The approach to NoSo

Northside Social, or “NoSo” is out in what might be considered the suburbs of Washington D.C.  It is a huge building, boasting ample patio seating, a huge first floor, and a second floor which is a wine bar (with an espresso machine).  It is certainly the biggest coffee bar I visited on my trip, and it is open late because of the wine bar- this made it the ultimate destination for my day 1 trip, since I could arrive at just about any time and still expect the place to be open.

I had a cup of drip coffee, roasted by intelligentsia.  I may have been a little exhausted and buzzed at this point, but I would describe the coffee as smoky and acidic, with a fruity aftertaste.  It is worth noting that there are two options for drip coffee- a regular cup, and a “mug” of coffee which is two 10 oz mugs of coffee (one refill).  I am impressed by how considerate and innovative they are with this offering- this is the only place I have seen something like this on the menu, almost explicitly inviting you to stay for as long as possible.

2nd Floor/Wine Bar

The inside of the cafe is tastefully decorated in coffee-drip paintings of famous actors and personages.  The tables are wooden, and plentiful.  Towards the back of the cafe the tables get  little less uniform, but they is still a ton of seating.  The second floor wine bar is decorated with more paintings, and is furnished with light wood tables and bar stools.  If you look carefully, you can see Clint Eastwood in the photo above.

The wine bar was equally as inviting and as accommodating as the coffee bar.  I ordered a highly modified and delicious grilled cheese for dinner, while I made some notes on my trip so far (pictured above).