Slipstream

· Washington DC ·

3-9 USD

First Impressions

Tucked into a busy street in Logan Circle, Slipstream's unassuming exterior gives way to a bustling, lively restaurant/cafe/bar as you step inside. You're greeted at the door and shown to a table, where servers come to walk you through the menu (counter service is available to go). I was a little nervous when I saw all the menus (Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Cocktails/Beer/Wine, Brunch, Happy Hour, and Dessert) because for whatever reason, in my experience when a restaurant tries to do both craft coffee and great food, it tends to lead to a turbulent, unbalanced experience. I think, though, that they recognized that potential problem going in and thoughtfully avoided it. A Slipstream is the area of reduced resistance behind a moving object, and, according to their website, similarly their cafe "hopes to provide a smooth path for the coffee and cocktail experience."

Grand Rapid's Madcap Coffee Company is amazing, and I was pleasantly surprised with Slipstream's knowledgeable and available staff. They went above and beyond to serve and offer suggestions, and they are doing some pretty inventive things. Coffee and Libations seem like natural roommates, and it's exciting to see the concept in a really elevated but accessible space. Slipstream is probably my new favorite DC coffee outpost, and I could definitely spend a few days working my way through their menu.

Must Tries

Nitro Japanese Iced CoffeeNitrogenated iced coffee – not cold brew. Really wonderful, and a must during the summer, it retains the acidity and brightness that is usually lost in the cold brewing process.
Coffee CocktailsI've seen cocktails that sub out spirits for 'spro shots, but not many that combine the two. The "House of Cards" features Cardamaro, cardamom bitters, nitro iced coffee, and soda.
Avocado + Goat Cheese ToastIn the famous words of Willow Smith, "Because Living."