super cute! My co-worker and I were meeting up with some friends and had some time to kill. We wanted to grab a drink on a HOT day in DC (July 4th). We walked past this tiny store front and it was just packed outside with limited seating and it almost turned us away. DON'T LET IT TURN YOU AWAY! Finally we gave in and popped inside the colorful, island music, happening restaurant to find out it was a cute cuban place with house made colada mix, coffee, cuban sandwhiches, croquettes, and pastries! We ordered two rum filled colada's and found the hidden dinning area in the back. The colorful decor with window shutters opening to tourist advertisments to the wonder air conditioning and delicious drinks. This was just what we needed. We eventually meet up with our friends had 1 drink - and covienced them into going (back) to Colada's! read more

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

A cuban cafe located right next to my favorite ice cream shop (Ice Cream Jubilee). Has a robust and extensive menu, the cafe could be straight out of Miami. Cute and colorful, the shop is instantly welcoming with seating inside and outside , and the staff are very nice. I grabbed an empanada and some croquetas to go, but would recommend grabbing sitting down for a bit and chatting with friends over any of their refreshing cocktails or cafe drinks. There is a case with a stack of small pies and flan, which I am desperate to come back and try. I highly recommend for happy hour, their empanadas also are $2 as a happy hour deal. read more

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

I went here every morning when I was in DC. Recommended by the owner of my air bnb, it did not disappoint. It was some of the best coffee I've ever had and the overnight oatmeal with the chia seeds was so yummy. Head up to the rooftop to drink your coffee and watch the sunrise. read more

That's a tasty Cuban sandwich. They get all the elements right, from the bread to roast pork to the mayo/mustard mix. Wasn't expecting something that on point. read more

Service was great! The cocomatcha was even better! I went back a second time for a cocktail and it did not disappoint. read more

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

Colada shop has a great vibe and the staff is really nice. The colors and decor are welcoming, and the front patio and rooftop garden are a nice addition to the 14th Street/ u street area. They have happy hour from 4-7, and a few items to nosh on. Also, a great spot for ppl watching, puppies and kids too. I will return. read more

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Adorable little coffee shop turn cocktail Havana at night! I've been here several times and every time I leave very happy! In winter, their latte is fabulous and in summer their cafe con Leche iced coffee is very good! Today, for pastries I tried the guava and cheese and enjoyed it! It was like a standard cream cheese and berry pastry but amped up a bit with guava flavor. I have had all of their croquettes flavor and have enjoyed them all. Especially the ham. I always get croquettes at tapas places but love how you can just grab some to go here. The back room is a great little spot to sit and work/enjoy your coffee. In the summer, come early for Havana nights and enjoy their great cocktail selection (some come in juice packs which is fun and cute!) if you're in the area and haven't been.. def stop by and trying something. Now, to book my flight to Cuba...... read more

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

I am a big fan of this place! I tried the iced cafe bon leche and absolutely loved it! Even at 8 am in the morning employees were very nice and helpful. My coffee was prepared right away and served with a smile. I didn't get a chance to try their food but I definitely will return to sample the baked goods and breakfast selection! I rate this a 5/5. read more

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

Definitely check out this sexy spot for some cool drinks and people watching. We stumbled in here on a Thursday night and the outdoor patio and high top bar seating was packed to the gills with people drinking, eating and enjoying the last rays of summer. The pina colada by far was the winner here and on Thursday nights, happy hour goes all night where all cocktails are $6, empanadas are $2. I had the El Presidente and it was chock full of alcohol, super sweet. Not really my idea of a good drink, but soon the brain was buzzing away and didn't care. Definitely a great spot to impress that special someone or bring your hot date here. You'll be guaranteed another date, I promise. And your piggy bank will stay full longer when you come on Thursday nights! read more

Love the veggie cuban, its a nice treat every so often. Def recommend to everyone who wants good food.

I heard about this place through coworkers, so I decided to randomly walk after work one day and check it out. I heard through the grapevine that they have Havana Thursdays with specials going on all night on their rooftop. I got there around 6:00, walked up to the rooftop and my my was it BUSY! I was by myself so I thought it'd be easy to seat myself or stand somewhere... but what I came to realize is that it's actually quite small. There were about four tables that were all full, and there was a high table that a few people (maybe 4 or 5) could stand at. The one solo lady who was there left, so I took her spot and got to really take it all in. There were not even 25 people on the rooftop, but if anymore came, I feel like it would've started getting tight. While waiting for someone to take my order, I grabbed a cup of water from the big water dispenser (a very nice touch if I do say so myself). It was flavored with limes and quite refreshing! After looking at the menu, a lady came to take my order and I got a chicken empanada and Hotel Nacional. All the empanadas are $2 all night (3 for $5.50), and the drinks are $6. They come in little fancy glasses, but they're loaded with rum and other tasty ingredients (like apricot puree)! There's also no ice, which I do appreciate because I'm usually only drinking the really HARD stuff like old-fashioneds or Manhattans when I don't have that. The drinks are mostly $6 all night... I saw some people drinking from these giant pouches, and I'm assuming those were the two $10 drinks I saw. I didn't try one of those... just another drink with banana rum (and it was even topped with a plantain chip!). As for the empanadas... they're small, like, super small. But at the same time, I haven't had crust that flaky on a pastry since I had patties in Jamaica! They're also super hot! In the future I see myself taking advantage of that 3 for $5.50 deal, even if I'm only saving fifty cents. They're nothing short of enjoyable. That being said, I enjoyed my time here, though I am saddened that I wouldn't be able to bring a full group here to enjoy it with me... at least not on the rooftop on a Thursday unless I arrived super early. But the way it's shaded because of the buildings and the sun, the Cuban music that was playing, and the pleasant tastes of everything makes me want to come back for more. The rooftop is CREDIT CARD ONLY and you pay as you go, keep that in mind. I hear the interior is a completely different experience, I'll also have to investigate that some time in the future... read more

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

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Empanadas were great! Iced cafe con leche and mojito were also delicious!! Would definitely come back

My fiance is obsessed with guava flavored anything so once we were in the area, I knew I had to take him to the Colada Shop to buy some guava flavored goodies. We got three guava pastelitos for $5.50, and devoured them outside of the shop. I've never had a pastelito before so I'm not sure what to compare it too. While the pastry was warm, it wasn't as flaky as I thought it would be. Maybe pastelitos aren't flaky, I don't know. It was still a nice treat to have outside. I'll need to come back and try some of their food and coffee. I'll update my review after that experience, but I imagine it'll be good! read more

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

Took a turn to this coffee shop on our way back from a day in DC. Their menu is short and yum. They spinach & cheese , Empanadas, Goat & Guava pastelious was yum. The Avocado tostada with pickles looked Yum and just the plain tostada was so delicious. Their coffee selection was good as well. We ordered the Cuban Expresso and Havana Coffee both were perfect ! They have plenty of space to sit inside with rooftop, the allow pets in the small patio section. Our pups were happy to get a shade place to rest for a while. read more

Great service! The rooftop bar is incredible and the bartender is very sweet. Food was also excellent

Tried this Sunday and loved it. As with many places, it's all about the bread and this place nailed it. Cubano, egg sandwich, and avocado toast all were excellent and in no small part because of the breads on which they were served. I'll be back. read more

I love the decor and the concept. The ladies behind the counter are fierce while they crank out the orders. I got the colada cuban, it was hot and tasted good. Was it the best Cuban ever? No. But it was suitable for today. I wouldn't wait in line on a Saturday for it. It got a bit chaotic in there, I blame all the people named Steve and Chris. For goodness sake, put down a unique name like waffle, if you have a generic name. 15 dudes stood up when they told Steve his sandwich was ready. read more

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

A colorful gem in the neighborhood! Came to DC for the weekend and needed to find a place to eat for my parents (picky eaters from PR), my wife and I. It seems we made it in time before the wrath of customers arrive! We got 2 cubanos and 2 media noches and ofc some coffee to wash it down! As someone who grew up going to the panadería every weekend to get his media noche or cubano, I can say these sandwiches were pretty good. They may not be the true thing (different kind of mustard, etc) but good enough to miss home. I do admit that I think their roasted pork needs some more sazón, but probably is because culturally I put half bottle of adobo Goya to everything. Still, they deserve the 5 stars because food was good, loved their garden rooftop, clean areas, and great service. Btw, if this shop want to send me a gallon of that garlic alioli, I'll be happy to pay for the shipping haha read more

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This is my second time to this establishment and I think it's going to go on my list and be my go to for Cuban food! I love their empanadas and their desserts are quite tasty. It's a small space but that makes it cozy, and it truly has a real Cuban feel to it. They have a lot of items to offer on their menu so the problem I seem to have deciding on something specific to order instead of trying to buy everything that looks good (everything looks good), which is what I did the first time I went. On this particular trip I got their empanadas and they were superb. The perfect amount of flaky crust, bursting flavor, and gooey cheese. That sauce that they give you to go with the empanadas, I don't know what it is, but it is life changing!!! The last time I went I got a Cuban sandwich and it was lip smacking, finger licking good! So I'm sure it's safe for me to say, everything you order here won't let your tastebuds down. Let's talk seating. It's very limited but that's not unusual in dc. They set it up well though. There are some high stool chairs and small round tables and then there is a bar table area right in front of the window (which actually completely opens, how cool!), so if you are one that likes a view this is a good area for you. Then there is outdoor seating for the beautiful days when you just can't take being inside any longer. Go check them out! They get 5 stars in every area! read more

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