Politics & Prose

10/5/2016

My favorite bookstore in DC. Plus they have a cafe downstairs.

They have great book clubs and it's always clean.

Plus they have the most amazing cards for any occasion!

10/25/2016

• 1 check-in

• Listed in Tea & Coffee, Sweet Tooth

I was cat sitting in the neighborhood, and searched Yelp for any low key coffee house genre places. This place popped up on my radar, and it sounded familiar. I was told I needed to try their pie fries, so off we went.

It sounds familiar because it's related to Busboys and Poets. I practically lived at Busboys during one of my semesters of grad school, so it clicked. The bookstore is upstairs, and downstairs you'll find the cafe. It's a small space, so on weekends they disable the wifi and encourage people to share tables.

I had the butternut squash soup, a green tea latte, and of course, the pie fries. All of it was delicious. The pie fries come with two types of dipping sauce; the key is to have both on the same fry.

I love the little knick knacks available near the register. I bought a hilarious crazy cat lady coloring book :)

• 

  Latte, matcha latte, pumpkin chilli with butternut squash, pie fries.

  Latte, matcha latte, pumpkin chilli with butternut squash, pie fries.

9/24/2016

• 1 check-in

Pros:
- Books!
- Huge space
- Books :)
- Excellent book selection
- Books!!
- Calendar of special events
- Booksies!!!!! :D

And that's all folks. Just pros.

Politics & Prose is 100% dedicated to books. It's a large space and many of the books that I've been looking for could be found here. They also have special events which include presentations, workshops, and book signings which you can see on the calendar posted up front. Everything is clean, organized, and well-updated.

I'm a super fan of my kindle, but I sometimes miss the feel of a real book in my hand where you can doggy tab the pages and get your book signed by the author. Which actually is another plus because you can buy signed books here. Ooo and magazines. I mean really they just have a lot of good stuff here...

So! Avid book readers, come here! It's a great spot for book purchases. It's kind of annoying to get to because it's not metro accessible and there isn't much around, but once you're in--- the books will take you to another world.

8/14/2016

Today I was fortunate to waltz into this place in search of a tasty sandwich. Downstairs is the café and eatery. Patrons were minding their own business on their laptops enjoying a sip of coffee and such, or talking amongst themselves.

At the bar stood Alyssa the barista. Not familiar with their menu as this would be the first time that I ever eat here, I asked her if they serve sandwiches. Yes! She exclaimed, directing me to their sandwich menu. Telling her that I was very hungry, I asked what she recommended. Her response couldn't have been more perfect: either the egg salad sandwich or the Mediterranean tuna. I selected "B" and was so glad I did. It was not your typical mayonnaise-y tuna salad, but instead a lemon based mixture with tomatoes, basil and olives.

In addition to this, I was in my daily afternoon coffee mood so I ordered an iced mocha, and Alyssa made it with great success, and excellence! It was semi-sweet just how I like it, with the perfect balance of chocolate, espresso shots, breve (I custom-ordered it this way) and of course ice. This auspicious meal together with a chocolate coconut bar and a box of water gave me the necessary boost to power through my last job of the day.

Thank you Alyssa!

• 

  My iced mocha

  My iced mocha
• 

  My Mediterranean tuna salad sandwich

  My Mediterranean tuna salad sandwich
• 

  The menu

  The menu
• See all photos from Ven S. for Politics & Prose

11/5/2016

No wi-fi on weekends anymore. Minor tangent because I'm mad, is there anywhere in this entire city a person can go to drink coffee and get work done? I know it's bad business to attract customers like me, but I'd really like somewhere to go outside of banker's hours!

6/7/2016

• 1 check-in

A DC-area gem! This bookstore has lots of unique and interesting events and groups related to the literary world. I love all the little nooks, where you're bound to find something interesting to read or think about. They also have some great cards and related items, like tote bags and paper products.

Definitely check out the new Den in the lower level. They now serve wine and some delicious local beers.

10/30/2016

About the Den. The coffee shop.
Absolutely no wifi on the weekend. However, they dont tell you until after you spend 15 dollars, and they've made your food. Rude staff. Food only ok. Previous coffee shop was sooo much better.

10/30/2016 Updated review

They have a very creative menu delicious but staff unwelcoming to customers need to improve customer service. And also hard to get a really hot coffee and bakery products. Even though I asked to heat up.

9/20/2016

I reviewed P&P about a year ago and figured I would revisit now that The Den is open. This is a truly fantastic bookstore, and worth a trip out to Chevy Chase area -- (Travel tip: Take the red line to Van Ness and then hop on an L2 bus to the Nebraska Ave stop).

PROS
 - LOVE their author talks. On more than one occasion I have stumbled into an author talk and fallen in love with someone I had never heard of before
 - Their coffee shop, The Den, has a laptop bar with tons of outlets so you can easily grab a seat and work away (my favorite part is that the laptop bar overlooks the parking lot and wooded area, so you don't have to worry about sidewalk traffic distracting you!)
 - The Den has vegan and vegetarian options, plus beer! The Den also offers take away drinks & food which is great if you're just stopping by. The food comes out very quick so you don't have to wait forever.
 - Always a wide selection of books that you didn't know you needed -- they will also order for you if they don't have a book in stock!
 - I love that I can pick up notebooks, an espresso, and my favorite book all in one spot
 - The have parking behind the bookstore (entrance on Nebraska Ave) but it fills up quick so I would take public if you can

CONS
 - None. I'm in love.

9/20/2016

Disclaimer: I have a long personal history with Politics & Prose. I've been going there since I was a kid, and the good times I had there might influence my opinion.

Looking for a book? Chic cafe? Want to feel intellectual and trendy as you read at a table in the cool basement cafe while espressos and creative sandwiches and salads are made steps away from the great selection of books?!

Go to Politics & Prose.

Pros of the Prose:
- Well organized book selection
- Friendly non-invasive staff (9/10 I'm just browsing thanks very much other random bookstore)
- Great food and drink in "the Den"
- Just an all around cool atmosphere
- Events! Like Alton Brown, Alan Cummings!

Cons...:
- Not the most extensive selection. Book lovers for the sake of books will love it. Some book genres are just not at P&P

10/29/2016

They don't carry the financial times newspaper. Quite a shortcoming for a serious bookstore.

5/21/2016

This is about the Den, the coffee shop downstairs. I want to say that the food and coffee is amazing, this is about the physical space itself. Following other's reviews I wanted to give my feedback as a laptop user who used to frequent the bookstore's cafe. I feel bad leaving this review because I love this place, but there are some serious issues with the new set up.

Before the renovation I used to come to Politics and Prose because it is the only coffee shop within walking distance. I'm a full time graduate student and a part time research assistant, literally everything I do for school and work involves Microsoft Word and the internet. I used to go twice, maybe more a week. I would always order something to drink, occasionally order something to eat, and would work for a few hours. I would spend about $5-$15 each visit. I would also buy a book every once and while on my way out. All fall I used this space to fend off cabin fever while I studied and worked remotely. I was far more productive there than at home.

After the renovation laptop usage has been restricted to a very narrow bar in the back. On the one hand I can totally understand why laptop users taking over tables can be frustrating for the other patrons. The space is used by lots of people for various reasons, I can see why they would be annoyed that they cannot find a table during peak hours. On the other hand, my business is just as valid as theirs.

The issue is, the laptop bar has only 8 seats and is so narrow that a large laptop can barely fit. Try adding a coffee mug or a book to the mix and you can see why people often take more than one space. The seats are bar stools, this not only means that the lack of back support is uncomfortable, but that people have no place to put their coat or bag. Some people decide to put their stuff on the seat next to them, which is rude and makes it even harder to find a spot.

I cannot comfortably sit there and work while enjoying the amazing new food they are now serving. I'm always worried that my coffee mug is going to be knocked off the table by the person next to me. This set up means that the laptop users are all squished together.

Laptops being restricted to the back means that other patrons feel the need to enforce the rules, which only creates tension. Earlier today I tried to come in and work, looking to have a nice coffee and knock out a paper for school. There was no room at the laptop bar. I took an open seat at the center table, when I pulled out my laptop I was sternly told off by another customer that I was supposed to go to the laptop bar. I pointed out that the bar had no room, I want to follow the rules but I couldn't at the moment. I told her I would move as soon as there was a space. There were several people who were sitting by themselves at the small tables, working on their laptops. I at least stuck to the island, leaving tables free for others. Was I supposed to just leave? I don't think the Den would want me to just go, they wouldn't get my business then!

This isn't the first time I've had another customer feel the need to scold me. I can appreciate the fact that I am not sitting where I'm supposed to but I don't have any other option. This new set up has encouraged tension between those who use this space socially, and those who would like to use it as a work space. What's strange is that I have never had the staff tell me to move.

This coffee/book shop and the Little Red Fox next door were part of why I moved to this neighborhood. I love the community feel these small local businesses give this area. While I can appreciate where the other patrons are coming from, my business is no less valid than those who want to sit and chat with friends and family.

Ironically, the expansion has made it harder to find a space because it brings more people in and the expanded menu encourages people to linger far longer than before. I was shocked that it was absolutely packed at 3pm on a rainy Saturday.

I'm very sad but I can no longer come to the cafe to work. It's utterly uncomfortable and I feel unwelcome, not only by the set up but by how the other patrons act towards me because of the new rules.

What's sad is I think the laptop bar would be better suited for people who come in alone and want a seat for 15-20 minutes to enjoy their coffee or meal.

The Den is going to have to decide what they want to be. Do they want to be a restaurant? Do they want to be a traditional cafe with no laptops allowed? Or do they want to be a cyber cafe? Do they want people to linger? Do they want to turn people over quickly?

10/27/2016

Came to pick up some books and surprise; I had a Quinoa moment at Politics and Prose. I  never liked Quinoa or the current Quinoa craze but hay, the Quinoa bowl looked good at the coffee house so we ordered one each for lunch and WOW-it was damn good. The butter nut squash with cranberries and pecans plus maple dressing was a major winner. Nursed a really good cap after, then bought a couple of books. A Howard Jacobson on sale made it the perfect stop.

12/2/2015

• 1 check-in

Coffee and a good book feels like a match made in heaven. Politics and Prose is just that. Nestled within a more neighborhood area of the DC area, this cafe-bookshop combo is definitely charming and has won me over. I only wish I was back in DC already, so I could visit this place once more.

I'll be upfront and say I didn't try any of their drinks. My friend and I were still caffeinated from our coffees down the road from the Little Red Fox and didn't want to go into coffee overload. Wouldn't be a pretty sight! Haha.

Overall, this bookstore is really organized and has a great selection from stationary, books (duh) and other trinkets like posters....there's so many different things you can find here. Before leaving the area I was able to get my hands on a poster of Washington, DC with all the different neighborhoods at a really reasonable price! From what a recall it was around $7-$8? Practically a steal when you think about how much posters go for nowadays!

I think what's also really awesome about Politics & Prose is that they have a variety of events that are held there too where authors come and speak and what have you! So definitely stop by if this piques your interest and look at their event calendar to see if there's anything or anyone that would be of interest to you or your friends.

Def would come back if I ever get the chance in the future! Support you independent bookstore guys, stop by for a cup of coffee and read the book(s) you just purchased, take a step away from the hustle and bustle of the city life - chances are, more likely than not, you won't regret it! :)

12/8/2015

• 1 check-in

Thanks to Barnes & Noble and Amazon, the little neighborhood bookstore is a dying breed. After all, buying books is just a straight up monetary transaction, right? No need for any character or even a physical store anymore. Heck, in a couple years we'll all get our books delivered by drones in 30 minutes or less!

Well, Politics & Prose has some news for you. Buying books can still be a rewarding experience, and independent bookshops could have a renaissance just like vinyl. It's definitely not as big as a B&N but its wares are meticulously organized and enticingly displayed, books lined up like pets at a pound begging you to take them home. I could spend hours perusing the shelves, ogling the sumptuous cookbook covers and exciting spy thriller titles and doing math in my head about whether I could go a couple months without food or running water in order to afford to carry home my weight in paperbacks.

Where P&P really shines though is as a venue for lectures by a vast panoply of authors setting off on book tours. I've seen my favorite author, William Gibson, up close and personal there twice, which is such a treat. Listening to a journalist tell you first-hand about the experience of researching a book about Cold War spies or modern day life in Afghanistan, you really get a feel for the time and effort that went into putting those words on the page. It's always an enlightening experience, and I walk out feeling smarter every time. Can't get that delivered by drone, can you?

1/20/2016

Very cute little bookstore, with a great selection and very friendly staff. It's a sizeable space, but still pretty tight with about as many tables of books as they can fit in. This can mean moving around is a little tough, but I'll lose some mobility in favor of good books any day!

It looks like they have events in the main space almost every day. There was a reading going on while I was there on a Saturday evening, and when I looked at the calendar, it seemed like there was something scheduled every day, at least in January. So check that out if you're looking for something more interactive to do, or conversely if you'd rather browse when there's less noise, you can avoid those times.

6/25/2016

I have been to P&P for YEARS.  This time I only had time for fancy coffee which was
delicious (though the pecan cake was rather dry and tasteless).  It would be nice
if they would do something re the parking lot which is just as impossible as it's ALWAYS been. However, the atmosphere of the entire bookstore is really conducive to a good experience, i Know they have fine speakers, a great selection of books and the new management seems to have upheld the fine standards.

11/14/2015

• 1 check-in

You can't judge a book by it's cover!  From the outside, this place doesn't look very big.  Once you enter the building, there are two floors of books, shopping and visiting.  I like meeting friends for coffee or tea.

The store has lots of interesting author events.  The employees are nice and helpful.

6/12/2016

• 1 check-in

This place is super quaint and cute. The first floor is the bookstore and down the stairs you will find the cafe. The cafe is a great, quiet place to do work should you seek that environment. The cafe is amazing and has a great brunchy/lunch type menu with avocado toast, quinoa bowl and many more healthy options. There are also a bunch of vegan baked treats! This place is definitely worth a visit. The baristas are very nice and the interior provides a really elegant experience.

• 
• 
• 
• See all photos from Nicole Q. for Politics & Prose

4/10/2015

• 1 check-in

It was a cute spot and decent menu.

I skimmed through the bookshelves and it was okay. Space is tight but it's neat.

And the cafe is not very spacious but the servers seemed to be friendly enough.

• 

  Pastry!

  Pastry!