Went on a coffee date. Quick service. Delicious latte. No complaints. Great experience. I'd love to come back in the AM and try a dessert. read more

I have to first say that I love the coffee, gelato, and drinks that Italian Bar serves, incredibly enjoyable. However, after hearing (over and over) the woes about their struggling businesses even though they are neighborhood gems, I have to voice my frustration. First, the Italian Bar hours are ridiculous, and they never seem to be open when considering whether to go to Italian Bar. Whereas most coffee houses close at 7pm, Italian Bar closes at 6pm in the summer. And more importantly, don't get me started on the fact that they are only open 3 days per week in the winter. I often watch customers trying to visit Italian Bar in the winter, look confused when the cafe is closed in the middle of the day, and simply go elsewhere. Then, there are all of the rules that Italian Bar shares openly. I took pictures of the rules which are oh so visible. The fact that community members cannot sit on their benches when the restaurant is closed just attests to the fact that they are not part of the community. Quite honestly, I don't feel welcome, more like I should relish the opportunity to potentially buy products at the cafe if I somehow decide to visit during the few hours that they are open. Hopefully they will start realizing what being a neighborhood cafe really means. read more

Italian Bar - Rules - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Prior to opening, years ago, they were promoting themselves on the street. My friend and i approached so excited that a bar was opening on this side of town The owner literally laughed in our face and told us that in Italy everything is a bar. And that was the first of many rude experiences we had. Months later we decided to check it out but we literally were told to not come inside because they were taking photos. Not asked. Told. We tried again. Stood inside and were completely ignored. It wasn't busy. I'm not sure who they cater to but, it's not me. I'd never try to go here or to their restaurant next door. Absolutely rude. read more

Oh my. This really hits the spot if you're looking for an authentic Italian coffee and bakery experience. I came around 9 am and they had freshly baked cornetto (croissants) out of the oven, and with three types to choose from - one stuffed with chocolate, one with pistachio, and one plain. And let me tell you - these were by far the best cornetto I've had in my life, and definitely in DC, even if they might not be presentation-worthy (they're skinny and were given to me in a bag, a little mushed because they were maleable since they were still warm). The cornetto with pistachio filling was exquisite in every sense of the word - and worthy of the purchase. I'd come back for that again and again. The cappuccino using Lavazza beans were good and prepared in typical Italian fashion - no fancy latte art for me this time. They were reasonably priced and European-sized portions (aka small). I also had panettone which really is a better deal to buy whole since it's $6 a slice. And a whole one comes at less than $40 which is a good deal for a high-end pannetone. They had different flavors to choose from and for the whole coffee experience, I probably would suggest to focus on trying something they bake in-house rather than trying something imported like the pannetone (do feel free to get the pannetone to eat at home though, haha). Limited stool seating only, with outside tables and chairs. Worthy find. I'd be in trouble if this was much closer to me in DC. read more

Italian Bar - Cappuccino & cornetto - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Gelato, coffees, drinks, food are all amazing. Lots of interesting events. Love this place

A one of a kind Italian experience. Inside you stand at the bar just like in Italy. They are serving top notch espresso on top of foccacia sandwiches and an assortment of Italian cocktails, e.g aperol spritz, negroni, etc. They have a nice patio as well if you want to sit for awhile. In addition to the inside experience, there is a gelato window with some of freshest, most delicious gelato you have ever had. A spritz with cherry gelato under the sun is an absolute must this summer. read more

Italian Bar - a cup of tea and a glass of tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Italian Bar served me the very best macchiato & very best cannoli I've ever had. And I've had a lot of both over the last 30 years. Truly. This was a delightful stop on an otherwise horrendous day. Makes me wish i wasn't just visiting DC but could go every day. read more

We decided to take a walk to try the recently opened Italian Bar's gelato since the weather was perfect for it. We were so pleased at the selection of flavors (about 12?) and the portion size. When we took our first bite, we were HOOKED. We tried four flavors between the two of us, and were impressed with every one. The dark chocolate, strawberry, wild berry, and coconut were all amazing and we cannot wait to return to try more flavors! We also plan on stopping by to try the coffee and grab a drink at the cute bar inside. Put this one on your must try list! read more

Great gelato. My friend and I split the cherry mania (cherry ice cream with chocolate bits; AMAZING!), double chocolate (great), and gianduja (good but not as good as the other two flavors). Great service. I hear coffee here is fantastic, so I'll have to come back here for coffee. read more

Real deal espresso at a stand up bar. What more can you ask for? Will add more as I visit... again and again.

I am absolutely thrilled that this place opened! It's an unusual space and they took it and tried something new for the area. Also, I liked that they did a twist on tradition and fit stools. They also have a nice little seating area outside. The thing I go back for consistently is the gelato. Honestly, forget all of the other gelato places in DC, this is the one that reminds me of Rome the most. Now if only it were Roman prices, lol! Don't worry though, with US prices comes US portion size. ;) The cappuccinos and macchiatos I've had are always delicious. PSA for my fellow night owls: the menu says "mi raccommando, drink before noon!" under cappuccinos as a nod to Italian standards -- I'm not sure if it's meant cheekily or if there's a hint of seriousness to that plea, but either way... I'm never out in the neighborhood in the morning, and cappuccinos are my favorite, so I've ordered them later. I just hope I never get scolded. Mi dispiace! Their pastry selection is smaller but nicely presented. I can't remember if they label their pastries with names and prices, but some names and prices are on the menu. The cornetto I tried for the first time was tasty. it was compared to a croissant but I find them quite different -- moist rather than flaky. I want to try more. There is a 20% tip automatically included in each bill and they only take card. Not an issue for me, just noting it. Overall I want to get out more in 2024 and that includes going to Italian Bar more!! read more

Great coffee and croissants, big positive for the neighborhood. Only been a few times, I keep forgetting to stop in. But I will be back soon. Thanks to the owners fur establishing an old-fashioned, elegant European style cafe. read more

Food great! Ambiance excellent! Service condescending bordering on rude. I won't go back and they don't take cash which is very annoying when I'm stopping in during a walk with a $20 in my pocket and no credit card! When I asked the worker behind the counter if they accept cash He said, and I quote, "I don't work for tips!" Clearly, he did not! It's really a shame because customer service is everything! read more

Cute little stop for a quick coffee if you're in the area. Don't come here if you're looking for a Starbucks frou frou 100 grams of sugar drink. The coffee/espresso is simple - mimics the vibe in Italy. They do have alternative milk options. I got a simple latte with oat milk and added my own sugar after a walk in rock creek park. It was a nice stop for a quick caffeine boost and if you want a light bite with their pastries. I loved the wine selection and small "convenience store" vibes inside. read more

Italian Bar - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Felt like being back in Rome! Very small seats and tables but you don't mind at all. Fabulous, fabulous coffee. I'll bet the gelato is as well, although we didn't try it. One of the owners was behind the bar and she was delightful. If you yearn (as I do) for genuine Italian style coffee, don't miss it. read more

This is a petite café (despite the name). They have a strong sense of identity of NOT being a Starbucksy spot, i.e. not offering those giant coffees (I overhead the manager proudly stating that to another customer) and not being the kind of place where people hang out to work with their laptops...this one was told to me :) but not in a bad way, I actually appreciated the manager's clarity about how she sees that Italian rolls. The tables are super-tiny, so that itself should dissuade dwellers thinking about camping out with their work devices. All in all, a very cute and feisty little coffee shop, and I may well return some day (that time replacing my computer for a friend :-D read more

I used to be regular here, all the staff knows me. I am not sure what has changed now. "I recently visited an ice cream shop where the person serving the ice cream was not very friendly towards children and seniors. She appeared to be impatient and inflexible, which made the waiting time annoying. Her rude attitude towards the customers showed that she lacked basic customer service skills. Moreover, the shop always seemed to be running out of hand soap, toilet paper, and paper towels. The place didn't seem very clean either, as I even saw Togo cups in the bathroom, which made me question the kitchen's hygiene. The only good thing I found there was the latte served with a mug. However, due to the poor service and hygiene, I will not be returning to this shop anytime soon." read more

This cute Italian cafe and bar is beautifully designed. The coffee is perfect, and the branding down to the cups fits the image they're trying to portray. The service is top notch. Can't say enough good things. read more

Two drinks for $35? Nope never again! An automatic 20% tip which is fine but we left feeling ripped off.

Ordered the salami panini and affogato! The espresso was great, panini bread was very good, and service was nice. The interior is beautiful and pleasing, but no seats inside. Seems like a great place to stop and have a drink as well on a nice evening. read more

Food and drinks (sandwiches, pizza, gelato, sorbetto, cappuccino, sgorrpino) are 10/10! Very authentic and reminds us just of our time living in Italy. We can't wait to go back!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

stopped by for gelatos and drinks; both were great and refreshing. Sat outside, it had a little nice vibe to it. Person at the counter recommended a nice drink. Just moved to the area and he gave great recommendations. Very friendly place. read more

Only one thing to say about this place: it is the most authentic Italian-style espresso bar that I've seen in the area. Standing room only, neighborhood vibes, tasty drinks, etc. read more

me and my sister went to this place on our way to work in the morning. the barista was so personable, she had a conversation with us while making coffee which elevated the whole experience. the place itself is clean and beautiful!!! i got an americano and a latte and both were super good :) oh and the chocolate croissant was amazing!! wish we found this place earlier read more

Italian Bar - bar area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Good cold brew, okay croissant. Cool atmosphere, but definitely more of a bar than a coffee shop.

I went in the evening and there was only one person working. This didn't seem adequate as making cocktails and coffee drinks takes time! I ordered a hot chocolate. The receipt from square said "Our American Chocolate is made from homemade chocolate syrup combined with steaming hot milk topped with whipped cream" - but I saw the barista pour directly from a Hershey's syrup bottle. It was fine, but I can make this at home. read more

Love this place! The concept is genius - it is modeled after bars in Italy and has a simple menu focused on coffee, cocktails and gelato. I stopped in this past weekend and had the chance to chat with the owner - she is passionate about the community and is very hands on. I had the best Aperol spritz and sat outdoors on their patio. I hope to become a regular - this place is a gem! read more

Really cool atmosphere, delicious cappuccino and chocolate croissant. Friendly staff.

I was so excited to see an Italian gelato and coffee bar in DC. Gelato was deliciously authentic and satisfied my perpetual craving for it. The shop itself is very clean and elegant. The coffee menu intriguing. Have not tried the coffee yet but will be back! read more