Get Animal Crackers In Your Coffee At Tryst

by Brittany Allen · April 19, 2012

    Tryst is a hip coffeehouse, lounge, full-service restaurant, and bar, located in Adams Morgan. Tryst created the perfect recipe for the perfect "anytime" spot for anything, whether it serves as an alternate hang out away from the DC stress machine, or a cool place to gather friends for a discussion over specialty coffees that cost less than Starbucks or drinks at the bar.

    Tryst offers a comfortable space for everyone, from the contemplative artist, to the musician listening to the live-streaming Sirius Radio or XM Radio overhead, to the student tired of looking for a study carrel at their college library.

    In addition to the cool furniture that makes one feel they are in a library or tea room, there’s a complete dining area serving breakfast, lunch and dinner located toward the back of the venue.

    Besides the love-seats that beckon a few zzzzz's, Tryst offers big rectangular tables for those using the gamut of tech-gear needing a power plug in (there are power outlets everywhere).  One could spend the entire day plugging away on a computer with free Wi-Fi, and hot tunes, and beautiful art work on the walls for when your eyes need a rest from small text or a computer screen.

    Other strong qualities include a menu with a variety of sweet and savory options, the likes of which would would compel one to stay for more than just a meal. A personal favorite dish called the "The Luke," a sandwich served with apple butter, black forest ham and melted white cheddar served open-faced on baguette. Tryst offers lovely pastries and desserts, all made daily at their sister restaurant, Open City. It's also fun to eat at the bar, as one is slightly removed from the lounge and dining crowd.

    Plus, the bartender provides undivided attention, and if one is reading a book and doesn't want to be bothered, so be it! If one suddenly gets that bar-fly urge, a good company-keeping drink comes off the specialty drink menu: The Cherry Blossom-themed "Green Tea Sling Cherry Heering," with Sobieski Vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup and with green iced tea.

    Coffee and Dessert

    For a sweet tooth, try the Carrot Cake and a large Iced Mocha with whipped cream, and their coffee drinks are always accompanied by cute animal crackers!


    The staff here knows when you want something immediately or when you merely want to hang out and set up your computer. They are completely unobtrusive, and any server can take care of you whether they have your table or not.

    The dining area is always full, and in the warmer months many customers like to bask in the sun on the sidewalk outdoor seating.  Diners like to eat and have dessert, but rarely do they camp out for hours.  This, coupled with a steady group of loungers, makes up for a nice atmosphere.

    Address and Hours:

    2459 18th Street NW, 


    Washington, DC 20009

    202-232-5500

    Open daily from 6:30am until 12:00am Sun-Wed,  2:00am Thurs & 3:00am Fri-Sat

    Adams Morgan/Woodley Park Metro, or take advantage of the bike racks out front.