Coffee Republic Arlington

Coffee Republic Arlington is in Crystal City, near Potomac Avenue, and regulars know baristas Mona, Baylee, Omed and Etana by name. There's indoor and outdoor seating, with spots for laptop work and spots for hanging out, and upbeat music that doesn't get in the way.

The Sugar Mama is the winter specialty latte, and the Morni is the morning pick. The egg and pesto breakfast sandwich is the one to remember. If you're new to coffee, the baristas are happy to walk you through the menu.

It's an easy place to build a routine, whether that's a morning at the laptop or a weekend coffee with friends. Their site says the coffee's freshly roasted.