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[coffeemenow]

La Coop Coffee – A Cozy Sunday Spot for Studying (and a Little Online Shopping)

Podcast: Heavenly Ever After with Paige Hanna – “Lukewarmness & What To Do To Escape It”

This past Sunday, I decided to check out La Coop Coffee, a cute little café tucked away at 500 Kennedy St NW, Washington, DC 20011. It was one of those study days, so I needed something strong to keep me focused. Enter: a dirty chai with an extra shot of espresso because when in doubt, caffeine it out. I also grabbed a blueberry scone, which was delicious, but let’s be real, I really wanted a breakfast sandwich. Unfortunately, I had dinner plans later, so I had to take the L on that one.

The moment I walked in, I could tell this place had that laid-back, neighborhood feel. The kind of spot where regulars come in, chat with the baristas like old friends, and settle into their usual corners. The décor was simple but warm, with soft lighting, earthy tones, and just the right amount of background noise—a mix of soft indie music and the low hum of espresso machines.

The barista was an absolute gem. You know when someone just radiates good energy? That was her. As she handed me my drink, she complimented my headphones (Apple AirPods Max) and mentioned she had been thinking about getting a pair. Naturally(as a true yapper at heart), I had to give her my honest review: they’re amazing for studying and walks, but not so great for the gym. They tend to slip off, and after a while, they make my ears feel way too hot. We both laughed about it, and I think I might have convinced her to get them anyway.

It was a pretty slow Sunday, which made it easy to claim a good seat near the window. I managed to stay for a solid three hours, and in true “balance is key” fashion, I spent half that time being productive and the other half deep-diving into the world of online shopping. I needed a cute dress and heels for Easter, so technically, I was working towards something important… right?

The whole time, I had my AirPods in, listening to a podcast, Heavenly Ever After with Paige Hanna—specifically the episode on “Lukewarmness & What To Do To Escape It.” I’ve been in a space lately where I want to strengthen my faith, and this episode had me thinking about consistency, discipline, and not getting too comfortable in my walk with God.

By the time I wrapped up, I felt like I had found another great study spot. It’s quiet enough to focus, but not so silent that it feels stiff. The kind of place where you can sip your coffee slowly, knock out a few tasks, and let time slip away without realizing it.

Will I be back? Absolutely. And next time, I’m a getting that breakfast sandwich even if it means ruining my dinner 😫.

[coffeemenow]

Lost Socks Roasters - The Good, The Bad, and the Matcha

🎶Now Playing: “Venus” - Faceless, Serotonin

This Sunday, I decided to check out Lost Socks Roasters at their 4th St location. Now, before we dive in, let me just say my wallet took an another hit for this trip. A medium matcha latte w/ caramel, vanilla, and almond milk set me back $14 and yes, I know that’s a lot for just one drink.

[….]

Lol just kidding, I actually got two because I was joined by my little sister, who needed to try it too (she’s a tough critic, so that’s a win).

This location is super quaint, with a cute little outdoor seating area. But, as much as I loved the vibes, there’s limited seating inside, which is a bit of a bummer. Fun fact: it’s connected to the Children's Hospital Pediatric Center, which adds a nice community touch.

When I walked in, I was greeted by a lovely barista who was clearly having a great day. You know the type of smile that hits you in the eyes and feels genuine? That’s the kind of vibe I got. Major props to her for setting the mood right.

I came in with high expectations, but it wasn’t until I sat down to start working that I quickly realized I’d be a little let down. Not in the way you’re thinking though, no. The only disappointment came in the form of study space. Despite being equipped with my noise-canceling headphones, the shop was a bit too busy for me to focus. I’m sure Sundays are more of a social vibe, so I get it—but it just wasn’t the ideal space for me to get work done today. I managed an hour, but that was about it. Plus, they close early on Sundays (hello 4 PM).

Overall, I’ll definitely be back. I think I’ll just pick a day when everyone is a little too busy to chat.

[coffeemenow]

Sundays Brewed Right: Unwinding at Ididos Coffee & Social

🎶 Now Playing: "Rose In The Dark" - Cleo Sol; "Window Seat" - Erykah Badu

Happy (belated) International Women’s Day! Yes, I know it’s officially on March 8th, but we’re celebrating women every day over here.

Lately, I’ve been noticing a surge of mom-and-pop shops in my area, and this week, I stumbled across Ididos Coffee & Social on Kennedy St NW. Naturally, I had to check it out.

I pulled up around 5 PM on a Sunday, giving myself a solid few hours to get some work done before they closed at 8 PM. (Side note: If you’re someone who stays until closing, just know it’s giving very inconsiderate, Baristas have homes too, okay!)

Walking in, my eyes immediately lock onto a window seat. Big mistake. The sunset starts beaming directly at me like I owe it money. But you win some, you lose some.

Vibes? Very chill. The crowd? Minimal. The music? Just right. The prices? Definitely more reasonable than the last place I told y’all about.

I went with the spicy chicken sandwich (on brioche, of course) and subbed fries for a house salad. Okay, fine—I didn’t choose the salad, they were just out of fries. But let’s pretend I made the health-conscious decision. To balance it out, I ordered a matcha latte. At first, I wasn’t sure if a matcha + chicken sandwich combo made sense, but I knew I’d be in a food coma otherwise.

First bite? The seasoning is on point, and the spice kicks in immediately. The brioche holds it all together, but I was expecting a crispier bite. 8/10, solid choice.

Mid-bite, I overhear someone ordering a dirty matcha. Immediately, my spirit is disturbed. There are two types of people I judge: 1) cigarette smokers and 2) people who order dirty matcha. Like…why? Just get espresso at that point.

Anyway, I get to work. I’m answering emails, planning my week, applying to a few more internships (gotta secure my summer plans), and submitting a couple of very late assignments (college life). Oh, and I did all of this WITHOUT headphones. That alone earns Ididos a 10/10 in my book.

By 7:30 PM, I take the hint and pack up. Will I be back? Absolutely. Should you check this place out? Definitely!!

[coffeemenow]

🎶 Now Playing: Laughter – Astrocolor, Wendy Rene

If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I cannot work from home. Too many distractions too much noise, and my brain is permanently scarred from every failed attempt. So naturally, I’ve become a coffee shop regular. Enter Four Five Roasters in downtown D.C. (2000 L St NW Washington, DC 20036) a spot I hoped would be the perfect blend of caffeine and productivity.

My First Impressions:

I walk in and immediately clock that it’s packed. Every seat is filled, and I already know my chances of getting an outlet are slim. I set my bag down and head to the counter. No greeting at first—the barista is too busy laughing and texting. (I used to work in a coffee shop, so I get it. One second it’s slow, and the next, a flood of customers appears.) I pretend to study the pastry case until I finally make eye contact, and boom, we’re in business.

The Setup:

I grab a seat near the glass doors, catching the occasional gust of wind every time someone walks in. The place is buzzing, almost everyone is wearing headphones, locked into their screens. It’s a Saturday at 3:45 PM, which also happens to be the first day of March, so I expected the weekend crowd.

No outlet in sight, but I make do. Across from me, another solo worker is knee-deep in her laptop. The energy here is focused, productive, but not stiff.

The Order:

Bacon, Egg & Cheese Croissant Sandwich 🥪

Seasonal Drink: Vanilla Pistachio Matcha 🍵 (** this was a drink I wanted to try but the pistachio threw me for a loop)

24oz Iced Latte (Almond Milk, Vanilla & Caramel) ☕

When my order is ready, I hear: “Ada, number 18.” That’s me. (Ada is my go-to alias to avoid the butchering of my real name, Amaogechi.) I opted for a takeout box, though normally they serve it on a plate.

First bite of the sandwich? Torch. Fluffy eggs, crispy bacon, buttery croissant. Top two, and it’s not two! I don’t even reach for my drink until I’m halfway through. The side salad with avocado lime ranch is a nice touch, but let’s be real, I’m here for the sandwich.

Productivity Check:

By 5:00 PM, the crowd starts thinning. The WiFi is solid, music a bit louder than I’d like, but not unbearable. I manage to:

✅ Start two summer internship applications

✅ Submit one to two assignments

✅ Plan my upcoming week

The only downside? My headphones died (rookie mistake), which I took as my cue to leave.

Final Thoughts:

This place is a bit pricey, I dropped $31.81 on my coffee and sandwich ($17.95 for the sandwich alone). If you’ve got FU money, it’s worth it. If not, maybe stick to a small coffee and pastry. But overall? A solid spot for getting work done.

Would I come back? Absolutely. Would I make sure my headphones are charged first? 1000%. Would I buy that sandwich again… maybe 🤭🤷🏾‍♀️

[coffeemenow]

Working from home? Yeah, not for me. I’m Amaogechi, a college student who has tried, really tried, but between noise, distractions, and failed attempts, I just can’t focus. If you’re like me, coffee shops are basically your second home. There’s something about the hun of espresso machines, light chatter, and seeing others grind that makes me want to lock in!

No study session is complete without fuel. My go-to? A large iced latte with caramel, vanilla syrup, almond milk, and a breakfast sandwich (or matcha latte and pastry when I’m in a rush). But let’s be real a great coffee shop isn’t just about drinks; it’s about the vibe. The perfect mix of cozy, productive, and aesthetically pleasing.

I think I’ve found my ideal spot, but I know there are more hidden gems out there. So, I’m dedicating this blog to finding the best coffee shops. Let’s sip, study, and explore together!