Sylvan Cafe

Sylvan got a fabulous makeover! This has been my neighborhood coffee spot for breakfast and lunch sandwiches for years. I always thought it had the potential and space to be a proper cafe where you could meet up or work, but the layout wasn’t conducive. Well, their complete renovation turned out amazing! Looks like they also expanded the sandwiches and Ethiopian menu also, and extended hours from 2pm to 4pm ❤ Now, if they only brought back the fresh baguettes and bread loaves it would be perfect.

We are lunch here and loved it! Great food and service! The staff was so friendly and even fended off a very unreasonable customer in a polite way, with a smile. Would highly recommend!

They have a gluten free bagel that was pretty good! Not a big fluffy bagel but thr flavor was good. I asked if it was toasted on the same spot as the normal bagels and she told me it's toasted in a bag. The chai was alright, a little sweet for my taste.

I love this place! It's a small business with a calm, pleasant atmosphere, a big menu, and a kind + quick staff. The space itself is fantastic as well - there's a nice seating area with big tables and window seats, a piano by the counter that anyone is allowed to play, and a cool marquee sign out front! I love working in this cozy cafe on cold and rainy mornings.

I spent a few months living in DC, and while I was there, I made it my mission to find the best lox bagel. I've visited a LOT of DC bagelries in my day (including CYM), and Sylvan Cafe was my favorite of all of them. (You can trust my judgement; I'm Jewish.) The bagels are toasty and well-seasoned - I always get an everything bagel, and they don't skimp on the seeds. The fish is fresh, the fixins are neatly-stacked, and the ratio of lox:vegetables:cream cheese was just right for me. I've been back a few times, and the quality is consistently high. If lox bagels aren't your thing, there's a wide variety of sandwiches, paninis, pastries, and Ethiopian veggies for you to try instead! This place has something for everyone. It's perfect for all of your breakfast/brunch/lunch/snack needs, and is a wonderful local business to support!

Great cafe! The egg bacon sandwich was delicious, and the atmosphere was cozy. The staff were super friendly and provided excellent service. Definitely coming back!

amazing coffee and bagels, I didn’t catch her name but she was so sweet and accommodating. My partner is celiac and she ensured of no cross contamination.
def recommend this spot! make sure you try the chai latte :)

Good coffee, cool atmosphere and clean bathrooms. Didn’t eat, but the food coming out of the kitchen looks fantastic. Will absolutely come back.

Great spinach and cheese puffs and good coffee. Decent breakfast sandwiches (all types). When I want a breakfast that picks me up, I stop here.

Note: get here early (before 10) if you want the puff pastry, sometimes they run out.

Bagel sandwiches are great. Not too greasy, filling & yummy. Coffee is good too.

Love this spot and excited to see that they have remodeled to make it more open!

One of the most under rated coffee and bagel spots! Coffee is great bagels are phenomenal! Recommend skipping big bear and going to Sylvan.

Stopped in for coffee while staying at a nearby Airbnb. Coffee was excellent, and the pastry selections were varied with a great Ethiopian selections as well. Plenty of places to sit and child friendly!

Fresh bagels from New Jersey, relaxed place to work and study during the day, great selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches and Ethiopian dishes I am excited to try!

Sylvan cafe just redid the whole interior and it is now a charming cafe that holds reminiscent nods to its vintage theatre roots. This now is a cafe that I want to spend more time in!

Excellent bagels, with a nice variety of toppings available for their breakfast sandwiches! Indoor seating feels very spacious for such a small storefront, and is a great environment to share breakfast with friends or read a book/do work.

Great food and coffee in a comfy atmosphere. Amazing staff and super location. I love this place for breakfast.

We went to this place every morning we were in DC! The bagels are fantastic! The breakfast sandwiches are flavorful and filling. And the coffee was so good!

This place used to be a theater. Now it’s a great place for bacon egg and cheese on a bagel. Good coffee and other morning delights! Creative sandwiches. Ethiopian food too!!

Just made my first visit to Sylvan, and loved it! Great neighborhood spot, very friendly staff, will definitely be back soon. I had some delicious bagels and an iced latte - both very good!

Few days ago my very first visit and I loved it ! The cafe is super chilled, cozy and amazing overall. The coffee and muffin I had were delicious and the couch is super comfy. Bonus tip: Cash helps small businesses!!