Au Lait — Restaurant in Washington

A Hidden Gem in Dupont Circle: Au Lait on 17th Street

Nestled in the heart of Dupont Circle, Au Lait on 17th Street is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a warm, welcoming experience that feels like home. From the moment you step inside, the friendly staff greets you like family, making every visit feel like a personal invitation to relax and savor something special.

The coffee here is nothing short of perfection, crafted with skill and care that rivals the best cafés in Europe. Whether you're looking for a bold espresso to kickstart your day, a creamy latte with house-made syrups, or a refreshing iced coffee, Au Lait delivers flavor and quality in every sip.

But what truly sets this spot apart is the food. Unlike your average coffee shop with basic pastries, Au Lait offers a gourmet menu that could rival a high-end restaurant. From perfectly flaky croissants and decadent breakfast sandwiches to fresh, flavorful salads and hearty lunch options, every bite is thoughtfully prepared. Their menu offers a variety of options for every craving, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices, making it a great stop for any visitor.

For tourists exploring Dupont Circle, Au Lait is a must-visit. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to unwind after visiting Embassy Row, a quiet place to catch up on work, or a charming café for a mid-day break, this café offers the perfect blend of ambiance, hospitality, and culinary excellence.

If you're in D.C. and searching for a hidden gem with world-class coffee, gourmet eats, and a welcoming atmosphere, look no further than Au Lait on 17th Street. It’s a place that will keep you coming back—whether you’re a local or just...

Was excited to see a new coffee shop (with some highly rated reviews!) in my neighborhood and finally got around to trying it. I was hoping it wouldn’t be another overpriced, generic coffee place, but unfortunately it seems to be. I ordered an iced vanilla latte which was not good. It tasted like vanilla milk with the tiniest drop of coffee mixed in. It did not taste like espresso. I immediately went home and added an espresso shot. I also ordered a muffin, and immediately thought they looked like Costco muffins, but wanted to try and support regardless. Alas, it was a Costco muffin. Googled to make sure and it did not taste fresh, nor that good for $5. I know the store is new and just getting started, but charging $6 for a really milky iced latte and $5 for a Costco muffin isn’t right. Charge $2-3 for the muffin, and I wouldn’t be as disappointed, but I shouldn’t have spent over $10 for the quality I received. I recommend working with local bakers if you do not have a bakery in house for those products. I hope this review is taken as feedback and you continue to improve what you offer, as I’d love to come back and have a more positive experience! The service was great and workers were kind, but there are many other places locally with lower prices and higher...

I recently visited Au Lait for brunch, and unfortunately, the experience left a lot to be desired. I ordered the Nutella and banana crepes, caprese Benedict, and two eggs cooked to my preference, along with a cup of coffee. Here’s how it went: Nutella Crepes: These were a disappointment. The crepes were dry, and there was barely any Nutella inside—definitely not what I was expecting. Caprese Benedict: The Benedict was underwhelming. It had very little sauce, which made it feel incomplete, and the fries that came as a side were served cold, which was a big letdown. Two Eggs Your Way: These were fine—nothing special, but no complaints either. They were exactly what you’d expect. The one highlight was the coffee, which was really good. But unfortunately, a good cup of coffee couldn’t make up for the disappointing food. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this spot if you’re looking for a great brunch experience. It might be worth stopping by for a coffee, but the food didn’t live up to...