A new cool cafe with lots of room opened in Truxton Circle this summer. Proper Cafe comes from a group of local real estate friends that includes partner Marcus Goodwin, a friendly and relatable guy everyone here knows, who previously ran for D.C. Council.
Just a short walk south of hot spots like Eebee’s Corner Bar and Electric Cool-Aid, the comfortable new cafe located in a tucked-away residential nook of the neighborhood already feels lived-in. A felt letter board at the entrance spells out the all-day menu (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
What to order
- You can’t throw a shoe without hitting an avocado toast in D.C., but this somewhat messy one ($15) tastes better than most I’ve tried lately. A pair of over-easy eggs, sliced avocado, Sriracha-honey butter, garlic aioli, and arugula are piled high on a thick slice of multigrain bread.
- I’m no vegan, but the minty coconut yogurt parfait ($12) studded with strawberries and granola was calling my name. The meat-free section’s breakfast wrap ($15), which was stuffed with scrambled tofu, mushrooms, sofrito, spinach, sesame aioli, and black beans, was also great. Meanwhile, banana bread made with oat milk comes with dairy-free espresso butter ($7).
- Crab cake season is sadly almost over, so come for its filler-free duo ($31) topped with a tart apple slaw. I’ll have to come back to try the burger.
What to drink
- The Ocean Elixir, a pretty layered concoction of blue spirulina and green matcha, has pleasantly earthy and grassy notes to it ($9) and casts a sundial-like shadow near the window.
- Pistachio-cream lattes are also having a moment these days, and the cafe’s nutty zig-zagged one ($8.50) showed off some artistic barista skills.
The look
Formerly home to Great American Bistro, a speakeasy-ish spot that never quite registered in Shaw, Proper Cafe kept its same peephole door with a metal lion knocker. Stylish surprises in store include a gold chain-link mannequin displayed in the bathroom, a watercolor map of Truxton Circle above the wooden bar, and a big bucket swing hiding under a curved walkway covered in greenery.
The vibe
- The cafe’s slogan — Start Your Day the Proper Way — was coined by Goodwin’s wife. It’s written in neon-blue cursive above the bar near two TVs that air local news.
- The cafe’s enjoyable playlist includes everything from the Weeknd to Bruno Mars.
Insider tip
I haven’t had a car in a decade, but FYI for those who do: The cafe has a big parking lot out front, a rare relic for these packed parts of D.C., and plenty of spaces were still available when I left near closing time.
