Pret A Manger

Location: It’s a chain so there are a few locations throughout DC, but most are strategically placed around Metro stops.
Wifi: Free!
Price Range: $1.50 for straight coffee, $2-4 for something fancier, $0 if the barista likes you (not a joke)
Food: The name translates to “ready to eat” – they’re full of daily-made sandwiches and salads you can grab and go. Some choices are a little pricey, but for freshness you can’t find in most chains it’s worth it.
Seating: Yes, although in some locations it’s a little compact or hidden in the back.

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Au Bon Pain

Location: Everywhere, but not Starbucks-everywhere.
Wifi: Free!
Price Range: Similar to Pret, but their cups are HUGE. Get an extra-large iced coffee labeled “medium” for $2.10
Food: So much. It’s first and foremost a bakery so they have a wall of pastries to choose from, but it also has a decent selection of soups and made-to-order sandwiches and salads.
Seating: Yes, but it varies by location.

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Saxby’s

Location: 4 of them: Dupont, McPhereson Sq, the Reagan Building, and Georgetown.
Wifi: Free!
Price Range: Pretty cheap. Their extensive list of 30+ specialty drinks (which include some innovative and delicious options) range from just $3-4
Food: Breakfast, froyo, blended coffee drinks, and smoothies are offered everywhere, but some locations have bonus options like fresh sandwiches.
Seating: Small cafe setting with a few tables and stools – the shops are self-described as “cozy and relaxed” if that tells you anything.

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7-Eleven

Location: Scattered. But odds are you already have one in mind.
Wifi: It’s free, but you have to sign up for it.
Price Range: Don’t underrate this coffee underdog: their self-serve cups of coffee (available in dark roast,  light roast, flavored, decaf, etc) are $1.10 for a medium, including self-serve creamer flavors and sugar and whatnot.
Food: What doesn’t 7-11 have? Okay, maybe they don’t have the freshest food, but they do have all of your basic snack necessities, hot-rolling taquitos, and random condiments you probably have in your fridge but don’t remember.
Seating: Nah. Just grab your drink and go. This option is best for those of us who are perpetually running late.

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Peet’s Coffee & Tea

Location: Formerly Caribou Coffee, there are five in DC, all located within 5-6 blocks of the White House.
Wifi: Free!
Price Range: Similar to Starbucks, actually. But with normal names for sizes. They also pride themselves on their history of finding the best roasts from around the world and offer other seasonal and rare options for all of you coffee connoisseurs out there. They also offer a unique drink called “The Black Tie” (pictured above right) which layers cold brew coffee with condensed milk and simple syrup. Actually, you should go just to try that. Then come back and thank us because you’re welcome.
Food: A few baked goods and sandwiches made locally and delivered daily.
Seating: Indoor mostly, depending on location and season.

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Filter Coffee House & Espresso Bar

Location: Three – Dupont, Foggy Bottom, and Brookland.
Wifi: Free!
Price Range: Moderate, but appropriate. They “craft” their cups of coffee.
Food: Pastries for the most part. Although they have joined up with other local businesses to cross promote other items like more coffee, baked goods, and pizza.
Seating: Yes! Filter is popular among locals so it’s a really friendly place in the morning if you have the time to sit and hang out, although some say it morphs into a quiet, laptop-laden lounge during the day if you prefer to sit, work, and be antisocial.

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The Wydown Coffee Bar

Location: 1924 14th St NW
Wifi: Nope, so if you plan on being there for an extended period of time make sure you bring something to do besides stare at your screen.
Price Range: Low. Especially for a place that has such rave reviews on their cappuccinos and vegan pumpkin muffins.
Food: Baked goods made on site.
Seating: Limited communal tables.

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Chinatown Coffee

Location: 475 H St NW
Wifi: Yes, but the connection is notoriously weak.
Price Range: Depends on the complexity of your order. Want a cup of black coffee? $1.82. Want a hand-poured french-press cafe latte extra foam turbo shot whiplash? $7.50.
Food: Pastries and gelatos and whatever “specialty toasts” are. But this place ups the ante by adding alcoholic options to the list.
Seating: Most definitely. This a prime spot to sit and enjoy your beverage with a friend.

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Peregrine Espresso

Location: Three of them: Eastern Market, Union Market, and 14th Street
Wifi: Nope.
Price Range: $2-3 for your average cup. Almost all reviews attest to the fact that they serve quality coffee, espressos, and latte art.
Food: Small snacks – mostly biscuits and cookies.
Seating: Outdoor and indoor, depending on location.

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When all else fails and you can’t (a) find any of these other options fast/conveniently enough or (b) just can’t let go of your precious seasonal latte:

Starbucks

Location: Walk 1 block in any direction.
Wifi: You know it does.
Price Range: $2 for a plain coffee, $5+ for something swankier, $87 if you want to try to beat the world record (still not joking).
Food: Mostly cookies and snacks, some fruit, a couple fancy breakfast sandwiches they reheat in a less-than-fancy industrial microwave.
Seating: Always indoors, sometimes outdoors. Depends on the location and season.

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