Sweet Science Coffee

When I think about quaint coffee shops in DC, my mind keeps coming back to Sweet Science. Sure, the name is a bit kitscky with a geeky twist, but there’s behind the name is an apartment rowhouse space converted to a corner-​with-​a-​view-​coffeeshop. It epitomizes mom n pop /​local flavor.
Yes, the coffee is really good and you can choose between multiple types of brews. You can also choose how you want it to be made — be it pour over, chemex, aero, french press, drip, etc. It comes out amazing.
What I really love about it is its low key vibe and the light. It’s just… perfect for a day spent reading and drinking coffee. It makes you feel like a DC’in. The space is really small, so only seats about 10 people max (and that’s getting squishy). But if you’re lucky to snag a seat, you’re in for a real treat because you can play with their little games (mind trick games) or oogle at their coffee making contraptions.

This place is what a coffee shop should be!
– Coffee is amazing,
– The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable
– The enviance is intimate and homey.
So refreshing to see a non-​chain style coffee place in DC that also has great coffee.

Awesome coffee, cool shop, cool location! Small and not crowded (yet). You can have your coffee made by pour-​over, chemex, aero press, French press, cold-​brew drip, and probably another way I am forgetting. A variety of single-​origin beans to choose from, and super-​knowledgeable baristas hat can help you pair your bean choice with the optimal brewing method to bring out the best flavor.
It’s technically a room in a gallery with some cool pieces in it. They also serve scones that are pretty good.

The coffee was good, I got the only regular coffee they had, but the service was not the best. The two ladies behind the counter weren’t overly friendly and when I asked what kind of coffee they had, the lady courtly said «we just have one kind». I think they were just overwhelmed by the amount of people coming in. It is a tiny tiny space with few places to sit, also it’s important to note that there is no food served there but they do have some scones and packages brownies. I can’t speak for their espresso though but they did have a rather fancy looking machine. Despite the name and pictures on Unilocal,I was surprised that there is no science themed things in the shop, only one sort of science beaker themed item which was cool I admit. I do wish I would have tried the ice or hot chocolate they had on the menu, it looks good. Another suggestion I have for them is they need to put the sleeves and lids on the coffee before giving it to you, I was handed a very hot coffee in a paper cup, and was told the lids and sleeves were along the wall of the shop, it was not pleasant to hold hot coffee, I had to wait behind someone else for a bit until I could get a lid and a sleeve. I think putting the sleeve on before handing you the coffee would work best. This shop is conveniently located in Adams Morgan though so it’s worth trying.

Though I am by no means a coffee expert, I do appreciate a good cup of coffee. Sweet Science will definitely give you that, and more! Sandra, the owner, is extremely friendly and is more than willing to explain to you what she’s doing and why. Make sure you ask for a recommendation, and get a cookie!

I live around the corner from this place and it’s the perfect neighborhood coffee shop.

#yeahscience!
Talk about quality coffee. Sweet Science specializes in, well, the sweet science of coffee. The first thing you’ll see is the tall cold brew pipes that sits in the far wall. What’s a cold brew, you might ask? It’s a process that allows the coffee to be brewed in cold, filtered water while avoiding stripping the acidic flavor that can only be broken down in hot water. So what you’re left with is this refined, clean coffee flavor. I know this because the owner explained the entire process!
You can get bottles of the cold brew for about $ 7 per small bottle (they’re about 12oz). Otherwise, you can enjoy all the delicious coffee made in house.
Unfortunately I wasn’t in the mood for coffee, because I saw iced chocolate in their menu. The last time I saw «iced chocolate» on a menu was years ago. No, it’s different than chocolate milk. It’s better. Way better. I actually really enjoyed it! The chocolate is not too sweet, and the ice didn’t water down the milk at all. I finished every single last drop. I can’t wait to taste their coffee next time.
The coffee shop itself is small, with some extra seating outside. It’s also a bit hidden, and attached to a neighboring furniture showroom. It’s a great spot to chill, definitely. They also have some puzzle games on the tables for when your conversations gets too boring.
Overall a very positive experience at sweet science coffee and I can’t wait to come back and try the rest of their menu!

This brand new coffee joint is a hidden gem for coffee lovers. They have ice cold brew coffee that takes 12 hours to make and it taste heaven! A MUST try!

Nice cozy atmosphere. But Cortado is not great. Too bitter and too much Milk. Not a quality one like I found at Baked and Wired. But they also do Syphon and Chemex so they know their stuff. Next time will do the coffee

Blinded me with coffee science. They really know their stuff. Saw the manager (?) teaching a new employee how to make my drink. It was cool to get to observe.
Décor /​furniture vibe is like a hipster scientist nest.
Though the almond late was slightly watery! Perhaps too much ice…

Great place for good coffee in Adams Morgan. A quick walk from the Washington Hilton if you are staying there. About 8 different bean options and typical pour over, chemex etc… Place to sit inside and out. The patio is nice and shaded in the AM. No wifi as they opt for human interaction… a trend I am seeing more of with these smaller coffee counters. Didn’t try the food but the scones looked delicious! I had a pour over with a nice light roasted bean from El Salvador. Enjoy!

The owner and main barista of Sweet Science Coffee goes beyond the norm: she’s a downright coffee educator! She clearly knows a ton, a ton about coffee, and it shows in the result, which has been delicious on each of my 4 times there.

Sandra matches specialty coffees to the brewing method she thinks brings out its flavor profile best.
I went with the opposite approach because I really wanted to see the syphon brewing method in person! She used an Ethiopean Harrar roasted by Commonwealth (based in Denver) which had a wonderful earthy complexity, citrus and floral overtones and a long finish. It went very well with a savory biscuit that was freshly heated up for me.
There is no wifi which is intended to encourage conversation amongst patrons («human contact over coffee»). This ended up happening for me and I enjoyed it!
It was a lovely space to hang out, read and work on my laptop computer.
It’s tied for first (along with the wydown) as my favorite coffee shop in DC!

Admittedly, I don’t know a whole lot about coffee but I got the regular iced cold brew and it was delightfully smooth. The owner was friendly, had an interesting backstory, and the space was cozy and had the fascinating cold brew drip towers.
I would love to bring my coffee fan friends back and get their (more expert) opinion.

I couldn’t have said it any better than Gilbert M. but wanted to add my 2cents that there is now outdoor patio seating as well!

Come here and expect: Unfathomable options to have coffee hot/​cold; small space for comfort and work, small patio, loads of expertise in coffee culture
What I got from it: This one offers what you will not get anywhere else. Sandra, the owner, has decided to take up the challenge to own many different machines to brew coffee so that she could really be a coffee scientist.
It’s all very serious. She doesn’t stick to one brand. She offers at least 3 different companies. She uses a brew method that would most likely compliment the bean. And she happily offers some locally made pastries on the side.
I’m just floored at what she does. I really want this small shop to go places. Even Zeke’s coffee lab doesn’t offer the number of options that she does. They experiment with different beans and roasts only. She experiments with beans and method of brew. Guess how many methods of brewing I have tried after visiting at least 10 different coffee shops in DC? 3. She offers 6 methods. Purely awesomeness to be had.
It’s a cozy place, so you will definitely feel compelled to at least say hello to fellow coffee patrons, and if you don’t…well, you’d be missing out on others who also decided to be adventurous and take a peak inside…

B: Enter through the gift shop for a treat.
A: Great choice of brewing methods with well selected beans.

Sweet Science has quickly become my favorite coffee shop. Amazing coffee and great outdoor seating. Super knowledgeable and friendly barista.
The ice coffee is a work of art…
Cold brew coffee +
Single origin cold brewed ice cube sticks +
Espresso pillows =
Best iced coffee concoction I’ve ever had

We visited this cute coffee «boutique» for the first time this morning and enjoyed the delicious cold brew coffee. The front door was a little tough to find as the shop is colocated in the Skynear shop (hint: enter door at top of stairs under the metal cat tail), but once you find it, you’re welcomed into a delightful space. Definitely a great addition to neighborhood and one we plan to visit again.

I’d never heard of this tiny coffee shop but pleased to find it right off of 18^th street while I was walking through Adams Morgan.
Bright, adorable and good selection of independent coffee. Exactly what DC needs more of. Was especially a fan of the refreshing ice coffee.