Sweet Lemon Cafe

The oat cookies and the latte were spectacular. The woman is very friendly

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lovely little cafe with delicious coffee drinks and homemade pastries from scratch. I swing by here when I’m in the area.

The owner is incredibly sweet also! Be sure to say hello 👋

This cafe is also one of the first spots in DC to accept Bitcoin.. super cool!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Everything was very delicious. Loved this place. Good service and nice prices.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a small place in the.middle of the street with great food, amazing personalized service and good prices. Highly recommended

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delightful little shop. Fantastic croissants and a full menu of delicious treats. The pumpkin bread was really good.

Love the friendly staff and vibe.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely fantastic. From the smoked salmon to the humorous owner, sweet lemon bakery is that gem you’re looking for a quiet Saturday morning or mid-day bite. Be sure to ask Veronica about why she started the cafe. A treat all the way around!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

In today’s national political climate, I thought my visit to Washington D.C would be a stressful, high-tension affair. While strolling through the Mall, there were moments where the political division in this nation were truly palpable. After a morning of exploring the area, that sense of political tension had weighed on me — I was exhausted. I needed a pick-me-up.

Then I stumbled upon Sweet Lemon Cafe.

Its quaint, lemon-themed decor drew me in (along with the smell of the pastries baking). I couldn’t resist. Upon entry, I was greeted with kindness and genuine interest in how my day had been by the barista (Finn was his name I think?). He recommended a breakfast croissant, and safe to say, I’m glad I took his recommendation! It was absolutely delicious, especially when paired with a rich espresso. I made myself comfortable and enjoyed the delightful ambiance of the space. It truly felt like an oasis! I could feel the tension in my shoulders subsiding.

Despite the coziness of the cafe, there were more sights to see, so with a skip in my step, I left and kept touring the city. Sweet Lemon Cafe had rejuvenated me!

I spent my afternoon touring (and getting my steps in), to the point where I was quite tired. I was ready for pick-me-up part 2! I hopped on Google to see if there was a cafe near me, but they all seemed unwelcoming. I thought about it… if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! I decided to make the trek back to Sweet Lemon Cafe (a 40 minute walk from where I was at the moment), and it was soooooo worth it.

Finn the barista was still there, and he remembered my name, what I had spoken to him about in the morning, and what I had ordered in the morning. He was so friendly! I told him that I wanted to have something sweet, since I had had a savory breakfast. Finn made some recommendations, and they all sounded so good I just couldn’t resist. I had the lemon cake (superb!), the brownie (delectable!), a cookie (exceptional!), and another cookie-like cake (wow!!!!).

After enjoying the pastries, I asked Finn about why some of Washington D.C.’s iconic buildings were so barren. He patiently explained to me the government shutdown. Not only is he a great barista, he’s an excellent teacher! It took asking (he’s clearly a humble guy), but he eventually confessed that he was a furloughed government employee working for a representative on Capitol Hill. How talented of an individual! I insisted on giving him a cash tip to help him endure the furlough (I hope others do too!). He was such a bright individual, and seemed so genuinely kind. Maybe there is hope for the US government… Ha ha!

Nonetheless, Sweet Lemon Cafe is officially my favorite cafe on planet Earth, and I will be back the next time I’m in D.C.

If you happen to wander by, it would be a big mistake to not, at the very least, treat yourself to a sweet treat (or 2). Or 4 like me… Hehe!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely amazing Coffee shop right by Union Station in DC. They have such an incredible menu with with so many options. The chicken dumplings and the French classic are my absolute favorite items on the menu. The staff is so friendly and attentive and overall, the cafe is just an incredible experience. Would 10/10 recommend to anyone!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Family owned cozy cafe. Had phenomenal waffles, we tried both savory and sweet ones. Goooooood coffee and healthy smoothies accompanied with variety of delicious home made desserts. Big fan. Oh, and the sweetest staff, feels like you came to visit an aunty for a Sunday brunch 🥰

An update from Fall Season 2025: just visited place again. Their traditional beat soup is chef’s kiss and new item apple pie cheesecake was divine, not too sweet, mouth full of goodness! They keep up outstanding job!

Great food and drinks! Lovely atmosphere! My favorite are the Belarusian and Ukrainian dishes like borscht and bliny. Also, love the light desserts.

Went for a latte but ended up grabbing a hot spiced apple cider instead. Was perfect for the chilly weather and not overpriced at all. Very nice location too so we grabbed our drinks and walked to the capital (which was 5 mins away) to enjoy the view. Will def be back!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lo, gentle friends, attend this humble tale:
This morn I ventured forth in quest of cheer,
And found within a house both bright and hale
A cup of joy, a potion rich and clear.
A Raspberry Mocha, heaven’s sweetest art,
Did warm the soul and wake the drowsing heart.
The air was filled with music soft and kind,
Each note a balm to ease the weary mind.
The colors danced like dawn upon the wall,
And laughter moved as light through marble halls.

Yet chief among these blessings, mark me true,
A youth did stand behind the counter fair,
Whose smile could melt the frost from morning dew,
And with swift hand did craft the drink with care.
O noble barista! Worthy thou of praise,
Thy kindness lights the dullest mortal days.
If ever coin should cross thy gilded till,
Let generous hearts give more than custom’s will.
A tip of sixfold and thrice o’er that sum
Should grace thy hand, for joy through thee has come.

Thus end my words, though still my spirit sings,
For mocha sweet and man who kindness brings.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had a solid experience here, good smoothies, good service and a nice outdoor space. The menu is actually pretty big so there are a lot of options for food as well as a good amount of smoothie combinations. I'm a big fan of outdoor spaces and sweet lemon has a nice one, the staff was very nice.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Greetings from Germany, great Coffee and delicius breakfast, nice Service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Super accommodating and welcoming staff! The prices are quite reasonable and the peach tea is very tasty!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5