When a retail space opened up just a few doors down from Carolyn and Massimo Papetti’s restaurant, I’m Eddie Cano on Connecticut Ave. NW, it was not set up to host a sit down restaurant or cafe. Narrow and without a back exit or space for a full kitchen, the former dry cleaner would not appeal to many for a coffee shop. But when the Papettis laid eyes on it, they saw a standing-room-only espresso bar and cafe, just like those that dot the streets of Rome.
“It’s an integral part of the culture,” Carolyn Papetti added. “It’s where people gather to socialize on a regular basis.”
The Papettis know a thing or two about bringing authentic Italian culture to Washington. Since opening casual Italian restaurant I’m Eddie Cano in 2018, the hospitality couple have received praise from Eater and and The Washington Post as a dining destination and neighborhood favorite. They hope to continue bringing their friends and neighbors together for all-day socialization over classically prepared Italian fare at Italian Bar.
True to its Roman roots, Italian Bar is a stand-up espresso bar and gelato counter. There is plenty of patio seating, but if you want to do as the Romans do, head to the long wooden bar that stretches around the baristas and espresso machines and take your drink in piedi, and stay awhile for a break.
“Most Romans probably drink at least six espressos a day,” Papetti explains. “The excuse to get out of the office is ‘let’s go get a coffee.’ You’ve almost taken a mental health break, then you’re back to work.”
Italian Bar offers a variety of espresso drinks, including the cappuccino and the shakerato — a shot of espresso shaken with sugar and ice that is a popular summer drink in Italian coffee bars. They want to keep their drinks as traditional as possible, so you won’t find flavored iced lattes or a list of alternative milks on their menu. Papetti isn’t sure that they will ever stray too far from the authentic Roman espresso bar experience, as they aim to break away from the trends and bring a little slice of Italy to Washington.
“There is a sadness about entirely losing something unique and special like Italian coffee and Italian gelato,” Papetti notes. “I think it speaks on its own.”
A colorful case of gelato, with flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and stracciatella, sits right inside the front windows of Italian Bar. All the gelato is made fresh in the shop, and visitors can take a peek at the process through a small window looking into the gelato production room in the back of the bar. Papetti takes her gelato making process very seriously, and is preparing to attend a gelato-making seminar in Miami to solidify her skills.
“We’re focusing on the gelato, we’re focusing on the Italian coffee, and we’re focusing on getting good people in here to work,” Papetti adds.
The pastry case sitting at the end of the bar is filled with pastry, pizza, and tramezzini (Italian finger sandwiches) for those looking to enjoy a bite to eat with their espresso. You might go for a giant Italian doughnut called ciambella, a finger sandwich of salmon or prosciutto, a caprese paninis, or a croissants.
Also, no traditional Italian bar would be complete without a selection of alcoholic refreshments, and the Papettis are starting with a small but mighty selection. There are two draft cocktail options including an Aperol Spritz and a Negroni Sbagliato (a negroni using sparkling wine instead of gin), as well as Italian beers and wines on draft and a selection of amari, a bitter Italian spirit. As they continue to work through the opening months, they hope to add offerings such as granita — an icy frozen treat — and frappes from to the cafe.
Papetti is excited that Italian Bar is not only fitting seamlessly into the Chevy Chase neighborhood, but is also attracting Italians and other Europeans living in Washington. Papetti added that many Spanish and Portuguese visitors, whose home countries have similar coffee traditions, have also been coming in.
“I would say on any given day that there’s someone in here speaking Italian,” Papetti comments.
Italian Bar is located at 5008 Connecticut Ave NW #B, Washington, D.C. 20008. Open Sunday – Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
