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After a decade of perking up tourists, concert-goers, and workers, Chinatown Coffee Co. will close for good on Saturday, October 5.
While the Wi-Fi wasn’t always consistent, the offbeat, independent cafe (475 H Street NW) brought the neighborhood an alternative to Starbucks that brewed with Chemex, siphon, pour-over, and French press equipment. Evenings inside brought out pours of absinthe.
The shop announced its closing on Twitter last night and included a flyer detailing plans for a closing party:
It has been a great 10 year run! Thanks to all of our baristas, customers, and partners who have made our shop legend, as the kids say. Closing Celebration Saturday Oct 5th at 7pm w/ musical guest, #Collider.https://t.co/4f2XKL0byXhttps://t.co/N2TtBpg7sL pic.twitter.com/6hXlv5dRT4
— Chinatown Coffee Co. (@chinatowncoffee) October 1, 2019
The 1,500-square-foot cafe sits at the foot of an award-winning building designed by renowned architect Robert Gurney. The modern, three-story structure is currently under contract, and Eater reached out to its listing broker for comment.
Chinatown Coffee sent he following statement to Popville:
“After an amazing 10 year run, we’ve decided to close our doors and move on ... We thank all of our baristas, our customers, and our friends at Intelligentsia Coffee, Hawthorne Fine Pastries, and countless others who have helped make our shop one of the best in DC since opening in July of 2008.”
When one door closes, another opens: Eater just learned Penn Quarter will welcome a new Sweetgreen this month on E Street NW.
Chinatown Coffee’s closure comes on the heels of a Starbucks death at 7th and H Streets NW. Coffee options in the area still include Compass Coffee, La Colombe, Killer E.S.P., and newly retooled pastry parlor Vivi, formerly Bakers & Baristas.
