Cruisin' Cafes: Washington, DC

Given the fact that one of the last things I would find enjoyable to discuss with someone is politics, I find it rather strange that Washington, DC has always hovered about the top of my list for a desired travel destination. I blame my interest of the nation’s capital upon my adoration of cherry blossoms. I really find that no other flower holds the same sort of femininity as the cheerful and demure cherry blossom; and seeing as how so many events within Washington, DC pay tribute to the pretty pink petals, I can’t imagine a more fabulous place to visit – or sip coffee – than the dapper and dashing DC!

♥Baked & Wired Give me cupcakes or give me death! Darlings, I know it sounds ever so slightly dramatic, but it’s the absolute truth. How one can even fathom getting through the day without a cutecake in tow is simply out of my realm of imagination; and if you’re looking for the best, look no further than Baked & Wired.

Tucked sedately between stuffy ad agencies, office buildings, and architecture firms, Baked & Wired is a hipster breath of fresh air with charming pink-trimmed picturesque windows that overlook a bustling street and pink painted bike which serves as outdoor décor for the location – situated just a stone’s throw away from the Georgetown canals. While the equivalent of a trendy coffee shop decked out in creations by local artists, and sporting humorous inscriptions upon the walls such as “Tip well or we will play Freebird on loop”; iced soy lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos, although addictive in their own way, are not the main attraction. That title is bestowed upon the cupcakes of which are some of the best you will ever savor. Three of my favorite cutecake flavors proffered to customers? Carrot Cake, Pumpkin, and Strawberry…order one of each, and eat them on site – the atmosphere only adds to the yumminess! 1052 Thomas Jefferson Street NW, Washington, DC 20007.

♥Tryst Coffee House Bar & Lounge There are very few cafes spotting the planet nowadays that have that jazzy, smoky, beatnik bar ambiance that F. Scott Fitzgerald glamorized so many years ago, literally causing me to scour the earth in search of such a place; and I have found it in Tryst Coffee House Bar & Lounge.

As if the name weren’t enough to lure you in, there are two things that will cause you to arrive and never want to leave: the bohemian aesthetic which makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into another era – one in which someone like Bob Dylan will walk in, pull up a stool, pick up a guitar, and begin strumming along mournfully; and the animal crackers. Yes, animal crackers. For each warm drink you order, animal crackers are an adorable accompaniment – and so perfect for dunking! Kitschy retro snacks aside, however, Tryst is a place with personality galore. Stop in with friends for a quirky afternoon full of cappuccinos sipped while sprawled out in overstuffed couches and chairs; or swing by at night for an evening of veggie burgers, beer, and bluesy jazz enjoyed at the bar. Between the brick walls, tin ceiling, and saggy seating you’ll feel inspired to write the next great American novel – or at least read one. 2459 18th Street NW (between N Belmont Road and N Columbia Road), Washington, DC 20009.

♥Mid City Caffe Mid City Caffe is one of those hidden gems that you don’t seek out to find, but magically stumble upon on accident, and literally feel as if you’ve been transported into a fairytale – in this case, one in which you’re surrounded by the aromas of spice cake, cappuccinos, and cream cheese frosting.

Located above the hot pink painted Miss Pixie’s Furnishings and Whatnot – a virtual smorgasbord of a shop full of whimsical knickknacks that are cheerful, charming, and unique – and just a short walk from the U Street Farmer’s Market, Mid City Caffe is the preemptive location to take a load off at one of the sidewalk tables after a day of shopping; or simply shoot the breeze with a cute boy over lattes made to perfection and topped with ambrosial designs carved right into the foam. Though perhaps the most charming thing about Mid City Caffe is the cramped yet cozy spirit, so ideal for toiling the day away over a laptop in the company of delectable drinks and desserts. Think of me as you devour a sticky cinnamon bun! 1626 14th Street NW, Second Floor (between N Corcoran Street and N R Street), Washington, DC 20009.

Which of these DC cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the pictures.


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