The walk-up coffee counter and small deck area at Grace Street Coffee in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Hidden Coffee Window with a Deck in Downtown Bethesda

ByBethesda Line

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

This Bethesda coffee shop operates from an easy to miss walk-up window with a small adjacent deck at 5021 Wilson Lane, located right off Old Georgetown Road. 

Yet, as you can see in the photos we captured during our visit, it still manages to offer the cozy experience of a tree-lined neighborhood feel known to the broader area. 

On a nice day, this café is the kind of spot where you can enjoy a delicious cup of morning coffee with a solid dose of sunshine.

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 Bethesda Farmers Market.

If you’re looking to expand your rotation of coffee spots in downtown Bethesda, especially one that actually serves good espresso drinks: this little window delivers. 

Grace Street Coffee Roasters menu sign on brick wall.

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

Grace Street adds to the area’s coffee scene, but it 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 on this sunny little corner in the neighborhood.