Little Hat Coffee — Restaurant in Washington

Adorable cafe tucked inside Streets Market with a super friendly staff and a fun drink selection! Little Hat Coffee has a small but mighty menu, including your favorite espresso classics (but you could add their pandan or date caramel syrup for a fun twist) and a number of specialty drinks. I loved their matcha yuzu lemonade -- it was super refreshing and fruity, and it was perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. For the cooler months, I would definitely recommend their matcha latte, which you can get hot or cold, sweetened or unsweetened. It doesn't have a ton of matcha flavor, especially if you get it with syrup and/or almond milk, but it was all-around a solid latte.

Since they're hiding in the back of Streets Market, Little Hat doesn't have a ton of seating space, save for a few seats at the countertop bar. Even so, they managed to craft a great vibe for hanging out (either alone, with a friend, or just with the staff -- they're super friendly) if you're lucky enough to snag one of their three high tops. Otherwise, if it's a nice day, Streets Market has a few cute picnic...

Coffee Shop No. 502 Little Hat Coffee Washington, DC April 24, 2025

Little Hat Coffee maybe small and sit quietly in the back corner of Streets Market, a neighborhood grocery store, but it’s serving up some mighty bold and big coffee!

The cortado was not only smooth with just the right balance of espresso and milk it also had a distinctive taste. The shop uses A Toda Madre Roasters. Simply delicious.

I thought the prices were fair. The shop had a line the whole time I was in the store, but I didn’t wait long for my cortado. Seating is definitely limited. I think I only saw one or two stools.

If you’re in ever in the Columbia Heights neighborhood looking for a quick high quality espresso drink crafted by friendly baristas, Little Hat Coffee will definitely meet your expectations!

Enjoying life one...

Over a five-day visit I tried six espresso bars in D.C., and Little Hat was the clear standout by a wide margin. It is run by a young, switched-on crew pulling consistently excellent shots. This is not the place for a Starbucks-style frappuccino. It is the place for a cappuccino or latte made properly, with perfectly extracted espresso and milk textured to a glossy, velvety finish.

What sets them apart is discipline. The coffee is aromatic and balanced, extractions are repeatable, and the equipment is spotless so flavors stay clean rather than muddy. That level of consistency beats most shops in D.C., and frankly most espresso joints, period. For my money, I'll return to Little Hat every time I'm in...