There’s a new kid on the block for satisfying your caffeine cravings in downtown Bethesda: Ceremony Coffee, an artisanal roaster that was established in 2002 in Annapolis, Maryland, serves up delicious bites and beverages in a picturesque space. 

Immediately upon entry, I was met with attractive greenery and an Instagrammable aesthetic that was visually pleasing and made the space homey. Unlike competing coffee shops, Ceremony Coffee has ample outdoor seating under a covered pavilion. The coffee shop also offered practical features such as power outlets at all tables and free Wi-Fi. Serene music played at a quiet volume that is conducive to work and conversation.

Prices are on par with a craft coffee shop, with espresso costing $3, drip coffee starting at $2.50, and pour-over priced at a variable, market-based cost. Food items ranged vastly in price, with toasts starting at $4 and capping out at $10.50. Pastries were around $3. Additionally, the barista was cheery and helpful, offering suggestions for items to order.

My companion and I purchased a cappuccino and a carafe of pour-over. That day’s blend-on-tap was a light roast that was pleasantly fruity and made for an excellent cappuccino. However, the particular pour-over roast left something to be desired. Despite that, the pour-over was freshly made to order and served in a visually intriguing vessel. 

To complement our drinks, we also purchased the “Amazing Toast” and the “Spicy Avocado Toast.” The two toast dishes were exceptional. The bread was seedy, the avocados were bright and fresh and the toppings of quick-pickled red onions and turmeric-roasted cauliflower helped develop a more complex flavor profile for each dish. The smoked salmon on the toast was very fresh, and the sriracha mayo sauce added a pleasant spiciness to the toast. 

Ceremony Coffee’s Point of Sales system automatically keeps a running tally of loyalty points without the need for an additional phone app. Additionally, Ceremony Coffee is conveniently located by numerous modes of transportation. The Bethesda Metro is on the block, there are several convenient bus stops and there are two parking lots within a block that feature electric vehicle chargers. 

From the attractive space and cups that the drinks are served in, to the visually appealing food, Ceremony has a clear and clean aesthetic, earning it a gold star for presentation. Ceremony Coffee is definitely worth the visit over if you enjoy Philz Coffee or the like. However, because of the many available blends, it may take several visits to determine the roast that suits you.

Ceremony Coffee is located at 7475 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Md. 20814 and is open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. More information is available at ceremonycoffee.com.

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photo by Jonathan Morris