Welcome to Rue Cafe
Rue Cafe is a cozy haven located at 3906 14th St NW in Washington, DC, providing a delightful escape for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike. With a menu that features expertly crafted coffee, including a standout dirty chai latte, the cafe takes pride in offering flavorful, balanced drinks without overwhelming sweetness. The inviting baristas create a warm atmosphere, perfect for work or leisure after a stroll in nearby Rock Creek Park. The newly opened patio bar further enhances the experience, offering refreshing cocktails and light bites in a charming, plant-filled space. Rue Cafe truly feels like a home away from home.
Rue Cafe: Reviews & Ratings
Came here twice so far, and plan to keep returning. Their coffee is delicious! Not burnt or bitter like a lot of other places, including at well-known chains. Their syrups are tasty and they don’t make the drinks overly sweet. The baristas are always kind and welcoming. It’s a great place to stop after visiting Rock Creek Park, or to study/work on your laptop. Even on weekends, there are always seats. They have outdoor seating too.
New Patio Bar at Rue Cafe is Open! Tues-Sun 1 pm - 10 pm (hours might change) Rue Cafe has been my favorite cafe for years (they serve what might be the best dirty chai latte in the whole city), but I was hyped to see the construction on their patio and hear that they’d be serving drinks. I’m happy to report that just like the coffee, Rue’s patio bar cocktails and light bites are phenomenal!! Highly recommend the wings (perfect level of spice) The Horn Pour citrus-infused vodka cocktail. Big shout out as well to the friendly service and lovely music will be dragging friends from all over the neighborhood here over the coming weeks. P.S. They just opened so expect things like hours, drinks, and food options to change as they continue to receive host and get feedback.
Rue Cafe patio bar is a vibe , open just in time for some delicious summer sips - like The Red Sea Wave (Tequila Campari nutmeg pomegranate lemon) YUM
The new patio space is really pretty. Lots of plants and super clean. The drinks, especially the mezcal one, were great and super unique. Service was good too. Would love to see some stronger fans to beat the DC humidity and a more affordable mocktail.
Beautiful cafe! Feels like a cute little oasis with a lovely courtyard. Their baked goods and coffee are delicious and the hospitality / service is fantastic. Mar, Sylvia, and Manuel are so friendly and easy to talk to — feels like I’ve known them for years. This place feels like home
loved everything! the staff was so nice i shouldn’t have waited so long to try this cafe i tried the almond cream cake(?) (tiramisu-ish but almond flavored!) and pink cloud iced matcha latte (seasonal! pink cloud strawberry cold foam). enjoyed both at the lovely outdoor seating inside seating had several people with laptops / working. must come back to try the actual food, more pastries, coffee, etc.
This is my absolute fav DC coffeeshop. Food? Phenomenal! People? Outstanding! Vibes? Immaculate! I truly love it here and have never had a bad drink, meal/snack, or general time. Everyone should go!
One of my favorite local and non-chain coffee shops in DC! The folks at Rue run a top notch cafe that is great to chill/work/grab and go from. Plus they just opened a new cocktail bar with a wonderful outside patio that is open on the weekend and into the evenings.
Location
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3906 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011, United States Hotline:
Welcome to Rue Cafe, a charming hideaway nestled at 3906 14th St NW, Washington, DC. This delightful cafe has quickly established itself as a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional beverages that make it a must-visit destination in the neighborhood.
One of the standout features of Rue Cafe is its commitment to quality coffee. Customers rave about the perfectly brewed coffee, which is neither burnt nor bitter, setting it apart from well-known chains. As Anise Yildirim mentioned, “Their syrups are tasty, and they don’t make the drinks overly sweet.” This attention to detail ensures that every sip is enjoyable and satisfying.
In addition to its award-winning coffee, Rue Cafe recently introduced a stunning patio bar that has become the talk of the town. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 PM to 10 PM, this new addition complements the cafe’s existing offerings with a selection of creative cocktails and light bites. Desmond Miller enthusiastically highlighted the “best dirty chai latte in the whole city,” alongside the delicious wings and refreshing cocktails like The Horn Pour — a citrus-infused vodka delight. It’s a perfect spot for unwinding after a visit to Rock Creek Park or working on a laptop in a serene setting.
The ambiance at Rue Cafe is another significant draw. With beautiful outdoor seating, adorned with lush plants and a clean aesthetic, it feels like a little oasis right in the heart of DC. Customers, such as Maya Rioux and Christen, appreciate the care taken in crafting a unique space where they can enjoy summer sips and specialty drinks, like the innovative mezcal cocktail. It’s this creativity that keeps patrons coming back for more.
But beyond the food and drinks, it is the friendly and accommodating staff that truly makes Rue Cafe feel like home. As Mira Shah expressed, the warm hospitality from baristas like Mar, Sylvia, and Manuel fosters a communal environment where everyone feels welcomed. It is this personal touch that transforms an ordinary cafe visit into a memorable experience.
Whether you're stopping in for a morning caffeine fix, enjoying the new patio bar during the evenings, or simply seeking a cozy place to relax, Rue Cafe is a gem you won’t want to miss. Come and discover for yourself why this vibrant cafe has captured the hearts of so many.