Urban Roast

"This pandemic-born project for Penn Quarter offers a whirlwind of all-day options for coffees, sangrias, cocktails, and espresso martinis, plus a menu full of starters (the Buffalo chicken dip is a must), sandwiches, soups, salads, and fancier surf-and-turf mains. The maze-like space currently decked out super-spooky decor takes seasonal pop-ups seriously." - Missy Frederick, Tierney Plumb

"Occasionally that ridiculous flowers and neon sign thing works, and Urban Roast is proof of this theory. The American cafe off of 9th St. is split into three sections: The main dining room, an intimate white-flower-covered alcove, and the coffee bar. The alcove feels a little like you’re in a room decorated by President Snow, but it’s our favorite place to eat here, especially if it’s date night. There’s also a small patio along 9th St. if you’re in the mood to sit outside, and fire pits that can be lit if it’s chilly. Split the spinach and artichoke dip, which is cheesy and actually full of both ingredients—no skimping here. And grab the caprese sandwich, served on a soft onion brioche bread with crisp, fresh mozzarella, tomato, and greens smothered in a balsamic vinaigrette.  " - tristiana hinton

"The holiday party-starters at Urban Roast are at it again, covering every inch of its Penn Quarter cafe with Christmas trees, oversized ornaments, Santas, candy cane ceilings, faux snow, and tinsel. Themed cocktails include a s’mores martini topped with a torched marshmallow." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb

"The family behind Urban Roast DC, Penn Quarter’s popular cafe and sangria bar, unveil a high-end cocktail and dessert garden blanketed in buds at the foot of a fancy Wharf condo building. The glamorous, late-night bar, which takes extravagant design tips from Vanderpump Cocktail Garden in Caesars Palace Las Vegas, will present cocktails on roaming bar carts alongside dessert pairings like tiramisu or creme brulee." - Tierney Plumb

"This Penn Quarter cafe and cocktail bar with rotating seasonal decor offers up a shooter for all occasions. “The Roast” (Fireball, cold brew coffee, white chocolate sauce, vanilla syrup, whipped cream) and a tri-colored B-52 (Kahlua, Baileys, Grand Mariner) combine caffeine and booze in a single sip. Lemon drop and green tea shots provide a puckery punch with a homemade sour mix, while the “Birthday Cake” is a white chocolate-raspberry dessert in liquid form." - Emily Wishingrad