I have been here many times at many different times of day for various different purposes and it provides a solid, easy environment for socializing over whatever type of food or drink suits your fancy - coffee and pastry, a full brunch or dinner, cocktails and apps, or just a green smoothie. Plus the mix of counter or communal seating, regular table seating, and couch/coffee table seating also adds to the versatility of this venue. QR code ordering at the table is also convenient and makes it easy to come with a group and not have to worry about splitting a bill or one person wanting to order a lot while someone else orders a little. It also makes it easy to add order new drinks or bites as desired. Food and beverage are generally solid if not mindblowing, though portions on some of the happyhour apps can be a little skimpy.
Reasons it is a 4 and not a 5:
It is always very crowded, at least on weekends, until at least 5ish PM. That itself isn't the restaurant's fault, but I do feel that seating could be optimized better to accommodate more people and staff or signage could be used to facilitate more people getting the type of seating they want. Currently, one person can sit down and hog a couch and coffee table meant for 2 to 3 people and it's lord of the flies. It is also extremely difficult to get a table near an outlet and people will hog laptop friendly/outlet accessible tables for ages with no staff oversight or time limit. For this reason I do not come here to do work, just to grab food or drinks with a friend.
Could not make a cappuccino to save their lives. And it is advertised as a coffee house. This is a problem all over the DC area but I had to repeatedly send back cappuccino that were basically just disgusting lattes until I finally stopped ordering them here. Then I saw they had added a "traditional cappucino" to the menu in addition to the normal cappuccino. The description had the proportions correct and I assumed this was added in response to consumer feedback, so I ordered it. Literally the same thing. Not a real cappuccino, and like a latte but not as good. I do not get it. They should just remove both cappuccinos from the menu.
Service is spotty. I *like* QR code ordering, and they bring the food to the table without issue, but then you never see anyone again and if there is an issue with your order or you need additional silverware or something you have to walk up to the bar and get a barrista's attention, which can be challenging or awkward if they are busy. I get that that is standard in a coffee shop but this is a hybrid between a coffee shop and a regular restaurant because they serve cocktails and full entrees, so It would be nice if someone just wandered around every so often checking on people.
The lack of service checking on people or helping to facilitate seating doesn't stop them from requesting tip on their QR ordering platform and using settings that default to a full service tip, though.
In summary, this place is easy and versatile (if you can get a table) and it's a good place to go just to meet a friend for coffee or a bite or a cocktail, and come and go as you please. I do not personally like to come here to do anything requiring a laptop, and would not recommend if you want a more doting, full service experience. read more