Washington Street Coffee House — Restaurant in New London

In a city known more for a neighboring submarine base than its culinary ambitions, Washington Street Coffee House has emerged as an unlikely sanctuary, crafting sophisticated culinary experiences with unpretentious New England authenticity.

The modest whitewashed edifice at 13 Washington Street belies the transformative experience within. Its unassuming facade and weather-beaten sidewalk harmonize with New London's workingman's downtown. Above, power lines web the sky like industrial lace, silent narrators of the city's blue-collar heritage and present-day realities.

Cross the threshold, however, and witness the space unfold with cathedral-like aspiration. Timber beams stretch overhead, while workshop pendants cast honey-gold light across burnished floors that bear the polish of countless footfalls. On any given morning, the clientele forms a living portrait of coastal Connecticut: tweed-jacketed professors hunched over manuscripts, fresh-faced cadets stealing moments between duties, and bohemians lost in creative pursuit, graphite scratching against sketchbooks.

This luminous haven has transcended mere caffeination, becoming a culinary lighthouse in waters not typically known for gastronomic distinction.

Their signature matcha latte presents as liquid artistry—a verdant pool crowned with alabaster foam swirled into ephemeral designs. Beyond visual appeal, it delivers complexity where chain competitors offer only sweetness. The menu ventures far beyond expected coffee shop fare, presenting global flavors reimagined through a distinctly New England lens.

Jazz melodies drift through the air, interweaving with conversational murmurs and the percussive symphony of espresso preparation. The walls serve as gallery space for rotating exhibitions, while collections of decorative plates adorn another wall—an evolving archive of aesthetic sensibility rather than calculated décor.

The communal seating arrangements foster serendipitous connections in an era when such encounters grow increasingly rare. During a recent morning service, a silver-haired former submarine engineer engaged a visiting journalist in spirited dialogue about the city's ongoing renaissance, punctuating his observations with gestures toward the window where scaffolding hints at renewal.

"We're not Newport and never will be," he declared, cradling his steaming mug brewed from locally roasted beans. "But that's exactly why some of us love it here."

The kitchen embraces contemporary dietary consciousness, offering plant-based milk alternatives and thoughtfully crafted vegan options that reflect modern culinary awareness without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Positioned strategically at downtown's maritime edge, the coffee house places patrons within easy reach of the city's nautical attractions and waterfront parks where seasonal celebrations enliven the shoreline.

In a corridor dominated by tourist behemoths like Mystic and Foxwoods, this unassuming establishment stands as both gustatory triumph and compelling testament to New London's understated allure—a city whose greatest treasure is its resolute, unvarnished gritty...

I've changed this from 5 stars to 2 stars and now to 1 star. In the last year I've been here about 7 times and the place is either closed or closing early. A few weeks ago they closed early, now today 1/18/20 they close at 4 pm on a Saturday when they are usually open until after 7 pm and at 4 have a good taco special. This place needs to keep regular business hours. When customers travel distances and expect the place to be open it is discouraging when they close early. I travel far and planed on doing work and having a coffee and some taco's, now my plan is shot. I own a cafe and we always keep regular hours, customers expect this. The owner or manager needs to schedule coverage when someone can't work, you don't close the business due to this....that's absurd? I've seen them close early when there are 30 plus people here. Good way to lose customers, but I guess the owner could care less. If your staff keep calling out and can't cover those that are out then hire new staff, you don't close shop. Otherwise the place is great. Staff is friendly, relaxed atmosphere, food is great, large selection and they will custom some orders a little with no problems. Coffee is very good (cold brew with coffee ice cubes is my favorite w/ real half and half. Very bright and easy place to get some work done on your laptop. There are also tables outside, and wifi is pretty quick. Lots of seating. Reasonable prices. You should check it out, maybe they will be open when...

I've always loved The Wash & have been a pretty regular customer over the years. Unfortunately, today's experience was very disappointing. I placed an order over the phone for pick up for myself and a few coworkers. The barista who took my order was incredibly rude both over the phone and when we stopped by the cafe to pick up the food. Over the phone, the barista was audibly sighing while taking my order because I was placing multiple orders and was hoping to pay on different cards upon pickup. (The order in its entirety was three burritos and two breakfast sandwiches, nothing crazy.) When I went with a coworker to pick up the food, the same barista was sighing audibly while ringing us out and even swore under her breath, expressing clear exasperation with the situation. I understand being stressed or having a bad day, but as someone who worked in the restaurant / service industry for years, her behavior was completely inappropriate. The barista became short with my coworker when my coworker attempted to purchase some cookies and even began arguing with my coworker in front of other customers that were waiting to be served. I've never had this experience before at The Wash, but this barista in particular absolutely made me and my coworker...