Chinatown Coffee Company

Location: 475 H Street, NW, just outside of Chinatown

Chinatown Coffee Company opened just a few weeks ago (July 27) and is off to a nice start. Nick Cho, former owner of Murky Coffee, heads up operations while Max and Katie Brown, experienced small-business owners, serve as owners and directors.

Both baristas working behind the counter during our visit were from the former Murky shop. They were eager to please, and that they did: both my cappuccino and hubby's machiato were superb. Both were "round", fully extracted, proficiently creamy (with trademark floral design in the cream), and thankfully, completely devoid of any burned flavors. However, I would have to say that Peregrine's espresso drinks were a tad more complex. Peregrine wins the taste category by a hair.

Cappaccino = $3.09 I appreciate that the "to-go" menu is separate. Orders from the in-house menu are served in porcelain cups.

Chinatown's shop is small (while long, it's very narrow) and has just 10 or so tables. The sole window at the front of the shop allows only marginal natural light, but the back-space is well lit. Decor is refreshingly minimal and somewhat industrial: exposed brick, bare bulbs, chic / orange wall behind the counter. Free wi-fi is available. While we found the shop to be relatively quiet, it has a nice vibe: hip music at moderate volume, a few conversations ensued around us, continuous hiss of the espresso machine and grinders.

Note that there is no large sign over the door; only a small "Chinatown Coffee Company" logo has been placed on the entry door.