Great coffee and servers are all so pleasant. Service was a quick also, even when there's a line!

Every time I'm in the neighborhood and need a quick pick me up and some reliable coffee I choose Compass Coffee! Compass Coffee always taste fresh and never tastes watered down which I love! I've also had the yogurt and granola which was shockingly filling. Although this place is a little pricey it's totally worth the splurge for a good cup coffee! My goal is to one day work remotely from this location since they have so much seating, tons of natural light, and seems like a super casual place to get some work done read more

Compass Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Excellent coffee shop with helpful baristas and lots of seating. The barista let me try their nitro almond chai (very smooth but also very sweet). When I said it was too sweet for me, he immediately offered to make me an iced chai (without the nitro) that was to my liking. He did, and absolutely succeeded. They also have a nice array of baked goods. I tried the half smoke kolache, a delicious mix of chorizo and cheese wrapped in a rich brioche. I also loved the Poppy's cinnamon bagel bite - a bit of bagel dough stuffed with flavored cream cheese. It worked really well - the bagel dough was a little tough but it worked well with the cream cheese. There's plenty of seating, some outlets, and lots of staff members working so orders come out quickly. I would definitely study here if I was a student or take coffee dates here. read more

Compass Coffee - Iced chai, half smoke kolache, and poppy's cinnamon bagel bite - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I got quick and efficient service at Compass Coffee, along with polite and kind customer service. I forgot to mention that I needed a dairy-free option due to dietary restrictions when I ordered, and the barista let me switch our regular milk for almond or coconut milk instead. The drink itself was also a delicious treat and energizing pick-me-up on a brisk day walking around the city. Very clean and trendy interior that matches the cute expose brick on the outside. read more

Compass Coffee - Exposed Brick Exterior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I love this place and I LOVE their coffee. I usually get a cortado. Now I have only had a cortado in 3 places, two of them use the same espresso cup size and after pouring in the double shot they top the glass off with steamed milk. This became my a new favorite of mine and I switched to an iced one in the summer. However, twice this week I returned my coffee because it had too much milk. Both times they simply put the shots in a cup designed for a small coffee (also used for iced cortados) and guessed the amount of milk they should put in and served it. I'm the type of person who would happily take a wrong order, unfortunately as much as I love milk im lactose intolerant especially for large amounts of milk. Also, I came to understand cortados from this business having less amount of milk than a latte. At those times their was no difference it was as if I'm ordering an iced latte. The first time I returned it the employee happily returned it and used the same old technique used for hot cortados. It's the expected as the staff here are always super friendly! The second time, the employee was not very happy about my comment. I explained to her the espresso cup technique, in order to ensure the right amount of milk but she insisted that they used the small plastic cup for the iced ones. I don't know what didn't make sense in my comment as a cortado should be the same whether it's iced or not. The only reasons I'm updating this review is because I love this place way too much and although I'm moving to the other side of town I would still drive in the middle of DC traffic to get a coffee from them. I'm also getting the notion that they want to branch out which they SHOULD. I updated this review in the hopes that the management reads this in order to ensure consistency which is crucial for the success of their brand. On another note, consider serving coffee in a ceramic cups. Or at least have a recycling bin for all of the plastic and paper cups being thrown away. read more

Kids got chocolate is amazingly rich, thick, and I think marshmallow? Decorated with a cute heart the kids thought was super cool! And best part (other than being delicious) is that it was NOT scalding hot. I had the lavender earl grey tea and prob should have picked a coffee (tho it was good, when in Rome right?) 2 gender neutral bathrooms that are large enough to be considered family restrooms (tho no changing tables). Place is hip, smells amazing, and appears to be a great place to work. will def be back. read more

Compass Coffee - Kid approved hot chocolate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I am welcoming myself back to DC with some great coffee in Shaw! Great roast, perfect taste and well done cappuccino foam was all I was looking for. Compass coffee has a very cool vibe. Very open space with tall ceilings, a ton of light and filled with a lot of coffee cans. Very creative in design and super unique compared to other places I am used to around here. The ambience and the decor definitely brought me to Berlin cafes. Staff were very friendly, nice and helpful. As a new croissant addict, I tried their almond croissant. Compared to the coffee, the croissant was not the highlight of my experience. It was not as fresh as I was expecting but the taste was there. Would certainly be a regular there... read more

Compass Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I strolled in a few months ago before attending an event at the convention center. I'm a huge coffee fan and must say this was one of my faves so far! I ordered a vanilla latte with oat milk and it was delicious. I ordered a breakfast pastry too but can't quite recall what it was. It was really good though! The things that I love about this place are certainly the coffee/food but also that the staff is super sweet and there's plenty of seating. Most coffee shops in DC are fairly small so it's nice to come across spots like this that I can keep in mind to get work done or have a meeting at. read more

The cappuccino (and we got two of them) tasted like gasoline. It was awful - both my wife and I agreed, and we drink tons of espresso drinks. I don't plan on ever going back, honestly. There's much, much better coffee at Sweet Science, Qualia, Takoma Bev, Northside Social, and Pleasant Pops. It was also very, very crowded on weekends, with people on laptops. Many coffee shops cut off their internet on weekends, so people can actually sit and have a conversation. Too bad this one doesn't. As a DC native and resident, it's a pity to me that this place that brands itself as "made in DC" is so bad (and it markets that everywhere...). DC can and should do better! Anyhow, I hope they improve, but until then I'll be shopping with my dollars elsewhere. read more

Ordered an iced coffee with vanilla (was 8 dollars) thinking it'd be quick on my way to work, waited 15 minutes, after two other women came in ordering hot coffee with the same flavoring and got their orders right away. My name was called for an iced latte, which when told was the incorrect order, "they taste similar." No, would like my original order. Offered a refund for the mistake but at this point I'm already 10 minutes late for work lol. read more

Compass Coffee officially has my heart. As a NJ/Philadelphia native, I have only consumed iced coffee from places like Dunkin' Donuts and Wawa.. So, It has been a challenge for me to find a place in DC that could make a delicious iced beverage that is not too bitter and also has the *right* amount of sweetness.. but then one magical morning I found myself at Compass Coffee.. and the rest is history. The menu is condensed but there is something caffeinated to satisfy everyone's tastebuds. I've tried the cappuccino and thought it was great AND I absolutely love the lattes here -- the flavors are honestly the best I've ever had. Additionally, I have never had a problem finding a table to do work here. The space is bright and open with a productive DC professional vibe. Bonus: THE PASTRIES ARE GOOD TOO. WHY IS EVERYTHING GOOD HERE?! The Bethlehem bar is an explosive bomb of sugary sweetness that complimented my cappuccino perfectly. There is honestly no better way to study/get work done. read more

Compass Coffee - Cappuccino & sweet potato cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I am by no means a coffee snob, but I know good and bad coffee when I see it. I don't live in the area and my first experience with Compass wasn't so great. I had ordered an iced chai and it was awful! Ever since, when I have visited my sister, I have been hesitant to go back because of of my chai disaster. This most recent trip I decided to give them another shot and go for the vanilla nitro cold brew. Wow! This stuff is amazing! So smooth and creamy and such great flavor. This is my go to coffee when I visit DC. Also, their lemon pound cake is to die for. Lastly: service is excellent. Everyone is super friendly and down to earth. No coffee snobbery here! read more

Skimpy cold brew servings. It's easy to see why Starbucks kills these businesses. You want to support them but when you get a tiny cold brew the size of a half can of coke for $4.00+ it gets annoyingly skimpy and not cool. Won't be coming back. I'm all about value. And this was a medium. I can only imagine what the small one looks like. Skimpy and petty portions in my experience. Coffee is extremely profitable there's no reason to serve such a small amount. read more

I liked compass coffee and I liked the half smoke kolache (which had some real spice, though could have used another 50% of sausage to fill out the hollow. I'm glad folks are trying to think of more stuff to do with half smokes, which along with blue crab, are the two real sui generis dishes the DMV has to offer. Anyways, it blows my mind that this place is here and how built up Shaw has gotten in the last 4 years since I've left. One would think DC would reach its luxury apartment saturation point soon but who knows. read more

I love Compass, even if they are a bit pricey. Read my previous review. I had to update as they've been offering Uncle Chips cookies which are THE absolute best! I am usually there for a caffeine fix in the morning and I'm able to get a cookies. Don't expect to see them by the afternoon. I love their seasonal drink offerings that make me swoon. What more can we ask for? 5 stars! read more

Loved my hot chocolate here! I looked this place up and saw one menu that advertised a Nutella mocha and was all ready to order that. Unfortunately, when I got to the shop, I quickly realized that their menu seems to be seasonal, as that drink was not offered. Still craving something chocolatey, I went with a hot chocolate and a Bethlehem bar. The Bethlehem bar was just OK but the hot chocolate was really smooth and frothy. read more

While it's not the best place to work if you're seeking solitude, there is ample seating, the staff members are friendly, and there is free WiFi. The ambient music can be distracting, but I guess it's all a matter of taste, and one can always bring a pair of headphones. There is a doggie post near the front door for dog lovers who want to bring their pooches on a quick jaunt by the coffee shop. Try the Nitro Cold Brew, it's cool and smooth--the perfect treat on a warm day. read more

Continually the best coffee shop and coffee I've tasted .. I go out of my way to avoid Starbucks and Peet's coffee to get compass. Wholly recommend any drink of theirs - especially their iced vanilla latte. They also always have gluten free treats ready to-go, especially loved their blueberry muffin. 10 out of 10 out of 10 out of 10!!!! read more

Cherry blossom cold brew tasted like a really bad strawberry milk with a hint of coffee. I would expect a coffee shop of this caliber to taste test stuff before putting it on the menu. Not sure what they were thinking charging $6 for a horrible drink. read more

No tip jar for the staff??? Wt? Darling staff...this really annoyed me. They aren't allowed to receive tips? The only coffee place in the country? These kids depend on that extra. Tells me they don't care for their staff. For some reason I found this really distressing. The chai was awesome read more

love the drinks at compass, but it's way too hot and needs better air conditioning. I also think the choice in music could be improved.

Compass is my favorite coffee in DC. I try and go every time I'm in town. Their drinks are delicious. My favorite is their seasonal nitro brew (especially the coconut cream one). I like it so much that I am subscribed to receive their coffee beans in the mail every few weeks! Their delivery is always so quick. I get it in the mail the very next day. I love Compass! read more

Compass Coffee - Nitro Brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Compass coffee is the first coffee shop I explored in DC. Love the ambiance. Coffee is great. Not impressed by the butter croissant which is neither buttery nor puffy at all. but overall experience is excellent! read more

Compass Coffee - Made in DC! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Went here, they had a location next to where I grabbed breakfast from. Service was great and the iced coffee was delicious, they will make things not on the menu, just ask! read more

I am a big fan of their Nutella Mocha! It's the best! I first came across this place when I was with a friend looking for a spot with WiFi so we can sit down and use our computers. I love the set up there's lots of space to sit and charge any of your devices. The staff is so friendly and welcoming I have been there quite a few times since my first visit! I highly recommend this place if you're looking for delicious coffee as well as a place to hang out with friends! read more

Solid coffee. The latte I got was a bit bitter in the beginning but it grew on me. They have lots of cold brew and nitro options but not as good as Blue Bottle and L.a Colombe, which are available in the area. DC staple though and is cute inside. read more

Compass Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

So this is my usual spot for my early morning drink and snack before work. So went there this morning. And the cashier. Looked like she didn't get enough sleep. Or just didn't want to pay attention to me. I ordered a Chai iced latte Bottle water Plain croissant. Cashier only rung me up for latte and water. Had to re order the croissant. And again had to remind her to give me my croissant. Cashier acted like she was in a daze. People need to work on their customer service skills. Way to early in the morning to be dealing with foolishness. read more

Great fresh roasted coffee! Lots of choices for whatever roast level you like. The roaster is roasting away right in the dining area, so cool!! My latte was super! We even bought some fresh roasted beans to take home. There's a small bakery section to accompany the coffee drink of your choice. read more

Compass Coffee - My gingerbread cookie and a latte. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I'm going to provide a down and dirty list for the owners of this new coffee bar (recognizing that a "consultant" would charge thousands for the advice I'm about to offer): 1.) Coffee for those sitting-in should be served in a porcelain cup with a saucer and a metal spoon. When you're charging the highest prices the DC market will allow for "Really Good Coffee," those drinking the coffee in the store should enjoy it in the kind of cup coffee is meant to be consumed in: a porcelain cup. 2.) Additionally, when someone orders a cappuccino -- or any coffee drink for sitting-in -- a metal spoon should be provided. The purpose of the spoon is to allow the coffee drinker to stir in sugar (milk if drip coffee) and to consume the leftover foam in the espresso-based drink. An Italian served a shot of espresso or cappuccino in a paper cup for sitting-in or drinking at the bar would go ballistic. 3.) Serving coffee in porcelain cups will eliminate the silly three sizes for all drinks. A cappuccino should really be one size only -- or, perhaps, a small single-shot size and a bigger double-shot size, but it looks silly to have three sizes. (It will also be better for the environment.) 4.) The price of tax should be included in the menu prices. Why not? This isn't a large business with stores offering the same product -- for the same price -- in every city in America with different sales tax rates. There's absolutely no reason why sales tax cannot be included in menu prices. 5.) One way that the business could fix its a-touch-too-high prices would be to -- starting tomorrow -- incorporate sales tax in its prices. Are prices too high? Yes, a bit. Charing $3.30 for a cappuccino in a paper cup (hopefully this will be porcelain soon) a little larger than a bathroom water cup is a bit silly. (If owners want to see how they can resolve issues #1-#5 in the American context, they can visit La Colombe. No, I don't work with La Colombe. No, I'm not friends with the owners. I honestly don't even go there that much, but they have done the best job of any coffee shop in DC of adding some degree of class to the American-paper-cup-of-coffee experience. Their prices include tax, they serve coffee in porcelain, they give you a spoon, they have one size only.) 6.) The chocolate biscuits on offer just don't work. They are dry -- mine was a bit burned -- and don't serve as a good "pastry shell" for chocolate. They are too dense and bready. You can barely taste the chocolate. (Also, the savory biscuit sandwiches are overpriced: sorry, but charging $4.95 -- $5.50 with tax -- for a tiny bacon, tomato and cheese biscuit served on a piece of wax paper makes the shop look silly.) 7.) The whole vibe just feel a bit corporate. Maybe the owners are planning to attempt to franchise -- hence, the nature of their price board and the tacky paper cups for everyone -- but that doesn't change the fact that the experience just does not feel all that intimate and warm compared to other independent coffee shops in the city. 8.) Lastly, drip coffee -- at least on the day I popped in for a small drip coffee before having a cappuccino this morning -- is served just a bit too hot. I hope this review doesn't come across as rude, because it's really trying to be helpful, and using a list format was the most efficient way to communicate each of the issues I noticed during my visits. The coffee shop certainly adds additional street life to a block that needed some -- and the seating inside is fun, with bar stools overlooking the roasting machines. read more

Compass Coffee - Paper cups don't get the job done for those drinking coffee inside the shop. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great coffee spot in the district. Open, modern, clean space with plentiful seating, and good coffee for sure. Upon arriving I was indecisive of what to order. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go with my typical vanilla latte or try something different. Then I noticed that they had nitro cold brews and I HAD to try it because I had it for the first time at stump town in NYC a month ago and was craving for more. I decided to go with the nitro infused cold brew and it was phenomenal. I mean, the stuff was high quality coffee that was smoother than -dare I say it- M.J.'s dance moves, AND fairly priced (my medium cup was $3). The barista even offered me a small sampling of the nitro brew when I seemed hesitant to order it. They also have still and sparkling water on tap, which I very much appreciated. I will definitely be back. read more

Compass Coffee - Real good coffee for sure. Nitro cold brew with soy milk and agave nectar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Compass Coffee is EASILY my favorite coffee shop in DC. Judging from the lines out the door on the weekends, the "real good coffee" cups I'm spotting all over the city and the multitude of features I'm seeing on this fine Shaw establishment, I'm not alone in my feelings. First off, Compass has coffee that actually tastes really good! I feel like so often I just want coffee to help me wake up and I forget that good and bad coffee actually taste quite different. Compass roasts their own beans and you can watch the process from the bar in the back. They sell their coffee in the shop so you can enjoy a cup of Compass at home or gift it to your coffee loving friends. I prefer their dark roast, but all three roasts are quite good. They offer soy milk and almond milk for no additional charge. Such a luxury. Additionally, they have delicious foods. Who doesn't love a rosemary bacon biscuit!? I'm also quite partial to their chocolate biscuits and BLT sandwiches (that also come on a biscuit). Clearly I think they are nailing the biscuit game. They also have a selection of normal coffee shop fair like local yogurt and biscotti. The staff at Compass is an all star cast. The cashiers are always so pleasant, seem to enjoy making conversation and are helpful with recommendations. They also offer discounts to military personnel. Stand up folks. The space can get a little insane on the weekends. I would recommend getting there very early or go in expecting to share a table. A group of 4 is probably not going to have great luck getting a seat. Don't let this deter you though! Gotta check out Compass. Gotta do it. read more

Compass Coffee - Chocolate biscuit and a medium coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

When the NYT cited a lack of good coffee options in the District, I thought the writer was high. I mean, how do you miss Sidamo, Vigilante, and M.E. Swing, and even places that use more commercial beans, like Peregrine or La Colombe? And, as of now, Compass Coffee, as well. Located in a favorite neighborhood, Compass has lots of space (many shops do not) and a welcoming atmosphere. Friendly staff answered my questions. My almond milk caramel latte proved to be tasty and well-made. A sweet potato bacon biscuit was the perfect accompaniment, even if I didn't get much of a bacon flavor. It's definitely high-up on my list of favorite lattes, so I'm excited to return. read more

I came here on the recommendation of my brother, who wanted to check the place out because of their nitrogen infused coffee. The interior of the coffee shop is modern, chic, and open, which I really liked. They have some cool decorations around the shop, and you can see a huge coffee roaster from the main portion of the coffee shop if you look toward the back. They also have a coffee lab of sorts in the back when you go towards the bathroom, and it's kind of like a little scientific laboratory (not sure if it's just decorative?). So, we ordered a few drinks here, including a regular latte and their nitrogen infused coffee. The lattes were pretty good, and the nitrogen infused coffee was interesting. I've never had nitrogen coffee before, but the way that the nitrogen swirls around in the coffee makes it look really cool. The lattes were creamy and perfect for a cold winter day in Baltimore. The coffee was altogether high quality, and the prices aren't that bad here. If I'm ever back in the area, I would definitely drop on by again! It's a cool concept, but I can't imagine that they're making much money from the shop itself since they have so much expensive equipment there. I'm thinking they make most of their money through sales of their beans.. read more

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I haven't been to this location in the morning, but I have been a few times in the afternoon when they are less busy, which is the best time to go. The coffee isn't actually all that, but the environment is a lot of fun. The whole shop was very modern, from the seating, to the registers, and all the way around to their espresso machines. It was a lovely location. Their espresso flavor was not my absolute favorite, they had plenty of coffee beans for just black coffees - that were easily distinguishable as light, dark, and medium. The staff seemed happy, but not super attentive. read more

I just love this place! Delicious coffee, awesome staff and a great place to work. I occasionally treat myself to the maple latte which is delicious and on the sweeter side but not too sweet. I haven't had any of their pastries yet, but they look yummy! There is adequate tables and seats to work or meet up with friends and it's kinda cool that their "lab" is in the back of the coffee shop so you can see them work on their different blends during the day. Oh also they sell their coffee for about $12.99 which is all made in DC! Lastly given parking is crazy in DC, its awesome that there is 2 hour free parking on the adjacent side streets. read more

Heard the buzz? I originally read the wash post articles about the building of this business and it was incredibly cool to see the final product. Absolutely gorgeous space, bright and big right on 7th near P. Walking in you know they are serious. Coffee? Stellar. I've only had the drip but for someone who always puts milk in coffee it was a revelation to be able to drink theirs straight. Still, I can't wait to try their latte. I also went home with 3 canisters of beans.12.95 a pop but since they roast I knew I was getting something great. Also have had the pleasure of meeting some of the staff and even one of the owners. Personalities really make the spot, ya know? read more

Compass Coffee - Spotted at DC tech day alongside RideScout! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Such a pleasant spot to get some really delicious coffee, catch up with a friend, and get some work done at! I absolutely loved the layout of the shop, where about half of the store is dedicated to all the fancy brewing machines (sorry my coffee knowledge does not go beyond that). It felt like a brewery in that sense, where you can see the employees working hard to make some good ass, fancy ass coffee. I was also surprised by how relatively affordable it was in relation to how "fancy" it seemed to me. I ordered a medium cappuccino and it was $3.90. Really glad I was able to stop here while in DC! read more

Been a coffee connoisseur I very impressed with this place. Everything about this place made me feel like I finally found the coffee shop of my dreams. All the amazing machines, coffee testing room, roasters, beans galore and super nice staff. My drink of choice has always been a cappuccino. Problem is 90% of shops make it wrong. I tend to stay away due to that reason. To my surprise my cappuccino was not only made correctly, it ended up being one of the best ones I had in a very long time. Being impressed I ended up buying a can of beans as well. I ground the beans fresh the following morning was also very impressed. Roasted properly, smooth, no bitter taste, complex flavor notes and down right delicious! This is now my go to spot for everything coffee. I hope to try their baked goods on my next visit. read more

Typically, I avoid buying coffee since I already have a French press and canister of Trader Joe's coffee waiting for me at home. Plus, if I stop buying coffee, I can put that money toward buying a historic rowhouse in DC per my life goals. However, living around the corner from Compass has made this much more difficult. There is no better treat on a slow weekend morning than to traipse to Compass in sweatpants to purchase a small $2.75 nitrogen cold brew. It is rich and foamy like a geyser; it feels like such a luxurious drink that the fact that it costs less than 3 bucks makes it feel like a bargain. I like to add a splash of almond milk for some sweetness, though it doesn't really need it. It does get very crowded on the weekends, so you will likely have to take your coffee to go. One time, I went at 9am on a Sunday and was able to find a seat (!), but no available outlets, so my laptop died and I had to go home. Once you accept that there WILL be crowds, you will achieve a higher state of zen. Excited to go back soon now I see that they have mint cold brew! read more

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Good coffee but not great by any means. Would stop by to get a cup instead of going to a Starbucks but that's about it