Compass Coffee

As others have said, be prepared to basically see a room full of people in hipster glasses staring at Ebay and spreadsheets on their Macbooks, twiddling with their phones. That’s not a fault of Compass, but it’s the crowd it attracts. The ambience is more of a work spot or place to sit on your computer than it is a coffee conversation kind of place.
If you’re coming for that purpose, this is a really nice place to get things done. They have free wifi, which is a plus. It can become very crowded on the weekends, so be sure to come early. The ambience is pleasant, with an open, well-​lit, kind of industrial feel — think steel chairs, wooden benches and tables, and tall tables with high chairs.
The coffee itself here is really nice. I personally like La Colombe or Chinatown a bit better, but Compass has better special coffee drinks, such as lattes (the maple is especially good). The workspace makes it work coming here.

We live in the neighborhood and I watched this place through all the media coverage before it opened. Unlike many of the other hipster coffee shops in DC, this place has more of a local and friendly feel. They roast good coffee and have many different kinds of coffee and non-​coffee drinks on the menu. The space is great — it’s open, light filled, with plenty of space to hang out and enjoy your drink. Word of warning though — during peak times and weekends it gets really busy and a bit crowded. One thing that sets Compass apart is that the coffee is roasted on the spot — not many shops do that. Also, the two owners are often present and working behind the counter… it’s not just some group of investors, but a small independently owned business.
I’m a big fan of their lattes, which have more of a coffee/​espresso-​forward profile and aren’t overpowered by the milk. I often also get the drip coffee, normally the Cardinal Blend, which is on par with any of the other shops in town. One thing that sets Compass apart is the service — always quick and friendly. They also offer some delicious pastries.

Hands down the best coffee spot in DC. Coffee is amazing, baristas are friendly, and the croissants are delicious. It has an awesome atmosphere where you can watch the beans roasting. It’s not the closest coffee place to my house but well worth the distance to get a great coffee. Keep it up!

I like this nice little swank coffee shop. Just happened to be in the area so I had to try it since I parked right in front of it… the place with moderately packed however most people where just chilling having a nice conversation so there was no line at the register. I ordered the ice coffee cold bro and although it tasted different (in a good way) it was actually better then the one I typically order at Starbucks. For some reason it had more flavor and not just the same olé plain Jane coffee taste… nice addition to my coffee favorites and would be willing to try again along with other selections. Nice place for a date night recap

The coffee really is great (not as great as Beanetics, a hidden micro-​roasting gem in Annandale), but the location simply isn’t prepared to deal with the number of people.
Maybe non-​Sundays are better, but it was a mad house. Props to the baristas because my drink didn’t take long at all. Finding a seat required awkwardly sharking people that appeared to be putting their stuff away.
On my own, I’d never go here again unless I was just getting a latte to go. In about a year or two when it’s not the hip, new place, it’ll likely be really good.

I have a serious addiction to coffee but I wouldn’t say I’m a coffee snob. I like Compass and usually drop in a few times a month to do some work. The place is usually packed but makes a good use of space. You can watch them roast the beans while you work and enjoy your coffee. My usual go to is an Americano and a refill of my coffee bean tin. The baristas are super friendly, completely sciced to talk about coffee and probably hyped up on caffeine. Its a positive change from the smug cafés I’ve visited.
Anywho, great spot, nice people and delicious coffee. Keep it up Compass!

Well, hello, half the population of DC on your laptops at 10 AM on a Monday. I see this is a popular spot.
It could have something to do with the incredible coffee, friendly baristas, and kick-​ass almond croissants. Seriously, they cover them with some sort of meringue-​y type thing, toasted almonds, and powdered sugar. I could’ve eaten 7.
Plus, it’s so clean. Immaculate. Without being sterile. Points.
Seating aplenty, not too crowded, calm atmosphere. My friend and I were engaged in a lively conversation, so the laptop drones kept glancing up at us like we had said something wrong, but whatever. Doesn’t bother me. It just struck me as funny that we were the only people in there without screens in front of our faces.
The ONLY thing I would want to see are mugs for in-​house coffee. There’s just something about wrapping your hands around thick ceramic on a cold day that’s comforting.

Surounded by new high-​rises, this little coffee shop mirrors many that have sprung up lately in DC: smaller roasting, quality coffee makers, smancy espresso machines, smiling faces, with a side of tasty pastries.
Service was friendly, décor was awesome, esp the the factory-​like maker/​grinder they’ve got open to visitors, along with their coffee LAB!
I happened to be in the area and grabbed one of their pastries (Spicy Cheese Turnover). The pastry, even not warmed up, was nice and flaky. The turnover wasn’t spicy at all (for someone who can’t handle spicy), had a hint of spiciness, like they used Pepperjack Cheese.
At 10am on a Saturday morning, this place was packed full of young coffee drinkers busy away on their laptops. I love the atmosphere here and will def be back!
*Street Parking
*Complimentary sparkling or regular water

My friend recommended this place because they supply their coffee to Founding Farmers, but also said «it’s so far away you’ll never get there» but I wanted to try it so much I drove over-​and parking is great at 7 AM!
The coffee was delicious, although I felt a little judged by the baristas when I was excited about the latte art. That being said, the latte art was exceptional, given the fact that I got my latte with almond milk-​a hard medium. So the baristas really know what they’re doing.
They also sell coffee in really cool packaging. The atmosphere is classic cool hip urban coffee shop and I would definitely come here for a good Instagram and delicious lattes. Aesthetically, I give them 6 out of 5 stars.

DC has many great coffee shops who care about the product they’re producing as well as an atmosphere they’re creating. Compass tops them all with their welcoming staff, the free wifi and ample seating, and of course their second-​to-​none in-​house freshly roasted beans.
However what really makes Compass stand out from the rest is one simple fact: they care. They care about you, they care about the community and they care about DC. For this reason, and the delicious Americanos and Nitro-​infused cold brew *cue drooling noise*, I will always choose Compass as my go-​to caffeine fix.

They always seem so crowded nowadays. The space is lovely but I prefer to grab my drink and go.
The real point of this update though is to preach the gospel of their new seasonal ginger latte. It’s the best thing you’ll drink all winter. Perfect amount of slightly candied but not sickening sweet ginger (I’m one of those annoying people who always have to get Sbux drinks half sweet if I don’t want to feel like I’m drowning in sugar), and the ginger is fiery but not I’m dying in the back of my throat. I love that’s it’s a pure ginger not «gingerbread» with additional spices muddying it up. If you have any love of ginger, come early, come often.

This is a great coffee spot and I regularly go here when I am in the area. This would be my number 1 coffee spot if it weren’t too far from my place. It’s definitely better than Baked & Wired or its more upscale sister A Baked Joint. It may not have the cupcakes, but the coffee service is top notch and I’m impressed with the consistent quality among the espresso and such. For the best experience, try to sit upstairs and enjoy the modern scenery and take in the moment drinking coffee and eating pastry without checking your smartphone.

Coffee done right.
I’ve been to Compass Coffee now a couple times and every time I enjoy it more than the last. They make coffee the way it should be done: with good beans and impeccable technique. Quality comes with a price. Expect to pay $ 4 or $ 5 for a latte or cup of coffee. Trust me, it’s worth it.
They have a pretty large space for a coffee shop but it always seems to be full — both a sign of the loyal fan base and that getting some quiet time at this coffee shop is not likely. I usually grab and go to avoid the crowds. There is a park down the street that on a nice day, is always a great alternative.
Caffeinate yourself and check out, Compass Coffee.

Saturday, 4:45 PM.
Quickie:
+ Coffee quality
+ Service
– Cleanliness
– Slow wi-​fi
And then???
I’ll be sure to bring work that doesn’t require online access next time.
**********
Stuffed my face in:
1. Iced latte
+ Distinct roast.
2. Chocolate chip cookie
+ Chocolate: cookie ration = favorable.
Constructive comments:
*Option for compost

Compass Coffee has a lot going for it: a great location in the heart of Shaw’s once a future commercial district, a full roasting facility, and a light and spacious interior. Plus I really appreciate that it’s the brainchild of two former Marines (Semper Fi!)
But, as they say, the proof is in the pudding, so how is the coffee? Great! You might think lavender is an odd flavoring to add to coffee, but I’m here to tell you that it rocks; a medium lavender latte is $ 4.85.
As for that interior, skylights add to its sense of airiness while the large white subway tiles behind the bar add it its lightness, as does the bright color palette that they’ve chosen for their paint scheme. The mural of the coffee growing world on the back wall is also a nice touch.
Good coffee, friendly staff, neat concept, star location, what more could you ask for?

Great coffee spot in the district. Open, modern, clean space with plentiful seating, and good coffee for sure. Upon arriving I was indecisive of what to order. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go with my typical vanilla latte or try something different. Then I noticed that they had nitro cold brews and I HAD to try it because I had it for the first time at stump town in NYC a month ago and was craving for more. I decided to go with the nitro infused cold brew and it was phenomenal. I mean, the stuff was high quality coffee that was smoother than –dare I say it– M.J.‘s dance moves, AND fairly priced (my medium cup was $ 3). The barista even offered me a small sampling of the nitro brew when I seemed hesitant to order it. They also have still and sparkling water on tap, which I very much appreciated. I will definitely be back.

Great coffee. I tried the Fresh Mint Cold Brew and was pleasantly surprised by the smooth, refreshing taste.
As a study space, there is ample room and table space but few outlets. Bring your laptops charged!
The back area has an exposed brewery component that showcases their unique Nitrogen brewing process.

Good coffee in Shaw. Place gets super crowded on the weekends so get here early or have a friend save you a spot. I am no coffee aficionado but their cappuccino was decent. I do wish they used real cups for those having their coffee in the store but I understand that adds an extra level of complexity. Just something about having a cappuccino in a paper cup doesn’t sit well with me.
I also had their croissant with ham and cheese but it tasted almost stale. Was similar in style to the ones at la colombe so maybe they all use the same supplier.
The other thing I love about this place is they have sparkling water in tap! Always a plus.
Wifi is free which causes folks to longer but the vibe is overall very hip and productive. Good place to spend an afternoon working.

(3.5 stars)
A busy and hip coffee shop in Shaw with average coffee and not enough seating.
Pros
— Clean and modern décor, ample lightening, various kinds of seats and tables
Cons
— No ceramic mugs to drink; all cups are to-​go paper cups.
— Extremely busy (note: You will have to hover for a table)
— Mediocre drinks
What I got
— Chai tea latte, ~$ 4
What I thought
The Compass Coffee is a nice hip coffee shop that attracts 20– and 30-​somethings around Shaw. The entire left half of the shop is dedicated seating, but it was packed when I went on a Tuesday afternoon. The baristas are friendly and knowledgable. It took around 15 minutes to get a seat (no table). We had to wait another 40 minutes for a table to open up near us.
The chai tea latte tasted artificial. My friends got the mocha, nutella mocha, and latte. The syrup sat on the bottom of the drinks, so it took some stirring to taste the respective syrup.
Compass Coffee teeters between being a place where you can study and relax, and a grab-​n-​go Starbucks. It’s too busy to relax and have a conversation and too pretty for a pitstop. The drinks were good and acceptable, but nothing special or different.

Compass Coffee is EASILY my favorite coffee shop in DC. Judging from the lines out the door on the weekends, the «real good coffee» cups I’m spotting all over the city and the multitude of features I’m seeing on this fine Shaw establishment, I’m not alone in my feelings.
First off, Compass has coffee that actually tastes really good! I feel like so often I just want coffee to help me wake up and I forget that good and bad coffee actually taste quite different. Compass roasts their own beans and you can watch the process from the bar in the back. They sell their coffee in the shop so you can enjoy a cup of Compass at home or gift it to your coffee loving friends. I prefer their dark roast, but all three roasts are quite good. They offer soy milk and almond milk for no additional charge. Such a luxury.
Additionally, they have delicious foods. Who doesn’t love a rosemary bacon biscuit?! I’m also quite partial to their chocolate biscuits and BLT sandwiches (that also come on a biscuit). Clearly I think they are nailing the biscuit game. They also have a selection of normal coffee shop fair like local yogurt and biscotti.
The staff at Compass is an all star cast. The cashiers are always so pleasant, seem to enjoy making conversation and are helpful with recommendations. They also offer discounts to military personnel. Stand up folks.
The space can get a little insane on the weekends. I would recommend getting there very early or go in expecting to share a table. A group of 4 is probably not going to have great luck getting a seat. Don’t let this deter you though! Gotta check out Compass. Gotta do it.