Cult Coffee Shop Sweet Science Is Opening a Standalone NoMa Location

Three years and two shared Northwest spaces later, coffee shop Sweet Science is branching out and opening its first standalone store inside NoMa’s incoming apartment building, the Belgard (33 N Street NE).

Sweet Science, crowned “the best coffee shop in Washington” by Washington Post food critic Tim Carman last year, was most recently housed under Afghan restaurant Lapis in Adams Morgan.

Founder and barista Sandra Wolter has since teamed up with two seasoned hospitality professionals to reboot the brand: Jad Bouchebel, co-owner of Provision No. 14 and Wilson Hardware, and Virginia retail developer Ricardo Iglesias, who has ties to coffee-producing country El Salvador.

“They understand small business, specialty coffee, and are on board with my vision for Sweet Science. Otherwise, teaming up would not have made sense for any of us,” says Wolter.

Despite the neighborhood’s recent surge in development and housing, NoMa’s java options are currently limited to big chains like Starbucks and Peet’s near N Street NE. Along with its staple multi-roaster brewbar and pastries, Sweet Science will also bring booze to the table; Wolter says the new cafe also plans to serve craft beer and wine.