My Kingdom for a Cup

Patisserie Poupon is a wonderful place to stop for a traditional French breakfast: Croissants or Pain Au Chocolat, Fresh Orange Juice (the oranges are cut and squeezed right there in the coffee bar) and a Café Crème - an espresso coffee mixed with an equal amount of warmed, not steamed, milk.

The best parts of a quick breakfast at Patisserie Poupon (order a warm quiche of the day if you want to feel like you are having brunch) are the coffee cups themselves. I've always disliked plastic lids on paper cups - even if they are convenient, they leave an aftertaste and also prevent the coffee drinker from enjoying the full aroma. If you decide to stay at one of their tables (patio seating is also avaliable), the coffee bar will put your drinks in the most lovely limoges breakfast coffee cups in Georgetown. Aesthetics aside, they also allow the Café Crème to keep its minimal froth while you taste both the milk and coffee.

Fresh salads are available, as well as pre-made sandwiches. Many of their cakes are also available downhill at Dean & Deluca, but they are better as take-aways since they are kept cold. The Marzipan animals make good hostess gifts and can also save homemade baked goods from a total lack of decorating prowess.

Patisserie Poupon
1645 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 342-3248