I’m obsessed with Colony Club, and have been since before it opened, when I applied to work there as a barista. Sadly, in an ill-fated twist of events, I could not interview, as I was traveling to Thailand for a few weeks (another ill-fated event, as I vomited on an Indian man standing with his family on the escalator at the airport in Dubai).

While living in DC, I lived only about a block from Colony Club. The store stands between Petworth and Howard University on Georgia Ave, just a few blocks up from Wonderland Ballroom and a smattering of tasty restaurants on 11^th street. Given that I passed Colony Club on my walk to work each morning, I invested in a membership. I like to think back to that time as the golden age, when mornings with my lovely roommate consisted of each of us chugging a cup of water (a tap with still or sparkling is available), then enjoying our complimentary membership coffees as we walked to work.

The membership costs $250 and provides a year of unlimited iced or regular coffee or tea, and also provides a guest with the same. Other perks include a drink discount for beverages from the bar in addition to a few other perks.

Colony Club has two shareable tables perfect for doing work, as well as a couch in the back, and plenty of stools along the bar, a back table, and the front window. All the countertops are a deep chocolate wood that makes you want to rub your cheek along them. The rest of the interior is well lit and bright with white walls and a Scandinavian minimalism. In the warmer months, you can sit out on the patio, which is best enjoyed on a summer’s eve, when you can sit beneath strings of lights and split a bottle of Rosé  with a friend (or sip it alone, no judgment). On the second floor, there is a ping-pong table. Some people like that too.

On weekend mornings, this place quickly fills up with yuppies from around the gentrifying area. This means that seating can be a bit spotty, but it’s rare that you can’t squeeze in somewhere if you’re alone. Fun fact: you can get away with bringing your dog in to grab your coffee or bringing it onto the back patio to enjoy your drink.

Their regular coffee is pretty meh, but the espresso drinks are quite good. If you’re looking for a straight black coffee to go, I’d suggest hopping down two blocks to Harrar Coffee & Roastery instead. However, if you plan on sitting somewhere or have a yen for an espresso drink, this is a great option.

In the mornings, breakfast sandwiches, scones, muffins, or yogurt and granola are available. The breakfast sandwiches come on a large biscuit with egg and cheese, and either herbs or bacon. This is the type of hangover sandwich you eat and then end up being so full that you don’t eat again till 6PM that night. The scones are highly buttery and may induce a stomachache, which has yet to prevent me from ordering one (it’s also fun to spend the day telling everyone you encounter that this is the first sign of an undiagnosed gluten intolerance). My constant complaint is Colony Club’s lack of croissants, which I’ve been told is due to the lack of suitable croissant chefs in DC and some other excuse about the climate not being ideal for the pastry dough. If you know of anyone who could help them out, please contact Ben at Ben.colonyclub@gmail.com. In the afternoon, there are sandwiches and small salads from Each Peach Market, the perfect light lunch that prevents low blood sugar, while allowing you to keep your treasured seat.

By night, you can order charcuterie (cheeses and meats galore), pickled foods (yay, probiotics!), or my personal favorite—sardines. Fancy cans of sardines are always in stock and taste absolutely divine served alongside salted crackers with caraway seeds. Not necessarily a hot first date snack, but an unusual treat if you feel like splurging.

Starting at 5PM each night (except Sundays), the bar opens up and offers all the craft beers, wines, and spirits your hipster heart could desire. Vibes are usually quite laid back, except for special events and parties when things get quite crowded.

Colony Club also offers to host private events and hosts many community events. Running Club (ew), nude drawing, and karaoke nights are a few examples. Another weekly favorite is Thursday Jazz, when you can come in and sip a glass of something alcoholic while enjoying some jazz.

Last, but certainly not least, the staff are quite fun. Pablo is the expert barista who can craft a latte more enticing than Brittney Spears circa “Toxic” and always offers a welcoming high five to the regulars. The manager, Ben, is an attractive soft-spoken barista who looks like he should be in Brooklyn or, depending on the season, the apprentice of a maple sugar farmer in Vermont. If you stop by, make sure to provide Ben with any comments and feedback. He always listens and takes it to heart! Max, his good friend and the owner, is taller and prone to wearing a hat at all times. He is the type of good-hearted bartender who listens to the customer that has no friends or family (you know, the one who never speaks to anyone except when ordering food).

Their coffee is mediocre, but the aesthetically-pleasing atmosphere, friendly staff, and evening delights make this place a personal favorite.

STATS

Price of a 12oz coffee: $2.27

Adult beverages: All kinds. 

Vibe: Sleek/hipster/Danish

Music: Varies, but not too distracting. 

Work/Study Spot?: Yes.

Wifi: Yes.

Food: Pastries, quiche, sandwiches, sardines, etc. 

Punch Card: Yes.

Coffee Sourcing: Ceremony Coffee

Milk Options: Soy Milk or Almond Milk

Website: http://www.colonyclubdc.com/

Cafe Hours (NOT BAR HOURS):

Mon – Fri (7AM-5PM)

Sat – Sun (8AM-5PM)

Location:

3118 Georgia Ave, NW

Washington, DC 20010