Dire Coffee — Restaurant in Takoma Park

This is one of those places where you'll come for the coffee, stay for the atmosphere. It's calming, despite the near highway traffic just outside. I initially came here after finishing up an oil change next door. I ordered a custom drink which was not on the menu, along with some lentil samosas. The older gentleman who was at the desk, who I'm assuming is the owner, was quite friendly and accommodating with my order (Thunderbolt).

I will say that the espresso was strong yet balanced. It was smoky, paired well with the lentil samosa. The samosas were a little spicy, yet deceptively filling. There was a good amount of lentils in there, despite the layers of breading.

While there, a random man came near the shop and was accosting folks for money. The shop owner came out of his way and managed to turn them away. Overall, this place was quite charming and the espresso. Add to the atmosphere of the café, and the good coffee options, it's safe to say I will...

I popped in for coffee based on the great reviews, but it’s not the kind of place I would want to sit with a book. More of a quickie fluorescent-lit lunch counter and the air wasn’t fresh. My main complaint is that I spent almost 4 dollars on a tiny cup of black coffee the size of a “short” cup at Starbucks. Also, they don’t have actual American drip coffee so I had to take their espresso style Ethiopian coffee, and it was SO bitter that it actually tastes SOUR. I just wish that when I asked for black coffee The friendly lady would have told me they don’t have American drip coffee. I would’ve gone elsewhere. Not...

What a welcoming little Ethiopian coffee shop! Once a market, Dire Coffee opened in 2020. Family-owned, Dire Coffee serves Ethiopian coffee beans in all different ways- black coffee, lattes, and more. I ordered the Pumpkin Spice Latte. It came out hot and strong. The woman behind the register, who's the wife of the owner, asked how sweet I wanted my latte. She was very kind!

To eat, they have a variety of food. I ordered one sambusa and it was filled with lentils. It hit the spot!

The space itself is small, but comes with many places to sit. There's a small parking...