My go-to in the morning. Yo it's the only place in DC where I can see 9 or 10 bike cops parked and hanging out like normal people. The tins their coffee comes in when bought are fantastic. O use them to bury treasure or to refill beans or other baking supplies. The coffee is fantastic. It doesnt even need cream or sugar. Dark, light, medium, whatever. Every flavor is unique and memorable. Staff engage too. They're not pushy and will, if time permits, talk with me about the billions of pins I have on my backpack or discuss the merits of wired headphones or even brewing techniques for coffee at home The maple late with soy or almond (I forget which) is a real banger. Give them a go. Anytime in the afternoon you'll see small crowds of 3 to 4 people situated outside, even in the fall DC weather, having a good time. Its inviting and doesn't have a snobby feel. Try the vegan blueberry muffin. Its killer. 100/10 woukd recommend in any timeline

Really really positive experience on our first visit to this location. Everyone in the party enjoyed their drinks. I had a London Fog Tea Latte subbed with almond milk for a non-dairy/non-soy option and it was so creamy/delicious! Got the hibiscus iced tea for my little as it non-caffeinated and she really enjoyed it also! Baristas are super nice, knowledgeable about their drinks/products and helpful with ordering! Location is limited in seating (1 large table sans chairs inside) but there is outdoor bench seating. We comfortably enjoyed our drinks both inside and outside as it was a lovely afternoon. Came on a weekend! The location has great light/huge windows! Highly recommend. Love that coffee is roasted locally - #madeindc.

Compass claims to make coffee that tastes "really good." Nothing crazy fancy, but accessible, good coffee. Maybe that's why they have climbed up the DC coffee ladder so quickly opening multiple stores across the city each year. This location is a new concept for Compass and shows they get their target audience. Being downtown, it's the only Compass Coffee without seating. There's one longer standing table in the middle of the small store, but not a table that encourages staying to work. It's a grab and go coffee shop. It still offers really good coffee (their draft latte is excellent) and an array of any pastry you can imagine including a pecan cream cheese kolache! Next time you're in the area, stop by!

I first visited this chain's location near the McPherson Square location, and the drinks & service were great. I went to this location on a later date with others during a celebration. The only woman at the front was incredibly rude and unfriendly, not to mention that all the drinks turned out terrible, even though I ordered the same drink I got last time. When three drinks cost $20, customer service shouldn't be on-par with a Burger King at closing time. That doesn't even take into account the fact it spoiled the celebratory mood—if you want to try this chain, I highly recommend visiting one of their other locations. There's also a La Colombe & Starbucks nearby.

Compass Coffee tastes so much better than Starbucks. For coffee Lovers, ask for their different Pour Overs from around the world. The African beans have sweet and fruity notes. Meridian is a perfect medium; Shaw is rich + dark. Horizon and other African single origins are too wine-y for me; but very popular! Compass also prepares classics: Espresso, Americano, Nitro Brew, and all those sweet lattes. Their only sin is ending tips. I really enjoy giving lavish tips to those who deserve it. Compass baristas are a hard working crew. I was not asked to write this review. I am a humble connoisseur!

Loved the location! Inside the shop is super cool and it seems like the products they sell are good. My lower rating comes from the skill level of the barista. I ordered a latte and got it with a lot of foam (more like a cappuccino) and it was super hot! Burning hot. It made the taste of the espresso extra bitter. Anyways, I’m sure it was just one of those days. But since I was only visiting and stoping only once in several coffee shops, I want to be as helpful and descriptive as possible.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

A little coffee shop with plenty of space to relax, catch up with friends, or get some work done. Great relaxing environment. staff were very friendly, they were happy to explain a few things to me about their roasts. Got a medium cappuccino from them, it tasted great. Rarely can I drink coffee without adding sugar or honey. It didn't taste burnt or stale like the way most places make it around the area. Their prices are very reasonable for the DMV. My only complaint is I wish they stayed open later than 7p. Very happy and will be back!

I bought a coffee drink and I came back several times because the workers are very cordial and make it worth your while to comeback!! I recommend this location highly, but there is no dine in seats for you to sit at,but It's still a very nice place to visit
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid street parking
Parking
Very busy street and the parking is lucky if you get a meter

After placing an order, I was asked to exit the restaurant with my portable scooter as “scooters are not allowed.” This really rubbed me the wrong way. I felt targeted. I have entered the facility on numerous occasions with my scooter and nothing has ever been said to me. If this is the rule, then ENFORCE IT so that others will know. Also, you should post this on the door so that I would have known before entering. There are many other coffee shops near by that will now earn my morning business.

This Compass location is quite certainly the best coffee shop in an increasingly saturated market/area. From the reasonable pricing, excellent line of products (nitro cold brew is not to be missed!), and the top notch customer service, you can't go wrong with getting your java fix here. Even the basic bakery items and off-the-shelf products are good. So, come for the warm and welcoming faces of the staff and stay and enjoy the wonderful coffee they serve you.

Walking around in the heat- wanted 2 waters in to go cups (like Starbucks does) and were going to buy a bottled kombucha so we weren’t just getting free water and walking out. She said no we had to buy bottled water and added them without our approval. Then as we were leaving with the water she forced us to pay for and a kombucha we didn’t really want she showed us a free water fountain with complimentary cups at the end. What the f*ck?

The baristas here are so nice. To our absolute horror, we knocked over a glass on our way out the door. Instead of getting annoyed, a staff member quickly reacted to make sure everyone was okay and took care of the matter without judging. Regarding the coffee, we really enjoyed the coconut cold brew and coffee cake. The mint cold brew wasn’t my kind of thing, but maybe it’s better with milk? I’d definitely come back.

Compass Coffee at this location is great, staff is friendly, attentive to order specifics. it can be very busy in the morning, but you get your coffee or breakfast quite fast. it is on a pricier end, but you get good coffee comparing to other large chain coffee shops.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Compass is one of my favorite coffee shops in Arlington. In love with their lattes and the service is amazing! It is a bit pricey but worth it for a treat every once in a while.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Croissant
Vegetarian options
Alternative milk options

I loved Compass, you can never go wrong with their coffee. This Compass is designed in and out service. There are not places to sit, but places to stand. I had a colada and a ham/cheese croissant and both were divine. I was able to stand at one of high tops and drink my coffee. If Compass can invest into hooks under the table for coats or bags that would be amazing.

Phenomenal coffee. I recommend the nitro cold brew. The almond butter latte is great. Try the new breakfast sandwiches. The country chicken sausage is my favorite.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Croissant, Nitro Cold Brew Growler, Drip Coffee

Good coffee. I would welcome a better food choice - something not sweet like f.e. bagels, sandwich...anything that I could just grab and go when I feel hungry. They only seem to have some cakes and cookies. I love that they do refills when you buy their coffee can - you can ask for refill and they will give you 2usd off plus it's more eco friendly.

I absolutely love this joint. This is where I stop every weekday morning for my Americano. The staff super efficient, keeping things moving quickly and already super friendly. Their biscotti are also a perfect complement to the coffee (I prefer the lemon poppy seed). Don't miss the sparkling water tap either. Thanks for being awesome!

Compass Coffee is incredible! They have the best coffee in the DC area hands down. You can purchase coffee, espresso, or lattes and can get a variety of beans for your at home coffee needs (they'll even grind for you in the store). Also, they are a locally veteran owned company. Visit any location, you won't be disappointed.

A little coffee shop with bright atmosphere and friendly baristas. I had a cup of cherry blossom latte but they also carry lavender latte and nitro brew, which I hope to try at a later time. Coffee tasted great and I liked it more than SB or Panera. The price is very reasonable for the quality of it so I fully recommend it.

Solid coffee shop. I was the only one there at 6 on a Saturday morning since it’s in a business district but the staff was friendly and spoke with me for a bit. Their offerings are very good and I would certainly go back if I lived in the area. There is no seating, only standing bars just in case someone needs to know.

Cute spot! The staff was so friendly and helpful! The iced oatmilk matcha latte was so good I forgot to take a picture of it! They have a few vegan snacks which was awesome! Only downside is that they don’t have seating but they were nice enough to let me use the only outlet they had for public use to charge my phone!

This is fantastic local coffee shop with a wonderful selection of teas and coffees. My chi tea latte was one of the best that I have had in a very long time. The atmosphere is bright and welcome with a large seating area. The staff and service were excellent. The individual with me, said his coffee was very good.

I come here some mornings before work and it's always super fast, friendly and affordable. My favorite drink right now is the Mint Nitro Cold Brew. It's fantastic. The atmosphere is a little small and just a place to grab and go. There are almost always a group of cops who hang out the one long table, chatting.

This shop holds the fabulous quality, service and overall feeling from the headquarter (at 7th street). It is so hard to find a good pour-over taste in downtown here, but now we have Compass! And of course, if you like espresso-based drinks, such as Latte and Cappuccino, you won't be disappointed, either.

Stopped in after a lunch date with my sister and she highly recommended this place. I got the tumeric honey latte and she got a decaf latte. There was plenty of seating and the atmosphere was very quiet and peaceful. We sat on some comfortable couches and caught up. I will definitely be coming back!

Wow, just wow. It was my first time in D.C. and got a regular black drip. I was blown away by the flavor profile of whatever bean they were using that day. Hands down, best cup of drip I've had in my life, and I've been to tons of coffee shops. Great menu design and awesome atmosphere. Bravo.

Quiet, casual and perfect for a meeting, a date or a pop in for some amazing coffee!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Coffee Cake, Croissant

Compass Coffee is comfortably sitting in the spot of best coffee in town. They have several locations around town and they are all great. This isn't really a spot to grab a coffee and chill but if you want the best coffee to grab and go, look no further than Compass.

The best coffee ever in D.C
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking
Parking
No comment

Great place. I was working in DC last week and the location on 18th was on my way to work from the hotel. Loved stopping in for a Honey Lavender Latte and Morning Glory muffin. Great coffee, friendly folks and the muffin is to die for.
Service
Take out

Had to try the cherry cold brew after getting several recommendations. Truly enjoyed it. Was expecting it to be overly sweet but it was more subtle, well balanced with the coffee. Will be back for more
Service
Take out
Price per person
$1–10

A small efficient spot with friendly knowledgeable staff and great coffee. I usually stop here on the way to my office, which is nearby, and I am usually in and out in approx 5 minutes, which is perfect for a quick stop before the work day starts! More

I was able to drink my latte sitting in front of the White House just a brief walk away. Latte was lovely, it helped make a once-in-a-lifetime experience all the better.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

Consistently good coffee in a pleasant setting. The coffee isn't exactly destination-worthy, but it's consistent and significantly better than anywhere else in the area. No seating but a crowded standing table provides some space to stand and talk.

The staff at this Compass Coffee ☕ location are all Very Friendly and Helpful! The Store Manager, Jess, goes out of her way to be friendly and helpful, including providing the email address of the store for easier ordering of ground coffee ☕ …

Hip coffee shop with a great vibe. The nitro cold brew was beautiful and delicious. The staff is very friendly. No place to sit inside the shop, but they do have two counters to stand next to. Outside there are benches where you can sit.

Light drip coffee is average at best, with no distinctive flavors, much like any coffee you'd find at a hotel. Latte was average as well. Nothing special about it. If your looking for specialty coffee and espresso drinks, go elsewhere.

Good coffee, so-so pastries. Staff don't wear masks, and one of them told me not to sing. Customers are also largely unmasked. Perhaps the owners aren't aware there's still a pandemic.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other

I love cold brew, but I wanted to also try their pumpkin spice. Barista reccomend getting the cold brew pumpkin spice but with half the syrup, and it was perfect. Creamy and not too sweet but still could taste the pumpkin spice.

Great latte. No seating, but a few standing spots for people not drinking to go. Usually quick service, slows down a bit when crouded, of course. Still and sparkling water on tap for customers as they wait. Friendly staff.

Coffee may be good but never got past the point of walking in and noticing they have not a single seat in the place. Obviously meant to grab and go. Wanted to try the coffee but certainly wasn't going to stand and do so.

I'm a little confused. Neither of the coffees I ordered came with coffee? Both of us drank sugared milk today.
Service
Take out
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 1
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

The line moves very fast. This is like an Express coffeeshop. There isn't anywhere to sit, but that's the point of this one. The only complaint is the coldbrew is VERY foamy. Very very foamy but also quite delicious.

Fun Flavors, Really Nice people at my branch.. ;) My go to cold brew spot.. ;) Receny tried the cherry blossom cold brew.. Liked it.. :)
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

One of my favorite Compass locations. Quintessential Washington coffee shop.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great coffee, but sometimes the drip coffee is inconsistently made. I like it a lot, but it's hard to pay so much for coffee and not be certain what I'm going to get. 3.5 stars, rounded up for good service

Almost empty before 9am, at which point they get super busy for a few hours. Still get served super quickly regardless. Best iced coffee around. If you've not tried nitro-cold brew, I recommend you do.

Mainstream cafeteria that gets you out of a hurry but does not really offer a unique coffee experience. Coffee quality is not the best since in some occasions they just mix it from different origins.

Skill level of a Batista you'll get at any given time varies as noted in other reviews and you drink may or may not taste all that great.
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

There are about 3 other coffee shops (including Starbucks) on the same block Compass Coffee is on. Compass coffee is the only one you need to go to. Any other place is a waste of your money.

Such Good Coffee! Staff is happy to see you
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Drip Coffee

Got charged $3 (not including tip) for just a teaspoon of espresso. Literally a teaspoon. My friends macchiato had more espresso then my espresso. Coffee itself and pastries are good tho.

My new favorite coffee shop in DC. Small shop with no place to just stay and hang out, so I just stop by on my way to the office. Good coffee and lattes. Staff is always friendly.

Currently my favorite coffee in DC. Their nitro cold brew is amazing. Caffeine for days. This location is my favorite for the generous layout, abundant window seating and outlets.

Great place for coffee when visiting or working near the White House
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I love this coffee..addicted..I go to the shop on 14th and I St NW. Buy a cup 5 days a week. Large Vanilla Latte with almond milk....soooo goood! 20x better than Starbucks.

I prefer to try coffee from some local shops other than that international coffee chain. Good coffee and suits for people who just want to grab and go (no seats here).

I’ve been travelling from the west coast to east coast and this is one of the best coffees I’ve had! Friendly staff, cool vibe. Great for a quick coffee or one to go.

Formerly one of my favorite coffee shops before they let go of 180/200 employees without any severance. Your cafes would be nothing without your incredible baristas.

Amazing atmosphere, location, and even better drinks. Customer service is stellar and it’s obvious employees are passionate about their job. So impressed.

Discovered this gem early in the morning, so grateful they're open at 5:30am. Lovely, personable, and knowledgeable staff. And the coffee is fantastic!!!!

Says they open at 7 but this place is never open before 7:30. Tried to come 3 times around 7:15 this past month, the door is unlocked but noone is there.

Great local coffee roasting company. Expanding rapidly with quality blends and good pastry selection. Not super premium but a good value and service

Quick service despite long line. Great coffee. FYI, you can hover at a counterheight table, but there is no place to sit at this location.

Love all the locations especially this one. Americano and cold brew were so good. Lattes are all delicious too and the vibe is great

Beautiful airy relaxed place Excellent coffee ! Iced Vienna coffee my favorite - a coffee smoothie topped with whipped cream!

What a good spot to hop in for a coffee. Team is hospitable and very patient for my first visit. Cappuccino was incredible.

My favorite DC coffee brand!
Service
Take out
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Quick in and out spot for one of the best coffee roasters in the region. Great cold brew, chai, and grab and go items.

*Note the closing time per the sign on their door. See photo. No place to sit in this shop. Otherwise, nice vibe. More

Delicious ginger scones + oat milk latte both highly recommended! They keep the lines moving even when busy, too.

Love their nitro cold brew. You can add flavors to it too. They also sell growlers for the cold brew. Amazing!

Camera friendly zone. We ordered Iced Latte with little sugar it was just perfect . Wide selection of coffee .

Compass Coffee has my favorite coffee beverages in DC!! Consistently delicious and the employees are fantastic

I got the mint cold brew coffee and it was perfect. Very smooth coffee, just slightly sweet. Very nice staff.

Great coffee, great staff, they know your name and greet you when you come in the door! Love them all!

Awesome coffee, wish there were locations closer to where I live. Super impressed by their iced mocha.

I finally found a good coffee place after many failed options!, good coffee even better service!

Great iced coffee, albeit pricy. $5.07 with caramel. FYI this location has NO indoor seating.

Best cup of coffee and service I have gotten in D.C. highly recommend!
Service…
More

Love this place and I love the coffee! So glad to have a location so close to the office.

Good coffee, limited, but tasty pastries. Worth the money, and way better than Starbucks.

Delicious chai and coffee, sunny, bright, clean space. What more could you ask for?

Nice staff, Big brownies, the Cafe macchiato was a little lack luster.

Delicious coffee and pastries, very friendly service

Good coffee, quit place, lovely barista.

My favorite latte and cappuccino spot.

Amazing location. Best coffee in DC.

Delicious Almond Butter Latte!