directions

We are located on the ground level of 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW DC. Enter through the bookstore on the front street level and come downstairs, or you can enter directly into the coffeehouse through the parking lot at back of the building. Please note that if you want to come in at 8AM when we open you must use the back entrance.

METRO - Red Line to Van Ness/UDC and either walk north on Connecticut about 7 blocks (15 minutes) or transfer to the L1/L2 bus going up Connecticut. From the Tenleytown stop walk east on Albemarle 1 block and left on Nebraska 7 blocks to Connecticut Ave. 

BUS -  L1/L2 towards Chevy Chase. Request stop at Nebraska Ave.

CAR - We are 1/2 block south of the intersection of Connecticut and Nebraska in upper NW DC, north of Van Ness and south of Chevy Chase Circle. There's a free parking lot behind the store, but beware it can be crowded on weekends.

BIKE - There are a couple bike racks in the front of the building on the sidewalk and a bike rack at the back of the building in the parking lot.

frequently asked questions

do you have free wi-fi?

we have a network available to patrons with any purchase. please ask for a receipt at the time of purchase and the WEP is printed on the bottom. you will be asked to sign on and agree to the terms and conditions of use. please note that our business is not responsible for any damage done to any electronics that you choose to use while eating and drinking in our establishment. occasionally we turn the wi-fi off if there is a special event in the coffeehouse or the bookstore.

what's the closest metro stop to you?

the redline van ness or redline tenleytown/AU stops are the closest. both are a 15 min. walk away. a better alternative is the L1/L2 bus headed up connecticut ave which stops right in front of the store.

can I use my giftcard from Politics & Prose for food/drink in the coffeehouse?

no, we cannot redeem bookstore giftcards for coffeehouse purchases, but we do offer our own gift certificates-- just ask at the counter.

do you book musicians to perform solo or group shows at the coffeehouse?

sometimes we hold shows with featured musicians in addition to our weekly open mic event. (sorry, but we don't typically book out of town people at this time.) check out our MySpace page for details and to get in touch. the best way to learn more about our space and music opportunities is to come visit us in person!

how can I show my art at the coffeehouse?

check out this link to guidelines for art exhibits at the shop. please note due to the volume of requests we cannot respond to all inquiries.

is your coffee fair trade certified and/or organic?

yes-- both.

about us

Modern Times Coffeehouse is located on the first floor of Politics & Prose Bookstore and operated by locally-owned Coup d'Etat Coffee Co. Since becoming caretakers in 2006 of the decade-old coffeehouse inside Politics & Prose, Coup d'Etat Coffee has revamped the menu, improved the interior, and introduced live performances and special events, creating a perfect environment for reading, studying, and especially conversation and discussion. The coffeehouse serves simple, delicious fare including a variety of housemade cold and hot sandwiches, salads, sides, vegetarian soups, and baked goods.

We spend a great deal of energy ensuring that our offerings bring small local producers and socially conscious products to market, as well as providing to our customers diversity in selection that they can't find anywhere else.

We focus especially on our espresso/coffee menu. Using only fair trade certified and organic coffees, our attention to detail in training and equipment takes into account all the variables that contribute to an immaculate espresso beverage. Our use of a traditional lever espresso machine that runs on pressure and temperature alone demands a great deal of knowledge and experience in espresso production. We've converted customers who thought they hated coffee, and attracted those with a discerning palate.

The coffeehouse offers its walls as an exhibition space for emerging and local artists working in a variety of media. We are always improving to make the space more amenable to the art community's needs.

Every Friday night, the coffeehouse hosts a free open mic event. All styles of music are welcome. Visit our MySpace page for more information.

We are happy to offer wireless internet to customers with any purchase.