Italian Bar

Went here for some coffee. They are serving Lavazzo coffee which is one of the good Italian coffees if you care how your coffee tastes. It’s very Italian in every way, you go order a coffee at the counter, drink it over the bar standing & leave. However, they do have a few chairs to sit and enjoy a aperol spritz or a cocktail. If the weather is nice, you could even take it outside. Apart from coffee we ordered an eggplant panini which was grilled nicely but lacked any taste or flavor & was pretty bland. Although I was told whoever was running the shop that day didn’t own the place and were really trying to figure things out, so I’d give them the benefit of the doubt. Overall, little cute Italian bar to grab a quick coffee and have some aperol spritz with friends.

Best coffee you'll get in DC. I'm not exaggerating when I say it might be the only good cappuccino you can get in DC. The baked goods are delicious and authentic. The staff is lovely and kind.

Update: with unscientific precision, and with limited peer review, I designate Italian Bar as having the best espresso in Washington DC. I am unashamed to admit how much money I've spent here on espresso. Absolutely worth the visit. old: Best espresso and machiatto you can get. A wonderful stop to enjoy some coffee on the weekend.

We had a wonderful conversation with the owner, who was working behind the counter. They were nice enough to make me a mocktail for dry January. I will go back for a real cocktail soon!

The gelato was divine! Never been to an “Italian bar” so I was a little confused about the names but the staff was super friendly and helpful. The salmon sandwich was a tasty snack.

I actually like this place but want to point something out that’s a little odd. The affogato includes 1 small gelato with 1 shot of espresso and is $11.99. But if you order a small gelato and a single espresso the price adds up to $10. This seems a little silly, but perhaps the employee that I asked about this didn’t give me the correct information.

A hidden gem🤩 & a special place that I will definitely become my go-to in the neighborhood! Fabulous customer service and great variety of offerings 😻small, cozy and little piece Italy in DC🫶🏼🇮🇹

nice small intimate space! service could be better as i visited here twice + the 2 different staff women does not greet nor smile upon entering. no thank you either i purchased a 8oz tea that was $4.95!! a generic tea bag at that, absurd + not worth going back for me

Italian Bar served me the very best macchiato & very best cannoli I've ever had. And I've had a lot of both over the last 30 years. Truly. This was a delightful stop on an otherwise horrendous day. Makes me wish i wasn't just visiting DC but could go every day.

Oh my. This really hits the spot if you're looking for an authentic Italian coffee and bakery experience. I came around 9 am and they had freshly baked cornetto (croissants) out of the oven, and with three types to choose from - one stuffed with chocolate, one with pistachio, and one plain. And let me tell you - these were by far the best cornetto I've had in my life, and definitely in DC, even if they might not be presentation-worthy (they're skinny and were given to me in a bag, a little mushed because they were maleable since they were still warm). The cornetto with pistachio filling was exquisite in every sense of the word - and worthy of the purchase. I'd come back for that again and again. The cappuccino using Lavazza beans were good and prepared in typical Italian fashion - no fancy latte art for me this time. They were reasonably priced and European-sized portions (aka small). I also had panettone which really is a better deal to buy whole since it's $6 a slice. And a whole one comes at less than $40 which is a good deal for a high-end pannetone. They had different flavors to choose from and for the whole coffee experience, I probably would suggest to focus on trying something they bake in-house rather than trying something imported like the pannetone (do feel free to get the pannetone to eat at home though, haha). Limited stool seating only, with outside tables and chairs. Worthy find. I'd be in trouble if this was much closer to me in DC.

Great coffee and croissants, big positive for the neighborhood. Only been a few times, I keep forgetting to stop in. But I will be back soon. Thanks to the owners fur establishing an old-fashioned, elegant European style cafe.

Felt like being back in Rome! Very small seats and tables but you don't mind at all. Fabulous, fabulous coffee. I'll bet the gelato is as well, although we didn't try it. One of the owners was behind the bar and she was delightful. If you yearn (as I do) for genuine Italian style coffee, don't miss it.

Real deal espresso at a stand up bar. What more can you ask for? Will add more as I visit... again and again.

I am absolutely thrilled that this place opened! It's an unusual space and they took it and tried something new for the area. Also, I liked that they did a twist on tradition and fit stools. They also have a nice little seating area outside. The thing I go back for consistently is the gelato. Honestly, forget all of the other gelato places in DC, this is the one that reminds me of Rome the most. Now if only it were Roman prices, lol! Don't worry though, with US prices comes US portion size. ;) The cappuccinos and macchiatos I've had are always delicious. PSA for my fellow night owls: the menu says "mi raccommando, drink before noon!" under cappuccinos as a nod to Italian standards -- I'm not sure if it's meant cheekily or if there's a hint of seriousness to that plea, but either way... I'm never out in the neighborhood in the morning, and cappuccinos are my favorite, so I've ordered them later. I just hope I never get scolded. Mi dispiace! Their pastry selection is smaller but nicely presented. I can't remember if they label their pastries with names and prices, but some names and prices are on the menu. The cornetto I tried for the first time was tasty. it was compared to a croissant but I find them quite different -- moist rather than flaky. I want to try more. There is a 20% tip automatically included in each bill and they only take card. Not an issue for me, just noting it. Overall I want to get out more in 2024 and that includes going to Italian Bar more!!

Great gelato. My friend and I split the cherry mania (cherry ice cream with chocolate bits; AMAZING!), double chocolate (great), and gianduja (good but not as good as the other two flavors). Great service. I hear coffee here is fantastic, so I'll have to come back here for coffee.

This is a petite café (despite the name). They have a strong sense of identity of NOT being a Starbucksy spot, i.e. not offering those giant coffees (I overhead the manager proudly stating that to another customer) and not being the kind of place where people hang out to work with their laptops...this one was told to me :) but not in a bad way, I actually appreciated the manager's clarity about how she sees that Italian rolls. The tables are super-tiny, so that itself should dissuade dwellers thinking about camping out with their work devices. All in all, a very cute and feisty little coffee shop, and I may well return some day (that time replacing my computer for a friend :-D

A one of a kind Italian experience. Inside you stand at the bar just like in Italy. They are serving top notch espresso on top of foccacia sandwiches and an assortment of Italian cocktails, e.g aperol spritz, negroni, etc. They have a nice patio as well if you want to sit for awhile. In addition to the inside experience, there is a gelato window with some of freshest, most delicious gelato you have ever had. A spritz with cherry gelato under the sun is an absolute must this summer.

We decided to take a walk to try the recently opened Italian Bar's gelato since the weather was perfect for it. We were so pleased at the selection of flavors (about 12?) and the portion size. When we took our first bite, we were HOOKED. We tried four flavors between the two of us, and were impressed with every one. The dark chocolate, strawberry, wild berry, and coconut were all amazing and we cannot wait to return to try more flavors! We also plan on stopping by to try the coffee and grab a drink at the cute bar inside. Put this one on your must try list!

Food great! Ambiance excellent! Service condescending bordering on rude. I won't go back and they don't take cash which is very annoying when I'm stopping in during a walk with a $20 in my pocket and no credit card! When I asked the worker behind the counter if they accept cash He said, and I quote, "I don't work for tips!" Clearly, he did not! It's really a shame because customer service is everything!

This cute Italian cafe and bar is beautifully designed. The coffee is perfect, and the branding down to the cups fits the image they're trying to portray. The service is top notch. Can't say enough good things.

Cute little stop for a quick coffee if you're in the area. Don't come here if you're looking for a Starbucks frou frou 100 grams of sugar drink. The coffee/espresso is simple - mimics the vibe in Italy. They do have alternative milk options. I got a simple latte with oat milk and added my own sugar after a walk in rock creek park. It was a nice stop for a quick caffeine boost and if you want a light bite with their pastries. I loved the wine selection and small "convenience store" vibes inside.

Two drinks for $35? Nope never again! An automatic 20% tip which is fine but we left feeling ripped off.

Ordered the salami panini and affogato! The espresso was great, panini bread was very good, and service was nice. The interior is beautiful and pleasing, but no seats inside. Seems like a great place to stop and have a drink as well on a nice evening.

Food and drinks (sandwiches, pizza, gelato, sorbetto, cappuccino, sgorrpino) are 10/10! Very authentic and reminds us just of our time living in Italy. We can't wait to go back!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Only one thing to say about this place: it is the most authentic Italian-style espresso bar that I've seen in the area. Standing room only, neighborhood vibes, tasty drinks, etc.

I went in the evening and there was only one person working. This didn't seem adequate as making cocktails and coffee drinks takes time! I ordered a hot chocolate. The receipt from square said "Our American Chocolate is made from homemade chocolate syrup combined with steaming hot milk topped with whipped cream" - but I saw the barista pour directly from a Hershey's syrup bottle. It was fine, but I can make this at home.

me and my sister went to this place on our way to work in the morning. the barista was so personable, she had a conversation with us while making coffee which elevated the whole experience. the place itself is clean and beautiful!!! i got an americano and a latte and both were super good :) oh and the chocolate croissant was amazing!! wish we found this place earlier

Good cold brew, okay croissant. Cool atmosphere, but definitely more of a bar than a coffee shop.

Love this place! The concept is genius - it is modeled after bars in Italy and has a simple menu focused on coffee, cocktails and gelato. I stopped in this past weekend and had the chance to chat with the owner - she is passionate about the community and is very hands on. I had the best Aperol spritz and sat outdoors on their patio. I hope to become a regular - this place is a gem!

stopped by for gelatos and drinks; both were great and refreshing. Sat outside, it had a little nice vibe to it. Person at the counter recommended a nice drink. Just moved to the area and he gave great recommendations. Very friendly place.

Really cool atmosphere, delicious cappuccino and chocolate croissant. Friendly staff.

I was so excited to see an Italian gelato and coffee bar in DC. Gelato was deliciously authentic and satisfied my perpetual craving for it. The shop itself is very clean and elegant. The coffee menu intriguing. Have not tried the coffee yet but will be back!