Not only does Sidamo have amazing single source coffee, the staff are caring and treat you like family when they get to know you. Also love the lentil sandwich and other unique vegetarian lunch options. read more

Best service great coffee the best spot in DC and the chai don't get me started the best chai in the whole DC

I had really fond memories of this place from a few years ago, but this time it was solidly meh. The chai latte was overwhelmingly sweet and didn't have much flavor. The coffee was fine but not particularly exciting or distinctive. Note that food-wise, this is more of a breakfast cafe than an Ethiopian place. They offer a few Ethiopian items, but mostly more American breakfast options. We got our drinks to go, but they do have seating for about 20, including some outdoor patio seating in back. They do a coffee service that looks interesting, although I haven't tried that. Overall, if you just need some coffee, this place can do that, but I think there are better options a few blocks away. read more

Stopped in here this past weekend for an iced coffee on a hot, hot day. Fantastic iced coffee, very flavorful and I had it black. Based on the suggestion of the woman at the counter, I also got a ginger cookie and a coffee cookie. They were very thin and made with teff flour. I didn't know what to expect, but I loved them. They were crispy and not too sweet, and the ginger cookie was the better of the two. I'd absolutely go back, the staff was lovely and so was my order. read more

The absolute worst customer service for no reason. The Centenarian behind the register has the nastiest attitude for a person who can't hear or see. I didn't feel welcomed nor was my money appreciated. I'm not laying for bad service and I recommend you don't either. The coffee was good though ‍ read more

Pretty good coffee here with a cozy atmosphere to boot. Service was a little awkward, but still friendly. I got a regular drip coffee with almond milk and the shop was empty, save it for the gentleman and woman working inside. This would be a very chill place to come in and work during the daytime. I didn't try any of the pastries, but the muffins looked crazy amazing! I will have to come back and snag one the next time I'm in the neighborhood. read more

Really really cool space. I just stopped in to grab a coffee which was really delicious with a more distinct, earthy, full-body feel (Idk I don't have the vocab). But regardless of that, it was good!! And they seem to have a lot of other options that I'd love to come by and try sometime. read more

We popped into Sidamo for a quick double espresso on a cool day of walking. This quaint space was so welcoming and the service was wonderful. The coffee is all single origin and delicious. I was also impressed by their menu. I would have loved to try something had we not just eaten. Pop into Sidamo next time you're in the neighborhood. You won't be disappointed. read more

Sidamo Coffee and Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

What a neat little place! It is run by and frequented by many of the Habesha community and they also serve delicious Ethiopian fare. Naturally, they make excellent coffee and custom espresso drinks. The vegetarian dish was everything I expected. I got very friendly service with a smile and the woman at the counter was glad that I visited her establishment. I shall return. read more

Sidamo Coffee and Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Delicious food and coffee!! Very cozy ambiance and beautiful authentic decor. I loved it!!

Great bagels and coffee! Staff is friendly and and though the menu is limited, their staple bagels are great! Everything with egg and cheese was awesome and they were quick to make it read more

I drink tea so my review isn't for the coffee drinkers. The tea selection is decent but they don't do iced tea, which I found somewhat disappointing. I bought a chai tea that was honestly too sweet and sat down to do some work. Owner or manager asked me to leave after an hour of being there because I hadn't bought a second drink. For me personally, thats big no no. I get wanting to keep tables open for all customers but one hour was too soon and it makes the environment feel overly monitored. Also just very awkward and unpleasant for the customer. If you're stopping in for a quick drink to take away, go for it. But this is not the place to sit and talk or read a book. read more

Excellent little place with great coffee and treats. Looking forward to coming again soon. We will return soon

This place is perfection. The coffee is very good and the vibes are on point. There is an adorable outdoor seating out back and the staff is awesome. read more

We came on a Sunday at 2 pm to participate in their weekly Ethiopian coffee roasting demonstration. The space is very charming and the staff is friendly. The owner, Mr. Kenfe, even encouraged my friend to roast his own coffee beans after his wife performed the demonstration. It was a very educational, fun and interactive experience! I highly recommend it to all coffee lovers out there! The demonstration is free and takes about 30 minutes. I love the cracklings of the coffee beans over the fire, and how the room slowly became engulfed in a cloud of smoke and the smell of roasted coffee beans. I thought the coffee offered during the roasting demonstration was a bit too acidic and strong for my liking--- but then again, I drink my coffee black so perhaps some cream and sugar may have helped. My friend, however, loved the coffee and bought their roasted beans. She brewed me a much more diluted cup at home and it was delicious! While there, I got the Sidamo chai leben, which was out of this world! I'm not a big coffee drinker so it takes a lot to impress me. Their Sidamo chai leben was a perfect balance of chai and milk--- aromatic to the nose, goes down smooth, with spices that will hit mid-pallette and a buttery aftertaste to die for! When most locations use syrup, Sidamo brews their chai leben with their homemade chai spices. I think that's what makes the drink so unique and tasty. I also got to taste the Sidamo macchiato, which I thought was unremarkable, and the white mocha, which I thought was too sweet. So, the Sidamo chai leben is definitely the way to go!!! read more

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I had a veggie sandwich and chai tea with oat milk right at opening. I liked the vibe a lot and had a good time working from here until I could hardly breath from the incense. It would have been bearable if it were a little stick going off for like 5 minutes but this thing was smoking up the entire cafe. I looked back and the whole place was a smoke hole. My eyes starting drying out and my throat and nose irritated. Not sure if they're doing this on purpose to kick people out- but it worked. I couldn't stay any longer and left to Whole Foods. Their sandwich was pretty good though, not sure how people could complain about it. It is exactly how they describe it. What more can you expect? It's an onion-like bread with humus, tomato, avocado, and lettuce. I thought it was a nice vegan twist. Maybe spinach would be better but I thought it was tasty at a great price. I'd come back here but wouldn't recommend to stay for long if you don't want to irritate your lungs. read more

Sidamo Coffee and Tea - Veggie sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

4.99999999999999999999999 Yes, yes I am a fan! I stopped cuz I saw a cute guy in the window, but I stayed the next three hours because of the coffee/chai. Darn good! The coffee was great and I also ordered a grilled cheese. It came out and it was a grilled cheese AND pesto sandwich...it is a combo that rivals PB&J. I sat down, ate, and did some work while waiting for a friend to meet up with me. She arrived just in time for the coffee ritual..Yes, I did say coffee ritual. I am not sure how often they do this, but a woman dressed in traditional clothing roasts coffee right in the middle of the coffee shop. It is sort of like popping popcorn (which they provided a bowl of...popcorn, not coffee) The place because consumed in incense and the roasting...great combo! She then provided a sample to everyone inside. It was strong! The reason it is not a perfect 5 is I can imagine not getting a table when the place gets busy. But a very great weekend escape for a couple of hours... But in the immortal words of Reading Rainbow "but don't take my word for it!" bum bum bum read more

Sadly, Sidamo was on the disappointing side. Maybe it was because we came in with high hopes, maybe it was the empty café we walked into, maybe it was a few other things. The thing is though, none of the upsides (of which the biggest would include the fact that the shop has been part of H Street for some time now) outweighs the downsides (of which the biggest being the dirty storefront). The staff was rather unpleasant, despite the fact there was only one other customer. The cappuccino was also nothing to rave about. This is more of a neighborhood spot, more second wave coffee type establishment, without much fuss or specialty snobbery. So there's that. Just not our cup of tea OR Joe. read more

I've been wanting to check out Sidamo for quite some time, as this family-owned coffee shop seems to be a favorite among the locals. Besides offering coffee, smoothies, and other hot/cold beverages, they also have breakfast and lunch items (sandwiches) on the menu. I had the Sidamo Chai Leben, which comes in one size only - this took about a good 30 minutes to be made, as it was a combination of using housemade chai spices (rather than the syrup) and whole milk, in addition to there being already a queue for the making of the drinks. Once I received the drink, I loved how it was literally extra extra hot! I think I should have mixed the drink before taking a sip, as it seemed as if all the 'goodies'/grounded spices floated towards the bottom (and the last few sips was actually tasty); I thought it would have been a bit more creamier and milk-based, as that was how the beverage was described. The cafe itself is small with a few tables, and it had a very laid-back, comfy atmosphere - you can spend a good chunk of time either doing work, catching up with friends, or just taking a little time-out to enjoy your beverage. The staff were super friendly and kind, and I just wished this place stayed open a little longer! +laid-back atmosphere +friendly staff +extremely limited residential parking off of H read more

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Whether it's a smoothie, a plain cup of coffee, or one of their many tasty espresso drinks...Sidamo is basically as good as it gets across the board. This business is a reason why the H Street Corridor will one day be one of America's most unique and vibrant neighborhoods in America. I remember when we first moved to the neighborhood in '07, and the options on H Street were limited. Sidamo has been an anchor business on the strip, and the owners are some of the nicest and most dedicated people. Aside from their contribution to the area, Sidamo genuinely has some of the best coffee I have ever tasted in my nearly 30-years of existence. It's not your typical cup o' joe...it's an experience. The smell, the taste, the smoothness...there is simply no competition. Every inch of this place is unique, fom the cool awning outside to the many photographs inside. I can't rave enough about this place! read more

Sidamo is my favorite coffee shop in DC and, quite possibly, anywhere. I always get a soy caramel latte (usually iced). It's perfect - not too sweet with a great roasted bean flavor, and lots of foam. While I don't think too much of their pastries, the coffee is perfection. read more

This may be a good daily neighborhood spot...a few folks walked in while we were there and appeared to have a great rapport with the (assumed) owner. But, that wasn't my experience. The pricing is unclear. The chalkboard lists options for breakfast which are...all the same? Notes about $.50 are scribbled everywhere - but get to the register and you're only provided the one (more expensive) option. That option? A microwaved bagel with prepackaged egg and american cheese. Not quite worth the $5 tag. Horrible. The coffee...not amazing. It also took a ridiculous amount of time to both take and receive my order. It seems like a family affair, which seems at a sacrifice to the service. Seating is limited and things get crammed quickly on a weekend morning. Passable and even frustrating experience all together. Would go again in a pinch, but only for a regular coffee, which would take forever.... read more

Sidamo Coffee and Tea - Pricing is...unclear. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Quick, name the color scheme at Starbucks! Describe the decor at a Caribou Coffee! Now draw comparison's to Sidamo Coffee and Tea... Ok so they all serve hot bevys and light fare, but if youre not keen on the cookie cutter corporate coffeeshops or wondered if Washington would ever get a joint that rivals the Rue De La Course chain of New Orleans, Sidamo is it. Oh yeah and the coffee is KILLER. Sidamo just bowed on H Street NE in January, and the early indicators are it's a keeper. Check it out. read more

Sidamo Coffee and Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A few easy steps to having a phenomenal coffee experience at Sidamo: 1) Walk in, take a few deep breaths to acclimate yourself to the sublime aromas of high quality, freshly roasted beans. 2) Scan the (probably already crowded) room for a seat at the bar or a table. If you are lucky enough to spy an open chair, nab it. (back patio seating also an option) 3) Peruse the menu for your desired drink and food item, whether that should be a coffee, tea, latte, smoothie... 4) Place order with incredibly friendly staff member. 5) Partake of your food and drink...and be amazed. *Repeat often. Seriously, Sidamo is one hot spot. Even if H Street isn't close to you, make the trip to try it out. I think the eclectic clientele is evidence enough that everyone - young and old, hipster or business man, frat boy or soccer mom - will love this place and what it has to offer. As I learned a few summers ago in Addis Ababa, Ethiopians love their coffee, and know how to do it right. Coffee is roasted on site and is strong, rich, and has no bitterness. My favorite - the Sidamo Chai Levan (not sure about the spelling) - is like a chai latte, only better - flavored with a naturally spicy chai, cinnamon, and honey. More like an authentic tea than a wannabe coffee. The baked goods are so-so; by 10 or 11, its pretty slim pickings for specialty breads and muffins. The breakfast sandwiches, though, are EXCELLENT - ham, cheese, and egg on a (quality) bagel is like a slice of heaven. Two more reasons why you should come: Sidamo uses and promotes organic and fair-trade coffees, and is a local business. Support local businesses, people! read more

Sidamo Coffee and Tea - Sidamo coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Lovely spot and great local vibes with really nice roasts. Solid tea selection and pastries on discount after 4pm

This is an exquisite Ethiopian coffeehouse. I got a cup of the Ethiopian Sidamo coffee, and it was smoky, full-bodied, intense, and without bitter aftertaste. While we were there, we participated in the 2pm Ethiopian coffee ritual. The employees there roast a small pot of coffee beans over an open flame; the beans are ground and made into coffee. The coffee is poured into tiny porcelain cups that have no handles. Bread is broken and shared with all in the coffeehouse. It was very crowded today, so strangers sat at our table with us. They also burned quite a bit of incense, so be forewarned if you're smoke-sensitive. I added a couple of photos of the ritual. read more

Sidamo Coffee and Tea - Sunday 2pm Ethiopian coffee ritual at Sidamo - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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My favorite coffee shop in the city. Their chai tea latte is FIRE. So good. Very cute and quaint so you can't really sit and work but I looove coming here. Everyone's friendly and nice and there's a cute little patio in the back. Highly recommend !! read more

Visited Sidamo on a Saturday morning prior to a tattoo consultation across the street at Cirque du Rouge... Ordered a large dark roast. Coffee was good. Only a few tables available here. WiFi was free. read more

Yet another raving review of Sidamo, but what can I say? This place is great! The coffee is probably some of the best that I have ever tasted. My mother had the cappuccino and loved it as well. They roast and grind all of their coffee in house. I have yet to try any of the pastries or teas yet. Not only is the coffee great, but the atmosphere is wonderful as well. The employees (family owned and run) are wonderful and the small amount of tables don't let the place get too overcrowded or loud. All in all this is a great coffee shop and has been a wonderful staple on the near northeast H Street revitalization. read more

Sidamo Coffee and Tea - Coffee ceremony every Sunday at 2:00. Complete with participation! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A family-owned small coffeeshop roasting its own fair-traid (mostly) Ethiopian coffee in an eclectic but homey setting, Sidamo is a bit far from me, but I'd gladly spend a whole afternoon lingering around over a cup of their artfully brewed coffee. The breakfast sandwiches here are simple but tasty. Everything is made to-order and one of the employees brought it out directly to me rather than putting it on the counter and calling out my name. It's the little things that show a business cares about its customers. Maybe it's because I went early in the day or because its location is a bit out of the way, but Sidamo is much slower-paced than the typical DC independent coffeeshop. Most patrons had their coffee to go, so I was easily able to find a table leisurely spend my Saturday morning. And the caffeine quality - absolutely delicious. It's velvety, bright, and fruity while still maintaining a rich body, a bit different from the Brazilian coffee that I usually get, but of flawless quality nonetheless. My friend ordered a white chocolate mocha, which I managed to try a few sips of and enjoyed as well. While the milk and flavoring did dull down some of the more complex notes, I could still detect a distinct flavor that unmistakably comes from expertly roasted and brewed beans. I especially appreciated that the sweetness did not completely overwhelm the delicate bitterness of the brew. Nope, not a "want-some-coffee-with-your-cream-and-sugar" situation here. Faith in flavored espresso beverages restored. Fueling my inner-hipster needs; Sidamo, I'll be back. read more

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This is a great coffee shop for several reasons, but mostly becuase of their fantastic coffee. This is not a typical coffee shop. Everything about it is Ethiopian. All the beans are roasted in-house by the owner. You can see him doing this most days in the shop. He is always around and is very friendly. He will chat with you about where you are from and where he is from in Africa. The other employees are also friendly. It is an extremely small coffee shop with only a few scrunched-together tables. This is not a good place to come if you are looking to hang out all day on your laptop all day. It is a place to come and enjoy well-made coffee that is rare in US cities. Their coffee is very acidic and fruity. So, if you like that, you should go try Sidamo. The Sunday afternoon coffee ceremony is worth it if you are really interested in coffee or in East African cultures. I have been several times. Aside from coffee, they also have pastires, sandwhiches, smoothies, loose leaf teas, and sometimes popcorn. Regular drip coffee starts at $2.45 I think. They also offer french press, pour over, iced coffee, and espresso drinks. read more

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I went to Sidamo around noon today with the plan of doing a couple hours of work on my laptop. I have been to the coffee and tea shop a couple of times before but always on a weekday.  After I ordered, I sat down at one of the many empty tables and pulled out my laptop. I barely had time to open my web browser before the owner came over to me and said he would allow me to stay for 1 hr and then I had to leave. He went on to say that on the weekends he does not allow people to do work there because " you spend $5 and then are here all day. If 8 of you come and use each of the tables then I make what $50, can I pay my light bill with $50?" Both his math and customer service skills are off. I told him ok and went to the counter to retrieve the pastry I ordered. He followed me over to say that I needed to wrap up what I was doing and if I wanted, I could go to the backyard area and work from one of the tables there. He emphasized that I had already used up 15 minutes of the 1 hr he had allotted me so I needed to move quickly. I collected my pastry, packed up and left. To stay would have been interpreted as consent for how I was spoken to and treated. I understand running a small business is hard but if there are constant issues such as people working on their laptops during the weekend and taking up space, then he could implement simple solutions such as signage on the tables and other visible areas that let customers know that you can't do work there on the weekends and there are time limits for the tables. He lacks effective communication skills which I believe is critical to running a business. I am also disappointed by this experience because I was hoping to introduce family and friends to it when they visit the area. 0/10, would not recommend. read more

A staple. I don't see Sidamo as a destination on H Street, I see it as a staple. This coffee shop offers it's own unique culture, single sourced coffee in each cup, and does so with it's own heritage in mind. Flavorful African coffees and plenty of teas grace the shelves of this shop as well as plenty of space to work indoors as well as out. It's the kind of coffee shop that there is only one of, and we should make sure it remains. Thanks for always being a staple, Sidamo. I'll be back again and again. read more

Love this place! Coming from Seattle, I was raised with coffee as a main part of my life so I'm picky. The coffee was easily the best I've had in DC. Went with a group of 5 or 6 people and I think we just about all got different things. At least one person got the fruit smoothie, a couple people bought food, a few got different variations of coffee. Anyways, I didnt hear any complaints. Everyone was very content. The environment was great. The staff was really nice and upbeat. I definitely see how it would be a great cafe to bring work with the free wifi. read more

Such a nice and cute little place! Very good coffees and biscuits The old man who runs the coffee is very very friendly and talkative Many people, there is often a line-up inside, but it worths wait for it!! :) Try it, you won't be disappointed!!! :) read more

Sidamo Coffee and Tea - nice vibe in there! :) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A friend and I decided to try this place out for a light lunch and coffee, and this place turned out to be a great visit. The caramel lattes had a smooth taste that I haven't had in any big box stores. The sandwiches were tasty, as well, and I hope to try their breakfast items the next time I get a chance to visit. The meal and coffee were both reasonably priced. The one thing that I would say works against Sidamo is if you're visiting with more than two or three people. The tables are pretty tiny and the shop is very narrow, so factor that into your plans if you are looking to visit. read more

Sidamo Coffee and Tea - Ham and cheese with a caramel latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Sidamo is my all time favorite coffee shop in DC for two reasons: quality coffee and genuine originality. I'm a big fan of different and anything that offers a new experience and Sidamo is able to do so without ridiculous prices or unnecessary frills. I wold highly recommend trying the Ethiopian pot service and spend a day with a friend who is also open to new things. My experiences with their service has always been very good and the environment is comfortable for sitting and talking, rather than other coffee shops that don't have the seating to accommodate their foot traffic. It is frequented on Sunday mornings, so it can get a little tight In the space but this gem of H street has not disappointed my exploratory nature. Give it a try for a morning coffee and you will not regret it. read more

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What more is there to say? Eclectic yet quaint decor, the homeyness of a family-run business, a slightly out-of-the-way location, and fair trade Ethiopian coffee - Sidamo is the ultimate setting of a hipster city-goer's dream. I think what makes them unique is really all the little things they do - you can browse a selection of multiethnic beans, grind them yourself, and then pick up a copy of the Washington city paper to browse through while waiting in line. The pastries and croissant sandwiches are tasty, and their coffee has a solid, memorable depth to the flavor. Also just a couple pro tips: If you're not getting your coffee to go, be sure to tell them so you can sip your coffee in a cool mug as you sit instead of a wimpy paper to go cup. Apparently the bathrooms are specified by gender according to the sketch portraits hanging on the doors (oh look, yet another one of Sidamo's quirks). Not that I went to the wrong one or anything (That would also explain the weird look the cashier gave me as I walked out...), but yunno, just something to keep in mind. read more

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This place is amazing. All of the staff are Ethiopian, and they really created a calm rustic feel. A+ for ambiance. They also know their way around a chai. It is one of the best I have ever had with a perfect balance of chai to milk ratio! The flavor is not too sweet perfectly steamed milk, a touch of spice, with a subtle buttery after taste. It goes down very smooth. I also ate the veggie sandwich, very tasty with avocado, tomato lettuce, lentils, and pesto. It came with a bit of pasta salad which was dry and bland. Didn't matter anyway because I really enjoyed the sandwich. I definitely recommend this place. read more

Sidamo Coffee and Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

They take their sweet time, but each cup of joe is made to order with care. I didn't try their food, but I thought the dirty chai was aromatic and perfectly spiced. It was a little too sweet for my taste, but otherwise perfect. Seating is limited and there is no outdoor seating (what!), but the turnover rate seems pretty reasonable. Parking is easy to find on the residential streets behind the cafe. Wireless internet is free. Patrons are mostly young professionals and students. Nothing to complain about, really. If you are in the area waiting to pick up a friend from Union Station, this is a great place to kill time. (: read more