Photo by Ellen Lam.
By DCist Contributor Travis Mitchell
Drink of the Week: Nitro coffee
Where: Dolcezza, Compass Coffee, Swings Coffee Roasters
It can be a challenge to feed a coffee addiction while battling D.C’s brutal August weather. Iced coffee will always be a solid alternative. One of the newest crazes, however, is cold-brewed coffee, especially when it’s served through a nitro tap.
Infusing the coffee with nitrogen gives it a smooth, creamy and lightly carbonated body. It’s akin to drinking a nicely poured stout beer, and there’s even the familiar roasted and bitter flavor notes.
Nitro coffee is a relatively new idea, and it’s available at a few spots in D.C. Compass Coffee (1535 7th Street NW) in Shaw is a good bet, and you can feel good about support the shop, which is owned by former U.S. Marines. Nitro Coffee is also served at locations of Dolcezza, including at CityCenter (904 Palmer Alley NW) for $5.50 per cup. Or head to Alexandria and look for it at Swings Coffee Roasters (501 E Monroe Avenue).
The supply of nitro coffee will likely grow as the concept gains footing, so keep an eye on your favorite coffee shop—it may be there soon enough. And with the fall school semester just around the corner, you’ll want to get hands on it before hoards of caffeine-deprived students descend upon the District.
Small bites:
D.C. Donuts arrive in Falls Church
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken (7511 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church, Va.) has opened its second location—and first in Virginia—in the Idylwood Plaza in Falls Church. The new restaurant will have an expanded menu, including egg sandwiches and sides like bacon and tater tots. It will be open 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.
Falls Church beer arrives in D.C.
After nearly two years of construction, the Mad Fox Taproom (2218 Wisconsin Avenue NW) is finally operational. The Glover Park location features two bars, each with 16 taps that will feature 10-12 Mad Fox beers. There are also three cask handles. The menu includes some favorite items from the brewery’s Falls Church restaurant, such as burgers, wings and frickles.
Wine at the Finish Line
The Chardonnay Run is coming to National Harbor on August 30. The casual 5k run includes a post-race reception with wine, food and live music. Tickets are currently $60 and $36 for spectators, and prices will continue to go up as the date gets closer. Entry includes a cheese plate, glass of wine, and other goods.
A “hidden” bar turns two
The underground 2 Birds 1 Stone cocktail bar (1800 14th Street NW), located beneath Doi Moi, is celebrating its 2nd birthday on Monday, Aug. 24. Drink specials will run from 7 p.m. and will include $6 dark and stormys, $5 glasses of punch, and $6 pina coladas.
