"Recently retooled Levantine restaurant Ala is close to opening a neighborhood coffee shop inside its Dupont Circle space. Starting Monday, September 13, a dedicated portion of the first floor at 1320 19th Street NW will sell pastries, teas, and coffees highlighting traditional ingredients from Turkey and neighboring Eastern Mediterranean countries. The cafe component, dubbed Ala Coffee and More, will run weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends starting at 10 a.m. For its opening day, extended hours will span from 8 a.m. until the restaurant closes. To celebrate its opening month, customers can grab a free drip coffee through the end of September." - Tierney Plumb