Best spot for a pot (or cup) in Eastern Market

Few neighborhoods in DC offer the plethora of coffee options that Eastern Market does. One is assailed with choices of various "integrities" upon stepping off the metro stop at 7th and Pennsylvania SE, but as an experienced coffee drinker and EM-neighborhood worker, I feel it is my duty to inform the public about the best places to go for joe. These reviews are based on everything but price: since all cups cost just about 2 bucks or under, price is negligible. Plus if you are pinching pennies over a cup of coffee, you should be brown bagging that shiz (so to speak).

Le Pain Quotidien: Okay, I'm partial to "Le Pan" because it's my best friend from NYC, besides my friend Jenn. The chain trickled to DC in the earlier part of 2007, I believe, and the second in DC opened in EM in Jan 2009. The coffee is light, but makes up for its lack of robustness with flavor: it leaves a creamy coffee taste on your tongue of a less ordinary variety--more cafe au lait than its neighbors. Probably more for the sweets-lover than the have-it-black pack. My only complaint, albeit a big one, is that they put the milk/soy/creamer in the coffee for you (this due to the fact that, what, they don't want the street sense guy coming by and loading up on calcium?). If you do not specify how much you want it'll take the hot air, literally, out of your steaming cup of goodness. And there's no pink stuff--you gotta settle for splenda, sugar in the raw (aka REFINED SUGAR) or agave. Of note: Tasty pastries with calorie counts (300 for a Pain au Chocolat? 500 for a Brownie? I'm on a diet... so obvi choice).

Peregrine Espresso: Working our way up 7th st., we stumble upon the new Murky. It's a clean slate for the "dirty" (formerly tax evading) building, with minimalist decor and a very simple menu. The coffee here is rich and robust... this is a coffee drinkers joint. They have multiple varieties, by why fake it? I just get what they tell me. They also have a really good decaf... none of this watered down stuff (see below). If you get an afternoon refill, they'll likely brew just one for you, in that cute little porcelain one cup coffee maker that I will buy when I sell my first novel, or soul (whichever comes first). They also make the meanest mocha this side of Pennsylvania (Ave). Of note: Pastries, again... they have rolls/baguettes with local chevre, fig and raspberry jam. The fig jam is heavenly.

Marvelous Market: Up on 7th and eh... not so marvelous. The coffee very much seems an afterthought to lunch foods, pastries, etc. The decaf was like water. Stick to actual water (or smart water, for you thinkers out there), and a marvelous brownie. This is my lunchtime pick, but thought I should rate the coffee since I've had it a few times in my two years here.

Port City Java: Not really sure I've ever had plain old coffee here. Perhaps not fair to include it in the rankings, you say? Well, I just couldn't neglect the best place for ICED COFFEE could I? They use crushed ice in their cups, which sure melts faster, especially on the hot summer day that I'm likely to buy one, but with a little cream and some pink stuff it takes like a frappaccino at half the cost. Of note: pastries, again... the chocolate chip cookies are hit or miss. Go with the chocolate chip scone, you will not be disappointed.

Starbucks: Heading over to 8th street, we make our way to what I have endeared "my magic starbucks." Anyone familiar with the name Magic will know who it refers to, and those who are a little more in the know know of his development desires in underserved, minority communities. The coffee at any Starbucks is served strong, but the stuff here is borderline burnt. I appreciate the robust flavor, though, because it allows me to drench my coffee in cream and sugar without losing its coffee taste. It's definitely the best place for decaf in the 'hood, and actually has a buzz to it... just don't try getting any in the afternoon, they're almost always out or cold. Be forewarned: lines get long here (people stick to what they know, apparently), and they often run out of pink stuff, vanilla, etc. And you have to ask for those little green stopper things.

Dunkin Doughnuts: Is it worth the trip? Only really if you are grabbing food. They too do not put the cream out for patrons, so you have to hope for a slight hand when they add it for you. I can safely say that I've never had the right amount of cream added to my coffee here. I know, I should just buy creamer, keep it in the fridge at work and add it myself... if I wanted to do all that, though, I'd just use the office french press! The coffee itself is slightly sweeter and less rusty than starbucks, and seems to be a hit with the take it black brigade. Of note: cheap, big iced coffee and a "lighter side" menu that includes an egg mcmuffin (i know, i know) with actual cheese on it.

7-11: I've only been to the 7-11 once in EM, for hot chocolate. Don't bother--it's all watered down and disgusting. The management cannot rival the Lee Hwy variety!

I prefer to support all blends, and brands, by frequenting most of these on a regular basis despite some of the lackluster performances. And it's hard to slight the service, because they're all so similar... although I do have a tiny preference for SBux and Peregrine, because they always compliment my outfits. I know what you are thinking... good thing this is an unbiased review.

[Editor's note--don't you just love that google map action? heck yes for being technologically savvy]