For busy students on the lookout for a cafe with tasty breakfast bites, impeccable coffee and a pleasant atmosphere to meet all their studying needs, Slipstream Cafe could easily become your next staple.
Although it is a 10 minute drive from campus, Slipstream’s location in Logan Circle offers a reprieve from the crowds of decaffeinated students in Foggy Bottom. The atmospheric cafe boasts an impressive array of coffee options, including seasonal drinks and coffee infused cocktails, as well as simple yet enticing breakfast options, optimal for a quick study bite rather than a hearty meal.
My journey out of Foggy Bottom to Logan Circle was a refreshing one. Slipstream’s location on 14th Street is charming, the streets dotted with passersby and artwork from local Logan Circle artists. Stepping inside the cafe past the few outdoor tables, I took in the brightly lit space and chic farmhouse decor and chose a spot toward the front where I could people-watch through the large windows facing the picturesque street lined with autumn leaves.
Like most cafes in the District, Slipstream’s environment was bustling, but there were still plenty of spots available on a bright but chilly Sunday afternoon. Instead of table service, patrons are invited to order from QR codes at each table. The baristas behind the counter were friendly and helpful, coming over to chat and ask how I was enjoying my order, which arrived promptly in about seven minutes.
The menu had a variety of classic breakfast picks like the breakfast sandwich ($9.90), granola bowl ($9.50) and breakfast burrito ($9). Slipstream also serves lunch after 11 a.m., with around five sandwich options ranging from $9.50 to $13.50. There is also a specialty seasonal latte called the Sweater Weather with cinnamon, tahini, vanilla, orange zest and oat milk ($6).
It’s easy to get lost on a large coffee menu, but Slipstream presents an organized assortment of coffee flavor profiles with corresponding colors outlining the roaster, tasting notes and geographic origin of each. Coffee grounds from each of the roasters are available for sale starting at $20.
I chose to try the salmon toast ($13.50) from the breakfast menu along with one of the iced vanilla lattes ($5) to provide a quick midday pick-me-up in the midst of studying for finals.
The salmon toast featured a slice of lightly toasted sourdough, spread with a house-made dill caper schmear and layered with a few pieces of smoked salmon. Thinly sliced radishes and a handful of herbs adorned the toast, providing an optimal garnish that aided in both texture and flavor.
Each aspect of the salmon toast was just as delectable as it was aesthetically pleasing. I expected it to be served with cream cheese, but the dill schmear was by far the highlight of the dish, not too heavy and the right complement to the herbs that gave the toast a fresh, earthy taste. The schmear was noticeably house-made, without the artificial taste of something out of a jar.
The radishes were the cherry on top, providing a crunch that contrasted the naturally gummier texture of the salmon. Each component of the dish – from the schmear to the soft texture of the bread – left me satiated without feeling too stuffed as opposed to other breakfast toasts that tend to go overboard on the toppings.
Slipstream is a pleasant place to grab a drink and bite. The portion of food was the ideal amount to snack on while I worked, and the soft chatter of those working around me created a lovely ambiance that made me want to stick around long after I’d taken the last sip of my coffee.
