I thought about keeping this place a secret, so it wouldn’t get too crowded.

But then a friend (SB) mentioned that maybe it needed more customers in order to stay viable

Thus, with some trepidation, I draw your attention to a gem in DC (good for those who live here and for those who visit too).

On the grounds of The National Cathedral, just to the right of the main entrance, is a lovely coffeehouse and cafe that is housed in what use to be the Old Baptistry and then a gift shop. During recent renovations on the Cathedral, a crane fell and smashed in the roof of the gift shop. The roof was rebuilt with a sky light and the interior space became Open City of The National Cathedral, opening in December of 2014.

Although it is less than a mile from our house, I didn’t know a thing about this until I happened to be at the Cathedral a few days ago with some out of town visitors.

What a delightful place it is.

You can sit at an outside table with the Cathedral before you, or you can sit on a couch, a comfortable chair, or at a table inside. And the staff is particularly friendly and responsive.

As Open City has other coffee houses and restaurants around DC (Tryst, The Diner, Open City in Woodley Park, Tryst at the Phillips, and The Coupe), they know about good coffee, good pastries, and they have luncheon offerings too. Plus, I saw a number of students (NCS, St Albans?) walking out of the coffeehouse with what I think were soft serve ice cream cones.

They are open every day from 7 AM to 6 PM.

Forget about Starbucks or whatever other coffee place you frequent if you are looking for a lovely place to meet a friend, read a book, or write. And just behind Open City is a garden that also has places for strolling and sitting.

Please.

Please.

Only pass this on to one other person.