Where’s the Love for M.E. Swing’s Coffee?
Posted by melissamccart on January 18, 2008
As much as I love Murky, I’m not a monogamist when it comes to coffee. And while I like Illy at home well enough, my most recent affair has been with M.E. Swing. According to the owners, their beans had been the White House favorites during several administrations.
As of late, where’s the love for this local indie coffee place? Despite that it has been around for 40 years longer than Ben’s Chili Bowl, it’s not written up the Washington Post City Guide. The last decent Post reference seems to be in 2003. I can’t find it in a Washingtonian M.E. Swing Co. search. The Alexandria Times recently profiled the place and Gridskipper (which regrettably misses Murky) sized it up, too:
Even in their pointy jester-like shoes, Europeans from the World Bank headquarters eschew six closer coffee shops to trek to M.E. Swing Co. And for good reason: their coffee is the best in D.C.
Swing’s offers over 20 kinds of beans from all over the world. (Like any real coffee place, none of them include vanilla, hazelnut, or any other artificial flavor.) And they’re roasted daily in their Virginia location. For convenience sake, you can also pick up several selections at Whole Foods, Rodman’s, and where I’ve been getting it– that funky little Best DC Supermarket on U Street, where it’s brewed weekday mornings.
M.E. Swing Co. 612 D South Pickett Street. Alexandria. 703-370-5050. Place orders ahead of time or make an appointment for a cupping at this location.
M.E. Swing Coffeehouse. 1702 G Street NW. 202-628-7601
