A Nod to Tradition

The quaint cafe, bakery, restaurant, and bar called Ellē in Washington D.C.'s district of Columbia Heights serving all sorts of tasty fermented foods.

Dear coffee lovers,

I recently took a day trip to D.C. to explore the coffee scene, and I was genuinely surprised by my findings. On my way out of the city, I made a final stop at Ellē located in Columbia Heights, a cafe my business partner Huey recommended.

Ellē’s cafe is rich with history and known for serving wild fermented foods on their menu. Originally, their building was occupied by the iconic Heller’s Bakery, established in 1928, and their signage is still adorned on the building. Like its predecessor, Ellē is quickly building a reputation for themselves similar to the departed local favorite.

Let’s get a coffee

After finding a questionable parking spot on Mt. Pleasant Street, I make my way over to Ellē. The sunlight is beaming on this chilly day in D.C., illuminating the gold foil signage on the front door of Ellē’s shop.

I notice the old Heller’s Bakery sign still hanging proudly above the front door of Ellē. Upon walking in, the atmosphere is immediately intoxicating. The shop’s name “Ellē” is inlaid into the hex-shaped, white tile flooring that’s reminiscent of bars and eateries from the 1920s. Natural light bursts through the entryway windows into the seating and bar areas of the shop as I slide over to the counter to order a coffee and a bite.