My 2018 New Years resolution was to be more French, and then Elle swept into Mount Pleasant and gave me all the vibes I sought, expertly paired with freshly baked bread and black coffee (I envision French girls skipping the milk). Step in and find “Elle” tiled out sleekly at the entrance and clean white tile spreading throughout. The pretty hexagon tiles mix with brick, wood, and an incredible bar top. A green marble bar extends along the back of the cafe’s bar and reminds me of ‘50s Paris, making me melancholy for a place I’ve never been during a time I never lived. Everything is so chic and well placed here, one almost wouldn’t notice the shockingly large cat portrait hung in the back seating area. But if you do, you just appreciate everything even more.

Reviving the former Heller’s Bakery, Elle brings a much-welcomed spot for coffee into the neighborhood (a place my brilliant friend rightly described as the Bushwick of DC). [Overheard while sitting writing this: “I really like Mt Pleasant. I think it’s a nice mix of local business that have been here for a long time and new things, but not totally gentrified yet.” – Yikes!]

The workers are plaid-clad and laid-back hipsters who are always pleasant. DC’s baristas tend to be incredibly sweet on the whole, a bit different than the baristas and hipsters found in other big cities.

Whether it’s this spot’s new-ness or simply the neighborhood’s long-standing demand for this exact type of spot, you can show up at 8AM on any given weekend to fight the strollers and couples. The steady line rarely dissipates completely, but this should not prevent you from dropping in. Despite always being busy, a seat can always be found.

This ain’t Shaw or Columbia Heights—the mom groups are OUT AND ABOUT. Said mothers certainly create a different vibe than that found at Colony Club or other similarly sleek places. In my mind, there is a constant group of 3-4 mothers standing together in the back corner, and at least two other seats occupied by young professionals discussing non-profits or their experience with USAID. I’ve always found this a perfect spot to meet up with a sibling or to work remotely for the morning. This vibe also makes me feel fully confident wearing my most hideous drop crotch romper, firmly convinced that I will never be picked up by a hot bro while sitting here.

Now to the important part: le food. Oh baby. I was trying to become slimmer this year, but baked goods at a local spot can feel like such a rarity! Brioche donuts with maple cardamom or cherry glaze! Good Lord! Cheddar scones? Get at me. Banana bran muffins—who needs multi-vitamins?

And in the evening, on a cold, walk home from work, I may from time to time stop in for a freshly baked loaf of brown, glutenous sourdough. New motto that I just made up in this moment: Life is too short for trash boys or trash bread. Get that loaf from Elle.

Truth be told, I’ve heard whispers that the guava pastry is the best thing around, but I’ll order a decaf black coffee before I willingly opt for a fruit pastry over donuts and scones. Elle also sells fancy and incredibly provocative little desserts and full cakes, but I’ve not yet needed a full-fancy cake at the time of this post’s publication. [Read: When I do eat a whole cake alone, I will make said-cake myself and it will not be well-decorated.] Another option for breakfasts here is granola with Pequea Farm Valley yogurt, and a side of Misfit Juice! The juice is a little pricey, but it’s a local business owned by some COOL CATS. Worth it.

As far as seating, once you’ve gotten your pastry and your drink, line up along the front facing window, sidle up to the stools along the café’s pretty brick wall, sit at the enchanting green marble bar, or share one of the many tables for two (there are even more in the back room, though these are usually curtained off unless it’s dinner or the weekend).

Another tip? Head downstairs to visit the powder rooms—their wallpaper is something to be envied.

Rihanna once said, “we found love in a hopeless place.” I don’t believe this is the spot for love, but maybe I’m wrong. In the meantime, I have a new neighborhood hangout, complete with sleek marble, great coffee, the French vibes I’ve sought, and most importantly, some darn good bread.

STATS

Price of a 12oz coffee: $3

Adult beverages: Yes!

Vibe: Parisian, mixed with wood and warmer tones, and with a side of young mothers. 

Music: Calm alternative music lightly in the background.

Work/Study Spot?: Yes.

Wifi: Yes. 

Food: Tasty treats from Paisley Fig and freshly baked. Turns into a restuarant at night, but be warned: closed on Tuesday night. 

Punch Card: No.

Coffee Sourcing: Stumptown Coffee

Milk Options: Oat milk.

Website: Facebook

Cafe Hours: Mon – Fri (8AM-4PM)

Location:

3221 Mount Pleasant St, NW

Washington, DC 20010