Tryst Washington DC
Coffeehouse, bar, lounge
Tryst bills itself as Washington DC's living room, and over 20 years has just gotten more settled in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. My own city living room is far smaller, and doesn't feature a barista to churn out beautifully adorned and delicious coffee concoctions, a gorgeous display of fresh-baked snacks at the ready, stacks of games, or a choice of healthy breakfast and lunch items served by cheerful humans. So Tryst it is.
On a cold morning, I feel lucky to snag a couch by the gas fire, sink in and order a coffee or tea and, if I'm feeling peckish, a waffle. I don't know the actual stats on this, but Tryst is one of the few places I know to get a gluten-free waffle that doesn't taste like pounded sand. Around me, people are communing over coffee, working on their computers, others perusing newspapers. Later in the day, try one of their creative cocktails or a glass of fizz, and the amazing Brussels sprout salad. The food manages to be creative, tasty and healthy, like I'd fix at home if I had the time and the talent.
Tryst is cozy in cold weather and fun when it's fine, with large windows opening to busy 18th Street. The perfect living room, there for whatever you need, not too fancy, or too dear. Just right.
About this spot
Explore Washington DC like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Washington DC guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Washington DC
The Salsa Room
Dance all night
There are a lot of places to dance salsa in DC, but "The Salsa Room" is one of my favorites. I like how patrons who show up are really here to dance....
By
JR
Denson
East Potomac Golf Links
In the shadow of the Mall
"East Potomac Golf Links" in DC is probably my favorite place to play golf in the whole world. The view is amazing - and it's surprisingly affordable!
By
JR
Denson
Hill Center DC
Events on Capitol Hill(ish)
"Hill Center DC" is an events facility with all kinds of activities, from wine tastings to ASL & cooking classes. It's a real under-the-radar location!
By
JR
Denson
The Bullpen
Chill outdoor hangout
"The Bullpen" in DC is a great outdoor venue to go and hang out. I like going when they have special happy hour during Nationals home baseball games...
By
JR
Denson
DC Brau
The DC beer
Dublin has Guinness. New York City has Brooklyn Brewing. And DC has "DC Brau." It isn't just a local beer. It's the local beer...
By
JR
Denson
NoVA Ultimate Frisbee
Play near the Pentagon
There's an ultimate frisbee pick-up game that's been going on for years in a park across from the Pentagon City Mall in DC. It's so friendly and laid back there!
By
JR
Denson
Port City Brewing Company
Local brew
"Port City" isn't just one of my favorite beer companies locally in Washington DC, it's one of my favorite beer companies ANYWHERE. Try their porter...
By
JR
Denson
Canal Park Ice Rink
Chill ice skating
The "Canal Park Ice Rink" in Washington DC is somewhat of a hidden gem in a quiet neighborhood but w/ plenty of nice things to do around...
By
JR
Denson
Studio Gallery
Longest running artist cooperative
"Studio Gallery" in Washington D.C. is a great place to pop into for a quick dose of inspiration. It's the longest-running artist cooperative in D.C.!
By
Katya
Barannik
Looped Yarn Works
DC's happiest yarn shop
"Looped Yarn Works" calls itself D.C.'s happiest yarn shop, and I can't argue with that. The shop is like your best friend's living room...
By
Katya
Barannik
The Phillips Collection
Modern and contemporary
"The Phillips Collection" in Washington DC praises itself as America’s first museum of modern art, which encompasses art from the 1800s to today.
By
Katya
Barannik
Heading to Washington DC?
101 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Washington DC?
✓ 101 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
