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Qualia Coffee
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
3917 Georgia Ave NW(between N Randolph St & N Shepherd St)
Washington, DC 20011
(202) 248-6423
Announcement
Qubes: Something cool just happened to espresso.
- Nearest Transit:
-
Georgia Ave Petworth Station (Green, Yellow)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 7:30 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
87 reviews for Qualia Coffee
Review Highlights
"DEFINITELY get the single cup brews."
(in 4 reviews)
"Very, very knowledgeable baristas."
(in 5 reviews)
"bagels from G'town Bagelry, the area's best bagels."
(in 8 reviews)
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87 reviews in English
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Review from Robert T.
Washington D.C., DC
1/23/2012
Definitely the best coffee in the neighborhood and surrounding areas, quite possibly the best source of beans in the entire city and region. I live close to Qualia now, but if I moved I would make an effort to get by there for beans.
I will admit that I have never spent time in the store aside from purchasing my week's supply of beans, but they have expanded the seating a lot over the past year and there are now plenty of places to camp out for a few hours. There's a decent selection of magazines and I recycle all of my magazines there when purchasing coffee.
They have a constantly rotating selection of beans from all over the world, freshly roasted and ready to be taken home. The taste descriptions are fairly accurate and very subjective, so if you are particular about your coffee take a few minutes to think about how it is described. Plus you can order whatever is in stock before committing to an entire bag. And, they normally have some of the same bean types and roasts in stock if you discover a favorite.
The price on a bag of beans has increased by about $2 over the past year. So most bags are now about $12 (some are $11) up from $10. They will grind the beans for you if you can't do it at home. But investing in a good grinder would be paying a nice service to the quality of the beans. One bag of beans from Qualia lasts me about 8 or 9 days, grinding them myself and making two double espresso-sized coffees everyday. -
Review from Kiah V.
Washington D.C., DC
2/6/2012
I strolled into this neighborhood haunt early last Saturday (2/4/12) morning with my parents and my partner. I've been looking for the IDEAL place to study for the Bar exam (no small feat, I assure you). Since Qualia is so convenient, I thought I'd check it out. When at all possible, I prefer to support smaller, independent coffee shops rather than the Starbucks monolith.
Back to my story...we strolled in, and tried to check the place out. The counter person looked at us like we were casing the joint. When I asked where the study area is, he asked if we were meeting someone there. Now, if I were meeting someone there, I'd PROBABLY have asked where the MEETING space was. I explained that I was looking for the study area so that I could study for the Bar. Still giving us a suspicion-filled once-over, he told me that the study area was upstairs and that there's a code on the door.
*blink blink*
Those were our eyes as we waited for him to give us the magical code; the key to the study splendor that is their upstairs area. Finally, after he continued to languish in silence, I asked what the code was. He told me (I won't post it here lest I violate some Commandment of Qualia).
We walked up the very rickety/old-sounding stairs, and were assaulted by the closed-in smell. Picture an old woman's cherished trousseau if, instead of lavender, she filled the trunk with mothballs and mildew. The carpeting on the floor was dated and uneven. The tables were scarred. All in all, it looked more appropriate as the setting for a low-budget horror film, where the unsuspecting girl ends up getting slaughtered as she tries to join the glutted field of law practice.
All in all, it wasn't worth the effort. If you like studying in spaces that seem destined to give you an allergic reaction or asthma attack, by all means run (don't walk) to Qualia. -
Review from Scout H.
Jersey City, NJ
1/16/2012
I used to live up the street from Qualia and think their coffee is amazing (I am a coffee aficionado). It is Fair Trade, they will do single cup pours as well. Also their pastry is really good and often unusual (parsley and fig scones anyone?). They have a little seating area downstairs and two rooms upstairs perfect for working.
Two things are keeping me from rating them higher:
1. Slow service and a little bit of hipster attitude from some servers.
2. They shut off the wifi when they fell it is too crowded. I choose where to get my coffee based in part on whether I can work there. I thought this was ridiculous though I understood it. What I didn't understand was that it appeared that they also shut off the heat (a theory confirmed by another customer) to the upstairs seating area when shutting off the wifi didn't adequately clear out their seating area.
Needless to say, next month when I am in DC I will probably skip them and head straight to Busboys and Poets. -
Review from Linda B.
Silver Spring, MD
1/29/2012
Let's be honest, I'm not cool enough for this place. I don't even know what qualia means. I'm an old uptight suburbanite sporting a muffin top over my NY&Co mom jeans in a coffee shop full of pretty young things. They may be killing me softly with revelations about a new band/tattoo/brainchild that I could care less about, but these hipsters sure know a thing or two about roasting beans because I just had the best damn latte of my life!! Exceptionally rich, intense, and non-acidic - it's like nothing I've ever had before. I know this place is best known for their single pour cups of coffee but I can't get past their masterpiece of latte.
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Review from Heba E.
Gaithersburg, MD
12/20/2011
This place probably has some of the best coffee I've ever had. And I'm a coffee snob.
Their cappuccinos are consistently delicious. Yes service is slow, but that only proves that the baristas are crafting the perfect cup of coffee for you.
They have some really tasty pastries, and their Hummus and Spinach Bagel tasted very fresh.
Worth noting, very cute front porch for those nice summer days, and every Saturday they have a bike house in their back yard, so you can sip on some delicious coffee while your bike is being fixed :) -
Review from Laura P.
Washington, DC
1/7/2012
Seriously, some of the best coffee I've had. I used to get freshly roasted coffee beans from a friend who had his own roaster, so I'm pretty picky about the freshness of the beans. Qualia roasts their own beans and puts dates on the bags, just like any respectable coffee place should. All of the whole beans that I've bought have been fantastic, as have single pour cups that I've gotten at the shop. I just wish it were a little closer to me so I could go more often!
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Review from Monique M.
Washington, DC
11/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
A true independent coffee shop? Prove it!!!
2 story house that's been converted (avoid the creepy 2nd floor).
8 seats inside, 6 more outside in the back.
1 bathroom labelled "loo."
2 hipper-than-hipster baristas.
6 or so coffees carefully selected and roasted on site.
2 Independent local magazines for sale.
1 bulletin board with clippings and announcements that instantly reminded me I'm not doing enough in my community.
The coffee here is on another level. Seriously. Go enjoy. -
Review from Brian D.
Washington, DC
11/16/2011
Qualia is -- simply put -- the best coffee I've ever had. What sets this place apart is the in-house roaster, so the coffee they sell was roasted within the last day or so.
If you are a coffee snob, check this place out. It has taken every effort to ensure the highest possible quality. -
Review from Rachel F.
Baltimore, MD
9/14/2011
I've been spending a bit of time in DC lately since the new job keeps me here during the day. But that's okay because there are lots of new coffee shops to explore.
On recommendation from a friend, I visited Qualia one Saturday morning hoping for a shot of caffeine to keep me away and cure my terrible hangover. This place had that out of the way, located in sorta a bad neighborhood-ishness, that I loved about everything Baltimore. It's nice to know that kind of thing exists in DC.
I got iced coffee and was really excited to be able to pick my own beans. They had jars displaying all their beans that you could smell with little cards describing their notes and flavors. When they grabbed the iced coffee from the fridge, I noticed they keep everything in these giant mason jars. Super antiquey and cool. I was very impressed and it made me want to go out and buy mason jars for all my things.
The coffee was good, but don't expect to get a seat. It was packed with all the urban cool kids on their lap tops and their friends. I ended up sitting out in the back yard, which ended up being awesome. Qualia lets something called "The Bike House" set up shop there to talk bikes and work on repairs with each other. People teaching people, ya know!
A solid 4 out of 5 coffee beans.Listed in: A Morning Without Coffee is…
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Review from Julie E.
Washington, DC
1/22/2012
I'm sorry to say that I will never return to this establishment.
At first I was very excited to find this place. It is cute and cozy with an unassuming exterior. I love the quail theme and the fact that they serve coffee in actual mugs instead of paper cups... But I was treated so rudely by the manager today that I don't ever want to support their business again.
I understand the need to have a policy about wireless internet --you don't want people to linger without purchasing more coffee, especially if you have limited space. Their website also clearly expresses this sentiment. However, you may want to decide on a policy and stick with it instead of alienating paying customers. After an hour of working there today, the manager came over to say that the wireless internet would be cut off in about 15 minutes because they were getting busy. Ok. Fine. Five minutes later, he returns and says that actually, anyone on a computer needed to go upstairs immediately. I would have been ok with the request except that he said it in a very rude way that simply made me feel unwelcome. When he walked away, I was confused as to whether I could just put my laptop away and stay there with a book or read twitter on my iphone or something, but I ended up leaving, afraid to be chastised again. Also -- all of this was ignorant of the fact that a couple of women had been sitting at the laptop-free table for longer than I had been there and neither one had gotten up to get another coffee that I saw. It felt like punishment just for having a laptop.
If you don't want laptops in your coffeehouse, just say so. Your business may suffer, since that's one of the main reasons people like to camp out in coffeehouses, but at least you wouldn't alienate your customers. -
Review from Stephanie H.
Washington, DC
12/17/2011
I drink coffee everyday and have been around all of the coffee shops in Columbia Heights. My good friend who lives in Petworth mentioned Qualia and how delicious it was. I thought I would try it yesterday morning as I was travelling up Georgia Ave.
I tried the ice coffee and was blown away! Something about it really ignites your taste buds. I will definitely be back! -
Review from Andrew B.
Washington, DC
9/13/2011
Best. Coffee. Ever.
I thought I had found a new pinnacle of coffee on a visit home this summer (place is no longer important), but Qualia tops it.
The best cup of coffee I have ever had. Not latte, blah blah - which I am sure they do well here. Just straight black coffee, hand poured, after you choose your bean.
The best thing I have found in my new neighborhood, and a destination for anyone who takes coffee seriously.
Thank you, Qualia Coffee. Thank you. -
Review from Erez Y.
Washington, DC
9/1/2011
This local cafe takes its drip coffee very very seriously. As the reviews attest, the results speak for themselves.
There's limited seating, but the crowd is always friendly. -
Review from Rob P.
8/23/2011 1 photo
No matter where you live in DC, Qualia makes a trip to Petworth worth your time.
This is a coffee snob's paradise. Coffee freshly roasted on-site. Baristas who know exactly what they're doing. Drinks prepared the way they're supposed to be. No corner cutting.
I have two wishes for Qualia:
1) I wish they would start selling coffee to all the local coffee shops in DC. Forget Counter Culture, Qualia is where the best stuff is at.
2) I wish they had a shop closer to downtown. This is a great addition to Petworth, but I think a lot of the city is missing out. -
Review from John H.
Washington D.C., DC
8/11/2011
Qualia Coffee serves some of the best coffee in the world. I'm not exaggerating. Let me explain, in case you don't already know.
Qualia's coffee is freshly roasted. Joel, the friendly owner and self-titled roastmonkey, spends a chunk of each day roasting fresh, green coffee beans, which he manages to import from a constantly shifting range of locales. Sometimes the supply chain is just one step removed from the farmers.
More than that, the coffee is well roasted - and lightly roasted. You can find other small-batch roasters out there, and while freshly roasted coffee is pretty much inherently delicious, I really think that Qualia has found out a winning formula. Plus, they don't burn their coffee. I do occasionally like a dark roast, but I have come to appreciate lighter roasts that don't cook out the flavor of the beans themselves.
I can't express what a tremendous difference this makes to a cup of coffee. The coffee is almost sweet, with no trace whatsoever of the kind of bitterness that so many people think is inherent in the beverage. I'm not going to pretend to name all the flavors that come out of a cup of Qualia coffee, but whatever they are, they are layered and complex and freaking awesome.
Plus, their prices are really good: You can walk away with a coffee for 2 bucks after tax, and 12 oz of roasted-that-day beans usually runs $11.00. For comparison's sake, Filter sells 8 oz for the same price, and it's not quite as fresh.
The downside: I've become a spoiled brat when it comes to drinking coffee elsewhere. Naturally, I still do it, but it's always a little disappointing that it's not a cup of Qualia. -
Review from Trish N.
Annandale, VA
5/19/2011 1 photo
Relax and grab a coffee.
I am not much of a coffee drinker, I just wanted a place to sit and read while waiting and I have found it. If you are in the area and want a place to sit and relax, Qualia is for you.
They only accept credit cards with a minimum purchase of $6.
Cappuccino is $3 something. In the evening time, unless you want to stay up all night I suggest you bring cash. They have some food but limited. I got the veggie wrap it was decent nothing to boast about, after all this is a coffee joint so their coffee definitely made up for it! The cappuccino was crisp and delicious. Picture provided. -
Review from Kat S.
5/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
They are very serious about coffee.
Fair trade. Single Cup Brew. Very, very knowledgeable baristas.
The result is very well priced perfection in a cup.
(You can also buy straight up coffee beans which are phenomenal quality both here and at the Petworth Farmer's Market.) And they have great tea as well! Their baked goods - I like the banana bread - are decent and come from a local bakery.
On Saturdays they have a free bike clinic outback with some very friendly, bike-savvy people that can help with all your biking needs.
The place is teeny tiny with seating for maybe 8-10 skinny-jeaned morose faced hipsters. When it gets warm they open up the shop for seating alongside ever gorgeous Georgia Ave.
Simply put, a great neighborhood coffeeshop with stellar quality coffee.
And quick frugal tip: They often have a deal on LivingSocial Instant Deals!Listed in: Coffee & Tea in the District
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Review from Kevin O.
Falls Church, VA
7/14/2011
Really good coffee and friendly service.
Better coffee than Filter or Tryst
They don't open until 7:30, so if you go to work early it might not be ideal for you.
parking is a pain in the ass. -
Review from Tiffany H.
Washington, DC
3/24/2011
Long time listener, first time caller here. So... my life has improved immeasurably since moving within walking distance of Qualia in January 2011, and I mean that sincerely. Because so little about this fine establishment needs fixing, I'll start with what does: Baked goods (haven't always been bursting with freshness in my experience, but are by no means inedible...) and updated mags (tsk tsk, year-old Economists, Atlantics and New Yorkers simply will not do...). And that's about it as far as imperfections go. Your neighborhood coffee spot simply doesn't get any better than this.
A few tips for newcomers:
1) Don't be intimidated by the thankfully rare, crusty regular who might have a tendency to glare at an obvious "virgin" who walks in. In fact, I highly recommend you flop down onto the couch right next to 'em and get good and cozy. Coffee snobs are as bad as music snobs, maybe worse, and the only way to deal with these jokers is by ignoring them, or perhaps jokingly mentioning how much you LOVE Starbucks but couldn't find the new Taylor Swift CD there, and do they sell it here, by any chance?
2) No need to worry about the credit card minimum (if you plan on coming back... which you will). If the objects of your desire fall short, they're happy to charge you the minimum and give you the difference in Potomac bucks, Qualia's own currency, which you can use on your next visit.
3) Before you leave, make sure you grab a few condoms from the fishbowl by the register. Because it's just good sense.Listed in: District Heights, Petworthy
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Review from Kelly G.
Lesly S. told me about Qualia Coffee at least a year ago. My first visit was 3/11/11. O...M...G. The place is so cute and cozy. The staff and all of the patrons I encountered were super nice; super friendly. And the food/beverage offerings were top notch, hand prepared, carefully plated, and the taste reflected that.
I had: an almond polenta muffin; pita w/hummus, spinach, cucumber; a crimson chai soy latte. There is no lighter fluffier tastier muffin in this hemisphere. I'm sure of that. And the toasted pita with a wonderfully thick layer of hummus topped with a few baby spinach leaves plus a nice, fresh cucumber round was a perfect midday snack. Wash it all down with a loose-leaf rooibos tea infusion (crimson chai) plus a bit of steamed soy and boy oh boy I'm ready for the world!
They have a nice little seating area which includes a comfy shmumfy sofa plus several tall stools at a sidebar. There's also a 4-top table and some folks were having a business meeting there. If you need to get your electrons out there, there's free wifi and plenty of outlets. It got a little busy but wasn't super crowded like a slammed Starbucks. Two pings (neither are deal breakers, just pings): [1] Qualia could use a good doorman (or better trained customers) to keep the door shut on cold days; [2] Qualia has a $6.00 credit card minimum. I understand. It is a small business. It is not a slam. It is just a ping. I met it anyway.
Other than that, I'm a huge fan of Qualia Coffee. I wish there was one in my neighborhood (North Michigan Park). And everytime I'm in Petworth, I'll be back.Listed in: Hot Beverages, KG ROTD
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Review from nathan j.
Washington, DC
9/30/2011
the problem with Qualia is that the coffee is so good it will ruin any other cup you might have. best coffee in DC by a mile.
stable wifi, super-friendly staff and the bike co-op on saturday's make this place close-to-perfect.
drawbacks: the layout is not the best for those who like to work in a coffee shop environment. if you are on a laptop you have to sit facing a wall or go upstairs to a secluded and quiet room (which is no fun at all; why not just work at home?). second, for those music snobs, which is a large percentage of young people hanging out at coffee shops, the music is hit-or-miss. headphones may be necessary. for music and atmosphere, you may want to go to Big Bear. for good wifi and the best coffee: Qualia. -
Review from Sky K.
Washington, DC
3/4/2011
I tend to drop the surf shtick for things that really deserve the love. Qualia is one of those places.
This place means business when it comes to good coffee and the prices are very reasonable as well.
It's in the same league as peregrine or filter but with less coffee snob pomp and circumstance. Think coffee nerds vs. coffee hipsters.
The only thing you could really bitch about is how small their place is, as I'm sure it gets way crowded on weekends with Macbooks, Proust novels and skinny jeans. -
Review from Lina B.
Washington, DC
12/11/2011
Please, Qualia ownership team: renovate and expand the second floor to make it more welcoming. All you need is some non-dorm like furniture up there, a new paint job and good music in the background. There is not enough seating on the first floor, and your customer base on the weekends will make operating the second floor worth it. And yes, your coffee is great!
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Review from Ben B.
2/8/2011
Really awesome space! Not to mention it's a space that always smells like delicious coffee. The people who work here are really nice and know their stuff when it comes to coffee.
Also really cool is that they have spaces above the cafe for you to sit. And when it's warm, they open up the front and make it like a random garden cafe in the middle of a city block. Worth a try if you're in the area. -
Review from Katie Y.
12/31/2010
If you need a quiet place to get away from your housemates, pick up your book or a newspaper and head your little self over to Qualia's to grab a smooth cuppa Joe and go up to the second floor. It's like sitting in a stranger's dorm room common area, but with no people around. No music, no people, nothing adorning the walls... just you, a sofa or a chair pulled up to a table, and your thoughts. Ok, so maybe this isn't quite the atmosphere I would crave regularly, but when you're in the mood for it, it's divine.
Baristas are helpful and friendly, and the slow filter-dripped coffee is wonderful. The location isn't the best if you don't live near here, but it's right off the Metro, so it's a good destination if you want the whole escape-for-a-few-hours experience.Listed in: Cuppa' Joe
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Review from Adam N.
Petworth, Washington, DC
10/13/2011 12 Check-ins Here
Hands Down the best coffee in NW! You can get single brews and that is pretty sweet. I love getting a good book, some of their delicious coffee and one of their bagels with Spinach and Hummus! (Mouth starts salivating)
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Review from Grace H.
Washington, DC
10/11/2011
Qualia is in my hood, so I decided to give it a try a month after I moved in. The coffee is great, the atmosphere is relaxe. There are tea and cake... etc. What I like most is the garden at the back and the little patio at the front, and is a dog friendly establishment. I would have give it a 4 star if the staff were a little more friendly.
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Review from Lisa M.
Sacramento, CA
3/12/2011
Listen.
I am probably the worst customer in the whole world, but this place totally deals with my inane ramblings, weird drink orders, and blatant harassment, and takes it in stride. Today I went in and demanded that the striking gentleman barista invent a new and completely unique beverage for me, and he did, gladly. This drink, called "The Lisa" or "The Dirty Lisa," depending on if you know me, is the most delicately flavored and decadent warm beverage I have ever experienced. It is a lavender soy hot chocolate, with a shot of espresso, and it is perfect. Order it by name, and tip the lovely folks behind the counter liberally.
You won't regret it. -
Review from Seema G.
Arlington, VA
1/30/2011
This was a cute place that had a very neighborhood, college town feel. Definitely a lot of college students come here to study and meet up with friends.
I did enjoy the coffee and would give this place 5 stars if I were only rating on the coffee. The baristas were very knowledgeable also which was a nice change from Starbucks.
The reason I give it 3 stars is due to the following:
In terms of location, it's not somewhere I'd want to be late at night. I did drive in and found parking pretty quickly but I was definitely worried about someone breaking into my car to steal stuff.
Seating is pretty limited so beware you may not have a place to sit. Luckily the person I was meeting was a bit late so by the time they got there and we ordered other people had left and we were able to grab a seat. -
Review from Shannon M.
Washington, DC
7/11/2011
Qualia is the real deal. Joel knows his coffee, sources amazing beans and roasts them onsite. There is a rotating list of varietals. Joel helped me pick out some different coffees and I loved all of his selections. The prices are not bad compared with the other specialty coffee bars in the area, the quality of the beans and the amount you get. I need to go to Qualia on a more regular basis, but it is far for me.
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Review from Rob L.
Manhattan, NY
9/20/2011
Qualia is a really special place. They specialize in single-origin fresh roasted coffee. The beans are roasted on the premises. You can get a wide variety of espresso drinks and individually poured filter coffees. In addition, they sell their beans so you can brew your own at home. At 11-14 dollars a bag; why would anyone fool around with a Keurig or Nespresso? The staff are friendly and accommodating. I've had some of their food; and it was tasty (bagel, hummous plate, etc.).
When I leave DC this will be one of the few places I will miss. This place blows Mayorga and Quatermarine out of the water. -
Review from Les D.
Updated - 10/16/2010
Don't drink coffee, but I've heard such good things about it that I've made Qualia a destination for my coffee loving friends and family who visit the neighborhood, and it never fails to impress. Brought some friends Chicago here last weekend. They loved the coffee. A couple of small kids went with us and the barristas (?) were very nice to everyone and discussed their roasting process.
Yes, parking is tight, but there's almost always available parking on Randolph west of Georgia Ave. between the Safeway and the Wendy's. Just down the block from Qualia.
They told me they always have more than a half dozen varieties of fresh roasts in 12 oz. bags for purchase. Their thing is good, simple coffee. They don't get into the chinos, fraps, and other stuff. They also sell their coffee at the Petworth market on Friday afternoon/evenings.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/15/2010
Just down the street from the house, I've been to Qualia a few times, last Sunday the latest. Note:… Read more »
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Review from Tahira W.
Washington, DC
7/4/2011
I've been here a few times, nice neighborhood shop. Warning: this is real deal coffee, not starbucks. They are very knowledgeable and the coffee drinks are delish! It is a converted townhouse so it's pretty cozy, but I've always managed to grab a seat. Recommend try it out for a different type of coffeehouse experience.
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Review from Nina M.
Washington D.C., DC
4/18/2011
So glad I found this fantastic place in my neighborhood. The coffee is amazing and the staff is so helpful. I need to come here more often with a book or laptop, but since it's so tiny it can be hard to find a spot to sit. So far my favorite place I have discovered just a few blocks away from my place.
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Review from Ted S.
Washington D.C., DC
10/8/2010
I love the coffee and the atmosphere. The coffee is worth mentioning again, because it is really that good, so I just did.
Downstairs is a small and cozy place, where you are likely to get to know the people seated around you. Upstairs is a quiet area for working or reading.
Four stars instead of five because Petworth is sort of ground zero* for the gentrification of DC and Qualia is in sort of ground zero for the gentrification of Petworth.
*Coffee pun intended -
Review from Kevin R.
Washington, DC
5/4/2010
Not knowing anything about good coffee, I was slow to order and confused. Before me laid several small jars filled with all manner of exotic bean, each from a different corner of the known world.
"Nary a percolator in sight," I muttered to myself in disbelief. "What is this devilry?" I asked the barista.
The barista, uncharacteristically modest for his profession, smiled and explained the missing percolator. He deciphered for me the arcane scrawlings on the coffee jars. He spoke of Africa and of organic certifications. He sold me an apricot scone; it was most awesome, forsooth!
As I sat then on a fine chair in the coffeehouse parlor, I pondered how a wondersome place such as this could have existed without my knowing for almost a year.
"I must share Qualia with my kinsmen!" I bellowed aloud as I ran out the door and through the streets. -
Review from M J.
Washington, DC
10/22/2010
The unique thing about Qualia versus the majority of other places is that they roast their own beans, they do a good job of it, and they don't keep them around for very long. More than anything else, I think this is what gives Qualia's coffee the strong edge over anywhere else I've been. I always buy my beans and brew at home, and even though I blade-grind and use a cheap coffee maker, the coffee comes out delicious. I think I lose some of the distinctive flavors, but I'm not that picky.
I withhold 1 to 1.5 stars from Qualia for 2 reasons. First, they cannot handle more than a couple customers at the counter at a time. So if you were hoping to pop in and grab one to go, or pop in for a few bags, you may well be popping out 10 minutes later. It's an inconvenience when I'm in a hurry. Second, the baked goods are not always fresh. The last 2 times I was there in the early AM, I bought bagels to bring home so I could prepare them my way. Both times, the bagels were slightly stale, at least a day old. I don't know if that is Qualia's or their provider's fault, but it is what it is.
Ultimately, if you love good coffee, if you've got the time, or if you just want the best beans around to brew at home, there's no point in going anywhere else. -
Review from Sabeen A.
5/16/2010
I just looked up the history of coffee.
I did. I went to Qualia and ended up wondering where coffee was discovered and who blessedly brought it on over by boat to these wee United States.
Turns out, there's a complicated story behind the Coming of Coffee. Something about Ethiopia, the Dutch, and King Louis the Fourteenth...
There's no complexity in Qualia's coffee however. The freshest beans, ground in front of you and filtered in a simplistic way that might inspire you to look up the origins of coffee-making as well. They (gently) force you to taste the actual coffee, and not the sugar or additives which most coffee places flagrantly add in. Simply coffee.
The original coffee connoisseurs would appreciate Qualia. They are exactly what they had in mind when they hiked their beans over to the new world.Listed in: DC D-lish
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Review from Viet P.
Washington, DC
11/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
Very quaint coffee establishment with an array of coffee choices and micro-roasting on premises.
I ended up heading here due to a free coffee coupon I received, and was not disappointed. The micro-roasting is done right in the back of the store, and the operation is open and I was welcomed in to learn a little bit about the process. Not the biggest food selection, but I was able to get a delicious bagel with cream cheese and lox. What was most impressive was the various coffees you could get freshly brewed right before your eyes.
The walk there is less than desirable, but on a sunny afternoon it wasn't terrible. After speaking to the staff for a bit, I was given the impression that there isn't much general foot traffic for them to acquire business from, so hopefully some good reviews will help get people to head over and support the shop. It's well worth checking out. -
Review from Michael M.
Washington, DC
3/24/2010
This place really is as good as it gets. I'm so happy I stumbled upon it one day, and now it's the only place I go for my beans and amazing hand-poured coffee.
1) The Beans
Depending on what way the wind is blowing, you can smell them roasting the beans from blocks away. One day I was at Yes Organic at the bottom of the hill and could smell the roasting process. They occasionally rotate in new beans (with their own new flavors) -- always keeping things interesting. Plus the owner is knowledgeable and very friendly -- there to help you find the right bean for the right person.
2) The hand-pour
Pouring the boiling water through the grounds held a nylon sack suspended above your cup at just the right speed. This results in a delicious coffee that brings out the flavors within the bean like nothing I've tasted before. One listed Brandy as a flavor, and sure enough... what a undeniably unique flavor to find. Treat yourself to this when you're there.
3) The munchies
Tasty bagels, muffins, and other bites are available and brought in fresh every day.
4) The location
Two blocks from Georgia Ave/Petworth, warm and inviting inside. Very cozy. Lots of plugs, wifi.
... All of this is making me want to go there right now!
