Visited this coffee shop on a Saturday morning. It was a monthly bookclub meeting location. Parking wasn't the best initially, but I got lucky and snatched a spot on the corner not too far from the establishment. The place was pretty busy, yet inviting and cozy. It was quiet enough to chill, but also have a discussion without it being awkward. There were a few folks there, working on their laptops, sipping their drinks and/or having a sandwich. I ordered the Butter Brown Toffee Iced Latte with oat milk and a splash of caramel. It was a10/10, with the perfect amount of coffee taste and a well-balanced sweetness. I had the turkey and havarti croissant sandwich. It came warmed with lettuce, tomato and pesto. It was pretty good and rather filling. If I'm in the area again, I'd definitely pop in for a coffee read more

Creative Grounds DC - Art Classes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Get their Spicy Hot Chocolate, it will warm you up especially on a snowy day! We didn't get to ask for the ingredients but our guess is cayenne pepper powder. It goes so well with the chocolate; the drink was delicious! We were in town to surprise our best friend for her birthday and stopped by to get the day started. Just a five-minute walk from our Airbnb, we enjoyed our visit. The staff are awesome and so welcoming! We ordered four drinks and a couple of croissants to go. They were securely packed and we enjoyed them back at the Airbnb. The place is spacious, with plenty of seating! Their couches are cute and the natural light from the big windows made the place inviting! Aside from the Spicy Hot Chocolate, we also had a regular drip, a matcha latte and a regular latte. My regular drip was strong and gave me the energy I needed. Their butter and almond croissants are buttery and not too sweet. I highly recommend and plan to come back whenever I'm in town! read more

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Oasis in the Bloomingdale neighborhood. We stopped by on a whim while waiting for Red Hen to open its doors. Rhodes at the counter is wonderful! And she knows how to make good coffee. Give the Lavender Honey latte a try, you wont be disappointed. Orange Cranberry muffin and the turmeric latte is great too. As a local artist space, the space is aesthetically pleasing with little corners displaying and selling work from local artists. read more

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I just wanted to add a note that they now have a plant pop up shop. It used to be a book pop up. The plants are cool. And I saw some awesome looking smoked pineapple ginger ale for sale in glass bottles from a small business in Harlem. This is simply a wonderful, unique business that earns it's customers. Don't forget to check out the cool art work and pottery while you're enjoying your coffee! read more

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I make my coffee at home, but on occasion when I run out of beans, I always get my fix at Creative Grounds. A truly DIY, eclectic environment tucked away in Bloomingdale. If you're looking for a break from Big Bear Cafe (though I do love yall), PLEASE check out Creative Grounds. Definitely more of an intimate cafe experience, the main seating is a long communal table, though there are a few high tops against the wall and a couch, too. Not only are their prices great, they have display local art, sell books and are invested in their community through local events (I'm pretty sure I walked by once and saw a drum circle going... very neat indeed). Solid local business that deserves all the support they can get; plus, I believe they're woman-owned and operated as well! read more

Creative Grounds DC - Art Classes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Got a great snickerdoodle latte. Cute little shop with local art on the walls. Nice workers too! read more

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I've been to this cafe twice now. This place upholds hygge - very calm, good vibes, etc. I got the caramel apple latte and matcha latte, and I couldn't complain. There's also one barista working there, and she was super helpful walking through the menu with me. I would highly recommend folks to visit this place! read more

Stopped by this cute cafe this morning with my dad, very quaint cafe in the city. Food and drinks were made quickly. I initially wanted to order a quiche but swapped that out for a blueberry muffin as none of the quiches are available anymore. I enjoyed this cafe and would recommend! read more

Creative Grounds DC - Iced Gingerbread Latte & Blueberry Muffin - A plastic cup filled with iced coffee, topped with a clear plastic lid and a straw, is positioned on a wooden table. Next to it, a blueberry muffin with a golden-brown crust and visible blueberries is partially wrapped in a paper liner. The setting appears to be a casual cafe or coffee shop environment with additional items, such as a disposable coffee cup, visible in the background. - Art Classes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

One of the most amazing and best coffee shops in DC. I was there for an extended weekend and their coffee was by far the best one of my entire trip. If you're there, try the Lavender Honey flavor, you'll love it. The service was amazing and the place had a calm environment to relax and enjoy your coffee. read more

Nice, calming space with a social justice bookstore inside. There's a to go coffee window outside, too. I hadn't been back in a while because I'd gotten a coffee I didn't think was very good, but the baristas have been on point lately and it's been great. There's WiFi and it's generally a quiet place where a few people are working or having conversations in low voices - a nice atmosphere. Book selection is small but very interesting, and I've been able to pick up something of interest on a couple of occasions. read more

An amazing little coffee shop. Super convenient that they have indoor and outdoor seats as well as a walk up window so if you're bringing a dog you can easily get coffee. Incredibly kind baristas and good coffee! read more

Creative Grounds DC - Lavender Honey LatteLavender - Art Classes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Lovely coffee spot with exceptionally strong wifi and a comfortable seating area. I ordered the chemex with skimmed milk which is not very strong and the perfect drink for someone like me who likes her coffee on the milder side. read more

Creative Grounds DC - Art Classes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I popped in here the morning of Juneteenth to grab some treats for my team and the experience was lovely. As I entered, the space was quiet as a few customers sat inside. They also have a really cute patio with outdoor seating and a pick up window. I had quite a big order for baked goods and in less than 10 minutes, everything was ready! read more

Creative Grounds DC - Indoor seating - Art Classes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Inviting community based space. Great spot to do work or read. Kind staff and tons of seating with a good patio space for warmer weather. They have a good variety of fun latte flavors, too. I'd definitely return when I'm in the area. read more

I was looking for a nice coffee shop where I could stop and get a little work done and I stumbled upon this neighborhood gem! Such a wonderful spot, I can't believe that I'm just finding out about it now. Staff was friendly, drinks were great, ample seating both in/outside and the space didn't feel tight. (I had the Brown Butter Latte and it was FIRE!). They also have a small bookstore area. This also doubles as an event space that you can rent! I definitely plan to come back soon! read more

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Great open space! Friendly management! Clean bathroom! I attended an event here and the manager was onsite at the time. What a great addition to the neighborhood. read more

The ambiance in this place is amazing, from the art on the walls which is for sale, and the great book selection in the front. It is very airy and open. The service was stellar. The woman at the cashier was nice and helpful. The iced latte I got tasted like good quality coffee and the cheese danish was great! Their selection of pastries could have been stronger, only having 4 options and no croissants. Also, it is tucked into a nook and you need to go down a couple of stairs to get there. With the help of google maps I found it, but larger signage may be be helpful. read more

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I have walked past this spot so many times over the years since I don't drink coffee. However, this rainy and dreary day I needed a pick me up. I stop in to see if they had hot chocolate that wasn't from a pack. Lo and behold, they had Ghirardelli hot chocolate with whatever milk that I wanted. WINNER!!! WINNER!!! It was AMAZING. Perfect pick me up after lunch. The service was even . Picked up a blueberry muffin too. Crushed it. I'll be back time and time again. I'm hooked. Great local spot. read more

Great food and coffee. Amazing service. Quiet peaceful ambiance. Easy to get to. read more

This is a local coffee spot in the neighborhood I'm staying at in DC. Stopped in here for an iced coffee after my bike ride. This is a nice cozy relaxed spot. It is a half coffee shop and a bookstore. Saw people from working, relaxing, or having conversations with friends. I got an iced vanilla latte and it was great. It came out fast and I got great customer service. I definitely plan on coming back here to get my caffeine fix. read more

Creative Grounds DC - Indoor seating area - Art Classes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came in for a latte in the early afternoon on a Saturday. Great space! There's a lot of room if you wanted to work here during the day and it also looks like there's some seating outside. They feature photography of shots around DC (I'm assuming local artists) that are really cool and add a kick to the space. They also have quite a few books for sale. I had an iced lavender latte that was BANGIN. I think the iced drinks come in a larger one size cup and came to around $6 which is fair/normal (honestly even kinda cheap nowadays) for a latte. Service was fast and friendly! Nice neighborhood spot I would recommend for coffee. Didn't try any pastries this time around but will be back! read more

My new favorite dc coffeeshop! Right on North Capitol, Creative Grounds is a lovely indie coffeeshop with incredible communal seating, delicious drinks, helpful staff, and a perfect, diverse bookstore. Currently the house of Bol, a bookshop cooperative (the only of its kind in dc), this coffeeshop has my favorite thing- books! I first discovered the shop because of a palestinian read-in the bookstore did there and the owners/people who race it were so thoughtful and I love that the space was held here. When you walk in you'll notice the gigantic communal table, plus other comfy seating around the space. I've had their in-house made chai a couple times and it was delicious! The baristas are great and knowledgeable and give create recs! If you're trying to visit as many coffeeshops in dc as I am, definitely put this high on your list! read more

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I live so close to this cafe and every time I enter I'm greeted by lovely smiles. The coffee is simple yet effective and the ambiance of this establishment is superb. I attended a night where they hosted the national orchestra (not sure) and wow the community they host is so genuine. Give Creative Grounds a try if you're looking to support local and pick up some educating books! I'm looking forward to their creativity for fall drinks (if any) :) read more

Creative Grounds DC - Art Classes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This was a coffee shop that I frequented while in DC. They open up early and its quiet. Good Coffee, decent prices, and quiet spot to work or read. read more

I'm so excited to have finally tried to Creative Grounds. What put this place on my radar is how community oriented it is. They have events, sell books, and source from local vendors where possible. I enjoyed my latte, and was glad they had a vegan banana bread. There is ample seating indoors and out, with a very relaxing ambiance. read more

Creative Grounds DC - Art Classes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Absolutely loved this coffee shop! The aesthetic is absolutely there and so beautiful! The art and scenery-- such a great combination! And it's Black owned so that's always a win! read more

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Really cute local spot! I got a dirty chai and it was great; they put cinnamon on the top which I always love. The price wasn't bad either, I think it was around $5 ($6 after tip) for a dirty chai. They had a few pastry selections, not too many so not a huge coffee shop to eat at. It looked like they had some vegan and allergy friendly options though! Id recommend the place to go to get some work done. They had nice couches and a bunch of spots to set up with a computer, a book, any work really. Also, they feature a lot of (local, I believe) artwork on their walls! When I went in most recently they had some great wooden pieces. I recommend stopping by or setting up WFH there! read more

This is my favorite place to grab my morning hot chocolate and quiche. It's a nice place in the Bloomingdale neighborhood to grab coffee/tea/hot chocolate and catch up on work. They have a nice indoor work space with free wifi and on a nice day, you can enjoy their outdoor patio. My dog gets very excited as I walk her towards this place because they have nice dog treats. Highly recommend this place. We are so glad we have this amazing space in our neighborhood. read more

Creative Grounds DC - Hot Chocolate - Art Classes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Tucked away in the hip Bloomingdale's neighborhood is this little wonder of the world. A great place to sit for a while and get some work done. They have ample seating and wifi. The coffee is great too and the staff plays a great set list. Will be returning! read more

Creative Grounds DC is more than a coffee shop; it's a community center and art space. This recently opened neighborhood spot is a must-visit because: 1) Space: It's two floors in a corner rowhouse on North Capitol Street NW in between Bloomingdale and Eckington. There's a small outdoor patio with tables and a large open room inside where the cafe sits, couches, a long community table, and a few other tables. There's plenty of outlets to tap into if you're working here (there's free wifi). There's a basement where art classes and community events are held. 2) Ethos: It's more than a coffee shop, it's an art space and community center. Local art hangs from the walls and soon they will host creative classes for the neighborhood. 3) Menu: The coffee is good! My latte was creamy and balanced. They also sell pastries and a few food items. It wasn't expensive. The owners live a few houses down making this a space for the neighborhood. I cannot wait to take my toddler back here for the art classes for kids. read more

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Creative Grounds recently hosted my daughter's 5th birthday "art party" and it was absolutely perfect. Given the heat, it was nice to have an option for an indoor party that wasn't at a crazy indoor play space. The owner Asmara was such a pleasure to work with. She was very responsive, flexible, and so wonderful with the kids. She handled the party decor, set up, and led the kids in art activities and games while the parents got to relax and enjoy delicious coffee and pastries. Overall 10/10 experience or as my daughter said "the best birthday party EVER!" read more

So relaxing. Great place to get work done. The coffee was great and the owner was so nice

Great neighborhood coffee shop! The team was super nice and helpful, and the coffee was great. Recommend: coffee cake! They have indoor and outdoor seating. One recommendation would be to add an "open" sign. I had to walk around for a second to make sure they were open. Keep making great coffee Creative Grounds! read more

This is a spacious, airy café with many windows, sofas, large plants, high ceiling, art all over the walls, and kool music à la Sade, Simply Red and Tracy Chapman (lots of Tracy Chapman!). In fact, they bill themselves as a welcoming place to pursue artistic endeavours and let one's creativity flow. I was there to let my work flow (for better or worse--I wish it was the arts instead). The staff are discrete and non-intervenionist, and the crowd is a mix of those engaged quietly with their book or work, and those holding conversation. Beautifully designed bathroom. The only two things they could improve: Their menu doesn't include prices (at a time when prices, unfortunately, matter), and the air smelled strongly of a perfumed cleaning product, which doesn't vibe well with coffee and pastry. read more

This was an extremely nice and clean, small and locally owned coffee shop. The staff were friendly and personable. I had a lavender honey latte and a croissant, both which I enjoyed. I worked at the main table for about 2 hours on my laptop but I really enjoyed the fact that they promoted books/reading. Being local to this neighborhood, I'll definitely stop back for a quick grab & go coffee using their outdoor service window which is a unique add for both To Go orders and orders for outdoor dining. read more

I love this sweet little cafe- I came here twice while I was staying in the area and had great coffee and pastries both times. The vibe is lovely, the staff are friendly as can be, and it just feels like a great place to hang out. I am so glad I brought my laptop with me on the 2nd day, as it was a great space to work in also. A neighborhood gem! read more

Overall, pretty standard. Nothing significantly outstanding- coffee was fine but the space/ambiance needs improvement, it's a bit sterile. The ample lighting, has wifi, great book selection, and pretty quiet, local space makes it somewhere I would work remotely but not go for leisure. Fantastic service. read more

Stopped by Creative Grounds again and the cold brew and cherry pastry were delicious. The barista was friendly as well. Love this little hidden gem of a coffee shop! Great place to get some work done or go on a coffee date! read more

Creative Grounds DC - Art Classes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The owner Asata... (hope I spelled that right!) is a beautiful soul. This space is amazing! When you walk in it's like you're home... so cozy and welcoming. The art work, the books, the company.... All before I even ordered coffee. If I lived here this would be my work from home office. We got the lovers latte, soy chai, and everything is delicious!! read more

This is a good place to take yourself on a solo date and read, journal, or do work. The barista was very nice and welcoming. I really liked the warmth of the chocolate croissant. Very cozy. read more