Can never go wrong with La Colombe coffee and this location is no exception -- in fact, I would say this is my favorite DC location for the ambient light and relative quiet throughout the day. The Blagden Alley setting is definitely a plus, the coffee shop feels like it is tucked away from the rest of DC. For working here, as in all other locations, be aware that there is no WiFi (nor chairs with backs!) read more

La Colombe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

PSA: Ready your table stalking skills if you plan on coming during weekend prime times!! We were lucky and only had to loiter around in the back for 5-10 minutes before a table opened up (just enough time to shamelessly instagram that latte). Apparently La Colombe is too hip for a menu, but if that bothers you, feel free to go back to your local Starbucks so it frees up more room here for the rest of us. Presentation is also memorable - you'll be sippin' on artsy, slightly chipped mugs surrounded by simple industrial decor (basically what the cool kids do on a casual Saturday morning). There's coffee art for allllll whether you get a latte or a hot chocolate (and of course you can expect quality rich chocolately flavor). Service was standard, place was quaint (the alleyway location is seriously perfect), and mugs were oh so pretty. Maybe one day I'll make it out to one of their public cupping events on Friday mornings (aka free samples!!). read more

La Colombe - Latte and hot chocolate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

There are a couple of parking spots around the area which you have to pay. Once you find parking you will see that La Colombe is in a cute brick building. Walk in, and the decoration is amazing. There are tables inside. The coffee is great and I ordered an Oat Milk Draft Coffee which was amazing. They have different types of coffee which they rotate so you may like something at one time but not carry it year around. A great way to try new things. They also carry pastries and ordered a matcha cookie which wow, amazing. Overall, love the coffee, pastries, and atmosphere. Great hang out place and once you are done, you can walk around and look at the murals. There are a ton of them. It's like a mural alley and you can find a map inside the coffee shop to see where they are. read more

Location is nice and clean but the cold brew was watery and weak. Not the worst but not the best. 3/5

Positives -great baked goods. The almond croissant is delicious. Super flaky on the outside, moist on the inside and the almond flavoring is perfect. Nothing gritty in this filling. I also tried the sweet potatoe backed good, which is more on the savory side. Also, delicious -drip coffee is excellent and at $2/cup can't be beat -fast service - no wifi. This may be on the negative list for some, but I think it is an excellent business move. We don't need people taking up seats for hours at a time and just ordering one drink. Get your drink and move on people. I didn't have any bad experiences here and I went 3 times. read more

La Colombe - Best pastries! Get the almond croissant for sure - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

$6 for a single cup of black coffee is really WTFFF but I suppose you should know what you are getting into when you come to an uber hipster place like this. This expensive option came out of the Silverton machine, which seems like a fancier pour-over. After the barista pours the water into it, it actually sits there with the grounds for a while before the barista opens the spout for it to drip into the cup. I don't know what all of their contraptions are, but they all seem fancy, with timers and temperature gauges and stuff. My boyfriend said you could really taste all of the flavors listed in the coffee, like jasmine and tangerine. We also got a latte and a cappucino, which together came out to about $7, and both were pretty good. It's a little tricky to find since it's in an alley, and we had to hover a bit to get seating (around 11 on a Friday). It's nice that they offer free sparkling and still water that you can get yourself. read more

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Big fan of La Colombe. Coffee is great regardless of what you get and the service is quick so it's easy to get in and out. Even when there's a line out the door, it never really takes that long. The space is cool but it's not very spacious so it can get loud and crowded quickly, which makes it perhaps not the best place to hang out and do work, though they do have plenty of tables to sit at. Also their pastries are awesome. (There was a time when they weren't because they switched vendors but now they're back to normal.) I personally go for the plain croissants. They have more decadent ones but I actually think the plain ones are best. read more

La Colombe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've had latte (both medium roast and hard roast). Also the drop coffee. All pretty good! And staffs are friendly and energetic. Love the environment! read more

La Colombe - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Wednesday, 11:30 AM. Quickie: + Coffee quality - Service + Turnaround -- Cleanliness - Limited seating And then...? Decent pastries and good coffee. ********** Stuffed my face in: 1. Iced latte - Too bitter, even with some sweetening. Constructive comments: *Option for compost *Sustainable sourcing and practices read more

Wow. Totally adorable place... My friend lives in the area, and we needed coffee before hitting the traffic on a Tuesday morning... he jumped out of the car as I pulled over (in envy of the people sitting peacefully with their coffee outside). Absolutely amazing cappuccino and pastry...if I lived in the area, I would be here all the time. read more

A Coffee Lovers Paradise. La Colombe, located in Shaw's Blagden Alley, is a coffee shop made for the bougie coffee drinker. Forget the generic Starbucks Pikes Place coffee, La Colombe coffee is rich and flavorful. They have a fantastic house blend, though my personal favorite is the steampunk coffees. Each steampunk coffee has such incredible depth and flavor, just like a fine wine would. I would recommend the Ethopian blend. The baristas were knowledgable and all around nice people. Rustic yet modern in decor, this is a fantastic place to grab a cup of coffee and read a book or catch up with a friend. Only downside is that they don't have wifi. Highly highly recommend checking out La Colombe. read more

La Colombe - La Colombre Coffee Station - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Crowded but I liked it. Been drinking the brand for couple years lalalalalalalalallalalalalalala(ran out of words) lalalalalalalalallalalalalalala(ran out of words) lalalalalalalalallalalalalalala(ran out of words) read more

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Coffee is great! Service is good. Ambience at this location is great. It's one of my favorite coffee spots. They need to have more seating though. read more

Took a star off due to the particular layout and atmosphere of this location as I much prefer the one on Florida Ave - especially for those days you need a good space to linger just a wee bit longer than the usual coffee break. The staff at this location seem to like to huddle rather than disperse to serve the patrons. On the upside, the oat latte on draft is always a good idea as is a pastry earlier in the day. I would not suggest you get the bottled draft lattes as its pricier here than neighboring groceries, go figure. All in all, this is a good spot to caffeinate when in Shaw. You do have to seek it out though if you're not a local as the shop is hidden away in Blagden Alley alongside a few other brick-cradled storefronts. read more

Amazing coffee, pastries and atmosphere. The people are always super friendly and it's a great place to work if you don't need WiFi. That's the only reason I give it 4 stars. Also, one of the few places that offers oat milk as a dairy alternative which is amazing. read more

This hidden gem is quite the treasure. It gets pretty crowded, but the line goes by so fast. I got here on a Wednesday morning around 10:30, and the line was to the door. However, we only waited like a minute or two and for our drinks immediately after. I ordered the latte on tap, and I've got to admit that it might be the best iced latte I've ever had. It's very smooth and creamy without being too sweet or bitter. The coffee itself has a really great nutty taste. I've also tried the iced coffee here, and that was also some amazing coffee. I definitely prefer the iced latte though. It's a must here! The cafe itself has a lot of small tables and a few seats outside. I was able to find an open table, but I can really see the place getting full. I wouldn't say it's a good place to hang out in large groups. It's ideal for 1-3 people per table. If you're a coffee addict, this place should be at the top of your list! read more

La Colombe - Latte on tap - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Nice coffee with great ambiance that hides in a side street! Very quick service even on a busy morning

Nice brick-walled and open roofed atmosphere; good coffee and great work space; however, (a) they don't have WiFi and (b) no toaster for their pastries (croissants, etc.). So, you can't work here without your own unlimited data plan, nor eat heated objects. The staff was nice, but one was a bit aloof. Guess that's the norm in DC where old money mixes with new and big business salaries are the norm; this builds resentment amongst the wait staff, apparently, since aloofness is far more commonplace here than any other city I've visited. read more

Just discovered this amazing little coffee slice of heaven! I almost don't even want to tell you about it so I can keep it's oh-so-secret-feeling location to myself. Apparently, there's only one DC location, but, it's stellar. Love the garage door that opens onto the alley. Just down the street is an old church and it feels like a spot that only locals would know about. The quality of the coffee is amazing and served in beautiful Italian Deruta cups and saucers. Also, the almond croissant is one of the best I've tasted! What a nice, civilized experience. No go cups needed. Take a moment and soak it all in. Tip: apparently, they do coffee cupping here on Friday afternoons. read more

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Everything in this cafe is charming, from the tables to the staff to the plates and cups. The macarons on the menu offer a gluten free option, but I have heard nothing but praise for the pistachio cardamom pastry. The barista made sure to explain their brews with care, and while service was a bit too hasty (i could barely carry my cup to my table safely because my cup was overflowing with foam), that's better than being too slow- but this was a Monday morning and I was one of two guests in line. I would have enjoyed my barista taking her time to craft my drink with care. They've got a great little retail space, too. read more

La Colombe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Let my start by saying I'm rounding up to 4 stars because: 1. I can't give 3.5 2. I only tried their coffee 3. It was a brief visit It was a bit hard to find, but when I did, it was a little gem on the outside. When I turned down where I thought La Colombe was, I felt like I was entering a seedy alleyway. Immediately I thought I must be going the wrong way, but a quick consult with my map told me I was on the right track. After a short walk, the tall, un-mowed grasses and run-down buildings gave way to a quaint, brick-lined street with storefronts in old, repurposed warehouses. After a moment, I found the entrance. The atmosphere was somewhat chaotic and it was immediately unclear where I should place my order. This isn't a deal breaker in the least, but I enjoy places where the process is intuitive. The barista was friendly but didn't sense my confusion and offered little help. I ordered an iced coffee and purchased a bag of beans to try at home. I think I was expecting something extraordinary because of a few recommendations, but the coffee was good-not great. One thing I loved was the bittersweet chocolate notes. It was lacking the velvety taste that I look for in coffee. All-in-all, I wasn't disappointed that I went out of my way to try it. The price was reasonable and it was a solidly good cup of coffee. I will try it again if I find myself very near a La Colombe, but I won't go out of my way for a cup again. read more

La Colombe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

La Colombe is ok. They have pretty limited offerings, nothing is bad but the coffee and latte we had were standard. It is a cool space in Blagden alley. They do have oat milk which a lot of places don't carry, which is nice. read more

Out of all the DC locations this one is my favorite because the service is friendly, the garage door is perfect for people watching or reading, and it doesn't get quite as crowded as some of their other spots. Pick up a draft latte (oat milk) and biscotti and snag a seat by the window or outside if you can. read more

La Colombe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Pros: Gorgeous space. Delightful location. Excellent coffee. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Cool machinery. Cons: Tight squeeze inside. Limited seating. Hemp milk is the only non-dairy option. (I'm not a fan of people telling me I'm drinking my coffee the wrong way by using soy milk. Let me decide what to put in it. Next time Ill bring my own.) read more

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Been missing La Colombe from Philadelphia so much that we decided to stop by the one in DC. La Colombe coffee definitely never disappoints, no matter where it is located. The coffee was smooth and the shop is located in the cutest neighborhood/alley. read more

I've been hearing a lot of hype about this place and decided to give it a try during a recent business meeting. Suggesting La Colombe made me seem very in-the-know and cool, and I learned a lot about Blagden Alley history as I got there early and decided to check out the artwork in the alley instead of securing a table. Because I'm a responsible adult. Anyway, google the history and take a wander: it's well worth it. I had an awesome set of baristas: the person who took my order let me know that they were out of the pour-over I originally wanted, and seemed genuinely sorry about it. When I made an alternative selection she went briefly into why that was a good choice/the bean flavor. Then, waiting for my coffee, the guy who actually brewed the brew was just really nice in chatting with me and reassuring me that my order was coming up. Maybe I had a weird look on my face that said I was really disappointed and they wanted to appease me? I don't know it was like above and beyond kindness and it seemed to come from a genuine place, which I just appreciate. I felt like the baristas were actually people being themselves and noticing other people (a trip to a starbucks can feel like two robots interacting) and I just love that this small coffeeshop has maintained employees who can actually be themselves; it makes the atmosphere so much more relaxed and fun to be in. The coffee itself was delicious. I was a late adopter of pour-overs, thinking it couldn't be that much better, but I was wrong and I'm okay with admitting that. I got the Peruvian variety, had it black, and enjoyed every sip. read more

La Colombe - Panama I love you (and your coffee) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

SO. LA COLOMBE IS IN DC!!! YAY!!! :) They bring the same philly love here, simple no frills, no menu... just one type of coffee with no fancy pour over stuff. We love the smooth flavor and the subtle richness. Always one of our favorites. Cafe is tucked away on Blagden Alley ... so you will have to really look for it. PS - They area looking for an additional space ... but somewhere in an up in coming area. read more

La Colombe - pure black coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Rather narrow, yet comfortable enough for a speedy coffee break. This location is not designed for laptop table hoggers (particularly since there is no WiFi), but rather for meeting with friends/business. In and out. You will do well to match this location with the purpose of your visit. Should you be looking for a place to dwell you are better off visiting one of their other locations. Either way, you can be sure to be in for a good cup of coffee. read more

I've been here about 3 times so far! Great coffee for sure, and tucked into Blagden Alley, the location is pretty sick too. I can rave about the coffee, but everyone else has already done a pretty good job below. The AMBIANCE is fantastic though! Not as bougie as Peregrine Espresso and not as likely to be as frighteningly outnumbered by hippies as in Big Bear Cafe.... La Colombe is just right. read more

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Best nook for a great coffee. Obvious fan of locals and has laid back vibe. And pups like the patio.

Hidden away and cradled by red brick, quirky little coffee spot in Shaw is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of DC. There is graffiti art all over the red bricks, satirizing current social and political climates, but the inside is a stark contrast to the brick. There are cleanly designed lines with the wood furniture inside. The architecture and contrast is poetic. The coffee is good and I really enjoyed how it was hidden. The Lyft that took me there got a little concerned when they had to turn into the alleys. read more

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Awesome coffee, but most importantly in the cutest little Blagden alley, where there is funky street art and amazing restaurants and cocktail bars. read more

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This place was pretty good. The service was friendly. I got a croissant and a cappuccino. Not bad. I have to give it three stars because there's no Wifi. Wifi is an expectation at a cafe like this. If I had known there was no wifi, I wouldn't have stopped in. read more

Overall the coffee and its preparation is fairly average for more high end cafés. I get the sense there are not many options in DC and this place is a standout. Blueberry scone was fabulous and the atmosphere is really comfortable and relaxed. I like that they don't have wifi. Oh, and no soy milk only hemp. People buy soy. Only 4 due to the snooty barista guy that served me the first day and the anti-soy revolution they're supporting. read more

La Colombe - Scones and croissants. Yum. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Excellent location . . . so-so service . . . for the most part good coffee brews. La Colombe breaks the mold from your local coffee shop. It is modern, but not too minimal like Caffe Aficionado. First of all, it's in an awesome location . . . on Blagden Alley. The first time I ventured, I was a little hesitant to go through the alley since it's next to a car or car body shop. Anyhow, once you see the beacon of La Colombe, it's like a desert oasis. Needless to say, it's very modern and I just like hanging out there. The baristas are okay, but yes as another reviewer mentioned, they don't go the extra mile to connect and say hi to frequent customers. I recommend the daily brews as compared to the pour overs. I'm all for technology, but they have this very expensive steampunk-esque automated french press/ aeropress like unit. The coffee equipment is visually stunning, but the brewing is not so good because I got some bits of coffee ground into my freshly brewed coffee courtesy of the steampunk coffee unit. I've only tried one or two pastries my numerous times there, but they aren't memorable at all. La Colombe is still a great place to hang and chill. Definitely there's a road cyclist crowd and La Colombe should provide more bike racks. read more

My best coffee in dc. Great location in a back alley. Inside cozy w character. I'll bet it's even better on a spring day when they open the garage door. I didn't have a pastry bit they looked super fresh and tempting. Latte was smooth and espresso flavor bold. Went ball for a cortado and was even better read more

Any place that plays of Montreal songs from their current and more funkier years is all right by me. Plus the espresso is really good. Try the cappuccino. The foam design they use is so pretty. Good looking locale as well, hidden from street view as it's in an alley. No wi-available so it's a great place to unwind with a book. One of my favorite spots while I was in DC. read more

La Colombe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I recently moved to the area and I was asking a fellow resident from my apartment building where I could get good coffee and they told me "La Colombe has good coffee but the staff is rude". I thought "that's weird... maybe the person you met had had a rough day?" I thought I'd check for myself (I really wanted coffee) and unfortunately was able to corroborate instantly. Yes, the staff was outright rude (the mocha was good I admit). A month passed and I thought "I'll give it another try". Staff was rude once again. This time I left without even getting my coffee. I don't care how good your coffee is. If you foster a workplace culture of treating your customers like garbage, then you don't deserve to be in business. So. that's it for me. I should add this is the first time ever for me. I've been on this planet for over 3 decades and it has never happened to me before that I had to walk out of an establishment because of the staff's manners. read more

Yum! I came here for breakfast while in DC for a fun break. This is a brand spankin' new coffee joint inside of a converted garage. It's v. cool. The croissants are delicious, especially the ones that are filled. I tried the ham & cheese filling croissant and the spinach & cheese filling croissant and both were delicious. I had iced coffee, which was brewed perfectly and it was delicious. One of my breakfast companions had a cappuccino, which was beautifully presented, and the other had a regular hot coffee. The service is friendly and quick. There's a decent amount of seating. My only complaint is that the location is in an alleyway and a bit difficult to find. The only reason we got there so easily is because we had someone in our trio who had been here before and knew the way. read more

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I love how all my favorite coffeeshops are trying to hide themselves in alleys, like Blue Bottle in SF. La Colombe in Philly helped get me through grad school so I was super psyched to see that they had opened a shop in DC. And really, the coffee even tastes better now, especially with a side of almond croissant. Things to note: They have a limited outdoor seating area for those with dogs, and no obvious place to lock up your bike. (Please install a bike rack here? It's such a perfect location to bike to!) and they don't do soy, only hemp milk. (Which I guess is a step up from no options for lactose-intolerant people.) It took a few sips to get used to the grassier taste of my au lait. read more

La Colombe - Almond and spinach croissants with latte and hemp au lait - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia