Anonymous
11/20/2025 21:50
Subject: Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
CoffeFi on StElmo serves superb coffee, family owned
Anonymous
11/18/2025 15:56
Subject: Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
Anonymous wrote:If people are recommending Maman (a chain), then I’d suggest Tatte as another option, and is easier to grab a coffee and sit bc it isn’t waiter service and I personally like the coffee and food options at Tatte better than Maman.
My recommendation would be Ceremony, as it is quieter than both Tatte and Maman and has great coffee, but bear in mind it’s not a bear bones vibe in the store and the food options are almost nil. I like Grace St’s coffee, too, but it is just an outdoor window so no place to sit.
I’m going to check out Tout de Sweet, thank you to the PP for that rec!
French PP from upthread. I've always been disappointed in Tatte locations. They seem to choose really noisy, industrial spaces, and the service is often bad. The food and drink are not bad at all, but that's moot when the server doesn't bring me what I ordered.
Anonymous
11/18/2025 15:52
Subject: Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
Not French but another vote for Tout de Sweet. The best pastries I’ve had in Bethesda plus not a chain. It is small but it has never been crowded in my experience.
Anonymous
11/18/2025 07:14
Subject: Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Maman at least has a little charm.
Maman looks as if Disney created a coffee bar
This is OP -- First, thanks to you all for your suggestions. I agree that Ceremony has excellent coffee, but, it doesn't feel like the right setting for a leisurely conversation with an old friend. Every Tatte I've been to, whether in Bethesda, the greater DMV, or in San Francisco recently, is loud and has well-meaning, but terrible service (orders never delivered or completely wrong). For today, Maman is probably the best suggestion, though I agree it feels a little Disney-like (or maybe like The Truman Show) For the future, I'll check out Tout de Suite and Paris Baguette.
Anonymous
11/17/2025 22:49
Subject: Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
Anonymous wrote:Maman at least has a little charm.
Maman looks as if Disney created a coffee bar
Anonymous
11/17/2025 22:32
Subject: Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
Maman at least has a little charm.
Anonymous
11/17/2025 22:29
Subject: Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
sorry, lots of typos above- Ceremony IS a BARE bones vibe 
Anonymous
11/17/2025 22:28
Subject: Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
If people are recommending Maman (a chain), then I’d suggest Tatte as another option, and is easier to grab a coffee and sit bc it isn’t waiter service and I personally like the coffee and food options at Tatte better than Maman.
My recommendation would be Ceremony, as it is quieter than both Tatte and Maman and has great coffee, but bear in mind it’s not a bear bones vibe in the store and the food options are almost nil. I like Grace St’s coffee, too, but it is just an outdoor window so no place to sit.
I’m going to check out Tout de Sweet, thank you to the PP for that rec!
My recommendation would be Ceremony, as it is quieter than both Tatte and Maman and has great coffee, but bear in mind it’s not a bear bones vibe in the store and the food options are almost nil. I like Grace St’s coffee, too, but it is just an outdoor window so no place to sit.
I’m going to check out Tout de Sweet, thank you to the PP for that rec!
Anonymous
11/17/2025 16:10
Subject: Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
French person living in downtown Bethesda. My two favorites are Maman and Tout de Sweet, both French-inspired (Tout de Sweet has a French chef). Maman is a chain, but what matters is that they're both very good, and have a distinct vibe and pleasant atmosphere. Tout de Sweet is much smaller than Maman. There's also the newish Paris Baguette (not to be confused with French Baguette, which isn't as nice), which has more of a cafeteria style, but the food and drink is decent.
All those are in downtown Bethesda.
All those are in downtown Bethesda.
Anonymous
11/17/2025 14:46
Subject: Re:Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
Anonymous wrote:Ceremony, near Wisconsin and East West Highway. I think it’s a small local chain with a few stores in Maryland. There’s a large open room with tables next to the main area of the shop.
Here’s a link:
https://ceremonycoffee.com/pages/locations?srsltid=AfmBOorI3KP4lwuV4B70QJgw_3Lsg-qn6oCoFyxkMHdHYKE8GS4cbAp-
Anonymous
11/17/2025 14:45
Subject: Re:Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
Ceremony, near Wisconsin and East West Highway. I think it’s a small local chain with a few stores in Maryland. There’s a large open room with tables next to the main area of the shop.
Anonymous
11/17/2025 14:41
Subject: Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
Anonymous wrote:Maman. Yes, a chain, but cute and not a big chain in Bethesda Row.
https://mamannyc.com/locations/bethesda
I was going to recommend this one too, it is cute!
Quartermaine has a few tables, but can feel cramped.
Anonymous
11/17/2025 13:50
Subject: Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
Maman. Yes, a chain, but cute and not a big chain in Bethesda Row.
https://mamannyc.com/locations/bethesda
https://mamannyc.com/locations/bethesda
Anonymous
11/17/2025 13:48
Subject: Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
Grace Street Coffee Roasters and Simona Cafe both have locations in Bethesda
Anonymous
11/17/2025 13:44
Subject: Coffee in Bethesda -- any place that's not a chain?
I'm meeting a friend for coffee in Bethesda tomorrow. Is there any place that's not a chain where we can sit and catch up a bit? I know Quartermaine's is not part of a big chain, but I think they don't have tables -- is that right? Thanks.