As I sit in Upstate NY, shivering slightly but continuing to spoon the zucchini breakfast smoothie I made myself into my mouth (saw my favorite Australian Instagram health blogger do this), I think back to my most recent visit to Pleasant Pops and its cozy atmosphere. Windows and natural lighting will make or break a coffee shop. This hidden gem, tucked into the rounded curve of a building, is just a block in from bustling 18^th Street, straddling Adams Morgan and Dupont like the product of a divorced marriage that can’t decide who to live with.

            The sun faces directly into the many windows in the morning, warming anyone who chooses to sit along the wall (or potentially blinding you if you choose to face it). In the warmer months, you can sit on the 4 long picnic tables that line the outside like a mini beer garden, just replacing the adult beverages with popsicles.

            Though the concept of this spot is centered around their “pops,” alternating flavors of homemade popsicles (Mexican chocolate, grapefruit rosemary, blueberry honey yogurt, etc—half of which are dairy free), it stands out more as a cozy tea and coffee shop for me. Their first storefront opened in 2012, the creation of two friends, and recently a second location Downtown followed. The Adams Morgan space is clean and open with tall stools lining the curved window and a mix of about 12 other short and tall tables throughout the store.

            Their coffee and tea beverages are all well made. Service is quick, and during the weekday, finding a spot to sit tends not to be too troublesome. Breakfast toasts are served on open baguettes, and are quite delicious. My first toast here was the avocado toast with siracha and hummus, as I am a goddess of health (refer to aforementioned zucchini smoothie). A generous spread. I had assumed it would be a wimpy portion, but indeed they did not skimp. On my most recent visit, opting for peanut butter toast and tea, I was again overwhelmed by the generous size, with a slathering of natural peanut butter (this ain’t Peter Pan) on a behemoth piece of opened, fresh baked Ciabatta from Lyon Bakery.  Their lunch sandwiches are good, too (nothing to write home about) and I used to be somewhat obsessed with their Dijon brussel sprout salad (nothing’s more filling than a bowl full of cruciferous veggies and walnuts!). An open refrigerator also offers community members the option to stop in for fresh grapefruit juice, eggs, yogurt, milk, or a few other local food products to go.

            One concern I did have, was their recent decision to do away with their regular hanging menu. Instead, they’ve placed a stack of laminated personal menus for customers to grab and read while in line. Naturally, I did not notice the stack, nor did I feel like awkwardly standing with my menu while the cashier waited for my decision. I’m a quick reader, but the pressure is somehow heightened in this scenario. Where the former hanging menu once stood, is now the DC/Pleasant Pops Logo (in case you need a reminder of where you are?).

            Staff members are always friendly and fun. Not too hipstery, but they tend to have a sense of humor. Watching the morning routines of customers, I appreciated how the cashier remembered the regulars, asking if a frazzled young woman wanted “the regular” or if a sporty looking gentleman was still trying to stay away from sugar (fear not—he apparently was open to having ONE chocolate chip cookie).

            I’ve yet to visit their newest location, but I’ve been a fan of Pleasant Pops from the start. They continue to change and try to improve and it’s a friendly atmosphere to pass some time in or meet up with a friend.

STATS

Price of a 12oz coffee: $2.27

Adult beverages: No.

Vibe: Cozy and almost rustic (my response to any place with rough wood and good lighting).

Music: Inoffensive pop playing not too loudly.

Work/Study Spot?: Yes, though wifi times may make this tricky.

Wifi: Available without password, except before 4PM on weekends.

Food: Full Menu (serving breakfast, sandwiches, and other light fare)

Punch Card: Yep.

Other Location: Yes, Downtown.

Coffee Sourcing: Ceremony Coffee

Tea: Harney & Sons

Milk Options: Soy and Almond Milk 

Website

Hours: Mon (7:30AM-7PM)

             Tues – Fri (7:30AM-9PM)

             Sat – Sun (8:30AM-9PM)

Location:

1781 Florida Ave, NW

Washington, DC 20009