Roasted is a new recurring column exploring D.C.’s coffee scene from the perspective of journalist and coffee shop connoisseur Christina Sturdivant Sani. Read on for insight into cafe culture—the ambiance, vibe, and perks—as opposed to nerdy coffee talk about gadgets and magic beans. 

Georgetown’s Corridor Coffee

Where: 1655 Wisconsin Ave. NW; (202) 625-1665; facebook.com/corridorcoffeedc

Time of visit: 2:30 p.m. on a Friday

What I’m drinking: A solid vanilla latte with oat milk—no need to add simple syrup, which I usually do. My partner, who joined me, got a mocha that he said was one of the best he’s ever had. 

Ambiance: Formerly known as The Bean Counter, this row house-style coffee shop underwent renovations under new management last year. Though the new space has a minimalist design, it exudes just enough warmth to make you want to stay for a while. The narrow entrance is large enough for a wooden counter with bar stools along the wall. The front space houses two tables tucked into nooks to create makeshift work spaces. A short hallway leads to the coffee counter that’s a few feet away from a beautiful back patio. Three more tables and seats for about a half dozen people are located upstairs. Natural light streams in from two large windows and plant life makes up most of the decor.

Vibe: Just beyond Georgetown’s main tourist zone, this shop has a laid back, neighborhood feel. Over the course of a couple hours, a steady flow of people shuffle in and out for coffee, lunch, reading, studying, and co-working. Everyone is friendly, from the baristas to fellow customers. A Ravyn Lenae-heavy Alternative R&B playlist adds to Corridor’s chill mood.

Wired: WiFi is available and there are plenty of outlets on both levels.

Perks: Customers can pick up pre-packaged items like bags of Counter Culture coffee, Japanese candy, and lemon curd. In addition to pastries sourced from Severna Park’s Hawthorne Fine Breakfast Pastry and a robust menu of loose leaf teas from Pearl Fine Teas, patrons can purchase juices for adults and kids and browse fashion and culture magazines during visits.