Sweet Science Coffee

Reviews

• Alex S.

  star star star star star 10 June 2026

  Best coffee in all of DC, and a special atmosphere that makes you feel like you're at a wine tasting. Where else can you get that kind of experience?
  
  Get the pour over! The slow coffee bar. It's to die for. They have 4 different ways of getting it prepared, each paired with its own coffee. I personally loved the Karlsbad, a ceramic device from Germany that takes the filter away so you get all the aromas of the coffee. Wow. I replaced my home pour over with a filterless one now after trying this.
  
  The atmosphere is on the much more artistic side than most cafes in DC. Plenty of space, mirrors, tables, places to read, places for coffee "class"...
  
  The decaf espresso was also very good. The cappuccino was also nice, though you can get a good one many places in DC now (Pleasant Pops, Filter, Takoma Bev).
  
  Downside is that it's in a kind of musty basement, and the pastries are not that great. But overall I loved it, brought my visiting relatives here as "the best coffee of DC", and look forward to going back.

• Kristine D.

  star star star star star_border 6 June 2026

  Sweet Science Coffee is kind of hidden, a little hard to find even with GPS. It is beside Fleet Feet Sports on Columbia Road.
  
  They serve really good, and very strong coffee in the Adams Morgan area. Actually, I've only tried their cold brew and it is STRONG. I'm so surprised I didn't add any creamer or even a light splash of milk to it; who the heck am I?! They don't do fancy flavors here either - they have simple syrup, vanilla, and chocolate syrup. Very basic.
  
  They have the usual coffee offerings and some local baked goods.
  
  Decor is very different and cool. Very dark, especially since it's underground, literally. Open the door, and immediately you'll see the cool
  
  "SIP
  CHAT
  LISTEN
  READ
  THINK
  LOVE"
  
  neon sign, and steps. The cafe is downstairs.
  Mix of oriental rugs, bar stools, an acrylic table with acrylic chairs, different set ups - some living-room like, one area is even dining-room like, but had a random and huge barn door as the background. Definitely a great place to have work meetings, possibly even conduct interviews during the week, during off times. I imagine this place is busy on the weekends.
  
  The only barista working was very nice, even said he could recommend places to dine. If the person working doesn't point it out to you, ask where their Cold Brew system is; it's really neat. Cool looking contraption. (I posted a picture as well.)
  
  Funky, cool, hipster-ish, eclectic coffee shop! I recommend you check it out, at least once if you've never been.

• Kaley R.

  star star star star star 4 June 2026

  Super cute, hidden (underground) coffee shop on the corner of Columbia Rd and Mintwood Pl. There's an entrance right next to Lapis, but you can also get to it if you go into Lapis and head straight down the stairs.
  
  The atmosphere is really unmatched - it feels secluded and like you're in your own little world. They have a sign at the register that says they don't have wifi on weekends because they want you to spend time with the ones you're with, which is pretty cool.
  
  The coffee is amazing and they truly put a lot of time into making sure it's perfect. I'd recommend the Cortado espresso or the Ethiopian cold brew.
  
  Highly recommend you take a minute to find this place. You won't regret it.

• Betty F.

  star star star star star 27 May 2026

  What a gem of a spot! It's a little hard to find but it's a door right next to Lapis. Popped in with a friend and ordered a cappuccino noir, which was so delicious- dark chocolate shavings were a nice touch! Lots of seating and beautiful decor and atmosphere. Can't wait to come visit again.

• James W.

  star star star star star 22 May 2026

  This place is actually open and in a really cool new spot
  
  1847 Columbia Rd NW
  Washington, DC  20009
  United States