Best Coffee Shops in DC to Visit with Kids

A cup of coffee from Open City is the perfect complement to a National Zoo visit. Photo courtesy of Open City DC
A cup of coffee from Open City is the perfect complement to a National Zoo visit. Photo courtesy of Open City DC
1/15/23 - By Katie Sivinski

Ah, coffee. So comforting. So rejuvenating. So... difficult to sit and enjoy with kids around—at least in my experience! If you need more coffee in your life—and the chance to actually finish it—we've rounded up the best coffee shops in DC to visit with kids.

Want to meet up with friends and their kids for a play date? DC has a coffee shop for that. Want to enjoy a cup of java and a snack with your little one without having to worry about them being too loud or messy? There's a coffee shop for that, too. There are even coffee shops in the area with built-in entertainment for kids!

Here are 12 of the best coffee shops in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia to visit with kids. If you need some heartier fare, check out our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide for more places to enjoy a meal with little ones, including family-friendly DC vegan restaurants and restaurants near DC where kids can play.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Coffee Shops in DC: The Potter's House
Purchase a book for your child to enjoy while you sip your coffee. Photo courtesy of The Potter's House

Best Coffee Shops in DC to Visit with Kids

1. The Potter's House

This kid-friendly coffee shop in Adams Morgan serves a wide range of coffee and tea. The menu has breakfast and lunch options, and you'll find indoor and outdoor seating. The on-site bookstore has a great kids' section that includes diverse voices. A non-profit business that is dedicated to helping the community, The Potter's House has served thousands of free meals to those in need. Check the online calendar to see dates for special events such as live music and readings.

2. Open City

Not only is Open City one of the best coffee shops in DC, it's located within walking distance from the National Zoo in Woodley Park. This popular spot serves craft specialty coffee and a variety of menu items including all-day brunch, sandwiches, burgers, and pizza. Kids love the chicken and waffles, and grown-ups love the laid-back vibe. Open City has both indoor and outdoor seating.

RELATED: 10 Great Breakfast Restaurants Near DC for Kids and Families

Best Coffee Shops in DC: Jacob's Coffeehouse 
Jacob's Coffeehouse has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Photo courtesy of the coffeehouse

3. Jacob's Coffeehouse

Jacob's Coffeehouse is one of the best coffee shops in DC for families who want a hearty meal with their caffeine fix. It has an extensive menu for breakfast and lunch that includes pastries, waffles, wraps, bagel sandwiches, avocado toast, and more. This is a casual spot in the Capitol Hill area where you can find indoor or outdoor seating and kid-friendly options such as hot chocolate or a bagel with peanut butter.

4. Ebenezers Coffeehouse

Located near Union Station, Ebenezers is great if you want to order at the counter and take away or if you want to sit and chat for a bit in a relaxed atmosphere. Ebenezers serves grab-and-go pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast items in addition to fair-trade coffee and tea. There is usually lots of seating available, and some evenings feature live music.

5. Peregrine Espresso

Peregrine Espresso prides itself on serving high-quality coffee with a dedication to developing its staff and coffee. This is where you'll find well-crafted coffee that's perfect for taking on a stroller walk through Eastern Market or Union Market, Peregrine's two locations. Both locations also have pastries and bakery items.

RELATED: 15 Family-Friendly Beer Gardens and Breweries Near Washington, DC

Best Coffee Shops in DC: Kefa Cafe 
The murals along the exterior of Kefa Café make for great photo ops. Photo courtesy of the cafe

Best Coffee Shops in Maryland to Visit with Kids

6. Kefa Café — Silver Spring and Wheaton

This cozy neighborhood coffee shop has been part of the downtown Silver Spring community since 1996, and locals love it. Kefa Café has a casual vibe that's very welcoming to families and the community. It serves specialty coffee drinks, breakfast, and lunch. Kefa Café also has a second location in Wheaton, right at the entrance to the Wheaton Library. Get a coffee for yourself, then visit the library for some kid-friendly reading time.

7. Quartermaine Coffee Roasters — Bethesda

Open since 1991, Quartermaine is committed to locally roasted, top-grade arabica coffee. The shop serves a variety of well-crafted coffees and teas. There's not a lot of seating inside, but it's the perfect place to buy a cup and stroll down Bethesda Row or down to Elm Street Urban Park if the kids need to run around.

8. Vigilante Coffee Company — Hyattsville and College Park

With two locations in Maryland, this coffee spot is great for kids because of its ample indoor and outdoor seating. Children will enjoy the hot chocolate and Nutella bagels, and grown-ups will love the extensive specialty tea and coffee selection.

Best Coffee Shops in Northern Virginia to Visit with Kids

9. St. Elmo's — Alexandria

St. Elmo's is a popular coffee destination for its open mic nights and special events, as well as its casual feel with ample indoor and outdoor seating. If you need something a bit stronger, St. Elmo's also serves wine and craft beer. An extensive menu includes breakfast items, sandwiches, pastries, bagels, smoothies, yogurts, and salads. With three Alexandria locations—Del Ray, Old Town North, and Fairlington—it will be easy to find fun things for kids to do close by.

10. Jammin Java — Vienna

Jammin Java, a fun spot for families to get lunch on the weekends, serves coffee, alcohol, and great food including delicious thin-crust, New Jersey-style pizza. Jammin Java is a live-music venue with many all-ages shows, so check the calendar to see what's coming up. The venue featured children's bands and musicians on weekends before the pandemic, but it's unclear if or when these kids' shows will return.

11. Angelika Theater at Mosaic — Fairfax

Would you like a kids' movie with your coffee? Come to Angelika's cafe and grab a cup, then go see a Crybaby Matinee film at the theater. Kids of all ages—that includes crying or sleeping babies—are welcome, and those under 5 get in free. The volume is kept down and the lights are dimmed. The Angelika café serves freshly brewed coffee, specialty drinks, and sweet and savory café treats.

12. Manoa Bakery Cafe — Annandale

This bakery and cafe is perfect for a special treat or outing with the kids. It serves delicious store-made cakes and cookies and fresh baked bread. You'll find specialty coffee drinks as well as traditional Korean tea and Bingsoo, a Korean ice cream treat. The menu also includes breakfast and lunch. There is lots of indoor seating available, perfect for cold, hot, or rainy days.

Places featured in this article: