My favorite coffee shop in the world. The Dav, as us American students so affectionately call it, is essential to life at the university. I think the hot matcha tea latte is the best. The selection of teas is exquisite, and the "mush" overnight oats are delicious! I rarely indulge in the pastries here, but they are sugary, tempting, and delicious as well. Thank you, Dav, for all the times you powered me through my studies with a perfect boost of caffeine. I will always be back. read more

Davenport Coffee Lounge - Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I remember the days when a coffee shop was a place that people went to find some solace, some tranquility, some knowledge or maybe a pleasant encounter. Forget all this.... This place is so dull, even a hangover won't drag me to get in. The fact it is in the middle of the American University campus, that in itself would have you believe that this place is the nucleus of gallant uprisings of intellectual revolution and meetings of professors and their beloved student, far from it! Its dull, over priced, bad service and certainly a hangout out of necessity because the nearest starbucks is far from a block away! read more

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

Update- Their chai latte was the best I've ever had, I even took my husband specifically to grab it on weekends. However I would say that it is super super inconsistent. Sometimes they add 2 spoons of the powder, sometimes 2.5 or even 3. The milk may not be heated up enough too. That brings to totally different taste! Now it's like a "gambling" if I can get the good chai... Had a small latte. Very smooth! But two shots of espresso for a small latte is a bit strong. It is only $3, so if you need strong and good latte, it is a good place to go. However, for me, I'll just ask for one shot next time. read more

I wanted to like you, Dav, I REALLY did. I dig your sense of social responsibility and chill vibe. I love how I can take a mug instead of using paper and then returning it later. I love checking out the map, using your natural sweeteners, and I have even grown to love those smelly couches. And the prices! Amazingly more than affordable for my starving-college-student budget. But we are never getting back together. Like, ever. Because honestly, your products are terrible. Mainly the espresso drinks. Who trained your staff? Why do they burn my espresso? Why do they let it sit and expire while they talk about their favorite "jams" before mixing it with milk? Why must they dramatically over-flavor when I get a vanilla shot. Yuck. Ew. It's great that you're fair trade and non-profit, but just STOP IT. Right now. Please back up your awesome social entrepreneurship with solid services and products. I don't know how you stay alive. Your muffins are okay. read more

Definitely in the top 2 best campus coffee shops that I've experienced, I have worked on 20+ campuses so I've seen my fair share. $1 large americanos, and cheap everything else too! How can you beat that? The "Dav" is the former chapel at American University and it's been transformed into the perfect place to study or have some good conversation. Random old text books line the "altar" area and there is as much seating as you can fit. The line can be long, but it's not because they're slow. It's just good enough that people want the black (or creamy and sugary) gold. My only complaint is that they're having a hard time with cold drinks right now due to a lack of an ice machine, but they're getting a new one over spring break (2009) so that should be taken car of soon. No credit cards, just cash and AU meal plan money. WiFi is for AU Community only. read more

Is it pathetic that I once went to campus after I'd graduated just to get some coffee here? Yeah? Well, I did. Without a doubt, this is the coolest place on AU's campus. Less expensive than starbucks or the other oncampus coffee places. They move pretty quickly, so you can get a drink during block classes. Great place to chill between classes. This is the place I miss most about going to school. read more

Probably the best chai latte I have ever had, I get it every time I go. The vibe of the places is really great and the people are really friendly. It's a litte pricey, but it's partially because small children don't have to be over worked and under paid to get you the coffee beans. The service is also a little slow, but it's just because there are only so many staffers who can fit behind the counters and a million people come in to order. Overall, really amazing and I highly recommend it. read more

Most students' favorite go-to on campus. The baristas here, though they are students, really care - as in, truly care - and it shows in their work. Since it is such a favorite, lines can be long in between classes. Just keep in mind, it's so busy here for a reason. Also, they added more outdoor seating that looks beautiful! read more

The best iced mocha lattes I've ever had--perfectly made. I'd rather pay the extra 50 cents to a cute, student-operated, independent nonprofit shop that loans out real mugs to AU-affiliated people than go anywhere else! read more

Short and sweet Like my espresso: The Dav oozes humanitarian-vibes and flavor If it were any cheaper, you should probably worry The faces behind the counter are mostly students. If service ever slips, it's merely because they're doing their best and this place's popularity is it's biggest challenge! Oh and did I mention it's a non-profit! Sweet! read more

Bottom line: a student run coffee shop that's fine if you're not in a hurry. Best coffee on the AU campus. Pros: Fair trade coffee, decent espresso. Pretty good prices overall. Friendly staff. Cons: if you have an appointment or class in under 30 minutes, forget it. Most customers are getting specialty drinks which makes the line move slowly, and sometimes the baristas would rather talk to their friends than take your money so that you can get to class. Outside of their control, but there isn't a whole lot of room to wait for your drink when it's really crowded. Loud terrible music for 18 year olds. read more

I can't believe I've been working near American University for almost four years, and I just now discovered this place! That is four long years of thinking Starbucks was my only option when I needed a caffeine fix. As of today though, that is no longer the case! Not only is the Dav cute and cozy, with fair trade coffee, but they also have Vietnamese iced coffee, which I am happily cracked out on right now. I may have been tired and hungover an hour ago, but now, I'm in super caffeinated sugary bliss. read more

It's a student staffed campus coffee shop. When I visited it was extremely crowded , waited 10 min for a drink , and had to tell the staff member what was in a chai latte ( listed on the menu ). In the future I will pass on this unless I happen to be on campus. No wifi unless you have an AU campus wifi account. read more

positively scrumptious, the dav is really where its at, or where it isn't, which i guess would depend on whether"it" is a good or bad place. BYOA (bring your own antecedent), but i'll get my coffee at American University nowhere else! read more

This is the best spot for coffee on the American University campus, and probably in the surrounding neighborhood as well. $1.50 for a large coffee? Great deal, and it's good. They have all the other espresso based drinks as well, and pastries in the morning. Cash only. Also, be warned, if you show up during the turnover time when classes just got out, or are about to start, there can be a long line. read more

If you are DC resident who remembers the days before Starbucks took over the Capital, then you might be looking for a good old-fashioned coffee shop. The Dav is where it's at. Situated on American University's campus, the Dav is great for finding a cozy place to nestle down with some coffee and delicious muffins! I am a huge fan of chai, and the Dav's chai is amazing!!!! I am not kidding when I say that I drank Dav chai every day in the winter during my years as an AU student. The muffins are fresh and you can day-old ones for 75 cents sometimes! Also try their drink specials- like the Autumn Fever Chai=delicious! The Dav is student run and serves fair trade coffee, so I always feel good about supporting the Dav. Unfortunately the Dav recently moved from its cozy little space in the old International Service School Building to the new building. The space is now more modern than cozy, but the drinks and food are still awesome! ps. they don't take credit cards so bring cash!!! read more

Don't know what's up with the salty reviews, this place is AMAZING. The coffee is always on point, the staff are super nice, its clean and comfortable. Yes, sometimes they are busy because they are super popular -- for good reason! read more

I would probably give this place 4 stars if I was a student there, but I'm not and I don't appreciate coffee shops without internet! Self serve coffee also should be a bit cheaper if you're going to have to take a minute pumping the coffee out. I give this place 2 stars only for atmosphere! read more

I have been going to the Dav for almost three years as a student at American University. I have always loved the atmosphere and the people that worked there. When you're at the Dav you never want to leave. However, as one of two legitimate coffee shops on campus (the other being Starbucks) the line can get crazy in-between classes. If you time it right, the service is fast, the drinks are amazing, and it is a great place to be. A staff member once told me that the drink prices are lower than most coffee places since the Dav is a non-profit. I am not sure if this is true or not but the prices seem fairly cheap. The quality of the drinks can be hit or miss, but the staff members recently went through advance training and the drinks have improved greatly. I would recommend going to the Davenport Coffee Lounge if you are visiting American University or if you live in the area. It should also be noted that they do not accept credit cards, so cash is the best option if you want to pay for your drinks. read more

7 times out of 10, The Dav makes great lattes and cappuccinos. Usually, they are quite smooth and not bitter so I walk up to the university, as opposed to Starbucks down the way. The reason I give only 3 stars is that​ I'm not so sure some of the students who work there have ever had a job prior to this so customer service isn't exactly important. A few times the students at the register have been rude and they are almost always very slow. It's best to go when you can avoid the crowds or you will wait 15 minutes for your espresso drink. Again, they usually taste great so sometimes it's worth the wait and dealing with inexperienced college students. read more

Human atmosphere despite new location in brand-new SIS building. Friendly staff & my barista was quite skilled. Pretty crowded, mix of chairs, couches, and counter seating, and there are tables just outside in the SIS atrium which is airy And pleasant. Good people-watching as well. Great alternative to corporate coffee places in this hood. read more

Best coffee on campus! I love sitting there and doing homework. Sure the line gets long, but it's worth it. If you don't feel like waiting join the Mug Club! read more

I'm not a coffee connoisseur but I will admit I enjoy going to the Dav to grab a chai now and then. It's a little pricy for my $1.69-iced-coffee-from-McDonalds taste but the staff is friendlier and the vibe is much more pleasant if you're quick enough to snag a table. read more

One of the best coffee shops in DC and the best kept secret of American University. Just ask yourself - why does David Gregory formerly of Meet the Press still hang out here? They don't take credit card only cash which is a huge pain but it's hard to find such high quality coffee in Washington. Get a dirty chai and be surprised. read more

Don't come here if you're in a rush. The staff are friendly and good at making drinks, but there is only one espresso machine and the line is almost always out the door. If you have unlimited time, order something off of the menu. If not, just go right for the drip coffee. read more

I like this place. It's full of students (of course) but has a lot of seating, mugs instead of take-away cups and a cool atmosphere. Baristas generally know how to make good drinks. read more

As a former AU student, I've spent a lot of time in "the Dav"-- stopping for a caffeine jolt while rushing in between classes, meeting up with friends, working on projects/papers/miscellaneous fiction pieces, people watching, munching on an oh-so-good almond croissant, or hiding out while skipping (not encouraged). It's situated in the new School of International Service building, and in my opinion it has a far more inviting atmosphere than the Mudbox (the windowless, colorless cafe in the basement of the library). They have outdoor tables, as well as cozy couches and window seats that provide great places to hang out, as long as you can find a table that's actually available. The employees also have excellent (if not eclectic) taste in music, and I've heard everything from Rilo Kiley to the entire Pulp Fiction soundtrack ("Royale with cheese" clip included) played there. They put heart-shaped marshmallows in my drink on Valentine's Day. Wi-fi is free if you are a student or faculty member, but the cafe itself is open to the community. It's the ideal college coffeehouse. Disclaimer: The students that work at the Dav are friendly, but are often sluggishly slow with making drinks during the rush of customers that come in between classes. What I like: -Vietnamese Iced Coffee (so much caffeine!!) -Chai -Almond Croissant -Blueberry muffins (mmmmm) -regular latte with soy milk Added bonus: Use your own mug instead of a paper cup, and get a discount! (Also don't forget to bring your punch card... every 10th coffee is on the house) ADDED added bonus (for AU students): Spend those Eagle Bucks your parents (and your meal plan) oh so lovingly provided you with at the beginning of the semester. read more

This is my go to spot whenever I am visiting my daughter at American University. The student run cafe is always busy and has a great vibe. The drinks and treats are the perfect pick me up!! read more

This is the best place on the AU campus for coffee. Where can you get a 75 cent Americano? The new pour over coffee is amazing as well.

Makes great drinks and, most importantly for me, a great espresso. Cheery vibe, plush and comfortable seating, funny bookshelf books, and cool workers. New location (New SIS building) has lovely outdoor seating! Sometimes their machinery/equipment breaks down but they still have a wide selection of wonderful drinks. read more

Everything about the Dav is okay. Nothing great yet nothing bad. Nice atmosphere, okay coffee, and mediocre food.

The almond milk latte was really tasty! Good vibe, free wifi and in good company of students that want to better serve and understand the world! Thumbs up! read more

The Dav is the greatest place ever. Ham & cheese croissants, iced Oregon chai, cappuccino cookies, amazing staff.

i love this place like i love my own grandmother. it's the only place in the world where i find peace

The coffee is good but you can get as good or better coffee at Starbucks. They do not take credit card but that is okay because you can just pay cash there are plenty of cash only places. The problem is that they only take cash bills of $1, $5, or $10, so if you have a $20, or a $50, be warned, the Dav will not be able to sell you coffee. With those kind of rules who would buy coffee from this place? Even taxi cab drivers take $20s. Avoid and go elsewhere, Starbucks is a few blocks down the street has higher quality coffee for the same price basically but will take your cash and credit cards. read more