Coffee Klatches Near Catholic

By Willam Corrigan

Like many other students that attend Catholic University, I am both a New Englander and a lover of coffee. Therefore, the lack of Dunkin’ Donuts’, as well as the ubiquity of Starbucks both on and around campus, was one of the most shocking adjustments for me when coming to Catholic University. While there might not be a Dunkin’ close-by, there are several coffee options beyond the Barnes and Noble Starbucks, the Starbucks on Monroe Street, and the Starbucks in the Pyrz.

For the die-hard Dunkin’ lovers out there, the Dunkin’ Donuts closest to campus is just outside of the Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood metro stop. It’s the next stop on the Red Line towards Shady Grove and is only a five-minute metro ride away.

There are a few more rail-accessible Dunkin’ Donuts’, one at the Georgia Ave-Petworth metro stop via the Green Line at Fort Totten, and another just a short walk from the NoMa-Gallaudet University metro stop. 

Though it might be a shock to those of us from New England, places other than Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks do in fact serve coffee. Here are a few coffee shops near campus that are worth a try:

Busboys and Poets – Busboys and Poets is a politically-charged restaurant known for its coffee drinks as well. This spot is located just next to the Barnes and Noble cafe, and in addition to coffee and pastries, you can get a full meal here.

Tastemakers – Located between the Brookland-CUA and Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood metro stops, Tastemakers is not as close to the Catholic University campus, but makes up for it with its fun atmosphere. It’s a quaint shop themed after Benjamin Franklin, where you can read a book, sip coffee, or get a real bite to eat if you want. The H8 bus or the metro to Rhode Island Avenue are the best ways to get to this coffee hub. 

Pret a Manger – Commonly referred to as just “Pret,” Pret a Manger is a coffee shop, plain and simple. There are seven locations between Dupont Circle and the National Mall, with another in Union Station and one more by the Library of Congress. Pret a Manger is a classic place for coffee and studying and is ideal for students at Catholic University because of its large presence in the D.C. area. 

Although there aren’t many Dunkin’s near the Catholic University campus, coffee lovers need not fret. Washington, D.C. offers a wide variety of coffee hubs all over the city, including right here in Brookland or a few metro stops away from campus. Hopefully, this guide will help Catholic University’s caffeine addicts adjust without a beloved Dunkin’ nearby.