Our schedule is a bit off today. We’re heading to New Jersey for a family matter. So this morning we had time to stop by and check out the brand new Bakers and Baristas in Penn Quarter.
The space was very bright and open, with several tables lined up along the windows – all nearly filled at 10 a.m. There was a constant line while we were inside, but it moved quickly. The shop offers European inspired pastries and coffee from Compass Coffee in Shaw.
We both ordered lattes and shared a piece of butterkuchen, a German-style buttery and creamy coffee cake.
This was delicious and the lattes were solid. Nothing crazy, but good. It was obvious the staff was still adjusting to things, since they’d only been open for two and a half hours. We couldn’t find a fork for our cake, but were given one when we asked. Everyone was very courteous and helpful and our coffees came out in a timely manner.
A small gripe I have is that they don’t offer any self-serve water, something I’ve gotten used to at other coffee shops in Shaw and Columbia heights. But really, a very small gripe.
Bakers and Baristas is a great addition to the Penn Quarter area, which didn’t have a lot of options for coffee beyond Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks previously. It’s a bit out of the way for me to visit regularly, but I would definitely stop in again if in the area and I’m sure they’ll do a great business with all the foot traffic on 7th Street.
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