Barista Battle: R Street Corridor

They say it's "up and coming"...the area, not the cafe. The cafe is already here in full force. Rustic and cozy all at the same time, you can't help but be taken away by the warmth of this cafe. Big Bear Cafe, a cafe I  had never heard of until this weekend, has more than earned the right to be this week's Barista Battle champ. The reason? Simple. I feel like every (good person) in DC would enjoy this little coffee house. Despite the long line, the service was speedy and the coffee was "the best you'll ever have" (according to my friend) -- she couldn't have been more spot on.  

Big Bear Cafe   1700 1st St. NW   Washington, DC 20001

While I waited for my friend on Sunday afternoon, I sat on the front porch of Big Bear Cafe and watched as people sifted through fruit and vegetables at the cute farmers' market that sits just feet away. The vibe I got from Big Bear Cafe is unlike any other vibe I've had at a cafe - people just seemed calm and relaxed. They weren't furiously typing away at a paper or having overly intense conversations. There's probably no other word than "Zen".

I'll be back to Big Bear Cafe. With friends. With a book. Or just to sit and relax. This is what cafes are supposed to be like.