View of the outdoor deck and ordering counter at Grace Street Coffee Roasters in Bethesda

The Hidden Coffee Window with a Deck in Downtown Bethesda

ByBethesda Line

Tucked away on a hidden end of Cordell Ave, this coffee shop has quietly made its mark on Downtown Bethesda since setting up shop in the summer of 2022: one that feels calm, local, and unhurried.

Grace Street Coffee Roasters (5021 Wilson Lane), right off Old Georgetown Road, operates from an easy to miss walk-up window located next to a small adjacent deck. 

Yet, as you can see in the photos we captured during our visit, it still manages to offer the tree-lined neighborhood feel well-known to Bethesda. 

On a nice day, this is a café where you can enjoy a delicious cup of morning coffee with a solid dose of sunshine, steps away from the heart of downtown.

A Taste of D.C. in the heart of Bethesda

This location mirrors the same vibe that made Grace Street Coffee Roasters a favorite in Washington D.C., but is perfectly adapted to Bethesda’s slower, more residential pace.

Small deck seating where locals sip espresso and chat under the trees.
Small deck seating where locals sip coffee and chat under the trees.

With only a handful of outdoor seats, Grace Street feels almost private, and the sort of café you stumble upon instead of one you plan for.

As we sat on the deck chatting, we noticed that the coffee shop stayed busy with regulars and passersby, with a quiet mix of people who may already be familiar with the D.C. location, and locals who know a good coffee spot when they find one.

Barista preparing coffee order at Bethesda cafe window
The barista mid-pour, prepping our coffee orders.
Customers enjoying coffee outdoors in Downtown Bethesda.
A shot of the relaxed atmosphere from the adjacent deck.

A Minimalist Setup That Keeps Things Local

The limited space of this window café keeps things simple: clean lines, good coffee, and no fuss.

You order at the counter, wait under the trees, and take your coffee to-go.

Another time, maybe you chat with a neighbor in line.

On the weekend, if you’re lucky to get a seat, maybe you stay for a while before heading around the corner to the weekend farmers market.

  • The walk-up coffee window at Grace Street Coffee Roasters in Downtown Bethesda.
  • Outdoor deck outside Grace Street Coffee Bethesda.
  • Close-up of espresso latte art on Grace Street Coffee branded cup.

It’s also part of a growing trend here: aesthetically pleasing coffee shops that value flavor and the feeling of sipping on your favorite caffeinated drink in a nicely designed space.

Grace Street Coffee Roasters menu sign on brick wall.

If you’re looking to expand your rotation of cafes in downtown Bethesda, there’s a spot near the metro that’s worth checking out if you want coffee and breakfast sandwiches.

Grace Street adds to the area’s coffee scene, but stands out with its short & simple menu and inviting outdoor deck.

Next time you’re in need of a short break in the day, we hope you’ll enjoy many peaceful moments at this sunny little window in the neighborhood.

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