Your Bi-Weekly DC Coffee Reset ☕

Your bi-weekly guide to the best coffee shops in DC, the DMV, and destination cities.

Author

Domonique Panton
January 07, 2026

Hey Sipsters,

Welcome to the first official issue of my new bi-weekly coffee newsletter. Instead of doing each week, I figured it would be so much better to consolidate all the coffee adventures into 2 newsletters that will match any mood you are in for the 1st and 2nd half of the month. 

Genius, I know! The first newsletter is all about the DMV. Cause… I currently live here and this area has a HUGE and quite frankly vibrant coffee scene. 

The second newsletter will be beyond the DMV. Cool coffee shops I’ve visited and wanted to share with you all, coffee guides of different cities for you to download, and run to coffee routes you won't want to miss. 

For any events that happen in a city near you! I’ll also add those here and on my website www.tryingeverycoffeeshop.com (coming this month). So if you miss a newsletter, you don’t have to worry because it’s right there on the website just for you! 

Everything here is tested, intentional, and curated so you can spend less time trying to find every coffee shop and more time enjoying really good coffee. We don’t gate keep over here, especially when it comes to good coffee.

The DC Coffee Shortlist for January  

This year, one of my main coffee goals was to revisit every coffee shop in Washington DC to update some of previous rankings for the new year. I am working TIRELESSLY to get to you in the next month! But while that is happening in the background for you, that doesn’t mean I haven’t visited any new ones that should definitely be on your radar this month.

  • 📍 Allelo  (DC)

    • Best for:  cozy catch-up, a solo date 

    • My order: Geisha drip coffee with a bit of oat milk 

    • Quick take: If you are looking to relax in a safe space with a friend over an amazing drip coffee and owners/baristas that make you feel welcomed then this is the spot for you. 

  • 📍 Neighbor’s Coffee (Maryland)

    • Best for:  Grab & Go, hang with friends

    • My order: Cold brew or their seasonal lattes (can’t go wrong)

    • Quick take: They’re community focused and so fun! Hosting 5ks monthly and also having an on the nose seasonal coffee menu that makes you excited for the seasons to change just to see what’s new.

  • 📍 La Betty (DC)

    • Best for:  cozy catch-up, a solo date, grab & go

    • My order: Cold Brew with Oat milk (of course)

    • Quick take: They’re a hybrid spot. Cafe by day and a restaurant in the evening, which is a vibe. Since they are a restaurant as well you can get a wide variety of foods and pastries. I liked this for a slow Sunday morning. 

  • 📍 Idido’s (DC)

    • Best for: fun seasonal lattes, work  

    • My order: Geisha drip coffee with a bit of oat milk 

    • Quick take: I’m going to WORK. I love a coffee shop that is going to make me feel productive. Like I am about to get all of the items on my to do list (that i did add myself) done! 

The DOM Take™

Lately I’ve noticed that DC coffee is really leaning into unique coffee experiences. I saw coffee in a cookie cup and I’m legit heading to a coffee omakase!!!!!! Which is about to be INSANE and I will definitely let you know all about it and if it’s worth your time in the next newsletter.

Don’t get me wrong, I love it because it gives a different spin to just having a cup of coffee. I also love the idea of romanticizing your coffee routine or even switching it up to continue enjoying it. HOWEVER, I’m personally over the debate of whether or not you should have cold coffee in the winter. People drink juice all year round, so to me I don't see a difference. Maybe that’s a hot take, but it’s a hill I’m willing to die on.

What’s Coming Next

Next issue I’m covering Baltimore’s coffee scene, plus sharing some run-to-coffee stops and rankings. If you’re here now, you’re early, and that’s always the best place to be.

Make sure to share with a friend the latest 5 coffee shops to try and I’ll see you in 2 weeks with a full on Baltimore City Guide, a recap of the coffee omakase experience, and some extra cool coffee routes to try in DC

xx

Domonique

[FAQ] 

How often are these Newsletters

No worries, I wont spam you! They will be Biweekly Wednesday Morning! With different coffee shop recommendations from different adventures that you can save with downloadable maps or through your socials. My goal is to share all the great coffee shops so you can create your own adventure or find a nice place to do work in for the week!

How do you rank the coffee shops?

The DOM Score™ is my official ranking system for coffee shops around the world. DOM stands for Drink. Observe. Measure.

Every coffee shop is evaluated using the same intentional framework, because great coffee isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about what’s in the cup, how the space feels, and whether the experience is actually worth your time.

The full experience, measured intentionally. Menu creativity, service, value for price, and how the coffee shop fits into its location.

Each category contributes to a final DOM Score™ out of 10

What’s your favorite caffeinated beverage

You can ALWAYS catch me with a Cold Brew with a SPLASH of oat milk

Where have you gone to try coffee so far

DC is my home base, so I’ve been to over 129 coffee shops here. Other places have been NYC, Spain, NJ, Northern VA, Maryland, Japan, and Mexico

How can we support this journey

Sharing any articles or post truly means the world to me! I also have a “Buy me a coffee” page, so if you want to support this journey financially and give your girl a coffee, I would love love that!

Who are you?

My name is Domonique, but my friends call me Dom. I am a 29 year old coffee lover who fell in love with exploring coffee shops after retiring from professional track and field. It’s been my favorite way to bring adventure into my life, meet AWESOME new people, and dive deeper into this community! I’m really happy you are here.