Washington DC’s Columbia Heights neighborhood discovered specialty coffee perfection inside Streets Market grocery store.
Little Hat Coffee operates from a small corner spot with just four seats, functioning as a coffee bar rather than study cafe.
Their matcha earned recognition as best in DC through ceremonial grade powder and discipline that keeps flavors clean rather than muddy.
Why Espresso Snobs Travel Across DC for This Tiny Spot
Little Hat’s young crew pulls consistently excellent shots with perfectly extracted espresso and milk textured to glossy, velvety finish.
The discipline shows in aromatic, balanced coffee where extractions stay repeatable and spotless equipment prevents muddy flavors.
Over five-day visits comparing six DC espresso bars, coffee experts call Little Hat the clear standout by wide margins.
How a Grocery Store Coffee Bar Became DC’s Matcha Destination
The shop uses A Toda Madre Roasters for distinctive espresso that balances smoothness with bold flavor profiles.
Their matcha hits different because ceremonial grade powder delivers pungent, undeniable flavor rather than tasting like sweetened nothing.
Limited seating with one or two stools reinforces the grab-and-go model that keeps lines moving despite constant customer flow.
Food Highlights
- Pandan Matcha: Ceremonial grade matcha meets pandan syrup for unique flavors that pull through distinctly without overwhelming sweetness.
- Vanilla Matcha: Not overpowering vanilla complements strong matcha flavor in drinks that aren’t super sweet but perfectly balanced.
- Cortado: Smooth espresso with right milk balance showcases A Toda Madre Roasters’ distinctive taste in classic preparation.
- Hojicha with Date Caramel: Roasted green tea gets elevated with date caramel syrup that customers love for not-so-sweet preferences.
- Yuzu Honey Matcha: Sweet, tart, well-balanced drink that people want daily despite wishing it cost slightly less.
- Orange Blossom Latte: Seasonal specials lean floral with unique flavor profiles that adventurous drinkers appreciate trying.
Atmosphere
The small corner location inside Streets Market features cute decor including Smiskis and Sonny Angels figurines in display nooks. Four seats maximum means this functions as a coffee bar with quick service rather than laptop-friendly study destination.
Friendly baristas encourage talking while drinks get made, creating a community vibe despite the grab-and-go operational model. Free street parking serves customers willing to navigate DC parking challenges for exceptional coffee experiences.
Lines form constantly but move quickly thanks to an efficient crew that maintains quality without sacrificing speed. The bodega-style setting creates unexpected contrast where grocery shopping trips end with specialty-grade espresso rewards.
Bottom Line
Little Hat Coffee proves the best espresso and matcha in DC hide in grocery store corners when young crews prioritize discipline.
The ceremonial grade matcha and consistently excellent shots justify any wait times or parking frustrations in Columbia Heights.
When coffee experts visiting DC try six espresso bars and call one the clear standout, you stop questioning and start ordering cortados.
Address: Little Hat Coffee 2400 14th St NW Washington, DC 20009
📞 Contact via Instagram
🕐 Daily 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Inside Streets Market | Columbia Heights | Free street parking