Emissary — Restaurant in Washington

Good coffee, legit producers, and good cause (see attached photo). Had an espresso and a macchiato. Both were good and not burnt as so many places in D.C. make it. It's still a bit strong so for those who don't like it strong you should go for a lungo or just add milk. I add brown sugar. I didn't give 5 stars because the setting leaves a lot to the imagination, the service people are hardly welcoming or smiling, and the place is hardly noticeable from the street (unless they were going for the inconspicuous look which I'm not sure is good for business). As to setting, the seating inside is tight and outside is below street level so whenever there's a breeze you get street dust on your coffee and in your eyes. Given that apparently it's been around for a while, they could've paid attention to these details. After all, if it were just for the coffee we'd take it to go. I guess DuPont Circle folk aren't as...

Similar to the other Emissary only more condensed. Indoor seating is a mix of bar and tabletop. When it’s hot out, you might find it a little difficult to find a table but it’s a good amount of seating. Outdoor seating is adequate as well!

Espresso is great, similar quality to the other location.

Service was great, I accidentally walked in 5 min before opening and the barista still took my order no worries. While I was there she was out of honey for another customer’s drink. Instead of just using another sweetener without notice she told the person she was out and what she was going to use instead and that it would still have similar flavor and balance. I’ve been to places where they run out of some type of ingredient/milk and just use an alternative. Even though places shouldn’t run out of ingredients, it does happen and making it clear to consumers is the right thing to...

I was in my car, steaming at the non-moving traffic that wasn't going anywhere fast on this evening's commute. So I decide to go up to Dupont, park and walk around. I find this tea shop I never noticed in the slight walkdown of a brownstone.

I go in and confess to the person I don't know teas, I only know I like them strong and sweet. She says, "Gotcha. I'll make you a London Fog (Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, vanilla).

She got it ready and I went out to sit outside where some parking spots were absconded for open air seating. I let it steep a few minutes more and pour. Sweet and delicious. I relax outside while the traffic was stopped around me. The man walking his waddling geriatric Labrador. The two young women talking in excited hushes. I people watched forever.

And remembered that it's places like this why I moved...